1915.] 205 



A NEW SPECIES OF MEOTICA. 



BY D. SHARP, M.A., F.R.S. 



In June. 1913, I mentioned the existence here of an undesciibed 

 Homalota, allied to H. exilis (Ent. Mo. Mag., xlix, p. 125). I have 

 delayed its description because of a note by M. de Peyerimhoff (Bull. 

 Soc. Ent. Px-ance, 1914, p. 250), in which he said that he, as well as 

 Dr. Joy and Mr. Penyes, was of opinion that the siib-genus Meotica 

 has really 5-jointed anterior tarsi, and if so, is a valid genus. I have 

 therefore obtained fresh specimens of my new species, and by means 

 of mounts in balsam, have made it quite clear that the opinion of 

 M. de Peyerimhoif is correct, and that Meotica must be treated as a 

 distinct genus. The first four joints of the front feet are short and 

 equal, the 5th being about twice as long as the 4th. The middle tarsi 

 are a little longer, Ijut the relative proportions of the joints are similar ; 

 the hind feet are also short, their basal segment 1| times the length of 

 the second, the terminal joint short, liut little longer than the basal 

 one, and not twice as long as the 4th. 



Meotica exillima sp. n. 



Angx(,sta, subparallela, suhopaca, antennis extrorsum fuscis, basi, palpis pedi- 

 husq^ie testaceis, capita ahdomine nigrica^itibus, hoc apice dilutiore. Long. If mm. 



Hah. : Anglia mer. 



Eeadily distinguished from M. exilis by the narrow parallel form, 

 the more obscure colour, and less shining surface ; the antennae shorter 

 and thicker, and the thorax longer. The eyes are very small; the 

 thorax almost as long as broad, distinctly narrowed behind ; elytra 

 narrow, slightly longer than the thorax ; abdomen elongate and 

 parallel, the apex a little paler. Punctuation very indistinct, biit more 

 marked than in exilis. Wings short and rather broad, rather longer 

 than the thorax and elytra, the portion beyond the stigma about as 

 long as the basal section. The male genitalia aie peculiar and unlike 

 those of any Homalota we have examined. The colour of the insect is 

 a little variable. 



M. exitUma is found here in Sphagnum in the spring and autumn, 

 and though local is by no means rare. It has been taken by Messrs. 

 Champion, Willoughby Ellis, and Bedwell, as well as by Commander 

 Walker, my daughter and myself. M. exilis is abundant here in flood- 

 refuse but does not occur in Sjpliagnum. 



Brockenhiirst: 



May 31st, 1915. 



