SYNOPSIS OF THE ORTHOPTERA OF WESTERN EUROPE. 257 



is this solution of carbonate of potash which frequently forms on the 

 surface of the plaster in killing-bottles. If the cyanide of potassium 

 is first embedded in dry plaster and covered by it, and the whole then 

 covered by a thin layer of wet plaster to keep it in its place, the 

 deliquescent carbonate of potash is absorbed as it is formed, and a 

 very durable killing-bottle is made. A \evy little tartaric acid powder 

 can be mixed with the dry plaster if a very strong bottle is required. 



Cyanide killing-bottles do not act in the desert or other very dry 

 places, because the tension of the aqueous vapour in the air is less 

 than the tension of the vapour of a saturated solution of cyanide 

 of potassium at the same temperature. Under these circumstances, 

 the strength of the bottle can be restored by dropping a few drops of 

 vinegar, or of a dilute solution of tartaric acid, or some " soda- 

 water into it." — N.C.R. 



Synopsis of the Orthoptera of Western Europe. 



By MALCOLM BURR, B.A., F.L.S., F.E.S., F.Z.S., etc. 

 (Continued from p. 200.) 



4. Pycnogaster sanchez-gomezi, Bolivar. 



Closely allied to the preceding, and, like it. without spines on the 

 posterior tibiae, but the pronotum is somewhat different, the spines of 

 the posterior femora are stouter, and the cerci of the 3' have the inner 

 tooth further from the apex, which is conical, and somewhat prolonged; 

 the supra-anal plate of the S is very long and narrow. 



Recorded from Velez Rubio in Almeria. 



5. Pycnogaster cucullatus, Charpentier. 

 Distinguished by the rectangular emargination of the hinder border 



of the pronotum; the ovipositor is curved, and the infra-anal plate of 

 the J rounded behind. It is a doubtfnl species, described by Charpentier 

 and Fischer, whose description Briinner copied; Bolivar refers here, 

 with some doubt, specimens from Toledo. Length of the body, 27mm. ^ 

 and 2 '■ of pronotum, 9mm. ^ and $ ; of ovipositor, 27miB. J . 



Recorded by Charpentier from Portugal, and with some doubt from 

 Toledo by Bolivar. 



6. Pycnogaster bolivari, Brunner. 



Distinguished from P. aicidlatiis by the metallic sheen, and the 

 coloration of the abdomen, by the nearly straight ovipositor, and the 

 slightly emarginate subgenital lamina of the $ ; from P. jiujicola by the 

 brighter green colour, and nearly straight side keels of the pronotum. 

 Length of body, 86mm. 3 , 38mm. $ ; of pronotum, 12mm. 3 , 13mm. 

 2 ; of posterior femora, 17mm. g , 18mm. 5 ; of ovipositor, 38mm. J . 



Recorded by Brunner from the Sierra de Peualara, and by Bolivar 

 from Fuencebadon, in the Province of Leon. 



Navas considers it identical with P. juijicola. 



7. Pycnogaster brevipes, Navas. 

 Resembles P. bolivari, but darker in colour, and much more shining, 

 shorter and thicker feet, and much shorter ovipositor. Length of 

 body, 38mm. 3 , 42mm. ? ; of pronotum, 10mm. 3 , 11mm. 2 ; 

 of posterior femora, 13mm.-14-5mm. 3 , 15-5mm. $ ; of ovipositor 

 27mm. 2 . 



