106 [May, 



genus. But this is an error, only one of the five heing a Melano- 

 phthalma, the other four belonging to Corticarina of Reitter. 



Ganglbauer merges the three genera Cnrtlcaria, MelmuqMhalma 

 and Corticarina into one, on the ground that Eeitter and Belon were 

 mistaken in supposing an anatomical distinction of importance to 

 exist in the structure of the abdomen. Ganglbauer is correct on this 

 point, and there remains nothing to distinguish Corticaria and Corti- 

 carina, except the existence of a minute denticle on the front tibia of 

 the male Corticarina. This denticle is in some species very difficult 

 to detect, and it is clearly inadequate for generic distinction. 



The matter as to Melanophthalma proper is somewhat different, as 

 the species have in common a positive character that distinguishes 

 them satisfactorily, viz., the existence of strongly marked coxal lines 

 on the first ventral segment. Moreover, I find a supporting character 

 in the structure of the feet, viz., that in Melanophthalma the 2nd 

 tarsal joint is simply interposed between the 1st and 3rd, so that the 

 tarsi are conspicuously 3-jointed and are quite linear, as thei'e is not 

 any dilatation of the basal joint. In Corticarina the basal joint is 

 enlarged and the 2nd joint is inserted so far forward on its upper 

 surface that it is frequently difficult to detect. Several species of 

 Corticaria, and one of Corticarina (viz. gihhosa), are intermediate as 

 regards the tarsal structm-e ; nevertheless, it remains true that 

 Melanophthalma forms the extreme of the series in this respect, and 

 therefore may be (piite naturally retained on account of its coxal lines. 

 MelaHophthalma will then comprise two British species, transversalis 

 and distinguenda. The other species of Melanophthalma, Beare 

 and Donisthorpe Cat., should be placed as a section of Corticaria. 



It is to this section that the two new species, characterised below, 

 belong. The little C. lambiana is interesting as being the most highly 

 developed Corticarina as regards the tarsal structure, but the least 

 developed as regards the tibial denticle of the male, which is very 

 difficult to detect. Cfotvleriana on the other hand departs from its 

 immediate ally C.fuscula and ap2:)roaches Melanophthalma hy tlie form 

 of the head ; there being a well-marked interval between the back of 

 the eye and the ventral constriction behind it. 



Corticaria lambiana, sp. v. 



Sordide forruginea, pectore abdomineqvie plus niiiiiisve fuscescentibiis, 

 antennis pedibusque testaceis, illis clava fiisca ; capite obscure piinctato ; 

 thorace transverso, fortiter punctato ; elytris seriatim sat fortiter punctatis, 

 subtiliter setosis ; pedibus brevibiis, tarsis qiiasi biarticiilatis, articulo primo 

 fortiter dilatato. Long. corp. li mm. 



