214 L September, 



Signoret), shaped like the human eye ; and two moi-e arranged wider apart on the 

 2nd or 3rd segment ; some appear closed (fig. 4), others open (fig. 5), and are sui'- 

 rounded with numerous fine hairs. 



Long, 1, wide, "5 mm. 



^ early adult, containing ova, is larger than the 9 2ud stage, and has the anal 

 lobes a little shorter; but differs in no other respect. 



Long, 1 — 15, wide, 75 mm. 



9 adult after gestation differs from the above only in having the anal lobes 

 normal (small) but clearly distinct. Unfortunately, the only two specimens of this 

 stage that I could find have imperfect antennae ; one has the joints perfect up to and 

 including the 4th, they are stouter and the hairs stronger, but their form and relative 

 lengtli are identical with the previous stage. 



Long, 2"5, wide, 1 mm. 



Ilab. : on roots of Steplianotis, near Loudon, February Gth, 1895. 



An exceedingly interesting species ; and although its 5-jointed 

 antenuge are abnormal, in other respects it agrees with the genus. The 

 eye-like glands on the dorsum are curious, and from what one can gather 

 from the mounted specimens, it is highly probable that the insect has 

 the power of opening or closing them at will. Signoret found a very 

 similar character in his Bipersia co7'ynephori (Essai, p. 369, pi xvii, 

 figs. 1, la), which he terms a " cicatrice," but gives no detailed de- 

 scription of it. The arrangement of the glands in M. corijnephori is 

 very different to what I find in this species. 



It is important to note that certain changes take place in this 

 species during the period of gestation. In the early adult the anal 

 lobes are abnormally large ; but in the older individuals they become 

 normal. It is quite possible, therefore, that some alteration may take 

 place in the antennae at the very last stage, and during period of ges- 

 tation ; but this, for want of more material, cannot now be decided. 



The Steplianotis is a host- plant for several species of Coccidce, 

 especially of Dactylopius, and it is only by constant care, and the 

 frequent use of insecticides, brushing or sponging, that the " mealy 

 bugs " can be kept in check. Hitherto, however, so far as the writer's 

 experience goes in the British Isles, the roots of the plant have been 

 free from the attack of any insect pest. Nothing is known as to how 

 the insect has come amongst us ; probably it has been recently im- 

 ported with orchids or other plants ; or it may be indigenous, and have 

 been introduced in the " potting " material used in the cultivation of 

 the Steplianotis. 



Chester : May, 1895. 



