1880.] 3 



The scales, which I have been able to compare with those of 31. 

 maritima only, differ from them in their smaller size, and in the greater 

 number of ridges, which vary from fourteen to sixteen in this species, 

 whereas in maritima they are generally not more than twelve in 

 number ; in 3£. polypoda (Beck, in Lubbock's Thysanura and Collem- 

 bola, Ray Society publication) the ridges vary from eighteen to twenty- 

 four. Another distinction may be noticed in the pedicel, which, in 

 this species and M. polypoda, projects beyond the base of the scale, but 

 does not do so in maritima. The general arrangement of the ribs and 

 cross-bars is the same in all ; but I observe in the species now under 

 consideration that in the rounded or ovate scales, which I conclude are 

 the younger forms, the ribs converge to the centre from both sides, 

 so as to form a succession of Vs, with the apex pointing away from 

 the pedicel : this I can find no trace of in the scales of 3f. maritima. 



The insect lives under stones in dry places, and always appears 

 rather sluggish, indeed, when the sun was not shining, it did not leap 

 at all, but slowly crept away when disturbed. It appears to be very 

 local, as I only found it in a very circumscribed area, although 

 there were many likely places for it close by. It is by no means easy to 

 find, owing to its colour, and the way it adheres closely to the stone 

 when it is lifted. 



I propose for this species the name of 31a chilis brevicornis, in 

 allusion to the shortness of its antennae, which are shorter than those 

 of any Machilis with which I am acquainted, except 31. crassicornis 

 (Lucas), which occurs in Algeria. 



I ought to call attention to the fact that in some features Temple- 

 ton's figure of 31. polypoda (Trans. Ent. Soc, vol. i, plate xi) bears a 

 considerable resemblance to this species, but as his figure is so roughly 

 drawn, and as he gives no details nor colour with it, it is impossible to 

 say whether or not he had this species before him. 



I should also have mentioned that the insect became of a yellowish- 

 white colour in spirits. 



20, Portsea Place, Connaught Square : 

 May, 1880. 



NOTES ON CRABRO JELONGATULUS, V. DER LIND., AND THE OTHER 

 BRITISH SPECIES OF CRABRO WITH BLACK BODIES. 



BY EDWARD SAUNDERS, F.L.S. 



Of all our British species of Crabro, elongatulus seems to have 

 been the cause of the greatest confusion ; Shuckard* describes it 

 under seven different names, F. Smith under five. On the continent 



* Essay on the Indigenous Fussoriul Hymenoptera, 1837. 



