ACARINA ^oi 



(2) Oribata alata Herm. 



The nine specimens are mostly large and dark-coloured. The species is a very 

 variable one, and by some authorities is sub-divided. Certainly the difference between 

 an extremely small and a large individual seems very great, but all kinds of intermediate 

 forms occur. The shape of the pteromorphae and the amount of their projection in 

 front also varies, this would be expected, as they are of very thin chitin and extremely 

 flexible. The pseudo-stigmatic organs also appear brittle in this species (they are 

 exceedingly long and thin). I have suspected that they are often found with the 

 terminal club broken off. This is known sometimes to occur in other species, so much 

 so that they have even been described from the mutilated condition. I have never 

 been able to recognize these minute differences as worthy of (or indeed assignable to) 

 specific rank. The species is quite cosmopolitan. 



Hab. Kauai, Lanai, Hawaii. — Kauai, Makaweli and Koholuamano; Hawaii, Olaa. 



(3) Oribata ovalis Nic. 



One specimen. In no way differing from the type. I have had specimens from 

 India in which the chitin was immensely thickened and roughened, so that they almost 

 seemed a different species. This is not infrequently the case in tropical specimens. 



H.\B. Kauai, Koholuamano. 



(4) Oribata lapidaria Lucas. 



One specimen. In somewhat bad condition, but probably this species. In Britain 

 it sometimes occurs on trees, lime and thorn, occasionally apple, in vast numbers, 

 literally in masses — and has been accused of doing damage. It is not certain whether 

 this is so, or whether it is attracted by a diseased condition of the tree. I have noticed 

 it swarming on a young apple-tree which was cankered, and shortly afterwards died. 



Hab. Hawaii, Kilauea. 



(5) Oribata orifonnis, sp. nov. 



One specimen, in spirit. A large species i"i mm. in length. Colour light brown, 

 this may have been affected by the preservative. Texture finely punctate, much as in 

 some specimens of O. orbicularis. Cephalothorax long and bluntly pointed, lamellae 

 thick blades on edge, cusps very small or non-existent, translamella alive, but quite 

 marked. Pseudo-stigmatic organs small, not projecting much, clavate. Abdomen 

 egg-shaped, produced almost into a point posteriorly (whence the specific name), appa- 

 rently hairless. Pteromorphae normal, much as in orbicularis. Legs long ior the genus. 



There should be no difficulty in recognizing individuals of this species at any future 

 time, the pointing of the abdomen is not common in this genus. 



Hab. Hawaii, Kona. 



