40 H. C. EFFLATOUN. 



markings become obscure reddish-orange and more extended, so 

 that the contrast between the orange and the black becomes blur- 

 red. 



Almost all the species of this genus have a strong tendency 

 to form local races or forms, of which probably large numbers have 

 been described as distinct species, and my belief is that until a 

 serious study and comparison of the male genitalia is completed, 

 none of the other small species in this difficult genus can be 

 described accurately or named with certainty ; moreover, it follows 

 that until such a point is reached, it is less confusing and quite 

 as correct to collect together all the various names (of which there 

 are no doubt some, if not many, synonyms) under the headings of 

 a very few species, although some mistakes may occur. 



This species as well as its dark form is quite common and 

 very widely distributed in Egypt ; my records date from December 

 to the end of October. S. flavicauda is also common and very 

 widely distributed in Europe and in addition has been recorded 

 from Syria and its var. calceolata from North Africa (Ethiopia), 

 Chile, ? Mexico and Europe (nitidicollis). 



