XXVI. TWO NEW SPECIE vS OF RAGMUS' 

 FROM SOUTH INDIA. 



By E. Bali.\rp, B.A., F.E.S., Governuient Entomologist, 



Madras. 



(Plate XXVII). 



In the course of investigation into the infection of young cot- 

 ton boils by bacteria the two species ot Ragmns described below 

 were discovered. They are common on both "country" and 

 Cambodia cotton during most of the season (December to August), 

 but become scarce about the end of June. Both species, besides 

 being plant feeders, kill and feed on one another and on Thrips, 

 Aphids and Mites. They are however primarily plant feeders. 



Ragmus morosus, n. sp. 

 (Plate xxvii, figs, i, 2). 



This species is closely allied to R. hnportunitas , Dist. and R. 

 pellucidus , Dist. General colour dorsally pale to dark ochraceous. 

 Some specimens are virescent and the green colour of the abdo- 

 minal segments shows through the hemelytra. This is much 

 more noticeable in living than in dry specimens. There is some 

 green colouration on the head and the anterior border of the pro- 

 notum. Ventrally virescent. 



Antennae. — First joint, partially and entirely black ; second 

 joint black at the base, otherwise pale ochraceous ; shorter and 

 thicker than in R. importunitas , slightly thickened distally; third 

 joint much longer than half the second joint; third and fourth 

 joints, both pale ochraceous. 



Head.— Between the eyes narrow and pilose. Eyes black, often 

 reddish-brown in living specimens. 



Pronoiitm. — Virescent anteriorly. 



Legs. — Spotted with pitchy black. This is much more marked 

 in the last pair. First pair almost entirely without spots. Tibiae 

 spinulose but more longly spinulose on last pair. 



Length. — 175-2 mm. 



Food plants. — Cotton [Crotalaria jiincca), Cliolam [Andropo- 

 gon sorghum), Gingelly {Sesamum indicum). 



Localities. — Coimbatore, Samalkota (Madras Presidency). 



Type. — In the collection at Agricultural College, Coimbatore. 



Ragmus morosus was first found sucking young cotton bolls, 

 but it will attack and kill Thrips, Aphids and Mites. When con- 



I Capsidae. Div. Camtotylaria. 



