A GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF BEITISH WATEEBUGS. 6 



In one of our examples of E. tag'is the length of the stalk 

 bearing veins 6-9 is no longer than in typical Euchloe. 



Schatz's definition of the supposed distinct genus Phytto- 

 charis is no better than Beutenmiiller's, for vein 10 varies in 

 its position in individuals of the same species ; sometimes, as in 

 typical Euchloe, it is emitted before the end of the cell, sometimes 

 at the end, and sometimes (as Beutenmiiller points out) at some 

 distance beyond the end. 



Now, as regards Midea, Dr. Beutenmiiller states that it has 

 11 veins, which is quite true of the type M. genutia, but Dr. 

 Schatz figures it with 12 veins, which is equally correct as 

 regards the Japanese species M. scolymus. If therefore Midea 

 is retained, we must have a different name for M. scolymus ; but 

 surely in a genus like Euchloe, which is so utterly unstable and 

 unreliable in its neuration, it is far better to recognize its tran- 

 sitional condition, and not distinguish genera whose evolution is 

 incomplete. 



A GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF BEITISH WATEEBUGS 

 (AQUATIC EHYNCHOTA). 



By G. ~W. Kirkaldy. 



(Continued from vol. xxxi. p. 206.) 



The Ehynchota, or Hemipteba,* form, in some respects, the 

 most isolated of the insect orders, and have no near allies, 

 having evidently branched off from the primitive hexapod-line 

 at a very early period. Taken as a whole, they are homogeneous, 

 distinguished at once from all other Hexapoda by the structure 

 of the mouth-organs, as well as by many other not superficially 

 noticeable details. The Neuroptera are probably their nearest 

 kin, although many authors have remarked upon the closeness 

 of their relationship with the Coleoptera, an order with which 

 in fact they are as remotely connected, perhaps, as with any 

 other, though there is certainly a marked superficial resemblance, 

 due, however, to their very similar habits in the imaginal stage. 

 The average Ehynchoton is, in proportion to its size, rather 

 heavily built, and adapted rather for crawling up a plant-stalk 

 or along the leaf of a tree, remaining in one spot during a not 

 inconsiderable period, than for prolonged aerial nights or hasty 

 visits from flower to flower. These two orders — Ehynchota and 

 Coleoptera — it may be remarked, are the only two in which a 

 large number of species spend the greater portion of their 

 imaginal existence under water. 



* Greek §vy%os (rhunkhos), a beak; y^- (hemi-), half; 7rr/p« 

 (ptera), wings. 



B 2 



