of a new Strepsipterous Insect. 53 



gaged with a little force the case from between the abdominal 

 rings, a very soft but intimate vmion having subsisted between it 

 and the sheath in which it was placed ; when removed, it was 

 about 2| tenths of an inch in length, almost exactly cylindrical, 

 the inserted extremity rounded, flocculent, and pale yellowish, 

 that exterior, reddish brown, and slightly corrugated, as if from 

 desiccation; when torn asunder, I found the little creature's head 

 occupying this portion, the abdomen having been inserted in the 

 sphex, and the whole body enveloped in a fine transparent mem- 

 brane, which was closely attached to the thorax and abdomen, 

 and sent off loose processes to give covering to each of the legs, 

 antennae, palpi and trophi. This membrane exteriorly was rough, 

 as if papillated, but did not seem to lie in immediate contact with 

 the case ; and T am led to believe that it contained an albuminous 

 fluid, in which the animal was swimming, for on opening it a slight 

 coagulation ensued when the contents came in contact with the 

 weak spirits. The animal was now exposed, and seemed in ex- 

 cellent condition, and from its appearance gave me no reason to 

 infer that any difference could exist between it in its then state 

 and the perfect insect, with the exception of the undeveloped 

 state of the wings. As you will, from my sketches, at once ob- 

 serve, it has little specifically in common with Xenos Pcckii, which 

 is the only one with which I can here compare it, and must be 

 still less closely allied to Xenos Rossii, if what Dr. Leach states in 

 the Zoological Miscellany be correct, since the abdomen in my 

 insect is not pedunculate, though sensibly lessened in diameter at 

 the base, and most assuredly there are not five joints to the 

 tarsus. I have therefore little hesitation in believing that I have 

 hit upon an undescribed species. In the hope that it may prove 

 so, I take the opportunity of testifying my regard for ray learned 

 and indefatigable friend, the Secretary to the Entomological So- 

 ciety, and of ushering into the world my little Xenos with a name 

 which will ensure it consideration and respect. I have named it 



Xenos Westwoodii. 

 The head is small, and carries anteriorly two cupped tuber- 

 cles (C,o), separated by a small interval, from whence arise the 

 antennae, which are rather stout, in proportion to their other 

 dimension. The first joint (C,^;) is short, subcylindric, a little con- 

 tracted immediately beyond the base, but dilating towards its 

 articulation with the succeeding joint, beyond which it extends 

 internally, so that when seen from beneath it presents a some- 

 what triangular appearance. The second joint (y) is very minute. 



