(605. 5 
XXVII. Report on a collection of Bombyliidae (Diptera) 
Jrom Central Africa, with description of new 
species, by Prof. Mario Brzzi, Turin, Italy. 
[Read October 4th, 1911.] 
PATE i, 
THROUGH the kindness of Mr. Guy A. K. Marshall, the 
Scientific Secretary of the African Entomological Research 
Committee, I have received for study a very interesting 
collection of Bombyliids from Tropical Africa. Some of 
these beautiful flies, which may be called the butterflies 
of the Diptera, are of economic importance on account of 
their parasitic habits, for the larvae of several species are 
known to prey on the egg-cases of locusts. 
The genera in the collection may be tabulated as 
follows :— 
1 (10). Hind margin of the eyes absolutely entire, not indented and 
without a deep sinuosity ; proboscis always long. 
2 (9). First posterior cell of the wings closed. 
3 (6). Upper basal cell longer than the second one. 
4 (5). First posterior cell closed long before the hind margin of 
the wings; basal comb of the wings distinct 
Bombylius, p. 606. 
5 (4). First posterior cell closed very near the hind margin and 
; strongly pointed at the end; no basal comb at the root of 
the costal vein. ‘ ‘ . Sisyrophanus, p. 611. 
6 (3). The two basal cells of equal length, 
7 (8). Face prominent, moderately pilose ; discal cell as in 
Bombylius : ; ; . Systoechus, p. 607. 
8 (7). Face not prominent, dentalyy pilose ; discal cell very obtuse 
at the end; its apical cross-vein as long as the width of the 
first posterior cellat the same point . Anastoechus, p. 609. 
9 (2). First posterior cell open; basal comb of the wings not 
developed . 4 ; : ‘ . Dischistus, p. 610. 
10 (1). Hind margin of the eyes indented or deeply sinuose. 
11 (12). Hind margin of the eyes deeply sinuose ; third antennal 
joint hairy above ; proboscis long ; first posterior cell as 
in Sisyrophanus . ‘ . Hurycarenus, p. 613, 
TRANS. ENT, SOC, LOND, 1911, —PART Iv, (JAN,) 
