6231). 
V. The male genitalia of Merope tuber Newm. (Mecoptera). 
By F. Murr. 
[Read March 16th, 1921.] 
Puate III. 
Merope tuber is of interest to morphologists on account 
of its synthetic characters. If Grylloblatta be considered 
as an order, then Merope should also be given that status. 
But I object to it in either case, for it places stress upon 
certain minor differences and ignores important similarities. 
For the same reason I object to the Heteroptera and 
Homoptera being considered as two orders, as the funda- 
mental characters upon which the order Hemiptera is 
founded are the shape of the mouth-parts and their func- 
tions, and these are absolutely similar and homogeneous 
throughout both groups. If we do separate them, then it 
follows logically that the Homoptera be divided into two 
or three orders. 
In Merope tuber the ninth tergite is produced into two 
flat processes divided off from the base of the tergite by 
a suture. The ninth sternite is produced in the middle 
into a narrow process which curves upward. There is little 
or no division between the tergite and sternite, and together 
they form a complete ring. Below the bifurcate tergite 
is the tenth segment in the form of a semi-membranous 
tube with the anus at the apex. At the base of the anal 
segment are the cerci. From between the projecting ninth 
tergite and sternite, and ventrad or anterior to the anal 
segment, arises the genitalia in the shape of a large pair 
of forceps with a small copulatory organ between. The 
forceps consist of a large basal piece (on each side, amal- 
gamated at their bases), and an apical joint. If we con- 
sider the base as the coxites of the ninth sternite, then 
the apical portion would be the styles. On the dorsal 
aspect the bases are joined together by a thick rim of 
chitin, while on the ventral aspect they have a wide con- 
nection, with a strengthening Y-shaped thickening of 
chitin (fig. 4e), the forks of which surround the opening 
where the copulatory organ is situated. 
TRANS. ENT. SOC. LOND. 1921.—PaARTS I, 11. (OCT.) 
