﻿228 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM vol. lOO 



gated bodies, and white coloration, which contrasts strongly with the 

 small dark brown stellate tufts on the abdominal segments. The en- 

 larged maxillae are very prominent in living specimens. 



The adults are seldom seen in the field except around taro plants, 

 where they apparently rest during the day. On several occasions 

 females of this species have been noticed flitting around collectors in 

 the jungle but have not been recorded as biting humans. They have 

 not been collected in light traps or in lighted human quarters at night. 

 In the laboratory, adults could not be induced to feed on humans. 



Only TJ. quadri/maculata Edwards has been found in association with 

 this species and then only with the younger instars of mathesoni. 

 Large specimens of mathesoni are usually found singly or at most three 

 to four per leaf-axil. 



Distribution. — Solomon Islands: Guadalcanal: Generally dis- 

 tributed on north-central and northwest coast (JNB et al., K. L. 

 Knight, P. W. Oman, D. E. Beck et al., A. B. Gurney, J. G. Francle- 

 mont) [U. S. N. M., CU, JNB], Ilu (Paine and Edwards, 1929) as 

 T. filipes Walker. New Georgia: Segi Point (C. O. Berg) [U. S. 

 N. M.], Munda Point (J. G. Franclemont) [U. S. N. M., CU, JNB], 

 Roviana (J. G. Franclemont) [CU, JNB], (Paine and Edwards, 1929) 

 as T. filipes Walker. Bougainville: Empress Augusta Bav (A. B. 

 Gurney) [U.S. KM.]. 



TRIPTEROIDES (RACHISOURA) STONEI, new species 

 FiGTmEs 33, h, e; 34, c, f; 35, d-f; 37, d 



Distinctive characters Adults : Unornamented, wing scales all 



broad dorsally. Proboscis 1.2 of front femur. Palpi of male 0.27 of 

 proboscis, with 4 to 8 long bristles on apex. Palpi of female 0.21 to 

 0.23 of proboscis, either without bristles or with a pair of slender 

 apical bristles arising side by side. Ninth tergite of male with a deep, 

 narrow emargination ; bristles on lobes relatively slender. Light scal- 

 ing on posterior pronotum often completely covering sclerite. 



Larvae : Maxilla with greatly developed terminal spines. Thoracic 

 spines absent. Middle abdominal segments dorsally on each side with 

 a stellate tuft and a single spike anteriorly, arising from the same or a 

 separate tubercle. Pecten teeth at most five on each side. Siphon 

 light brown, index 2.5 or less. Comb scales in an irregular single row, 

 four to eight in number. 



Description of male. — ^Wing : 3-4 mm. 



Head: Proboscis 1.2 as long as front femur, slightly shorter than 

 abdomen, dark-scaled; labella lighter. Palpi (fig. 33, 5) , exclusive of 

 terminal segment, 0.27 of proboscis, dark-scaled ; apical segment very 

 short, bent internally, with specialized bristles as shown in figure, 

 usually four to six large bristles and several shorter, weaker hairs. 



