64 J\rr. F. D. Morice on new or doubtful 



]X. — Descriptions of neio or doubtful Species of the Genus 

 Ammophila {Kirby) from Algeria. By F. D. MORICK, 

 F.E.S. 



The notes following should have formed part of an account 

 which Mr. Saunders and mjself are now preparing of Hyine- 

 noptera taken in Algeria by the Rev. A. ¥j. Eaton in 1893-97 

 or by nie in 1898. They are ))ublished now as the larger 

 work cannot be ready for some time, and I have promised 

 Herr Kohl, who is engaged on a monograph of Ammophila, to 

 describe as speedily as possible some of my captures in that 

 genus which he considered to be new. 



'i'he species to be dealt with comprise three (possibly four) 

 of the group Psammophilaj one of Parapsammophila, and five 

 o{ Ammojjhila (sensu stricto). 



AH are from Biskra. Mr. Eaton took several others of 

 this genus, and I a few, elsewhere; but all the latter appear 

 referable to well-known species. 



A few preliminary explanations may here be given as 

 briefly as possible : — 



[a) In numbering the abdominal segments I have not 

 reckoned the propodeum. 



{b) '\ he measurements of petioles &c. have been made 

 according to the methods used by Kohl in his monograph of 

 bphex, with the help of a camera lucida. By 'Mength of 

 petiole" I mean, as he does, the apparent length of that part 

 of the first vential plate which is completely visible when the 

 object is viewed directly from above, reckoned from [i. e. not 

 including) the muscle uniting it with the abdomen to the base 

 of the first dorsal plate. 



(c) The term " tarsal pecten " may be here explained. The 

 female anterior metatarsus swells at its apex outwards into a 

 sort of lobe in which are set three spines, one very stout and 

 considerably bent, the others, lying under it, straighter and 

 more slender. Between these three apical spines and the 

 base of the metatarsus runs an even row of (usually) four 

 other spines, which form the *' pecten." The metatarsus bears 

 many other more or less spine-like hairs or bristles both exter- 

 nally and internally, but these form no part of tlie definite 

 series constituting the " pecten," and one soon learns not to 

 contuse them with it. 



[d) Tiie following terms may also need some definition, as 

 authors have not always employed them in the same senses. 

 By '' pilosity " 1 mean longish erect hairs, pale or dark, scattered 

 or dense, but never (in clean specimens) matted into a felt- 



