FAUNA OF THE DEVONIAN PLANT-BEDS OF ST JOHN. 



525 



but it is very interesting to find, in addition to minor peculiarities, 

 that near the base of the wing, between the two middle veins, there 

 is a heavy cross-vein from which new prominent veins take their 



Fig. 182. — Jlomothctus fossilis, Scudder. 



rise ; this is characteristic of the Odonafa., and of that family 

 only. We have, therefore, a new family representing a synthetic 

 type which combines the features of structure now found in the 

 Odonafa and Sialhia, very distant members of the Neuroptei^a. 

 The fragment is sufficiently preserved to show the direction, extent, 

 and m.ode of branching of nearly every principal nervure. It is 

 evidently a portion of an upper wing ; the insect measured not far 

 from 3|^ inches in expanse of wings." 



Fig. 183. — Lithentomum Harttii, Scudder. 



" This was the first specimen discovered by Mr C. F. Hartt, and 

 I have, therefore, named it after him : — apparently, it does not 

 belong to any family of Neuroptera represented among living 

 forms. It agrees more closely with the family Ilemeristina, which 

 I founded upon a fossil insect discovered in Illinois, than it docs 

 with any other ; but is quite distinct from that, both in the mode 

 of division of the nervures and in the peculiar cross-veining. 

 The fragment which Mr Ilartt discovered is very imperfect; but, 

 fortunately, preserves the most important parts of the wing. I am 

 inclined to think that it was a lower wing. Tlic insect prt)bably 

 measured d^ inches in expanse of wing." 



Fig. 184. — Xenoneura antlqiiorum, Scudder. 



" Although in this fragment we sec only the basal half or third of 

 a wing, the peculiar mode of venation shows that the insect cannot 

 belong to any known family of Neuroptera, living or fossil ; yet it is 

 evidently a Neuroptcrous insect. In addition to its other peculiarities, 



