GENUS KLEDITOMA. 217 



small (1 2 mm. in length). The wings are usually 

 clear hyaline ; the radial nervure is usually thickened 

 at base and apex, and seldom touches the costa. 



The genus is numerous in species, and although 

 it can be split up into many well-marked sections 

 (chiefly by the form of the antennae in ? ), yet the 

 species in some of the groups are very difficult to 

 separate. The males, moreover, do not have any dis- 

 tinction in the form of the antennas, and hence they 

 are unusually difficult to identify. The species prey on 

 Dipterous larvge. 



In view of the great gradations exhibited by 

 the antennae, rendering it impossible to draw any clear 

 line of demarcation between the differently jointed 

 clubs, and as the males do not show any difference at 

 all, I cannot adopt Foerster's generic definitions. 



I. Wings not abbreviated. Species 1 22. 



A. Scutellum at apex projecting into a more or less curved 

 beak-shaped prolongation. Antennae with 3-jointed 

 club. The incision in the wings distinct ; radial 

 nervure straight. Scuteliar cup minute ; the large 

 basal foveds deep, and with a distinct keel = Rhyn- 

 chacis. 



The peculiar beak form of the apex of the scutellum 

 makes this section easy of recognition. 



Synopsis of Species. 



1 (2) Length 2| mm. ; radial cellule open at base ; apex of scutellum 



forming a sharp curved beak; apical margin of wings 

 obtusely curved. Nigripes. 



2 (1) Length 1| 2 mm.; radial cellule closed at base; apex of 



scutellum forming a blunt beak ; apical margin of wings 

 sharply incised. Nigra and Crassiclava. 



