STEEPSIPTEEA. 435 



hence the name bestowed by Kirby, from o-rpe^o-is, a twisting, and 

 TTTp6v, a wing ; the posterior wings are fully developed, and fold 

 up like a fan, whence the Order received the name of Rhipiptera 

 from Latreille. The eyes, the facettes of which are few in num- 

 ber, are placed on a foot- stalk, whence the name of the genus 

 Stylops. The parts of the mouth connect the Strepsiptera with 

 the mandibulated insects, although by some supposed to bear 

 analogy by their functions to those parts in the Diptera. The 

 male only is winged, the female resembling the larva. 



The Order consists of one family, the Stylopidte, divided into 

 four genera, of which two only, Xenos and Stylops, were described 

 by Kirby in the essay referred to above. First, Xenos, from 

 w>s, a guest, the most prolific in species, 

 of which Xenos Rossii, sometimes called ves- 

 parum, may be taken as the type. Secondly, 

 Elenchus, of which Elenchus Walkeri is the 

 type. Thirdly, Stylops (Fig. 422), para- 

 sitical on various species of Andrente, of 



. Fig. 422.-Styloys 



which Stylops Melittce, having a fleshy abdo- (magnified). 



men, and the wings longer than the body, may be considered 

 typical : and lastly, Halictophagus, of which only one species, 

 infesting Halictus ceratus* named Halictophayus Curtisii, is known 

 to exist. 



These singular insects are found in various parts of the world, 

 Europe, America, where they were discovered by Professor Peck 

 almost simultaneously with Mr. Kir by 's discovery in this 

 country, and to whom he sent specimens of a species which has 

 received the name of Xenos Peckii, lately in New Zealand, and 

 elsewhere. 



* Halictus and Andrena are two genera of Bees. 



F F2 



