Oct., '03] ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 249 



A Group of Diurnal Mutillidae (Hymcnoptera). 



By H. L. ViERECK. 



In the classification of the Mutillidae of N. America, Fox 

 has divided the old genus Mutilla into several species-groups ; 

 analogues of these divisions have been treated as subgenera by 

 Andre ; finally they have been given generic rank by Ash- 

 mead. For the sake of convenience, the scheme of the last- 

 named author is deemed desirable. 



The Photopsiinae, distinguished in the $ by the large, 

 crooked mandibles, are separable into Diurnals with very small 

 ocelli and Nocturnals having large ocelli, the difference in the 

 development of the ocelli depending upon their special func- 

 tion. For a group of Diurnals with the mesosternum produced 

 into a process on each side of a median furrow, is proposed the 

 name Photomorphus. The other Diurnals, with no mesosternal 

 processes, are members of the species- group petmsylva?iiC2is of 

 Fox. The farthest east for any species of the N*octurnals is 

 Alabama. 



Photomorphus Johnsoni n. g. n. sp. 



(^. Length 8 mm. Head quadrate, covered with shallow punctures, 

 contiguous on the anterior half, i. e. , anterior to a line drawn from pos- 

 terior margin of eyes across in front of the anterior ocellus ; separated, 

 though not much, on the posterior half. Space betzueen posterior ocelli a 

 little greater than one-half the distance between them, and nearest eye 

 margin. Ocelli forming a triangle nearly equilateral. First joint of 

 fiagellutn distinctly shorter than the second, though not as much as one- 

 half shorter. Mandibles gently curved, the inferior margin excised, the 

 emargination causing a prominent angle. Pubescence on the head 

 white around the border and on the appendages, darkened on the front. 



Thorax. — The anterior lateral margin of prothorax bounded by a ridge. 

 Punctures of pronotum shallow, not distinct, contiguous or nearly. Punc- 

 tures of propleura more separated and distinct. Punctuation of meso- 

 notum stronger, /. e.. sharper, than on pronotum. Parapsidal grooves 

 distinct, extending almost to the anterior margin, the grooves between 

 these and the tegulae not so distinct, shorter. Scutellum with indistifict 

 sculpture, rugose, dull. Mesopleura with an oblique impression directed 

 forward and doivnward ; above this impression or groove the surface is 

 flat, shining, smooth, and bears a few distinct punctures ; beknv the sur- 

 face is bulged, covered with coarse, contiguous, ill-defined punctures. 



