some Species q/"Ceroplaste3. 189 



with the position of the early larval pellicle, but which be- 

 comes almost obliterated in the oldest examples. In the earlj 

 adult the median is separated from the marginal area by a 

 more or less distinct furrow, which is particularly marked 

 where it meets the anal tubercle (fig. la). In the older 

 examples only this hinder part of the furrow remains (fig. 1 c). 

 Cephalic area constricted off from the globose body, forming a 

 trowel-shaped projection in front. Spiracular clefts deeply 

 indented, tiiickly set with small conical spines, not constricted 

 at the base (fig. Id). Marginal hairs very small, few and 

 inconspicuous. Anal scales minute, inner edge straight, base 

 and outer edge together forming a semicircle. Anal tubercle 

 blackish, directed upwards. Derm with numerous glandular 

 pores, wliich are more distinct on the darker marginal area. 

 Antennas with either 7 or 8 joints. It is difficult to say 

 which is the normal number, as the two varieties are about 

 equally represented in the series under examination. With 

 the 8-jointed form (fig. 1 e) the formula runs: — 3, (1, 2), 8, 

 4, 5, (6, 7). When there are seven joints only (fig. 1/) the 

 formula is 3, (1, 2, 4), 7, (5, 6). In this latter case there is 

 a tendency for the fourth joint to separate into two, and there 

 is always a more or less distinct false joint in the terminal 

 segment. Legs well develoj)ed ; tarsus more than half 

 length of tibia. Foot with 4 digitules, the unguals broadly 

 spatulate, the tarsals fine knobbed hairs. 



Length of fully developed female 5*50 raillim., breadth 

 5"0 millim., height 4'25 millim. 



The male insect is unknown in any stage. 



Hob. On Acacia, sp., Kleinpoort, Eastern Karoo, Cape 

 Colony. Collected by Miss Anna Howarth. 



The comparatively large number of joints in the antennse 

 of this species is remarkable. Even the number 7 is ab- 

 normal in the genus Ceroplastes, nearly all the known species 

 having 6-jointed antennse. I believe the only exception 

 (besides the present insect) is that of C. nerii, described by 

 Mr. Newstead, from Algeria. This character might have 

 been considered a peculiarity of the African members of the 

 genus had not Mr. Newstead also described a Ceroplastes 

 personattis with 6-jointed antennse, from Lagos, West Africa. 



The wax, which in fresh examples is soft and easily soluble 

 in benzole, in dried specimens becomes very hard and dense, 

 and seems scarcely, if at all, affected by benzole. If it could 

 be collected in sufficient quantities, the wax might prove of 

 economic value. The waxy matter of the Indian species 

 (0. ceriprus) is said to have been tested and found to con- 

 tain too much water for use as an illuminant ; but this fault 

 could probably be remedied by proper preparation. 



Ann. & Mag. N. Hist. Ser. 7. Vol iv. 14 



