228 Mr. Weslwood's Observations 



The anterior tibise of both sexes present a curious formation, similar 

 to that described by Messrs. Kirby and Spence, as distinguishing the an- 

 terior tibise of both sexes of Gryllus Campestris, domesticus, &c. " At 

 " the base there is an aperture, which passes through the joint, anteriorly 

 " it is oval, and posteriorly elliptical, and much larger, and on both sides 

 " is closed by a tense membrane." t In Scaphura the excavation is ob- 

 long ovate, and being larger than in the Crickets, the base of the tibise is 

 necessarily dilated, as may be observed in the figure of Sc. Vigorsii. This 

 formation also exists, in a modified form, in Mr. Kirby's Acridse, but it 

 is not found in the Locusts. The tegmina of the male are formed pre- 

 cisely similar to those of the female, wanting the talc-like spot at the 

 base, which sexually distinguishes the males of the Grasshoppers with 

 long antennse. 



The abdomen of the female is furnished on each side, above, with an 

 hirsute bristle, broader at the base, and terminating in a point, about a 

 line long, and which appears to be a modification of the long anal setae 

 of the Crickets. This, however, appears to be wanting in the males. 

 The latter do not exhibit any other material or striking variation in struc- 

 ture from the female, with the exception of the organs of generation. I 

 may also notice, that this genus exhibits an instance of the prevalence 

 of colom* existing in certain groups, the species being adorned either 

 with a brick-red or black colour, more or less tinged with blue ; but this 

 prevalence of tints is more particularly observed in peculiar parts of 

 some of the Organs ; thus the few joints of the anteimae connecting the 

 incrassated with the capillary portion, are in all the species of a fulvous 

 tint, while the incra.ssated portion is black. The upper portion of the 

 four posterior femora of all the species is also adorned with a triangular 

 pale spot, peculiarly beautiful in Sc. Kirbii ; and again in two of the 

 species the anterior portion of the tegmina is adorned with several short 

 diagonal pale lines. The colour of the tegmina becomes paler towards 

 their tips, and the anal portion of the wings is paler than the exterior. 



The geographical situation of this group appears to be South America^ 

 where it also appears to be of rare occurrence. 



I may lastly notice, that the species vary but slightly in size. 



t Kirby and Spence, Int. 3, 674. 



