RHIPIPTERA. a esl 
anolgous to those observed at the anus of the above mentioned 
Hemiptera. The six legs are almost membranous, compressed, nearly 
equal, and terminated by filifrom tarsi composed of four membranous 
joints with, as it were, vesicular extremities; the last is somewhat 
larger than the others and presents no hooks. The four anterior legs 
are closely approximated, and the two others thrown behind. The 
space on the pectus comprised between these latter is very considerable, 
and divided by a longitudinal furrow. The posterior extremity of 
the metathorax is prolonged over the abdomen in the manner of a 
large scutellum. The sides of that metathorax, which give insertion to 
this last pair of legs, are strongly dilated behind, and form a sort of in- 
flated shield that defends the exterior and lateral base of the abdomen. 
These Insects, in their larve state, live between the abdominal 
scales of several species of Andrenz and wasps of the subgenus 
Polistes. ‘They frisk about with a simultaneous motion of the wings 
and halteres. Although they appear to be removed in several respects 
from the Hymenoptera, I still think it is to some of those Insects such 
as the Eulophi, that they are most nearly allied. 
M. Peck has observed one of the larve—Xenos Peckii—which is 
found on Wasps. It forms an oblong oval, is destitute of feet, and 
annulated or plaited; the anterior extremity is dilated in the form of 
a head, and the mouth consists of three tubercles. These larvee 
become nymphs in the same place, and, as it appeared to me when 
examining the nymphs of the Xenos Rosst, another Insect of the 
same order, within their own skin, and without changing their 
form *. 
Nature has perhaps furnished the Rhipiptera with the two false 
elytra, of which we have spoken, to enable them to disengage them- 
selves from between the abdominal scales of the Insecis on which 
they have lived. 
They are a sort of Csirz to Insects, and we shall soon find a 
species of Conops that undergoes its metamorphosis in the abdomen 
of the Bombi. 
Tke Rhipiptera form two genera. 
Sty.Lops, K7rb. 
The first one observed and instituted by M. Kirby. The superior 
branch of the last segment of the antennze is compused of three little 
joints. The abdomen is retractile and fleshy. 
But a single species is known; it lives on the Andrenz. 
* For some observations on this Insect, see a very good Memoir of M. Jurine, 
Sen. 
