a remarkable neio genus, ^-c. of Neuroptera. 429 



base of the wing, is a white clot, the origin of a distinct 

 oblique nervure readily separable from the ordinary 

 transverse nerviiles ; the post-costal nervm^e runs into the 

 inner margin in an oblique manner, forming a slight fold, 

 the post-costal area densely filled with cellules ; the mar- 

 gins very slightly ciliated ; at the extreme base of the costal 

 margin is a series of confluent tubercles, whence arise long 

 and strong erect spines ; there are similar spines on the 

 principal nervures at the extreme base, which are also 

 found, but distantly placed, on the basal quarter of the 

 radius. The reticidation of the posterior Avings is almost 

 precisely similar, but the costal area is much narrower, 

 and contains only two rows of oblique irregularly penta- 

 gonal cellules; there are a few shorter and less strong spines 

 at the extreme base of the costal margin, but no others. 



Notiothauma Reedi, n. sp. 



Body uniformly dark castaneous, rather shining. An- 

 terior wings uniformly pale brownish-grey; neuration cas- 

 taneous, the radius paler ; pterostigma dusky ; spines 

 nearly piceous. Posterior wings rather paler, with tes- 

 taceous neuration and more distinct pterostigma. ? . 



Length of body (excluding head and prothorax), 14 mm. 

 Length of anterior wing, 26 mm. ; breadth, 10 



mm. 



Length of posterior wing, 23^ mm. ; breadth, 9^ mm. 

 Expanse of anterior wings, 54 mm. 



Hah. — Chili (E. C. iieed) ; in my collection. 



I consider this the most extraordinary recent Neuropte- 

 rous insect yet known. Its external aspect, and especially 

 the colour and texture of the wings, are such as to cause one, 

 at first, almost to jump to the conclusion that he is dealing 

 with some anomalous form of true Orthoptera, and the 

 equal wings and their position in repose are equally sug- 

 gestive of something allied to Termes, if the slender abdo- 

 men be left out of consideration. In fact, almost the only 

 point indicative of affinity Avith Panorpa (in the absence of 

 the head) is the presence of the two divergent appendages 

 at the apex of the abdomen, as in the 2 of that genus ; and 

 had it not been for the existence of Merope it is probaljlc 

 that a suggestion that the insect pertained to the Panor- 

 pidce would have met with little serious consideration. 

 As in Merope we may predict that the $ will be found 

 armed Avith prominent anal parts. It AA'ill be very inte- 

 resting to learn the mode of life of Nofiotliauma ; its ex- 



