1898.] 37 



The front in both sexes is much narrower ; the angle in the fourth longitudinal vein 

 occurs considerably nearer the apex of the wing, and the posterior transverse vein 

 makes a corresponding approach towards the hind margin. The result is that the 

 first posterior and discal cells are much wider, while the second posterior cell is con- 

 siderably shorter. The prolongation of the fourth vein beyond the angle is shorter 

 than in M. vulpinus, Fin., and M. comptus, Fin., but is, nevertheless, well marked. 

 In spite of the differences alluded to, however, the species is distinctly a Micro- 

 palpus in general appearance, as is easily seen when the insect is regarded from 

 above, or the head is looked at in profile. Perhaps the best test is to collect a 

 number of specimens of M. vulpinus and M. comptus into one group, and a 

 corresponding number of examples of Erigone {Nemorcea) radicum, 'F.,strenua, Mg., 

 and rudis, Fin., into another ; not a moment's consideration will be necessary to decide 

 to which group a specimen of M. pudicus should be assigned. The characteristic 

 doiomoardly directed angle in the fourth longitudinal vein in the wing of an Erigone, 

 the absence of an appendix beyond the angle, the shape of the head in profile, the 

 smaller antennae and different shape of the third joints, and the much more slender 

 thoracic setee — to mention no other differences —at once distinguish a member of 

 this genus from a Micropalpus. In his description of Nemorcea quadraticornis, 

 Mr. Meade points out the presence of an appendix beyond the angle of the fourth 

 vein, but apparently considers it of no importance. 



Since the palpi of Micropalpus pudicus are of full length — albeit, exceedingly 

 slender — either the existing definition of the genus must be modified to accommo- 

 date it, or the species must be relegated to a new genus, which would be placed 

 between Micropalpus and Erigone. On the whole, especially considering the large 

 number of genera of Muscidce with which the system of Messrs. Brauer and von 

 Bergenstamm has already provided us, the former course seems the more advisable. 

 It is perhaps as well to state that in his original description of M. pudicus 

 Eondani makes no mention of the palpi. The description was based upon a single 

 (male) specimen from Piedmont, and in all probability the proboscis was so far 

 retracted that the palpi were invisible. On examining the type of Mr. Meade's 

 description (in which likewise there is no mention of the palpi), I found that the 

 proboscis is similarly retracted, so that it is possible to make out the palpi only with 

 great difiiculty. Owing to the diagnostic importance of the palpi iu the Muscidce, 

 collectors should take care in all cases to endeavour to make the proboscis protrude 

 from the buccal cavity at least sufficiently far to enable these organs to be readily 

 examined. 



The synonymy of the various species of Micropalpus is much involved, and the 

 conclusions of Brauer and von Bergenstamm differ largely from those of Schiner. 

 The latter gives M. pudicus, Bond., as a synonym of M. hcemorrhoidalis, Fin., while 

 the two former authors restore pudicus to its specific rank, but regard hcemorrhoi- 

 dalis, Fin., as a synonym of pictus (Mg.), Schin., and they recognise another species 

 as hcemorrhoi dalis, Mg. {nee Fin.), of which mpwcfJcMS, Eond.,is given as a synonym. 



The British Museum possesses a fair series of specimens of M. 

 pwiicwSjEond., including six males from Felixstowe, Aug. 14th — 20th, 

 1896 (A. Piffard), and two from Walton Wood, St. Osyth, Essex, 

 August 21st, 1896 (F. B. Jennings) ; the only female in the collection 



