MaskELL.—On New Zealand Coccide. 127 
The number of joints of the antenne, the number and character of the 
digitules, and the sheath of the penis in the male, are points on which 
specific and generic distinctions may well be founded ; but the joints of the 
antenne are often difficult to determine, and various observers may imagine 
seven joints where others see only six and others eight. An instance of 
this difficulty is given below, under Ctenochiton perforatus. With regard to 
the mentum, it seldom happens that this can be thoroughly well examined 
in an adult or old female. It is usually stated also that a special character 
of the Lecanide is the immobility of the adult female. But, first, this is 
certainly not a distinction from the Diaspide, for in that group the insects 
become apodous, and therefore fixed, from an early stage; and, secondly, 
no Lecanid is more stationary than Icerya purchasi, an undoubted member 
of the Coccid group; for this insect, as soon as it begins to form its pecu- 
liar ovisac, ceases altogether to move about and simply becomes gradually 
raised up a tergo. In point of fact, with the exception of the abdominal 
cleft and lobes, there is probably not any character of the Lecanide which 
cannot be found in some one or other of the remaining groups. 
This being so, I would confine the distinguishing character of this 
group to its abdominal features, and would employ for its subsections the 
nature of, or the absence of, the secretion produced. In this way the fol- 
lowing key would show a gradually progressive series, linked with the 
Diaspide by Lecanochiton and with the Coccide through Hermes and 
Planchonia. 
2ND. GROUP. 
Insects presenting at all stages a cleft at the abdo- 
minal extremity, and, above it on the dorsal side, 
two more or less conspicuous and triangular lobes LECANIDA, 
Subsection I. 
Insects covering themselves with a secretion, com- 
posed chiefly of waxy, horny or glassy matter ... LECANIO-DIASPIDE. 
Test horny, partly formed of the second pellicle ... Lecanochiton, 
Test waxy, with single fringe of broad segments — ... Ctenochiton. 
Test waxy, produced into radiating branches e. Vinsonia. 
Test waxy, without fringe or branches i ... Ceroplastes. 
Test waxy, elevated, as if double js .. Fairmairia. 
Test glassy, conical or — oie dai : 
with air-cells d x ...  Inglisia. 
Test agglomerated in a waxy mass sui da ; 
of insects, male and female he .. Carteria. 
Test absent for the female, present and aggregate in 
a waxy mass for the male .. = .. Ericerus, 
