384 JAMES WATERSTON. 



Genus Stomatoceras, Kirby (1883). 

 Stomatoceras micans, Wtrst. (1915). 



S. micans, Waterston, Bull. Ent. Res., vi, pt. 1, p. 69, figs. 1, 2 (1915). 



Nyasaland : Monkey Bay, Lake Nyasa ; 3 5 $ from puparia of Glossina 

 morsitans, l.vi.l5 and ll.vii.l5 {Dr. W. A. Lamborn). 



Compared with, the type, which is evidently undersized, these examples are 

 altogether more robust. In length they run from 4 J to 5 mm. (as against 4 mm.), 

 but the alar expanse would appear to be constant at about 6 mm. The tegulae, 

 apices of the hind femora and the tibiae are somewhat more infuscated, and the wings 

 are darker than in the N. Rhodesian example. 



The pattern of the propodeon, to which special attention was not drawn in the 

 original description, consists of a large median cell divided by a moderately raised 

 central ridge. The sides of the cell are formed by strong carinae from which run 

 two series of cells — about eight in the anterior row behind the metathorax, and six 

 to seven posteriorly. There are thus two irregular transverse ridges on each side of 

 the central cell, one from about the middle to near the spiracle, and the other from 

 the side of the petiolar insertion to the major lateral projection. In the Nyasaland 

 specimens, the cells of the propodeon are slightly more elongate than in the type. 



As regards the pubescence, my previous notes may stand (p. 71), with the following 

 modification : — Except along the antero-lateral edge of the pronotum, the dorsal 

 clothing of the thorax is golden or tawny. In all 'larger Chalcids, even when bred, 

 the pubescence of this region is fugacious, but in one specimen it has been brilliantly 

 preserved, not only on the sutures, but partially on the surfaces of the lobes as well. 

 Unless in the case of freshly emerged material, too much reliance should not be placed 

 on this character, for in the type specimen hardly a trace of yellow now remains, 

 the fading having occurred in less than five months. S. ynicans may now be regarded 

 as a regular parasite of Glossina morsitans. It will be of interest to ascertain whether 

 the species is confined to one host (or host genus), or whether it affects Diptera more 

 generally, or other insects as well. 



Along with S. ynicans, there were bred 3 2 5 of a new Haltichelline, described 

 below, and assigned in the meantime to the same genus. As regards non-specific 

 characters these examples differ from the genotype S. liberator, Walk. (1862), only 

 in the armature of the hind femur and the pattern of the wing (see description and 

 figs.). It is on such differences that the validity of Cameron's Centrochalcis (1905) 

 will ultimately have to be based, should the group of species so distinguished prove 

 worthy of generic separation ; for I am convinced that in dealing with the Halti- 

 chellines one cannot use successfully the number of antennal joints (though not the 

 proportions) for taxonomic purposes. Whether Centrochalcis be allowed to stand or 

 not, Cameron was at the time of its founding (1905) under a misapprehension ^^A\h. 

 regard to the armature of the propodeon of Stomatoceras, Kirby. It may also be 

 remarked that while Centrochalcis, Cam. (1905), is a true Haltichelline, Centrochalcis, 

 Cam. (1913), is undoubtedly a Chalcidine, which I cannot at present separate 

 from Trigonura, Sichel (1865). I have examined Cameron's genotypes in both 

 instances. 



