151 



ORTHOPTERA. 



By J. a. O. TEPPER, F.L.S., 



Entomological Curator, Public Museum, Adelaide. 



The Orthoptera collected by Mr. R. Helms, the naturalist of 

 the expedition represents most of the groups of the order, the 

 collection comparing very favourably in number and species with 

 even the richest of the other orders. Considering the difficulties 

 the capture and preservation of these insects present, the col- 

 lection is so far satisfactory, but the many new forms exhibited 

 among the comparatively small number indicate that very much 

 is still to be learned. 



There have been and still are only a few specialists for the 

 order even in the Old World, and none in Australia. Their 

 works, moreover, are published in several languages and difficult 

 to obtain, forming mostly parts of the transactions of scientific 

 societies, and only obtainable at irregular opportunities. It has 

 therefore been impossible for me to identify or recognise the 

 greater number with the certainty desirable, and while of these 

 only a general and approximate list can be given, several families 

 have been examined exhaustively, and revealed a number of forms 

 new to science, so far as I am able to judge. As the collection 

 of the requisite literature proceeds, and my other duties permit, 

 detailed descriptions will be drawn up and published in due 

 course. 



The 101 specimens placed in my hands comprise about 26 

 genera, and 30 — 40 species. Owing to the delicacy and brittle- 

 ness of their organs, many suffered considerably during the long, 

 rough transit, notwithstanding the great care taken by the. 

 collector. 



FoRFicuLAKiA (Earwigs). 

 Not represented. 



Blatxodea (Cockroaches), 



Apolita decorata, Tepper. Eraser Range. One larva. 

 Tschnoptera longiuscula, Walk. (?). Cootanoorina. Tliree adults. 

 Epilampra Fraseriana, Tejjper. Eraser Range. Two adult males, 



and one female larva. 

 Polyzosteria pubescens, Tepper. 



males and two larvie. 

 Polyzosteria Mitchelli, Angas. 



specimens. 



Eraser Range. Three adult 



Victoria Desert, &,c. Ten 



