Genus Protoeidex. 463 



Observations. — Described from two ? 's and two J's. It is a 

 very pretty small species, easily told by the thoracic adornment. 

 The $ palpi differ from Culex proper, and there are some 

 differences in wing scales and in general appearance. This small 

 stout gnat is totally different from any member of that genus. 



Genus PROTOCULEX. Felt. 



Bull. 79, Ento. 22, N. York St. Mus., p. 391, d. App. (1904). 



Felt proposed this new genus for my Culex serratus, giving 

 the following characters : — " Petiole of anterior fork-cell of $? 

 wing about one-half the length of the cell. Posterior cross-vein 

 more than its own length from mid cross-vein. The long lateral 

 vein scales well separated from the appressed vein scales. 

 Petiole of anterior fork-cell of male about equal in length to that 

 of the cell. Terminal clasp segment in $ genitalia slender, 

 curved with stout apical spines. Claspette represented by a 

 conspicuous basal spine-bearing lobe and a longer terminal one. 

 Harpes broadly dilated at base, slender apically ; harpogones 

 with re-curved apical spine. Larva with median air tube, comb 

 consisting of a few spine-like scales. Type, serratus, Theo." 



The characters here given are (1) venation and (2) $ 

 genitalia. The former are of no value as there is much variation 

 in any series of serratus, and the latter are of little more than 

 specific value — in any case, one cannot place a female in this 

 genus as there are no valid $ characters given. 



Nevertheless serratus differs in some respects from Culex and 

 Felt's genus is adopted; the following additional characters 

 augment those he gives : — 



Scales of head, thorax and abdomen as in Culex. Palpi of ? 

 of 5 segments, the apical one minute, $ palpi with two apical 

 segments swollen ; wing scales broader than in Culex, the lateral 

 ones more widely separate. 



Table of species : — 



Thorax in 6 and $ with a median pale stripe. 



Thoracic stripe broad, silvery. serratus. Theobald. 



Thoracic stripe narrow, creamy quasiserratus. n. sp. 



Thorax in 6 with dense pale scales all over ... dupreei. Coquillett. 



