SCALE INSECTS OF THE GENUS PARLATORIA 5 
line and between the intermediate pore clusters of the segments on 
which they are present. With proper allowance for var iability, these 
intermediate and median cucts appear to possess definite utility for 
the differentiation of species. 
CICATRICES AND SCLEROTIC AREAS 
The first abdominal segment of some, at least, of these species bears 
a well-defined circular to oval clear area on each side, and this cica- 
trix may have some taxonomic utility, but the evidence regarding it 
thus far is too incomplete and too imperfect to permit its full use. 
It appears satisfactorily only in carefully prepared and stained speci- 
mens, and, although it can often be located in others, there is much 
uncertainty regarding its consistent presence or absence in many of 
these species. ‘Where there has been any evidence on the point, some 
statement respecting the presence or absence of this character has 
been included in the discussion, but such statements should be con- 
sidered as tentative. 
In addition to these cicatrices, certain tiny sclerotic flecks or spots 
have been noted within the margin of the pygidium of some species. 
The greatest development observed occurs in cinerea, where three 
flecks appear on each side, the first just anterior to the fourth pygid- 
ial lobe and the second and third in corresponding positions on the 
two abdominal segments preceding this lobe. In two or three other 
species a single fleck of the same sort has been noted anterior to the 
fourth pygidial lobe. Although often tiny and difficult to locate, 
these flecks appear to be relatively constant in their occurrence or 
absence. 
PYGIDIAL LOBES 
The lobes of all the species of Parlatoria here considered follow a 
standard pattern as regards the three posterior pairs, although these 
have more or less definitely specific characteristics, at least with some 
species. If the studies undertaken in connection with this work have 
been interpreted correctly, then it is necessary to accept the existence 
of appreciable variation in the actual and proportional sizes of the 
lobes making up the three posterior pairs. Although the character- 
istic average condition of these lobes is usually recognizable for each 
species, the size variation in some, for example, perg gandii, is marked. 
The fourth lobes are present in recognizable form in all these species, 
but they show extensive variation in shape and sclerotization and 
appear to possess characteristics of definite taxonomic utility. The 
fifth lobes likewise are sometimes present in recognizable form. The 
fourth and fifth lobes, where the latter occur, range In appearance 
from strongly sclerotized projections on the pygidial margin to deli- 
cate, fringed projections closely matching the adjacent plates. 
PLATES 
The pygidial and abdominal marginal plates occur in a fairly nor- 
mal pattern throughout these species, but they vary considerably 
in details of shape, size, and fimbriation. The normal arrangement 
is two plates between the median lobes, two between the median and 
second lobes, three between the second and third lobes, and three be- 
tween the third and fourth lobes, with a more or less continuous 
