SCUTELLEROIDEA OF IOWA 123 
Genus PODISUS Herrich-Schaeffer 
1853. Popisus Herrich-Schaeffer, Wanz. Ins., IX, 296 and 337. 
The differences between this and the preceding genus seem to 
be more apparent than real, the most striking being 
those of size and the form of the apex of the head. With very 
few exceptions all the forms contained in this genus are Ne- 
arctic and Neotropical and partake of the same economic value 
as do members of the genus Apateticus. The characters of the 
genus Podisus may be briefly summarized thus: 
Sides of the head nearly parallel, the apex truncate, the juga and tylus 
equal in length, or rounded with the tylus slightly longer than juga. Eyes 
prominent. Second segment of antennae longer than fourth. Rostrum 
stout. Humeral angles usually prominent, often produced into spines; 
antero-lateral margins of pronotum crenulate or denticulate. Abdomen 
with a spine of variable length at base. Anterior femora unarmed; ante- 
rior tibiae simple. Length usually under 13.0 mm. 
Two subgenera are recognized in the North American fauna. 
Subgenus Popisus Herrich-Schaeffer 
1853. Popisus Herrich-Schaeffer, Wanz. Ins. IX, 296, 337. 
1860. TrLepTa Stal, Rio. Jan. Hem., I, 10. 
Body oblong ovate. Head sinuate just before eyes, then parallel or 
somewhat contracted towards the apex which is broadly rounded or sub- 
truneate. Thorax with lateral angles more prominent, rarely small and 
obtuse, often produced into strong acute spines. Base of abdomen armed 
with a spine of variable length. 
Key to the species 
Humeri entire, acute or spinose; membrane with dusky longi- 
tudinal vitta; form narrower behind middle 
Ventral spine long, extending between posterior coxae; median 
ventral row of black spots small with the last one much 
farger- length, 10.0-14.0 mm................. maculiventris 
Ventral spine short, not reaching to posterior coxae; median 
ventral row of black dots gradually becoming larger poste- 
riorly ; length, 7.0-12.0 mm. 
Form broader; second segment of antennae about four 
times as long as first; color darker; length, 9.0-12.0 mm. 
I a serieventris 
Form narrow, depressed ; second segment of antennae little 
more than three times as long as first; color reddish yellow; 
FEMS (OS OO. MM SO EEO ee Oe ia modestus 
