1970] 
MacLeod — Baltic Amber Neuroptera 
175 
sided for abdominal segments I-IV then narrowing gradually to tip 
of abdomen; prothorax much narrower than remainder of thorax, 
somewhat trapezoidal in shape, widest posteriorly, dorsal surface 
with dolichasterine setae which are somewhat more slender than 
elsewhere on body (best seen in MCZ specimen) ; meso- and meta- 
terga with small, triangular, smooth latero-dorsal sclerites (pinacula 
of Tillyard, 1918b) above corresponding coxae, each bearing a few 
small dolichasters, these sclerites equal sized on the two segments 
(not visible in Berlin specimen) ; body surface posterior to prothorax 
(and ventrally on prothorax) covered with numerous small, broad, 
cup-shaped dolichasters; legs rather short, stout (tips missing in 
Berlin specimen). 
Head width — 0.98 mm (both specimens) ; head length (base of 
labial extension to level of occipital corner) — 1.0 mm (both speci- 
mens) ; total length from tip of closed jaws to tip of abdomen — - 
6.1 mm (MCZ specimen). 
Discussion. While recognizing his larva as a neuropteran, Hagen 
was understandably perplexed as to its relationships and after reject- 
ing any association with the Coniopterygidae, Hemerobiidae, and 
Sisyridae, he left open the possibility that it might be a nymphid or 
perhaps an unusual osmylid. Larvae of living species of the Psy- 
chopsidae were not described until the early years of this century, 
so Hagen’s perplexity is quite understandable. 
Hagen indicated some concern over the apparent shortness of the 
legs of his specimen and suggested the possibility that they had been 
mutilated. The amber piece containing his specimen was evidently 
once a faceted bead as it has a nearly circular outline and has been 
pierced through the center. In addition, traces of facets are still 
visible around its circumference. The original bead was not a single 
unit, however, as two separate pieces of amber have been joined 
together and, probably in preparation for this joining, the piece con- 
taining the larva was planed down to the point where portions of 
the legs and the ventral surface of the body were removed. The 
composite bead itself has been subsequently ground down, probably 
so as to better examine the larva, and the double piece now has the 
form of a round flat disc. The portions of the legs remaining in 
Hagen’s specimen, and the intact legs of the MCZ specimen, show 
that the legs of these amber larvae are normally proportioned for 
psychopsids. 
Judging from the size of the amber specimens they are both 
second-instar larvae. They differ in no important regard from a 
