1974] 
Parsons — Pterothorax of Cryphocricos 
47 
latter is marked dorsolaterally by a narrow, unpigmented band of 
sclerotization, the homologue of the membrane (fig. 5; MEM) 
which is present in typical Naucoridae. Muscle 70 originates only on 
the metanotum, posterior to this band, as in other macropterous 
nau corids, and its fibers do not extend onto the postnotum (fig. 2). 
Micropterous Cryphocricos 
(figs. 3, 4, 6, 7) 
In short-winged Cryphocricos as in macropterous ones, a well- 
defined second phragma (figs. 6, 7; PH) is present only at and 
between the ventral phragmal processes (VP). In addition, the 
mesothoracic postnotum appears to be incomplete in micropterous 
Cryphocricos. These skeletal modifications are more easily observed 
in newly-moulted adults (figs. 3, 6) than in older ones in which parts 
of the thickened exoskeleton have coalesced (figs. 4, 7). 
In newly-moulted specimens the portion of the postnotum which 
usually lies immediately lateral to the ventral phragmal processes 
appears to have disappeared. The scutellar lobe (figs. 3, 6; SL) is 
shorter than in macropterous Cryphocricos , and its ventral wall is 
directly continuous medially with the metanotum (N III), upon 
which Muscle 70 originates. The junction between these two regions 
forms a fold (F) which projects anteriorly and is continuous with 
the phragmal process (fig. 6). Short, sclerotized struts connect its 
edge secondarily with the mesonotum (N II). The anteromedial 
fibers of Muscle 70 originate on the edge of this fold, immediately 
beneath the opening into the scutellar lobe (fig. 3; OSL). They thus 
attach farther anteriorly than in macropterous Cryphocricos (fig. 2), 
in which they originate well posterior to the opening. 
The more anterolateral fibers of Muscle 70 do not attach to the 
edge of the fold but are separated from it by a roughly triangular 
area which represents the lateral portion of the incomplete postnotum 
(fig. 3; PN). There is no membrane or unpigmented band marking 
its posterior boundary with the metanotum. It is ventrally continu- 
Figures 5-7, Diagrammatic internal views of intersegmental part of 
pterothoracic terga in various adult Naucoridae. Terga have been cut 
parasagittally, medial to wingbases, and removed from body; only left 
side, between ventral phragmal process (VP) and cut edge, is shown. 
Arrow indicates level at which anteriormost fibers of Muscle 70 originate. 
Fig. 5. Pelocoris femoratus (ventral phragmal process cut off at base). 
Fig. 6. Newly-moulted micropterous Cryphocricos barozzii. Fig. 7. Older 
micropterous C. barozzii. 
