MEMBRA CIDJE. 
155 
As before stated, mimicry is an important factor in tbe struggle for the fittest, but 
not the sole factor. The naturalist has to investigate how these subterfuges 
successfully act, and in what way they fail. 
But enough has here been touched upon with reference to this highly interesting- 
subject which is being so ably treated by others; as it is only incidentally connected 
with this monograph. 
Sub-family : TRAGOPINjE. 
The small size, the shining horny exterior, and the variegated colouring of the 
Tragopinee suggest to the eye some of the diminutive Coleoptera rather than species of 
the order of Hemiptera. One feature, however, to be noted in these Homoptera is the 
absence, or the rudimentary nature of the antennae. These organs, so important in 
other insect orders, are almost invisible, or perhaps wholly wanting in some of the 
Gicadidse, and markedly in the Membracidse. On the other hand, the rostrum, the 
trimerous character of the tarsi, the ocelli, and the incomplete metamorphosis, at once 
will settle any doubts as to which order specimens under examination should be ranged. 
The neuration of the tegmina in Tragopa is peculiar. The embolion or costal 
area is broad and semi-coreaceous, with two (quasi?) apical, and one large discoidal 
areas (see figs. 19 and 20, Plate VI. in the B.C.A.). The homologues of these 
cellules is somewhat difficult to fix. The peripheral borders occupy a large part of 
-the tegmina of Tragopa. 
Canon Fowler divides the sub-family into the genera Tragopa and Horiola. Stal. 
adds to these the genera Stilbophora, Ceratopola, and Tropidolomia. 
More than fifty-three species have been recorded by authors, but with the 
exception of some nineteen representative species in the National Collection, chiefly 
comprised in the genera Tragopa and Horiola, this monograph only cites the places 
where other diagnoses may be found. 
TRAGOPA INSIGNIS, Fowler. 
(Plate XXXII. figs. 10, 10a.) 
Fowler, l.c. Tab. VI. figs. 18, 18a, p. 85. 
Rather large; shining and punctured, pronotum quite covering the tegmina ; 
scutiform by the dorsal aspect; colour sordid ochreous ; anterior portion black, crossed 
by a broad ochreous band, with a fine dark intercepted marking; a broad black 
fascia occurs across the lower half; apex pointed with a blunt ovipositor or tube, 
capable in the female of retrocession; legs short and reddish testaceous; tegmina 
hyaline. 
This species appears to belong to the sub-genus Stilbophora of Stal.—“ Fowler.” 
