SOMABRACHYS. By Dr. M. Heking. 
197 
19. Family: Megalopygidae. 
By Prof. Dr. M. Hebing. 
1. Genus: Somabrachys Ky. 
According to latest researches this is the only Megalopygidae Genus of the Old World. Db. Joedan 
demonstrated in 1916, that the numerous species described in this Genus, should be grouped under only 
3 species, which are easily distinguishable through structural characteristics of the imagines, as well as thiough 
the larvae. Later on Powell in 1919, based on observations extending over several years, particularly of the 
early stages, dealt with the Genus in a monograph, retaining the various species. Db. Joed an considers all 
the other species that have been described as synonyms of the 3 species he has defined and presumes that the 
varying outer appearance of the species described, is due to the general conditions of life and natural smioundings. 
As the larvae are exceedingly polyphagous and live varyingly on succulent or dry herbage, sometimes feeding 
on leaves, elsewhere on flowers etc, this might produce a differing appearance of the imagines. It would 
however appear, as if these many described species, were not merely synonyms, but as if they were at least 
tribes or colonies, if not actually subspecies. In many cases the various forms of the same territory occur partly 
in the mountains and partly in the plains, or again they seem to have developed into colonies due to particular 
food plants or other conditions of life. If now, contrary to Db. Joedan’s opinions, the forms that he held 
to be synonyms, are classified as subspecies, this is chiefly because, in spite of Powell s observations of t ie 
natural conditions, he has been unable to convince himself definitely of the identity of the various forms, 
he has also found various differences in the larvae of several of the forms. There is always the possibility 
that these subspecies are merely tribes or colonies; future investigations must be carried out over a wide 
area and by means of copious breeding, so as to establish the facts by means of differences in the larvae. - 
Hopp (1927), when comparing the Somabrachys with its nearest related Genera of the Lew World 1 rosnnae, 
holds same to be a highly specialised order, as is indicated by the wingless ?, the transformation of the tore- 
tibiae and tarsi into “climbing legs”, as well as the irregular uncus of the <$. On the other hand lie fine s 
an ancient inherited characteristic in the forking of the median nervure in the cell of forewings. He presumes 
that the 3 species have all evolved from a single species, since their isolation from the New World. I he species 
are most readily distinguished by the origin of vein 6 (median nervure) in forewings. 
S. aegrota King. (Vol. 2, p. 336, pi. 50 d). Frons in profile with a truncate chitinous process that 
projects pronouncedly. Abdomen on underside with dense spikes below the hairs. Femur slender, no prong 
at end In forewings vein 6 (median nervure) arises from the cell above the angle of disco-cellular. The pectin¬ 
ations of antennae are somewhat longer than in the subsequent species. End of the 10th segment (uncus 
of A somewhat clavate, truncate at end and hollowed out. The forms of this group are of medium size^and 
show only slightly pronounced dark neuration. The larva has only 7 of the transveise su xoisa ganc uai. 
clefts. From Palestine to Morocco. The subspecies can be divided into two groups, ol which the irs ■ is 
small and frail, the other however is of medium size with a more robust body, bolder thorax and more asci- 
culate hairs. — I. Group: — zion Hopp (15 1) is dark grey-brown without distinctly obvious veins. Margin zion. 
of forewings below the apex is very straight, the glossy fringes are paler than the wings. Yv mg expanse - mm. 
Palestine. — aegrota King. (16 a) is smaller, wings paler, more yellowish, hmdwings paler, veins do not s' am acyiou. 
out at all, costa of forewings markedly concave. Wing expanse 17 mm. Egypt, (Type is illustrated). - massiva m«^r«. 
Oberth. (16 a) is larger, darker grey-brown than zion, veins do not stand out. W mg expanse -‘ mm- ium!5 - . 
unicoJor Oberth. is from Algeria, no more definite locality is given. It is larger than adJierbal (Id 1), the han umco or 
are less golden brown, wings more densely scaled. - hiempsal Oberth. is similarly like adherbal, but thecoMa j lie mp,a . 
of forewings is straighter and apex more rounded. Khenchela, Province Constantine Algeria. - gulussa Oberth gulussa. 
(15 1) shows hindwings distinctly paler than forewings. Wings thinly scaled. $ similar to that of hoJh, nit e 
