March 1897.] 
Banks: On Two New Smynthurids. 
33 
DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SMYNTHURIDS. 
By Nathan Banks. 
We hardly expect to find in the tiny, soft-bodied spring-tails the 
curious peculiarities that often excite our wonder in the higher groups. 
The differences between species too often lie in uninteresting details. 
Sometimes the pattern of markings or the covering of scales attract our 
attention, but for the most part there is much similarity in appearance. 
In Florida the writer collected a Smynthurid distinguished from all 
known species by possessing a distinct median spine on the body; it has 
been described by Mr. Mac Gillivray as Smynthurus floridanus. 
Some years ago while collecting on Long Island I found a species 
of Smynthurus with clavate hairs on its back; the specimen was in some 
way lost, but this year I have rediscovered it. Beside the clavate hairs, 
which separate it from all other species, this form is also peculiar in 
having between the eyes two tubercles. The other species which I de¬ 
scribe below was swept from weeds on the top of the highest hill on Long 
Island ; it is peculiar in having at the tip of the body horn-like tubercles. 
This form I have named in honor of that distinguished authority on our 
Thysanura, Mr. Mac Gillivray. 
Smynthurus clavatus, sp. nov. 
Length 1.2 mm. Head yellowish, with some irregular reddish spots and a 
median stripe between antennae and eyes; antennae yellowish, darker at the tips ; 
abdomen rich brownish, rather purplish on the sides, anal tubercle yellowish ; leg s 
pale, mottled with brownish, furcula paler, but dentes somewhat purplish. (I have 
seen specimens darker throughout.) Head quite broad, with two conical elevations 
between the eyes, and a few small tubercles bearing short stiff hairs, simple hairs in 
front; antennae very short, first joint no longer than broad, second twice as long, third 
as long as first and second together, fourth about as long as the third, consisting of 
two parts, the basal the longer, the apical part tapering, only a few scattered short 
simple hairs on the antennae; dorsum of abdomen with scattered large clavate hairs, 
simple short spike-like bristles on the anal tubercle ; legs short, with one claw and 
a tenant hair at tip (apparently), clothed with stiff short hairs; furcula short, dentes 
about as long as the diameter of the anal tubercle, curved and with a few simple hairs 
below (when in place), mucrones one-third the length of the dentes, rather stubby, 
with minute teeth along the lower edge. 
One specimen under loose bark of a decayed log in a swamp, Oc¬ 
tober, Sea Cliff, N. Y.; two others (darker in color) escaped me. 
Easily distinguished by the short antennae, tubercles between eyes, and 
clavate hairs on dorsum. 
