

STREPSIPTERA. 
hence the name bestowed by Kirby, from ozpefous, a twisting, and 
mrepov, a wing; the posterior wings are fully developed, and fold 
up like a fan, whence the Order received the name of Rhipiptera 
from Latreille. The eyes, the facettes of which are few in num- 
ber, are placed on a foot-stalk, whence the name of the genus 
Stylops. The parts of the mouth connect the Strepsiptera with 
the mandibulated insects, although by some supposed to bear 
analogy by their functions to those parts in the Diptera. The 
male only is winged, the female resembling the larva. 
The Order consists of one family, the Stylopide, divided into 
four genera, of which two only, Xenos and Stylops, were described 
by Kirby in the essay referred to above. First, Xenos, from 
fevos, a guest, the most prolific in species, 
of which Xenos Rossii, sometimes called ves- 
parum, may be taken as the type. Secondly, 
Elenchus, of which Elenchus Walkeri is the 
type. Thirdly, Stylops (Fig. 422), para- 
sitical on various species of Andrene, of 
which Stylops Melitte, having a fleshy abdo- 
men, and the wings longer than the body, may be considered 
typical: and lastly, Halictophagus, of which only one species, 
infesting Halictus eratus,* named Halictophagus Curtisv, is known 

to exist. 
These singular insects are found in various parts of the world, 
Europe, America,—where they were discovered by Professor Peck 
almost simultaneously with Mr. Kirby's discovery in this 
country, and to whom he sent specimens of a species which has 
lately in New Zealand, and 


received the name of Xenos Pechii, 
elsewhere. 
* Halictus and Andrena are two gencra of Bees. 


























