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OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) LONDON: I9g61 DATES OF PUBLICATION OF THE PARTS No. 1 — 16 September 1960 No. 2 — 18 November 1960 No. 3-17 January IQ61 No. 4-17 January Ig61 No. 5-17 January 1961 No. 6 — 28 February 1961 No. 7 — 30 March 1961 No. 8 — 30 March 1961 No.9- 4 July 1961 No,10- 14 July IQ61 PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN AT THE BARTHOLOMEW PRESS DORKING BY ADLARD AND SON, LTD. NO»-~ 4: CONTENTS ENTOMOLOGY VOLUME X A taxonomic study of the larvae of West African Simultiidae (Diptera : Nematocera) with comments on the morphology of the larval black-fly head. By R. W. CRossKEY Notes on some Mallophaga from Mammals. By G. H. E. Hopkins A revision of two species complexes in the Pyraustinae (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae). 1. Cotachena histricalis Walker. 2. Syngamia floridalis Zeller. By Paut E. S. WHALLEY Microlepidoptera from the Solomon Islands. Additional records and descriptions of Microlepidoptera collected in the Solomon Islands by the Rennell Island Expedition 1953-54. By J. D. BRADLEY A revision of the genus Ducetia Stal (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). By D. R. RAaGGE New Pseudococcidae (Homoptera : Coccoidea) from Africa. By G. DE Lotto A catalogue of the types and other specimens in the British Museum (Natural History) of the genus Zygaena Fabricius, Lepidoptera : Zygaenidae. By W. G. TREMEWAN A taxonomic study of some Indo-Australian Drepanidae (Lepidoptera). By ALLAN WATSON A preliminary revision of the families and subfamilies of Acridoidea (Orthoptera, Insecta). By V. M. Dirsu Sur les Psélaphides de Ceylan. By RENE JEANNEL Index to Volume X PAGE ce 2 EI 5B 211 241 317 351 423 A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF Aoi PAR VAL OP WEST AFRICAN SIMULITIDAE (DIPTERA: NEMATOCERA) WITH COMMENTS ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE LARVAL BLACK-FLY HEAD R. W. CROSSKEY BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. r LONDON : 1960 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE LARVAE OF WEST AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE (DIPTERA : NEMATOCERA) WITH COMMENTS ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE LARVAL BLACK-PLY HEAD BY R. W. CROSSKEY, Commonwealth Institute of Entomology, Saale Pp. 1-74; 194 Text-figures BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. 1 LONDON: 1960 THE BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY), instituted in 1949, ts issued in five series corresponding to the Departments of the Museum, and an Historical Series. Parts will appear at irregular intervals as they become ready. Volumes will contain about three or four hundred pages, and will not necessarily be completed within one calendar year. This paper is Vol. 10, No. 1 of the Entomological serves. © Trustees of the British Museum, 1960 PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM Issued September, 1960 Price Twenty One Shillings AY TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE LARVAE OF WEST AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE (DIPTERA : NEMATOCERA) WITH COMMENTS ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE. LARVAL BLACK-FLY HEAD By R. W. CROSSKEY}? CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION. : I DEFINITION OF WEST AFRIca AND List 0 OF West AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE : 3 MATERIAL AND METHODS : ; , : ; , 5 MORPHOLOGY OF THE SIMULIID Heap CaPsuLe ‘ F ‘ , ‘ 6 LARVAL CHARACTERS AND THEIR TAXONOMIC VALUE ‘ ; , ‘ ste) NOTE ON THE LARVAL INSTARS : 19 LARVAL CLASSIFICATION AND KEy TO SpECIES-c -GROUPS OF " ETRrIorran SIMULIIDAE é 2I KEY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF LARVAE OF West ‘AFRICAN BLACE-1 -FLIES 30 LARVAL DESCRIPTIONS : , : ; é : 3 : : 34 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. z ; : : : : F A : 92 REFERENCES ; ; ; F P ‘ i ; : F ee INTRODUCTION THE present study of the larvae of West African black-flies was begun in 1954 when I was engaged on a survey for Simuliidae in Northern Nigeria, mainly in connection with the distribution of Simulium damnosum Theo., the West African vector of onchocerciasis (Crosskey, 1956, 1957). It soon became clear that in the absence of any keys to Ethiopian black-fly larvae it was impossible reliably to identify larvae unless (a) they were associated with pupae of one species only, in which case it was reasonable to assume that larvae and pupae were conspecific, or (b) they showed a characteristic form of “ gill-spot ’’ in mature larvae which made their correlation with known pupae virtually certain. This difficulty fortunately did not apply to S. damnosum, whose characteristic larval features were already known, but larvae of other species could usually not be named at all, particularly if they were collected separately from pupae. On the other hand identification of pupae and adults was reasonably straightforward with the use of Freeman & de Meillon’s (1953) monograph of Ethiopian Simuliidae ; although these authors have briefly 1 Lately Entomologist, Ministry of Health, Northern Nigeria. ENTOM. 10, I. I 2 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE alluded to some of the more evident larval characteristics they have not given detailed larval descriptions or keys, and the present contribution is in a sense supple- mentary to their work with the intention of bringing our knowledge of the larvae more into line with that of the other stages. In this paper I have described, and given a key to, the species of West Africa only (for definition of West Africa see below), and it is hoped to provide a further study of the species of the rest of the Ethiopian Region (i.e. Africa south of the Sahara) at a later date. I have however examined all larval material of Ethiopian Simuliidae in the B.M. collection, and have taken into consideration all published larval descriptions including those of species from Madagascar. In this way I have been able to draw up a key to the larvae of the species-groups for the Ethiopian Region as a whole, but it should be appreciated that the definitions of species-groups and the key may require modification as more becomes known (especially since the larvae of many central and southern African species are still unknown). The early instars of the larvae of almost all the Ethiopian Simuliidae are unknown and most collections contain only mature larvae or larvae of medium size which are probably in the third or fourth instar (assuming that there are normally six instars in larval Simuliidae, as has recently been well demonstrated by Terterjan (1957) in Wilhelmia paraequina (Puri)). It will doubtless be some years before all the instars of all species are collected and described, and at the present time taxonomy has perforce to be based on mature or almost mature (presumably VIth stage) larvae, and this must be borne in mind in using the keys and descriptions. Younger larvae normally differ very considerably from older larvae and attention has been drawn to these differences in another section below. In this paper I use the words “mature larva”’ in the accepted sense of a larva which has attained its greatest length and in which the histoblast of the pupal respiratory organ is developed, although according to Hinton (1958) the so-called fully mature larva is in reality a ‘‘ pharate pupa ” which has undergone the larval-pupal moult and which continues to masquerade as a larva within the last larval cuticle. But since the taxonomic characters reside in the cuticular structures evidenced by this last larval skin it is legitimate taxonomically to speak of the mature larva, albeit that the living animal invested by the non-ecdysed skin is already the pupa. The larvae of several species of Ethiopian Simuliids have already been described, but many of the descriptions are very incomplete and until the present paper no larval keys have been published. The first references to larvae of Ethiopian black- flies are those of Roubaud (1907), who commented on the rectal gills of S. damnosum, and of King (1909), who gave somewhat imperfect coloured illustrations and a few lines of description of S. damnosum and S. griseicolle Becker ; the observations of these authors were repeated by Austen (1909). Further scattered, but more detailed, descriptions were given by Gibbins (1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1939). Gibbins’ larval slides (in the B.M. collection) have been examined and there are several inaccuracies in his descriptions ; as Freeman & de Meillon (1953) have already remarked, Gibbins seems sometimes to have made his drawings from mounts of whole larvae, so that “ differences’ between species appear which do not in reality exist, especially in the case of the mandibles which are in fact often remarkably uniform. In some TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 3 cases the number of rows and hooks per row in the posterior circlet seems to be exaggerated by Gibbins, and my own counts on his slide material do not agree, particularly in species with very numerous hooklets such as S. dentulosum Roubaud ; I have recorded these discrepancies where appropriate in the descriptions which follow. One of the most striking and easily seen differences between species, that of the postgenal cleft, was overlooked by Gibbins and he did not record this character in any of his larval descriptions. However, most of Gibbins’ description is essentially sound, and difficulties of working in African conditions may be responsible for inaccuracies. More recently the larvae of some further species have been described by Roubaud & Grenier (1943), Grenier & Doucet (19494, 19496), Grenier & Rageau (1949), Grenier & Ovazza (1951, 1956), Grenier, Hamon & Rickenbach (1955), and Grenier & Mouchet (1959) ; a few larval features have been noted by Freeman & de Meillon (1953), and Freeman (1955) has briefly described the larva of S. bernert Freeman, a remarkable species associated with mayfly nymphs and possibly belonging in the S. copleyi Gibbins complex. McMahon (1957) has noted some characteristics of the larvae of the S. neavet Roubaud complex and Lewis (1960) records certain differences in the hypostomium of species in this complex. In other zoogeographical areas knowledge of black-fly larvae is, for some territories at least, more advanced than in the Ethiopian Region, and larval keys exist for : Alaska (Sommerman, 1953) ; Australasia (Tonnoir, 1925) ; Australia (Mackerras & Mackerras, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1952) ; Britain (Edwards, 1920; Puri, 1925; Smart, 1944) ; Central Asia (Rubtzov, 1951) ; France (Grenier, 1953) ; Guatemala (Dalmat, 1955); Java and Sumatra (Edwards, 1934) ; Mexico (Vargas, Palacios & Najera, 1946) ; New York State, U.S.A. (Johannsen, 1903; Stone & Jamnback, 1955) ; North-eastern States, U.S.A. (Johannsen, 1934) ; U.S.S.R. (Rubtzov, 1956). DEFINITION OF WEST AFRICA AND LIST OF WEST AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE In this paper I use the term West Africa in a geographer’s sense (e.g. Harrison Church, 1957) to include that area lying to the west of the western boundary of the Cameroons Republic (former French Cameroons). Long usage has given West Africa this fairly precise meaning based upon its physical separateness from Equatorial and North Africa. The northern limit of West Africa is defined by the northern boundaries of the territories of French West Africa, but for all practical purposes by the Sahara. The western boundary of Cameroons Republic (the boundary between the former British and French Cameroons) lies along the watershed formed by the Cameroon-Adamawa Highlands (Adamawa Massif), which stretch with few breaks from the Gulf of Guinea to Lake Chad. This mountainous area is drained south- eastwards to the Sanaga River and Bight of Biafra, and north-westwards principally to the Benue-Niger system ; the narrow plain of the Benue River forms the only major break in the upland chain, which in places rises to 7,000 or 8,000 ft. with the southernmost outlier (Cameroons Mountain) reaching over 13,000 ft., the highest land in Africa west of the Ruwenzori range. 4 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE To what extent the natural divide provided by the Adamawa Highlands forms a zoogeographical barrier is problematical but its significance may have been under- estimated. Zoogeographically the West African Sub-region of the Ethiopian Region is usually held to include West Africa as defined above together with Equatorial Africa and the Congo Basin, and it is true that there is often a general uniformity in the fauna of this sub-region as a whole ; nevertheless there are usually also species which are characteristic either of the Congo Basin or of Upper Guinea (that area to the west of the ‘“‘ Dahomey gap ”’ where the savannah penetrates to the sea). The term West African Sub-region is scarcely apt for the composite area from Senegal to the Congo, and seems as inappropriate as the term Ethiopian Region itself ; similarly the term Guinea is very unsatisfactory since its meaning has always been vague, and since confusion may now arise with the Republic of Guinea. We really require a new, less ambiguous, name to denote the area at present called the West African Sub-region, and to restrict the term West Africa to that portion of the sub- region lying west of the “‘ Cameroon corner”’ of the Gulf of Guinea. It seems to me that West African faunal works are best delimited by the Adamawa Highlands since this is a natural topographical entity which may very likely be of zoogeographi- cal importance. If, on the other hand, Cameroons Republic is regarded as belonging in West Africa (as for example by French entomologists) it becomes inpossible to define West Africa in a logical way, for no topographical or zoogeographical barrier exists between Cameroons Republic on the one hand and Gabon, Middle Congo, and Oubangi on the other; the faunistic associations of Cameroons seem to me to be much more definitely with Equatorial Africa and the Congo basin than with West Africa proper. In view of the considerations given above I have omitted from this paper Simuliidae which are known from Cameroons Republic (former French Cameroons) but not from west of the Adamawa Highlands, e.g. S. hissettewm Gibbins (= S. vargasi Grenier & Rageau) and S. ovazzae Grenier & Mouchet. From West Africa as defined twenty-one species and twenty-eight pupal forms of Simuliidae are known, all of which are placed by Freeman & de Meillon in Simulium Latreille ; they are listed below in the species-groupings given by Freeman & de Meillon (1953). Full synonymy is given by these authors, and all specific names given in this paper are employed in the same sense as Freeman & de Meillon (op. cit.). Division A Group I. Simulium alcockit Pomeroy, 1922, type form form occidentale Freeman & de Meillon, 1953 form djallonense Roubaud & Grenier, 1943 form coalitum Pomeroy, 1922 Simulium johannae Wanson, 1947 Simulium schoutedent Wanson, 1947 Simulium impukane de Meillon, 1936 Simulium kenyae de Meillon, 1940 Simulium mcmahoni de Meillon, 1940 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 5 Group II. Simuliwm cervicornutum Pomeroy, 1920, type form Simulium unicornutum Pomeroy, 1920, type form form palmert Pomeroy, 1922 form blacklockt Edwards, in de Meillon, 1930 Group III. Simulium ruficorne Macquart, 1838 Simulium aureosimile Pomeroy, 1920 Group IV. Simulium hirsutum Pomeroy, 1922, type form Simulium adersi Pomeroy, 1922 Simulium bernert Freeman, 1954 Division B Group V. Simulium griseticolle Becker, 1903, type form form tridens Freeman & de Meillon, 1953 Group VI. Simulium dentulosum Roubaud, 1915, type form Simulium loutetense Grenier & Ovazza, 1951 Group VII. Simulium medusaeforme Pomeroy, 1920, type form form hargreavest Gibbins, 1934 Simulium vorax Pomeroy, 1922, type form Simulium colas-belcourt Grenier & Ovazza, 1951 Simulium bovis de Meillon, 1930 Simulium damnosum Theobald, 1903 S. berneri Freeman, described after the publication of Freeman & de Meillon (1953), is placed here in the hirsutwm-group because it appears to be most nearly allied to S. copleyi Gibbins and S. Jumbwanus de Meillon, species which are also associated with mayfly nymphs and which Freeman & de Meillon place in Group IV. Whether the copleyi and neavei complexes can legitimately be placed in the same group as hirsutum and adersi seems, however, very problematical. MATERIAL AND METHODS Larvae of all the twenty-one West African species are known and have been examined. Those of fifteen species were personally collected in Northern Nigeria, and larvae of the remaining species have been studied from material in the B.M. collection or belonging to Dr. D. J. Lewis. In addition to the spirit material I have also examined the slides of larvae in the B.M. collection, including those made by the late E. G. Gibbins from which his larval descriptions were drawn up. Correlation of larvae with known species has been established by: (a) collecting larvae with pupae of known species ; (b) confirming identity by dissection of the pupal respiratory organ of mature larvae (many of the Ethiopian species having very characteristic pupal gills); and (c) by examination of male genitalia from pupae collected with larvae, particularly for confirmation of identity in cases where the pupae themselves might be confused. Larvae collected personally and those in the B.M. collection are preserved in 80% alcohol and it should be noted that descriptions of colouring are based on this spirit material ; long preservation in spirit changes the general colour and so 6 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE far as possible the colour descriptions have been made from my own larval material recently collected. Larvae are undoubtedly best kept in spirit ; material kept in chloral gum seems most unsatisfactory since after such treatment the body shape may be distorted, the pigmentation and general colour difficult to make out, and the presence or absence of ventral papillae may become difficult to ascertain with certainty. Certain characters are best seen in spirit material without mounting; these include body shape, pigmentation and coloration, presence or absence of ventral papillae, form of the postgenal cleft, secondary lobules in the anal gills, and some- times the cuticular ornamentation of scales or spines. Almost all other characters require slide mounts. Mounts of whole larvae have been found of very little value, and for the present study separate balsam mounts of the following larval structures have been made for each species (after the customary treatment with 10% KOH and clearance in cedar-wood oil): head capsule (mounts of whole head capsule without appendages, ventral surface uppermost, in cavity slide), hypostomium, antennae, cephalic fans, mandibles, maxillae and hypopharynx and labrum, proleg, pupal respiratory histoblasts, abdominal cuticle, posterior circlet and anal sclerite. Staining is in general not required, and in this study a phase-contrast microscope was used for the examination of very small or unsclerotized structures, particularly for the fan-ray setae, the pecten of the lateral plate of the proleg, and the cuticular hairs (? microtrichia) and setae. Stained preparations (using 1°% acid fuchsin in 20% alcohol) were however made of the rays of the cephalic fans. In the descriptions I have, however, omitted mention of the setae on the inner surfaces of the cephalic fan-rays. These setae are generally very uniform in species which are closely similar, and only differ slightly from the usual picture in species which are otherwise very easily distinguished ; consequently they seem to have little or no taxonomic value for separating closely allied species, where one needs to find reliable characters. I have recorded the number of rows in the posterior circlet to which the posterior arm of the anal sclerite extends ; it will be noticed that this number is very different in different species, but it is of course a measure of the closeness of the rows in the circlet, and not of the length of the arm of the sclerite. Segment length ratios for the antennal segments have been given in the descrip- tions, and for this purpose the third and fourth segments have been regarded as a single segment since the fourth (apical) segment is extremely small; only three figures therefore appear in the ratios given. Larval descriptions are based on mature larvae ; in species with more than one pupal form the larva is described from the type form, except in the case of S. medu- saeforme form hargreavest which is very common and abundant whereas the type form of medusaeforme is rare. As far as is known at present the larvae of different pupal forms are in any case indistinguishable from one another except on the respira- tory organ, which is strictly a pupal character. MORPHOLOGY OF THE SIMULIID HEAD CAPSULE The need to apply in taxonomy a valid name to the strongly sclerotized antero- ventral region of the cranial wall has led me to consider in this section the general TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 7 morphology of the larval black-fly head. Although the morphology of the head capsule of other groups of larval Nematocerous Diptera has been recently studied, e.g. in the Anisopodidae by Anthon (1943), in Ceratopogonidae by Lawson (1951), in Chironomidae by Cook (1944a) and Gouin (1959), in Culicidae by Cook (1944) and Snodgrass (1959), and in Tipulidae by Chiswell (1955), there does not appear to be any published interpretation of this work in relation to the head of larval Simuliidae, although Grenier (1949) has made use of the term “ hypostomium ”’. It is necessary to consider here briefly the morphology of the larval black-fly head, since in my view it is important that morphological names should be used as far as possible in taxonomic studies, and that taxonomic terms must be jettisoned if they conflict badly with the usage of morphologists. For many years the flattened and toothed antero-ventral projection of the head capsule has been termed the mentum or submentum (most authors follow Puri (1925) in using the latter name) and sometimes even the labium. It seems odd that this structure, so evidently a part of the cranial wall without articulation of any sort, should have been regarded as of labial (i.e. head-appendage) origin. Recently however the work of the authors cited above has established that the so-called . submentum is in fact formed from the head capsule proper, and the name hypostomium has been given to this area (Anthon, 1943 ; Hennig, 1950 ; Lawson, 1951 ; Chiswell, 1955; and Snodgrass, 1959), and is followed in this paper. Gouin (1959) calls it the hypochilum in Chironomidae, but this seems an unnecessary departure from the accepted term hypostomium. To appreciate the nature of the hypostomium requires some consideration of the whole ventral region of the head capsule (Text-fig. 2). The Simuliid larval head is prognathous, and the elongation of the head has required the “ filling in” of the long area between the foramen magnum and the mouthparts. The foramen magnum is mainly bounded (not medio-dorsally or ventrally) by a distinct darkened band which is to be regarded as the post-occiput, delimited anteriorly by a slight groove or post-occipital sulcus (“ post-occipital suture ”’). Ventro-laterally the post-occiput is developed into two small backwardly-directed processes which may be interpreted as occipital condyles. Anterior to each condyle is a small oval hollow which is generally surrounded by a strongly sclerotized area; since these pits lie ventrally in the course of the post-occipital sulcus it seems legitimate to interpret them as posterior tentorial pits (occipital pits of Sommerman (1953)), although it should be noted that no tentorial endoskeleton is invaginated from them. The sclerotized ventral surface of the head between the posterior tentorial pits and the labium is formed by the postgenae, which become greatly elongated in many insects with a prognathous head in order to form a sclerotized floor to the cranium. In some Nematocerous larvae (e.g. Chironomus and certain mosquitoes) the ventro- median union of the postgenae remains evident as a longitudinal line or median postgenal suture. In Simuliid larvae however there is no such line remaining to indicate the postgenal union, although a few species show a more weakly sclerotized longitudinal area behind the base of the hypostomium, and some (e.g. in the genus Cnephia End.) are even completely unsclerotized in the midline. The position in the Simuliid head is further complicated since the ventral cranial wall between the 8 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE LABRUM MANDIBLE ‘ \ MAXILLARY PALP \ \ \ \ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ \ ‘ A) ‘ ANTENNA... Ve ae | eet \ ‘ STEM OF CEPHALIC FAN ' ‘ ' ' ‘ ' ‘ i] 4 ' 1 i] ' \ ‘ ' ' 1 ' ' 1 ‘ ' A oh ‘ \ ' 1 ' - mee -_ CEPHALIC CLEAVAGE LINE CEPICRANIAL SUTURE’) __ ~ - wan. { ANTERO-MEDIAN---9°""7 ~~~ Ty ; ANTRAO-LATERAL nasareeeninsndens-[--- GF HEAD- : ich MEIER HPD CU nate os akc. Wine a CEPHALIC APOTOME ~_<-7r" baad . Rk -——_ ‘ des ¢ POSTERO-MEDIAN ---~*""— | (‘FRONTO-CLyPEUS') . fie BH Le--.. Li ease To een) ae ete POSsT- \ POSTERO-LATERAL--"~ ti ST-OCCIPUT MAXILLA . MANDIBLE_ ~ MAXILLARY PALP HY POPHARYNX woe ences HYPOSTOMIUM POSTGENAL BRIDGE- 7 --- POSTGENAL CLEFT -- a4-°""" «ooo -—-- POST. TENTORIAL PIT ---~ a POST-OCCIPUT~ ' . H Py x ‘ 4. ‘ ‘ ’ . Re es = o CEPHALIC FAN . ‘ s OCCIPITAL FORAMEN 2 ‘oceipitat CONDYLE Head capsule and head appendages of mature (VIth stage) larva of Simulium ; Fics, 1 and 2. (x) dorsal; (2) ventral, TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 9 foramen magnum and the hypostomium is not always completely sclerotized—in fact only very few species (e.g. S. bernert, Text-fig. 39) have a completely sclerotized ventral surface to the head capsule. The vast majority of species have the posterior part of the ventral surface unsclerotized, so that the postgenae meet only in the anterior part, leaving a membranous opening behind, the postgenal cleft (Text-fig. 2). This cleft (occipital cleft of Sommerman (1953), epicranial cleft of Stone & Jamn- back (1955), ventral cleft of Rubtzov (1956) and French workers) occupies a position anterior to the posterior tentorial pits on the ventral surface and can hardly therefore be of occipital origin, nor can it be regarded merely as a forward ventral extension of the foramen magnum since the pits normally mark the ventro-lateral limits of the foramen. If the region of the cleft were sclerotized (as it is in fact occasionally) it would be “ filled in”’ by the postgenae, and I have therefore described it as the postgenal cleft. The size and shape of the cleft are extremely variable (providing one of the most valuable taxonomic characters) but it does not as a rule extend forward as far as the hypostomium, leaving a sclerotic bridge between its anterior apex and the hypostomial groove which marks the base of the hypostomium. The area between cleft and hypostomium I have called for taxonomic purposes the postgenal bridge (Text-fig. 2). In some species of Cnephia however, as mentioned above, the postgenal cleft tapers forward to reach the hypostomium so that the postgenal bridge is incomplete medially ; a similar condition appears very rarely in Simulium, e.g. in S. tbariense Zivkovitch & Grenier. The condition in these Simuliids is then not very dissimilar from that in the Tipulid larva in which the postgenae do not meet in the midline. The Tipulid hypostomium is clearly of paired origin, and according to Snodgrass (1959) is formed by the union of two processes extended forwards from the antero-median corners of the postgenae. Accepting Snodgrass’ interpretation the hypostomium of Nemato- cerous larvae is postgenal in origin. In Chironomids the hypostomium shows no evidence of its dual origin, and there is also no line dividing it posteriorly from the postgenae proper. In Simuliid larvae however a transverse line is impressed on the cranial wall behind the hypostomium, so that the hypostomium appears to be a separate sclerotization from the postgenal bridge. This line is clearly secondary, but is valuable in taxonomy since it divides the hypostomium from the postgenal bridge and enables the relative lengths of the two areas to be compared ; for this purpose it may be termed the hypostomial groove (Text-figs. 2 and 4). Morphologically the hypostomium, being postgenal, is part of the postgenal bridge, but in the taxo- nomy of Simuliid larvae it is useful to distinguish the areas in front of and behind the hypostomial groove as the hypostomium and postgenal bridge respectively as in Text-fig. 2. The whole composite sclerite forming the ventral and lateral walls of the cranium is sometimes termed the epicranial plate (e.g. by Stone & Jamnback (1955)), delimited from the fronto-clypeus which forms the dorsum of the head by the so-called frontal sutures (the arms of the Y-shaped epicranial suture). Snodgrass (1947, 1959) main- tains that the frontal sutures have no morphological significance, that they are simply lines of weakness at which the head capsule ruptures during ecdysis, and that they do not define any specific part of the head ; he therefore calls the sutures cephalic to TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE cleavage lines and the sclerotic area between them the cephalic apotome, and I have followed these terms in this paper (Text-fig. 1). Ordinarily, as Snodgrass points out, the clypeus extends to the bases of the mandibles, and the frons is the facial area between the antennae and the eyes ; hence the cephalic apotome is not equiva- lent to the fronto-clypeus, so that it is perhaps best to drop this term from taxonomic use. In the early instars of Simuliid larvae the cephalic apotome does not form part of the postero-dorsal margin of the head, since the post-occiput and the occipital region of the head are produced from either side so that they almost meet in the midline, leaving only a narrow occipital cleft rather as in mosquito larvae (the stem of the Y of the “ epicranial suture”’). In successive instars the gap between the parts of the post-occiput on either side widens so that the cephalic apotome comes to provide a large part of the postero-dorsal margin of the head capsule—that is to say that the occipital cleft increases so much in width that it is no longer recog- nizable as a cleft. The lateral area of the head in front of the eye-spots is the gena. LARVAL CHARACTERS AND THEIR TAXONOMIC VALUE The morphology of the Simuliid larva has been described in detail by Puri (1925), and useful brief accounts of larval characters are given by Smart (1944), Hennig (1950), Grenier (1953), Sommerman (1953), Stone & Jamnback (1955), and Rubtzov (1956). It will be useful however to record some comments on the characters of value in the taxonomy of larvae from the Ethiopian Region. Body shape and cuticular ornamentation. Fully mature larvae of African black-flies vary from 4-11 mm. in length, but are usually fairly constant for any one species ; on average the larvae are much smaller than those of Holarctic species. There are two distinct body shapes, as has been noted in the case of Mexican and Guatemalan species by Vargas, Palacios & Najera (1946) and Dalmat (1955) ; insome the abdomen is slightly clubbed with the posterior segments clearly set off from the anterior seg- ments and the sides of the thorax somewhat swollen (Text-figs. 7 and rr), and in others the abdomen (as seen in lateral view) expands gradually to its widest point and then contracts abruptly to the posterior circlet (Text-fig. 10) and the thorax is scarcely swollen laterally. The body form is constant within the species. Those with the clubbed abdomen normally show a pair of ventral papillae, downwardly- directed conical processes on the last abdominal segment just before the posterior circlet (Text-fig. 7), and those species with the gradually expanding form are without ventral papillae. The presence or absence of these papillae (ventral tubercles of some authors including Sommerman (1953) and Stone & Jamnback (1955)) appears to be of some fundamental taxonomic importance, and in any faunal area there is normally a fairly clear division of Simuliwm s.l. species according to their presence or absence. Their correlation with a definite body form is also striking, although there are exceptions, and some African species with a clubbed abdomen are without papillae, e.g. S. griseicolle and S. bovis (Text-fig. 6). The dorsal surface of the body is normally smooth in outline, but in one Ethiopian species (S. damnosum) the anterior abdominal segments are produced dorso-laterally into paired conical processes or tubercles (Text-fig. 9), of variable size but often very strongly prominent ; such protuberances seem to be very unusual, but Edwards (1934) has figured them in TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 11 the larva of ? S. varicorne Edw. from Sumatra, and I have seen similar though smaller protuberances in the Palaearctic S. (Titanopteryx) maculatum Mg. The function of these tubercles and of the ventral papillae is difficult to surmise, but it is notable that the latter occur principally in slow-water species and are most frequently absent in species living in swiftly-flowing water. The cuticle of most species bears well sclerotized setae, at least dorsally on the posterior abdominal segment. In some species setae also occur on the thoracic cuticle, but are normally absent from the proleg (S. damnosum is an exception to this). The large setae are socketed and presumably modified macrotrichia; in some cases they are simple spine-like setae but are frequently flattened fan-shaped or spatulate scales (Text-figs. 136-154). The form of the setae is more or less constant for any particular species and extremely useful as a taxonomic character in Ethiopian forms, although it does not seem to have been used in the taxonomy of black-flies from other zoogeographical regions. Most species show only one type of scale or seta, but in one species (S. griseicolle) both simple setae and fan-shaped scales occur together. In a few species the cuticle is apparently bare, but careful examination always seems to show the presence of some small socketed hairs on the swollen areas of the abdomen between the anterior and posterior arms of the anal sclerite (the ‘‘ expansions latero-dorsales ’’ of Grenier (1949)). In addition to socketed setae (macrotrichia) the cuticle may show minute colourless hairs; these seem to be almost impossible to see after potash treatment but may be seen in spirit material by transmitted light with the larva lying laterally. These exceedingly minute unsclerotized hairs appear to be filamentous extensions of the cuticle, without alveoli, and are therefore microtrichia as defined by Imms (1957) ; their occurrence may be fairly general, but they are certainly present in the cervicornutum-group and in S. dentulosum which otherwise appears to have a bare cuticle. The setae in Simuliid larvae are generally scattered, haphazardly arranged and without definite chaetotaxal arrangement. Pigmentation and colour. Although the head capsule is sometimes pale and unpig- mented most species show a definite head pattern and pigmentation. The markings of the head are formed by groups of head-spots (Text-fig. 1) which occur where the muscles are attached to the cranial wall. There are often more or less evident four groups of spots which may be termed antero- and postero-median, and antero- and postero-lateral head-spots. In some species the spots themselves are pale but the areas around them are darkened (e.g. Text-figs. 16-18), and in other species the spots are dark and the surrounding areas pale (e.g. Text-fig. 23) ; Edwards (1934) and Hennig (1950) have appropriately called these “ negative’’ and “‘ positive ”’ head markings respectively, and these terms are followed in this paper. Although some species show an indefinite pattern, either with an unpigmented head or with the head capsule strongly and rather evenly infuscated, it is usually possible to discern into which category they fall; negative pattern species may show very faint traces of an H-shaped pigmentation dorsally and a 3-shaped pigmented area laterally behind the eye-spots (essentially like Text-fig. 21), and positive pattern species may show the dark head-spots just a little more boldly than the surrounding dark pigmentation. Despite the variability in the intensity of pigmentation, the 1z2 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE CEPHALIC APOTOME POST-OCCIP ITAL SULCUS ‘ ANTENNA CEPHALIC FAN~-._ PUPAL RESPIRATORY oe“ HISTOBLAST PROLEG CIRCLET — Pee LATERAL ---~ PLATE a PROLEG” wae MAXILLA-*” ‘ ‘ H i POSTERIOR TENTORIAL Se HYPOSTOMIUM POSTGENA PIT 3 INTERMEDIATE TEETH MEDIAN TOOTH CORNER TOOTH ABDOMINAL _- SCALES nt OR SETAE LATERAL SERRATIONS HYPOSTOMIAL SETAE Pg oe VENTRAL .-* S PAPILLA AN\SSa \ “Sse. \ et ’ 9’ HYPOSTOMIUM \ \ 4 4 ‘ / \ POSTERIOR ANAL SCLERITE CIRCLET HYPOSTOMIAL’ 5 GROOVE POSTGENAL BRIDGE 4 Fics. 3-5. Mature (VIth stage) larva of Simulium: (3) lateral view of head; (4) ventral view of hypostomium ; (5) left lateral view of larva. general head pattern is extremely valuable taxonomically, and is normally constant for a particular species-group (Freeman & de Meillon (1953) suggested that head colour as a character is not applicable to Ethiopian species, but I have found this to be far from true). Pigmentation also varies in intensity in the antennae and in the lateral plates of the proleg, though this is not of much significance ; generally speaking these structures are pale and unpigmented in the smaller species, but darkened in the larger species, especially on the basal segment of the antenna. In TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 13 the known Ethiopian species of Cnephia the antennae are strongly pigmented on the apical halves with a pale ring between second and third segments. The general colour of the larval body is pale, milky-white (rather translucent in living material) but shows a variable amount of darker coloration which is deter- mined by chromatocytes visible through the cuticle ; the chromatocytes are large polygonal cells containing pigment granules which form a peripheral epithelium below the basement membrane (Hinton, 1959). The chromatocytes are closely aggregated dorsally but are fewer ventrally, where instead of lying adjacent to one another they are connected by cytoplasmic threads ; hence the colour of the larva is normally darker above, and pale below. On the abdomen the chromatocytes are occasionally less numerous intersegmentally, giving the larva an appearance of dark segmental mottling; they are normally absent from the abdomen ventro- apically so that this region is distinctly pale. The pigment granules within the cell- layer formed by the chromatocytes impart to the larva, since the cuticle and epidermis are transparent, a general colour which varies from pale yellowish or greenish or grey to dark brown or nearly black ; generally speaking the colour is fairly constant in any one species, although some species do vary considerably. Chromatocytes also invest much of the nervous system and render the ventral nerve-cord very evident in certain species—e.g. the dark grey nerve-cord of S. medusaeforme. In the thoracic region the pattern of the chromatocytes varies considerably with larval development, so that whereas in younger larvae the peripheral layer covers much of the thorax in older larvae the chromatocytes withdraw from the developing histoblasts of the wings, legs and pupal respiratory organ. The histoblasts therefore form milky-white islands in the general thoracic colour which increase in size as the larva matures. The pupal respiratory histoblast becomes dark brown with maturity of the larva. Head. The shape of the head capsule is generally very constant, but is sometimes unusually elongate as in S. neavei complex species and rarely strongly arched and contracted posteriorly as in S. copleyi. The eye-spots are of much the same size in most species, but in the S. neavei and S. copleyi complexes they are very small and also appear to be reduced in Ethiopian Cuepiia. Otherwise they have no taxo- nomic value. The labrum has been mounted and examined in each species but seems to be very uniform and I have found no significant differences. The form of the cephalic apotome varies slightly, in some species being more or less parallel-sided and in others contracted anteriorly, but hardly provides a workable character. On the other hand the form of the postgenal cleft (Text-figs. 28-47) is very varied but provides one of the most valuable taxonomic characters since the shape is more or less constant for any species ; furthermore the shape appears to be the same in each instar. In some cases the cleft is enormous and occupies most of the ventral aspect of the head with the postgenal bridge very reduced, but in other cases the cleft is small and the postgenal bridge long (see Dorier (1945)). Rarely the cleft is absent. The form of the hypostomium is the most time-honoured larval character, but it has to be admitted that in many of the Ethiopian species it is remarkably similar and sometimes virtually indistinguishable, as in species of the alcocki-group (Text-figs. 48-52) ; nevertheless there are many species or species-groups in which 14 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE its form is characteristic, and in order to record hypostomial characters in the descriptions I have used the names shown in Text-fig. 4. In almost all African species there is an apical row of nine teeth (13 in neaver-complex and 13-15 in known Cnephia species) in which the teeth at the antero-lateral angles and the tooth in the centre of the row are the most prominent (i.e. the median and corner teeth) ; between the median and corner tooth of each side are three intermediate teeth which are subequal in size or in which the middle one is smaller than the others. In some groups all the apical teeth are short and blunt with the median tooth only very slightly more prominent than the others and the corner teeth very broad basally. Lying laterally behind each corner tooth are two blunt dark strongly sclerotized teeth lying in the plane of the apical teeth, and behind these in a slightly different plane the lateral margin of the hypostomium is usually produced into a series of lightly sclerotized blunt or sharp serrations ; for descriptive purposes I have referred to all this series of denticulations as “lateral serrations ’’, although it should be appreciated that the anterior two on either side are separately sclerotized from the rest of the series and are more closely associated with the apical teeth. It appears that the two outer pairs of the thirteen apical teeth in the meavei-complex are derived from these first two serrations which have been produced forwards to lie in a row with the other teeth. The number of serrations is variable but their form, whether blunt or sharp, is fairly constant in any species. The hypostomium bears ventrally on either side a row of hypostomial setae (epicranial setae of Stone & Jamnback (1955)) which are frequently frayed apically ; the number of these setae varies slightly in each species, but some have more than others. Usually there are about 4-7 in each row, but often more, and S. dentulosum may have up to 18 setae on either side ; the number each side is not always the same. The number of setae and their position relative to the lateral margin of the hypostomium are of taxonomic use ; in some species the setae lie more or less parallel to the hypostomial margin, but in others distinctly diverge from the margin posteriorly. In the latter case the hypostomium is relatively shorter and broader than in those with the setae and margin more or less parallel. The distance between the apex of the corner tooth and the base of the first hypostomial seta is variable, and this distance varies from about half of, to more or less the same as, that between the apices of the corner teeth. In addition to the rows of large setae the hypostomium also bears ventrally some small basal discal setae, often one each side (as in Text-fig. 66), but the number and arrangement is variable and they have no taxonomic value. The antennae are 4-segmented, but the apical segment is a minute elongate cone, and for practical purposes I have regarded it as part of the third segment so that in the segment length ratios given in the descriptions the third figure represents the third and fourth segments combined. Segment length ratios vary between species, but also vary very greatly according to the age of larvae, so that different species must be compared in the same instar. The length of the first segment relative to its breadth may be useful taxonomically. The paired apical papillae on the second segment are of no value and are very uniform. The cephalic fans (premandibles, mouthbrushes) are of limited taxonomic use. The number of rays varies somewhat in mature larvae, and also increases with TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 15 each instar during development. The mean number of rays in mature larvae does, however, differ between species and some clearly have more than others—especially -the swift-water species in which there may be as many as 60 or 70 rays. Closely allied species, in which one needs to find characters, usually have much the same number. The small secondary fan is not much help with Ethiopian species, although Sommerman (1953) has used it generically for the Alaskan fauna. The setae borne on the inner margins of the rays of the main fan have been examined with a phase- contrast microscope in each species, in case they might provide characters of use in separating closely similar species; unfortunately they appear to be of little taxonomic use. There is some variability in the pattern of the setae but they are more or less identical in closely allied species, and are only distinctive in species which are easily enough identified on less obscure characters—e.g. S. dentulosum and S. damnosum. The setae are always clearly of two types, long and strong setae which are socketed macrotrichia with shorter and finer setae between ; the smaller setae appear to be without alveoli and are probably microtrichia. The macrotrichia are generally spaced at about a ray’s width from each other, but the spacing varies according to the position on the ray and to the position of the ray within the fan. The mandibles have considerable taxonomic value, especially generically, in the Simuliidae of some parts of the world, but their usefulness among Ethiopian black- flies is somewhat restricted. Certain species-groups show particular characteristics in the mandibular teeth, and occasional species have some unusual character, but in many cases the mandibles are extremely uniform, as for instance in the alcocki and cervicornutum-groups. The shape of the mandible is very constant, but in some species the outer margin is more strongly arched than usual and the basal area of the apical teeth may be very broad; the length of the apical teeth also varies slightly. The comb-like series of teeth borne on the inner side varies in different groups (cf. Text-figs. 112 and 113), and rarely they are very reduced as in S. berneri (Text-fig. 114) ; normally they either form a rather even row gradually decreasing in size, or the first three are differentiated as stout comb-teeth from the remaining more slender rather bristle-like teeth. In the latter case these first three teeth, which are referred to as comb-teeth in the descriptions, usually vary themselves in size, with the first (apical) one much larger than the others and the second shorter than the first and third ; occasionally the first three comb-teeth are subequal. In addition to bearing the comb-teeth the inner edge of the mandible is produced into denticulations which I have called mandibular serrations. In almost all Ethiopian species the serrations are paired (Text-figs. 112 and 113, M.s.) with the posterior serration much smaller than the anterior. The form of the serrations has some use taxonomically ; the form of the anterior serration is sometimes very elongated, and the posterior serration is absent in S. griseicolle. In one Ethiopian species of Cnepwa there is a series of saw-like serrations as in the Holarctic species of Prosimu- lium. Unfortunately the serrations are usually identical in very closely allied species. The maxillae are very uniform except for the single-segmented maxillary palp which varies in length; the length of the palp relative to its width at the base (when seen laterally in the flattest position of the maxilla) has been noted in the descriptions. The apical processes of the palp vary somewhat in length, and seem ENTOM. 10, I. 2 1 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 17 to be shortest in swift-water species. The hypopharynx and labium (very well figured by Grenier (1949 : 219)) have been examined in each species studied but seem to be very uniform and without taxonomic characters, although it is possible that very detailed study of these structures might show differences in the sensillae of the prementum. Thorax. Grenier (1949: 191) has figured the structure of the ventral proleg. The proleg bears a pair of dorso-lateral lightly sclerotized plates on the apical segment, each of which carries distally a pecten of lightly sclerotized strongly tapering pro- cesses ; the approximate number of the processes has been given in the descriptions, but they are difficult to count and are of very limited usefulness as a character. They are most numerous in species with many hooks in the circlets, especially in Cnephia species ; sometimes the processes are simple and subequal in size, but often they are more or less subdivided at the base so that each strong process is associated with one or two very small secondary processes. The apical crown of hooks, the proleg circlet, shows a variable number of radial rows of hooks, and the number of hooks per row is also variable. The proleg hooks are difficult to count and not of much use for identification ; Sommerman (1953) however has found that the shape of the lateral plate is helpful in the case of Alaskan Prosimulium. The pupal respiratory organ, on each side of the prothorax in mature larvae, can be dissected out for examination and is often extremely useful in identifying Ethiopian species, many of which have very characteristic pupal gills easily recog- nizable in the gill-spot of the larvae; larvae belonging to different pupal forms of the same species may in some cases be recognized simply by external examination. The respiratory histoblast is not, however, very helpful in the case of species having pupal gills of the simple filamentous type—in dissecting out the gill-spot the filaments very easily break and in their tightly coiled condition are very difficult to count. The general outline of the gill-spot and the direction assumed by the branches or filaments are more or less constant in each species (Text-figs. 173-194). Abdomen. Apart from the presence or absence of ventral papillae (Text-fig. 5), and the setae of the cuticle, the abdomen shows few very useful taxonomic characters. In a few Ethiopian species there is a characteristic pair of small lateral sclerites on the last segment just before the circlet (Text-fig. 155, A.c.); sometimes these accessory sclerites are represented by two or three very small slightly separated sclerotizations, or as a series of very small pale plaques lying in a dorso-ventral line. Similar sclerites occur in certain Australian species such as S. torresianum Mackerras & Mackerras and S. aureonigrum Mackerras & Mackerras but in none of the known Ethiopian species is there a complete sclerotized band running ventrally round the last abdominal segment and connecting the lateral accessory sclerites as occurs in some A ustrosimulium species, particularly A.mirabile Mackerras & Mackerras and to a lesser extent in A. fulvicorne Mackerras & Mackerras, although traces of ring-like sclerotization occur in S. buckleyi de Meillon. Fics. 6-12. Larval body-shape in: (6) S. bovis ; (7 and 11) species of Division A with ventral papilla present ; (8 and 12) S. medusaeforme ; (9) S. damnosum; (10) S. vorax. Ris. = rectal scales. 1% TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE The presence or absence of rectal scales (peri-anal scales) on the dorsal wall of the rectum just before the anal opening is not very helpful with Ethiopian species, although this character has been used as the first segregate in Dalmat’s (1955) key to Simulium s. str. of Guatemala; these scales are present and very numerous in all Ethiopian species I have examined except S. damnosum and the neavei-group, in which they appear to be either totally wanting or reduced to the minutest vestiges. The function of these scales is presumably to clean the rectal gills which are retractile projections from the ventral floor of the rectum (Headlee, 1906), protrusible through the anal opening ; it seems curious that they should be absent in a species with very numerous secondary lobules in the gills. The scales are well figured in Puri (1925) and Grenier (1949). The form of the rectal gills is also of little value as a taxonomic character in Ethiopian species, except in so far as the gills have three simple lobes in Cnephia but are normally subdivided into numerous accessory thumb-like or finger-like lobules in Simulium. Most Simulium species have numerous secondary lobules (as in Text-fig. 171), but rarely each of the three lobes is simple (Text-fig. 172) or has only one or two small accessory lobules (Text-fig. 170) ; the number of lobules increases in successive instars, but even in the mature larva the number normally varies considerably although some (mainly fast-water) species clearly have more than others. In the most variable species (e.g. S. ruficorne) some mature larvae may have the gills simple, others may have one or two extra lobes, and yet other larvae may show several digitate lobules. The anal sclerite (anal armature of Puri (1925), Hora (1927), and Gibbins in various papers) is always strongly sclerotized and in all Ethiopian species is the usual X shape. Some authors (e.g. Stone & Jamnback (1955)) refer to it as the X-shaped sclerite, which is descriptive in a sense, but as Grenier (1949) says is inexact since the anterior arms lie in a horizontal plane but the posterior arms lie more or less at right-angles to them in a vertical plane. The anal sclerite is very uniform in the Ethiopian species except for those forms living in phoretic association with mayfly nymphs or crabs ; in this group, perhaps as an adaptation to attachment on other Arthropods, the anal sclerite occupies a distinctly dorso-apical position instead of the usual dorsal position and the posterior circlet is more or less shifted downwards and forwards into a ventro-apical instead of a purely apical position ; furthermore the arms of the sclerite are very attenuate. In other species there is sometimes a slight median posterior projection (e.g. Text-fig. 168), but no African species have the small backwardly-directed spur from each anterior arm as in the Austrosimulium species. The shape of the sclerite is apparently useful taxonomically in the Australian species and has been figured by Mackerras & Mackerras (1948-52) in their larval descriptions, but in general it is not of much value with the Ethiopian fauna. The posterior circlet, or posterior crochet ring of Sommerman (1953), normally occupies a distinctly apical position on the abdomen, but in species of the neavei and copleyi-complexes it tends to lie more obliquely than usual in a ventro-apical position. The number of rows of hooklets and the number of hooks per row differs between species. Some species clearly have very numerous hooks and rows, while in TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 1g others there are obviously fewer (cf. Text-figs. 155-157 and 158-160) ; these differ- ences provide useful characters, but the individual variability has to be borne in mind, and it may be noted that the rows and the hooks per row increase with the age of the larva from instar to instar. The number of hooks in a row is usually fairly easy to count, but the number of rows is more difficult ; the rows can most easily be counted by cutting through the circlet ventrally and flattening out either side. It is worth noting that Grenier (1949) has established that the posterior circlet is morphologically a pseudopod comparable to the anterior pseudopod (proleg) ; the term “ posterior sucker’, used for instance by Gibbins in his descriptions, is of course quite inappropriate. NOTE ON THE LARVAL INSTARS Simuliidae are usually said to have six larval instars, and Terterjan (1957) has confirmed this in Wilhelmia paraequina (Puri), principally by measurements of the head capsule during larval growth; Terterjan’s findings probably hold generally for the family. Most larval structures undergo considerable modification during larval life, so that descriptions and keys based on last stage larvae are not of much help as a rule in identifying the younger stages ; furthermore it is usually difficult if not impossible to be certain in which instar a larva may be, though Terterjan’s work, if generally applicable, helps considerably with this point. The first instar is always easily recognizable by the presence of the egg-burster on the dorsum of the head and by the simple shaft-like, apparently single-segmented antenna (the antenna is in fact 2-segmented but the apical segment is minute). The second instar has a 3-segmented antenna, and the normal 4-segmented condition is reached in the third instar. Subsequently the proportions of the antennal segments undergo altera- tion so that the segment length ratios are very different in the fourth to sixth instars. The number of rays in the cephalic fan, the number of hypostomial setae, and the number of hooks in the proleg and posterior circlets also increase greatly as the larva grows ; the rectal gills have a simple trilobed form in the very young larva but increase in complexity in successive instars so that mature larvae of Simulium species (not always in other genera) usually have many secondary digitations. Other characters also become modified with increasing age, including the form of the hypo- stomium and mandibles; in fact very few characters remain similar throughout larval life. It does seem however that the shape of the postgenal cleft remains fairly constant, although its size naturally increases with the growth of the larval head capsule. The form of the capsule itself also undergoes minor modification, particularly in the shape of the cephalic apotome which comes to occupy more of the postero- dorsal margin of the head because the ends of the post-occipital collar converge less closely in successive instars. The pair of small cervical sclerites (Text-fig. 1) becomes more or less differentiated in the fourth instar, but remains closely associated with the ends of the post-occiput until the last stage. In the thorax the pale imaginal discs of the legs, wings, halteres and of the pupal respiratory organ become evident in the fourth stage larva as six small round spots on either side ; the size of these buds increases gradually until pupation, but only the histoblast of the pupal respira- tory organ becomes darkened. The areas of the imaginal buds are not covered by 20 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 17 18 19 20 Fics. 13-20. Head pattern and pigmentation of (13) S. johannae ; (14) S. impukane ; (15) S. memahoni ; (16) S. kenyae; (17) S. cervicornutum ; (18) S. unicornutum ; (19) S. aureosimile ; (20) S. ruficorne, TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE a1 chromatocytes, and larvae showing no traces of the buds are probably younger than the fourth instar. LARVAL CLASSIFICATION AND KEY TO SPECIES-GROUPS OF ETHIOPIAN SIMULIIDAE Freeman & de Meillon (1953) have provided a sound classification of the Ethiopian Simuliidae based on adult and pupal characters. They accept only two genera in the Ethiopian fauna, Simulium Latreille and Cnepiia Enderlein ; the latter genus is represented only by half a dozen species confined to South-West and South Africa, and the vast majority of species belong in Simulium in the broad sense. The Ethiopian Simulium fall into two more or less distinct categories, referred to by Freeman & de Meillon as Divisions A and B, each division with a number of species-groups based on male genital characters or on the structure of the pupal respiratory organ. Some of these groups are clearly equivalent to the genera accepted by workers elsewhere, e.g. Rubtzov (1956) ; the medusaeforme and ruficorne groups for example correspond to the genera Wilhelmia Enderlein and Eusimulium Roubaud respectively. In general the present study of the larvae strongly supports Freeman & de Meillon’s classification, and most of their groups are reasonably distinctive in the larval stage. It is not however easy to find an unexceptional larval character which distinguishes Ethiopian Cuephia from Simulium; the character of body-shape mentioned by Freeman & de Meillon (op. cit., p. 32) does not hold, since S. vorax Pomeroy and many other Division B species have a similar shape. The best character seems to be the hypostomium, which in Ethiopian Cnephia is closely similar to that in the Holarctic Prosimulium Roubaud and quite different from that in the Palaearctic species of Cnephia such as are figured by Rubtzov (1956). In Cnephia the rectal gills are simply trilobed and the cuticle without scales or setae, but in Simulium the gills (although normally with many secondary lobules) are also very occasionally without secondary lobules and the cuticle of many species is also bare. The mandibles may be more dependable ; in Cuephia there are at least traces of three mandibular serra- tions and in C. muspratti Freeman & de Meillon there is a whole series as in Prosimu- lium. In Simulium, on the other hand, there are almost always two serrations (rarely only one), but the larva of Simuliwm gyas de Meillon (described by Grenier & Doucet (1949b) as Simulium sp. M,) from Madagascar shows three mandibular serrations ; the larva of another species from Madagascar, probably belonging in the ruficorne-group and described by Grenier & Doucet (19494) as Simulium sp. Ms, also shows three serrations. The postgenal cleft of the southern African Cnephia is very small, rather as in Prosimulium, without the long cleft which extends to the hypostomium in some of the Palaearctic Cnephia (but by no means all of them). In the material seen of Cnephia larvae from southern Africa the number of processes carried apically on the lateral plates of the proleg is very high, and far more than in any Ethiopian Simulium known to me ; the apical half of the antenna is also very strongly pigmented (except for a very distinct intersegmental ring between second and third segments). With limited material it is difficult to be sure how valuable these differences might be. Freeman & de Meillon (1953) regard several Ethiopian species of Simulium as 22 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE being represented by two or more distinct pupal forms. It is possible that these pupal forms are in reality complexes of very closely allied species, but in the main the characters of the larvae (so far as they are known) belonging to different pupal forms are identical—except of course in the respiratory organ of the pupa as repre- sented in the last stage larva. The larvae provide no evidence that the pupal forms are anything more than this. The only possible exception to this known is S. pauliant Grenier & Doucet, which Freeman & de Meillon regard as a form of S. unicornutum Pomeroy, but the larva of pauliant as described by Grenier & Doucet (1949b) has branched fan-like scales instead of the large obvious spatulate scales on the abdomen of unicornutum ; as the form of cuticular ornamentation is normally very constant in any species it seems possible that pauliani is a distinct, though very closely related, species. Very large flattened scales on the abdomen also occur in S. schoutedent Wanson and S. mcmahoni de Meillon, and this feature combined with other larval characters such as the large postgenal cleft and sometimes the presence of lateral abdominal accessory sclerites, suggests that these two species are closely allied to S. wnicornutum and S. cervicornutum and belong in the cervicornutum-group, although Freeman & de Meillon (1953) have—on the basis of their filamentous pupal respiratory organ— placed them in Group I, the alcocki-group. When the male genitalia are considered another resemblance is evident ; the ventral plate in schoutedenmt, mcmahoni, cervi- cornutum, unicornutum and aureliani Fain, is distinctly indented each side, as though “pinched in ”’ laterally. In the larva of S. alcockt Pom. and in closely related species in the alcocki-group, S.johannae Wanson, S.tentaculum Gibbins, and S. impukane de Meillon, the abdominal cuticle bears small branched rather fan-like setae, and the ventral plate in the male genitalia (although varying in shape) has little or no trace of a lateral hollowing-out or notch. Unfortunately the different types of setae in the larvae combined with the different ventral plates in the male genitalia does not provide a hard and fast difference between the alcocki-group and the cervicornutum-group ; the inevitable intermediates exist. In Simulium kenyae de Meillon there is a very distinctly “‘ pinched in”’ ventral plate but the larval abdominal scales are much-branched, and in S. hissettewm Gibbins the opposite is the case—the ventral plate is almost identical with alcocki but the cuticular scales are simple (larvae of hissetteum have not been seen but Grenier & Rageau (1949) have described the larva, and figured the scales, under the name S. vargast Grenier & Rageau which is synonymized with hissetteum by Freeman & de Meillon (1953)). The scales of hissetteum however are much smaller than those of cervicornutum, but the postgenal cleft is small as in alcockt. The larvae of those species which live in so-called phoretic association with other Arthropods, i.e. the neavei-complex on crabs and the copleyi-complex on mayfly nymphs, do not completely fit in with the characters shown by free-living larvae, and on a purely larval classification extraordinary species like S. bernert Freeman might very reasonably be placed in a separate genus from Simuliwm. On the whole the mode of life of these species and their larval characters (some of which are no doubt adaptive to their unique environment) make them very different from other species of Simuliwm, and it is questionable whether it is legitimate to place them in TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 23 the same group with S. hirsutum Pomeroy, as in Freeman & de Meillon’s (1953) classification, although the male genitalia and pupal respiratory filaments are admittedly similar. Until their status can be more definitely ascertained it seems desirable, certainly useful in practice, to regard these unusual species as a group on their own, the neavei-group, which is in turn divided into two sub-groups, the neavei- complex on crabs and the copleyi-complex on mayflies (although it is not certain that the two complexes are monophyletic) ; it is then easier, as far as larval characters are concerned at any rate, to define Divisions A and B and the hirsutum-group. An outline of the principal characteristics of the species-groups is given below, as they appear at present : (1) S. alcocki-group. Ventral papillae present; abdominal cuticle with branched somewhat fan-shaped scales ; head capsule with negative pattern ; postgenal cleft small and rounded ; hypostomium with usual nine apical teeth. [Note. In material seen of S. impukane de Meillon from Nigeria and Nyasaland the pattern of the head is negative—traces of dark pigmentation around pale head- spots—as in other alcocki-group species. In Grenier & Doucet’s (1949b) figure however the head-spots are clearly dark, which is unusual in Division A species except for the ruficorne-group, and furthermore the size they give—length 7 mm.—is much larger than that in impukane larvae as known from elsewhere. It is possible that Grenier & Doucet’s material from Madagascar is not true impukane. In S. kenyae the postgenal cleft is of medium-size, transverse-oval in shape, and larger than in other species of this group.] (2) S. cervicornutum-group. Ventral papillae present; abdominal cuticle with very large scales, serrate apically ; head capsule with negative pattern ; post- genal cleft large ; hypostomium with usual nine apical teeth ; last abdominal segment usually with lateral accessory sclerites. [Note. I include S. schoutedent and S. mcmahoni in this group, and the larva of S. bequaerti Gibbins, not at present known, may come in here. The larva of S. pauliant Grenier & Doucet has cuticular setae of the alcocki-group type but the postgenal cleft resembles that of unicornutum; its characters are therefore intermediate between those of most species in the alcocki and cervicornutum-groups. | (3) S. ruficorne-group. Ventral papillae present ; cuticle bare ; head capsule with positive pattern ; postgenal cleft small or very small, usually subquadrate ; hypostomium with usual nine apical teeth ; last abdominal segment sometimes with traces of accessory sclerotizations. [Note. This is perhaps the most distinctive group with the unusual combination of dark head-spots and ventral papillae ; the absence of scales or setae is also a difference from other Division A species, and the maxillary palp is unusually long and narrow. The larvae described as Simulium sp. M, and M, from Madagascar by Grenier & Doucet (1949a) evidently belong in this group, and in the figures they give of M, there seems to be no distinction from ruficorne (the remarkable mandibular serrations with the enlarged posterior serration, the absence of antero-lateral head- spots, the postgenal cleft and the hypostomial teeth appear identica)).] 24 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Fics. 21-27. Head pattern and pigmentation of (21) S. adersi ; (22) S. dentulosum ; (23) S. loutetense ; (24) S. medusaeforme hargreavesi ; (25) S. vorax ; (26) S. colas-belcourt ; (27) S. damnosum. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 25 (4) S. hirsutum-group (excluding neavei-copleyi-complexes). Ventral papillae present, usually small; abdominal cuticle with scattered simple spine-like setae ; head capsule with negative pattern or unpigmented ; postgenal cleft of medium size, subcircular ; hypostomium with usual nine apical teeth. [Note. In the material of S. aderst Pomeroy described by Gibbins (1934) from Nsadzi Island, Lake Victoria, ventral papillae are absent and larvae are much larger than those of adersi as known from elsewhere. It is possible that so-called adersi is a complex of sibling species. There are no larvae available from the type locality, Zanzibar, to ascertain the characters of true adersi.| (5) S. neavei-group. Head capsule rather elongate or strongly arched and contracted behind ; eye-spots very small; hypostomium unusual, with a more or less regular row of 13 apical teeth in meavei-complex but of varied form in copleyi- complex ; head capsule without distinct pigmentation or with faint pigmentation around areas of pale head-spots; postgenal cleft small, subquadrate or absent; abdominal segmentation unusually distinctly marked; ventral papillae absent ; rectal scales absent or represented only by minute vestiges ; arms of anal sclerite long and narrow, anterior arms rather less strongly divergent than usual ; anal sclerite tending to lie in an apical position instead of a strictly dorsal position, and posterior circlet usually rather oblique in a ventro-apical position instead of the usual strictly apical position. [Note. The cuticular ornamentation is variable; in some cases the cuticle is bare, e.g. S. ovazzae Grenier & Mouchet, and perhaps all meavei-complex species, but in S. bernert the whole cuticle is densely covered with pale clubbed hairs. The tendency shown in these species for the posterior circlet to come to lie rather obliquely in a slightly ventro-apical position instead of directly across the apex of the abdomen is presumably an adaptation to life on the mobile host.] (6) S. grisetcolle-group. Ventral papillae absent; cuticle of thorax and abdomen densely covered with setae of two types, simple spine-like setae and branched fan-like scales; head capsule without pattern, pale; postgenal cleft very large, subcircular ; hypostomium with usual row of nine apical teeth ; mandible with one serration only. [Note. This group includes only S. griseicolle Becker and S. gariepensts de Meillon which are the only Ethiopian species in which the adult is without setae on the basal section of the radius. The larva of gariepensis however is not known and therefore may not fully conform with the characters given above. | (7) S. dentulosum-group. Ventral papillae absent ; cuticle bare ; head capsule with positive pattern ; postgenal cleft small; hypostomium with usual nine apical teeth, the teeth rather blunt ; often large larvae up to II mm. usually grey in colour with abdomen of gradually expanding form. [Note. The dark head-spots of this group are usually very distinct, but are sometimes obscured by general dark pigmentation. The hypostomial setae are very numerous in some species and the hindmost setae may lie in two or three irregular rows, Most species live in swift water and consequently the number of rows of hooks 26 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE and the number of hooks in each row of the circlets are often very high. Simulium gyas de Meillon, described as Simulium sp. M, from Madagascar by Grenier & Doucet (19496), apparently has simple setae on the cuticle of the posterior abdominal segments, and a medium-sized cordate postgenal cleft, providing an exception to the characters of the group as given above. Its larval characters are therefore very close to those of S. medusaeforme, and the pupal respiratory organ is also of medusaeform type ; the adult is unknown, and, as Freeman & de Meillon point out, the affinities of S. gyas are uncertain. On larval characters I would place it in the medusaeforme- group. Gibbins (1939) also describes the larva of S. kauntzewm Gibbins, a species closely related to S. dentulosum Roubaud, as having ‘‘ minute spines ”’ on the abdo- men, but the cuticle appears to be quite bare in Gibbins’ slide of kawntzeum (in B.M. collection) and as far as can be seen from the imperfect specimen is very like dentulosum. The larvae of S. ambositrae Grenier & Grjébine (1958) (described under the name S. neiveti Roubaud by Grenier & Doucet (1949a)) and of S. tmerinae Roubaud from Madagascar are unusual as the rectal gills are formed of three simple lobes which are brownish in colour; these species and S. milloti Grenier & Doucet are also unusual in that the second antennal segment shows more or less distinct secondary annulation, which is not known in the larvae of other Ethiopian species. In S. dentulosum and S. debegene de Meillon the outer margin of the mandible is unusually strongly arched.] (8) S. medusaeforme-group. Ventral papillae absent ; abdominal cuticle with at least a few setae, either simple and spine-like or flattened and scale-like, never fan-shaped ; head capsule with positive pattern, sometimes unpigmented ; postgenal cleft medium-sized to very large, shape varied ; hypostomium with usual nine apical teeth, the teeth short and blunt. [Note. In this group the body form and size are very varied ; in the small species (e.g. S. bovis de Meillon and S. albivirgulatum Wanson & Henrard) the body is usually pale, the abdomen of clubbed form (i.e. with the posterior segments set-off abruptly from the others) and the head unpigmented. These species have flattened abdominal scales, but larger species have sparse simple setae, often very few so that the cuticle is apparently bare in some cases. According to Gibbins (1939) the abdomen of S. ¢aylori is without scales or spines, and the larva of S. cavum Gibbins according to Gibbins (1937)—under his earlier name obscurum—is “similar to taylort”’. The B.M. collection has one slide of the larva of each species, made by Gibbins, but these show fragments only and it is impossible to confirm that the abdominal cuticle is bare. I think it probable that these species have a few sparse setae as in colas-belcouri, where the cuticle also is sometimes apparently bare but in which one or two scattered setae may always be found. Most species in this group show a median sclerotized projection from the anal sclerite which extends backwards towards the ‘“‘ seam ”’ in the mid-dorsal line of the posterior circlet. A similar lightly sclerotized rod-like extension occurs in some of the dentulosum-group, but not in Division A species. It should be noted here that the medusaeforme-group is clearly equivalent to the genus Wilhelmia Enderlein and the larval characters agree extremely closely with those of the Palaearctic Wilhelmia as recorded by TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 27 Rubtzov (1956). In Wzilhelmza larvae there is a positive pattern of dark head-spots, the postgenal cleft is mitre-shaped or subcordate in form, the hypostomial teeth are rather broad and blunt and only the median tooth is rather more prominent than the others, the hypostomial setae diverge posteriorly from the lateral hypostomial margin, the mandibular comb-teeth form an evenly decreasing row, the anterior mandibular serration is sometimes elongate (e.g. W. angustifurca Rubtzov), and the combined length of third and fourth antennal segments is distinctly shorter than the second segment. Following Rubtzov’s classification the medusaeforme-group would have to be placed in Wilhelmia, not only on larval characters but on those of the other stages as well.] It is difficult to distinguish Division A from Division B completely reliably on larval characters, but omitting the neavei-group they may be more or less defined as below : Division A. Ventral papillae present ; head capsule usually with negative pattern; hypostomium usually with median and corner teeth considerably more prominent than the others ; hypostomial setae lying subparallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; first three comb-teeth of mandible of different form from succeeding teeth ; third and fourth antennal segments combined usually as long as or longer than second segment ; number of hooks and rows in circlets usually comparatively few; abdomen of clubbed form, i.e. with posterior segments more or less distinctly set-off from the anterior segments (as in Text- fig. 7). Division B. Ventral papillae absent; head capsule with positive pattern, occasionally unpigmented ; hypostomium normally with apical teeth rather broad and blunt, median and corner teeth not very prominent ; hypostomial setae diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium (not noticeably in grisetcolle) ; comb-teeth of mandible usually large and forming an evenly decreasing row; third and fourth antennal segments combined shorter than second segment ; number of hooks and rows in circlets usually very high ; abdomen rarely clubbed, usually more gradually expanding apically and then contracting abruptly to posterior circlet. KEY TO SPECIES-GROUPS OF LARVAE OF ETHIOPIAN SIMULIIDAE I give below a preliminary key to the species-groups, but this is by no means perfect and some intermediate species may be difficult to place; these exceptions have been alluded to in the discussion above. Separation of genera Cnephia and Simulium (no entirely reliable character has been found) : Hypostomium of the Prosimulium type; mandible with at least traces of three serrations or with a series of serrations; rectal gills with three simple lobes ; cuticle bare ; apical half of antenna strongly pigmented with a very distinct inter- segmental unpigmented ring between second and third segments. - Cnephia Hypostomium not of this type ; mandible with two serrations or only one (traces of third serration known in two Madagascan species) ; rectal gills normally with numerous secondary lobules, very rarely simply trilobed ; cuticle frequently with setae ; antennal pigmentation weak with indistinct unpigmented ring . Simulium 28 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE I TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Species-groups of Simulium Larvae living on crabs or mayfly nymphs ; rectal scales absent ; eye-spots usually very reduced ; posterior circlet usually more ventral in position, and anal 29 sclerite more apical in position than usual _ . ; neavei-group 2 Larvae living normally, not attached to other eae ada rectal scales present (except damnosum) (Text-figs. 11 and 12) ; eye-spots normal, rarely very reduced ; posterior circlet in usual distinctly apical position, and anal sclerite in normal dorsal position : ; P ‘ : : ‘ ‘ ‘ : Larvae attached to crabs ; aia with a more or less even row of 13 apical 3 teeth ‘ . neavei-complex Larvae attached to fae iy eee eae ae he of para ins but not as above copleyi-complex Abdominal cuticle with two distinct types of setae, both simple spines and some fan-shaped scales; thoracic cuticle with setae; mandible with one serration only ; postgenal cleft very large and circular ; head capsule pale and unpigmented griseicolle-group Abdominal cuticle bare or with one type of seta or scale only, but size of setae may vary ; thoracic cuticle bare (except damnosum) ; mandible with two serrations ; postgenal cleft rarely very large and circular; head capsule usually with some pigmentation or pattern : ‘ : : : : : : : Ventral papillae present; hypostomial setae lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; apical teeth of hypostomium usually pointed and median and corner teeth distinctly prominent ; combined length of third and fourth antennal segments usually longer than second segment or at least as long; head usually with negative pattern ‘ : : : : : ‘ . . Ventral papillae absent; hypostomial setae diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium ; apical teeth of hypostomium rather broad and blunt and median and corner teeth usually not strongly prominent ; combined length of third and fourth antennal segments shorter than second segment ; head with posi- tive pattern, rarely unpigmented . ‘ ‘ ; f 3 Head with positive pattern of distinct dark spots : cuticle bare ; postgenal cleft small so that postgenal bridge is as long as or longer than hypostomium ; pupal respiratory histoblast with four filaments : , . - Yuficorne-group Head with negative pattern of pale spots with darker surrounding pigmentation or entirely pale ; abdominal cuticle with setae ; postgenal cleft of varied form ; pupal respiratory histoblast not with four filaments ; : : . : Abdominal cuticle dorsally with large erect scales ; last abdominal segment usually with small lateral accessory sclerites ; postgenal cleft large and postgenal bridge shorter than hypostomium; pupal respiratory histoblast with two or more stout lobes or with eight filaments on a long common cylindrical trunk cervicornutum-group Abdominal cuticle dorsally with branched fan-like scales or simple setae; last abdominal segment without accessory sclerites; postgenal cleft of small to medium size; pupal respiratory histoblast with numerous simple ae coiled filaments branching near the base, not carried on a long stalk Fics. 28-47. Ventral view of head capsule showing postgenal cleft of (28) S. alcocki ; (29) S. johannae ; (30) S. schoutedeni; (31) S. impukane; (32) S. mcmahoni; (33) S. kenyae ; (34) S. cervicornutum ; (35) S. unicornutum ; (36) S. ruficorne ; (37) S. aureo- simile ; (38) S. adersi; (39) S. berneri; (40) S. griseicolle; (41) S. dentulosum; (42) S. loutetense ; (43) S. medusaeforme hargreavesi ; (44) S. vorax; (45) S. colas-belcouri ; (46) S. bovis ; (47) S. damnosum. 30 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Abdominal cuticle with branched fan-like scales; postgenal cleft small and post- genal bridge a little longer than or about equal in length to hypostomium ; ventral papillae large and distinct . : : alcocki-group Abdominal cuticle with simple spine-like setae : postgenal cleft of medium size, rather regularly circular, and postgenal bridge a little shorter than hypostomium ; ventral papillae small, sometimes indistinct . ‘ ‘ . hirsutum-group Cuticle bare; postgenal cleft normally small, subtriangular, pentagonal or sub- quadrate in shape, and postgenal bridge usually longer than hypostomium ; dark head-spots very distinct . ; . dentulosum-group Cuticle with at least some simple setae or with dense scales ; postgenal cleft of medium or large size, mitre-shaped, cordate or very large and subcircular in shape, and postgenal bridge distinctly shorter than hypostomium; dark head-spots often obscured by general dark infuscation of head capsule . medusaeforme-group KEY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF LARVAE OF WEST AFRICAN BLACK-FLIES The larvae of certain West African species of Simulium are difficult to key out satisfactorily, especially pairs of closely related species such as schoutedeni and memahoni, adersi and hirsutum, and alcocki and johannae. The characters given are the best which I have been able to find with the limited material available, and this should be borne in mind especially in the case of couplets 12, 15, and 20. When the general body cuticle bears no socketed scales or setae the cuticle is described as “bare ’’; it should be noted however that even in these species there are normally some minute hairs located on the swollen areas between the lateral arms of the anal sclerite (e.g. as in ruficorne, Text-fig. 144). I. Hypostomium of unusual form with a very large deeply-sunk median tooth and 5 subequal outwardly-directed teeth on either side (Text-fig. 68) ; postgenal cleft absent (Text-fig. 39) body densely covered with long pale club-shaped setae (Text- fig. 149) ; eye-spots very small; larvae attached to mayfly nymphs S. bernerit Freeman (p. 55) Hypostomium of usual form with an apical row of 9 teeth ; postgenal cleft present sometimes small; setae if present not of this form; eye-spots normal; larvae living normally, not attached to mayfly nymphs . , ; : ; : 2 Cuticle of proleg with setae; rectal scales absent ; anterior abdominal segments usually distinctly produced into paired dorso-lateral conical protuberances (Text-fig. 9) ; cuticle of thorax and abdomen densely covered with flattened scale-like setae (Text-fig. 154), the setae densely clustered on the abdominal tubercles . d 4 e S. damnosum Theobald (p. 69) Cuticle of proleg bare ; rectal scales present (Text-figs. 11 and 12) ; anterior abdomi- nal segments at most only very slightly swollen dorsally ; cuticle with setae confined to the dorsum of the abdomen (except in gviseicolle) . ; 3 Cuticle of thorax and abdomen with abundant simple setae and at least some branched fan-like scales postero-dorsally on the abdomen (Text-fig. 147) ; mandi- ble with one serration only (Text-fig. 110) . ; S. griseicolle Becker (p. 58) Cuticle of thorax bare; cuticle of abdomen bare or with one type of seta or scale only ; mandible with the usual two serrations A 4 Ventral papillae present ; hypostomial setae lying more or r less parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium (as in Text-fig. 59) ; first three comb-teeth of mandible distinctly differentiated from succeeding bristle-like teeth (Text-fig. 112) ; pos- terior circlet with comparatively few rows of hooks (Text-figs. 155-157) ; head cap- sule usually with negative pattern (not ruficorne-group) ; abdominal cuticle sometimes with branched fan-like setae , : , é ; : ‘ 5 ms Io. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 31 Ventral papillae absent ; hypostomial setae more or less distinctly diverging posteri- orly from lateral margin of hypostomium (as in Text-fig. 61) ; first three comb- teeth not distinctly differentiated from succeeding teeth (Text-fig. 113) ; posterior circlet usually with very numerous rows of hooks (Text-figs. 158-160) ; head capsule with positive pattern of dark head-spots (unpigmented in bovis) ; abdomi- nal cuticle never with branched setae . 5 : : : 16 Head capsule with positive pattern of dark head- -spots ; abdominal cuticle bare 6 Head capsule with negative pattern of pale head-spots with surrounding dark pigmentation or entirely unpigmented ; abdominal cuticle with setae or scales . 7 Antero-lateral head-spots present (Text-fig. 19); hypostomial setae 6-7 in each row ; median and corner teeth of hypostomium not strongly prominent (Text-fig. 59) ; mandibular serrations normal, posterior serration small (Text-fig. 98) S. aureosimile Pomeroy (p. 49) Antero-lateral head-spots absent (Text-fig. 20); hypostomial setae 4-5 in each row ; median and corner teeth of hypostomium very strongly prominent (Text- fig. 56) ; posterior serration of mandible enlarged and almost as large as anterior serration (Text-fig. 95) , , , S. ruficorne Macquart (p. 48) Abdominal cuticle dorsally with very Eee act black scales ; abdomen with very dark segmental mottling, sometimes appearing blackish ; last abdominal segment usually with small lateral accessory sclerites (Text-fig. 155) ; ii aes cleft very large and postgenal bridge shorter than hypostomium ; ° 8 Abdominal cuticle with small branched fan-like setae, usually recumbent, or with simple spine-like setae ; abdomen with pale yellowish-brown segmental mottling and usually appearing rather pale; last abdominal segment without accessory sclerites ; postgenal cleft small, of medium size or shaped as in Text-fig. 33, postgenal bridge usually as long as or longer than hypostomium ; II Abdominal scales deeply incised apically into several long thin processes (Text- bay 140 and 141); combined length of third and fourth antennal segments con- siderably longer than second segment (Text- figs. 71 and 73); head pigmentation usually absent or only weakly marked as in Text-fig. 15; pupal respiratory histoblast with eight tightly coiled filaments carried on a ai curved cylindrical stem (Text-figs. 176 and 177) : - . 9 Abdominal scales only slightly serrate eeicalty (Text-figs. 142 hid 14 ae ; combined length of third and fourth antennal segments subequal to or even slightly shorter than second segment (Text-figs. 74 and 76); head pigmentation usually very strongly marked (Text-figs. 17 and 18) ; pupal respiratory histoblast not of this form ; 10 Postgenal cleft aes ihaped (Text- he ae Lae SDdGaunAl sepmient ites eer lateral accessory sclerites ; abdominal scales with most of the processes arising near the apex (Text-fig. 140) : : : S. schoutedeni Wanson (p. 37) Postgenal cleft cordate in shape (Text- fig. 32); last abdominal segment without accessory sclerites ; abdominal scales with the processes more divergent and arising more basally (Text-fig. 141) . : S. mcemahoni de Meillon (p. 43) Postgenal cleft mitre-shaped, pointed apically (Text- fig. 35) ; dark pigmentation on cephalic apotome usually forming an H-shaped mark not extending laterally to the cleavage lines (Text-fig. 18); median and corner teeth of hypostomium more distinctly prominent (Text-fig. 55) ; pupal respiratory histoblast formed of two broad lobes (Text-fig. 180) . ; . _S. unicornutum Pomeroy (p. 45) Postgenal cleft rounded, curved apically (Text- fig. 34); dark pigmentation on cephalic apotome usually forming a lyre-shaped mark which extends in places to reach the cleavage lines (Text-fig. 17) ; median and corner teeth of hypostomium less prominent (Text-fig. 54); pupal respiratory histoblast formed of nine branches with five visible externally (Text-fig. 179) |S. cervicornutum Pomeroy (Pp. 44) ENTOM. I0, I. 3 32 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Fics. 48-55. Hypostomium of (48) S. alcocki; (49) S. johannae; (50) S. schoutedeni ; (51) S. tmpukane ; (52) S. memahoni ; (53) S. kenyae; (54) S. cervicornutum; (55) S. unicornutum. II. I2. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Abdominal cuticle with simple spine-like setae (Text-figs. 145 and 146) ; ea cleft of medium size and more or less circular (Text-fig. 38) ; Abdominal cuticle with branched fan-like setae or scales (Text-figs. 136-1 39): : post- genal cleft usually small p : Median and corner teeth of hypostomium very prominent (Text-fig. 57); first antennal segment about 6 times as long as broad; maxillary palp about 3-1 times as long as breadth at base; pupal respiratory histoblast more or less regularly oval in outline (Text-fig. 184) with eleven filaments S. adersi Pomeroy (p. Median and corner teeth of hypostomium not strongly prominent (Text-fig. 58) ; first antennal segment about 7:5 times as long as broad ; maxillary palp about 2:8 times as long as breadth at base ; pupal respiratory histoblast more compressed postero-dorsally in outline (Text-fig. 183) with eight filaments S. hirsutum Pomeroy (p. Postgenal cleft transverse oval in shape and broadly open behind (Text-fig. 33) ; abdominal setae irregularly branched with the main branches usually having secondary forks (Text-fig. 139) ; head capsule sometimes very strongly pigmented (Text-fig. 16) ; apical teeth of hypostomium short and blunt, the median and corner teeth hardly at all prominent (Text-fig. 53) ; posterior circlet with about 85 rows of 13-16 hooks . ‘ . S. kenyae de Meillon (p. Postgenal cleft small and postgenal bridge at least as long as hypostomium ; abdominal setae (Text-figs. 136-138) not secondarily branched ; head capsule usually weakly pigmented (as in Text-fig. 13); median and corner teeth of hypostomium distinctly more prominent than intermediate teeth ; sii circlet with about 60-70 rows of usually about 8-12 hooks : Postgenal bridge distinctly longer than hypostomium, postgenal cleft more or less parallel-sided and truncate apically (Text-fig. 31) ; rectal gills simple or with only one or two thumb-like secondary lobules ; maxillary palp long, about 3-2 times as long as breadth at base ; : S. impukane de Meillon (p. Postgenal bridge about equal in length to or r only slightly longer than hypostomium, postgenal cleft more rounded anteriorly and slightly contracted behind (Text-figs. 28 and 29) ; rectal gills with 6-8 secondary finger-like lobules in each lobe ; maxil- lary palp about 2-6-3 times as long as breadth at base : : ° : Second antennal segment almost as long as first ain 69) ; maxillary palp about 3 times as long as breadth at base ; . SS. alcocki Pomeroy (p. Second antennal segment only about two-thirds as “long as first (Text-fig. 70) ; maxillary palp about 2-6 times as long as breadth at base S. johannae Wanson (p. Head capsule entirely pale creamy-yellow, unpigmented; abdominal cuticle dorsally with numerous small flattened scales (Text-fig. 153); postgenal cleft extremely large and rounded, widely open behind (Text-fig. 46) ; mature larva very small, about 4:5 mm. inlength . : S. bovis de Meillon (p. Head capsule with dark head-spots and usually strongly infuscated with brown pigmentation ; abdominal cuticle bare or with scattered simple spine-like setae ; postgenal cleft not enormously enlarged ; mature larva often very large, at least, 5-5 mm. in length . ; : : . ‘ ; : P Abdominal cuticle bare, without setae; groups of head-spots very distinct (Text- figs. 22 and 23) . ‘ : : Abdominal cuticle with at least a few simple setae (Text- figs. I 50-1 52) ; groups of head-spots sometimes indistinct and obscured by general dark pigmentation Length of mature larva 9-10°5 mm.; postgenal cleft very small, sometimes triangular but usually subquadrate (Text-fig. 41), postgenal bridge very long ; hypostomial setae 12-18 in each row ; cephalic fan with 54-70 rays ; outer margin of mandible strongly arched (Text- fg. a ; posterior circlet with about 220 rows of 24-39 hooks ‘ . E a ‘ ; S. dentulosum Roubaud (p. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 33 I2 13 53) 52) 41) 14 40) 15 34) 37) 68) 17 18 19 59) 34 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE —. Length of mature larva about 5:5 mm.; postgenal cleft large and mitre-shaped (Text-fig. 42), postgenal bridge shorter than hypostomium ; hypostomial setae 6-7 in each row; cephalic fan with about 40 rays; outer margin of mandible normal (as in Text-fig. goa) ; actietaee circlet with about 70-80 rows of 13-16 hooks ; . S. loutetense Grenier & Ovazza (p. 62) 19. Head capsule with dark head-spots more or r less distinct at least on cephalic apotome but normally pale and unpigmented antero-laterally below the eye-spots (Text- fig. 24) ; mandible with anterior serration normal, not strongly elongate (Text- fig. 99) ; posterior circlet with about 140 rows of 18-30 hooks (Text-fig. 158) ; hypostomial setae 4—6 (usually 4) in each row; mature larva 5-75—7 (usually © about 6) mm. in length; cephalic fan with with 38-45 rays S. medusaeforme Pomeroy (p. 63) —. Head capsule with head-spots indistinct and head more or less strongly and evenly infuscated except anteriorly on cephalic apotome (Text-figs. 25 and 26) ; man- dible with anterior serration very long and narrow (Text-figs. 102 and 105) ; posterior circlet with about 190—220 rows of 28-49 hooks (Text-fig. 159) ; hyposto- mial setae 7-10 in each row ; cephalic fan with 50-60 rays ; mature larva large, 7°75-9'25 mm. inlength . ‘ 20 20. Head capsule usually more evenly pigmented ‘and less distinctly pale anteriorly on cephalic apotome (Text-fig. 25) ; postgenal cleft cordate in shape (Text-fig. 44), postgenal bridge with a distinct longitudinal very lightly pigmented area some- times almost unsclerotized ; median tooth of hypostomium distinctly prominent and corner teeth very blunt (Text-fig. 64) ; maxillary palp about 2-75 times as long as breadth at base ; pupal respiratory histoblast with narrow branches (Text-fig. 192) . : S. vorax Pomeroy (p. 64) —. Head capsule usually less evenly pigmented ‘and distinctly pale anteriorly on cephalic apotome, the pale areas extending laterally on cephalic apotome towards the hind margin (Text-fig. 26) ; postgenal cleft elongate-cordate in shape (Text-fig. 45), more strongly tapering anteriorly, postgenal bridge with only faint traces of a longitudinal weakly sclerotized or weakly pigmented area; median tooth of hypostomium very blunt, scarcely if at all longer than intermediate teeth, corner teeth more pointed (Text-fig. 65) ; maxillary palp about 3 times as long as breadth at base; pupal respiratory histoblast with broad branches (Text-fig. 193) S. colas-belcouri Grenier & Ovazza (p. 67) LARVAL DESCRIPTIONS Note. Descriptions based on last stage larvae. Simulium alcocki Pomeroy Type form. Length. Mature larva, 5 mm. Head. Head capsule creamy-yellow, usually almost without pattern; pattern when present of negative type, lightly pigmented yellowish-brown as in johannae (Text-fig. 13) but sometimes with slight suffusions round the eye-spots. Postgenal cleft small and rounded (Text-fig. 28), postgenal bridge about equal in length to hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 48) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth moderately prominent ; usually 4-6 strongly acute lateral serrations with the hindmost serration lying posterior to the first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 4-5 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 35 between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta subequal to that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 69) long, very lightly pigmented, first segment about 6~7 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 5: 4:6:6. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 91), second comb tooth much smaller than first and shorter than third. Maxillary palp about 3 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 115). Cephalic fan with 42-44 rays (Roubaud & Grenier (1943) give 20-25). Thorax. Milky-white with variable dark banding; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 19 rows of 5-6 hooks ; lateral plate very weakly pigmented, with about g processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 7 thin tightly coiled filaments, first division near the base (Text-fig. 173). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7; milky or yellowish-white with brown segmental mottling, clear white ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present, large and pointed. Cuticle of dorsum with small scattered, strongly sclerotized, fan- shaped scales (Text-fig. 136). Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with 7-9 finger-like secondary lobules on each lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, posterior arm extending to about roth row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 61-70 rows of 8-15 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria, Southern Cameroons, Sierra Leone. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae are found mostly on dead leaves or on trailing grass in slowly-flowing, often heavily shaded streams ; they are rarely very numerous in any one place, and commonly exist among the larvae of johannae, alcockt occidentale, unicornutum and cervicornutum. Widely distributed over Tropical Africa south to Natal. Simulium alcocki form occidentale Freeman & de Meillon Larvae examined are not distinguishable from alcocki type form except on the pupal respiratory histoblast of mature larvae which is 1o-filamented and closely similar to that of johannae (from which no reliable differences have been found). MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Habitat as in the type form; locally distributed in West Africa but probably commoner than the few records suggest. [Simulium alcocki form djallonense Roubaud & Grenier and form coalitum Pomeroy Larvae of these forms are not known and may prove to be indistinguishable from the type form except in the pupal respiratory histoblast ; the respiratory organ in the pupae of both forms is comprised of to filaments. In coalitum the filaments are borne on a long common stalk which will be evident in semi-mature and mature larvae, but in djallonense the branching occurs near the base and the pupal respira- tory histoblast must closely resemble that in alcocki occidentale and johannae. Both forms appear to be very localized: djallonense—Guinea and Nigeria, coahtwm— Nigeria and Ghana.] 36 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Fics. 56-63. Hypostomium of (56) S. ruficorne ; (57) S. adersi; (58) S. hirsutum ; (59) S. aureosimile; (60) S. griseicolle; (61) S. dentulosum; (62) S. loutetense; (63) S. medusaeforme hargreavesi. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 37 Simulium johannae Wanson Closely similar to alcocki but mature larvae smaller. Length. Mature larva, 4-4-5 mm. Head. Head capsule creamy-yellow without pattern or with a faintly marked negative pattern on the cephalic apotome (Text-fig. 13) ; sides of head with only faint traces of dark pigmentation in material seen. Postgenal cleft small and rounded (Text-fig. 29), as a rule a little more parallel-sided than in alcocki, postgenal bridge about equal in length to, or a little longer than, hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 49) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth moderately prominent ; 4-6 lateral serrations with the hindmost serration lying posterior to or level with the first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 3-4 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta subequal to or a little less than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 70) long, almost unpigmented, first segment about 7~7-5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 14 : 8 : 16. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, very small (Text-fig. 94), second comb tooth much smaller than first and shorter than third. Maxillary palp about 2-6 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 116). Cephalic fan with 34-40 rays (Grenier & Rageau (1949) give “about 20”’ in their description of roubaudt = johannae). Thorax. Yellowish-white with usual darker banding ; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 20 rows of 5-6 hooks ; lateral plate unpigmented, apparently with about 6-9 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with ro thin tightly coiled filaments, first division near the base (Text-fig. 174). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7 ; yellowish-white with well-developed brownish segmental mottling, clear white ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present, large and rather pointed. Cuticle of dorsum with numerous small strongly sclerotized fan-shaped scales (Text-fig. 137) similar to those in alcocki (without scales according to Grenier & Rageau (1949)). Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with 6-8 finger-like secondary lobules on each lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, posterior arm extending to about roth or 11th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 60 rows of 8-10 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria, Southern Cameroons, Sierra Leone. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae occur on dead leaves and grasses in small streams, usually well shaded, most commonly in slowly-flowing water but sometimes in swifter streams and often in association with other small-stream species such as alcocki, unicornutum, and schoutedeni. Principally West and Equatorial Africa south to Northern Rhodesia. Simulium schoutedeni Wanson Closely similar to wnicornutum but head capsule almost devoid of pigmentation in material seen. Length. Mature larva, 3-75-4 mm. Head. Head capsule pale creamy-yellow without pigmentation or with only 38 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE faintest traces of negative pattern on the cephalic apotome (only a few larvae seen). Postgenal cleft large, almost twice as long as its basal width and similar to that of unicornutum but less pointed apically (cf. Text-figs. 30 and 35), postgenal bridge a little shorter than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 50) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth strongly developed as in the cervicornutum group ; about 5 lateral serrations with the hindmost serration usually lying posterior to the first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 4 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta subequal to or a little greater than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 71) long, unpigmented, first segment about 7 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 5 : 3-6: 6. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 97), second comb tooth much smaller than first and shorter than third. Maxillary palp 2-5 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 117). . Cephalic fan with about 35 rays. Thorax. Whitish with extensive dark mottling ; cuticle dorsally with numerous very minute colourless hairs. Proleg circlet with about 20 rows of 5-6 hooks ; lateral plate unpigmented, with about (?) 6-8 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 8 thin tightly coiled filaments carried on a long stalk which does not divide before the postero-ventral curve of the “ gill-spot ” (Text-fig. 176). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7, but sometimes with small dorso-lateral swellings on the intermediate abdominal segments; pale grey or yellowish-grey with extensive very dark segmental mottling, pale yellowish ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present, large and pointed. Cuticle dorsally and laterally on posterior segments with numerous erect black scales, the scales deeply incised apically into about 10-12 parallel-sided finger-like processes (Text-fig. 140) ; cuticle of anterior segments dorsally with minute colourless hairs as on the thorax, but without scales. Last abdominal segment just anterior to posterior circlet with a small black sclerite as in unicornutum (Text-fig. 155). Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with secondary lobules (not sufficiently extended in material seen for counting but probably few). Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, posterior arm extending to about 12th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 65 rows of 8-10 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria (5 larvae only). LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. The larvae collected by me were in very small slowly-flowing streams attached to blades of grass dipping into the water. Wanson (1947) records the species from swift current, but it seems to be most often found in slow streams, sometimes associated with alcockt, johannae and unicornutum. The larvae are extremely similar to those of wnicornutum, with the same dark coloration, presence of the pair of small sclerites on the last abdominal segment, similar large black abdominal scales, and similar postgenal cleft. Mature specimens can very easily be distinguished by the respiratory histoblast (cf. Text-figs. 176 and 180), but younger larvae may be confused. The species is known from Sierra Leone to Belgian Congo, but records are few, perhaps because it seldom occurs in large numbers and is easily overlooked. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 39 Fics. 64-68. Hypostomium of (64) S. vorax ; (65) S. colas-belcouri ; (66) S. bovis ; (67) S. damnosum ; (68) S. berneri, 40 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Simulium impukane de Meillon Larva closely similar to alcocki ; no reliable means of separation has been found. Length. Mature larva, 4°75-—5 mm. Head. Head capsule pale yellowish-white with variable yellow-brown negative pattern (Text-fig. 14), sometimes almost unpigmented. Postgenal cleft small, subquadrate or very slightly rounded (Text-fig. 31), somewhat similar to aureosimile ; postgenal bridge long, distinctly longer than the hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 51) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth strongly prominent and more developed than in most alcocki-group species, the middle one of the intermediate teeth small and strongly sunken between the other intermediate teeth ; 6-9 strongly developed lateral serrations with the hindmost serration lying well posterior to the first hypostomial seta; hypostomial setae 4-5 in each row, most often 4, lying subparallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta subequal to that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 72) long, almost unpigmented, first segment about 7 times as long as. broad, segment length ratios 7:6: 10. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 100), second comb tooth much smaller than first and shorter than third. Maxillary palp long, 3-2 times as long as breadth at base. Cephalic fan with 38-41 rays. Thorax. Yellowish-white with pale brown banding ; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 22 rows of 5-6 hooks ; lateral plate unpigmented, with about 8 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with ro thin tightly coiled filaments, first divisions near the base ; postero-dorsal edge of the “ gill-spot’’ more strongly compressed towards the centre than in alcocki (Text-fig. 175). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7; pale yellowish-white with yellow-brown or brown segmental mottling, whitish ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present, slightly pointed. Cuticle of the posterior abdominal segments dorsally with numerous strongly sclerotized fan-shaped scales (Text-fig. 138) similar to those of alcocki but sometimes rather more parallel-sided and longer. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills unusually simple in material seen, each lobe either without secondary lobules (Text-fig. 172) or with one or two small thumb-like secondary lobules on the lateral lobes (this may not always be the case and further material may show more numerous digitate secondary lobules). Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized (Text- fig. 163), posterior arms extending to about 11th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 64-67 rows of 8-12 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria and Nyasaland. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae occur in small streams attached to dead leaves, grasses and stones, sometimes in swift shallow water, but often in slow muddy water where detritus and algae accumulate. Known from West Africa (Ghana) to South Africa, but records are few ; impukane is very easily confused with forms of alcocki, but in Nigeria at any rate seems to occur frequently on its own unassociated with other species. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 41 Simulium kenyae de Meillon Length. Mature larva, 5 mm. Head. Head capsule pale yellowish-white with variable brown negative pattern sometimes very strongly pigmented (Text-fig. 16), and similar to cervicornutum, the brown pigmentation extending laterally on the cephalic apotome to the cleavage line thereby delimiting the pale head-spots clearly into antero- and postero-median and antero- and postero-lateral groups ; pale spots on sides of head usually clearly marked and the postero-ventral region of the head darkly pigmented. Postgenal cleft of unusual form, large and broader than long, anterior margin rounded but with a very slight trace of a widely obtuse angle (Text-fig. 33) ; postgenal bridge short, little more than half as long as hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 53) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, the median and corner teeth little developed so that the anterior teeth form an almost even row as in medusaeforme-group species with subequal intermediate teeth and broad blunt corner teeth; 3-5 lateral serrations with the hindmost serration about level with or only just posterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 4—5 in each row (3 seen also in one specimen but probably exceptional), lying subparallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta only about two-thirds of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 75) relatively shorter than in most alcocki-group species and only slightly longer than stem of cephalic fan, with third segment shorter than second, first segment moderately pigmented and 5-5-5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 6: 6:5. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 103), second comb tooth longer than third so that the 3 comb teeth form a gradually diminishing series, bristle-like teeth very long and strong and the first tooth of this series at least twice as long as third comb tooth. Maxillary palp about 2-8 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 120). Cephalic fan with about 38-40 rays. Thorax. Yellowish-white with pale brown banding ; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 36 rows of 8-12 hooks ; lateral plate lightly pigmented, with about 18 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 8 thin tightly coiled filaments arising in pairs with divisions very near the base (Text-fig. 178), shape rather obliquely elongate. Abdomen. Probably shaped as in Text-fig. 7; yellowish-white with brown segmental mottling, milky-white ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present. Cuticle postero-dorsally with numerous small compound scales, sometimes of simple fan type, but usually with the branches further subdivided (Text-fig. 139), the scales black, strongly sclerotized. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with numerous finger-like secondary lobules, about 10-14 in each lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, posterior arm extending to about 13th-15th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 82-85 rows of 13-16 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Southern Cameroons. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. This is a swift-water species, and larvae and pupae occur mostly on trailing grasses in turbulent, rocky-bedded streams; the larva of kenyae has more hooks per row and more rows of hooks in both the posterior 42 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 83 84. 85 86 87 88 89 Fics. 69-89. Antenna of (69) S. alcocki; (70) S. johannae; (71) S. schoutedeni; (72) S. impukane ; (73) S. mamahoni; (74) S. cervicornutum; (75) S. kenyae; (76) S. unicornutum ; (77) S. ruficorne ; (78) S. aureosimile ; (79) S. adersi; (80) S. hirsutum ; (81) S. berneri ; (82) S. griseicolle ; (83) S. loutetense ; (84) S. dentulosum ; (85) S. vorax : (86) S. medusaeforme hargreavesi ; (87) S. colas-belcouri ; (88) S. bovis ; (89) S. damnosum, TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 43 and the proleg circlets and the secondary lobules of the gills are more numerous than in other species of the alcocki-group, adaptations to its preferred habitat in fast-moving water. West and Equatorial Africa from Liberia to Sudan and Uganda, but not known south of Ruanda Urundi. Simulium mcmahoni de Meillon Larva similar to wnicornutum and schoutedeni with erect black scales on dorsum of posterior abdominal segments. Length. Mature larva, 4-4:5 mm. Head. Head capsule pale yellow with variably developed negative pattern (Text-fig. 15), the dark pigmentation often extending towards the cleavage line on the cephalic apotome as in cervicornutum and clearly delimiting the pale postero- median and postero-lateral head-spots; postero-ventral areas of head capsule usually extensively darkened. Postgenal cleft large and shaped as in Text-fig. 32, less parallel-sided than in wnicornutum and less pointed apically ; postgenal bridge a little shorter than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 52) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth moderately prominent and intermediate teeth well developed and subequal in size ; 4-6 lateral serrations with the hindmost serration lying about level with the first hypostomial seta; hypostomial setae 3-4 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta subequal to that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 73) long, first segment lightly pigmented and about 6-5-7 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 5 : 3-8 : 5-6. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 106), second comb tooth much smaller than first and slightly shorter than third. Maxillary palp about 2-75 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 119). Cephalic fan with 33-41 rays. Thorax. Pale yellowish-grey with pale brown banding; cuticle dorsally with minute colourless hairs. Proleg circlet with about 20 rows of 6-8 hooks; lateral plate with about 12 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 8 thin tightly coiled filaments borne on a long stalk (Text-fig. 177), rather similar to schoutedent. Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7, but some specimens with dorso-lateral swellings on intermediate segments ; yellowish-grey with brown segmental mottling, pale yellowish ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present, small. Cuticle dorsally and dorso-laterally on posterior segments with numerous erect black scales, the scales (Text-fig. 141) deeply incised apically into about 12 finger-like processes, the processes reaching nearer to the base of the scale than in schoutedent ; cuticle of anterior segments dorsally with minute colourless hairs as on the thorax. Last abdominal segment laterally without small black sclerite in material seen. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with median lobe simple or with one thumb-like secondary lobule, lateral lobes with 2-3 secondary lobules (Text-fig. 170) in material seen, but gills might be more complex in other specimens. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, posterior arm extending to about roth-12th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 66 rows of 9-12 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Nyasaland. No West African material has been seen. 44 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Pupae of this species occur mainly in slow-moving water in streams attached principally to trailing grasses, and it may be inferred that this is the usual larval habitat. Widely distributed from Sudan to Transvaal and Bechuanaland, but also extending into West Africa. I have collected mcmahoni at a few localities in Northern Nigeria in the pupal stage, but did not obtain larvae. Simulium cervicornutum Pomeroy Type form. Closely similar to wnicornutum. Length. Mature larva, 4-5 mm. Head. Head capsule with very distinct negative pattern (Text-fig. 17), a lyre- shaped brown pigmented area on the cephalic apotome surrounding the pale head- spots, and reaching the cleavage line (cf. unicornutum) medio-laterally ; sides of the head capsule infuscated behind and above eye-spots, but with usual clear eyebrow stripe ; ground colour creamy-white, pigmentation usually strongly marked but occasionally indistinct. Postgenal cleft large and rounded (Text-fig. 34), lateral margins slightly curved and apical margin evenly rounded without the distinct angle of unicornutum ; postgenal bridge shorter than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 54) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth moderately prominent (less so than in unicornutum) and intermediate teeth of equal size forming an even row ; 5-6 lateral serrations, the hindmost serrations usually blunt and lying well posterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 3-4 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta distinctly shorter than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 74) short, only slightly longer than stem of cephalic fan, unpigmented, first segment 4-5-5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 3 : 3-7 : 3. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 109), second comb tooth much smaller than first and as long as third. Maxillary palp about 2-75 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 121). Cephalic fan with about 36 rays. Thorax. Milky or greyish-white with dark grey or greyish-brown marking ; cuticle dorsally and dorso-laterally with numerous minute colourless hairs as in mcmahoni and unicornutum. Proleg circlet with about 25 rows of 4—5 hooks ; lateral plate unpigmented, with about 9g processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 9 stout wrinkled branches, of which 5 are visible without dissection (Text-fig. 179) and comprise two straight branches anteriorly and three S-shaped branches posteriorly. Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7; pale grey or greyish-white with black or brown segmental mottling, milky-white ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present, small and obtuse or slightly rounded apically. Cuticle of posterior segments dorsally and dorso-laterally with numerous large scattered black scales, the scales strongly serrate apically (Text-fig. 142) ; cuticle on dorsum of anterior segments with a few minute pale hairs as on the thorax. Last abdominal segment just anterior to posterior circlet laterally with a small black sclerite as in wnicornutum (Text-fig. 155), the sclerite sometimes divided into two or three parts and occasionally inconspicuous but traces at least always present. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with 7—10 secondary lobules on each lobe, lobules usually fewer on the median lobe than on TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 45 the lateral lobes. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized but usually with an unsclerotized break in the median line (Text-fig. 162), posterior arm extending to toth—13th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 60-67 rows of 10-14 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae of this species tolerate very varied condi- tions, and are found in very large rivers as well as in very small streamlets, both in slowly-moving and swift turbulent water. In small slow streams larvae are most commonly found on dead leaves or recently-fallen leaves, often in company with the larvae of alcockt and unicornutum ; in the rapids of large rivers the larvae occur mostly on blades of trailing grass or on sticks and corn-stalks lodged among rocks, and in these situations may be found among larvae of damnosum and bovis. Common and widely distributed from Sierra Leone to Southern Africa in both forested and savannah areas. Simulium unicornutum Pomeroy Type form. Closely similar to cervicornutum, but distinguishable by the form of the postgenal cleft. Length. Mature larva, 4:5-4-75 mm. Head. WHead capsule pale yellowish or creamy-white with negative pattern (Text-fig. 18), the dark pigmentation round the pale antero- and postero-median spots forming an H-shaped or slightly lyre-shaped mark on the cephalic apotome, the infuscation usually less extensive laterally than in cervicornutuwm so that the lateral head-spots are not clearly demarcated ; degree of pigmentation variable but often intensively marked, the ventro-lateral aspects of the head capsule usually strongly infuscated dark brown. Postgenal cleft large and mitre-shaped (Text-fig. 35), distinctly angulate apically and more parallel-sided than in cervicornutum ; postgenal bridge much shorter than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 55) with usual row of g apical teeth, median and corner teeth strongly prominent, intermediate teeth well developed and subequal in size ; 6~7 lateral serrations with the hindmost serration lying posterior to first hypostomial seta; hypostomial setae 3-4 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta slightly less than or subequal to that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 76) short, almost unpigmented, first segment about 6 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 12: 13: 13. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 92), second comb tooth much smaller than first and shorter than third. Maxillary palp about 3 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 122). Cephalic fan with 37-41 rays. Thorax. Pale grey or yellowish-grey with dark or brownish-grey banding ; cuticle dorsally and dorso-laterally with minute colourless hairs. Proleg circlet with about 21-24 rows of 5-7 hooks; lateral plate very lightly pigmented, with about g processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast formed by two very large strongly wrinkled lobes, the anterior lobe simple and the posterior lobe recurved upon itself (Text-fig. 180). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7; pale grey or yellowish-white with boldly 46 TAXONOMIC STUDY eat = : : Oo oy : ; 3 o “i : ‘ : 8 : 4 103 ; : 106 : : 5 © an 5 VU 90 92 95 98 {Ol 104 107 ‘i Te) OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 93 96 99 102 105 108 : att TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 47 marked black, dark brownish-grey or grey segmental mottling, milky-white ventro- apically. Ventral papillae present, slightly rounded apically. Cuticle of posterior segments dorsally and dorso-laterally with numerous large scattered scales, the scales black, strongly sclerotized, and deeply serrate apically (Text-fig. 143) ; cuticle of anterior and posterior segments with numerous minute colourless hairs, those on the posterior segments among the scales. Last abdominal segment just anterior to posterior circlet laterally with a small black sclerite (Text-fig. 155), the sclerotization sometimes developed in two or three slightly separated parts. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with finger-like secondary lobules, 8-12 in each lateral lobe and 6-10 in median lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized but usually unsclero- tized in fine median line (Text-fig. 161), posterior arm extending to gth-11th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 63 rows of 9-13 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Nyasaland. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Like cervicornutum this species will tolerate both swift and slowly-flowing rivers and streams, but has a very strong preference for slowly-moving, often heavily-shaded, streams where the larvae are found on dead leaves, pebbles, etc. in company with those of alcockt, cervicornutum, johannae, schoutedeni and other slow-stream species. In small swift rocky streams it sometimes occurs with medusaeforme form hargreavesi, and occasional larvae may be found amongst those of damnosum in larger turbulent rivers. Common and widely distri- buted over more or less the whole Ethiopian Region. Simulium unicornutum form palmeri Pomeroy A larva collected with pupae of this form (from Southern Cameroons) and presum- ably of palmert is indistinguishable from the type form. The pupal respiratory histoblast is not however developed, but it may be assumed that the lobes of the gill-spot show slight constrictions at intervals as in the respiratory organ of the pupa. [Simulium unicornutum form blacklocki Edwards This pupal form is only known from the type locality in Sierra Leone, and the larva is unknown. If it is genuinely a form of wnicornutum the larva will probably show almost identical characteristics to the type form except in the formation of the “‘ gill-spot ’’. The habitat is likely to be slow streams.] Fics. 90-111. (90) Shape of mandible of (a) the majority of species ; (b) S. berneri with base of apical tooth very broad ; (c) S. dentulosum with outer margin strongly arched. (91-111) mandibular serrations of (91) S. alcocki ; (92) S. unicornutum ; (93) S. dentu- losum; (94) S. johannae; (95) S. ruficorne; (96) S. loutetense; (97) S. schoutedeni ; (98) S. aureosimile ; (99) S. medusaeforme hargreavesi ; (100) S. impukane; (101) S. hirsutum ; (103) S. vorax; (102) S. kenyae; (104) S. adersi; (105) S. colas-belcouri ; (106) S. memahoni ; (107) S. berneri; (108) S. bovis; (109) S. cervicornutum ; (110) S. griseicolle ; (111) S. damnosum. ENTOM. 10, I. 4 48 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Simulium ruficorne Macquart The ruficorne-group is distinguished by having ventral papillae and a positive head pattern. S. ruficorne is distinguished from aureosimile by the absence of antero- lateral head-spots. Length. Mature larva, 6-6-5 mm. Head. Head capsule with boldly marked positive pattern of dark brown spots on creamy-yellow ground colour, the spots themselves surrounded by narrow yellow- brown infuscation (Text-fig. 20). Cephalic apotome with antero- and postero- median, and postero-lateral head-spots, but antero-lateral spots absent or with only the very faintest traces visible ; head capsule laterally with dark spots as in Text-fig. 20, and dark infuscation round the eye-spots ; usual pale eyebrow stripe present. Postgenal cleft very small (Text-fig. 36), slightly broader anteriorly than posteriorly and with apical margin slightly rounded, a little less subquadrate than in aureosimile ; postgenal bridge a little longer than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 56) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth very strongly developed, and median one of intermediate teeth very small and much shorter than other intermediate teeth ; 5-8 lateral serrations (usually 6 or 7), serrations strongly developed, with hindmost serration lying well posterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 3—5 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium, hindmost seta sometimes widely separated from other setae; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta distinctly less than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 77) long, lightly pigmented, first segment about 6 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 10 : 8-7: 11. Mandible of typical form, serrations (Text-fig. 95) unusual, the posterior serration large and broad at the base, not much smaller than anterior serration, second comb tooth about equal in length to third and much smaller than first. Maxillary palp unusually long, about 3-5-3-6 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 123). Cephalic fan with 35-42 rays (56 rays seen in mature larva from desert oasis, Sinai). Thorax. Milky or creamy-white with pale grey-brown marking; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 23-27 rows of 5-7 hooks ; lateral plate unpigmented, with about 16 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 4 large wrinkled tubular filaments, curled round so that their apices are directed upwards (Text-fig. 181). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-figs. 7 and 11 ; pale yellowish-white with traces of pale brown segmental mottling (never seen with very dark banding), milky-white ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present (Text-fig. 156), large and usually strongly pointed conical in shape. Cuticle apparently completely bare, without scales or spines, but with minute colourless hairs dorsally on the posterior segments particularly around the anal sclerite (Text-fig. 144). Rectal scales present. Rectal gills variable, often simpler than in most species, each lobe sometimes without secondary lobules ; small thumb-like secondary lobules sometimes present, 2-4 on each lobe; some specimens with 6~7 finger-like secondary lobules on each lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, anterior arms sometimes rather short and broad, posterior arm extending to roth or 11th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 63 rows of 9-13 hooks. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 49 MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae live on trailing grasses, leaves, pebbles, or rocky beds in very slowly-moving water, usually in small streams, occasionally in larger rivers. Immature stages may often be found in situations where almost no flow exists, and even at times in stagnant water (for example in the marshy fadamas of the drier parts of Northern Nigeria) ; this habitat often contains much algal growth, and larvae are often covered with organic matter. Larvae usually occur in masses of the one species, and are rarely associated with other species since these cannot tolerate the conditions favoured by ruficorne. Common throughout Africa, including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and islands of the Malagasy sub-region, extending into the desert areas on the fringes of the Sahara. Simulium aureosimile Pomeroy Similar to ruficorne but readily distinguished by the presence of well-marked antero-lateral head-spots. Length. Mature Larva, 5-75-6:5 mm. Head. Creamy-yellow with very distinct positive pattern of brown head-spots, with areas of yellow-brown infuscation around the spots (Text-fig. 19) ; cephalic apotome with all groups of head-spots well developed including antero-lateral spots (cf. ruficorne) ; sides of head capsule with dark spots and infuscation round eye-spots as in Text-fig. 19, eyebrow stripe present but narrow and not very distinct ; pigmen- tation less variable than in most species and head-spots always distinct. Postgenal cleft small and subquadrate (Text-fig. 37), more truncate and less rounded apically than in ruficorne ; postgenal bridge long, about 1-5 times as long as hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 59) with usual row of g apical teeth, median and corner teeth short and blunt (cf. rujficorne), corner teeth very broad basally, intermediate teeth subequal in size or middle one very slightly smaller than other intermediate teeth ; 6-9 lateral serrations (usually 7-8), the serrations small and blunt, not strongly developed as in rujficorne, with hindmost serration lying posterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 5—7 in each row, the hindmost seta well separated from the other setae as in some specimens of ruficorne, setae lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta distinctly less than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 78) very long, very lightly pigmented, first segment about 7:5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 7-6: 9:66. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, very small (Text-fig. 98), second comb tooth as long as or very slightly longer than third, much smaller than first. Maxillary palp unusually long, about 3-8 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 124). Cephalic fan with 51-60 rays (cf. ruficorne), usually 53-56. Thorax. Greyish-white with only very faint darker marking ; cuticle bare. Pro- leg circlet with about 30 rows of 6-10 hooks ; lateral plate lightly pigmented, with about 13-16 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 4 long wrinkled tubular filaments, longer and more coiled than in ruficorne, with the apices directed caudad (Text-fig. 182). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7 ; pale grey or greyish-white, with only faintly 50 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 2 13 114 5 116 17 1s 19 120 121 122 125 126 127 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 51 indicated darker segmental mottling so that the whole body appears pale grey, milky-white ventro-apically ; ventral nerve-cord grey, very distinct. Ventral papillae present, large and rather pointed. Cuticle apparently completely bare, without scales or spines, but with a few minute colourless hairs postero-dorsally particularly near the anal sclerite (as in ruficorne, Text-fig. 144). Last abdominal segment laterally just anterior to posterior circlet often (but not in all specimens) with very small dark sclerotizations, three or four in number lying one above the other (as in some specimens of damnosum), the sclerotizations not combined into such a definitive sclerite as in unicornutum. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with numerous finger-like secondary lobules, 8—1o in median lobe and 10-12 in each lateral lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, posterior arm extending to 12th-14th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 72 rows of 10-13 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria (personally collected at Kaduna and Zaria). The above description is based on this material. Freeman & de Meillon (1953) have synonymized brachium Gibbins and simplex Gibbins with aureosimile Pom.: I have examined Gibbins’ larvae (spirit material of brachium and 7 slides of simplex) and they show certain differences from the Nigerian material. The size is larger, length of mature larvae 7-8 mm., colour apparently darker grey (possibly discoloured), the cephalic fans have only 31-40 rays in mature larvae, and the anal gills are less complex, with 4-6 short secondary lobules per lobe ; the gills in one specimen have however 10 lobules, but the gills are of course frequently very variable. Other characters, including the head markings, hypostomium, elongate maxillary palp, respiratory histoblast, etc. are identical with those of the Nigerian aureosimile. The differences mentioned probably lie within the natural variability of aureosimile and I think Gibbins’ Uganda material and the Nigerian material may safely be regarded as conspecific. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae are found principally in swiftly-flowing, broken water, in small rivers and streams particularly where the water flows over boulders ; larvae often occur in very large masses attached to grasses and stones. At Zaria, Northern Nigeria, larvae were found on the boulders laid down in a river as a vehicle-ford ; in these artificially turbulent conditions aureosimile immature stages occurred in company with those of medusaeforme and damnosum. Known from many parts of Tropical Africa from Guinea to Nyasaland, but in South Africa its place is taken by the closely related nigritarsis Coquillet. Fics. 112-135. (112-114) Apex of mandible of (112) species of Division A (comb teeth small and second comb tooth usually shorter than first and third comb teeth) ; (113) most species of Division B (comb teeth large in an even row), drawn from S. vorax ; (114) S. berneri (comb teeth and serrations very reduced). (115-135) Maxillary palp of (115) S. alcocki ; (116) S. johannae ; (117) S. schoutedeni ; (118) S. impukane ; (119) S. mcmahoni ; (120) S. kenyae; (121) S. cervicornutum ; (122) S. unicornutum ; (123) S. ruficorne ; (124) S. aureosimile ; (125) S. hirsutum ; (126) S. adersi ; (127) S. berneri ; (128) S. griseicolle ; (129) S. dentulosum; (130) S. loutetense ; (131) S. medusaeforme hargreavesi ; (132) S. vorax ; (133) S. colas-belcouri ; (134) S. bovis ; (135) S. damnosum, M,s,= mandibular serrations ; C.¢,= comb teeth, 52 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Simulium hirsutum Pomeroy Type form. Closely similar to adersi, and difficult to distinguish reliably ; in the limited material seen the hypostomial teeth are weaker, the maxillary palp shorter and the antenna longer than in adersi, and the head capsule is devoid of even faint pigmentation. These differences may not be constant. Length. Mature larva, 5-5:5 mm. Head. Head capsule pale yellow or creamy-yellow, without pigmentation in material seen but a weak negative pattern similar to that in adersi probably occurs in some specimens. Postgenal cleft large and rounded, similar to adersi (Text-fig. 38), very slightly angulate apically ; postgenal bridge a little shorter than hypo- stomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 58) with usual row of 9g apical teeth, median and corner teeth little developed, less prominent than in adersi, intermediate teeth subequal in size forming a more or less even row ; 5-6 small lateral serrations, with hindmost serration lying on level with or a little anterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 4 in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta subequal to or a little less than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 80) long, very lightly pigmented, first segment about 7:5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 12°3: 11:11. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. IoI), second comb tooth much smaller than first and subequal in size to third. Maxillary palp short, about 2-8 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 125). Cephalic fan with about 30-34 rays. Thorax. Pale yellowish-white with only faint traces of darker marking ; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with (?) about 30 rows of 6-10 hooks; lateral plate almost unpigmented, with about 15 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 8 long thin tightly coiled filaments arising in three pairs, two filaments dividing again more apically ; shape of “ gill-spot ”’ (Text-fig. 183) less regularly oval than in aderst. Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7; pale yellowish-white with little trace of darker segmental mottling, milky-white ventro-apically (Gibbins (1936) gives general colour pale grey). Ventral papillae present. Cuticle of posterior segments dorsally with small scattered simple setae (Text-fig. 145). Rectal scales present. Rec- tal gills seen only in single specimen in which the median lobe is simple and each lateral lobe bears one small thumb-like secondary lobule (the specimen figured by Gibbins (1936)), but gills are probably somewhat variable as in most species. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized but not in the median line, posterior arm extending to about 12th or 13th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 76-80 rows of 8-15 hooks (Gibbins gives about 104 rows but there are fewer than this in his slide material in B.M. collection). MATERIAL EXAMINED. Only two larvae in poor condition together with some fragments from Uganda have been available for study, and no West African material has been seen. These larvae were Gibbins’ material, one in spirit and the other with the fragments on slides ; remounts have been made where necessary, but it should be noted that the above description has been drawn up from limited and imperfect material, and that slight discrepancies may appear when larvae from West Africa are known, TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE ‘53 LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Immature stages are found on trailing grasses and stones, principally in broken swiftly-flowing water in streams. Gibbins (1936) records the larvae living under cascades in association with cervicornutum. In Nigeria I have found the pupae amongst those of kenyae in turbulent rocky streams. Widely distributed in the Ethiopian Region from Sierra Leone to Natal. Simulium adersi Pomeroy Length. Mature larva, 4-5-5 mm. (5-5-6 mm. in larvae from Nsadzi Island, Lake Victoria ; Gibbins’ material described in Gibbins (1934)). Head. Head capsule creamy-yellow, pale yellow or fulvous with negative pattern, the cephalic apotome with a yellow-brown H-shaped or lyre-shaped pigmented area (Text-fig. 21), pale postero-median head-spots usually distinct but other head- spots not clearly defined ; lateral areas of the head unpigmented, or with the usual 3-shaped pigmented area behind the eye-spots (Text-fig. 21). Postgenal cleft large and subcircular or very slightly cordate (Text-fig. 38), not perfectly rounded apically but with trace of widely obtuse angle; postgenal bridge distinctly shorter than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 57) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth strongly prominent, intermediate teeth well developed subequal in size or with median one slightly smaller than the others ; 5-8 lateral serrations (usually 7), the serrations often strong and the strongly sclerotized anterior serration sometimes very strongly developed and directed slightly outwards, hindmost serration lying posterior to or level with first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 3-5 (usually 4) in each row, lying parallel to lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta slightly less than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 79) of moderate length (only slightly longer than stem of cephalic fan), very lightly pigmented, first segment about 6 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 8:10: 10-3. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 104), second comb tooth much smaller than first, about equal in size to third, first comb tooth very enlarged in some specimens seen. Maxillary palp long, about 3-1 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 126). Cephalic fan with 38-47 rays, usually about 44 (Gibbins (1934) gives 28-32, but examination of his Nsadzi, Lake Victoria, material shows that mature larvae have 38-41 rays). Thorax. Greyish or pale yellowish-white with pale greyish-brown marking ; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 25 rows of 4-7 hooks ; lateral plate unpig- mented, with about 15 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 11 long thin tightly coiled filaments, outline of the organ sub-oval (Text-fig. 184). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7; greyish or yellowish-white with darker brownish segmental mottling, sometimes faint, milky-white ventro-apically. Ventral papillae present, small (Text-fig. 157) and sometimes difficult to see (papillae are absent in Gibbins’ material from Nsadzi Island). Cuticle of posterior segments dorsally with very numerous small simple setae, the setae slightly broadened at the centre, black and strongly sclerotized basally but clear apically (Text-fig. 146). Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with several finger-like secondary lobules in each lobe, but only seen fully extruded in one specimen in which the median lobe 54 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 137 138 139 140 a ‘i 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 ISO 1S! 152 {53 154 Fics. 136-154. Setae or scales of abdominal cuticle of (136) S. alcocki ; (137) S. johannae; (138) S. impukane ; (139) S. kRenyae; (140) S. schoutedeni ; (141) S. mcmahoni; (142) S. cervicornutum ; (143) S. unicornutum ; (144) S. ruficorne, few setae of kind shown present only around anal sclerite, as also in aureosimile ; (145) S. hirsutum; (146) S. adersi; (147) S. griseicolle; (148) S. griseicolle, scales on area of anal sclerite; (149) S. berneri, short broad seta illustrated on right is the form seen on dorsum of thorax ; (150) S. medusaeforme ; (151) S. vorax; (152) S. colas-belcouri, (153) S. bovis; (154) S. damnosum, narrow pointed scale is the form seen on proleg. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 55 has 7 lobules and each lateral lobe 8 lobules. Anal sclerite of usual form (Text-fig. 164), strongly sclerotized, anterior arms sometimes a little shorter and posterior arms a little broader than usual, posterior arm extending to about r1th—13th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 69-75 rows of 9-15 hooks (Gibbins (1934) gives about 120 rows of 19-25 hooks in his description of the larva from Nsadzi Island). MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria, Sudan and Nyasaland; the description above is based on the Nigerian material. I have also examined Gibbins’ slides and spirit material of aderst collected by him from the rocky shore of Nsadzi Island, Lake Victoria (see his 1934 paper, p. 61) and the larvae from this locality differ in several important respects from those of other areas. The larvae from Nsadzi are very large, the head capsule is very heavily pigmented, the hypostomial teeth are rather blunt, ventral papillae are absent, and the posterior circlet has a very large number of rows of hooks: the form of the postgenal cleft, the r1-filamented pupal respiratory histoblast, the simple abdominal setae, and other characters however are the same as those of adersi larvae from elsewhere. The larvae from Nsadzi are undoubtedly correctly associated with the pupae and adults from the same area (material in B.M. collection), and the structure of the pupa and male genitalia appears to be identical with adersi from other parts of Africa ; however the absence of ventral papillae and large size give a very different impression from adersi larvae as known from elsewhere, and it is possible that a pair of sibling species exists. The high number of hooklet rows in the posterior circlet is perhaps a local adaptation to the unusual environment on Nsadzi Island where the larvae are subjected to wave action on an exposed rocky headland. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae tolerate very widely differing conditions and occur in large rivers as well as very small streams, both in slow water and in swift rapids, attached to grasses, leaves, sticks, corn-stalks, rocks and pebbles ; in large rivers, especially in semi-arid areas such as the far north of Nigeria, adersi often occurs in large numbers unassociated with other species or occasionally in company with damnosum ; in smaller streams it is also frequently found without other species but may occur with medusaeforme. At Man o’ War Bay near Victoria in the Cameroons immature stages have been found on herbage attached to the piles of a wharf in brackish water where a small stream discharges into the sea. Widely distributed over most of the Ethiopian Region. Simulium berneri Freeman A remarkable species easily distinguished from all other known Ethiopian species by the form of the hypostomium (Text-fig. 68). Length. Approximately 6 mm. Head. Head capsule unusually long with traces of transverse wrinkling on the dorsum, eye-spots very small; without definite pattern, rather evenly pigmented yellow-brown with slightly more intense pigmentation medially on cephalic apotome. Postgenal cleft absent (Text-fig. 39), the ventral surface of the head capsule com- pletely sclerotized or with only faint traces of a postgenal cleft, the postgenal bridge 56 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE therefore very long and reaching the hind margin of the head. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 68) of extraordinary form, very heavily sclerotized apically with a large deeply sunk median tooth and 5 subequal blunt outwardly-curving teeth on either side ; lateral margins of median tooth slightly serrate ; lateral margins of hyposto- mium behind apical teeth smooth, non-serrate ; hypostomial setae very long and fine, 4-5 in each row, lying subparallel to lateral margin of hypostomium. Antenna (Text-fig. 81) short, lightly pigmented, first segment about 5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios approximately 5 : 6°4: 6 (specimens seen are not completely matured and proportions in fully mature larvae may be slightly different). Mandible of unusual form (Text-fig. 90b) with the basal area of the large apical tooth very broad and the comb teeth very reduced (Text-fig. 114) ; serrations also very reduced, a small anterior serration present but posterior serration absent or possibly represented by a slight irregularity in the edge of the mandible (Text-fig. 107). Maxillary palp about 2-8 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 127). Cephalic fan with 50 and 52 rays in almost mature specimen seen, rays narrower than in most species. Thorax. Pale grey or greyish-yellow, without darker marking ; cuticle including that of proleg closely covered with pale elongate slightly clubbed hairs (Text-fig. 149), those on the dorsum shorter and more strongly spatulate than the other hairs. Proleg circlet with numerous hooks (invaginated and not possible to count in material seen). Pupal respiratory histoblast not seen, presumably with 38 very thin sinuous filaments, probably tightly coiled and arising near the base. Abdomen. With the segmentation unusually clearly marked and the terminal segments distinctly demarcated from anterior segments; pale grey or greyish- yellow, evenly coloured without darker segmental mottling. Ventral papillae absent. Entire cuticle densely covered with almost colourless long thin slightly clubbed hairs, sinuous and apparently very flexible, the alveoli very small but clearly present so that the hairs are modified macrotrichia. Rectal scales not seen, apparently absent. Rectal gills with several secondary lobules, one specimen seen with 8 finger-like secondary lobules in the median lobe, and 6 and 7 lobules on the lateral lobes. Anal sclerite unusual, arms very long and narrow only strongly sclerotized along the centre of each arm (Text-fig. 166), anterior arms rather strongly directed forwards, and in lateral view curved and slightly hook-like, posterior arm extending to about 26th—-28th row of hooks; position of anal sclerite distinctly postero-dorsal, not dorsal, so that it lies terminally on the abdomen with the posterior circlet occupying a ventro-apical position instead of the usual strictly apical position. Posterior circlet with about 96 rows of 14-21 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. Paratype larvae from Ghana. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. This is a striking and remarkable species in which the larvae and pupae live attached to mayfly nymphs of the genus Elassoneurta ; several of the larval characters closely resemble those of S. copleyi Gibbins and S. lumbwanus de Meillon in which the larvae are also found on mayfly nymphs. The head-capsule is elongate with traces of transverse wrinkling on the dorsum, the eye-spots are very reduced, the body segmentation is very distinct, and the posterior circlet occupies an oblique position ventro-posteriorly with the unusual anal sclerite in a terminal position, Some of these characteristics are no doubt TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 57 wt - RW te - a a, SQ wih ’ . . “2's es << Zz ig ; ZA eee S Zo; aes : Zi ae < f tj, 90" 4 Nee ‘ aad ZZ roa ae WS iy bE Wess . . 1 Ned xt = ~ aS: SS thheey Seah; 158 159 160 Fics. 155-160. Lateral view of terminal abdominal structures: 155-157, Division A species with ventral papillae and few rows of circlet hooks (155) S. unicornutum ; (156) S. ruficorne ; (157) S. adersi, ventral papilla small. 158-160, Division B species without ventral papillae and with very numerous rows of circlet hooks (158) S. medusae- forme ; (159) S. vorax ; (160) S. damnosum. A.c.= accessory sclerite; V.p.= ventral papilla. 58 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE adaptations to the specialized environment provided by the association with the mayfly nymphs, and are also found in the East African species (neavei-complex) which occur on crabs, At present S. berneri is known only from Ghana and Cameroons Republic, but it almost certainly exists in Nigeria also, and possibly elsewhere in West Africa. Simulium griseicolle Becker Type form. Length. Mature larva, 4—4:25 mm. Head. Head capsule pale, milky-white to creamy-yellow, without pigmentation. Postgenal cleft very large and subcircular (Text-fig. 40), similar in shape to damnosum; postgenal bridge short, distinctly shorter than hypostomium ; in some specimens the edges of the postgenal cleft are difficult to distinguish from the white membranous area filling the cleft, so that in spirit material the cleft may appear at first sight as though it is very reduced or absent and careful examination may be required. Hypo- stomium (Text-fig. 60) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median and corner teeth strongly developed and rather prominent, intermediate teeth well developed and subequal in size; anterior part of hypostomium back to second lateral serration rather strongly set off from rest of hypostomium ; 5-6 lateral serrations, hindmost serration weak, and anterior two serrations strongly developed and set off more clearly from the others than usual; hindmost serration lying just posterior to or level with first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 3-4 (usually 3) in each row, setae fine, lying subparallel to or slightly diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta subequal to or a little less than that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 82) short, unpigmented, first segment about 5-5-6 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 5 : 5-6: 5. Mandible of typical form, only a single serration (Text-fig. 110), the posterior serration absent or represented only by a slight irregularity, second comb tooth almost as large as first and about equal in length to third. Maxil- lary palp about 3 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 128). Cephalic fan with 26-34 rays. Thorax. Milky or yellowish-white with very pale yellowish-brown darker banding ; cuticle dorsally and dorso-laterally closely covered with abundant setae, mostly simple, but with an admixture of a few compound fan-shaped setae (Text-fig. 147) ; cuticle ventrally and on proleg bare. Proleg normal (as pointed out by Freeman & de Meillon (1953), Gibbins (1935) was mistaken in stating that the proleg is peculiar with the circlet borne on a protuberance), circlet with approximately 17-20 rows of 3-6 hooks ; lateral plate unpigmented, with about 12 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 3 flattened strongly wrinkled lobes, the median lobe lying inside the others with only the apex visible on external examination of the “ gill-spot ” (Text- fig. 185). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 7; milky or yellowish-white with darker yellowish-grey or very pale brownish segmental mottling, white ventro-apically. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle closely covered, principally on the dorsum, with short simple setae and compound fan-shaped setae (Text-fig. 147), the fan-like TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 59 scales sometimes very numerous on posterior segments, but sometimes restricted to last segment ; anterior segments usually without or with only a few fan setae but with abundant simple setae; fan setae present on cuticle of apical surface enclosed by posterior circlet. Rectal scales present, but weakly sclerotized and difficult to see. Rectal gills with several finger-like secondary lobules, 4-8 in median lobe and 5-8 in each lateral lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, anterior arms short and broad basally and median area rather broad, posterior arm extending to about roth row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 66 rows of 9-14 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria and Sudan. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae are found, often in large numbers, on sticks, dead grasses, sedge, corn-stalks, fish-traps and even on hard mud in smooth or only slightly broken but swift water. S. griseicolle favours very large rivers, such as the Nile and Niger, but breeding occurs also in smaller rivers, and in Northern Nigeria I have collected larvae in company with those of bovis and adersi in these smaller rivers and in company with damnosum in the Niger. The typical form ranges from Egypt and Sudan westwards to Northern Nigeria and south to the Congo and Uganda. Simulium griseicolle form tridens Freeman & de Meillon Larvae of this form are almost identical with the type form, but the fan-like scales are fewer in the material seen and restricted to the last abdominal segment ; some very large fan-like well sclerotized scales near anal sclerite (Text-fig. 148) ; in the pupal respiratory histoblast the innermost (median) of the 3 lobes is not externally visible (Text-fig. 186). MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae occur in similar situations to those of the type form. Form éridens appears to be mainly West African (Nigeria and Ghana) but is known also from Nyasaland. Simulium dentulosum Roubaud Type form. Length. Mature larva, g-10-5 mm. Head. Head capsule evenly suffused yellowish-brown with only small clear pale areas around eye-spots, narrow eye-brow stripes, and antero-laterally on cephalic apotome, but with a very distinct positive pattern in addition to general pigmenta- tion (Text-fig. 22); pattern of cephalic apotome comprises very distinct brown antero-median and antero-lateral head-spots, less distinct postero-lateral and postero- median spots, the latter groups surrounded by dark suffusions on median and postero-lateral areas of cephalic apotome ; sides of head capsule with less distinct spots, but row of three small spots below and behind eye-spots and two large dark areas against the post-occiput usually distinguishable from general pigmentation. Lateral arms of cleavage line strongly convergent anteriorly so that cephalic apotome is a little more triangular in form than usual. Postgenal cleft very small, in some specimens almost absent, broader than long and truncate anteriorly (Text-fig. 41), or sometimes subtriangular and pointed apically (as figured by Grenier & Ovazza 60 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE (1956)) ; postgenal bridge very long, almost twice as long as hypostomium. Hypo- stomium (Text-fig. 61) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median tooth slightly promi- nent, corner teeth broad and blunt, middle one of intermediate teeth slightly smaller than other intermediate teeth ; 8-11 lateral serrations, the first 2 or 3 strongly sclerotized and lying behind corner teeth in usual way, other serrations small and blunt, formed only by slight incisions into antero-lateral margin of hypostomium, hindmost serration lying about level with or a little posterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae very numerous, but variable, 12-18 in each row, hindmost setae usually lying irregularly ; setal rows diverging posteriorly from lateral margins of hypostomium, lateral areas of hypostomium outside the setae unusually broad ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta about two-thirds of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 84) long, first and third segments strongly pigmented dark brown, apex of second segment lightly pigmented, first segment about 6-6-5 times as long as broad but distinctly tapering apically, second segment long, segment length ratios 7-6: 10:5. Mandible unusually broad with the outer margin strongly arched (Text-fig. 90c), posterior serration present, small, anterior serration broad basally as in most species (Text-fig. 93), not elongate as in vorax, comb teeth forming a fairly even row, the second comb tooth only slightly smaller than first. Maxillary palp long, about 3-3-3-4 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 129). Cephalic fan with 54-70 rays. Thorax. Fairly evenly dark grey or grey-black in not fully mature larvae, but mature larvae milky-white dorsally and laterally behind pupal respiratory histoblast ; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 40-50 rows of 8-13 hooks; lateral plate pigmented yellow-brown, with about 24-26 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast (Text-fig. 187) with 14 tubular filaments, the filaments with black pointed tips mostly directed caudad. Abdomen. Shaped as in vorax (Text-fig. 10), the segments gradually increasing in size to widest point and then contracting rather sharply to the posterior circlet ; first 2 segments generally dark grey or blackish, other segments dark grey or grey- black above but milky-white ventrally and ventro-laterally ; ventral nerve-cord distinct, dark grey. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle apparently bare, without scales or setae, but with minute pale hairs (? microtrichia) dorsally, particularly on terminal segments and near anal sclerite. Faint traces of lateral sclerotization present just anterior to posterior circlet. Rectal scales present, very numerous. Rectal gills with 7-11 finger-like secondary lobules in each lobe, usually about 8 and median lobe usually with same number as lateral lobes ; some mature specimens with only 5-6 lobules in each lobe, in which case one lobule is much larger than the others. Anal sclerite (Text-fig. 167) of usual form, strongly sclerotized, anterior arms with broad flange-like sclerotized areas posteriorly especially near the base, posterior arm extending to about 37th-4oth row of hooks, and a small median sclerotized extension present posteriorly. Posterior circlet with about 220 rows of 24-39 hooks, most rows with 26-33 hooks (Gibbins (1934) gives 50-60 hooks per row but I have not seen this many even in Gibbins’ own material). MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Nyasaland, Uganda and Ruanda Urundi. No West African material has been seen, and S. dentulosum is at present only known from TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 61 170 171 172 Fics. 161-172. (161-169) Anal sclerite of (161) S. unicornutum ; (162) S. cervicornutum ; (163) S. impukane ; (164) S. aderst; (165) S. ruficorne ; (166) S. bernert ; (167) S. dentulosum; (168) S. vorax ; (169) S. damnosum. (170-172) Rectal gills of (170) larva with only a few thumb-like secondary lobules drawn from S. memahoni ; (171) larva with numerous long finger-like secondary lobules, drawn from S. damnosum ; (172) larva with simple trifid gill without secondary lobules, drawn from S. impukane. two localities in West Africa (Bangan, Southern Cameroons, type locality of S. gilvipes Pomeroy, and Upper Volta). Gibbins’ Uganda material has been examined and it may be mentioned here that his figure (Gibbins, 1934) of dentulosum mandible is incorrect: as already pointed out by Freeman & de Meillon (1953) Gibbins’ drawings seem to have been made from whole mounts of larvae and consequently a distorted impression is given of some structures. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae live on grasses, sticks, stones, and rocks on the beds of streams, in very swiftly-flowing turbulent water, often in mountain 62 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE torrents and cascades. S. dentulosum occurs from Upper Volta and the Cameroons to Abyssinia, Uganda and Kenya, and southwards as far as Cape Province, South Africa. Simulium loutetense Grenier & Ovazza Only three larvae have been seen, all slide material, and it is not possible to give coloration but dark segmental mottling is evident and the head capsule is lightly pigmented, rather as in medusaeforme. Length. Mature larva, 5:5 mm. Head. Head capsule probably light creamy-yellow in ground colour; with positive head pattern comprising distinct antero-median, postero-median and antero-lateral spots, without postero-lateral spots although cephalic apotome is moderately strongly pigmented in postero-lateral corners and behind postero- median head-spots (Text-fig. 23) ; sides of head capsule with dark spots behind and below eye-spots and with pigmented suffusions posteriorly against post-occiput, postero-ventrally, and antero-dorsally above and in front of eye-brow stripe. Post- genal cleft large and mitre-shaped (Text-fig. 42), somewhat similar to that of medu- saeforme ; postgenal bridge short, a little shorter than hypostomium, Hypostomium (Text-fig. 62) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median tooth moderately strongly developed, corner teeth blunt and broad basally, intermediate teeth subequal in size ; 4~7 small blunt lateral serrations, the serrations sometimes little more than rounded irregularities in margin of hypostomium, with hindmost serration lying a little anterior to first hypostomial seta; hypostomial setae 6-7 in each row, slightly diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta about two-thirds of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 83) long, first and third segments lightly pigmented, first segment about 5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios II : 15°5: II. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 96), the 3 comb teeth forming an evenly decreasing row. Maxillary palp long, about 3-2 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 130). Cephalic fan with about 40 rays. Thorax. Cuticle dorsally with minute colourless hairs. Proleg circlet with about 45 rows of 7-12 hooks ; lateral plate strongly pigmented, with about 22 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 6 thin tightly coiled filaments arising in pairs (Text-fig. 188). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 6; coloration probably similar to dentulosum. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle dorsally with minute pale hairs, long and prominent around anal sclerite, but without scales or spines. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills not seen extruded, probably with several secondary lobules to each lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, posterior arm extending to 17th or 18th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with 70-80 rows of 13-16 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. Three larvae only seen (slide material) from Southern Cameroons and Sierra Leone. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Immature stages occur on grasses and stones in swiftly-flowing turbulent water, mainly in streams; pupae have been collected in company with those of colas-belcouri. S. loutetense appears to be rare with a TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 63 scattered distribution and is known from the Congo Republics, Sudan, North- ern Rhodesia, Cameroons, Ghana and Sierra Leone; it is not known to me from East Africa. Simulium medusaeforme form hargreavesi Gibbins Length. Mature larva, 5:75-7 mm., usually about 6 mm. Head. Head capsule creamy-white or pale yellow in ground colour with very variable yellow-brown or brown pigmentation and postive head pattern (Text-fig. 24) ; antero-median, antero-lateral, postero-median, and postero-lateral head-spots all present, but spots surrounded with dark infuscation so that the spots themselves are sometimes indistinct, postero-lateral spots sometimes almost absent ; median and postero-median areas of cephalic apotome sometimes very strongly pigmented dark brown so that head-spots are almost invisible in the general infuscation ; antero-lateral spots usually lying close to infuscated area between median groups of spots so that together they present a }-like mark ; sides of head with row of three dark spots below and behind eye-spots and with usual dark pigmented areas posteri- orly and postero-ventrally, eye-brow stripe distinct, strongly pigmented above and in front of eye-brow stripe. Postgenal cleft large, shaped as in Text-fig. 43 ; postgenal bridge short, distinctly shorter than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 63) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, the teeth broad and blunt, intermediate teeth subequal and median tooth slightly prominent ; corner teeth very broad and hardly projecting beyond intermediate teeth ; 4-6 (usually 5) lateral serrations, strongly acuminate, with hindmost serration lying a little anterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 4-6 (usually 4) in each row, strongly diverging posteriorly from lateral edge of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta two-thirds or a little less than two-thirds of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 86) short, very little longer than stem of cephalic fan, very lightly pigmented, first segment about 4:5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 5: 6-8:4. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present and moderately large (Text-fig. 99), comb teeth forming an even row of gradually decreas- ing size. Maxillary palp short, about 2-7 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 131). Cephalic fan with 38-45 rays. Thorax. Milky-white with dark grey marking ; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 35 rows of 9-12 hooks ; lateral plate very lightly pigmented, with about 14 processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 6 stout wrinkled tubular filaments, the middle two arising from a common base, and numerous thin secondary filaments (Text-fig. 190). Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 8 ; anterior segments dark grey, other segments dark grey dorsally and milky-white ventrally ; some specimens with abdomen rather evenly coloured pale grey, others brownish-grey or sometimes almost black ; ventral nerve-cord dark grey, distinct and contrasting sharply with white ventral surface. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle dorsally on posterior segments with numerous simple setae (Text-fig. 150), the setae well sclerotized and often strongly curved. Rectal scales present, very numerous. Rectal gills with 5-8 finger-like ENTOM. Io, I. 5 64 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE secondary lobules in median lobe and 5-9 lobules in each lateral lobe, usually 6-8 in lateral lobes ; in specimens with only 5 lobules one is usually larger than the others. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, similar to vorax (Text-fig. 168) with slightly sclerotized median posterior projection, posterior arm extending to about 26th-30th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 140 rows of 18-30 hooks. (Gibbins (1934) in his description of elgonense Gibbins—synonym of hargreavesi —gives 40-45 hooks per row but I have not seen nearly as many as this in Gibbins’ slide material, or more than 30 hooks per row in any of the material examined.) MATERIAL EXAMINED, From Northern Nigeria, Sudan, S. Rhodesia and Uganda (including Gibbins’ slides of hargreavesi and elgonense). LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae are found in both large rivers and small streams, often in enormous numbers, attached to trailing grasses, dead leaves, sticks, stones and the solid rock surfaces forming the beds of watercourses particularly where there are cascades and turbulent foamy water; although swift broken water seems to be preferred the larvae are also found in slow streams. Frequently larvae and pupae of hargreavesi occur in almost pure masses of the one form in such numbers as to blacken the surfaces of rock to which they are attached. In small placid streams larvae may be found with those of wnicornutum, and in swift rocky streams in com- pany with vorax and colas-belcourt. In the rapids of larger rivers they may occur with damnosum and even aureosimile (as in the Galma River, Zaria, Northern Nigeria). Widely distributed from Sierra Leone to Natal. Simulium medusaeforme Pomeroy, Type form Larvae of the type form appear to be almost identical with form hargreavesi except in the structure of the pupal respiratory histoblast, which has only 5 stout branches with the middle one not forked as in hargreavesi (Text-fig. 191). MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Uganda (Gibbins’ slide material of ugandae Gibbins, synonym of medusaeforme type form). LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. As in form hargreavesi. Simulium vorax Pomeroy Type form. Larvae closely similar to those of colas-belcourt. Length. Mature larva, 7-75-9 mm. Head. Head capsule strongly and rather evenly pigmented yellowish-brown to dark brown, usually pale only around eye-spots, on eye-brow stripes, and anteriorly on cephalic apotome (Text-fig. 25) ; degree of pigmentation somewhat variable ; pattern of positive type but dark head-spots only very faintly distinguishable from surrounding pigmentation, although a series of small transversely elongate antero- median spots is usually evident (according to Gibbins (1939) the front without pigmented areas) ; lateral head-spots usually distinct from surrounding infuscation, occasionally head capsule below eye-spots only lightly pigmented and spots then only slightly darkened. Postgenal cleft subcordate in shape, of medium size (Text-fig. 44) ; postgenal bridge with a lightly pigmented longitudinal median area contrasting with dark pigmentation on either side (Text-fig. 44), a little shorter thanhypostomium. TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 65 Hypostomium (Text-fig. 64) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, median tooth slightly prominent and other teeth broad and blunt, corner teeth very broad and only as long as or even a little shorter than intermediate teeth which are equal in size ; 4-6 lateral serrations, the serrations very weak, with hindmost serration lying a little anterior to first hypostomial seta; hypostomial setae 7-10 in each row, strongly diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta only half of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 85) short, only slightly longer than stem of cephalic fan, distinctly pigmented, first segment short only about 3-75-4 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 3-7 : 6: 3-5. Mandible of typical form, small posterior serration present and anterior serration narrow and very elongate (Text-fig. 102), comb teeth very large and second comb tooth about equal in size to or even slightly longer than first and third comb teeth, the teeth only slightly shorter than large apical tooth (Text-fig. 113). Maxillary palp about 2-75 times as long as breadth at base. Cephalic fan with 50-60 rays, usually about 54-56 (Gibbins (1939) gives 40-50, but his material of lepbidum de Meillon shows at least 50 rays). Thorax. General colour grey except for milky-white histoblasts and general white area behind pupal respiratory histoblast in mature larvae; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 45-50 rows of 9-15 hooks, most rows with about 12 hooks ; lateral plate strongly pigmented yellowish-brown, with about 14 processes, the processes strong and not subdivided into smaller secondary processes in specimens seen. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 5 stout wrinkled primary branches (Text-fig. 192) and several thin secondary filaments not visible externally. Abdomen. Gradually expanding posteriorly in lateral view to the widest, rather bulbous, point and then abruptly contracting to posterior circlet (Text-fig. ro) ; general colour pale to dark grey, milky-white ventro-apically, ventral nerve-cord grey. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle dorsally on posterior segments with numerous scattered simple setae (Text-fig. 151). Some specimens with a row of small flattened scale-like accessory sclerotizations laterally on last abdominal segment in front of posterior circlet, the sclerotizations sometimes pale but in other larvae distinctly darkened. Rectal scales present, very numerous. Rectal gills with very variable number of secondary lobules, 13—18 very long narrow lobules in each lobe in Nigerian material seen, but only 6-7 lobules per lobe in Uganda material (Grenier, Hamon & Rickenbach (1955) give a total of 40-50 lobules in specimens from Upper Volta). Anal sclerite of usual form, arms very strongly sclerotized, with a median posterior prolongation and usually a triangular unsclerotized hollow between the base of this projection and the body of the sclerite (Text-fig. 168), posterior arm extending to about 40th—45th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 220 rows of 28-38 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria and Uganda (Gibbins’ slide material described as lepidum de Meillon by Gibbins (1939)). LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae of vorax occur in very swift, turbulent foamy water in rocky streams and small rivers, often in tumbling mountain streams with waterfalls or cascades ; larvae in such situations are usually abundant, attached to rock-surfaces under the water, stones, dead leaves, branches and other detritus lodged in the rapids. The immature stages are often mixed with those of medusae- ENTOM. I0, I. 5§ 66 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Cop ANA OFTEN PRS }}? Rs ot > ever TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 67 forme hargreavest and colas-belcourt which also favour places with dashing broken water. Distributed from Upper Volta eastwards to Tanganyika and south to South Africa. Simulium colas-belcouri Grenier & Ovazza Very similar to vorax and difficult to distinguish reliably except in fully mature larvae with the pupal respiratory histoblast darkened ; the postgenal cleft appears to be consistently more pointed apically and less rounded, the median lightly pig- mented area on the postgenal bridge is less evident, and the dark head-spots of the cephalic apotome are in most cases more distinct but the pigmentation of the head capsule is variable and not consistently different from vorax. The corner teeth of hypostomium are more pointed and the median tooth shorter than in voraxin specimens seen but this may not be a constant difference. Length. Mature larva, 8-9:25 mm. (on average slightly larger than vorax). Head. Head capsule heavily pigmented yellowish-brown to dark brown, pale around eye-spots, on eye-brow stripes and anteriorly and laterally on cephalic apotome (Text-fig. 26) ; positive pattern of usual groups of dark head-spots, the antero-median spots distinct but other head-spots indistinctly marked off from general pigmentation of posterior half of cephalic apotome; lateral head-spots sometimes distinct but occasionally not evident and in some specimens the head capsule is extensively pale below the eye-spots. Postgenal cleft pentagonal in shape (Text-fig. 45) and sharply angulate anteriorly, less heart-shaped than in vorax ; postgenal bridge more or less evenly pigmented (without the distinct pale median longitudinal area which is present in vorax), shorter than hypostomium. Hypostom- mium (Text-fig. 65) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, the teeth forming a straight rather even row with the corner teeth broad and blunt, the intermediate teeth equal in size, and median tooth small and only slightly more prominent than other teeth ; 2-4 very small blunt lateral serrations, the two strongly sclerotized serrations normally lying just posterior to corner tooth sometimes absent so that the ridge between corner tooth and first hypostomial seta is smooth, hindmost serration lying anterior to first hypostomial seta; hypostomial setae 7-8 in each row, strongly diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta only about three-fifths of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 87) short, only slightly longer than stem of cephalic fan, lightly pigmented, first segment about 4 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 7: 12:3: 7. Mandible of typical form, very small posterior serration present and anterior serration narrow and very elongate (Text-fig. 105) as in vorax, comb teeth very large and forming an even row as in vorax (Text-fig. Fics. 173-188. Pupal respiratory histoblast (“ gill-spot”’) of mature larva of (173) S. alcocki type form; (174) S. johannae; (175) S. impukane; (176) S. schoutedeni ; (177) S. memahoni ; (178) S. kenyae; (179) S. cervicornutum type form ; (180) S. uni- cornutum type form ; (181) S. ruficorne ; (182) S. aureosimile ; (183) S. hirsutum type form ; (184) S. adersi; (185) S. griseicolle type form ; (186) S. griseicolle form tridens ; (187) S. dentulosum type form ; (188) S. loutetense, 68 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 113) (in the mandible figured by Grenier & Ovazza (1951) the apex of the elongate anterior serration is evidently broken off, and the serration appears truncate ; I have seen specimens like this myself but it is clear that the anterior serration is naturally long and narrow as in most mandibles examined and as in vorax). Maxillary palp narrow, about 3-3-1 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 133). Cephalic fan with about 57 rays (Grenier & Ovazza (1951) give 45-50). Thorax. Generally grey with milky-white histoblasts; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 52 rows of 8-13 hooks ; lateral plate strongly pigmented yellowish- brown, with about 12-14 processes, the processes strong and not subdivided into weaker secondary processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 5 stout wrinkled branches (broader than in vorax) externally visible (Text-fig. 193) and 11 smaller wrinkled tubular filaments behind (total of 16 digitate filaments in respiratory organ). Abdomen. Shaped as in vorax (Text-fig. 10) ; general colour grey with traces of darker segmental mottling, milky-white ventrally and ventro-apically, ventral nerve-cord grey. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle dorsally on posterior segments with a few scattered simple setae (Text-fig. 152). No trace of lateral sclerotizations on last abdominal segment in material seen. Rectal scales present, very numerous. Rectal gills probably very variable, each lobe with 7-8 secondary lobules in material described by Grenier & Ovazza (1951), but in Nigerian material seen with gills partially extruded there is a principal lobule and 4 or 5 smaller lobules only to each lobe. Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, with a posterior median sclerotized prolongation as in vorax (Text-fig. 168), posterior arm extending to about 39th or 40th row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 190-200 rows of about 30-49 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria and French Congo. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. The habitat of colas-belcouri is the same as that of vorax, in swift foamy cascades, and the two species sometimes occur together. Larvae and pupae have been found in masses covering the lips of small waterfalls and in places where the water runs steeply down smooth rock inclines. In addition to vorax the larvae may be found in company with medusaeforme hargreavesi and loutetense. S. colas-belcount is apparently rare, and is known to me only from French Congo, Sudan, and Northern and Eastern Nigeria. Simulium bovis de Meillon Length. Mature larva, 4:5 mm. Head. Head capsule clear pale yellowish-white or creamy-white without pattern or pigmentation. Postgenal cleft very large and bulbous (Text-fig. 46), with a trace of a widely obtuse angle apically ; postgenal bridge very short, much shorter than hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 66) very broad with usual row of 9 apical teeth, the teeth blunt and broad basally and forming an almost even straight row, corner teeth only about as long as intermediate teeth, and median tooth only very slightly more prominent than other teeth; flattened lobe-like area behind each apical tooth unusually distinct ; 3-5 very small, blunt, indistinct lateral serrations, with hindmost serration lying a little anterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 69 setae 4 in each row (occasionally very small fifth seta present), diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and first hypostomial seta about half of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 88) short, only slightly longer than stem of cephalic fan, very lightly pigmented, first segment about 4—4:5 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 6 : 6-8 : 5:7. Maxillary palp short, about 2-7 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 134). Cephalic fan with 34-45 rays. Thorax. Generally milky-white, very pale; cuticle bare. Proleg circlet with about 35-40 rows of 8-10 hooks ; lateral plate very lightly pigmented, with about II-12 processes, the processes strong and not subdivided. Pupal respiratory histo- blast as in Text-fig. 189, with 3 primary branches (2 arising from a common base) and numerous thin secondary filaments. Abdomen. Shaped as in Text-fig. 6; general colour very pale, milky-white, without trace of darker segmental mottling in material seen. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle dorsally on median and posterior segments with numerous flattened spatulate scales (Text-fig. 153), the scales strongly tapering basally. Rectal scales present. Rectal gills with variable number of long secondary lobules, 8-12 in each lateral lobe and 5-10 in the median lobe in material seen (Freeman & de Meillon (1953) state that each lobe is without secondary lobules but this is the case, as usual, only in small immature larvae). Anal sclerite of usual form, strongly sclerotized, without the median posterior sclerotization seen in other species of the medusaeforme- group, posterior arm extending to 16th—2oth row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 110-125 rows of 19-28 hooks. MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria and Transvaal. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae of bovis are found mainly on trailing grasses in swift-flowing broken water, often in rapids, of large rivers. Immature stages only rarely occur in small watercourses, although in large rivers they are found in circumstances where the flow may be very reduced in the dry season. Larvae sometimes occur in company with those of damnosum, cervicornutum, or grisetcolle. Widely distributed over the Ethiopian Region from Ghana east to Eritrea and south to Cape Province. Simulium damnosum Theobald Larva distinguishable from other Ethiopian species by the dense covering of dark flattened spatulate scales and the conical dorso-lateral tubercles on the abdomi- nal segments (Text-fig. 9). Length. Mature larva, 5-6-5 mm. Head. Head capsule with variable pigmentation, usually strongly pigmented yellow-brown to dark brown, sometimes very dark brown or even blackish-brown ; pale areas around eye-spots and on eye-brow stripes, and usually also anteriorly on cephalic apotome ; some specimens with head capsule pale and only pigmented on medium part of cephalic apotome and laterally above level of eye-spots ; in addition to general pigmentation head capsule shows indistinct positive pattern comprising antero-lateral and postero-median groups of head-spots (Text-fig. 27), the head-spots darker than surrounding pigmentation, and traces of darker pigmen- 7o TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 192 193 194 Fics. 189-194. Pupal respiratory histoblast (‘‘ gill-spot’”’) of mature larva of (189) S. bovis ; (190) S. medusaeforme form hargreavesi ; (191) S. medusaeforme type form ; (192) S. vorax type form ; (193) S. colas-belcouri ; (194) S. damnosum. tation in area of postero-lateral spots ; antero-median spots absent or very indistinct ; sides of head capsule with indistinct spots (Text-fig. 27). Postgenal cleft very large, rounded cordate (Text-fig. 47), occupying almost the whole ventral aspect of head ; postgenal bridge very short, less than half as long as hypostomium. Hypostomium (Text-fig. 67) with usual row of 9 apical teeth, the teeth broad and blunt and forming a slightly concave row, so that the corner teeth are the most prominent, and median tooth usually slightly shorter than corner teeth; middle tooth of intermediate teeth a little larger than inner intermediate tooth, so that the smallest apical teeth are those immediately on either side of median tooth ; 3-4 small lateral serrations, only one (instead of the usual two) strongly sclerotized serration on the ridge running back from corner tooth, with hindmost serration lying slightly anterior to first hypostomial seta ; hypostomial setae 4-6 (usually 5) in each row, diverging posteriorly from lateral margin of hypostomium ; distance between apex of corner tooth and TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 71 first hypostomial seta only a little over half of that between corner teeth. Antenna (Text-fig. 89) short and just about equal in length to stem of cephalic fan, pigmented yellowish-brown, pigmentation strong on first segment, first segment about 3-5-4 times as long as broad, segment length ratios 4-4:7:4-6. Mandible of typical form, posterior serration present, small (Text-fig. 111), anterior serration slightly elongate but not produced as in vorax, comb teeth very large and strong and first 3 comb teeth equal in size forming an even row (figured by Grenier & Ovazza (1951)). Maxillary palp rather short and stout, about 2-5 times as long as breadth at base (Text-fig. 135). Cephalic fan with very variable number of rays, 37-46 in West African material seen, but only 19-24 in some material from Uganda (as recorded by Gibbins (1933)). Freeman & de Meillon (1953) give “ about 20” and suggest that the number is fewer than in most species, but this is not the case in larvae from most areas. Grenier & Ovazza (1951) give about 40 for material from French Congo, and it appears that this is about the usual number. Thorax. Pale yellowish, grey or sometimes greenish-grey, histoblasts usual milky-white except for dark respiratory organ of mature larva; cuticle densely covered dorsally and laterally with dark setae, the setae flattened and elongate, slightly scale-like (Text-fig. 154) ; cuticle of proleg laterally and ventrally with numerous setae, these setae generally narrower and more spine-like than general body setae. Proleg circlet with about 30-35 rows of 7-11 hooks ; lateral plate only very lightly pigmented, with about 9-10 processes, the processes strong and without secondary processes. Pupal respiratory histoblast with 5 large wrinkled branches externally visible (Text-fig. 194), and 6 other branches arising in pairs behind these (the figure of the “ gill-spot ” given by Gibbins (1933) is not accurate since it shows 4 filaments lying between the basal arms). Abdomen. Shaped usually as in Text-fig. 9, with remarkable conical dorso-lateral paired tubercles on first 5 segments (and traces of a pair of similar tubercles on metathoracic segment making a series of 6 pairs), the tubercles often very strongly developed as sharp pointed cones but sometimes reduced and in some larvae more or less absent ; tubercles apparently absent in first stage larva, but present in second instar and subsequent stages. General colour pale yellowish, yellow-grey, pale grey or greenish-grey with traces of darker segmental mottling, but colour blackish to naked eye because of the dense covering of dark setae, especially on dorsal tubercles. Ventral papillae absent. Cuticle densely covered with flattened scale-like setae (Text-fig. 154), the setae variable in size and slightly variable in form, dark and strongly sclerotized; distribution of scales fairly even but few ventrally on intermediate abdominal segments and strongly concentrated dorsally on tubercles, the concentration of setae giving the tubercles a darkened appearance; setae abundant ventrally on terminal segments so that ventro-apical region of abdomen does not appear much paler than rest of abdomen as in most species. Rectal scales absent. Rectal gills with numerous but a variable number of long narrow secondary lobules in each lobe, from 9-15 lobules seen in the median lobe and 10-17 in lateral lobe ; total number of lobules in whole gill varying from about 29-49; median lobe often with fewer lobules than in each lateral lobe, but some specimens with the same number of lobules in each lobe, or median lobe occasionally with more lobules 72 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE than the other lobes (gills first described by Roubaud (1907)). Anal sclerite (Text-fig. 169) of usual form, strongly sclerotized, anterior arms rather short, with a short posterior median lightly sclerotized prolongation, posterior arm reaching to about 26th—zgth row of hooks. Posterior circlet with about 130-155 rows of 18-27 hooks, most rows with about 21-24 hooks (Gibbins (1933) gives up to 30 hooks but I have not seen more than 27 per row in the mature larvae I have examined). MATERIAL EXAMINED. From Northern Nigeria, Southern Cameroons, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, Tanganyika, and Nyasaland. There appears to be little geographical variation in the larvae, although in some larvae seen from Tanganyika, Uganda and Nyasaland there are a number of much larger scales scattered among the usual small scales, whereas in West African and Sudanese larvae the scales are of more uniform small size. In some larvae from Tanganyika a small number of enor- mously enlarged scales are present postero-dorsally on the abdomen. LARVAL HABITAT AND RANGE. Larvae are found on trailing grasses, sticks, palm-fronds, corn-stalks, fish-traps, and other objects dipping into or lodged in swiftly-flowing broken water, mainly in the rapids of larger rivers; larvae also occur occasionally on stones, the solid rock-bed of rivers, or even on hard mud, sometimes in placidly-flowing unbroken water. The most favoured stiuation, however, is normally on grass-stems and leaf-blades (principally on living grasses) which trail in foaming turbulent water or in places where the water flows very rapidly down rock-inclines but may not be broken. There is usually little or no breeding actually in waterfalls, but characteristic breeding places are in the rapids above and below falls. In small streams there is usually little or no breeding of damnosum, although occasional larvae and pupae may be found in suitable parts of the smaller tributaries during the wet-season in the savannah areas and throughout the year in forested areas. Larvae are frequently found in very large masses (appear- ing black because of the dense covering of setae) and may be in company with other fast-water species, including vorax, medusaeforme hargreavesi and bovis; in very large rivers they sometimes occur with adersi and griseicolle, and in slow water of smaller rivers with unicornutum. I have also collected damnosum occasionally with cervicornutum and aureosimile. Common and widely distributed throughout the Ethiopian Region, even into the very dry territories such as Sudan, Eritrea and South-West Africa. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am most grateful to Dr, Paul Freeman and Dr. Alan Stone for their helpful advice, to Dr. D. J. Lewis for collecting larval material, and to Mr. D. Macfarlane for the use of a phase-contrast microscope. I would also like to thank Mrs. M. E. Crosskey for making many larval collections in Nigeria. REFERENCES ANTHON, H. (1943). Zum Kopfbau der primitivsten bisher bekannten Dipterenlarve: Olbio- gastey sp. (Rhyphidae). Ein Beitrag zur Phylogenie der nematoceren Dipteren. Ent. Medd. 23 : 303-320. AusTEN, E. E, (1909). Illustrations of African blood-sucking flies, other than mosquitoes and tsetse-flies. London, Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.). TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE 73 CHISWELL, J. R. (1955). On the last instar larva of Tipula livida van der Wulp (Diptera, Tipulidae) with notes on the fronto-clypeal region of larval Tipulinae and caterpillars. Proc. R. ent. Soc. Lond. (A), 30 : 127-136. Coox, E. F. (1944a). The morphology of the larval heads of certain Culicidae (Diptera). Microentomology, 9 : 38-68. (1944b). On the morphology of the larval head of a species of Chivonomus (Diptera : Chironomidae). Ibid. 9 : 69-77. 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GIBBINS, E.G. (1933). Studies on Ethiopian Simuliidae. Simulium damnosum, Theo. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 81 : 37-51. —— (1934). Further studies on Ethiopian Simuliidae. Ibid. 82 : 51-97. (1935). Simulium grisetcolle Becker, from the Sudan. Ann. trop. Med. Parasit. 29 : 177-184. (1936). Uganda Simuliidae. Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 85 : 217-242. (1937). Simuliidae of the Buganda, Eastern and Western Provinces of Uganda. Bull. ent. Res. 28: 289-309. (1939). Simuliidae in Ruwenzori Expedition 1934-35, 1: 11-27. London, Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.). Gouin, F. J. (1959). Morphology of the larval head of some Chironomidae (Diptera, Nemato- cera). Smithson. misc. Coll. 137 : 175-201. GRENIER, P. (1949). Contribution 4 l’étude biologique des Simuliides de France. Physiol. Comp. Oec. 1 : 165-330. (1953). Simuliidae de France et d’Afrique du Nord. Encycl. Ent. 29 : 1-170. —— & Doucet, J. (1949a). Simulies de Madagascar. Mém. de l’Inst. Sci. Madagascar (A), 3 : 301-323. (1949b). Simulies de Madagascar (II). Bull. Soc. Path. exot. 42 : 587-597. —— & GrjéBINE, A. (1958). Remarques morphologiques et biologiques concernant les “ mouka-fouhi”’ (Simulium neiveti Roubaud, S. imevinae Roubaud) de Madagascar et S. ambositvae nom. nov. Ibid. 51 : 981-991. —— & Moucuet, J. (1959). Note complémentaire sur la morphologie et la biologie de S. ovazzae Grenier & Mouchet, 1959 (Diptera, Simuliidae), espéce associée au crabe Pota- monautes chaperi M.-Edw., dans l’Ouest Africain. Ibid., 52 : 373-385. —— & Ovazza, M. (1951). Simulies du Moyen-Congo. Ibid. 44 : 222-234. (1956). Contribution & l’étude des Diptéres vulnérants de l’empire d’Ethiopie. II. Simuliidae. Simulies et Onchocercose. Ibid. 49 : 182-196. —— & Raaeau, J. (1949). Simulies du Cameroun. Ibid., 42 : 513-529. Hanon, J. & RIcKENBAcH, A. (1955). Simuliidae d’Afrique occidentale francaise (Haute Volta, Dahomey, Soudan Frangais, Senégal, Cote d’Ivoire). Ibid. 48 : 885-891. Harrison Cuurcu, R. J. (1957). West Africa. London, Longmans Green & Co., 547 pp. HEADLEE, T. J. (1906). Blood gills of Simulium pictipes. Amer. Nat. 40 : 875-885. HENNIG, W. (1950). Die larvenformen der Dipteren. Pt. 2. Berlin, 458 pp. ——— 74 TAXONOMIC STUDY OF LARVAE OF W. AFRICAN SIMULIIDAE Hinton, H. E. (1958). The pupa of the fly Simulium feeds and spins its own cocoon. Ent. mon. Mag. 94 : 14-16. (1959). The function of chromatocytes in the Simuliidae, with notes on their behaviour at the pupal-adult moult. Quart. J. micr. Sci. 100 : 65-71. Hora, SUNDER Lat. (1927). The mechanism of the so-called ‘‘ posterior sucker ” of a Simulium larva. Nature, Lond. 119 : 599-600. Imus, A.D. (1957). A General Textbook of Entomology. 9th Edn. London, Methuen & Co. Ltd. JOHANNSEN, O. A. (1903). Simuliidae in, Aquatic Insects in New York State. Bull. N.Y. St. Mus. 68 : 336-388. (1934). Simuliidae 7m, Aquatic Diptera. Part I. Nemocera exclusive of Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae. Cornell Univ. Agric. Exp. Sta. Mem. 164 : 56-64. Kine, H. H. (1909). Report on Economic Entomology. Third. Rept. Wellcome Res. Lab. Khartoum, pp. 201-248. Lawson, J. W. H. (1951). The anatomy and morphology of the early stages of Culicoides nubeculosus Meigen (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae = Heleidae). Tyvans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 102 : 511-570. Lewis, D. J. (1960). The Simulium neavei complex (Diptera, Simuliidae) at Amani in Tan- ganyika. Proc. R. ent. Soc. Lond., (B), 29: 7-10. MacKERRAS, M. J. & Macxerras, I. M. (1948). Simuliidae (Diptera) from Queensland. Aust. J. Sci. Res. (B), 1 : 231-270. MackeErras, I. M. & Mackerras, M. J. (1949). Revisional notes on Australasian Simuliidae (Diptera). Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 73 : 372-405. MAcKERRAS, M. J. & MackErRRAS, I. M. (1950). Notes on Australasian Simuliidae (Diptera). II. Ibid. 75 : 167-187. MackKERRAS, I. M. & MacKERRAS, M. J. (1952). Notes on Australasian Simuliidae (Diptera). III. Ibid. 77 : 104-113. McManon, J. P. (1957). Notes on the Simulium neavei group of Simuliidae with particular reference to S. nyasalandicum and S. woodi. Bull. ent. Res. 48 : 607-617. Puri,I.M. (1925). On the life-history and structure of the early stages of Simuliidae (Diptera, Nematocera). Parts I and II. Parasitology, 17 : 295-369. RovuBaup, E. (1907). Branchies rectales chez les larves de Simulium damnosum Theob. Adaptation d’une larve de Simulie a la vie dans les ruisseaux de |’ Afrique équatorial. C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris, 144 : 716-717. — & GRENIER, P. (1943). Simulies de l’Ouest Africain (Afrique équatoriale et occidentale frangaises). Bull. Soc. Path. exot. 36 : 281-311. Rustzov, I. A. (1951). Contribution to the biology and ecology of midges (Simuliidae) of Central Asia. Parasitol. Sborn. zool. Inst. Akad. Nauk. SSSR, Leningrad, 13 : 328-342. [In Russian.] . (1956). Simuliidae im, Fauna of U.S.S.R., Diptera 6, No. 6. Zool. Inst. Akad. Nauk. SSSR, Moscow (N.s.), 64: 1-860. [In Russian.] SMART, J. (1944). The British Simuliidae with keys to the species in the adult, pupal and larval stages. Freshw. Biol. Ass. Brit. Empire Sci. Publ. No. 9. SnoperAss, R. E. (1947). The insect cranium and the “ epicranial suture”. Smithson. misc. Coll. 107, No. 7, 52 pp. (1959). The anatomical life of the mosquito. Ibid. 139, No. 8, 87 pp. SOMMERMAN, K. M. (1953). Identification of Alaskan black fly larvae (Diptera, Simuliidae). Proc. ent. Soc. Wash. 55 : 258-273. Stone, A. & JamMNBACK,H.A. (1955). The black flies of New York State (Diptera : Simuliidae). Bull. N.Y. St. Mus. 349, 144 pp. TERTERJAN, A. E. (1957). The determination of the number of instars in the larvae of black- flies (Diptera, Simuliidae). Ent. Obozr., Moscow, 36 : 860-868. [In Russian.] Tonnorr, A. L. (1925). Australasian Simuliidae. Bull. ent. Res. 15 : 213-255. VarGas, L., Patacios, A. M. & Najera, A. D. (1946). Simulidos de Mexico. Rev. Inst. Salubr. y enf. trop. 7 : 100-192. Wanson, M. (1947). Simulies congolais élévees dans la région de Bonningville et descrip- tion d’espéces nouvelles. Rev. Zool. Bot. Afr. 40 : 195-218. NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS G. H. E. HOPKINS BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. 2 LONDON : 1960 =. Sia mit eg Pee ei iF he bay » Jy Re » —% ye P. “f- iia Rese ee, NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS BY G. H. E. HOPKINS Pp. 75-95 ; Plates 1-2 ; 13 Text-figures BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HIST ORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. 2 LONDON: 1960 THE BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY), instituted in 1949, 1s issued tn five series, corresponding to the Departments of the Museum, and an Historical series. Parts will appear at irregular intervals as they become ready. Volumes will contain about three or four hundred pages, and will not necessarily be completed within one calendar year. This paper is Vol. 10, No.2 of the Entomology series. © Trustees of the British Museum, 1960 PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM Issued November, 1960 Price Ten Shillings NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS By G. H. E. HOPKINS THE first part of this paper is based on a large and important collection of Canadian material submitted to me for examination by Professor G. J. Spencer of the University of British Columbia ; this collection contains three new species and adds details to our knowledge of a number of others. Mr. G. P. Holland, in charge of Insect Systematics and Biological Control, Canadian Department of Agriculture, added a few specimens of a species, from the American Bison, which has been recorded previously on only one occasion (from the European Bison) and about the specific distinctness of which doubts had been expressed which are completely dispelled by the presence in the present material of the hitherto unknown male. In the second part of the paper I have taken the opportunity to deal with two species (one of them new) sent to me by Col. K. C. Emerson of the United States Army and one received from Dr. F. Zumpt of the South African Institute for Medical Research. I am grateful to the senders for presenting the types of the new forms (except Trichodectes emersoni) and a share of the other material to the British Museum (Natural History) and to the Trustees of the Museum for all the drawings and photographs illustrating this paper. In the counts of specimens given below nymphs are nearly always ignored, because without special collecting-methods the proportion of nymphs in a collection bears little relation to the proportion in the natural population from which the collec- tion was made. All scientific names of North American hosts are given in the form used by Miller and Kellogg (1955, List of N. American recent mammals). CANADIAN MATERIAL Trichodectes (Trichodectes) canis (De Geer, 1778) Ritinus canis, De Geer, 1778, Mém. Hist. Ins., 7: 81, pl. 4, fig. 16. From puppy, Kamloops, B.C., 7.vii.1935, G. J. Spencer: 1 4, 2 9. From puppy, Vancouver, B.C., —.xi.1945, G. J. Spencer: 24, 29. From Canis lupus columbianus Goldman (British Columbia Wolf), Deadman’s Creek, Kamloops district, B.C., 22.i.1944, Spencer-Keyes: 7 3, 24 9. From Canis latrans incolatus Hall (Northwestern Coyote), Quick, B.C., —.iii. 1938, 12. xi. 1940 and 14.1.1945, H. Wearne: 70 3, 59 9. From Canis latrans incolatus, Birch Island, near Vavenby, B.C., 16.x.1941, T. K. Moilliet : 14 g, 20 9. From Canis latrans incolatus, Springhouse, Williams Lake, B.C., April-May 1950, G. J. Spencer: many thousands of specimens. Professor Spencer notes that these were from four coyotes, but mostly from two individuals. From Canis latrans lestes Merriam (Mountain Coyote), Mission, B.C., 4.ix.1940, I. McT. Cowan: 5 4, 11 Q. ENTOM. IO, 2. 6§ 78 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS The type host of this species is Canis familiaris Linn., and it occurs on this host in nearly all parts of the world, though it is apparently absent from some of the hotter areas, where it is replaced by an unrelated species, Heterodoxus spiniger (Enderlein). It has also been recorded from other Canidae and there are several previous records from various subspecies of Canis lupus and C. latrans. The sexes are usually found in rough equality (excluding the enormous batch, the total from coyotes in the present collection is 89 ¢ go 9), so it is possible that the marked discrepancy in numbers between males and females in the sample from a wolf indicates some physiological differences, but it is more probably due merely to chance. Trichodectes (Trichodectes) pinguis euarctidos Hopkins, 1954 Trichodectes pinguis euarctidos. Hopkins, 1954, Entomologist 87 : 142, figs. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8-11. From Euarctos americanus cinnamomus (Audubon & Bachman) (Rocky Mountain Black Bear), Gray Creek, Kootenays, B.C., 3.vi.1936, T. K. Moilliet: 16 g, 14 9. From Euarctos americanus cinnamomus, Vavenby, B.C. 4.vi.1937, McM.: 1 9. The batch from Gray Creek recorded above is from the same individual bear as the type series, and Professor Spencer informs me that there are at the University of British Columbia a further 15 males and 1o1 females (in alcohol) from this individual. This makes it necessary to modify my statement (1954, p. 145) that the sexes are in almost numerical equality in this subspecies, for the additional material combined with the original batch gives a total of 116 males and 206 females. Even assuming, as is very probable, that some of the specimens in alcohol which have been recorded as females are actually large nymphs, it would appear that females are considerably commoner than males. The American Black Bear is the only known host of this subspecies, which is known from British Columbia, Ontario and Idaho. Trichodectes (Trichodectes) octomaculatus Paine, 1912 Trichodectes octomaculatus. Paine, 1912, Ent. News 23 : 438, pl. 20, fig. 1. From Procyon lotor vancouverensis Nelson & Goldman (Vancouver Island Raccoon), Courtenay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, 24.i.1948, G. J. Spencer: 1 3. The type host of this species is Procyon lotor psora Gray, and it has been recorded from a number of subspecies of P. lotor. Records from the Crab-eating Raccoon, Procyon cancrivorus (G. Cuvier), however, refer to a different though closely related species, T. fallax Werneck. Trichodectes (Stachiella) ermineae (Hopkins, 1941) Stachiella ermineae. Hopkins, 1941, Aun. Mag. nat. Hist. (11) 7: 38. From Mustela erminea rvichardsoni (Bonaparte) (Hudsonian Ermine), Meldrum Creek, Chilcotin, B.C., 19.v.1950, W. Cottle: 8 g, 12 9. From Mustela erminea anguinae Hall, (Vancouver Island Ermine), Croteau Lake, For- bidden Plateau, Vancouver Is., B.C., 30. viii.1943, G. C. Carl: 1 3, 8 9. From Mustela vison energumenos (Bangs) (British Columbia Mink), Port Moody, British Columbia, 4.ii.1951, G. J. Spencer: 9 dy, 6 Q. NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS 79 This species was described from material collected from the British and German subspecies of the Stoat or Ermine, Mustela erminea stabilis Barrett-Hamilton and M. erminea aestiva Kerr. It does not seem to have been recorded hitherto from North American subspecies of this host under its correct name, but Tvichodectes “‘ retusus Nitzsch ” of Osborn 1896 (Bull. U.S. Dep. Agric. (n.s.) no. 5, p. 237) and of Morse 1903 (Amer. Nat. 37: 623, figs.) is probably this species. Osborn’s specimens, figured by Morse, were from Ames, Iowa, and the host must have been M. erminea bangst Hall. Osborn also recorded “ vetusus’’ from Mink (Mustela vison Schreber), and Werneck (1948, Os Maldfagos de Mamiferos, part I, p. 158) determined as ermineae specimens obtained from this latter host at Seattle (Washington) and Kirkfield (Ontario). Trichodectes (Stachiella) kingi McGregor, 1917 Trichodectes kingi. McGregor, 1917, Ann. ent. Soc. Amer. 10: 167, pl. 17, fig. 1. From Mustela rixosa rixosa (Bangs) (Least Weasel), Ootsa Lake, British Columbia, I.1i1.1940: 3 gy 5 &. The original record of this species was from “ weasel, Putorius sp. from Florence, Montana; a weasel from this locality could be Mustela rixosa, M. erminea or M. frenata. Werneck (1948, Os Maléfagos de Mamiferos, part 1, p. 160, figs. 239-243) redescribed the species, after examining the syntypes, and recorded it from various undetermined weasels, from Mustela erminea ssp., and from “ Alaska Weasel ”’, which is M. rixosa eskimo (Stone). I accept Werneck’s determination of the specimens stated to be from M. ervminea without hesitation, but have some reservations about the determination of the host, especially now that Trichodectes (Stachiella) ermineae (Hopkins) is known to occur on Nearctic forms of M. erminea as well as on Palaearctic ones. The main differences between these two species of Trichodectes is that the head is as long as broad in kingi but broader than long in ermineae. It is unfortunate that the present specimens of king: are not in good condition, for the few previously known males of the species are, like these, not well enough preserved to allow a description of the genitalia to be made. Trichodectes (Neotrichodectes) minutus Paine, 1912 Trichodectes minutus. Paine, 1912, Ent. News 23 : 439, pl. 20, fig. 4. From Mustela frenata oribasus (Bangs) (Bangs’ Long-tailed Weasel), Dry Farm, Nicola Range, B.C., 28. viii. 1932, G. J. Spencer: 6 g, 4 9. The original record of this species was from Mustela frenata noveboracensis (Emmons) (New York Long-tailed Weasel). Werneck (1948, Os Maldfagos de Mamiferos, part 1, Pp. 145, 146) saw 4 lots from M. frenata sspp., 1 from M. nigripes (Audubon & Bachman) (Black-footed Weasel) and 1 from M. stolzmanni Taczanowski (Peruvian Weasel). The host-distribution of the Trichodectidae found on Mustelidae in North America is peculiar and very interesting, but our knowledge of it is much limited by paucity of records, misdetermination of the parasites (and perhaps also of the hosts in some 80 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS instances) and the fact that so many of the records are from such insufficiently- determined hosts as “ weasel’’, “‘ Putorius’’ or ‘‘ Mustela’’. It is because all the hosts have definite determinations that the few batches in the present collection make a significant contribution towards our knowledge of this subject. Ignoring records from hosts other than Mustelidae, Tyvichodectes s. sty. is found in North America on the badger, subgenus Stachiella (barely separable from Trichodectes s. str.) on Mustela, and subgenus Neotrichodectes on skunks and Mustela. Hitherto we have had practically no indication whether both Stachiella and Neotrichodectes are to be found on the same species of Mustela, but the present records, taken together with those published by Werneck, are sufficient to indicate the probability that this is not the case. It seems likely that Trichodectes (Stachiella) ermineae is confined to Mustela erminea and M., vison, T. (S.) kingi to M. rixosa, and T. (Neotrichodectes) minutus to M. frenata and perhaps M. nigripes, but many more records from properly determined hosts will be required before we can be sure whether these suggestions are correct. Trichodectes (Neotrichodectes) osborni (Kéler, 1944) Trichodectes mephitidis. Osborn, 1896 (not Packard, 1873), Bull. U.S. Dep. Agric. (n.s.) no. 5, Pp. 242, fig. 150. Neotrichodectes osborni. Kéler, 1944, Stettin. ent. Zig 105 : 182 (nomen novum for above). From Spilogale gracilis latifrons Merriam (Spotted Skunk), University campus, Vancouver, B.C., 16.x.1936, G. P. Holland: 1 g, 7 9. Same host, locality and collector, 22.x.1936: 73,7 2%: The type host of T. osbornt is Spilogale interrupta (Rafinesque), from Tama County, Iowa. Werneck (1948, Os Maldfagos de Mamiferos, part I, p. 140) records it from S. gracilis gracilis Merriam and S. ambarvalis Bangs. It probably occurs on all members of the genus Spilogale. Felicola (Felicola) subrostratus (Burmeister, 1838) Trichodectes subrostvatus. Burmeister, 1838, Handb. Ent. 2: 438. From House-cat, Vancouver, B.C., 12. xii. 1940 and 22.xi.1942, G. J. Spencer: 5 g, 28 9. From Cat, Pillsbury, Okanagan Landing, B.C., 4.xi.1941, G. J. Spencer: 1 g, 3 9. The domestic cat, Felis catus Linn., is the type host of this species and the only one on which it is likely to occur in Canada, though in tropical Africa it is found in great numbers on two not closely related members of the Viverridae. Males are normally scarcer than females but the excess of females in the present collection is greater than usual. It is possible that some males (which are much smaller than females) were passed over as nymphs. Felicola (Felicola) spenceri sp. nov. Text-fig. 2; Pl. 1, fig. 1 From Lynx canadensis canadensis Kerr (Canadian Lynx), Lac La Hache, British Columbia, 1.xi.1954, G. J. Spencer: the ¢ holotype, 9 allotype and 12 3, 11 2 paratypes. NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS 81 From Lynx canadensis canadensis, Quesnel or Lac La Hache, 1.xi.1954, G. J. Spencer: 14 3, 10 2 paratypes. From Lynx canadensis canadensis, Williams Lake, British Columbia, 15.xii.1949, H. Jobin: 1 ¢g, 2 2 paratypes. Very like F. (F.) felis (Werneck), of which it might be considered a subspecies, but the differences in the male genitalia seem to justify specific rank. Male (P1. 1, fig. 1). Genitalia as in Text-fig. 2, the basal plate (or basal apodeme) diverging somewhat towards the proximal end (sides subparallel in felis, Text-fig. 1) and with a large and well sclerotized median rod at the distal end (the rod absent in ~ Pen . mew ee Ke Kw <---> eer www mn, woe mem rwewew wk _ —— = aaon-” Pi «<< | Rade ¢ —— = 23 Fics. 1,2. Genitalia of males of Felicola spp.: 1. F. felis (Werneck), from type host and locality. 2. F. spenceri sp. nov., holotype. 82 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS a paratype of felis and in Werneck’s figure of the holotype, very small in a specimen from Felis jaguarundi Fischer). Spicules of copulatory sac much larger than in felis. Endomeres narrower than in felis, their sides less divergent and the basal junction between the endomeres of the two sides narrower. Female. I cannot distinguish spenceri from felis in this sex. Werneck (1948, M aldéfagos de mamtferos, part I, p. 224) had not seen Mallophaga from Lynx canadensis ; he gives many records of Felicola felis from various subspecies of Lynx rufus (Schreber) (Bobcat) but though I have not seen specimens from this host I think it improbable that they are spencert, for it is unlikely that so careful a worker as Werneck would not have noticed the differences. The type host of felis is an ocelot, Felis pardalis brasiliensis (Oken) ; I suspect that the form from Felis jaguarundi may be subspecifically distinct, but refrain from naming it because I have seen only one male. I am much indebted to Dr. Werneck for the loan of para- types of F. felis. Damalinia (Bovicola) equi (Denny, 1842) Trichodectes equi. Denny, 1842, Mon. Anopl. Brit.: 61, 191. Trichodectes pilosus. Giebel, 1874, Insecta epizoa: 59. Trichodectes parumpilosus. Piaget, 1880, Les Pédiculines: 397, pl. 32, fig. 5. From horse, Vancouver, B.C., —.ii. 1926, G. J. Spencer: 4 9. This is a well-known and cosmopolitan parasite of the horse, Equus caballus Linn. The male is excessively rare, though in a very closely related species, occurring on a zebra, males are almost as common as females. The authorship of the name is commonly ascribed to Linnaeus, but the first description of the species is that of Denny. Damalinia (Bovicola) bovis (Linn., 1758) Pediculus bovis. Linnaeus, 1758, Syst. Nat. ed. 10: 611. Trichodectes scalavis. Nitzsch, 1818, Germar’s Mag. Ent. 3 : 296. From domestic cattle, Langley Prairie, B.C., 24.iii.1938, J. G. Jervis: 20 9. From calf, Barnhart Vale, B.C., 16.ii.1944, G. J. Spencer: 4 9. A cosmopolitan parasite of domestic cattle. Males are extremely uncommon and Mathysse (1944, J. econ. Ent. 37 : 436-442) has shown that the species is partheno- genetic. Damalinia (Bovicola) sedecimdecembrii (Eichler, 1946) Text-fig. 3; Plate 1, fig 2, 3 Bovicola sedecimdecembrii. Eichler, 1946, Berlin. Munch. tierGrtzl. Wschr. 1946: 44, fig. From Bison bison (Linn.) (American Bison), near Hay Camp, Wood Buffalo Park, 22.ii. 1955, W. A. Fuller, sent in by G. P. Holland: 3 g, 1 9 and 3 nymphs. Maile (Pl. 1, fig. 2). Antenna greatly modified (almost unmodified in bovis), the first segment only a little more than 1} times as long as broad and about as long as NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS 83 the second and third segments together. Tip of abdomen terminating in a pair of deeply coloured sharp thorn-like projections separated by a deep U-shaped bay. Genitalia (Text-fig. 3) of the same type as in bovis but differing greatly in details, the basal apodeme with straighter and more divergent sides, the parameral ring much larger and almost heart-shaped in dorsal view, the endomeres straight, stouter, with blunter free apices, and without a basal flange. Fic. 3. Genitalia of male Damalinia sedecimdecembrii (Eichler), from Bison bison, Wood Buffalo Park, Canada, 84 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS Female (P1. 1, fig. 3). The most obvious differences from bovis are the shorter head with more truncate anterior margin and narrower sclerotized marginal band, much less strongly coloured abdominal pleurites, and somewhat larger size (length of fully expanded specimen about 2 mm. as against about 1-6 mm. in my largest specimen of bovis). Two of the other differences from bovis noted by Eichler (stouter antennae and stouter and relatively short legs) are also confirmed by the present specimen, while the shape of the prothorax (stated by Eichler to be broader and straighter-sided than in bovis) cannot be made out as the specimen is slightly crushed, but it should be noted that Eichler’s figure (1955, Urania 17 : 35, fig. 5) was obviously drawn from a not fully expanded specimen. No member of the Mallophaga has hitherto been recorded from the American Bison, and the determination of these specimens must be considered somewhat doubtful while the male of sedecimdecembru remains unknown from European specimens, but the correspondence between the Canadian female and Eichler’s description and figure is so exact as to make it imperative to regard them, at least provisionally, as the same. Eichler’s specimens were collected in 1918 from Bison bonasus (Linn.) (the European Bison or Wisent) in the Bialowieza forest, Poland, and the date is important because it means that the host was one of the original wild stock which became extinct in 1921 and was subsequently re-established from captive stock. It is not possible to give a subspecific name for the Canadian host because the herds in the Wood Buffalo Park are of mixed descent, an original stock of Bison bison athabascae Rhoads having subsequently received a considerable admixture of the blood of B. b. bison (Linn.). The fact that no Mallophaga have been found previously on the American Bison, although Cameron, for instance (1923, Vet. J.79 : 331-336) records having examined 250 of them for parasites, is not necessarily an indication that they are rare, but merely of the difficulty of obtaining Mallophaga from so large and shaggy a host without using a much more elaborate technique than searching. Eichler suggested in his original description that sedecimdecembrii might be parthenogenetic, but if my determination of these specimens is correct this suggestion is improbable. Eichler must have been relying on the analogy of D. bovis, since the absence of males from so small a batch as he had is altogether insufficient evidence to support his suggestion, but closely related species may differ entirely in this respect. Damalinia (Bovicola) ovis (Schrank, 1781) Text-fig. 4; Pl. 1, fig. 5 Pediculus ovis. Schrank, 1781, Enum. Ins. Austr. indig., p. 502, pl. 1, figs. 8, 9. Pediculus sphaerocephalus. Olfers, 1816, De Veget.... , p. 85. From Ovis canadensis californianus Douglas (Northwestern Bighorn Sheep), Churn Creek, British Columbia, 1.vi.1951, L. Sugden & G. Mitchell : 2 9. A well-known cosmopolitan parasite of the domestic sheep, Ovis aries Linn., but not hitherto recorded from the Bighorn. As regards records from other sheep, specimens from Ovis musimon Pallas (the Mouflon) were correctly determined but 85 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS (* a a * oo? ae5eS, 4. D. ovis (Schrank), neotype. 5. D. oreamnidis sp. nov., holotype. Genitalia of males of Damalinia spp.: Fics. 4, 5. 86 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS the record requires confirmation because the lice were obtained from captive hosts, while a record from Ammotragus lervia (Pallas) (the Barbary Sheep, Arui or Aoudad) refers to misdetermined specimens of a quite different species. This is, therefore, the first undoubted record from a wild sheep. The rounded setose basal lobe of the gonapophyses forms a smooth curve in both these specimens, whereas in most females from the type host it forms a hump. But some specimens from the type host approach these very closely and more material, including males would be required before one could consider that specimens from the Bighorn are distinct. Damalinia (Bovicola) oreamnidis sp. nov. Text-fig. 5; Pl. 1, fig. 6 From Oveamnos americanus missoulae (Allen) (Montana Mountain Goat), Bryant, Banff National Park, Alberta, 14.vi.1942, I. McT. Cowan: the ¢ holotype and 1 ¢ paratype, 4 nymphs. The species is close to D. ovis and the specimens are not in very good condition, so I have not been able to detect any differences except in the relatively shorter head and in the male genitalia. These latter, however (Text-fig. 5), differ so consider- ably as to leave no doubt that the difference is specific. In both the species the genitalia are much specialized and the homology of the distal sclerites very doubtful. The basal plate (or basal apodeme) is much narrower proximally in ovis (Text-fig. 4) than in oveamnidis, in which it is nearly twice as wide in this portion as in the distal half. The claw-like structures which are probably the endomeres and which project further distally than any of the other sclerites are shorter and more swollen basally in oreamnidis and the plate-like structures which I identify with great doubt as the telomeres are much more regularly shaped in this species than in ovis. This appears to be the first record of any Mallophaga from Oveamnos americanus. Damalinia (Bovicola) longicornis (Nitzsch, 1818) Text-fig. 6 Trichodectes longicornis. Nitzsch, 1818, Germar’s Mag. Ent. 3 : 296. Trichodectes similis. Denny, 1842, Monographia Anoplurorum Britanniae: 61, 195, pl. 17, fig. 6 Bovicola americanum. Jellison, 1935, J. Parasit. 21: 410, fig. (new synonymy). From Cervus canadensis nelsoni Bailey (Rocky Mountain Wapiti), Jasper Park, Alberta, 20.xii.1944, I. McT. Cowan: 1 9. From Cervus canadensis nelsoni, Banff, Alberta, —.ii.1946, I.McT. Cowan : 3 9. The original specimens of longicornis and similis were from the Red Deer, Cervus elaphus Linn., in Europe, while Jellison’s material was from the Wapiti, Cervus canadensis canadensis Erxleben, from Wyoming. Werneck (1950, Os Maldfagos de Mamiferos, part 2, p. 79) noted his inability to distinguish specimens obtained from these two hosts but refrained from considering the names to be synonymous because NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS 87 males are not known in either instance. It is, however, fully in accord with probabi- lity that the same lice should occur on Cervus elaphus and C. canadensis, since the latter is little (if any) more than a giant subspecies of the former. Damalinia (Bovicola) concavifrons sp. nov. Text-fig. 7, 8 ” Bovicola ‘‘ longicornis (Nitzsch) ’’. Werneck, 1950, Os Maldfagos de Mamiferos, part 2: 75 (part ; specimens shown in figs. 58 and 59). Banff, Alberta, from Cervus canadensis nelsoni Bailey (Rocky Mountain Wapiti), 3.vi. 1943, 1. McT. Cowan: the 9 holotype and 40 9 paratypes. D. concavifrons apparently differs from D. longicornis only in the characters of the preantennal portion of the head, which has relatively thick walls, strongly sloping sides and a short and concave anterior margin in concavifrons (Text-fig. 7), whereas in Fics. 6-8. Heads (setae omitted) of Damalinia spp.: 6. D. longicornis (Nitzsch). 7. D. concavifrons sp. nov., holotype. 8. D. concavifrons sp. nov., paratype. longicornis (Text-fig. 6) the walls are thinner, the sides are much less sloping and the anterior margin much longer and wholly convex. D. concavifrons occurs on Cervus elaphus as well as on C. canadensis, and the specimens figured by Werneck are from the latter host. He considered the difference to be due to polymorphism, and this possibility cannot be wholly excluded. But in other species of Damalinia, in which both sexes are known, the shape of the anterior portion of the head is a very constant character and any marked difference in its shape is invariably accompanied by obviously specific differences in the genitalia of the male. In these circumstances it seems safer to regard longicornis and concavt- frons as distinct species. There is some variation in the depth of the concavity of the anterior margin of the head in concavifrons (Text-figs. 7, 8) but the shortness of the margin seems constant. | A point of considerable interest is that there appears to be no record, either in Europe or North America, of occurrence of both species on the same individual host. Nitzsch’s original series of longicornis comprised 12 specimens when it was examined by von Kéler (1938, Nova Acta Leopoldina (n.f.) 5 : 456) all of which were round- headed, as were all the 3 females in a batch from Germany examined by Werneck (1950, p. 76), but a batch of 14 females from C. elaphus in Amsterdam Zoo. comprised 88 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS only specimens of concavifrons. Jellison’s type-series of americana comprised 150 females from four or more animals, and as he does not mention any variation in the shape of the head it must be assumed that all were round-headed. Of the three Wapiti from which there are Mallophaga in the Spencer collection, two were infested only with longicornis and the third only with concavifrons. These facts are almost perfectly paralleled in the case of the two species of Trichodectidae found on members of the genus Odocoileus in North America, which is an additional reason for regarding longicornis and concavifrons as distinct species. It seems certain that both longicornis and concavifrons must be parthenogenetic, though it is probable that males occur very rarely, as in other parthenogenetic species of the genus (D. bovis and D. equt). Damalinia (Tricholipeurus) lipeuroides (Mégnin, 1884) Trichodectes lipeuroides. Mégnin, 1884, Naturaliste no. 62 : 494, figs. Eutrichophilus mexicanus. Mjéberg, 1910 (not Rudow, 1866), Ark. Zool. 6, part 13 : 79, figs. 49, 50, pl. 4, figs. 1, 2. Eutrichophilus mazama. Stobbe, 1913, Dtsch. ent. Z. 1913 : 562 (nomen novum for mexicanus Mjéberg). Tricholipeurus virginianus. Peters, 1930, Proc. ent. Soc. Wash. 32 : 76, figs. 1-3. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus (Rafinesque) (Rocky Mountain Mule-Deer), Quick, British Columbia, 16.i1.1944, H. Wearne: 27 4, 15 9. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, Quick, —.xi.1945: 4 3. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, Quick, 23.11.1948: 55 3, 10 9. From Canis latrans incolatus Hall (N. W. Coyote), Quick, 12.x.1940, H. Wearne: 5 dg, 8 9. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, Vavenby, B.C., 1934, on piece of hide received from T. K. Moilliet: 1 9. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, Vavenby, spring 1937, T. K. Moilliet: 1 2. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, near Revelstoke, B.C., 22.v.1932, G. J. Spencer 2 9. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, Banff, Alberta, 28.iv.1943: 2 9. From a sick Odocoileus hemionus columbianus (Richardson) (Columbian Black-tailed Deer or Coast Deer), Hardy Is., B.C., 3.iv.1943, G. J. Spencer: 9 4, 9 Q. From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Comox, Vancouver Is., B.C., 9.xi.1930, G. J. Spencer: 1 ¢. From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Mt. Lehman, near Abbotsford, B.C., 22.v.1910, S. Hadwen: 8 g,1 9. From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Barnet, near Vancouver, B.C., 5.iv.1943, G. J. Spencer: 7 g, 10 9. From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Cowichan Lake, British Columbia, 18.xii.1947 : 93,12. From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Victoria, B.C., 10.xi.1938, I. McT. Cowan: 10 gf, 2 9. From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Vancouver, B.C., 19.xi.1933, G. J. Spencer: Ir 9. From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Howe Sound, B.C., 7.xii.1929, G. J. Spencer : toe oe From Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Salt Spring Is., B.C., 2.ii. 1941, I. McT. Cowan ; 10 9. NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS 89 The type host of this species, and that of the material on which the names given by Mjéberg and by Stobbe were based, is Odocotleus virginianus mexicanus (Gmelin) (Mexican White-tailed Deer), while Peter’s material was from O. v. virginianus (Zimmerman) and O. v. texanus (Mearns), and there are records from a number of other subspecies of O. virginianus. The species has, however, been recorded many times from various subspecies of Odocoileus hemionus and there is no doubt that it is a normal parasite of both species of deer. The coyote had presumably picked up its infestation by feeding on a dead deer, and it is most unlikely that the infesta- tion would have persisted, but the record fits in well with the instance recorded by Paine (1912, Ent. News 23 : 438) of the occurrence of 4 specimens of Damalinia (Damalinia) forficula (Piaget), another deer-parasite, on Cuon alpinus (Pallas) (Dhole, or Red Dog), each record tending to confirm the other. The considerable preponderance of males in the Spencer collection (136 g, 84 9) is probably misleading and perhaps due to unintentional selection, since Crauford- Benson (1941, Parasitology 33 : 346-350) and Hopkins (1949, Proc. zool. Soc. Lond. 119 : 407) have both demonstrated the very great variability in sex-proportions in collections made from different portions of the host’s body. Peters’ material included 75 6 and 69 9 and that of Werneck 22 3, 29 2 (97 ¢ 98 9, for the two sets of records together). Damalinia (Tricholipeurus) parallela (Osborn, 1896) Trichodectes “‘ tibialis Piaget.’’ Osborn, 1896 (not Piaget, 1880), Bull. U.S. Dep. Agric. (n.s.) no. 5 : 240, figs. 1474, b. Trichodectes parallelus. Osborn, 1896, op. cit.: 240, fig. 148. Trichodectes odocoilei. McGregor, 1917, Ann. ent. Soc. Amer. 10 : 173, pl. 17, fig. 7. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus (Rafinesque) (Rocky Mountain Mule-Deer), near Revelstoke, B.C., 22.v.1932, G. J. Spencer: 5 9. From Odocotleus hemionus hemionus, Quesnel, B.C., 18.v.1932, G. J. Spencer: 13 ¢, I 9. From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, Quesnel, 19.v.1932, G. J. Spencer: 19 g, 7 9.* From Odocoileus hemionus hemionus, Vavenby, B. C., spring 1937, T. K. Moilliet: 3 ¢. From Odocotleus hemionus columbianus (Richardson) (Columbian Black-tailed Deer or Coast Deer), Duncan, B.C., 10.v.1942, G. J. Spencer: 2 g, 14 9. The question of the correct name of this species is one of considerable difficulty. Osborn (1896, p. 240, fig. 147) misdetermined as Trichodectes tibialis Piaget ‘‘ some specimens from the black-tailed deer (Baker collection)” which undoubtedly belong to the species later described by McGregor as T. odocoilet. Osborn also described as T. parallelus “ three specimens (females) from deer, collection Cornell University, kindly loaned by Prof. J. H. Comstock ... Species of deer is not given, but probably Virginia deer (Cariacus virginianus) is meant’; Osborn’s figure depicts a female or nymph. Peters, 1939 (in Spencer, Proc. ent. Soc. B. C. no. 35 : 18) placed odocoilei as a synonym of parallelus, but this synonymy was rejected by Werneck (1950, Os Maldfagos de Mamiferos, part 2: 184) on the grounds that the syntypes were nymphs, which are not determinable in this group; the reason for Peters’ * Many specimens must have been removed from this tube, for the label refers to 42 3B, 46 &. ge NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS belief is evidently (Peters, im litt., I11.xi.1937, and see Werneck, 1950, p. 184) that he not unnaturally regarded as syntypes the specimens on a slide received from Professor Osborn and marked “ Type ”’, but which contained ‘‘ a number of specimens, among which were several males ’’, and which therefore cannot possibly belong to the original type-series ; it is very possible that they were some of the specimens which Osborn had misdetermined as tibialis. Even though these specimens must be ignored in considering the identity of Trichodectes parallelus, I still accepted the synonymy suggested by Peters (though with grave misgivings because of the inadequacy of Osborn’s figure and Werneck’s belief, which I shared, that the syntypes were nymphs) because Osborn’s figure is much more like odocotlei than lipeuroides. But Col. Emerson kindly tells me that he has examined Osborn’s syntypes of Trichodectes parallelus, that they are females with developed gonapophyses (though probably teneral) and that he has no doubt that they are the species subsequently described as odocoilet. The type host of D. parallela (Osborn) was merely “ deer’”’, but Col. Emerson tells me that the slide bears the information, omitted by Osborn, that the specimens were collected at Ithaca, N.Y., on 12th Aug. ’86, by L. Pearson, and that the host must, therefore, have been Odocotleus virginianus ssp. The type host of D. odocotlei is Odocoileus virginianus macrourus (Rafinesque) (Plains or Western White-tailed Deer) and there are many records from various subspecies of O. virginianus and O. hemionus. Occurrence of both this species and lipeuroides on the same host- individual is apparently rare, while a heavy infestation with one of them seems to preclude a heavy infestation with the other. In the present collection there are two apparent instances of a double infestation of one host-individual: the batch of specimens collected from O. h. hemionus at Vavenby in spring 1937 contains 3 male parallela and 1 female lipeuroides, while there are 5 females of parallela and 2 of lipeuroides in the batch obtained from the same subspecies of host near Revelstoke on 22.v.1932. The parallel with the occurrence of D. (Bovicola) longicornis and D. (B.) concavifrons on members of the genus Cervus is obvious. Males and females of this species apparently occur in roughly equal numbers. Werneck (1950 : 180) examined I0 g, 13 9 and the present collection contains 374, 27 2 (60 3, 66 9 if the second tube from Quesnel is credited with the numbers it is stated to have contained originally). The great excess of males in the first tube from Quesnel is, therefore, presumably accidental and probably results from unintentional selection. Damalinia (Tricholipeurus) sp. From captive male Odocoileus hemionus columbianus (Richardson) (Columbian Black- tailed Deer), Vancouver, British Columbia, died 8.1i.1954: many Q. These specimens are certainly not any of the known species from North American deer, the concavity of the frons being far more marked than in any of these ; in this respect they are not unlike D. (Tricholipeurus) dorcelaphi (Werneck), but differ markedly in the shape of the gonapophyses. It is very possible that they belong to a new species, but in view of the fact that the host was a captive I think it would be wrong to describe them, especially in the absence of males. The infestation was NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS gI certainly established, for the batch contained many eggs and nymphs, but it may well have been acquired from a fellow-captive belonging to some other species. The parasite is not present in any of the collections from wild hosts. Eutrichophilus setosus (Giebel, 1861) Trichodectes setosus. Giebel, 1861, Z. ges. Natwiss. 18 : 86. From Erethizon dorsatum nigrescens Allen (eastern Canada Porcupine), Jasper National Park, Alberta, 12.vi.1930, I. McT. Cowan, G. J. Spencer: 1 9. From Erethizon dorsatum nigrescens, Jasper Park, 11.vi.1944, J. Hatter: 5 dg, 8 9. From Erethizon dorsatum nigrescens, Quesnel, B.C., 14.v.1932, J. McT. Gowan, G. J. Spencer: 15 g, 27 @. From Erethizon dorsatum nigrescens, Kamloops, B.C., 21.vii.1934, G. J. Spencer: 33 4, TED. From Evethizon dorsatum nigrescens, Williams Lake, B.C., 27.iii.1934, G. J. Spencer: 14 g, 32 @. Erethizon dorsatum (Linn.) is the type host of this species and probably the only one on which it occurs in nature. Geomydoecus sp. A single nymph from Thomomys -talpoides ssp., Carlyle Lake, Sask., 26.vii.1942, G. P. Holland. There is some probability that this specimen is G. thomomyus (McGregor), which is known from Thomomys talpoides fuscus and T. talpoides douglasi in the U.S.A., but nymphs are not determinable in the genus Geomydoecus. MATERIAL FROM OTHER AREAS Felicola (Felicola) rohani Werneck, 1956 Felicola rohani. Werneck, 1956, Rev. brasil Biol. 16 : 25, figs. 1-5. From Herpestes auropunctatus siamensis (Kloss), Khorat City, Thailand, 12.ii.1953, R. E. Elbel: 14 4, 13 9. From Herpestes auropunctatus siamensis, Boekphrai, Banpang, Rat Buri, Thailand, 10.v. 1952, Banpang Plague Lab.: 1 g, 1 9. From Herpestes auropunctatus siamensis, Banpang, Rat Buri, Thailand, 29.iv.1952, R.E. Elbel: 2 2. From Herpestes auropunctatus siamensis, Chaiyaphum, Phukhieo, Non Khun, Thailand, II.xil.1952, R. E. Elbel: 5 4, 3 9. The host-record is a new one, since Werneck’s material was obtained in Mauritius from the introduced Herpestes edwardsi edwardsi (Geoffroy), but I can find no signifi- cant difference between the present specimens and those described by Werneck and depicted in his excellent figures. There is, however, one interesting difference between these specimens and the type lot : Werneck’s fig. 4, apparently drawn from an unmounted specimen, shows the tips of the endomeres inclining outwards, while in his fig. 5 the apical portion of the endomeres is twisted and the tips point inwards ; he regards the latter condition as an abnormality, though noting that it is frequent (there were 4 males in the type series). But in the present series the endomeres are 92 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS twisted in such a way that their tips incline inwards in 20 of the 21 specimens, while in the remaining male they are badly damaged and I cannot tell their true shape. It seems, therefore, that the twisted condition of the endomeres is the normal one. Felicola (Protelicola) intermedius hyaenae ssp. nov. Text-fig. 10; Pl. 2, figs. 3, 4 From Hyaena brunnea Thunberg (Brown Hyaena), Palapye, Bechuanaland, 26.v.1957, G. Theiler: the ¢ holotype. From Hyaena brunnea: Kukong, southern Bechuanaland, about half-way between Kanye and Tsane (between 24° and 25° S. and about 23° E.), 29.xi.1957, received from Dr. F. Zumpt: the 2 allotype, 1 ¢ paratype and 1 nymph. Very like F. 1. intermedius (Bedford, 1932) (Parasitology 24 : 355, figs. Ic, 2) but averaging larger, the preantennal portion of the head with more convex margins Fics. 9, 10. Genitalia of male Felicola intermedius sspp.: 9. F. 1. intermedius (Bedford), male from type-series. 10 F. 7. hyaenae ssp. nov., holotype. (contrast Pl. 2, figs. 1 and 3, 2 and 4) and with slight differences in the male genitalia (Text-fig. 10, contrast Text-fig. 9). A very striking difference in the male genitalia is the much greater divergence of the sides of the basal apodeme in the nominate subspecies (Text-fig. 9) but as I have seen only one male of this form there is some possibility that the difference is due to the accidents of mounting. NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS . 93 I am much indebted to Dr. Zumpt for the opportunity to see this material and to Mr. R. du Toit, Veterinary Research Laboratories, Onderstepoort for the loan of that portion of the type-series of F’. intermedius Bedford (one male, two females and a nymph) which is in the Onderstepoort collection. I have also examined two South African females, from the same host-species, in my own collection. This is the first record of any member of the Phthiraptera from a hyaena and is of special interest because it has been suggested (Hopkins, 1949, Proc. zool. Soc. Lond. 119 : 506) that hyaenas might be louse-free ; the apparent anomaly of absence of lice on a major taxon of the Fissipeda (or land-Carnivora) is now shown to be illusory. The host of Felicola 1. intermedius is Proteles cristatus, the sole member of the other extant subfamily of the Hyaenidae. Trichodectes (Trichodectes) emersoni sp. nov. Text-figs. 11-13; Pl. 1, fig. 4; Pl. 2, figs. 5, 6 From Helictis orientalis everetti Thomas, Kamborangah, Mt. Kinabalu, North Borneo, 7.vi.1952, Anglo-Amer. Med. Res. Unit: the ¢ holotype, 9? allotype and 3 9 paratypes. From Helictis orientalis everetti, Tenompak, Mt. Kinabalu, North Borneo, 8.vii.1951, Anglo-Amer. Med. Res. Unit: 3 g, 6 2 paratypes, 1 nymph. From Helictis orientalis everetti, Tenompak, Mt. Kinabalu, North Borneo, 20. viii. 1953, Anglo-Amer. Med. Res. Unit: 12 3, 25 2 paratypes, 3 nymphs. The taxonomy of the Trichodectidae at the generic and subgeneric level constitutes one of the more difficult problems in the systematics of the Mallophaga, and the present species adds to the difficulty. Within the mass of species found on Fissipeda there are various groups, of which Felicola Ewing 1929 is (as exemplified by its type species and the nearest relatives of the latter) one of the most distinct from the more characteristic species of Tvichodectes Nitzsch, 1818. Unfortunately, however, there are so many species which show deviations from the characteristics of the more typical members of both groups that, in his comprehensive and excellent revision of the Trichodectidae, Werneck (1948, Os Maldfagos de Mamiferos, part 1) has been forced to utilize the generic name Suricatoecus Bedford, 1932 (incapable of exact definition) for a miscellany of species which link Tvichodectes s.str. with Felicola s.str. and which cannot be confidently referred to either group, even after allowing generously for deviations like the presence of six pairs of abdominal spiracles in F. caffer (Bedford) (a species which is very closely related to others in which the number of pairs of abdominal spiracles is either three or none). Trichodectes emersoni fits fairly well into Trichodectes s.str., but the reduced chaetotaxy, presence of sclerotized tergal plates, and the moderately salient tip of the abdomen in the male are suggestive of Felicola and it might very well have been included in Swuricatoecus. The sclerotic bands of the abdomen are particularly reminiscent of S. decipiens (Hopkins), from which emersoni differs greatly in other respects. Head slightly wider than long in both sexes (index 0-76 in holotype, 0-80 in allotype) its anterior margin with a wide but not very deep osculum, sides of pre-antennal portion of head almost straight. Antenna very large in male, the first segment subequal in length to the other two together, much smaller in the female and segment 94 NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS I shorter than III. Bristles of dorsum of head very few and small apart from a row of six, along the hind margin, which includes a few slightly larger ones. ; Abdomen oval, broadest at fourth (apparent third) segment, slightly longer than wide (index 1-14 in holotype, 1-07 in allotype), with 6 pairs of spiracles. Bristles few and very small, placed as shown in Text-figs. rr and 12. Weakly sclerotized Fics. 11,12. Tvichodectes emersont sp. nov.: 11. Holotype. 12. Allotype. plates present on the dorsum of the penultimate segment in both sexes (this plate widely interrupted in the middle), on the venter of segments 5-7 in the male and on the dorsum of segments 7—9 and venter of segment 7 in the female. Male with last segment of abdomen forming an almost semicircular rounded prominence. Male genitalia as in Text-fig. 13, the basal apodeme tapering cephalad and probably ending in a point, parameres not forming a ring but giving the impression that they are probably joined in the middle line by an unsclerotized portion, endomeres with very sharp tips, spicules of copulatory sac coarse, those near the middle line (when the sac is retracted) about twice as large as the rest. Length of holotype 1-08 mm., of allotype 1:26 mm. Holotype male and allotype female in the United States National Museum. NOTES ON SOME MALLOPHAGA FROM MAMMALS 95 T. emersont (which I have named in honour of Col. K. C. Emerson, from whom I received the material) is the first species of Mallophaga to be recorded reliably from Helictis, though Neumann (1913, Arch. Parasit., Paris 15 : 618) purported to recog- "San Fic. 13. Genitalia of male holotype of Trichodectes emersoni sp. nov. nize as Trichodectes (Neotrichodectes) mephitidis Osborn “‘ un jeune individu recueilli sur Helictis Emeretti au Muséum d Histoire naturelle de Paris ”’, which may perhaps have been a nymph of emersont. In spite of important differences, T. emersoni is perhaps nearest related to T. melis (O. Fabricius) and T. vosseleri Stobbe, which also parasitize members of the Melinae. ENTOM, I0, 2. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. I 2. 3 4 . PLATE 1 Felicola (Felicola) spenceri sp. nov., male holotype. Damalinia (Bovicola) sedecimdecembrii (Eichler), male from Bison bison. Damalinia (Bovicola) sedecimdecembrii (Eichler), female from Bison bison. Trichodectes (Tvichodectes) emersoni sp. nov., male genitalia to show spicules of copulatory sac. Fic. 5. Fic. 6. Damalinia (Bovicola) oreamnidis sp. nov., male holotype. Damalinia (Bovicola) ovis (Schrank), male neotype. Pic Av Br. Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. to,2. FIG. BIG: Fic. Fic. FIG. Fic. PT Re PLATE 2 Felicola (Protelicola) intermedius intermedius (Bedford), male from type series. Felicola (Protelicola) intermedius intermedius (Bedford), female from type series. Felicola (Protelicola) intermedius hyaenae ssp. nov., male holotype. Felicola (Protelicola) intermedius hyaenae ssp. nov., female allotype. Trichodectes (Trichodectes) emersoni sp. nov., male holotype. Trichodectes (Trichodectes) emersoni sp. nov., female allotype. "‘t ZLiViId ‘t ‘or ‘mojuTy (CH'N) “W'd “Ng A REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN THE PYRAUSTINAE (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRALIDAE) 1. COTACHENA HISTRICALIS WALKER 2. SYNGAMIA FLORIDALIS ZELLER PAUL E. S. WHALLEY BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY | Vol. 10 No. 3 LONDON: 17.61 REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN THE PYRAUSTINAE (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRALIDAE) 1. COTACHENA HISTRICALIS WALKER 2. SYNGAMIA FLORIDALIS ZELLER BY PAUL E. S. WHALLEY Pp. 96-111 ; Plates 3-4; 6 Text-figures BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. 3 LONDON: 1961 THE BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY), instituted in 1949, is issued in five series corresponding to the Departments of the Museum, and an Historical series. Parts will appear at irregular intervals as they become ready. Volumes will contain about three or four hundred pages, and will not necessarily be completed within one calendar year. This paper is Vol. 10, No. 3 of the Entomological series. © Trustees of the British Museum, 1961 PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM Issued January, 1961 Price Seven Shillings and Sixpence 1. (HE HISTRICALIS COMPLEX OF THE GENUS COTACHENA MOORE (LEP., PYRALIDAE) BY By PAUL E. S. WHALLEY INTRODUCTION THE genus Cotachena was erected by Moore (1885) for the species Botys histricalis Walk. The genus was subsequently placed (e.g. Hampson, 1896) in the Endotrichiinae, but recently Inoue (1955) has placed it correctly in the Pyraustinae. The actual relationships with other genera in the Pyraustinae still remains to be worked out. Walker (1859) described Botys histricalis from Ceylon. He also mentions two other specimens ‘‘ ? female ’’ from China and Shanghai. Butler (1887) described a new species in the genus, Cotachena trinotata, from Alu “in the Solomon Islands. Snellen (1890) records histricalis from Sikkim but transfers it to the genus Steno- physes Led. The type of this genus is sevinalis Walk. and it is generically distinct from histricalis. Ragonot (1891) uses Cotachena histricalis Walk. as the species and was the first to place it in the Endotriichinae but he comments on its similarity to some Pyraustinae. Warren (1892) describes Archernis pubescens from N. India and China. In 1896 he described Cotachena peractilis from Dili and Tenimber. Hampson (1896a) gives an account of C. histricalis Walker and puts the Chinese and N. Indian specimens as “‘ race pubescens Warren’’. Later in the same year (18960) he gave the following synonymy of the Cotachena complex and retained it in the Endotrichiinae. 1. Cotachena histricalis Walk. List Lep. Ins. B.M., XVIII, p. 655, 1859 Synonym Archernis pubescens Warr. A.M.N.H. (6) IX, p. 300, 1892. 2. Cotachena trinotata Butl. A.M.N.H. (5) XX, p. 122 Synonym C. peractilis Warr. A.M.N.H. (6) XVII, p. 465, 1896. Subsequently Rothschild (1916) described a subspecies orientalis of histricalis Walk. The types of all these species are in the British Museum (Natural History). I have compared them and examined long series of each species. As a result the synonymy is as follows :— Cotachena histricalis Walk. C. peractilis Warr. syn. nov. C. trinotata Butl. syn. nov. C. histricalis orientalis Rothsch. syn. nov. ENTOM. I0, 3 8 100 REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE Cotachena pubescens Warren Cotachena alysoni sp. nov. Cotachena histricalis Walker (Pl. 3, 1-4; Text-figs. 1a, 1b, page 102) Botys histricalis Walk. List Lep., p. 655, 1859. C. tvinotata Butler. A.M.N.H. (5) XX, p. 122, 1887. C. peratilis Warren. A.M.N.H. (6) XVII, p. 465, 1896. C. histricalis orientalis Rothsch. Rep. B.O.U. Ex.p. 2, no. 15, p. 117, 1916. Archernis pubescens Warren, Hampson not Warren. Tvans. ent. Soc., p. 498, 1896. C. histricalis pubescens Warren, Inoue not Warren. Check List Jap. Lep, pt. 2, p. 159, 1955. Stenophyses histricalis Walker, Snellen (?) not Walker. Trans. ent. Soc., p. 600, 1890. Type ¢ “ Ceylon ’”’ in B.M. This is a very widespread and variable species but it is difficult to separate any definite trend in any region. The Pacific Island species tend to be larger with a more prominent coremata than the Ceylon specimens, but some of the Pacific specimens are identical with those from Ceylon. Australian specimens tend to be rather greyer than the Ceylon-Pacific specimens but the differences are slight. On some Pacific Islands (e.g. Ysabel) a dark yellow form occurs. This is ‘‘ C. trinotata Butler ’’. It occurs in a number of islands and is merely an aberration. While some of the Pacific Island specimens are smaller than the “ typical ’’ Pacific form, the genitalia and wing pattern are all identical and further naming of subspecies is not thought necessary. Genitalia: ¢ Text-fig. 1a; 92 Text-fig. 1b, page Io2. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Ceylon, India, Burma, Malaya, Philippines, Hainan, Talaut, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sarawak, Celebes, Moluccas, New Guinea, Vulcan I., Australia, Solomon I., Bismarck Archipelago, Louisade Archipelago. Cotachena pubescens Warren (Pl. 3,5; Text-figs. 2a, 2b, page 103) Archernis pubescens Warr. A.M.N.H. (6) IX, p. 300, 1892. C. histricalis Walk. auctt. C. histricalis pubescens Warr. auctt. Lectotype ¢ “‘ Dharmsala N. India ”’ in B.M. Walker (1859) first noticed that the Chinese and N. Indian specimens were smaller and darker than histricalis Walk. Warren described these specimens as a new species but it has subsequently either been regarded as a synonym (Hampson, 1896) or a subspecies (Inoue, 1955). The genitalia of the male are quite distinct from those of the male histricalis. There is a considerable amount of variation in the intensity of the coloration, the Formosan and Japanese specimens being paler than the Indian ones. Specimens which are probably this species from Borneo and Malaya are darker than the Indian race with less yellow on the fore wings. Genitalia: ¢ Text-fig. 2a; 92 Text-fig. 2b, page 103. REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE tor GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: India, Malaya, China, Korea, Japan, Hainan, Formosa, Borneo, Oinainisa (S.W. Timor). Cotachena alysoni sp. nov. (Pl. 3,6; Text-fig. 3a, page 104) C. histricalis Walk. partim auctt. C. histricalis pubescens Warr. partim auctt. ? Stenophyses histricalis Walk., Snellen. Tvans. ent. Soc. Lond., p. 600, 1890. Type ¢ ‘‘ Chang Yang, A. E. Pratt Coll. May 1888 ”’ in B.M. Pyral. genit. slide No. 4129. g. Wing ro mm. (Centre of thorax to apex of wing). Head light sandy brown. Thorax yellowish brown. Fore wing: Fringe yellow ochre with brown line through centre. Terminal line black with minute yellow spots at apex of each vein. Terminal area yellow ochre, narrowing posteriorly, becoming brown. Three hyaline areas (see plate) edged with black on outer and inner edges. From the middle patch a small hyaline line extends to the hind margin of the fore wing. Rest of fore wing sepia. Sub-basal line continuous with black inner edge of inner hyaline patch. Costal margin sepia along basal two thirds. Yellow opposite outer hyaline patch. Apical part of costal margin black. Hind wing: General colour yellow ochre. Four small sepia marks indicate ante- and post-medial lines. Underside, similar, paler. 2. Unknown. Genitalia: ¢, Text-fig. 3a, page 104. MATERIAL EXAMINED : CHINA, I g, Chang Yang (type) ; 3 3, Ding Manon (Bailey), IgiI (paratypes) ; 1 ¢ ,Chang Yang (Pratt) (paratype) ; 3 ¢, Chungking (Barry), Ig12 (paratypes) : SIAM, 2 3, Musklik, 1,000 ft. (Fruhstorfer) : INDO CHINA, I 4, Laos, Muang Awm, 900 m., 1932: MALAY PENINSULA, I g, Perak (Pendlebury), 1925; I 3, Mt. Tahan (Waterstradt): Inp1A, 4 g, 1 9, Sikkim (Moller), 1886 (paratypes) ; 1 g, Sikkim (Pilcher, 1895, (paratype); 1 g, Sikkim (B.M.), 1895 (paratype) ; 3 3, Darjeeling (paratypes); 2 g, Khasis Hills (paratypes); 1 d, Shillong (paratype) ; 1 g, Naga Hills, 5,000-7,000 ft., Doherty, 1889 (paratype) ; 2 3, Mishmi Hills, Lolit River (Steele), 1935 (paratypes): JAPAN, I g¢, Takao San (Inoue), 1950 (paratype), (in Coll. H. Inoue). This species is very close to the other species of Cotachena but is primarily separated in the male by the blunt uncus. REFERENCES Butter, A.G. 1887. Ann. mag. Nat. Hist. (5) 20: 122. Hampson, G. F. 1896a. Moths of India, 4: 142. —— 1896b. Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. : 497. INOUE, H. 1955. Check List Lep. Japan, Pt. 2: 159. ROTHSCHILD, N.C. 1916. Rept. B.O.U. Exp. 2, no. 15: 117. SNELLEN, P.C.T. 1890. Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. : 600. WALKER, F. 1859. List Lep. Ins. Brit. Mus. Pt. 19 : 655. WarrEN, W. 1892. Ann. mag. Nat. Hist. (6) 9 : 300, —— 1896. Ibid. (6) 17: 465. 102 REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE Fic. 1a. Cotachena histricalis Walk., 3 genitalia, type. Fic. 1b. C. histricalis Walk., 2 Bursa copulatrix and duct. REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE 103 2b Fic. 2a. Cotachena pubescens Warr., 3 genitalia, Lectotype. Fic, 2b, C. pubescens Warr. 2 Bursa copulatrix and duct, 104 REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE Fic. 3a. Cotachena alysoni sp. nov., ¢ genitalia, type. PLATE 3 Fic. 1. Cotachena histricalis Walk., type 3, Ceylon. Fic. 2. C. histricalis Walk., 3, Solomon Islands. Fic. 3. C. histricalis Walk., 2, Solomon Islands. Fic. 4. C. histricalis Walk., 9, Solomon Islands (C. trinotata Butl.). Fic. 5. C. pubescens Warr., g, Khasis, N. India. Fic. 6. C. alysoni sp. nov., type g, Chang Yang, China. (All x 2.) Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 3. PLEASE E 3. 2. A REVISION OF THE SYNGAMIA FLORIDALIS ZELL. COMPLEX WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES By PAUL E. S. WHALLEY INTRODUCTION Syngamia floridalis Zell. is an omnibus name used for specimens from Africa to Australia. Although seven different species had been described in this complex they were all synonymized by Hampson (1898). He gave the synonymy :— Syngamia floridalis Zell. synonym Glyphodes calidalis Guen. » Syngamia octavialis Walk. x S. merionealis Walk. » S. tphalis Walk. , S. secutalis Walk. » Hyalea fulvidalis Wallengr. » Botys witalis Feld. Recently I have been examining specimens of ‘‘ floridalis ’’ from a collection made by Mr. J. D. Bradley on the Solomon Islands in 1953. These specimens clearly did not agree with the Zeller type. In order to identify these specimens I have examined all the available material of this complex. The type of G. calidalis Guen. has been lost. I have, however, examined a specimen from the Ragonot collection, kindly lent by Mr. P. Viette, Paris, which had been compared with Guenée type by Ragonot. I have selected this specimen as the neotype (see later). I have not seen the type of H. fulvidalis Wallengr. but have examined a long series from the type locality (Tahiti). All the other types were examined together with the type of Syngamia aurantiaca Hamps. As a result of this examination it was found that in fact there are three distinct species. It also became apparent that the ‘‘ floridalis’’ complex was not congeneric with Syngamia florellalis Cr. the type of Syngamia Guen. Two genera were used by Lederer (1863), Aethaléessa and Chnaura (Wien. ent., p. 435, 1863). The former (type floridalis Zell.) has page preference over the latter (type octavialis Walk.) The species should thus be referred to the former genus, 106 © REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE Aethaloessa floridalis Zell. (comb. nov.). Type of genus Syngamia floridalis Zell., Lep. Caffr. 60, 1852: S. merionealis Walk., List Lep. 17 : 334, 1859: Aethaléessa floridalis Walk., Lederer, Wien. ent. mon. 435, 1863. Type ¢ “ Natal’’ in B.M. PI. 4, fig. 1. This species is restricted to Africa and Madagascar. Specimens from Madagascar tend to be smaller than those from the mainland, however the mainland specimens themselves also vary considerably in size. Further material may show some sub- speciation over Africa. The shape of the cornutus in the ¢ genitalia is characteristic. Genitalia: ¢ Text-fig. 1a. 9 Text-fig. 1b, pages, 109 and 111. DistRIBUTION: Africa; S. Africa, Fernando Po, Angola, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroons, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Belgian Congo. Madagascar; Diego Suarez. Aethaloessa calidalis calidalis Guen. (comb. nov.) Glyphodes calidalis Guen., Delt. et Pyr. 294, 1854: Chnaura octavialis Walk., Lederer, Wien. ent. mon. 435, 1863: Syngamia floridalis Zell., Hampson nec Zeller, Proc. ent. Soc. 644, 1898 : S. floridalis auctt. Type lost. Neotype selected from Ragonot collection labelled: ‘‘ Indes orient. calidalis Gn (Glyph.) =Chnaura octavialis Walk., vue le type au M.N.”’ in Paris museum. PI. 4, fig. 2. This species is found in India and Ceylon. The main cornutus in the aedeagus is shorter and blunter than in specimens from the Australasian—Pacific region and there are some differences in the female genitalia (see Text-figs. 1b and 2b page III). Genitalia: ¢§ Text-fig. 2a. 9 Text-fig. 2b. Pages 109 and III. DISTRIBUTION : Indian Subcontinent ; North and South. Ceylon, Seychelles. Aethaloessa calidalis tiphalis Walk. (comb. nov.) Syngamia tiphalis Walk., List Lep. 17 : 335, 1859: S. secutalis Walk., List Lep. 34: 1291, 1865: Hyalea fulvidalis Wallengr., Wien. ent. mon. 174, 1860: Chnaura octivialis Walk., Led., Wien. ent. mon. 435, 1863: Botys witalis Feld., Reis. Nov. pl. 135, f. 8, 1864-67 : Syngamia aurantiaca Hmpsn., Ann. mag. Nat. Hist. 9: 254, 1912, syn. nov.: S. floridalis Zell., Hamps. nec Zell., Proc. ent. Soc. 644, 1898: S. floridalis auctt. Type ¢ “ Celebes’’ in B.M. PI. 4, fig. 3. This subspecies ranges from Malaya to Australia with very little variation in the male genitalia. Slight variation occurs in wing pattern and colour intensity, but this cannot be related to any geographic area. Genitalia: ¢§ Text-fig. 3a. 2 Text-fig. 36. Pages 110 and III. DISTRIBUTION : Malaya, Burma, Formosa, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes, New Guinea, Solomon I., New Ireland, New Britain, Bali, Ceram, Sudest I., Rook I., REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE 107 Tambora, Philippines, Samoa, Tahiti, Tenimber, Warri, Australia (Queensland and New South Wales). In some of the Pacific Islands, this subspecies flies alongside the next species. Aethaloessa rufula sp. nov. Syngamia floridalis Zell., Hampson nec Zell., Proc. ent. Soc. 644, 1898: S. floridalis auctt. Type g. “ Arawa, N. Bougainville (Solom. I.), Dec. 1907’ in B.M. Pyral. Genitalia Slide No. 6002. Pl. 4, fig. 4. 6. Wingspan 12-15 mm. Head, crown yellow, antennae long, filiform. Thorax brown. Abdomen orange-yellow, last two or three segments brown. Fore wings: General colour orange-red with brown edges. Costal margin, apex and terminal margin brown, apical brown part broad. From half-way along costa brown projections extend backwards towards similar brown projections from hind margin. These two may meet in some specimens giving a round orange-red area separated by a brown band from basal and sub-basal part. Small brown projection from costa one third from base, rarely reaching hind margin. Basal area brown. Hind wings: Terminal and subterminal area brown, broad anteriorly, narrowing posteriorly. Small brown median spot on anterior margin of hind wing. Rest of wing orange-red. Small indistinct brown spot on hind margin. FEMALE. Similar. Genitalia: ¢ Text-fig. 4a. 2 Text-fig. 4b. Pages 110 and III. MATERIAL EXAMINED. Solomon I., 6 specimens Renell I. (J. D. Bradley) 1953 ; 9 specimens Arawa, Bougainville, May 19 04(Meek) ; 6 specimens Guadalcanal v.or (Meek) ; 8 specimens Nissen I. Aug. 24 (Eichhorn) ; 2 specimens Vella Lavella (Meek), 1908 ; 5 specimens Rendova (Meek). St. Aignans, 7 specimens Oct. 1897. Buru, 3 specimens. Kayeli, 2 specimens ’97 (Doherty). Little Kei, 5 specimens (H. Kuhn). Teoor, 2 specimens (H. Kuhn). Sudest I., 5 specimens Feb. 1916 (Eichhorn bros.). St. Matthias, 9 specimens June 1923 (A. F. Eichhorn). New Han- nover, 12 specimens March-April 1923 (Meek). Amboyna, 11 specimens (Doherty), 1892. Rossell I., 1 specimen March 1898 (Meek). Tobriand I., 3 specimens. Kiriwini, 2 specimens iii.95 (Meek). Banks I., 1 specimen. Dampier I., 6 specimens Feb. 1914 (Meek). Squally I., 2 specimens (A. F. Eichhorn). Admiralty I., 5 specimens Sept.— Oct. 1913 (Meek). Gt. Kei, 2 specimens 4.v.98 (H. Kuhn). Fergusson I., 10 specimens x.94 (Meek). Fenni I., 8 specimens May 1924 (A. F. Eichhorn). Witu, 9 specimens June 1925 (Eichhorn). New Hebrides, 5 specimens (Cheesman) 1929. Woodlark I., I specimen (Meek) iv.g7. New Guinea: 2 specimens Milne Bay i.g9; 4 specimens Kumusi R., June, 1907 ; 6 specimens Upper Aroa R., March 1903 (Meek) ; 2 speci- mens Kapaur, 1896 (Doherty) ; 6 specimens Upper Setakwa R. Snow Mts. 2-3000 ft. 1919 (Meek). Celebes ; 1 specimen reg. basse entre Maros et Tjamba (Doherty) 1896. This species is easily distinguished externally from calidalis Guen. and its sub- species by the lack of the black scales on the dorsal side of the first abdominal segment. Some variation in pattern of the wings of this species may occur. The small brown dots on the anterior and posterior margin of the hind wing may form part of 108 REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE a broken brown line which is continued on to the fore wing. This species is closely related to A. calidalis Guen. KEY TO THE MALES OF THE SPECIES OF Aethaléessa 1. First abdominal segment black or brown dorsally : ; ; ; ‘ . 2 First abdominal segment not black . : , : ; : . rufula 2. Main cornutus in aedeagus bent at both ends (Text-fig. Ia) . ‘ : . floridalis Main cornutus straight : - : , , ° ; 3 3. Main cornutus short and broad (Text-fig. 2a) : ; : ; . calidalis calidalis Main cornutus elongate (Text-fig. 3a) ; 5 , ‘ 7 . calidalis tiphalis REFERENCES GUENEE, M. A. 1854. Hist. Nat. des Insectes. Tome Huitiéme. Deltoides et Pyralites. Hampson, G. F. 1898. A revision of the moths of the subfamily Pyraustinae. Proc. ent. Soc. Lond. pt. 1. 1643. LEDERER, J. 1863. Beitr. zur Kenntniss der Pyraliden. Wien, 1863. REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE tog Fic. 1a. Aethaléessa floridalis Zell., 3 genitalia. Fic. 2a. A. calidalis calidalis Guén., ¢ genitalia. 110 REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE Fic. 3a. Aethaldessa calidalis tiphalis Walk., $ genitalia. Fic. 4a. A. rufula sp. nov., ¢ genitalia. REVISION OF TWO SPECIES COMPLEXES IN PYRAUSTINAE 111 3b 4b Fic. 1b. Aethaléessa floridalis Zell., Q bursa copulatrix and duct. Fic. 2b. A. calidalis calidalis Guen., § bursa copulatrix and duct. Fic. 3b. A. calidalis tiphalis Walk., 2 bursa copulatrix and duct. Fic. 4b. A. vufula sp. nov., 2 bursa copulatrix and duct, Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Pe Pe Aethaléessa floridalis Zell. A. calidalis calidalis Guen. A. calidalis tiphalis Walk. A. rufula sp. nov. PLATE 4 Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 3. PEATE 4, MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS ADDITIONAL RECORDS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF MICROLEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS BY THE RENNELL ISLAND EXPEDITION 1953—54 _ J. D. BRADLEY Moe ss BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. 4 LONDON : 1961 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS ADDITIONAL RECORDS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF MICROLEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS BY THE RENNELL ISLAND EXPEDITION 1953—54 BN, J.D. BRADLEY A } r \ ) Pp. 111-168 ; Plates 5-19 ; 2 Text-figures BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol-t0 No. 4 LONDON : 1961 THE BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY), instituted in 1949, 1s issued in five series corresponding to the Departments of the Museum, and an Historical Series. Parts will appear at irregular intervals as they become ready. Volumes will contain about three or four hundred pages, and will not necessarily be completed within one calendar year. This paper is Vol. 10, No. 4 of the Entomological series. © Trustees of the British Museum, 1961 PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM Issued January, 1961 Price Thirty Shillings MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS ADDITIONAL RECORDS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF MICROLEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS BY THE RENNELL ISLAND EXPEDITION 1953—54 By J. D. BRADLEY AN account (Bradley, 1955) of the expedition to Rennell and Bellona Islands appears in the series The Natural History of Rennell Island, British Solomon Islands, published jointly by the Copenhagen Museum and the British Museum (Natural History). A report on the Microlepidoptera collected on those islands also appears in that series (Bradley, 1957). The Microlepidoptera studied in the present paper are mostly from other islands of the Solomons group which my wife and I visited. A few from the New Hebrides, where we called on the voyage from Australia to the Solomons, have been included, and also some material in the British Museum collections which proved to be errone- ously identified and to belong to a new species described below. Microlepidoptera collected on Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands, ports of call on the voyage to the Solomons, have been studied in a previous paper (Bradley, 1956) and are referred to here only where revision has become necessary. The main purpose of the expedition to the Solomons was to obtain a representative collection of natural history specimens from the islands of Rennell and Bellona. But circumstances provided time and opportunity for visits to some of the other islands in the group, where we collected Lepidoptera and other insects. It is the Microlepidoptera amongst this material, excluding the Pyraloidea, which are now studied. It was nearly four weeks after arriving at Honiara, the Protectorate capital on the island of Guadalcanal, before there was a definite prospect of a boat to take us across the last two hundred miles of ocean to our objective—Rennell Island. In this interval we were fortunate in being invited by Dr. F. R. Hollins, the then S.M.O. and a keen lepidopterist, to accompany him on a visit to Ontong Java, an atoll in the extreme north of the group. This trip included visits to the islands of Tulagi and Ysabel. After our return from Rennell and Bellona to Guadalcanal nearly two months elapsed before the cargo ship on which we were to leave for Australia finally ENTOM. 10, 4. ‘ 9 114 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS called, having been delayed by changes in its itinerary in the islands. During this period we spent ten days at Tapenanje, a small native village about five miles west of Honiara and about the same distance inland, in the foothills above the Poha River. We then returned to Kukum, two miles east of Honiara, and after Christmas spent ten days at Ilu, seventeen miles east of Honiara on the plains of the north coast of Guadalcanal. The remaining interval before our departure for Australia was spent in Honiara. Our stay in the Solomons was thus extended beyond the three to four months originally planned to nearly five months—September, 1953 to January, 1954. The prolonged stay somewhat naturally strained our very limited resources, and we would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation once again for the assistance and advice which we received from many sources, most of which are mentioned in the Rennell account, and which helped greatly towards the success of the expedition. A map of the South-West Pacific is figured on p. 115, and shows the geographical position of the Solomons group and the islands visited by the expedition. Data on the collecting localities are given below. COLLECTING LOCALITIES GUADALCANAL ISLAND Honiara. The Protectorate capital situated on the north-eastern coast. The coastal strip here is a few hundred yards wide and is backed by terraced limestone ridges. The township is scattered and is mainly on the coastal strip with (in 1954) a few new houses on the crests of the ridges. Where it has not been cleared or kept back the dense lowland forest comes down to the belt of strand vegetation along the seashore. Much of the ridges is free of forest and is covered instead with tall kunai grass. Dates of collecting. 5-14.1.1954. Kukum (Honiara). Material labelled with the dates given below was collected at the Agricultural Station at Kukum, about two miles along the coast east of Honiara township. Immediately inland from the estate are low hills some of which are topped with kunai grass, and with forest and thick undergrowth in the valleys. A mercury-vapour lamp was run from a small domestic generator for several nights here, from dusk until midnight, and proved highly effective. This was the only locality at which electricity was available to operate m.v. light. At other times a paraffin pressure lantern was used, as described in the Rennell account. Dates of collecting. 5-21 .ix.1953 ; 3-II.X.1953 ; 2-9.Xll.1953 ; 23-28.xil. 1953. Tapenanje. A small native village, five or six miles west of Honiara and about the same distance inland, sited on top of one of the foothills which in this area go up to about 1,000 ft. a.s.l. The surrounding valleys are deeply eroded and filled with dense luxuriant vegetation typical of tropical forests of this region. The village is reached after a four-hour march along a track following roughly the course of the River Poha, commencing near its mouth a few miles outside 115 ISLANDS MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON "SpUPIS] UOWIO[OS ey} Jo uOTzISod peorydesZ003 oy} Sutmoys ‘oyloeg }SAA\-Y}NOS OY], ‘AVN 023 * 4. WINOG3 IVD . S| ALIVAOT mai on . 2 e * WNALINY, £; 30% ‘: s .% ce $ © 3143 . SI0IugIH is MaN #*& me ao NLwids3 *e ny eae 7s ‘| T13NN3Y ; + “= | 1 VNOTI3¢ ae: = v% — : aes ovis a mS. SGNVISI T38VSA JTUANIVSN VAV[ SNOLNO :: Sp 2091 Aas wuozs M3aN od 3 NOWO10$ eee ‘5 fer: OOVTadIHDUY eS, JAVISINOT ee “oe ah hs Noe NIVLIYS AAIN t % g OSVTadIHDYV e ° GONV13ul MIN . ee eC ace NYODIYdVDI 10 JAIldOUL VITVYLSNY ONVISN3INO VININS MIN YOUVWSIE 116 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Honiara. On the upward journey at the beginning of December the river was waded perhaps a dozen times and was shallow, but on the return journey ten days later the rainy season had commenced and the river had swollen and in some places was very much deeper. Dates of collecting. 10—23.xii. 1953. Ilu. Formerly the site of an experimental farm, now largely abandoned. Situated about seventeen miles south-east of Honiara and a mile or two inland on the low-lying alluvial plain which between here and Kukum extends for several miles inland. Much of the formerly cultivated farmland has been reclaimed by natural vegetation. The light-trap was sited on open grassland at the fringe of forest. Dates of collecting. 28.xii.1953-5.i.1954. ONTONG JAVA ATOLL Avaha and Leuaniua. Ontong Java is a low coral atoll about one hundred and fifty miles due north of Ysabel in the main group. It is formed of numerous small islands, none of them more than 20 ft. above sea level, arranged in a continuous chain and enclosing a lagoon about thirty-five miles long by fifteen miles wide. The atoll is encircled by an almost unbroken fringing reef which in many places is exposed at low tide. The two islands visited—Avaha and Leuaniua— are among the largest and are about a quarter of a mile across and two and three miles long respectively. Coconut palms are plentiful and there is a little strand vegetation and low undergrowth including ferns. On Leuaniua there is an extensive swampy area thickly covered with grasses and with some trees and shrubs where taro is cultivated in shallow depressions containing a black fibrous mud, heavily infested with mosquitoes. Dates of collecting. 29-30.1x.1953. YSABEL ISLAND Tatamba. A landing place near Tanabuli situated near the south-east tip of the island. One night only was spent here on the return voyage from Ontong Java. We arrived in the late afternoon and the light-trap was taken ashore and operated throughout the night on a track fringing dense forest. Date of collecting. 2.x.1953. TULAGI ISLAND Tulagi. A small island forming part of the Nggela (Florida) group between twenty and thirty miles east of Guadalcanal. Once the Protectorate capital but evacu- ated during World War II, when it suffered considerable damage, and now mostly reclaimed by jungle. At the time of our visit only two European families were living there and a few Chinese and Solomon Islanders. It has a fine natural harbour and as the R.C.S. Betwa developed engine trouble on the way to Ontong Java we had to call there for repairs. Dates of collecting. 22-25 .ix.1953. MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 117 MATERIAL STUDIED The present study has been greatly handicapped by the fragmentary state of existing knowledge of the lepidopterous fauna of the Solomon Islands. The least known group is the Microlepidoptera, which have received little attention in the past. They are richly represented in species belonging to genera common to the luxuriant tropical rain forests of the South-West Pacific. But until systematic collecting is carried out, to include the mountainous regions of the larger islands where the more interesting endemic forms may be expected to occur, the full composi- tion and affinities of the fauna must remain in many respects unknown. The present material is representative of the low forest and littoral fauna and has consequently a higher proportion of widely distributed species. A difficulty experienced when determining this material was to ensure that species apparently not among those already recorded from the Solomons were not known elsewhere. A considerable number came into this category and a surprisingly high proportion of these were found to be known species occurring in the Indo-Australian region. Others proved to be species occurring in other island groups of the South-West Pacific, and in some instances previously known only from the type specimens. Altogether a little over 1,000 specimens have been examined and determined to genus or species. These comprise 120 described species, 43 species apparently new to science and I new subspecies, and 25 species identified to genus only. Many of the latter appear to be undescribed but have for the present been placed only in a genus, since the available material is considered inadequate for descriptive purposes. One new genus only is described. This is erected for a new species belonging to the family Incurvariidae and so far as is known the first representative of this family to be recorded from the Solomon Islands. Existing genera have been used for species in other families, but in some instances generic assignments have been made with reservation and should be regarded as tentative, particularly in some of the larger “well-known ”’ genera, since the genera need revision. The types of the new species described below are in the British Museum (Natural History). The insects are described as seen under a low-power lens of up to X15 magnification, and the colour terms used are principally from Ridgway’s Color Standards and Color Nomenclature. The illustrations of the wings, Plates 1-3, and of the genitalia, Plates 4-15, are reproduced from photographs and photomicrographs taken by Mr. J. V. Brown of the photographic section of this museum. The magnifications vary greatly in the photographs of the wings so have not been indicated ; instead the measurements of the expanded wings of each species are given. REFERENCES BraDtey, J.D. 1955. Account and List of Stations of the British Museum (Natural History) Expedition, 1953. The Natural History of Rennell Island, British Solomon Islands, 1 (3) : 43-57, 11 figs. —— 1956. Records and Descriptions of Microlepidoptera from Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island collected by the British Museum (Natural History) Rennell Island Expedition, 1953. Bull, Brit, Mus. (nat. Hist.), Ent. 4, No. 4 : 145-164, 26 figs. 118 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 1957. Microlepidoptera from Rennell and Bellona Islands. The Natural History of Rennell Island, British Solomon Islands, 2 (19) : 87-112, 113 figs. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Rennell Island Expedition was supported by grants from the Percy Sladen Memorial Fund, the Godman Exploration Fund, and the British Museum (Natural History). TORTRICIDAE TORTRICINAE Adoxophyes templana (Pagenstecher) Tortrix templana Pagenstecher, 1900, Zoologica (Stuttgart), 12 (No. 29) : 225. Adoxophyes ioterma Meyrick, 1910, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 35: 205. Syn. nov. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4-10.x, 14 g, 2 9; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 5 3; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 7 ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Is. The new synonymy given above follows from a comparison of the types of A. templana (Pagenstecher) and A. zoterma Meyrick, which are in the British Museum (Natural History). Adoxophyes aurantiana sp. n. (Pl. s, fig. 1) Adoxophyes templana (Pagenstecher) Meyrick nec Pagenstecher, 1910, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 35 : 208 (partim). Adoxophyes templana (Pagenstecher) Bradley nec Pagenstecher, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 89. g 12-16 mm. 9 17-20 mm. Labial palpus, head, thorax and tegula apricot-yellow suffused with orange. Antenna apricot-yellow, annulations greyish-orange. Fore wing apricot-yellow overlaid with a fine reticulate pattern of orange which in some examples is superimposed on the other markings ; markings variable, in well-marked examples as follows: a narrow, metallic, violet-grey medial fascia, sprinkled with black, oblique from costa at about 1/3 to inner margin at 2/3; a similar, irregular, subterminal fascia, broad at costa and again at tornus where it is confluent with the medial fascia, constricted or interrupted at the middle, in some examples weak or obsolescent in the tornal area, broken or interrupted along the anterior edge of the costa and replaced by apricot-yellow ground colour; a small, metallic violet-grey patch, sprinkled with black, at base of costal fold in the male and costa in the female, a similar marking at base of inner margin and another slightly larger at about 1/3 ; in examples with abnormally strong and conspicuous markings a narrow concolorous band sometimes links the middle of the medial fascia to the costal part of the sub- MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 119 terminal fascia ; in poorly marked examples the markings may be reduced to numer- ous small metallic patches or spangles, or so greatly reduced as to be indefinable ; cilia apricot-yellow along termen, purplish-grey at tornus. Hind wing whitish- ochreous to pale ochreous ; cilia straw yellow. Abdomen whitish-ochreous, suffused with grey above ; a small straw-yellow anal tuft in male. Legs whitish-ochreous, fore and middle legs suffused with orange exteriorly. Male genitalia (Pl. 4, fig. 1): There appears to be little comparative difference between this species and A. templana (Pagenstecher), but the sheaf of cornuti in the aedeagus is smaller and consists of 5-8 cornuti as compared with 12-15 slightly longer cornuti in templana. Female genitalia (PI. 8, figs. 2, 3) : There appear to be no useful differences between this species and templana by which to separate them. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 5 gf, including holotype, 4-10.x, 4 3; Tapen- anje, 10-23.xii, 2 ¢; Ilu Farm, 26.xi1.53-4.1.54, I d. RENNELL I.: Hutuna, 18.x-24.xi, 24 J, 19; Tingoa, 9-11.xi, 1g; Onegaghugha, ao.%, i 40; 26.21, x 3. BELLONA I.: Matahenua, 29.xi, I 9. The following additional paratypes are specimens which have been removed from the series of A. templana (Pagenstecher) in the museum collections : GUADALCANAL: 1905, A. S. Meek, 4 9. TULAGI: 25.vill.1933, H. T. Pagden, 1 J. NEw GEORGIA: 1905, A. S. Meek, 1 9. NEw Britain: Witu I., iii.1925, A. F. E.,.1 9; Witu L., vi.1925, A. F. E., 89; Witu I., vii.1925, A. F. E., 1 9; Kinigunong, 1906, C. S., 1 9. NEw GUINEA: Woodlark I., 1905, A. S. Meek, 1 9. This species is closely related to A. templana (Pagenstecher), and the two have previously been confused. Superficially they are very similar and the variability of the fore wing markings sometimes makes separation difficult, but usually aurantiana may be distinguished by its brighter, orange coloration. The genitalia in both sexes are also very similar; in the male differences are evident in the cornuti of the aedeagus as described above. Adoxophyes moderatana (Walker) Tortrix moderatana Walker, 1863, List. Lep. Ins. B.M. 28 : 329. Adoxophyes epizeucta Meyrick, 1910, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 35 : 207. Parascaptia insignifica Rothschild, 1915, Lep. B.O.U. Wollaston Exped. N. Guinea, p. 46. Syn. nov. Adoxophyes prosiliens Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep.3: 454. Syn. nov. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 4-10.x, 4 g, 29; Ilu Farm, 26. xii.53-4.1.54, I 4. DISTRIBUTION. India, Assam, Borneo, New Guinea, and the Andaman and Solomon Is. The above synonymy has been established following an examination of the types of the species concerned, all of which are in the British Museum (Natural History). 120 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Adoxophyes tripselia (Lower) Capua ? tripselia Lower, 1908, Trans. roy. Soc. S. Aust. 32 : 318. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, I10-23.xii, 2 ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Guinea, Sudest I. and Rossel I. Adoxophyes fasciculana (Walker) Tortrix fasciculana Walker, 1866, List. Lep. Ins. B.M. 35 : 1785. Adoxophyes cyrtosema Meyrick, 1886, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. 1886 : 276. Capua epipepla Lower, 1908, Trans. roy. Soc. S. Aust. 32 : 318. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, 8-18.xi, 6-12.i1, 6 g, 1 9; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I ¢. DistTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Guinea, Solomon Is., Fiji, New Hebrides, Formosa, Ceram, Philippines and the Moluccas. Homona coffearia (Nietner) Tortrix coffearia Nietner, 1861, Obs. Enemies Coffee Trees in Ceylon, p. 24. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-I0.x, 2 g. DISTRIBUTION. A widespread species in the Indo-Australian region, often a pest on coffee and tea. SCHOENOTENINAE Diactenis veligera Meyrick Diactenis veligera Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 458. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland) and Andamans. OLETHREUTINAE Hermenias pachnitis Meyrick Hermenias pachnitis Meyrick, 1912, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 21 : 852. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland) and Ceylon. Spilonota indentata Bradley Spilonota indentata Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 89. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 3 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I g. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I . DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is, MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 121 Icelita tatarana Bradley Icelita tatarana Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) SOD: ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 2 ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Spilonota cryptogramma Meyrick Spilonota cryptogramma Meyrick, 1922, Exot. Microlep. 2 : 520. SULAGI :. 24.ix, £9. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. Acroclita physalodes (Meyrick) Rhopobota physalodes Meyrick, 1910, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. 1910 : 368. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 2 9; Avaha, 30.ix, 2 9. DISTRIBUTION. Ceylon, Chagos Is., Fiji, Solomon Is., Austral Is. and Seychelles. Acroclita spiladorma Meyrick Acroclita spiladorma Meyrick, 1932, Exot. Microlep. 4: 221. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4-10.x, 6-12.i, 3 g; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, 2G. DISTRIBUTION. Java. Ancylis enneametra Meyrick Ancylis enneametra Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 72. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 6-12.i, 3 d, 52; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, 2 9. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa. Crocidosema plebejana Zeller Crocidosema plebejana Zeller, 1847, Isis von Oken, 40: 721. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4-10.x, 11 ex.; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 7 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Occurring throughout the Pacific islands and widespread in both hemispheres up to the temperate regions. The larva feeds on the seeds of various species of Malvaceae. 122 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Eucosma isomella Meyrick Eucosma isomella Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 73. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4-10.x, 6-12.1, 2 g, 1 9. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa. Bactra blepharopis Meyrick Bactra blepharopis Meyrick, 1911, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 36 : 255. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 2 g¢; [lu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 1 3; Honiara, 6—12.i, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Hebrides and Fiji. Bactra truculenta Meyrick Bactra truculenta Meyrick, 1901, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 19 : 586. Bactra scythropa Meyrick, 1911, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 36: 254. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. India, Java and Timor. Bactra minima Meyrick Bactra minima Meyrick, 1909, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 19 : 586. GUADALCANAL : Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 2 ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Ceylon. Lobesia aeolopa Meyrick Lobesia aeolopa Meyrick, 1907, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 17 : 976. Lobesia proterandva Meyrick, 1921, Zool. Meded. Mus. Leiden, 6: 155. Lobesia dryopelta Meyrick, 1932, Exot. Microlep. 4: 225. Lobesia eustales Bradley, 1956, Bull. Brit. Mus. (nat. Hist.), Ent. 4, No. 4: 146. Syn. nov. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 g; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. India, Ceylon, Java, Formosa, Burma, Solomon Is., Lord Howe I., Africa (Uganda, Nyasaland and Cape Colony), Sao Thomé I. and Madagascar. Lobesia physophora (Lower) Lomaschiza physophora Lower, 1901, Trans. voy. Soc. S. Aust. 25 : 69. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8—18.ix, 3 3. DIsTRIBUTION, Australia (Queensland). MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 123 Lobesia sp. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18 .ix, I ¢. This appears to be an undescribed species related to L. rhipidoma Meyrick from Fiji, but more material is needed for study before it can be properly placed or described. Lobesia sp. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10—23.xii, I g. A distinctive species in coloration and markings, and almost certainly undescribed. The abdomen and head of the above specimen are missing. Lobesia sp. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10—23.xii, I 9. This specimen is superficially reminiscent of the European species L. botrana Schiffermiiller, and perhaps belongs to an allied tropical species. In the absence of a male a more definite determination has not been possible. Steriophotis peltophora Meyrick Stertophotis peltophora Meyrick, 1911, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 36 : 259. TULAGI: 24.1x, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland). Crusimetra anastrepta Meyrick Crusimetra anastrepta Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2:71. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 9; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 3 ¢; Ilu Farm, 26. xil.53-4.1.54, I g. DISTRIBUTION. Ceylon and Samoa. Cryptophlebia ombrodelta (Lower) Arotrophora (?) ombrodelta Lower, 1898, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 23 : 48. Cryptophlebia carpophaga Walsingham, 1899, Indian Mus. Notes, 4 : 106. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18 .ix, I ¢. DIsTRIBUTION. South India, Ceylon, Formosa, Java, Siam, Philippine Is., Guam, Dampier I., Australia (Queensland, N. Territory and N.S. Wales). The larva is polyphagous and feeds on the leaves, pods, seeds and fruits of various tropical trees and shrubs. 124 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Cryptophlebia phaeacma (Meyrick) Argyvroploce phaeacma Meyrick, 1931, Exot. Microlep. 4: 129. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 5—9.1x, 2 9. DISTRIBUTION. New Britain. Cryptophlebia encarpa (Meyrick) Argyvoploce encarpa Meyrick, 1920, Exot. Microlep. 2 : 349. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, I0—23.xli, I g; Honiara, 6-12.i, 1 9. DISTRIBUTION. South India, New Hanover I. and Sudest I. Olethreutes mormopa (Meyrick) Platypeplus mormopa Meyrick, 1906, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 17 : 136. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8—18.ix, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. India, Ceylon, Borneo and Tonkin. Olethreutes pachypleura (Meyrick) Argyroploce pachypleura Meyrick, 1921, Exot. Microlep. 2: 448. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I d. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. Olethreutes ancosema solomonensis (Bradley), n. comb. Argyvoploce ancosema solomonensis Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 94. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, 2 3. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). The nominate race was described from Fiji, and a similar form occurs in the New Hebrides. Olethreutes semiculta (Meyrick) Argyroploce semiculta Meyrick, 1909, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 19 : 604. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8—18.ix, 1 9. DISTRIBUTION. India, Ceylon, Assam and Tonkin. Olethreutes operosa (Meyrick) Argyroploce operosa Meyrick, 1911, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 36 : 272. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I ¢. DIsTRIBUTION. New Guinea and Malaya. - = ia — MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 125 Olethreutes anaprobola (Bradley), n. comb. Argyroploce anaprobola Bradley, 1953, Proc. Hawaii. ent. Soc. 15 : 109. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 4-10.x, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. Olethreutes albitibiana (Snellen), n. comb. Grapholitha (Sisona) albitibiana Snellen, 1901, Tijdschr. Ent. 44 : 69. Argyroploce inodes Meyrick, 1911, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 36 : 269. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 3 ex.; Tapenanje, 10—-23.xil, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. China, Ceylon, Andamans, Java, New Guinea, New Britain and New Ireland. Olethreutes empherana sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 2) dQ 17-18 mm. Labial palpus cartridge buff mottled with irregular patches of deep purplish vinaceous mixed with taupe brown. Head cartridge buff suffused with vinaceous, lower part of face deep purplish vinaceous. Antenna cream-buff anteriorly, fuscous behind. Thorax, tegula and antennal scape cartridge buff overlaid with a mixture of saccardo’s olive and fuscous, thorax with a raised posterior tuft. Fore wing ground colour cartridge buff, irrorate with deep purplish vinaceous and black scales; markings saccardo’s olive, an ill-defined basal patch reaching to 1/3, strongest at costa; a dense patch of raised greyish (quaker drab) scales on inner margin at base; an irregular medial fascia of saccardo’s olive reaching from costa to 2/3 across wing, lightly sprinkled with black scales and partly traversed by a heavy black dash a little before middle of wing; a narrow saccardo’s olive sub- terminal fascia marked with black interneural dashes and constricted at middle ; a small, roughly triangular, olive mixed with black marking at middle of termen, the apex of which is connected by a similarly coloured thin line to the subterminal fascia at a point below the costa ; costa marked with small black strigulae and with four evenly spaced pairs of white strigulae from a little beyond middle to near apex ; arising from these strigulae and running parallel with costa are violet-grey lines which merge to form a single line curving slightly away from costa towards apex and terminating below the strigulae most apicad; thin black transverse dashes at the ends of the radial veins along the termen; cilia honey-yellow in male, cartridge buff in female, in both sexes mixed with fuscous and deep purplish vinaceous along termen, and terminating in a fuscous streak beyond tornus. Hind wing greyish fuscous ; cilia greyish, tinged with vinaceous around apex. Male with posterior tibia and first tarsal segment clothed with a comb-like brush of long whitish scales and with a long cartridge buff hair-pencil from the base of the tibia dorsally. Male genitalia (Pl. 4, fig. 7): Valva gently tapered and not constricted before cucullus as in O. cellifera (Meyrick). wre a es _— 126 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON. ISLANDS Female genitalia (Pl. 8, figs. 4-6): Ostium narrow medially, caudal margin - rounded, lateral margins straight and converging to form an acute angle proximally ; the ostium in cellifera is similar in size but of different proportions, being slightly more broad than it is long. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 g, holotype, 1 9, allotype. Near to O. cellifera (Meyrick) which occurs in Ceylon, India and Malaya, but larger and having the fore wing more richly coloured and the hind wing much darker. Statherotis bicolorana sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 3) 218 mm. Labial palpus dark fuscous, tips of individual scales whitish producing an irrorate effect, apex of terminal segment whitish. Head, thorax and tegula wholly fuscous. Antenna and scape fuscous. Fore wing cream-buff, markings well-defined, dark mummy brown, thinly edged with black ; a basal patch occupying 1/4 of wing and with outer edge straight and slightly outwardly-oblique from costa ; a moderately broad medial fascia, somewhat oblique, inner edge somewhat sinuate, outer edge sinuate and with a pronounced outward bulge at middle ; terminal area light mummy brown confluent with lower (dorsal) half of medial fascia; a moderately large,. circular, dark mummy brown marking in upper half, and a similar much smaller spot at apex; small mummy brown markings at the ends of radial veins along termen, decreasing in size towards tornus and edged with cream-buff; cilia grey, darker above apex, some tipped with cream-buff along termen, wholly cream-buff at tornus. Hind wing drab, base and costal margin to near apex cartridge buff ; cilia light grey. Female genitalia: Pl. 9, figs. 1-3. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 9, holotype. This is the only representative of the small genus Statherotis Meyrick known from the Solomons. It is nearest to S. catharota Meyrick, which occurs in the Andaman Islands. . Laspeyresia mediana (Walker) Tospitis mediana Walker, 1866, List. Lep. Ins. B.M. 35: 1798. Bursadella sulfurella Pagenstecher, 1900, Zoologica (Stuttgart), 12 (No. 29) : 231. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I 9. DIsTRIBUTION.. New Guinea, Louisiade Archipelago and Solomon Is. The two species L. turifera Meyrick, from Assam, and L. gratulata Meyrick, from the Philippines, show close affinities to L. mediana (Walker). Following a comparison of the type material of these species, in the British Museum (Natural History), I am of the opinion that turifera Meyrick and gratulata Meyrick are no more than subspecies — of médiana (Walker), and accordingly relegate them to this category : Laspeyresia mediana turifera Meyrick, status nov. Laspeyresia mediana gratulata Meyrick, status nov. SS eae MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 127 Laspeyresia plumbosana sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 4) 32 7-9 mm. Labial palpus white, terminal segment suffused with fuscous. Head, thorax, tegula, antenna and scape drab varying to hair brown; vertex (between antennae) cream-buff, lower part of face white. Fore wing ground colour fuscous ; costa with seven or eight oblique sordid white strigulae, those at 2/5, 3/5 and 4/5 emitting three very oblique leaden deep plumbago grey lines curving backwards before reaching middle of wing thence continuing to dorsum as weak parallel sinuous lines with margins outlined in drab, the whole producing an ill-defined striate dorsal blotch ; costal strigula at 4/5 and strigula at apex connected by a short sinuous leaden plumbeous line enclosing one other strigula shorter and nearest apex ; ocellus only indicated by a similar striation, followed just before edge of termen in middle by two or three black dots, the uppermost larger ; cilia dark grey, a fuscous sub-basal line notched below apex and with a small whitish dot in the indentation. Hind wing light fuscous ; cilia grey, a darker sub-basal line. Abdomen fuscous above, whitish beneath. Legs whitish suffused with grey. Male genitalia: Pl. 9, fig. 4. GUADALCANAL : [lu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 8 3, including holotype, 1 9, allotype, abdomen missing. Near to the Javan species L. exocentra Meyrick, the coloration and markings of the fore wings are almost identical but exocentra is readily distinguished by the strong yellow coloration on the vertex of the head. Laspeyresia xylocrossa Meyrick ? Laspeyresia xylocrossa Meyrick, 1939, Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 89 : 52. GUADALCANAL: Honiara 8-18.ix, 4 3. The four male specimens from the Solomons are in a rather poor condition but compare fairly well superficially with the female lectotype of L. xylocrossa from Java. As the museum collection contains only female examples of xylocrossa from Java it has not been possible to verify the present identification by examination of the genitalia. The males from the Solomon Islands have a well-developed coremata on the eighth abdominal segment. Grapholita pagenstecheri sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 5) dg 10 mm. Labial palpus cartridge buff, second segment roughened beneath. Front of head (rubbed) cartridge buff; crown of head, thorax and tegula greyish fuscous, base of tegula overlaid with cartridge buff. Antenna (broken) fuscous-black. Fore wing dark fuscous ; a patch of four parallel, indistinct, sordid white lines from about middle of dorsum curving obliquely outwards and reaching about half-way ENTOM. I0, 4. 10 128 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS across wing; nine well-defined, short, oblique cream-buff strigulae from costa between 1/4 and apex, the four nearest the apex being whitish at edge of costa, interstices between these strigulae fuscous-black ; a weak trace of bluish leaden- metallic streaks emitting from costal strigulae but none clearly definable ; a small blackish spot at apex; cilia fuscous, a fuscous-black basal line interrupted below costa by a whitish dot. Hind wing fuscous, paler basally ; cilia light grey, a broad fuscous medial line and a thin dark fuscous basal line. Male genitalia: Pl. 9, figs. 5, 6. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I g, holotype. Related to Grapholita isacma (Meyrick) n. comb. sp. revocata, which occurs in Assam: the two species are superficially alike and are best separated on genitalia ; in 7sacma the apical part of the aedeagus is slender and tapers to an acute point and is curved almost at right angles to the main part. The latter species is removed from synonymy under Grapholita delineana Walker, described from China, following an examination of the types. The three species apicatana Walker, quadristriana (Wal- singham) and tvstviatana Pagenstecher are retained as synonyms of delineana. The types of the first two have been examined and found to be correctly associated with delineana. The type of tristriatana has not been seen, and Dr. H. J. Hannemann, of the Zoological Museum, Humboldt University, Berlin, where the type is reputed to be, informs me that it cannot be traced. As tvistviatana was described from the Bismarck Islands there is a possibility that it is not conspecific with delineana and that it might prove to be the species described above. GELECHIIDAE Sitotroga psacasta (Meyrick) Paltodora psacasta Meyrick, 1908, Proc. zool. Soc. Lond. 1908 : 723. Sitotroga celyphodes Meyrick, 1909, Ann. Transvaal Mus. 2: to, pl. 4, fig. 3. Sitotroga nea Walsingham, 1920, Ent. mon. Mag. 56: 9. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, 5 9, 6-12.i, 13 g, 3 Y. This species has not previously been recorded from the Indo-Australian region and its occurrence in the Solomons was unexpected. From its known distribution, given below, it would appear to be a comparatively recent introduction to this area. The identity of the material from the Solomon Islands was at first not recognized and photomicrographs of the genitalia were taken preparatory to describing the species as new. As the genitalia of psacasta appear to be unknown in the literature these photomicrographs are now illustrated. The moth is illustrated in Pl. 2, fig. 1. Male genitalia (Pl. 8, figs. 2, 3): Valvae asymmetrical; sacculus free distally, tapered to an irregular, slender point ; a small, membranous lobe projects from the ventral margin of the valva where the sacculus separates, and bears on its inner surface a dense patch of bristle-like setae. Uncus broad, hooded, lateral margins setose. Gnathus in the form of a strongly sclerotized, curved hook. Female genitalia (Pl. 8, figs. 4-6): Ovipositor lobes long, moderately broad, coarsely setose. Ostium opening situated near middle of ostial plate, limen slightly MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 129 asymmetrical. Ductus bursae broad, widening into bursa copulatrix which is subspherical and bears two sclerotized plate-like signa. DIsTRIBUTION. South Africa (Transvaal and Natal), southern France and Sicily. Meyrick (1929, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 483) says of this species “‘ Apparently spreading round the Mediterranean from S. Africa, its country of origin, probably introduced with some kind of grain ’’. Pityocona probleta sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 6) $2 10-11 mm. Labial palpus light buff, second segment weakly irrorate with fuscous except at apex, slightly roughened and with projecting scales beneath at apex, terminal segment rough-scaled above, with an irrorate fuscous-black medial band and a fuscous-black apical band. Head, thorax and tegula light buff; crown of head, thorax and tegula shaded with light drab or drab grey. Antenna and scape greyish light buff ; flagellum with blackish annuli. Fore wing elongate, very narrow, long pointed, acute; light buff overlaid with a mixture of drab and drab grey, sparsely sprinkled with blackish, blackish specks beneath fold at 1/5 of wing and beneath costa at 1/3; stigmata black, sometimes weakly ringed with greyish, plical usually elongate, obliquely before first discal, second discal sometimes elongate, conspicuous ; cilia light buff. Hind wing elongate, narrow, apex produced to a long finger-like point, termen sinuate ; wing and cilia smoke grey. Legs light buff with fuscous irroration. Male genitalia (Pl. 5, figs. 7, 8): The narrow, almost tubular valva, elbowed at the middle, is very distinctive. Female genitalia: Pl. 10, fig. 1. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 6-12.i, 3 g, including holotype, 8-18.ix, 1 9, allotype, 4-10.X, I 6. The genus Pityocona Meyrick contains two other species: xevopis Meyr. from India and Ceylon, and porphyroscia Meyr. from Samoa. All three species are similar in size and have the characteristic long, narrow, pointed wings, and have similar wing pattern. Probleta is superficially nearest xeropis, neither of these species having the costa dark and with prismatic reflections as in porphyroscia; but probleta is distinctly more greyish in appearance than xeropis, the latter being brownish. Limenarchis pullata sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 7) g 16-17 mm. Labial palpus dark purplish-fuscous, first and second segments overlaid with cream-buff interiorly. Head, thorax, patagia, antenna and scape dark purplish-fuscous ; lower part of front of head and area adjacent to compound eye immediately behind antenna suffused with cream-buff. Fore wing dark purplish- fuscous, radial veins slightly emphasized by darker shading; cilia concolorous. Hind wing dark fuscous, a lanceolate patch of specialized cream-buff scales along 130 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS costa reaching to about 3/4; cilia concolorous ; cubital pecten short, confined to basal area, fuscous. Legs cream-buff suffused and marked exteriorly with dark fuscous. Male genitalia: Pl. 10, fig. 2. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I 3, holotype. Resembling in general appearance L. zonodelta Meyrick the only other species known in the genus, but readily distinguished by the yellow cilia along the termen of the fore and hind wings of zonodelta. Ephysteris chersaea Meyrick Ephysteris chersaea Meyrick, 1908, Proc. zool. Soc. Lond. 1908 : 725. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 2 ex., 5-II.i, 18 ex., 6-12.1, 6 ex. DISTRIBUTION. South Africa, Egypt, India, Ceylon, New Guinea and Australia (Queensland). The larva is known to feed in stems of cultivated cereals, grasses, etc. and in dry vegetable refuse. Stegasta variana Meyrick Stegasta variana Meyrick, 1904, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 29 : 314. GUADALCANAL : Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I d. DIsTRIBUTION. A widely distributed species occurring in the Ethiopian and Indo-Australian regions. The larva is attached to species of Cassia. Scrobipalpa heliopa (Lower) Gelechia heliopa Lower, 1900, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 25: 417. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 2g, 5 2; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I 9. DIsTRIBUTION. Attached to the tobacco plant, the larva boring the stems, this species occurs widely in the Ethiopian and Indo-Australian regions. Thyrsostoma longipalpis sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 8) g 12mm. Labial palpus white, terminal segment suffused with cream colour and with dark fuscous at apex interiorly, second segment with a long expansible cream colour or cream-buff hair-pencil projecting from furrow on underside at base, terminal segment nearly half as long again as second and slightly appressed. Head silvery- white, thorax and tegula white; thorax tinged with cream colour. Antenna with scape stout and very long, also a somewhat thickened superscape, both structures clothed in whitish scales, the upper posterior margin of superscape marked with fuscous ; flagellum whitish anteriorly, fuscous posteriorly. Fore wing white shaded with tilleul-buff, markings vinaceous-buff, obscure ; rather inwardly-oblique broad MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 131 fasciae near base, in middle, and towards apex ; apex suffused with dark fuscous ; cilia drab. Hind wing whitish suffused with fuscous ; cilia drab, cream-buff along inner margin towards base. Male genitalia (PI. ro, figs. 3, 4): Uncus hood-shaped, bifid caudally, lobes rounded ; gnathus hook very stout and well developed. Valva narrow, constricted a little before apex, rounded at apex ; sacculus slender, a little over half as long as costal _ part of valva, slightly distended apically. Anellus lobe a little longer than sacculus, _ bearing a solitary seta at apex of about the same length. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, I10-23.x1i, I g, holotype. Superficially very similar to the Samoan species T. nephelochtha Meyrick, but may be distinguished by the longer terminal segment of the labial palpus which in nephel- ochtha is only about as long as the second and does not have the inner side of the apex dark fuscous. Thiotricha angelica sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 9) $2 10-11 mm. Labial palpus, head, thorax and tegula shining white. Antenna light fuscous, scape white. Fore wing shining white ; anterior edge of costa fuscous near base (scarcely visible viewed directly from above); an inwardly-oblique fuscous-black streak from apex, heavy and tear-shaped in male, linear and reaching as a slightly sinuous line to dorsum a little beyond tornus in female ; in both sexes this streak is preceded by a small somewhat triangular patch of apricot suffusion extending beyond the streak to the tornus ; cilia white, an upturned projection of long cilia at apex, these and cilia at and below apex marked with fuscous-black at tips. Hind wing and cilia white, cilia around apex marked with a short black apical bar. Male genitalia: Pl. 10, figs. 5, 6. Female genitalia: Pl. 10, figs. 7-9. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 4-10.x, I g, holotype, 8-18 .ix, 2 2, including allotype. Near the Samoan species T. anarpastis Meyrick, but may be distinguished super- ficially by the absence of markings on the basal half of the fore wing. Thiotricha tethela sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 10) $2 9-10 mm. Labial palpus white, terminal segment with a weak light fuscous suffusion exteriorly. Head, thorax and tegula shining white. Antenna dark fuscous, overlaid with white at base; scape white. Fore wing white, in some examples with a weak very light fuscous suffusion (perhaps due to discoloration) ; markings dark mouse grey and hair brown ; anterior edge of costal margin fuscous at base, a dark mouse grey very outwardly-oblique wedge-like marking from costa at about 4/5, followed by and sometimes confluent with a small triangular spot and a small inwardly-oblique dash mixed with black and very near apex; a broad hair brown 132 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS or mouse grey suffusion along inner margin (dorsum) from near base to about 3/5, followed by a slender wishbone-shaped marking, the upper-most fork of this being nearly straight and reaching to a little beyond the inner end of first costal marking, the lower fork curved and terminating at the blackish pre-apical dash from costa ; cilia white, suffused with fuscous around apex, and with light fuscous along termen. Hind wing white, with a fuscous suffusion in margins, a few dark fuscous scales at apex ; cilia white, suffused with light fuscous except those at apex of wing which are marked with a short black subapical bar. Male genitalia: Pl. 10, figs. 10-12. Female genitalia: Pl. 10, figs. 13-15. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 6-12.i, 4 2, including holotype, 5-11.i, 1 g, allotype. TULAGI: 24.1x.53, 1 3. Near the Samoan species T. symphoracma Meyrick : in the latter species the inner margin (dorsum) of the fore wing lacks the dark suffusion, and only a single dark fuscous line arises from near the inner margin beyond middle. Thiotricha eremita sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. rz) 2 13 mm. Labial palpus white, terminal segment suffused with fuscous. Head, thorax and tegula shining white. Antenna with basal third white, apical two-thirds fuscous-black ; scape white. Fore wing white, with a dull silvery sheen ; markings varying shades of mouse grey; anterior edge of costal margin mouse grey suffused with fuscous near base; a wedge-shaped outwardly-oblique dash from costa at 4/5, dark on costa becoming lighter and diffuse towards middle, followed by two short inwardly-oblique dashes on costa near apex, the second (nearest apex) of these continuing as a weak but moderately thick line to termen a little below apex; a thick wishbone-shaped marking from a little above inner margin at about 3/5, the upper fork curved and reaching almost to middle of first costal marking, lower fork curved and reaching almost to the inner end of the costal marking ; cilia white, suffused with fuscous at and immediately below apex and with greyish along termen and tornus. Hind wing whitish, suffused with fuscous at apex ; cilia whitish, suffused with fuscous around apex, a short fuscous-black basal line at apex. Female genitalia: Pl. 11, figs. 1-3. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 6-12.i, 1 9, holotype. Superficially similar to T. tethela Bradley, but appreciably larger in size. Thiotricha oxyopis Meyrick Thiotricha oxyopis Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 80. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, 2 ex. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 6—12.i, I ex, DISTRIBUTION, Samoa, MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 133 Thiotricha melanacma sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 12) 3d 8 mm. Labial palpus shining light neutral grey, terminal segment infuscate exteriorly. Head and tegula shining pale gull grey, thorax light neutral grey. Antenna fuscous. Fore wing shining pale neutral grey becoming gradually darker distally, distal third of wing overlaid with fuscous-black ; two small white pre-apical dots on costa ; a whitish tornal dash extending obliquely towards apex and preceded by a similar, parallel, shorter dash from inner margin (dorsum) at 2/3; cilia fuscous. Hind wing mouse grey, a small black dot at apex ; cilia concolorous, those at apex tipped with black. Male genitalia: Pl. 11, figs. 4-6. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 1 g, holotype. The dark coloration of this species is unusual for the genus and is distinctive. Perhaps most nearly related to the Samoan species T. strophiacma Meyrick. Idiophantis pandata sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 13) g 10 mm. Labial palpus white, terminal segment with a broad black subapical band, apex suffused with mustard yellow. Crown of head, thorax, patagia, antenna and scape mustard yellow ; front of head white; coloration of antenna and scape paler. Fore wing mustard yellow; a large, quadrate, plumbago grey marking, with an admixture of mustard yellow, occupying distal half of wing except marginal strips along costa and termen ; inner edge of this marking bordered by a dull violet- black line ; a plumbago grey strigula from middle of costa extending very obliquely outwards and merging with outer corner of quadrate blotch, finely edged with dull violet-black scales along inner margin immediately below costa ; a plumbago grey subterminal line oblique from costa at about 4/5 to beyond outer corner of quadrate blotch, thence directly transverse and expanding to occupy tornal area, lightened with an admixture of whitish near costa, margins edged aniline black ; a thin white line from apex to end of indentation in termen; cilia plumbago grey mixed with violet-black. Hind wing light grey; cilia concolorous, a short aniline black basal bar at apex of wing. Legs light grey. Male genitalia: Pl. r1, figs. 7-9. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8—18.ix, 1 g, holotype. Near the next species, J. callicarpa Meyrick, but readily distinguished by the large plumbago grey distal marking in the fore wing. Idiophantis callicarpa Meyrick Idiophantis callicarpa Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 82. TULAGI: 24.ix, I 6. The Solomon Islands specimen is slightly larger than the type female from Samoa, the only other known representative of this species, The dark coloration of the fore 134 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS wing is of a lighter shade, and the orange streak preceding the whitish subterminal streak is diffuse. These differences seem to indicate that when more material is available for comparison the Solomons examples may prove to represent a distinct race. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa. Atasthalistis ochreoviridella (Pagenstecher) Ceratopora ochreoviridella Pagenstecher, 1900, Zoologica (Stuttgart), 12 (No. 29) : 236. Atasthalistis euchroa Lower, 1900, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 25 : 47. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 g, I 9, 4-10.x, 4 9. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Guinea and Bismarck Archipelago. Anarsia taurella sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 14) g 11 mm. Labial palpus pale cinnamon-buff, first and second segments shaded with greyish sayal brown. Head, thorax and patagia cinnamon-buff. Antenna fuscous-black, annulate with whitish anteriorly ; scape cinnamon-buff. Fore wing cinnamon-buff mixed with light clay colour, a sprinkling of snuff brown scales in middle ; cilia concolorous, paler at tips. Hind wing mouse grey, overlaid with fuscous around margins, hyaline near base ; cilia greyish shaded with pale cinnamon- buff around apex. Male genitalia: Pl. 11, fig. ro. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 6-18.ix, 1 ¢, holotype. A species of unusual and distinctive coloration for the genus. Anarsia ulmarata sp. n. (Pl. 5, fig. 15) 3g 10 mm. Labial palpus sordid white mixed with fuscous, exterior of second segment marked with a broad, irrorate, fuscous-black streak extending obliquely forward from middle of upper edge, lower margin of exterior broadly edged with fuscous-black, a purplish-black pencil of fine scales on upper margin interiorly, distal two-thirds of interior surface fuscous-black ; terminal segment very small and barely visible. Head, thorax, patagia and tips of broad scales behind antenna and at side of head sordid white ; thorax suffused with greyish fuscous ; patagia strongly suffused with dark fuscous. Antenna and scape sordid white ; flagellum with weak fuscous annulations. Fore wing sordid white diffusedly irrorate with fuscous, a sprinkling of scattered blackish scales, some forming an indefinite blackish dash in plical fold near middle of cell, a similar medial dash at end of cell, a third between this and termen; middle half of costa marked with greyish fuscous-black ; some indefinite blackish dots around apex and along termen; cilia concolorous. Legs sordid white, fore and middle legs strongly marked with fuscous-black ; hind leg weakly irrorate with fuscous exteriorly, tibial spurs fuscous-black except at tips. MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 135 Male genitalia: Pl. 12, fig. 1. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I g, holotype. The male genitalia of this species are very similar to those of A. rectproca Meyrick from South India. In general coloration the two species are similar, but in reciproca the male has the terminal segment of the labial palpus longer and clearly visible, and in that species veins 7 and 8 in the fore wing are out of vein 6, while in u/marata vein 6 is separate. _ Chelaria sp. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 3. Abdomen missing. Chelaria discissa Meyrick Chelaria discissa Meyrick, 1916, Exot. Microlep. 1: 581. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 g. Abdomen missing. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland). Chelaria sp. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 9. Abdomen missing. A species of distinctive coloration and markings, and apparently closely related to C. meliptila Meyrick described from New Ireland. Chelaria arignota Meyrick Chelaria arignota Meyrick, 1916, Exot. Microlep. 1 : 579. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 3 3. The abdomens of the three specimens from the Solomons are missing, and they are determined as C. arignota with reservation until more material becomes available and the genitalia can be examined. DIsTRIBUTION. Upper Burma, Formosa and Java. Chelaria tephroplintha Meyrick Chelaria tephroplintha Meyrick, 1923, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 30. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4 ex., 4-10.x, I ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 3 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji and S. Andamans. Brachyacma palpigera (Walsingham) Gelechia palpigera Walsingham, 1891, Tvans. ent. Soc. Lond. 1891 : 94. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 25 ex., 4-I0.x, 5 ex., 6-12.i, I ex.; Tapenanje, I0—23.Xli, I ex, 136 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS DIsTRIBUTION. A widely distributed tropical and subtropical species in both the Old and New Worlds. The larva feeds in the pods of various trees including Parkin- sonia and Cassia spp. Brachyacma epiochra Meyrick Brachyacma epiochra Meyrick, 1886, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. 1886 : 279. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, I 9, 4-10.x, I g, I 9, 6-12.1,1 2; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji and New Hebrides. Telephila indicata Meyrick Telephila indicata, 1931, Exot. Microlep. 4 : 67. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 4-10.x, 2 ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Dichomeris pleurophaea (Turner) ? Eurysara pleurophaea Turner, 1919, Proc. R. Soc. Queensland, 31 : 167. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 6-12.i, 1 9. Abdomen missing. DIsTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland). Dichomeris resignata Meyrick Dichomeris resignata Meyrick, 1929, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 510. Gaesa praeducta Meyrick, 1929, tom. cit. p. 511. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 8 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 4 ex.; Ilu Farm, 26.xi1.53-4.1.54, I g. DISTRIBUTION. New Hebrides and Bismarck Archipelago. Lecithocera palpella sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 2) 3 14 mm. Labial palpus somewhat compressed laterally, terminal segment straight and directed posteriad at an obtuse angle, second segment with a projecting apical tuft beneath ; general coloration chamois, first segment and second segment to near apex aniline-black exteriorly and beneath to apex of projecting tuft. Head, thorax, patagia, antenna and scape chamois; front of head suffused with aniline- black ; area adjacent to compound eye anteriorly, and anterior margin of underside of scape, aniline-black; patagia aniline-black anteriorly, greyish towards tip. Fore wing chamois, sparsely sprinkled with aniline-black scales, most heavily in terminal area; a weak, small, aniline-black discal stigma in middle of cell, and a MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 137 weak transverse concentration of aniline-black scales at end of cell indicating a second stigma (possibly rubbed in specimen) ; base of costa broadly and strongly marked with aniline-black, a concentration of aniline-black scales from middle of costa to about 4/5 forming a weak, elongate marking ; a pre-apical patch of pure ground colour free from dark coloured scales; cilia greyish fuscous, an indistinct fuscous-black sub-basal line, concolorous with wing basally along termen. Hind wing chamois at apex, otherwise greyish cream-buff ; cilia greyish. Legs aniline-black. Male genitalia (Pl. 12, figs. 7, 8): Valva broad basally ; cucullus narrow, a little over half width of valva, rounded distally ; sacculus narrow, bluntly and irregularly serrate along ventral margin, terminating in a strong, compact comb of setae extend- ing obliquely to a little beyond middle of cucullus. Aedeagus stout, armed with two external, stout tooth-like projections near apex. GUADALCANAL: [lu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 1 dg, holotype; Tapenanje, I0—23.Xli, I g. The form of the labial palpus is a distinctive feature of this species, and is unlike that of other Lecithocera species known to me. The species belongs in the group having veins 3 and 4 of the hind wing connate or stalked. Superficially this species resembles L. chamela Turner from Australia, and to a less extent L. nomaditis Meyrick from the Solomons; but in both these species the second segment of the labial palpus is not tufted beneath and the terminal segment is slender and gently recurved. Pachnistis banausopa Meyrick Pachnistis banausopa Meyrick, 1929, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 526. NEw HEBRIDES: LUGANVILLE, Santo, 3.ix, I ¢. The structure of the male genitalia of this species indicates affinity with Autosticha enervata Meyrick and A. solomonensis Bradley and certain other species at present in the genus Autosticha ; and to Anaptilora eremias Meyrick and certain other species at present in the genus Anapitilora. DISTRIBUTION. New Hebrides. Pachnistis sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—18.ix, 2 ¢. In size and general appearance and in structure of the male genitalia this species is very close to P. banausopa Meyrick. Both specimens are damaged and are not considered suitable for description. Pachnistis phaeoptila sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 3) 62 15 mm. Labial palpus light warm buff, basal and second segments irrorate with dark mummy brown exteriorly, second segment with a diffuse dark mummy 138 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS brown subapical annulus, terminal segment with a narrow dark mummy brown annulus at base and a similar but much broader and rather diffuse annulus beyond middle. Head, thorax and tegula warm buff; a weak suffusion of mummy brown on tegula and thorax. Antenna warm buff; in male stout, smooth, marked with mummy brown at extreme base ; in female more slender, barred with dark mummy brown, more distinctly in apical half except at apex, basal half with scattered brown except apical margin. Fore wing warm buff, moderately sprinkled with mummy brown ; a strong dark mummy brown marking at base of costa, a similar small dash slightly outwardly-oblique of this; a bold mummy brown spot in disc before middle at about 2/5, a similar spot slightly obliquely before it in plical fold, and a third larger spot at end of cell; a series of small mummy brown interneural dots along the terminal margin continuing round apex and along costa to about 3/5, the last two or three spots being slightly larger and more widely spaced; a very weak pretornal marking ; a small mummy brown dash near base of inner margin (dorsum) ; cilia light warm buff. Hind wing greyish light buff; cilia matching ; the male with a strong hair-pencil from base beneath. Legs warm buff, irrorate and lightly marked with mummy brown.. Male genitalia: Pl. 12, figs. 9, Io. Female genitalia: Pl. 13, figs. 1-3. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 1 3, holotype, 1 9, allotype. Near P. banausopa Meyrick, distinguished by its larger size, P. banausopa being smaller and only 10-11 mm. across the wings. Apethistis brunnea sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 4) 3 8g mm. Labial palpus cream-buff, first and second segments suffused with fuscous exteriorly, terminal segment irrorate with fuscous exteriorly. Head, thorax and patagia fuscous ; thorax with a weak purplish sheen. Antenna fuscous above, cream-buff below; scape fuscous. Fore wing cream-buff, heavily irrorate with dark fuscous ; stigmata cloudy and obscure, plical slightly basad of first discal, second discal at end of cell in middle ; costa strongly suffused with fuscous at base otherwise narrowly edged with cream-buff to apex; traces of cloudy interneural submarginal dots round apex and termen ; cilia cream-buff, suffused with greyish at tips and sprinkled with fuscous. Hind wing pale grey ; cilia greyish cream-buff. Abdomen light grey. Legs cream-buff irrorate with fuscous exteriorly except tarsi of fore and hind legs. Male genitalia: Pl. 13, figs. 4, 5. TULAGI: 24.1x, 7 g, including holotype. GUADALCANAL : Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I d. Nearest to A. sitiens (Meyrick) originally described from South India in the genus Brachmia Hiibner but later transferred by Meyrick to the genus Apethistis Meyrick on the basis of wing venation. The structure of the male genitalia indicates that it is unlikely either species can remain in Apethistis, MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 139 Stoeberhinus testaceus Butler Stoeberhinus testaceus Butler, 1881, Ann. Mag. nat. Hist. (5) 7 : 402. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 4 4. NEw HEBRIDES: LUGANVILLE, Santo, 3.ix, I g. DISTRIBUTION. A widespread species in the Pacific Islands. The larva feeds on dry vegetable matter. Autosticha solomonensis Bradley Autosticha solomonensis Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 98. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 5 ex.; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 7 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 2 3, 42; the four female examples are rather small, having a wing span of 10 mm. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, I J. TULAGI: 24.ix, I g; the condition of this specimen is too poor to allow proper comparison, but small differences in the genitalia may be of subspecific importance. The structure of the male genitalia of this species is very similar to that of Anap- tilora eremias Meyrick, and it is probable that the two species are congeneric and that future revision will show that they belong together in a separate genus. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Autosticha pelodes (Meyrick) Automola pelodes Meyrick, 1883, Ent. mon. Mag. 20: 34. NEw HEBRIDES: LUGANVILLE, Santo, 3.1x, 3 9. DISTRIBUTION. Hawaiian Is., Celebes, Austral Is., Marquesas and New Hebrides. The larva feeds on dead sticks and dry refuse. Autosticha sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I g. Superficially and structurally near to A. calceata Meyrick from China and Ceylon. Evidently an undescribed species but the present specimen is not in sufficiently good condition to warrant description. Protobathra binotata sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 5) $2 14-16 mm. Labial palpus drab, slightly darker exteriorly. Front of head pale cream-buff ; crown and thorax drab suffused with fuscous. Antenna and scape fuscous, simple in both sexes, slightly stouter in the male. Fore wing pale drab suffused with fuscous, a heavy dark infuscation at base and along inner margin (dorsum) ; two prominent fuscous-black stigmata, the first a little before middle and slightly nearer costa than inner margin, the second beyond middle at end of cell, 140 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS slightly larger and midway between costa and inner margin; cilia concolorous, lighter basally. Hind wing light grey; in female weakly suffused with fuscous towards apex ; cilia cartridge buff, suffused with fuscous around apex. Legs pale cream-buff, fore and middle legs fuscous or fuscous-black exteriorly. Male genitalia: Pl. 13, figs. 6, 7. Female genitalia: Pl. 13, figs. 8-10. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I g, holotype; 1 9, allotype. Superficially nearest to P. coenotypa Meyrick from Ceylon but having distinctly darker coloration in the fore wing. This species keys to the genus Protobathra Meyrick in existing keys based on wing venation, but the structure of the female genitalia differs from that of the type species of the genus. COSMOPTERYGIDAE Cosmopteryx dulcivora Meyrick Cosmopteryx dulcivora Meyrick, 1919, Exot. Microlep. 2 : 233. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 13 ex., 4-I0.x, 4 ex., 6-12.i, 4 ex. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, 2 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. The larva mines the leaves of sugarcane. Cosmopteryx aurella Bradley Cosmopteryx aurella Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 98. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—-18.ix, I ex., 4-10.x, I ex.; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53- 4.1.54, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Cosmopterysx attenuatella (Walker) Gelechia attenuatella Walker, 1864, List. Lep. Ins. B.M. 30: torg. Cosmopteryx flavofasciata Wollaston, 1879, Ann. Mag. nat. Hist. (5) 3: 438. Cosmopteryx mimetis Meyrick, 1897, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 22 : 339. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 3 ex., 4-10.x, 1 ex. ; Ilu Farm, 26.x11.53-4.1.54, 3 ex. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. West Indies, Bermuda, U.S. America (Texas, N. Carolina, Florida and Southern States), Atlantic Islands, Africa (Algeria and Belgian Congo), India, Ceylon and Society Is. The larva has been reported mining leaves of Cyperus rotundus. Labdia albimaculella (Deventer) Pyroderces albimaculella Deventer, 1904, Tijdschr. Ent. 47 : 30. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, II ex., 6-12.i, 1 2; Tapenanje, 10-23.xil, Id. DISTRIBUTION. Java and Borneo. MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 141 Labdia semnolitha Meyrick Labdia semnolitha Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 386. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, I10-23.xii, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. New Hebrides. Labdia saliens Meyrick Labdia saliens Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 285. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 2 ex.; Avaha, 30.ix, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. New Hebrides and Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). Labdia torodoxa solomonensis subsp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 6) Labdia torodoxa Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 286. The examples of this species from the Solomon Islands are superficially similar to those of the nominate race from the New Hebrides, except that in the latter the whitish costal markings of the fore wings tend to be more extensive ; but there are slight comparative differences evident in the genitalia in both sexes, suggesting some degree of subspeciation. Male genitalia (Pl. 13, fig. 11): In comparison with L. torodoxa, the valva in solomonensis is comparatively broad and is not tapered distally ; the heavily sclero- tized prong-like part of the gnathus is a little longer; and the slender, tapered apical portion of the aedeagus is considerably longer. Female genitalia (Pl. 14, figs. 1-3) : In solomonensis the bursa copulatrix contains a weak denticulate patch representing a signum, which is not present in torodoxa. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 g, holotype, 4-10.x, I g, I 9, allotype. ONTONG JAVA: Avaha, 30.ix, I 9. Labdia ochrotypa sp. n. (PI. 6, fig. 7) Labdia torodoxa Meyrick Bradley nec Meyrick, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 99 (partim). 32 7-8 mm. Labial palpus cartridge buff, second segment overlaid with fuscous to near apex exteriorly, terminal segment suffused with fuscous at apex exteriorly, sometimes with a thin fuscous medial line from apical suffusion to middle or beyond anteriorly. Head cartridge buff, crown and upper part of face suffused with cream- buff: in examples having darker coloration a diffuse greyish medial line is present ; lower part of face weakly shining tilleul-buff varying to vinaceous-buff. Thorax cartridge buff, tegula fuscous-black. Antenna pale cream-buff; female with a line 142 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS of fuscous-black dots anteriorly ; male unspotted; scape whitish cartridge buff overlaid with a strong admixture of ochreous yellow. Fore wing fuscous-black ; a narrow irregular whitish stripe along inner margin from base to tornus; narrowing and continuing along termen to near apex, outer (dorsal) margin of stripe sometimes overlaid or with a strong admixture of ochreous yellow ; in some examples an indica- tion of a whitish strigula on costa a little beyond middle, and a small inconspicuous triangular whitish marking at 4/5; cilia greyish drab around tornus and along termen, some tipped with yellowish or whitish, fuscous-black at apex and beyond ; a fuscous-black sub-basal line below apex. Hind wing light drab; cilia greyish drab. Male genitalia (Pl. 14, fig. 4): Valvae slightly asymmetrical, moderately broad throughout, each with a short seta at or near apex, left valva with a long, flattened, acutely pointed, taper-like projection at middle of dorsal margin. Female genitalia (Pl. 14, figs. 5~7): Ostium small, situated centrally, shielded by a large, sclerotized, quadrate plate. Bursa copulatrix bearing two moderately large, spiculate signa, roughly pear-shaped and close together. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 2 dg, including holotype; MHoniara, 8-18 .ix, 2 9, 4.x, II 9, including allotype, 6-12.1, 2 3, I 9. RENNELL I.: Hutuna, 22.xi, I 3. BELtLona I.: Matahenua, 29.xi, 2 9. Related to L. torodoxa Meyrick and superficially very similar, differing only slightly in having the postmedial marking on the costa of the fore wing short and very weak and sometimes absent, while in torodoxa this marking is present and may > be very pronounced ; the pre-apical costal marking also tends to be smaller and paler in ochrotypa; in torodoxa the labial palpus is not suffused and marked with fuscous as in ochrotypa ; and in ochrotypa the expansible hair-pencil from the base of costa of the hind wing is absent. Labdia dolomella sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 8) Labdia torodoxa Meyrick Bradley nec Meyrick, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 99 (partim). 32 7-8 mm. Superficially similar to the preceding species, L. ochrotypa Meyrick, except that in well-marked examples of ochrotypa the admixture of ochreous yellow along the outer (dorsal) edge of the whitish dorsal stripe on the fore wing is stronger and more conspicuous. The material available of both species is not in sufficiently good condition to allow a more precise comparison of coloration and markings to be made, and the structure of the genitalia has been used for separating the two species. Differences in the shape of the valvae and the setae of the male, and in the ostium and signa of the female are shown in the illustrations. Male genitalia (Pl. 14, fig. 8): Valvae asymmetrical, expanded distally, the right valva longer, each with a moderately large seta at or near apex, the seta on the right valva being twice as long as the seta on the left valva. or Cert = > - MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 143 Female genitalia (Pl. 14, figs. 9-11) : Ostium situated caudally, exposed, sterigma not strongly sclerotized. Two large spiculate signa, situated on opposite sides of the bursa and connected caudally by a narrow spiculate band. RENNELL I.: Hutuna, 12.xi, 2 3, including holotype, 18-25.x, I g, 4 9, including allotype, I-5.xi, 4 9, 30.x-2.xi, 2 g; Onegaghugha, 28.x, 2 9. This species and L. ochrotypa are closely related to L. torodoxa Meyrick, with which both have previously been confused. Labdia psarodes sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 9) $2 9-10 mm. Superficially similar to the species described above, L. ochrotypa Bradley, but slightly larger and differing in the following respects: the dark colora- tion of the fore wing is lightened by an admixture of white and fuscous and in general appearance is distinctly greyish ; a small inconspicuous white spot may be present at the middle of the costa and a similar triangular spot at 4/5; only a weak suffusion of cream-buff may be present along the outer edge of the dorsal streak ; a moderately heavy fuscous-black dash is present in the plical fold on the inner edge of the white dorsal streak, preceded by a small dash below the plical fold at about 2/3. Male genitalia (Pl. 15y fig. 1): Valva constricted near base, expanded distally, lacking specialized setae at apex. Female genitalia : not known. GUADALCANAL: Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 3 d, including holotype, 2 92; Honiara, 8-18 .ix, I 9, 4-10.x, I ¢. The abdomens of all the female paratypes are missing. Labdia calypta sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. ro) $2 9-11 mm. Labial palpus white, second segment with a broad subdorsal fuscous- black stripe reaching nearly to apex exteriorly, terminal segment with three fuscous- black bands: a narrow basal, a moderate submedial and a broad subapical. Front of head (face) shining white; fore part of crown clothed with smooth, weakly iridescent, pale cream-buff and greyish scales ; middle and posterior of crown white strongly intermixed with loosely appressed bister scales. Antenna white, with fuscous-black annuli, suffused fuscous-black at base and with a broad fuscous-black ! apical band at about 5/6; scape white, marked with fuscous-black apical and sub- basal patches. Fore wing deep chrome, markings hair brown sprinkled with whitish and irregularly edged with black irroration; a broad outwardly-oblique fascia occupying basal third, broken and interrupted at middle ; a triangular marking on costa at about 3/4; a narrow subterminal fascia from tornus, diffuse at middle of termen, widening below apex and encircling a small variable patch of ground colour ; cilia chrome yellow from apex of wing to near middle of termen, thence greyish. ENTOM. 10, 4. II 144 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Hind wing light fuscous ; cilia greyish. Abdomen hair brown above, shining white below ; a small cream-buff anal tuft in male. In the male a long, cream-buff hair- pencil arises from the metathorax below the base of the hind wing and projects caudally, curving upwards over the abdomen and when not expanded has the end inserted in a specialized pocket or groove medio-dorsally on the third abdominal segment ; illustrated on Pl. 11, figs. 5, 6. Male genitalia: Pl. 15, fig. 2. Female genitalia: Pl. 15, figs. 3, 4. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4 J, 2 2, 4-10.x, 3 9, 6-12.1, 4 J, including holotype, I 9, allotype; Tapenanje, 10--23.xii, 1 9; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I Q. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I 4. In coloration and general appearance very similar to the Fijian species L. spiro- cosma Meyrick, but may be distinguished as follows: in spivocosma the base of the medial fascia of the fore wing is connected to the upper (costal) part of the postmedial fascia which in calypta is represented by a triangular patch on the costa. Labdia helena Meyrick Labdia helena Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 288. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 6-12.i, 1 gf, 1 2; Du Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 1 d. DISTRIBUTION. New Ireland. Labdia isomerista sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 11) 6 8mm. Labial palpus white, terminal segment suffused with pale baryta yellow. Head white, crown and upper part of face suffused and overlaid with baryta yellow. Thorax and tegula baryta yellow, tegula suffused with xanthine orange. Antenna maize yellow, dotted above with fuscous ; scape white suffused with maize yellow above, a small fuscous irroration at apex ; pecten maize yellow. Fore wing baryta yellow, a broad outwardly-oblique basal fascia with outer edge well defined, sinuate and reaching from costa at 1/4 to beyond middle of inner margin (dorsum), basal (proximal) margin of fascia diffuse, coloration of fascia sudan brown from costa to near middle of wing, an admixture of xanthine orange at middle increasing towards inner margin, outer edge of fascia broadly edged with white from costa to near inner margin, confluent on costa with one or two’short oblique white streaks ; a small dark grey costal strigula at about 3/5 edged with white; a conspicuous golden-metallic dot on lower part of terminal margin ; a weak silvery-white flash at apex, a similar small dash on costa mixed with dark grey; cilia baryta yellow, dark around apex, pale along termen, a fuscous dot below apex. Hind wing and cilia sordid white. A specialized dorsal cavity containing broad, seta-like scales on third abdominal segment ; illustrated on Pl. 15, fig. 8. Male genitalia: Pl. 15, fig. 7. MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 145 GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 g, holotype. A species of distinctive appearance, perhaps nearest to L. helena Meyrick among the species of Labdia occurring in the Solomons. Labdia sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 6-12.i, 1 9. In poor condition. Belonging to a species near L. albilineella Deventer, but smaller and with vertex of head white. Labdia sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I 3, 2 2, 4-I10.x, 2 2. Belonging to a species near L. oxychlora Meyrick. Labdia aprepes sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 12) 62 7-9 mm. Labial palpus whitish, basal and second segments suffused with fuscous or fuscous-black to near apex of second, most heavily exteriorly, terminal segment similarly suffused anteriorly and at apex. Head, thorax, antenna and scape whitish ; front of head (face) suffused with greyish fuscous ; a diffuse greyish fuscous medial line extending from anterior of crown to posterior of thorax ; tegula fuscous- black ; anterior edge of antenna dotted with fuscous-black. Fore wing fuscous-black, a rather thick whitish streak along inner margin from base to tornus, attenuated in tornal area, inner edge weakly dentate ; in some examples an admixture of cream- buff along inner margin (dorsum) ; a small whitish costal spot at 3/4; cilia greyish, shaded with fuscous at apex and with a broad fuscous-black sub-basal bar. Hind wing light drab ; cilia greyish drab. Male genitalia: Pl. 15, fig. 9. Female genitalia: Pl. 16, figs. 1-3. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 11 g, including holotype, 2 2; Honiara, 8-18 .ix, I gf, 4 9, including allotype. Related to the Australian species L. promarcha Meyrick, and having similar fore wing pattern but darker coloration. Labdia holopetra Meyrick ? Labdia holopetrva Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : go. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa. Labdia sp. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 1 g. Belonging to a species near L. gypso- delta Meyrick. 146 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Proterocosma triplanetis Meyrick Proterocosma triplanetis Meyrick, 1886, Tvans. ent. Soc. Lond. 1886 : 293. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 2 3, I . The three Solomon Islands specimens are more distinctly marked than are the type from Fiji, and two examples from Samoa in which the fore wing markings are even more obsolescent than in the type. These differences indicate possible sub- speciation between the island groups, but this may be better understood when more material becomes available and genitalic comparisons can be made. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji, Samoa and New Hebrides. Pyroderces falcatella (Stainton) Gracilaria ? falcatella Stainton, 1859, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. 5: 121. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18 .ix,7 ex., 4-I0.x, 3 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. A widespread species in the Indo-Australian region. The larva feeds in cotton shoots and in the pods of Parkinsonia aculeata and other plants. Pyroderces dendrophaga Meyrick Pyroderces dendrophaga Meyrick, 1920, Exot. Microlep. 2 : 318. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 22 ex., 4-I0.X, 9 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland). Pyroderces sp. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 8 ex. A distinctive and probably undescribed species, but as there is no male specimen with an abdomen in the series I refrain from describing the species for the present. Pyroderces phaeostigina sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 13) 32 9-10 mm. Labial palpus cartridge buff, second segment heavily, terminal segment lightly, suffused with fuscous-black exteriorly. Head and thorax cream-buff or cartridge buff clouded with chaetura drab ; a broad, diffuse, chaetura drab medial line on crown ; tegula cream-buff mixed with fuscous, fuscous-black at base. Antenna and scape cream-buff or cartridge buff. Fore wing cream-buff mixed and suffused with fuscous and with a few fuscous-black markings ; a broad fuscous area along plical fold merging with a narrow fuscous-black dash above tornus ; a conspicuous fuscous-black discal stigma narrowly ringed with cream-buff; a large cream-buff costal spot at about 3/5 reaching obliquely towards discal stigma ; a small cream- buff dot at 4/5 ; a narrow, sinuous cream-buff streak along inner margin and around MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 147 tornus ; cilia fuscous-black around apex and along termen, hair brown around tornus, sometimes three or four very small cream-buff dots at base of cilia along termen. Hind wing and cilia drab. Male genitalia: Pl. 16, fig. 4. Female genitalia: Pl. 16, figs. 5, 6. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 2 J, including holotype, 3 9, including allotype, 4-10.xX, I 6. Near P. syngalactis Meyrick from the New Hebrides, but readily distinguished by the discal stigma being comparatively conspicuous. Pyroderces megacentra Meyrick Pyroderces megacentva Meyrick, 1923, Exot. Microlep. 3: 59. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—-18.ix, 1 9. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji, New Guinea. The larva feeds in the flowers of Pandanus. Idiostyla oculata Meyrick Idiostyla oculata Meyrick, 1921, Exot. Microlep. 2: 412. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10—23.xii, I g. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. Limnaecia atopa Bradley Limnoecia [sic] Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : tot. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, ix and x, 12 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I g, 1 2; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 3 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Limnaecia arsitricha Meyrick Limnoecia [sic] arsitricha Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 93. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4-10.x, 6-12.i1, 15 gQ; Tapenanje, Io—23.xii, I 9; Ilu Farm, 26. xii, 53-4. i. 54, 2 g, I 9. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x.1953, I 3. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 12; Avaha, 30.ix, 2 9. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa and New Hebrides. Limnaecia argophylla sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 14) 69mm. Labial palpus, head, thorax and tegula shining white. Antenna cartridge buff; scape white. Fore wing white, markings hair brown; a short, thick, very oblique streak from base of costa to about 1/3; a similar less oblique linear streak 148 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS from before middle reaching nearly to tornus ; a broad diffuse streak from inner angle to near middle a little above and parallel to inner margin (dorsum) ; cilia white, blackish at apices around apex and along termen, wholly greyish below tornus. Hind wing drab ; in male an expansible tuft of very long warm buff hairs from near base of costa ; cilia light hair brown. Male genitalia: Pl. 16, fig. 7. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I 3, holotype. The white coloration and simple markings of the fore wing make this species distinctive. It is perhaps a near relative of L. arsitricha Meyrick, the male of which has a similar expansible tuft on the hind wing. Limnaecia melliplanta Bradley Limnoecia [sic] melliplanta Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 100. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4-I0.x, 11 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I ex. TULAGI: 24.ix, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Limnaecia perpusilla sp. n. (Pl. 6, fig. 15) 39 6-7 mm. Labial palpus white, second segment suffusedly ringed with fuscous- black at apex, terminal segment fuscous-black anteriorly except at apex. Head, thorax and tegula white ; upper part of face, crown, thorax and tegula diffusedly irrorate with fuscous and fuscous-black. Antenna fuscous, with weak, fuscous-black annuli ; clothed with appressed scales basally, rough-scaled in apical half; scape whitish, marked with fuscous-black anteriorly and posteriorly except at apex. Fore wing white, diffusedly irrorate and mixed with fuscous-black ; narrow, diffuse and weakly irrorate white fasciae at 1/3, middle and 3/4, most distinct on costa ; sometimes an admixture of blackish in middle of wing preceding each fascia; cilia hair brown, mixed with whitish at apex and with fuscous on costa. Hind wing and cilia light hair brown. Male genitalia: Pl. 16, fig. 8. TULAGI: 24.1x, II ex., including holotype J, allotype 9. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I ¢. Near to L. microglypta Meyrick, but without the dark apical spot on the fore wing as in that species, and also lacking the expansible hair-pencil beneath the hind wing in the male. Ascalenia armigera Meyrick Ascalenia armigera Meyrick,1923, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 60. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 6-12.i, I g. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 149 Batrachedra arenosella (Walker) Gracilaria arenosella Walker, 1864, List. Lep. Ins. B.M. 30: 857. Batrachedva psilopa Meyrick, 1907, J. Bombay. nat. Hist. Soc. 17 : 982. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18 .ix, I g, 4-10.x, 11 ex.; [lu Farm, 26. xii.53-4.1.54, 26. ONTONG JAVA: Avaha, 30.ix, I ¢. DIsTRIBUTION. A common species associated with the flowers of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) in the Indo-Australian region and in South America. Batrachedra eurema Bradley Batrachedva eurema Bradley, 1956, Bull. Brit. Mus. (nat. Hist.), Ent. 4: 152. GUADALCANAL: Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I d. This species was originally described from a solitary female from Lord Howe I. The male specimen from Guadalcanal is smaller, measuring only Io mm. across the fore wings as compared with 16 mm., and has a dense patch or epaulet of scales at the inner angle of the fore wing, but otherwise superficially resembles the female and is probably conspecific. DISTRIBUTION. Lord Howe I. XYLORYCTIDAE Cryptaphasa eumorpha Turner Cryptaphasa eumorpha Turner, 1897, Ann. Queensland Mus. 4: 9. Cryptaphasa aggesta Meyrick, 1925, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 147. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix 1 ¢. DisTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Guinea (Papua), Rook I. and Dampier I. Epimactis pulsatella sp. n. (Pl, 7, fe.7) 6 16 mm. Labial palpus white, basal segment and exterior basal two-thirds _ of second segment fuscous, apex of third segment tipped with fuscous. Head, thorax and tegula white. Antenna ciliate, ciliations about as long as width of shaft ; white- scaled at base ; scape white. Fore wing white, anterior edge of costa cream-buff ; a small, fuscous, discal stigma a little above middle at 1/3, a similar stigma obliquely below in plical fold, and a third at end of cell at about middle; a subterminal line of small, fuscous, interneural dots around apex and along termen ; cilia (worn on type) white. Hind wing and cilia white. Male genitalia: Pl. 16, figs. g, ro. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, 1 g, holotype. 150 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Related to E. talantias Meyrick, found in India and Ceylon. Both species are very similar superficially but differ in male genitalia as follows : in talantias the finger-like projection of the sacculus is more slender and is longer, reaching almost beyond the apical projection. COPROMORPHIDAE Copromorpha tetrarcha Meyrick Copromorpha tetvarcha Meyrick, 1916, Exot. Microlep. 1: 555. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 1 g; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.i1.54, I ¢. The two Guadalcanal specimens are smaller and differ considerably in coloration (having the ground colour of the fore wings white) from specimens in the museum collections from the islands of Choiseul and Bougainville. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. HELIODINIDAE Hieromantis albata (Meyrick) Stathmopoda albata Meyrick, 1913, Exot. Microlep. 1 : 94. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-I8.ix, I ex., 4-I0.xX, 3 ex., 6-12.i, I ex. TULAGI: 24.1x, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Guinea, Sudest I. Hieromantis resplendens Bradley Hieromantis resplendens Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 102. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, ix.53 and 1.54, 4 9; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 5 ee YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Zarathra sp. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I ex. Stathmopoda haplophanes sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 2) 212 mm. Labial palpus orange-yellow. Front of head smooth-scaled, shining pale orange-yellow, weakly iridescent ; crown, thorax and tegula light raw sienna. Antenna pale orange-yellow suffused and overlaid with fuscous from about 1/4, becoming heavier and darker towards apex; annulations light fuscous near base, darker and more distinct towards middle, indistinct and obliterated by suffusion in apical third, Fore wing coloration uniform light raw sienna, anterior edge of costa MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 151 dark fuscous near base—not fully visible viewed from above; cilia hair brown mixed with light raw sienna at base. Hind wing shining drab; cilia hair brown. Abdomen somewhat shining hair brown above, cream-buff below. Legs cream-buff, middle and hind legs suffused with pale orange-yellow exteriorly, hind leg light raw sienna above, obscurely barred with hair brown at origin of spurs and at apex of first tarsal segment. Female genitalia: Pl. 17, figs. 1-3. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 2 9, holotype and paratype. Near S. luculenta Meyrick from Assam, and distinguished by the coloration of the head, the front and vertex of which is shining whitish ochreous in Juculenta. Stathmopoda moschlosema sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 3) $2 10-11 mm. Labial palpus shining whitish suffused with fuscous, darker exteriorly. Head with face smooth-scaled, shining whitish-bronze; fore part of head (between antennae) and crown shining bronze with a weak purplish sheen most evident on crown. Thorax and tegula shining deep purplish-grey ; a small, subdorsal, mustard yellow dot on each side of the thorax posteriorly. Antenna and scape dark purplish-grey ; pectinations longer than width of shaft in male ; in female simple. Fore wing shining deep purplish-grey, a narrow, slightly inwardly-oblique mustard yellow fascia at 1/3, strongly edged with black; a similar, slightly broader, outwardly- oblique fascia at 2/3, sometimes narrowed at inner margin; apical third of wing with a strong bronzy sheen; cilia mouse grey. Hind wing fuscous; cilia mouse grey. Abdomen dark fuscous above, white below ; segmental margins edged posteri- orly with silvery-white above and at side. Legs white, with weak violaceous reflec- tions ; fore leg suffused with fuscous or purplish-black ; middle leg with coxa suffused with purplish-black, tibia with purplish-black bands at base of spurs, spurs similarly suffused exteriorly ; hind leg with broad purplish-black bands and whorls of long bristles at origin of spurs, tarsus with a similar apical band on the first segment and whorls of shorter bristles on first and second joints, and with the second segment wholly and the third segment to near apex purplish fuscous. Male genitalia: Pl. 17, figs. 4-6. Female genitalia: Pl. 17, figs. 7-9. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 1 g, I 9, allotype, 6-12.i, 5 g, including holo- type, 29; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 5 J, I 9. Near the Asiatic species S. anconias Meyrick, and distinguished by having the fascia at 2/3 on the fore wing directly transverse and not with the outer edge deeply indented at the middle as in anconias. Stathmopoda caveata Meyrick Stathmopoda caveata Meyrick, 1913, Exot. Microlep. 1 : 92. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I g, I &. DIsTRIBUTION. New Guinea, 152 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Stathmopoda imperator Bradley Stathmopoda imperator Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is, 2 (19) : 103. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8—18.ix, I 9. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I Q. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Stathmopoda periclina Meyrick Stathmopoda periclina Meyrick, 1938, Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond. 89 : 520. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—18.ix, 3 ex., 5-II.i, I ex. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, 9 ex. DISTRIBUTION. New Guinea and Solomon Is. Stathmopoda dracaenopa Meyrick Stathmopoda dracaenopa Meyrick, 1933, Exot. Microlep. 4: 430. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 6—-12.i, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji and Guam. Stathmopoda tetrazyga Meyrick Stathmopoda tetrazyga Meyrick, 1936, Exot. Microlep. 4: 618. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, 29; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I J. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Stathmopoda nucivora Meyrick Stathmopoda nucivora Meyrick, 1932, Exot. Microlep. 4: 272. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10—-23.xii, I g. TULAGI: 24.ix, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Stathmopoda anticyma Meyrick Stathmopoda anticyma Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 100. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 2 9. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa and Solomon Is. Stathmopoda cornutella sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 4) g 12mm. Labial palpus light buff, suffused with warm buff exteriorly. Head with face light buff with a violaceous sheen, crown and upper part of face antimony yellow, a small flame scarlet spot in middle of crown, Thorax and tegula antimony MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 153 yellow mixed with yellow ochre, anterior margin of thorax broadly edged with flame scarlet laterally, and a subdorsal flame scarlet spot at middle. Fore wing warm buff, an admixture of yellow ochre at base, a moderate, interrupted, ochraceous- orange medial line from near base to discal area, a similar indefinite line along plical fold; a distinct, somewhat elongate, buckthorn brown discal spot in middle at about 3/4; cilia greyish warm buff. Hind wing greyish buffy brown; cilia con- colorous, somewhat darker towards apex. Male genitalia (Pl. 17, figs. 10, 11) : The large and numerous cornuti present in the aedeagus are an unusual feature for this genus. GUADALCANAL : Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I g, holotype. Nearest to imperator Bradley, also described from the Solomons, but distinguished at once by the lighter coloration of the fore wing, which in imperator is drab. Stathmopoda electrantha Meyrick Stathmopoda electrantha Meyrick, 1927, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 377. Stathmopoda transvecta Meyrick, 1927, tom. cit. p. 377. Syn. nov. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4 ex., 6-12.i, 12 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23. xil, 2 eX. YSABEL : Tatamba, 2.x, 4 ex. The new synonymy above is introduced following an examination of type material in the British Museum (Natural History). DISTRIBUTION. New Hebrides. Thylacosceles pithanodes sp. n. (PI. 7; fig: 5) 3g 8 mm. Labial palpus and head white, crown tinted with pale cream-buff. Antenna white, dark fuscous at base anteriorly; scape white, distal half dark fuscous exteriorly. Thorax white, tegula purplish fuscous. Fore wing fuscous, apical and distal areas darker ; a strong admixture of bluish iridescent scales in dorsal half and in apical and distal areas ; a triangular cartridge buff spot on costa at 2/3; cilia greyish fuscous. Hind wing and cilia greyish fuscous. Legs white, posterior tibia with a black apical band and fuscous-black dorsal tuft. Male genitalia: Pl. 17, figs. 12, 13. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 2 g, including holotype. Related to T. judex Meyrick from Ceylon, and distinguished by the white head, not fuscous as in judex, and by the absence of the two subapical bands on the antenna, present in judex. Pachyrhabda sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 3 ex.; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I 6. A species of distinctive superficial appearance, having the fore wing coloration greyish, the front and fore part of head white and the crown deep chocolate colour, 154 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS It is probably undescribed but the present material is not in sufficiently good condition for descriptive purposes. Pachyrhabda amianta Meyrick Pachyrhabda amianta Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : ror. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, I10-23.xii, I ex.; Honiara, 4-10.x, I ex. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa. Pachyrhabda phanta Bradley Pachyrhabda phanta Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is., 2 (19) : 104. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, 4 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 8 ex.; [lu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I ex. TULAGI: 24.ix, 2 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. GLYPHIPTERYGIDAE Tortyra libanota Meyrick Tortyra libanota Meyrick, 1910, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. 1910 : 463. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, I10—23.xii, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. Australia (Queensland), New Guinea and Solomon Is. Tortyra iridopa Meyrick Tortyra ividopa Meyrick, 1907, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 32: 97. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. and New Guinea (Papua). Simaethis cyanotoxa Meyrick | Simaethis cyanotoxa Meyrick, 1907, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 32: 113. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. Choreutis diana sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 6) $2 10-11 mm. Labial palpus with tuft of second segment formed of two whorls of long, projecting, fuscous white-tipped scales ; terminal segment fuscous sprinkled __ with white. Head, thorax and tegula drab sprinkled with white; front of head (tace) mixed with white; base of tegula strongly suffused with white. Antenna 7 ee a MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 155 white, with black annuli; scape fuscous. Fore wing drab or light fuscous, markings formed of white irroration; basal area of wing in worn condition in specimens studied but there is evidence of two very diffuse transverse shades towards base and of a radiate-dentate line at 1/3 forming a white dot on costa ; an irregular transverse linear marking at 2/3 interrupted at middle and forming a reticulate white dot on costa ; distal area of wing almost completely enmeshed in a network of fine white lines ; cilia drab or light fuscous, with a bronzy sheen ; a small white dot on costa before apex followed by a chain of alternate large black and small white chequers around apex and along termen to tornus occupying basal half of cilia. Hind wing coloration similar to that of fore wing terminal area except at apex irrorate with white ; coloration and markings of cilia similar to those of fore wing. Legs white, with fuscous-black markings. Male genitalia: Pl. 18, figs. 4, 5. Female genitalia: Pl. 18, figs. 1-3. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 4-10.x, I 9, holotype, 1 J, allotype. Near C. montligera Meyrick, occurring in India and Java, and may be distinguished by the black and white chequered markings of the cilia, which in moniligera are only present in the upper half of the fore wing and not along the whole length of the termen in both fore and hind wings as in diana. I name this species after my wife. Glyphipteryx ditiorana (Walker) Sciaphila ? ditiorana Walker, 1863, List. Lep. Ins. B.M. 28 : 348. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I 9, 6-12.i, 2 9. DISTRIBUTION. South Africa, Mauritius and Indo-Malayan region. Glyphipteryx sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 6-12.1, I ¢. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I ¢. Both specimens are in poor condition but apparently belong to an undescribed species related to G. stilata Meyrick, which occurs in Fiji. Metapodistis sp. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I g. BLASTOBASIDAE Blastobasis sciota sp. n. (Pl. 7, He. 7) $2 11-16 mm. Labial palpus warm buff; in male diffusedly irrorate with fuscous exteriorly, irroration weak at apices of second and terminal segments ; in female diffusedly irrorate with fuscous, irroration weaker interiorly and at apices of second 156 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS and terminal segments ; male slightly stouter than female and with terminal segment about 2/3 length of second. Head, thorax and tegula warm buff varying to light buff; lower part of face sometimes greyish tinged; crown, thorax and tegula suffused or irrorate with fuscous, anterior margin of thorax and base of tegula darker. Antenna and scape warm buff; scape lightly irrorate with fuscous ; basal 2/3 of antenna wholly suffused with dark fuscous ; male with deep notch at base. Fore wing warm buff varying to light buff, diffusedly irrorate with fuscous ; markings poorly defined and not always apparent ; discal stigmata dark fuscous or fuscous- black, first usually absorbed in a fascia of dark fuscous suffusion from before middle ; small, cloudy, dark fuscous or fuscous-black spots on costa and inner margin opposite second discal; dark fuscous marginal dots around apex and along termen, often merged in general dark suffusion ; base of costa suffused with dark fuscous; cilia warm buff or light buff at base along termen, otherwise hair brown sprinkled with whitish points. Hind wing warm buff suffused with fuscous, paler towards base ; cilia drab, warm buff at base. Male genitalia: Pl. 18, figs. 6, 7. Female genitalia: Pl. 18, figs. 8—1o. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, 4 g, 6 9, including holotype 3, and allotype 2; Honiara, 8-18.ix, 2 g, 1 9, 4-10.x, 1 g; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I d. Closely related and superficially similar to B. spermologa Meyrick. The two species may be separated on male genitalia as follows : in sciota the uncus is narrowly tapered throughout its length, in spermologa it is distended towards the tip and is stouter than at the base and is obtusely pointed. HyYPONOMEUTIDAE Prays nephelomima Meyrick Prays nephelomima Meyrick, 1907, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 32: 76. OnToNG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 2 9. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, 2 9. The two Solomon Islands specimens probably belong to this Australian species which is distinct from the Palaearctic species P. citvi Milliére and not a synonym as has been considered by some authors. Atteva mathewi (Butler) Corinea mathewi Butler, 1887, Ann. Mag. nat. Hist. (5) 20: 414. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I 9. DISTRIBUTION : Solomon Is. GRACILLARIIDAE Acrocercops spp. The genus Acrocercops Wallengren (sens. lat.) is represented by many species in the Solomons. The moths come readily to light, but unfortunately much of the material collected by this method is very worn, and many species remain unidentified. MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 157 Acrocercops euthycolona Meyrick Acrocercops euthycolona Meyrick, 1931, Exot. Microlep. 4: 46. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I ¢. DIsTRIBUTION. Java, India, Malaya and Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). The larva mines blotches in leaves of Bassia latifolia in India, and Mimusops elangt (Sapotaceae) in Java and Malaya. Acrocercops sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I g, abdomen missing. A strikingly marked species, most closely resembling the Fijian species A. patellata Meyrick. Acrocercops homalacta Meyrick Acrocercops homalacta Meyrick, 1927, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 107. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—-18.ix, I ex. (damaged), 4-10.1, 1 g; Tapenanje, 10—23.xii, 1 ex.; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 3 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa and Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). Acrocercops cramerella (Snellen) Gracilaria cramerella Snellen, 1904, Tijdschr. Ent. 46: 84. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, I0—-23.Xli, I 3. DISTRIBUTION. Widespread in the Indo-Australian region. The larva feeds in the pods of cocoa (Theobroma cacao), and in the top-shoots of the Litchi tree (Nephelium hitcht), and has been reported mining leaves of various other trees. Acrocercops strophala Meyrick Acrocercops strophala Meyrick, 1908, J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 18 : 824. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, 2 g, 8-18.ix, I @. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa, Java, Ceylon, India and Assam. The larva is known to _ mine blotches under the upper cuticle of the leaf of Glochidion lanceolarium (Euphor- biaceae). | Acrocercops caerula (Meyrick) Cyphosticha caerula Meyrick, 1912, Exot. Microlep. 1 : 296. Cyphosticha centrometra Meyrick, 1920, op. cit. 2 : 296. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 4 ex. DisTRIBUTION. West Africa, India, Fiji and Guam. 158 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Acrocercops brochogramma Meyrick Acrocercops brochogramma Meyrick, 1914, Exot. Microlep. 1: 285. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I ¢; [lu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 2 d. DISTRIBUTION. Ceylon. Acrocercops apicella Bradley Acrocercops apicella Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 107. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—-18.ix, I g, 2 9. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). Acrocercops serriformis Meyrick Acrocercops serriformis Meyrick, 1930, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 580. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I g, 6-12.i, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. Java. Acrocercops brachyglypta Meyrick Acrocercops brachyglypta Meyrick, 1931, Exot. Microlep. 4: 48. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I g, 4-10.x, 5 d. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa, Solomon Is. (Rennell I. and Bellona I.). Acrocercops albidorsella Bradley Acrocercops albidorsella Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 107. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 4-10.x, I 3. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). Acrocercops cyma Bradley Acrocercops cyma Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 106. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8—-18.ix, I g. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). Acrocercops sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4—-10.x, I ex. TULAGI: 24.1x, I ex. Both specimens lack the abdomen. They represent a species related to A. phaeodeta Meyrick, which occurs in Samoa. OO Ee Ha MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 159 Liocrobyla saturata sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 8) 369mm. Labial palpus whitish-grey, second segment darker exteriorly, terminal segment suffused with fuscous towards apex. Head with front whitish suffused with cream-buff ; crown, thorax and tegula mouse grey. Antenna (damaged) mouse grey above, whitish dotted with fuscous anteriorly ; scape mouse grey above, whitish anteriorly. Fore wing mouse grey, two inwardly-oblique, parallel, fuscous stripes from costa near middle, confluent at costa, a weak ochraceous-buff admixture in both stripes most evident in the outer (second) stripe ; a very outwardly-oblique, narrow, somewhat metallic plumbeous streak from middle of costa cutting diagonally across second stripe and reaching to middle of disc and ending in a sharply inturned hook ; a pair of similar, short, thin, parallel lines in tornal area ; a similar outwardly- oblique dash on costa at 4/5 and another, shorter, dash immediately below ; area between and surrounding these streaks and dashes fuscous strongly overlaid with ochraceous-buff ; a very thin, inwardly-oblique, shining plumbeous line from before apex to tornus interrupted at middle by a thick cream-buff dash broadly edged distally with shining plumbeous and by a heavy black dash above and another slightly narrower and longer dash below, both edged with ochraceous-buff ; cilia cream-buff basally, apical half fuscous, with an admixture of ochraceous-buff. Hind wing mouse grey; cilia matching. Legs mouse grey, hind tibia striped with white exteriorly. Male genitalia: Pl. 18, fig. 11. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 1 g, holotype. This species has similar coloration to L. paraschista Meyrick but differs basically in fore wing pattern; the two species can be readily distinguished by the labial palpus which in paraschista is short and with a blackish subapical band on the second segment, and blackish medial and apical bands on the terminal segment. The present generic assignment is uncertain and is based principally on structure of the genitalia. Parectopa sp. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 6-12.i, 1 g, abdomen missing. Near the Samoan species P. pyrelictis Meyrick. Timodora callicirrha Meyrick Timodora callicirrha Meyrick, 1924, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 86. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, I ex., 4-I0.x, 2 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. Timodora sp. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 4—-10.x, 1 g, abdomen missing. Near T. chrysochoa Meyrick but smaller and without the conspicuous dot at the middle of the costa of the fore wing. ENTOM. I0, 4. 12 160 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Phyllocnistis selenopa Meyrick Phyllocnistis selenopa Meyrick, 1915, Exot. Microlep. 1: 348. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.x1i, 1 ¢. This species is one of the smallest of the Lepidoptera. It was originally described from a specimen bred from leaf-mines on Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) in Ceylon. The type is in poor condition and without its abdomen, and the identification of the specimen from the Solomon Islands remains to be verified when more material is available. LYONETIIDAE Opostega leucoprepes sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 9) 3 8mm. Labial palpus, head, thorax, tegula and antennal eye-cap shining white ; shaft of antenna pale cream-buff, white-scaled towards base. Fore wing shining white, markings confined to apical third of wing ; a broad elongate capucine yellow marking from near inner margin at 2/3 extending longitudinally across the wing to termen and apex, this marking constricted at the middle in tornal area and connected at this point to a sickle-shaped, very distinct, capucine yellow mixed with dark brown line which arises from the costa at about 4/5, the half of the marking basad of the constriction is broadly edged with hair brown basally and along the inner margin of the wing ; a bold jet black dot at apex ; cilia light drab, mixed with hair brown along termen, tufted at apex and tipped with dark hair brown, a blackish basal dash immediately below apex. Hind wing and cilia light drab. Legs white, hind tibia clothed with cream-buff hairs dorsally and with tarsi barred with fuscous. Male genitalia: Pl. 18, figs. 12, 13. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I g, holotype, 8-18.ix, 2 d. A distinctive species, perhaps nearest O. orestias Meyrick, from Queensland, which has similar coloration but has the yellow marking on the fore wing extending obliquely from the costa, and not along the inner margin. Opostega sp. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I ex., abdomen missing. Similar to O. argentella Bradley, from Rennell I., but without the marking present on the inner margin of the fore wing in that species. Bedellia somnulentella (Zeller) Lyonetia somnulentella Zeller, 1847, Isis von Oken, 1847 : 894. Bedellia orpheella Stainton, 1849, Syst. Cat. Brit. Tineidae, 1849 : 23. Bedellia mnesileuca Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3: 397. Syn. nov. Bedellia ipomoeae Bradley, 1953, Proc. Hawaii. ent. Soc.15:114. Syn. nov. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I ¢. The re-examination of type material in the British Museum (Natural History) has established the new synonymy given above. MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 161 As no original or subsequent type selection appears to have been made for the species B. mnesileuca Meyrick (loc. cit.) I select a lectotype. The specimen selected as lectotype is a male and carries a label with the following data, ‘‘ Queensland, Duaringa, G.B./85’. The genitalia are mounted on slide No. 5996. This specimen is from a series of ten of the original twenty syntypes in Meyrick’s collection. When describing mnesileuca, Meyrick (ibid. p. 398) says, “I have hitherto recorded this as somnulentella, but now perceive it to be distinct ; somnulentella, which has a dark face, has not occurred authentically in Australia or New Zealand ’’. From this it would seem that the coloration of the head varies, as does the blackish irroration of the fore wing. The specimens from Fiji used for the description of B. tpomoeae Bradley (loc. cit.) are examples in which the coloration is pale compared with Euro- pean somnulentella. No marked differences could be found in the genitalia of speci- mens from various localities in both hemispheres. One of the original three syntypes of B. somnulentella (Zeller) (loc. cit.) is in the British Museum (Natural History) and is labelled with a museum type label, this label having been attached before the term lectotype was introduced into nomen- clature. Re-examination has shown that it is a female, although described as a male by Zeller, and carries a label with the data “Syracuse, 12 Mai”. Genitalia slide No. 5965. I now designate this specimen lectotype. DISTRIBUTION. Occurring on continents and oceanic islands in both hemispheres in habitats where Convolvulus and Ipomoea species are found, the larva making blotches in the leaves. Bucculatrix sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—18.ix, 2 9. A distinctive species almost wholly white and with only weak markings towards the apex of the fore wing. In the absence of a male I have refrained from naming this species. Opogona sp. GUADALCANAL : Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I 9. A probably undescribed species, superficially resembling O. fumiceps (Felder) and O. retractella (Walker). Opogona mendanai sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 10) $2 9-10 mm. Labial palpus smoke grey, overlaid with iron grey exteriorly. Front of head (face) glossy smoke grey; crown bister, scales appressed; chaetosema prominent, situated on vertex between antennae. Thorax bister anteriorly, posterior third barium yellow ; patagium bister. Antenna cartridge buff, basal two or three segments fuscous-black ; scape dark fuscous. Fore wing coloration divided trans- versely at middle, the basal half barium yellow with a wedge-shaped dark fuscous ENTOM. 10, 4. 12§ 162 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS marking at base of costa, distal half bister; a strong suffusion of blue iridescent scales immediately distad of medial line of demarcation which is directly vertical or slightly inwardly-oblique from costa; cilia hair brown. Hind wing fuscous ; male with a large, conspicuous patch of specialized jet black scales in basal area, a lanceolate, thinly scaled area extending medially from basal patch nearly to apex, anterior (costal) margin of patch with fine, moderately dense, cream-buff scales, inner (dorsal) margin fringed with scales arranged in a serried, transverse formation in basal half; cilia in both sexes hair brown or drab. Legs smoke grey, infuscate anteriorly ; tibiae clothed with long, fine, drab hairs above. Male genitalia: Pl. 19, figs. 1, 2. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I g, holotype. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18 .ix, 1 9, paratype. Related to O. semisulphurella (Stainton), but readily distinguished from this and other species of the genus by the large patch of specialized black scales on the hind wing of the male. Opogona sp. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10—-23.xii, 1 9. Superficially similar to O. crtvolobha Meyrick, and possibly a form of this species. Opogona meeki sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 11) 2 10-12 mm. Labial palpus shining white, a thick, dark fuscous line along upper margin of basal 3/5 of second segment, exterior of terminal segment shaded with cream-buff. Front of head cartridge buff; fore part of crown (between antennae), antenna and scape shining white, remainder of crown clothed with slender, erect, bister scales. Thorax and tegula chaetura drab. Fore wing chaetura drab with a bronzy patina; anterior edge of costa and cilia around apex and along termen cream-buff; cilia beneath tornus dark grey. Hind wing brassy-grey; cilia dark grey. Legs cartridge buff, hind leg and long hair on hind tibia suffused greyish. Female genitalia: Pl. 19, figs. 3-5. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8—18.ix, 3 9, including holotype. Superficially similar to the Fijian species O. amblyxena Meyrick, but slightly larger and without the fine white line present a little before the apex of the fore wing in that species. Opogona guppyi sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 12) 329-10 mm. Labial palpus cartridge buff, upper margin of second segment marked with dark fuscous to near apex. Front of head cartridge buff; crown clothed with slender, erect, bister scales. Thorax and tegula drab. Antenna cartridge buff becoming white towards base; scape white. Fore wing wholly drab, somewhat ——E—— MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 163 paler towards base; cilia concolorous. Hind wing brassy-grey; cilia pale drab. Legs cartridge buff suffused with fuscous. Male genitalia (Pl. 19, figs. 6, 7) : Uncus bilobed. Female genitalia (Pl. 19, figs. 8-10) : Signum two-pronged. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 4-10.x, I gf, holotype, 12; 8.ix, 2 9, including allotype. Related to the previous species, O. meeki Bradley, but smaller and differing super- ficially in not having the anterior edge of the costa and the cilia around the apex and along the termen of the fore wing cream-buff. Ereunetis leucophaeta Bradley Eveunetis leucophaeta Bradley, 1957, Nat. Hist. Rennell I., Brit. Solomon Is. 2 (19) : 108. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I g; 4-10.x,1I 4. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. (Rennell I.). Decadarchis flavistriata (Walsingham) Eveunetis flavistriata Walsingham, 1907, Fauna Hawaiiensis, 1 pt. 5 : 716, pl. 25, fig. 18. Decadarchis euophthalma Meyrick, 1924, Exot. Microlep. 3: 83. Syn. nov. ONTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. Hawaiian Is., Solomon Is., Java, Malaya, Fiji, Marquesas, New Hebrides and Kermadec Is. The above new synonymy has been established following an examination of the relevant type material in the British Museum (Natural History). Decadarchis emphera sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 13) g 12-13 mm. Labial palpus cartridge buff or cream-buff with an admixture of white scales, basal segment marked with dark fuscous exteriorly, second segment with a broad transverse dark fuscous marking extending across tuft, bristles dark fuscous, terminal segment with a similar much narrower marking at middle extending into tuft. Head white mixed with cartridge buff or cream-buff. Thorax and tegula white suffused and mixed with cartridge buff and cream-buff, base of tegula marked with dark fuscous. Antenna cream-buff ; scape cartridge buff sprinkled with cream- buff scales. Fore wing white, markings blackish with margins somewhat diffuse and irregularly suffused with cream-buff; a short oblique streak from base of costa terminating a little before a thicker, curved, streak arising from costa at 1/3 and curving inward to middle of disc where it is interrupted and then forks, one prong going direct to apex and widening near apical margin and extending into cilia, the other shorter, broader, prong going to costa at about 5/6; a small dot on costa a little beyond middle; cilia white mixed with cream-buff; a thin, dark fuscous basal line around apex and along termen ; speckled with dark fuscous near apices before apex and along termen, and medially at tornus, Hind wing light grey, margins 164 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS darker; cilia concolorous; an expansible, cream-buff, marginal hair-pencil from before middle of costa reaching to about 4/5; a small, dense, expansible tuft in a shallow groove on upper surface near base of costa, concealed by the anal lobe of the fore wing when the wings are spread. Male genitalia: Pl. 19, figs. I1, 12. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I g, holotype; Honiara, 4-10.x, 1 ¢. TULAGI: 24.1x, 3 6. Apparently closely related to D. dissipta Meyrick, from Fiji, and having basically similar wing maculation, but differing in male genitalia: the valva and juxta being considerably broader than in dissipta. Also closely related and superficially similar to D. gephyrias Meyrick, from Ceylon, but differing in the male genitalia in having the saccus much narrower. Decadarchis discreta Meyrick Decadarchis discreta Meyrick, 1910, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. 1910 : 473. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 6 9, 4-I10.x, I J, I 9, 6-12.i1,1 §; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, 7 gd, 1 9; Llu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I J. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I 9. DISTRIBUTION : Solomon Is. and Kei Is. Decadarchis platyrrhyncha Meyrick Decadarchis platyrrhyncha Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 402. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I J. DISTRIBUTION : New Hebrides. Decadarchis inculta Meyrick Decadarchis inculta Meyrick, Insects of Samoa, 3, Lep. fasc. 2 : 111 GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 4 ex., 6-12.i, 1 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I ex. YSABEL : Tatamba, 2.x, 2 ex. DISTRIBUTION. Samoa. Decadarchis sp. ONTONG JAVA: Avaha, 30.ix, 3 ex. Very near to D. inculta Meyrick superficially and in structure of male genitalia. Decadarchis carpophthora Meyrick Decadarchis carpophthora Meyrick, 1932, Exot. Microlep. 4 : 232. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 3 g, 2 9, 4-10.x, 2 g, 1 2; Tapenanje, I10—23.xii, 2 ¢. DISTRIBUTION ; Solomon Is.; the larva feeding in very young coconuts, MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 165 Decadarchis sp. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 3 ex., 4-10.x, I g; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I gf; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 1 ¢. This material is too worn for descriptive purposes but apparently represents an undescribed species related to D. carpophthora Meyrick. Decadarchis hyperacma Meyrick Decadarchis hyperacma Meyrick, 1915, Exot. Microlep. 1 : 367. GUADALCANAL: Tapenanje, I0—-23.xli, I g. DISTRIBUTION : Australia (Queensland). Decadarchis semifusca sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 14) 3 15-16 mm. Labial palpus cartridge buff, basal segment and second segment except apex suffused with fuscous exteriorly, bristles dark fuscous. Head rough- haired, cartridge buff. Thorax broadly cartridge buff medially, fuscous laterally ; tegula fuscous. Antenna and scape cartridge buff, antenna slightly darker. Fore wing cartridge buff, a broad, somewhat diffuse, fuscous submedian streak from base to termen near tornus, heaviest near base and having inner (proximal) margin moderately well-defined and, when the wings are folded over the abdomen, abutting on to the fuscous area of the thorax ; anterior (costal) area of wing in some examples suffused with light fuscous; cilia concolorous, a short, fuscous basal line around tornus. Hind wing pale cartridge buff; cilia concolorous. Male genitalia: Pl. 19, figs. 13, 14. ONnTONG JAVA: Leuaniua, 29.ix, 9 J, including holotype ; Avaha, 30.ix, 4 d. Superficially this species is nearest to D. psammaula Meyrick, described from Tahiti, but is distinguished by its darker and more sombre coloration. TINEIDAE Monopis monachella (Hiibner) Tinea monachella Hiibner, 1796, Samml. Europ. Schmett. 8 : pl. 21, fig. 143. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, 2 g; Ilu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, 2 d. DistRIBUTION. An almost cosmopolitan species, mainly in warm regions, the larva feeding on dried skins, in birds’ nests, refuse, etc, 166 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Spatularia mimosae (Stainton) Laverna ? mimosae Stainton, 1859, Trans. ent. Soc. Lond. 5: 126. Eveunetis ? semivora Walsingham, 1899, Indian Mus. Notes, 4: 107. Pylaetis ophionota Meyrick, 1907, J]. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 18 : 752. Spatularia fuligineella Deventer, 1904, Tijdschr. Ent. 47 : 1. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 4-10.x, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. Indo-Malayan region: larva in pods of mimosa (Acacia) and various other trees. Tinea chlorospora Meyrick Tinea chlorospora Meyrick, 1924, Exot. Microlep. 3: 71. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 17 ex., 4-I0.x, 7 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23. xii, I ex. NEw HEBRIDES: LUGANVILLE, Santo, 3.ix, I ¢. DISTRIBUTION. Fiji. Tinea nesocharis Meyrick Tinea nesocharis Meyrick, 1928, Exot. Microlep. 3 : 427. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 5 ex., 4-10.x, 5 ex.; Tapenanje, 10-23.xii, I g,1Q; [lu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I 3. DISTRIBUTION. Solomon Is. and Bismarck Archipelago. Tinea despecta Meyrick Tinea despecta Meyrick, 1919, Exot. Microlep. 2 : 274. GUADALCANAL : Honiara, 8-18.ix, I ¢. YSABEL: Tatamba, 2.x, I 9. ONTONG JAVA: Avaha, 30.ix, 2 g. DISTRIBUTION. Widespread in the Indo-Australian region and in South America (British Guiana, Colombia, Ecuador and Bermuda). Cythaula inophora Meyrick Cythaula inophora Meyrick, 1919, Exot. Microlep. 2 : 254. GUADALCANAL: [lu Farm, 26.xii.53-4.1.54, I 9. DISTRIBUTION. New Guinea. Gerontha captiosella Walker Gerontha captiosella Walker, 1864, List. Lep. Ins. B.M. 29 : 782. GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, 3 g, 4-10.x, I g, I 9. DISTRIBUTION, Occurring throughout the Indo-Australian region, MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS 167 INCURVARIIDAE Ischnocanaba gen. nov. (Text-figs. 1, 2) Labial palpus moderate, straight, drooping, slender, clothed with short appressed scales, without bristles; terminal segment 1/2 or longer, slightly rough-scaled at apex. Maxillary palpus not visible. Tongue moderately developed. Head with crown clothed in loosely appressed, broad-tipped scales fringing base of antenna ; face receding, badly worn in specimen examined but apparently smooth-scaled. Eye moderate, round. Ocellus absent. Antenna implanted anterior to eye, about 1/2; Fics. 1 and 2. Ischnocanaba euryzona gen. n. sp. n. (1) Lateral view of head to show labial palpus. (2) Venation of fore and hind wings (del. Arthur Smith). scape small, smooth, cylindrical, not thickened, without pecten ; flagellum (male) slightly compressed laterally towards base, clothed with slender, appressed scales throughout, producing a slight serrulation, apex roughened or tufted. Posterior _ tibia with closely appressed scales, inner spur of first pair very long and reaching _ beyond middle, inner spur of second pair almost as long. Fore and hind wings with _ greatly reduced or degraded venation. Fore wing with apex pointed, vein rb simple, Ic represented by a fold, 2 and 3 coincident and very weak, 5 absent or coincident with 4, 6 and 7 long stalked and going to termen and apex respectively, 8 connate with 6 and 7, 9 absent, 10 present and strongly developed, 11 absent, 12 present. Hind wing lanceolate, vein ra short and weak, 1b absent, 1c present and strongly developed, discocellular veins absent or very weak, 2 and 3 probably coincident and arising from angle of cell, 4 and 5 absent, 6 and 7 coincident to near apex, 6 to termen, 7 to apex, 8 moderately strong and very short, frenulum strongly developed. Male genitalia (Pl. 15, fig. 15): Uncus reduced to two or three simple points or papillae. Valva simple, costa separate, without specialized comb ; sacculus in the form of a spined knob or pad. Vinculum very large and strongly sclerotized. 168 MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM THE SOLOMON ISLANDS Type species of genus: Ischnocanaba euryzona sp. n. This genus is at once distinguished from other known genera of the Incurvariidae by the greatly reduced or degraded wing venation. The comparatively smooth scaling of the head is also exceptional for this family. The male genitalia show the basic incurvariid morphological characters but lack specialized spining on the valva. The systematic position of this genus in the Incurvariidae is uncertain and it is tentatively placed between the genera Phylloproria and Lampronia, to which it bears closest superficial resemblance. So far as is known the family has not previously been known from the Solomon Islands. Ischnocanaba euryzona sp. n. (Pl. 7, fig. 15) 3 9 mm. Labial palpus drab. Head with crown clothed with broad-tipped, loosely appressed, smooth, somewhat shining drab scales; face worn in specimen examined but apparently having similar coloration. Thorax dull purplish-black ; tegula drab, overlaid at base and to near outer margin with dull purplish-black. Fore wing drab, heavily irrorate with dark mummy brown; a moderately broad, inwardly-oblique, silvery white fascia, with weak bronzy reflections, from a little beyond middle of costa, inner edge straight, outer edge incurved before inner margin (dorsum) ; basal area of wing similarly coloured, and a small pre-apical dash ; cilia dark hair brown along dorsum and costa, whitish around apex and irrorate with dark mummy brown. Hind wing fuscous ; cilia dark hair brown. Legs drab, banded with dark mummy brown. Male genitalia: Pl. 19, fig. 15 (aedeagus missing). GUADALCANAL: Honiara, 8-18.ix, I g, holotype. a ; ass > P S) a — 4 z - _ SS a ~~ le .—- c Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. PLATE 5 Adoxophyes aurantiana sp. n., holotype $ Olethreutes empherana sp. n., allotype 9 . Statherotis bicolorana sp. n., holotype @ Laspeyresia plumbosana sp. n., holotype ¢ Grapholita pagenstecheri sp. n., holotype 3 Pityocona probleta sp. n., holotype 3 : Limenarchis pullata sp. n., holotype ¢ (right wings, image - reversed) Thyrsostoma longipalpis sp. n., holotype 3 Thiotricha angelica sp. n., holotype 3} Thiotricha tethela sp. n., holotype 9 Thiotricha eremita sp. n., holotype 2 Thiotricha melanacma sp. n., holotype 3g Idiophantis pandata sp. n., holotype 3 (right wings, image reversed) ’ Anarsia taurella sp. n. , holotype 3 Anarsia ulmavrata sp. n., holotype 3 Wing expanse of species (mm.) 3 12-16, 9 17-20 17-18 18 7-9 10 10-II 16-17 Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 Pa Al 5 Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. FIG. Fic. PIG: BiG: Fic. FIG; Fic. Fic. Fie; Fic. SA ibaa ee oo PLATE 6 Sitotroga psacasta Meyrick, $ : Lecithocera palpella sp. n., holotype 3 Pachnistis phaeoptila sp. n., holotype 3 . A pethistis brunnea sp. n., holotype ¢ Protobathra binotata sp. n., holotype 3 Labdia torodoxa solomonensis subsp. n. holotys 3 (right wings dmoage reversed) Labdia ochrotypa sp. n., holotype ¢ (right wings, image reversed) Labdia dolomella sp. n., holotype 3 ; : ; : Labdia psarodes sp. n., holotype 3. Labdia calypta sp. n., holotype 3 Labdia isomerista sp. n., holotype $ Labdia aprepes sp. n. , holotype 3 Pyroderces phacostigma sp. n., paratype 3 Limnaecia argophylia sp. n. , holotype roe Limnaecia perpusilla sp. n., paratype ¢ (right wings, image reversed} Wing expanse of species (mm.) II-14 4 15 8-9 14-16 7-8 7-8 7-8 9-10 Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. to, 4 PA Asn 6 IG. Fic. jaicey KiGy Rie; Fic. Fic. HIG: Fic. Fic. ING: Hic. Fic. Fic. Fic. SI ANEW PH ‘© PLATE 7 Epimactis pulsatella sp. n., holotype 3 Stathmopoda haplophanes sp. n., holotype 2 Stathmopoda moschlosema sp. n., holotype g Stathmopoda cornutella sp. n., holotype ¢ Thylacosceles pithanodes sp. n., paratype 3 Choreutis diana sp. n., holotype 2 Blastobasis sciota sp. n., allotype 2 Liocrobyla saturata sp. n., holotype 3 Opostega leucoprepes sp. n., holotype 3 Opogona mendanai sp. n., holotype 3 Opogona meeki sp. n. , holotype g Opogona guppyi sp. n., paratype 3 tight ities: image reversed: hind wing folded) Decadarchis emphera sp. n., holotype g Decadarchis semifusca sp. n., paratype 3 Ischnocanaba euryzona gen. n. sp. n., holotype 3 Wing expanse of species (mm.) 16 a a ee teh Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 122) Basta bpd Sap 7 Fic. Bic; Fic. Fic. iG. Fic. Fic. Taye wre PLATE: 8 Adoxophyes aurantiana sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5551). Adoxophyes aurantiana sp. n., 2 genitalia, ostium (Slide 5029). Ibidem, 2 genitalia. Olethreutes empherana sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 4830). Ibidem, signum. Ibidem, ostium. Olethreutes empherana sp. n., $ genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 4859). a = a oe Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 PEADE SS Fic. Fic. Fic. HIG: Fic. Fic. Fic. RIG: SI AVRwWDH PLATE 9 Statherotis bicolorana sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5498). Ibidem, signa. Ibidem, ostium. Laspeyresia plumbosana sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5579). Grapholita pagenstecheri sp. n., g genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5504). Ibidem, coremata on VIIIth abdominal segment of 3. Pityocona probleta sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 6005). Ibidem, aedeagus. Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. to, 4 PEALE 6 Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. AIG. Fic. Fie. igures FIG. TG: Fic. Hing: Jair’ Fic. OI ANEW H Cs PLATE 10 Pityocona probleta sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 6049). Limnarchis pullata sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5096). Thyrsostoma longipalpis sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5610). Ibidem, aedeagus. Thiotricha angelica sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5107). Ibidem, aedeagus. Thiotricha angelica sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5630). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Thiotricha tethela sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5600). Ibidem, aedeagus (Slide 5094). Ibidem, sternite of VIIIth abdominal segment. Thiotricha tethela sp. n., 9 genitalia (Slide 6059). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. to, 4 PLA LB so 22) Bar Nh Be) Sains Thiotricha eremita sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5628). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Thiotricha melanacma sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5095). Ibidem, aedeagus. Ibidem, sternite of VIIIth abdominal segment. Idiophantis pandata sp. n., 3 genitalia (tegumen and aedeagus removed) (Slide 5168), Ibidem, lateral view of tegumen showing uncus and gnathus. Ibidem, aedeagus. Anarsia taurella sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5097). EE PEATE 1a Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 PEA ere Anarsia ulmarata sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5118). Fic. 54, Fic. 2. Sitotroga psacasta Meyrick, 3 genitalia (Slide 5804). Fic. 3. Ibidem, aedeagus. Fic. 4. Sitotroga psacasta Meyrick, ? genitalia (Slide 4829). Fic. 5. Ibidem, signa. Fic. 6. Ibidem, ostium. Fic. 7. Lecithocera palpella sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5103). Fic. 8. Ibidem, aedeagus. Fic. 9. Pachnistis phaeoptila sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5128). Fic. 10. Ibidem, aedeagus. Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 Be Avi Bs 12 Eire? Fic. Fic. BiG. Fic. IG: Fic. Fic. ne 2.0 | ome) BiG. tr en ee ae Pap ACE. 23 Pachnistis phaeoptila sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5052). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signa. Afpethistis brunnea sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5586). Ibidem, aedeagus. Protobathra binotata sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5099). Ibidem, aedeagus. Pyrotobathra binotata sp. n., 9 genitalia (Slide 5061). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signa. Labdia torodoxa solomonensis subsp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 4901). PRAT Es 23 Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 Fic. Fic. Fic. BiG: Fic: HIG: HIG. Frc. Fic. HIG /TO0: HiG sit. iehy ech ibe Po nN ack nad Se © PLATE a4 Labdia torodoxa solomonensis subsp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5895). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Labdia ochrotypa sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5605). Labdia ochrotypa sp. n., 9 genitalia (Slide 5892). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signa. Labdia dolomella sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 3726). Labdia dolomella sp. n., 9 genitalia (Slide 5887). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. B.M. Bull. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 PLATE si24 Pa ACT E395 Fic. 1. Labdia psarodes sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus im situ (Slide 5937). Fic. 2. Labdia calypta sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5606). Fic. 3. Labdia calypta sp. n., 9 genitalia (Slide 5633). Fic. 4. Ibidem, ostium. Fic. 5. Labdia calypta sp. n., g adult, dorsal view showing thoracic hair-pencils entering the special pocket in the IIIrd abdominal segment. Fic. 6. Ibidem, abdomen denuded to show the special cavity or pocket in the IIIrd abdominal segment. Fic. 7. Labdia isomerista sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5007). Fic. 8. Labdia isomerista sp. n., abdomen of g denuded to the dorsal cavity, containing specialized scales, in the IIIrd segment (viewed from below). Fic. 9. Labdia aprepes sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5938). Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom., to, 4 PLATE. 15 Fic. FIG; HIG: Fic. Fic. RIG: Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. 1 GOR Or Gh ee Ok obo PLATE 16 Labdia aprepes sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5890). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Pyroderces phaeostigma sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5041). Pyroderces phaeostigma sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5868). Ibidem, ostium. Limnaecia argophylla sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5047). Limnaecia perpusilla sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5154). Epimactis pulsatella sp. n., $ genitalia (Slide 5162). Ibidem, aedeagus. Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. to, 4 PAG AY Es: Sr 6 Fic. BIG: Fic. Hig; Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic: Fic. Hie. 10: Bic. 17. BiG: 12: Aaa cele Eko ahs deo aol . PEATE. 7 Stathmopoda haplophanes sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5867). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signa. Stathmopoda moschlosema sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 6203). Ibidem, aedeagus. Ibidem, coremata on VIIIth abdominal segment of ¢. Stathmopoda moschlosema sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5840). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signa. Stathmopoda cornutella sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5843). Ibidem, aedeagus. Thylacosceles pithanodes sp. n., 3 genitalia, part of the tegumen detached, bearing the uncus and gnathus (Slide 5599). Fic. 13. Ibidem, aedeagus. Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 | PLATE 17 Fie: Fic. Fic. Fic. jcutes FIG. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. HIG: Fic. FIG. OI ARR wW NH o PLATE 18 Choreutis diana sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5124). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Choreutis diana sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5163). Ibidem, aedeagus. Blastobasis sciota sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5899). Ibidem, aedeagus. Blastobasis sciota sp. n., 9 genitalia (Slide 5877). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Liocrobyla saturata sp. n., 3 genitalia, aedeagus in situ (Slide 5076). Opostega leucoprepes sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 6002). Ibidem, aedeagus. Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 PLAEE 13 ne. Fic. Fic. HIG; HIG; Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic. Fic: Fic. Fic. Fic. Se ee ee ee PLATE 1T9 Opogona mendanai sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5152). Ibidem, aedeagus. Opogona meeki sp. n., 2 genitalia (Slide 5623). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum. Opogona guppyi sp. n., g genitalia (Slide 5122). Ibidem, aedeagus. Opogona guppyt sp. n., 9 genitalia (Slide 5065). Ibidem, ostium. Ibidem, signum, lateral view showing one of the paired prongs. Decadarchis emphera sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 5590). Ibidem, aedeagus. Decadarchis semifusca sp. n., 3 genitalia (Slide 3865). Ibidem, aedeagus. Ischnocanaba euryzona gen. n., sp. n., g genitalia (Slide 5117). PLATE 19 Bull. B.M. (N.H.) Entom. 10, 4 A REVISION OF THE GENUS DUCETIA STAL (ORTHOPTERA : TETTIGONIIDAE) D. R. RAGGE BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. 5 LONDON: 1961 A REVISION OF THE GENUS DUCETIA STAL (ORTHOPTERA : TETTIGONIIDAE) D. R. RAGGE ey Pp. 169-208 ; 91 Text-figures BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY) ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 10 No. § LONDON : 1961 THE BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY), instituted in 1949, is issued in five series corresponding to the Departments of the Museum, and an Historical series. Parts will appear at irregular intervals as they become veady. Volumes will contain about three or four hundred pages, and will not necessarily be completed within one calendar ‘year. This paper is Vol. 10, No. 5 of the Entomological series. © Trustees of the British Museum, 1961 PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM Issued January, 1961 Price Twelve Shillings A REVISION OF THE GENUS DUCETIA STAL (ORTHOPTERA : TETTIGONIIDAE) By D. R. RAGGE CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION. : : : : : : , : : See ek! ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. ; ; ; . : ‘ ; P = 5Oz MATERIAL . : , : ‘ . : f : : : <7 Ducetia STAL ; : ‘ ‘ : ; ; : : : Se 25 Key to the Species : : : ‘ : : : : = ee Descriptions of the Species. : , : ; : 3 + £32 Nota WALKER . ; ‘ ; ; ‘ : 5 ‘ : 206 REFERENCES ; : : g ‘ ‘ ; ‘ : : . 208 SYNOPSIS The genus Ducetia Stal is fully revised. Five generic and five specific synonyms are newly established, and nine new species are described. The status of Nota testacea Walker is dis- cussed. INTRODUCTION In addition to those which have been described in Ducetia Stal and Noia Walker, this revision covers all the species, with the exception of [sotima japonica Matsumura & Shiraki, which have been described in the genera Jsotima Brunner, Paura Karsch, Pseudtsotima Schulthess, Kuwayamaea Matsumura & Shiraki, and Telaea Bolivar. These five generic names are here newly synonymized: the first (together with Isotimula Uvarov) with Nota Walker, and the remainder with Ducetia Stal. Isotima japonica Matsumura & Shiraki was placed by Bei-Bienko (1954) in the genus Anisotima Bei-Bienko. Its wing-venation, though reduced, does not suggest any connection with Ducetia Stal, and, both because of this and to avoid the homonymy which would result from the inclusion of this species in Ducetia Stal, I have excluded it from this revision. The genus Ducetia was erected by Stal in 1874 for the single species Locusta japonica Thunberg, 1815. In 1878 Brunner added three further species : D. adspersa Brunner (based on a rather aberrant specimen of D. japonica (Thunberg) (see p. 182)), D. ceylanica Brunner, and D. punctipennis (Gerstaecker). With the addition of this last species, described from Kenya, the genus was recognized as extending beyond the Orient into the Ethiopian Region. At the same time Brunner published a preliminary description of chinensis, placing it in