In two previous papers (Bull. Ent. Res. xii, p. 263, 1921 and Ind. JI. Med. Res. x, pp. 249 and 430, 1922) the writer has published revisions of the mosquitos of the Palaearctic and Oriental regions, using for the classification of the genera certain small characters, chiefly in the thoracic chaetotaxy, which are applicable a like to both sexes. In the present revision of the Australasian species the same characters are applied.

During the months of January to April, 1923, a study was undertaken of the hibernation of Anopheline mosquitos in Palestine. Previous experience indicated that the activity of these mosquitos was greatly redused during the winter months. It remained, however, to determine whether this inactivity was relative or absolute, that is, whether it was due to real hibernation or only to either retarded development of the immature stages or inhibited activity of the adults. Such information is, of course, of first importance in any attempt at intelligent control of malaria.

This new species of Aëdes (Stegomyia) was discovered while I was conducting a malaria and anti-Anopheline survey in Mauritius for the Colonial Office during 1922–1923.

Fertilisation of the indigenous species of Anopheles in England, as far as I know, has not been brought about while the insects were in captivity. Several investigators have attempted to induce fertilisation in order to maintain strains for laboratory experimental purposes, but without success. While in charge of the War Office Entomological Laboratories at Sandwich, Kent, during 1919–1920, I attempted to induce fertilisation in captive Anopheles maculipennis and A. bifurcatus, but failed to do so even under the very favourable environment under which the insects were kept—such as large scientifically constructed insect-cages, an electrically heated insect-house, electrically controlled atmospheric humidity, an animal and human blood supply, etc.

Castaneous-brown, more or less spherical, sparsely covered with long slender hairs. Potashed specimens show the dorsum with very long slender hairs interspersed with hairs about one-fifth as long; marginal fringe consisting of an outer row of strong spines slightly serrated on margin towards tip, on strong squarish bases, and an inner row of similar spines but only about half the length of those of the outer row; scattered at intervals are long slender spines similar to those on the dorsum together with several of the smaller and more slender. Venter with scattered very short, sharp spines. Antennae composed of 4 segments, third segment twice the length of the second and apparently composed of two fused together, the last segment about three-fourths the length of the preceding. Posterior valve of the anal operculum distinctly but loosely reticulated, anterior valve with long stout setae.

The following paper is based upon material received by the British Museum (Natural History) since the publication of the author’s “Further Notes on the Tabanidae of Palestine”* All the specimens referred to, including the types of the two new species described in the following pages, have been presented to the National Collection by the Imperial Bureau of Entomology. With the exception of the type of the new Tabanus (see p. 428) and a few other specimens, all taken by Mr. O. Theodor, the entire series has been collected by Dr. P. A. Buxton, to whose contribution in the last number of this Bulletin† the reader is referred for important field-notes.

The material, upon which these observations were made is contained in the collection of the “Centraal Militair Geneeskundig Laboratorium” in Weltevreden (Java). To complete my observations many specimens in the collection of the British Museum were studied and compared.

When engaged on some entomological research in the extreme north of New Zealand, Mr. J. G. Myers, of the Biological Laboratory, Wellington, was attacked by a large number of small biting flies, specimens of which he was kind enough to send me for study. I am much obliged to him for having thus given me the opportunity of making known a new biting species of Ceratopogoninae, and I have much pleasure in dedicating it to him.

Vegetation is the most important factor in determining the suitability or otherwise of an area for tsetse-flies. In all cases Glossina pallidipes occurs in what is known throughout South Africa as “bush-veld,” and, as a rule, “bush-veld” is only to be found at comparatively low altitudes (Plates xxxii, xxxiii). In Zululand it occurs from a few feet above sea-level, e.g., west shore of False Bay, to approximately 1,500 ft., e.g., eastern slopes of Ubombo Range. Glossina then may be expected to exist anywhere in the hundreds of square miles covered by trees which vary from stunted “munga” (Acacia natalitia) to the tall “umhlosinga” (Acacia xanthophloea). In some places the trees have bare trunks, e.g., “mxama” (Schotia brachypetala) and “mgano” (Sclerocarya caffra), especially where the soil is sandy. Glades up to several acres in extent may also be seen. Along the banks of rivers and in the valleys, however, the bush is generally thick, there being much undergrowth, with a canopy, overhead consisting very often of “mtomboti” (Spirostachys africana) and “mkaya” (Acacia welwitschii). There are also dotted about thickets comprising several species of Celastrus and Acacia, but a common formation is that of “mqawe” (Acacia benthami), which is dense and at times impenetrable. The dominant grass in the areas that are fairly well timbered is “ubabe” (Panicum maximum), while in the more open areas “insinde” (Anthistiria imberbis) is by far the commonest grass. In Ingwavuma, Ubombo and Hlabisa (eastern) Divisions the “fly” country is level or rather undulating; while in Mahlabatini and Lower Umfolosi Magistracies it is, on the whole, very broken, there being a constant succession of stony, sparsely bushed ridges and deep tortuous wooded ravines.

I have recently received a tube of thrips from the Government Entomologist, Coimbatore, found to be badly damaging tea on an estate near Kotagiri (altitude 6,500 ft.), in the Nilgiri Hills, S. India.

Stramineous; lightest over lateral portion of frons and clypeus, mesonotum slightly fuscous or darker stramineous. Tegmina stramineous, lightest over costal cell; apical veins and cross-veins fuscous, on the last apical M and the apical Cu veins the infuscation stretching to cross-vein, where there is an irregular dark mark; the rest of the veins of the same colour as the membrane. Wings hyaline, slightly stramineous, with darker veins.