226 STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN EMBIOPTERA. PART III: REVISION OF THE OENUS METOLIGOTOMA, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES, AND OTHER NOTES ON THE FAMILY OLIGOTOMIDAE. By Consett Davis, M.Sc, Macleay Fellow of the Society in Zoology. (120 Text-figures and 3 Maps.) [Read 31st August, 1938.] Since the completion of Parts i and ii of this series (Davis, 1936a, o), a considerable amount of fresh material has been obtained, particularly of the genus Metoligotoma, and this has necessitated the preparation of a further systematic paper, both to describe new forms and to modify certain descriptions given in the earlier papers. In particular, a study of series of specimens belonging to the genus Metoligotoma from numerous localities has shown which characters possess variations of taxonomic importance, so that it has become necessary to divide into several species those forms previously classed as M. reducta reducta Davis. The specific descriptions have been somewhat modified as a result of experience. The head-breadth has been added to the list of measurements, as being a more reliable factor than head-length, which is influenced by the position of the labrum in each individual when examined. For each measurement (total length, head-length and head-breadth) only the maximum and minimum for the available material is given, the average for the series not being regarded of sufficient significance to merit calculation. The data for the ratio head: thorax: abdomen have also been omitted, as showing too great a divergence in members of any one series, depending on the degree of contraction of the body. The normal number of segments for complete antennae seems to vary; therefore, the numerical limits have been given for what seem to be undamaged antennae, the lower limit based on the occurrence of several individuals with an equal number of segments on both sides and with the terminal segments smoothly rounded. Antennal length is given as a ratio of the head-breadth, not as a maximum absolute length. For each series, the numbers of adult specimens of both sexes examined for taxonomic purposes are given. In addition to the size limits for both sexes, and a description of the colour of the darkest (i.e. most fully matured) specimens, only the head-outline and terminalia of the males are described. Other characters, such as the mandibles, tergites (except those included in the male terminalia), legs, female terminalia, etc., are of no taxonomic importance specifically in the genus Metoligotoma, and are similar to the structures described in the earlier papers of this series. Details of the colour and size of females have been included, when available, and female allotypes and paratypes have been named. However, no characters have been found whereby the females can be determined specifically, and it seems that in this Order a description based on the male alone is likely to be
Studies in Australian Embioptera. Part III: revision of the genus Metoligotoma, with descriptions of new species, and other notes on the family Oligotomidae
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