[R] In both of the species here described the adult female has the tibiæ shorter than the tarsi. The author has hesitated to found a generic character on it until the discovery of other species; the character is quite exceptional in the family, occurring (besides) only in some species of Acanthococcidæ. In all others a tibia shorter than the tarsus would indicate an immature insect.
[This genus contains the insect named hitherto Ctenochiton spinosus.]
51. Eriochiton hispidus, Maskell.
N.Z. Trans., Vol. XIX., 1886, p. 47.
([Plate XIII.], Fig. 1.)
Secretion of female white, thin, felted, formed of thin threads excreted from the numerous prominent spiny spinnerets, the threads becoming more or less matted over the dorsal surface. At the edge each thread corresponds to a spine, but has not the feathery form exhibited in the next species, E. spinosus, being more tubular. On the adult female the covering is often not to be detected, or presents only fragmentary portions; it is best observed on the female of the second stage.
Secretion of the male pupa white, felted, thick, covering the insect all over, and exhibiting at the edge a small fringe. At first sight the test, being obscurely segmented, presents somewhat the appearance of a Dactylopid. Length of the felted mass, about 1/16in.
Larva normal, flat, elliptical, active, exhibiting the usual abdominal cleft and lobes. Dorsal surface covered with spines, excreting a thin white mass of tubes and a tubular fringe.
Female of the second stage more or less elliptical, slightly convex, brown in colour beneath the thin white felted covering, which usually presents a segmented appearance, due to the transverse rows of prominent spinnerets. Body covered thickly on the dorsal surface with spines, which are subcylindrical, the ends rounded, springing from tubercular bases. On the ventral surface many smaller spiny hairs. Abdominal cleft normal, the lobes large. Mentum probably monomerous: the tip bears several hairs. Antennæ of six somewhat hairy joints. Feet with rather large femora; the lower digitules are fine hairs. Anogenital ring bearing numerous hairs.