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Psyche 16:32-33, 1909.

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PSYCHE [April
NOTES ON THE SYNONYMY OF THE SPECIES OF ERAX OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES.
BY CHARLES W. JOHNSON, BOSTON, MASS.
IN most catalogues of insects there are some names in use which we know should be changed. This fact is brought forcibly to our minds in preparing faunal lists, and that such names should no longer be used is evident; a faunal list, however, is no place for such changes, which often require some elucidation. That the present names in use for the common species of the genus Erax are misapplied, is evident to all systematic dipterologists. Working on three faunal lists has compelled me to take up this matter, for it does not seem desirable to continue to perpetuate these discrepancies. While the following synonymy has been largely intimated by Baron Osten Sacken, and Dr. Williston, authors have failed to realize its significance. A,<n,Ius aestuans Linn6, Syst. Nat., 12 ed. 1007, 1767. Dasypogon aestuans Fabr., Syst. Antl. p. 164, 1805. Asilus macrolabis Wied., Auss. Zw. Ins., I, 458, 1828. Asilus aestuans Macq., Hist. Nat. Dipt., I, 312, 1834. Erax fernoratus Macq., Dipt. Exot., I pt. 2, p. 115, 1839 (8). Erax indsumlis Macq., Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2, p. 117, 1839 (9 ). Erax bastardi Macq., Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2, p. 117, pi. 9, f. 7, 1839 (8 Q ). Erax t-ibialis Macq., Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2, p. 118, 1839 Q . This is the most common and variable of the eastern species of Erax. It is on the other hand the only one with three white abdominal segments, therefore, it seems that the brief description of Linne can only apply to this species: "cinereus abdminw ultimis tribzis segmentis albw. Habitat Pennsylvania." The number of white segments, however, varies from three to four, the latter representing the A. macrolabis of Wiedemann. If this was constant its specific standing might not be questioned, but among the specimens before me are many intermediates in which the dorsal portion of the fourth segment is blackish leaving very broad posterior and lateral margins of white. As to Macquart's species there seems to be no question as to the synonymy.
Pu&e 16:32-13 (1939). hup Ytpsychu einclub orgtW16-012 html



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19091 JOHNSON - ERAX
ERAX RUFIBARBIS (Macquart) .
Asilus aestuans Wiedemann, Dipt. Exot. p. 200, 1820 (non Linne). Erax rufibarbis Macq., Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2, 116, 1839. The A. uestuans of Wiedemann is a very different species from what Linne described. " Rubido-fuscus, * * barba et vibrissae rufo-flavicantes, * * mare abdomi- nis segmentis duabus penultimis albis" seem only referable to the species common in late summer and early autumn, and later described by Macquart as E. rufibarbis: "Mystace rufo. Abdominis segmentis duobus apicalibus albis." Macquart noticed the discrepancy between Linne's and Wiedemann's description (Hist. Nat. Dipt., I, 312,1834) and described Linne's species, but in 1838 (Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2) he seems to have forgotten or ignored the fact and gives Wiedemann's description of E. aestuans on page 115 and on page 116 describes his E. rufibarbis. Since Dr. Williston in 1885 (Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XII, 72) referred to the above synonymy, there has been no change. As Wiedemann's name cannot be used, we are obliged to adopt the one given by Macquart.
ERAX ALBIBARBIS Macquart.
E. albiburbis Macq., Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2, 118, 1838. E. cinerescens Bellardi, Saggio Ditt. Mess., pi. 11, 39, pi. 2, f. 10, 1861. E. furax Williston, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., XII, 67, 1885. There seems to be no doubt regarding the synonymy of this common and widely distributed species, and Macquart's name will have to be adopted. ERAX INTERRUPTUS (Macquart) .
Asilus interruptus Macq., Hist. Nat. Dipt., 11, 310, 1834. Erax muculatus Macq., Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2, 11, pi. 9, f. 6, 1838. Erax lateralis Macq., Dipt. Exot., I, pt. 2, 116, 1838. Erax ambiguus Macq., Dipt. Exot., Suppl. 1, 84, 1846. Erax (Eristicus) willow 'Bellardi, Saggio, Ditt. Mess., pt. 11, 49, 1861. Neoeristicus villosus (Bellardi) Osten Sacken, Cat. Dipt. N. A., 1878, p. 81, (Note 129, p. 235.
Eristicus preoccupied).
The above synonymy is practically that given by Osten Sacken. After a careful study of the descriptions Macquart's oldest name has been given precedence.



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