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The larvae of the six British genera (Cantharis, Malthinus, Malthodes, Podabrus, Rhagonycha and Silis) of Cantharidae are described. The characters available for classification are discussed and a key to the genera is provided.

The composition and relationships of the Banchus genus-group are discussed. A key to the genera is provided and for each genus a diagnosis and notes are given. A new genus and species are described. The genus Philogalleria Cameron is revised: six species (five of them new) are recognized, described and keyed. Rhynchobanchus is newly recorded from Britain and a key is given to its European species.

Sexual dimorphism in parasitoid wasps of the family Ichneumonidae is surveyed and the problems associated with its measurement are discussed. Conclusions drawn by Hurlbutt are demonstrated to be incorrect. The significance of sexual dimorphism in ichneumonids is explored briefly.

The thirteen European genera of Diplazontinae (Hymenoptera) are keyed. Notes are given, with reference to the British fauna, on their identification, nomenclature and biology. Particular attention is paid to their associations with aphidophagous Syrphidae (Diptera). One new synonymy is established.

Ichneumonidae in the Linnaean and other collections have been critically assessed with regard to their status as type-specimens of species described by Linnaeus. The generic placements of the 56 nominal species of Ichneumonidae (54 originally in Ichneumon and two in Mutilla) described by Linnaeus are established after study of the extant type-material. Lectotypes are designated for eleven of the species and one new synonymy is established. Notes are given on the 33 species originally described by Linnaeus in Ichneumon but now placed in other families.

The history of acquisition and maintenance of the Linnaean insect collections is briefly summarized. Curatorial details (such as kinds of label) are discussed, chiefly with reference to Hymenoptera. Some misleading opinions concerning the taxonomic value of the collections and the nature of Linnaean type-material are examined and a practical approach is recommended. The rationale governing re-curation of the collections is detailed, and the present contents of the collection of Hymenoptera are listed in order to inform interested specialists.

This paper describes the development of a novel method for determination of Dextrose Equivalent of Malto-dextrins and glucose syrups. The new method uses depression of freezing point as a measure of the number of molecules in solution; Dextrose Equivalent is also a measure of the number of molecules in solution. The advantages of the cryoscopic method are its inherent rapidity (2 min per determination), its precision and the fact that previous expertise is not required.

The Hymenoptera known to be obligatory parasitoids or predators of spiders or their eggs in Europe form a rather diverse assemblage. Their biologies are briefly reviewed; known host associations are summarized for each genus; and a key is given to the genera of Hymenoptera (other than Pompilidae) involved.

The occurrence of the African ichneumonine Ctenochares bicolorus (L.) in Australia and New Zealand as a parasite of the crop pest Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esp.)/C. eriosoma (Dbd.) is reported. The advent of the species to Australasia is discussed in relation to the known distribution and host associations of the genus.

The known biology of Adelognathus, including new findings, is summarized. An illustrated key is given to the 15 species found in the British Isles. One species, A. stelfoxi, is described as new.

The name Phygadeuontinae Foerster, 1868 is chosen, from those available, for the ichneumonid subfamily known previously as the Hemitelinae, Gelinae or Cryptinae. These latter three names are incorrect under the International Code. The operation of the first reviser principle in this case is explained. Other additions and corrections to the treatment of family-group names of Ichneumonidae recently published by the same authors are also given.