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From the Library of Professor Henry F. Wickham University of Iowa Presented in 1942
595.76 W 83c
NATURAL ureTaRY ~4 q sQAe Woh yr \
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
http://www.archive.org/details/coleopterasanctOOwoll
COLEOPTERA
SANCTA-HELEN &.
T. VERNON WOLLASTON, M.A., F.LS.
LONDON: JOHN VAN VOORST, PATERNOSTER ROW.
MDCCCLXXVII.
ALERE ? FLAMMAM.
PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
6 My.42 g HF Wickam
PREFACE,
Ir is not without some hesitation that I have thought it desirable to publish in a separate volume the result of a six months’ inquiry, 7” situ, into the Coleopterous statistics of St. Helena; but the fact of our sojourn in that island having been exceptionally favourable,—apartments having been granted to us, through the kind recommendation of the Earl of Carnarvon to His Excellency the Governor, at Plantation House (the most convenient of spots for visiting the various portions of the great central ridge),—I am sanguine enough to hope that the following account, brief though it be, may embody an approximately complete summary of what still remains of one of the most charac- teristic and isolated little faunas in the world. That a good deal remains yet to be done I would not wish to deny; for the remarkable segregation of the majority of the species at St. Helena (far surpassing what I have ever witnessed else- where) renders it absolutely essential that each separate district should be carefully overhauled before the conclusions subsequently to be arrived at can be looked upon as final, and the shortness of our stay did not permit of our reaching some few localities which were both distant and difficult of access. But the constantly repeated raids (for I can find no
term more appropriate) which we were in the habit of making
Vv PREFACE.
on the more important and profitable regions, particularly those in which the aboriginal vegetation yet survives, encou- rages me to suspect that we have at any rate gleaned a suffi- ciency of the firstfruits to warrant a safe generalization on the peculiarities of the fauna ; and it is with this conviction that I offer the present catalogue,—trusting only that the time will assuredly arrive, and that at no distant epoch, when it will be both increased and /ested by the researches of future naturalists.
The recent publication by Mr. Melliss of a most praise- worthy endeavour to bring together what had already been accomplished by others on the Natural History of St. Helena, adding to it the result of his own individual labours*, relieves me from the necessity of regarding the present volume as more than a second step towards the ultimatum at which we are both of us equally anxious to arrive,—namely a tho- rough knowledge of the productions (in this especial instance, however, pertaining to the Coleoptera only) of an island which is unusually remote, and which therefore, geogra- phically considered, possesses a surpassing amount of in- terest ; and although he had the kindness to transmit to me, from time to time, for description in the English periodicals, the several species which he himself met with, I have in every instance, by referring to his lately issued work, made it quite plain which of them were due in the first instance to his researches, and which have been added subsequently by our own.
It merely remains for me to express my warmest thanks
to those who have lent me a helpmg hand in arriving at the
* Sr. HeLena: a Physical, Historical, and Topographical Description of the Island. By John Charles Melliss, A.L.C.E., F.G.S., F.LS8.— London: L. Reeve & Co, 1875.
PREFACE. v
results which are embodied in this short memoir,—and first and foremost to my old friend and fellow-collector John Gray, who was the prime instigator of our St.-Helena trip, and whose sojourn with us at Plantation during the first month of our visit was the means of adding so many novelties to our then incipient but fast-increasing list. It was owing to Mr. Gray’s devotion to the cause of natural science that I had the opportunity of exploring, in his yachts the ‘ Miranda’ and ‘Garland, now many years ago, the numerous out- lying islands of the Canarian and Cape-Verde archipelagos ; and although on this particular occasion he had no longer his own vessel in which to convey us, yet a compagnon de voyage so true to the cause, and so thoroughly experienced in the ways and means for collecting, could not fail to render his cooperation in the highest degree valuable.
The uniform courtesy which we received from His Excel- leney the Governor, H. R. Janisch, Esq., during our entire stay at St. Helena, must not remain unnoticed ; for it was to his kindness that we owed, in a large measure, the success of our expedition ; and the genuine assistance which, as a keen observer himself in the higher departments of physical inquiry, he had it in his power to render us, was never on any single occasion withheld.
Amongst our numerous friends who were ever ready to further the object of our trip, the Rev. H. Whitehead and his son claim more than a passing word of thanks ; for without the aid of the latter, at least nine of the species which are cited in the present volume would have been omitted altogether. The accurate knowledge possessed by Mr. Whitehead of the botany of the island, and his general appreciation of all that is new and interesting in the various
departments of zoology, marked him out from the first as a
vl PREFACE.
naturalist from whom we might reasonably expect to receive local information of no ordinary kind; whilst to the activity and sharp-sightedness of his son I am indebted for the exploration of several remote districts which I had neither the time nor the physical strength to visit. Indeed the Scrubwood fauna (embracing the species which are attached to that singular and viscous arborescent Composite the fast- disappearing Aster glutinosus, Roxb.) may be said to have been almost solely in the hands, hitherto, of Mr. P. White- head,—whose exertions on the Barn and elsewhere have brought to light several novelties which would otherwise have escaped my notice; and considering that he has for- warded to me many consignments since our departure from the island, I may fairly venture to hope that a few significant additions to the catalogue may even yet be made through his instrumentality.
Having already had the privilege of placing upon record, so far at least as that was practicable, the Coleopterous insects of the Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archi- pelagos, I can only hope that the St.-Helena list, although necessarily less extensive, will not be found, on the whole, to be less accurate than those which I was enabled to com-
pile in connexion with the more northern groups.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
THE extreme isolation of St. Helena—which is nearly 1200 miles from the nearest point of the African continent, 1800 from that of South America, and about 700 from even the small and barren island of Ascension—gives it a degree of importance which it would not otherwise possess; for about the faunas of remote islands cluster, in an especial manner, a variety of problems, which, although they may never be absolutely solved, may yet be brought, by a series of carefully conducted observations, within the sphere of discussion, and be made to throw some addititional light, however faint, on the general questions of geographical zoology. From whatever point of view we look at them,—and there are many which at once suggest themselves along the distinct, but ultimately converging, lines of thought,—the statistics of an oceanic rock, far removed from the ordinary effects of immigration and change, and bearing more or less of the impress which was stamped upon it by its aboriginal forms of life, have an interest about them which it is scarcely possible to overrate. How the organisms, as we now see them, came to occupy their present areas of distribution,—to what extent they are or seem to be “ related” to those of the nearest mainland,—whether there is evidence for believing that they have changed to any considerable extent, in their outward configuration, from the types of which they may be presumed by some naturalists to be the remote descendants,—or whether there is reason to suspect that the Hand which originally placed them where they are adapted
vill INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
each separate species to the conditions which it was destined to fulfil, subjecting one and all of them to a law of permanence under which they can never very materially alter,—are but a tithe of the questions which, if not capable of being answered positively, we may at least ventilate and probe, not altogether without profit, in even a small treatise like the present one; for it cannot be too care- fully borne in mind that, within the limited sphere where mere speculation (as such) seems likely to have any permanent value, it is to facts, and not to theories, that we must ultimately appeal.
The deep-sea soundings around St. Helena—no bottom haying apparently been reached, a mile and a half from the present coast, at a depth of 250 fathoms, whilst only about 60 or 70 fathoms seems to be the average depth within that sublittoral zone—may be considered perhaps to discourage at the outset, when taken in conjunction with the fact of its manifestly volcanic origin, any @ prior? idea that the island as we now view it is but the small remaining fragment of a once widely-extended land. Rather should we be inclined to sus- pect, from the evidence to which we have access, that’ the abrupt encircling ledge to which I have just called attention marked, in all probability, the outer limits of the original basaltic mass, as finally built up by successive eruptions, and which has been gradually worn away by the disintegrating action of the elements to its present slightly reduced dimensions. But, whatever be its force we will not he hampered by any such consideration even as this ; for my object in these introductory remarks is not to enter into geological pro- blems, with which I am not immediately concerned, but simply to draw such deductions from the Coleopterous data per se as appear to me to be most in accordance with the phenomena as absolutely ascertained ; and, keeping this steadily therefore in view, I shall proceed by successive approximations so far to analyze the material which has hitherto been brought to light as to make it tell, whenever that is possible, and without any undue colouring of mine, its own tale.
If we cast an eye down the catalogue as given at the close of the present volume, we shall find that the 203* species which are there recorded distribute themselves in the following proportions, under
* Only 202, it will be seen, are indicated by the numbers as given in the cata- logue. But this is merely due to the fact that one of the species (the Cossyphodes Wollastonii) was sent to me too late for insertion in its proper place in the text ; and, as I did not wish to make the numbers of the latter disagree with those of the general list, I thought it better to enter it as “39*.”
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 1X
the great primary sections into which the Coleoptera are usually supposed to be subdivided :—
UHMCHO HOTS, cob arcs cee se oe eyes ses s,8 102 IVPCTOMEAGS Ca 5s lelote oo ore ale seis el wo evs 24 ACO VEL D NER tele wes) wo Gio ciao wins cj ees sue ly; MLA AR opera 5,015). 5's 2s) Seco es we etove = 15 Heteromera ....... LAnoteisiosbe eqeuesa asin 1k RSCG COTA IRE foe ayers «oss veya Yas ais #0 10 pat NIT COCOA hs 5 ayafe-eievis) i dines ies = 14 soe 7 PRCA OERUM OTH. fo. sis,0 0 5 lo o'r sjve tee 0s if WMO PAAR a. 2 sigay. oe) elsis = «sis sige s > oi 4 12a e700 a7 EA eae a 2 WGI CORNIAS 5 tif ale! assole Sal he oie Aon 2 SPRL RO MPOTY PIA 5.0, sisih a iase sia,are o soyaye ais fs i eth CAEN YO ROB coho) o/=0 25 = sieheretale 96m ayers 0
203
From which we gather the remarkable fact, not only that the water-beetles are absolutely unrepresented, and that too in an island which affords every condition necessary for their subsistence, and in which the streams and pools must have been far more abundant formerly than now, but that the Rhynchophora (which contains the weevils) so far out-balances every other department that it numbers a little more than half of the entire Coleopterous fauna. However, since the organisms of every country are made up largely of ones which have been accidentally naturalized, and which have no real connexion with the autochthones of the soil, it follows that, in order to obtain a true estimate of the latter, we must endeavour to elimi- nate, so far as is possible, those which were manifestly introduced ; and, fortunately, to almost any experienced naturalist, who is acquainted with the modus vivendi and the respective ranges of the more or less cosmopolitan forms, this first clearing-out is seldom difficult. Thus, in the instance before us, out of the 203 species which have been brought to light at St. Helena, there are certainly 57 which we can have no doubt whatsoever must originally have been conveyed into the island through various external media, and have since established themselves. These 57 are as follows :—
Dactylosternum abdominale, Fab. Philonthus discoideus, Fab. Aleochara puberula, Klug. nigritulus, Gray. Homalota coriaria, Kvaatz. Creophilus maxillosus, Linn. Philonthus longicornis, Steph. Lithocharis ochracea, Gray.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
Lithocharis debilicornis, Woll. Oxytelus sculptus, Grav. Trogophlceus corticinus, Grav. Carpophilus dimidiatus, Fab. hemipterus, Linn. Monotoma spinicollis, Aubé, picipes, Hbst.
Trogosita mauritanica, Linn.
Leemophloeus carinulatus, Woll.
pusillus, Schon. Silvanus surinamensis, Linn. Cryptophagus badius, St. —— affinis, St.
Anommatus 12-striatus, Mull. Corticaria elongata, Gyll. Latridius nodifer, Westw. —— approximatus, Woll. Mycetzea hirta, Gyll. Typha fumata, Linn. Dermestes cadaverinus, Fab. vulpinus, Fab. Attagenus gloriose, Fab. Saprinus bicolor, Fab. Aphodius granarius, Linn. lividus, Oliv.
Corynetes rufipes, Fab. Gibbium scotias, Fab. Anobium velatum, Woll. —— paniceum, Linn. domesticum, Foure. Rhizopertha bifoveolata, Woll. —— pusilla, Fab.
Hylurgus ligniperda, Fab. Phlceophagus zeneopiceus, Bohm. Calandra oryze, Linn. Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Fab. Sitona lineatus, Linn. Arzocerus fasciculatus, De G. Bruchus rufobrunneus, Woll. —— advena, Woll. Curtomerus pilicornis, Fab. Coptus bidens, Fab. Sericoderus lateralis, Gyll. Orthoperus atomarius, Heer. Alphitobius diaperinus, Kugel. piceus, Oliv. Gnathocerus cornutus, Fab. Tribolium ferrugineum, Fab. Tenebrio obscurus, Fab.
Now I would wish this list to be very carefully scrutinized,
thynchophora Geodephaga Brachelytra Heteromera
Lamellicornia........
Pseudotrimera
(elo) « (etc (0. ©
ceo O1deo to
because I am satisfied that there is not a single species amongst the whole 57 which has the slightest claim to be regarded as primevally St.-Helenian ; indeed the majority of them are well-nigh cosmopo- litan, following in the track of man, and such as figure in the fauna of nearly every civilized country, and we may therefore safely remove them from the general catalogue. this, and then see whether the relative proportions of the various departments (as represented by the 146 species which remain) are affected to any considerable extent.
Let us consequently do
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. XI
133 BRCLOO RGM R ie cc iyaye ones dae ote ys oe 4 PrpenyiO Plea case chee, Suc inka oean oe'st Salle whe 4 RROC OR ALAN faye weiss fists ose yea Aleie 3 PREC OCT Y RIA) (fo is pausiaysiwreabe sd catin,<beleiees 1 PE ed ATT as sca in.2 olagoia ate ine, oxtavelaois 2 1 MOOT ACO taste os) sn 4. ania AED aloes mss 0 PTAA PRAGA, sons. o's + ocsssy0; ox eistshsisis ahc ins 0
146
Here, then, in this second approximation to what we are com- pelled to regard as representing (at the present time) the aboriginal fauna, the results are even still more pronounced ; for whilst the Longicorns have, like the water-beetles, been reduced to zero, the weevils, on the other hand, head the catalogue to an extent even greater (relatively) than before,—numbering about two-thirds of the whole Coleopterous population.
There are however 17 species (three of them Rhynchophora) which we may be almost certain were, in the first instance, brought acci- dentally into the island,—four indeed (Cyclonotum dytiscoides, Fab., Aspidomorpha miliaris, Fab., Epilachna chrysomelina, Fab., and Cydonia vicinia, Muls.) possessing but slender claims for having ever been found at St. Helena at all; and, although I have given them in the above enumeration the advantage of the doubt, I cannot but feel that their true right to represent any portion of the quon- dam fauna is infinitesimally small. They are as follows :—
Pristonychus complanatus, De}. Tomicus zeemulus, Woll. Cyclonotum dytiscoides, Fab. Stenoscelis hylastoides, Woll. Philonthus turbidus, Erich. Sciobius subnodosus, Woll. Cossyphodes Wollastonii, West. Aspidomorpha miliaris, Fab. Cryptamorpha muse, Woll. Chilomenes vicina, Muls. Tribalus 4-striatus, Woll. Thea variegata, Fab.
Trox Whiteheadii, Woll. Epilachna chrysomelina, Fab. Adoretus versutus, Har. Zophobas concolor, Woll.
Heteronychus arator, Fab.
I think, therefore, that we may safely remove these 17 members also of the present fauna, as having no connexion with the aboriginal one; and the 129 which are then left, and which there is every reason to suspect are the veritable descendants of the “* autochthones of the soil,” distribute themselves thus :—
Xll INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
Rhynchophora: <.7s:2 5.1). ctiee eee se 91 Geodephagan.\ .s «xc s!s sos cements 14 Heteromert:. «ias2 <iswte si ae ere ete 6 Brachelytea i... sis... bos ees ht eee 6 Livy (o(2ir 12) Aree AS OE Ao obo 3 Phytophaga, . .dins.es «600 cece eee 5 Hamelicornia.s s.2)25\. s~ nisi< 5 ane ac eee 2 Psendothimera, <2... 0c sawn. Aone Sa 2 EBiGhOPteryeway sic... Seif iene heat 1 Wecrophaea, <.c<.- 2-6 ce ones ae eee I ‘Philbydridal 220 eee ee eet, 0 TOM TCOFMIA: YA1s [Vid osete ns Sacle sete hae ae 0 Hydradephagaiy «ciate ike lenin. Hitec 0
129
Now, although it is undeniable that these 129 species are but a small assortment as compared with the 203 which have been enume- rated in the present volume, and which presumably exist (or have lately existed) in the island, yet, if our speculations concerning the character of the aboriginal fauna are to be worth the paper on which they are written, it is evident that we must remove, first of all, those more or less cosmopolitan organisms which (whether by indirect human agencies or not) have manifestly been introduced. For even if any degree of doubt should still attach to a few of these 129 which ultimately remain (and I think that the evidence for each of them is too decisive to admit of much uncertainty), it is nevertheless so small as to be practically inappreciable ; and our conclusions from a reduced number which has been well sifted and carefully ascertained are more likely to be reliable than those which we might attempt to deduce from a much greater medley of unsorted, equi- vocal, and recently naturalized forms. Indeed it has often seemed to me that the arguments of many naturalists on so-called “ geogra- phical distribution ” have been much invalidated by the fact of these promiscuous (and utterly wameaning) species not having been suffi- ciently eliminated before their ultimate comments have been given to the world ; for organisms, the presence of which in any country is clearly due to fortuitous circumstances of a comparatively recent date, can possess no kind of significance, nor have any claim to be looked upon as “ aboriginal ;” and I may further add that they can seldom be confounded by any experienced naturalist with the “ auto- chthones of the soil.”
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. * xi
The faunas of remote oceanic islands are never very extensive,— being characterized to a greater or less degree by gaps, or omissions, oceasioned by the absence of certain well-known types with which we are elsewhere familiar. St. Helena, as might indeed be antici- pated from the remoteness of its position, offers’no exception to this rule, but quite the reverse,—whole families and departments, which we are accustomed to regard as well-nigh cosmopolitan, having not so much as a solitary witness ; and if we accept the 129 species to which I have just called attention, as shadowing forth (by what is still left) the original beetle population, we shall observe that all the water-loving tribes (whether Hydradephaga or Philhydrida) and the vast group of Longicorns have not an exponent, whilst even the Lamellicorns and Necrophaga, so universally distributed over the world, are all but absent. Indeed the section of the weevils is the only one which is well represented; and that, considering the smallness of the area to which it pertains, is unduly expressed,— numbering nearly three-fourths of the entire Coleopterous fauna!
However, we must approach the subject a little nearer even yet, and see if the numerous members of the Rhynchophora, which are strictly indigenous (amounting to no less than 91), divulge any- thing that is remarkable, and supply evidence for legitimate conclu- sions. Again referring to the catalogue, we shall find that they distribute themselves, under four distinct families, thus :—
AE GSTS CO oe iat ene Rha is lass ov alobsilsveeas olf 54 Tifhaiy Slang a0 |e ee 10 MTC TVD ECON vo reee 2! clshclc 3 siess onc «800% lL PRUUMEI UO eter fee Gye ns tele ae ae ele 26
91
Thus, with the exception of a single insignificant little Trachy- phlceid and ten members of the Tanyrhynchide (which in their mere habits are scarcely separable from the Cossonide), the whole of these 91 exponents of the Ehynchophora are either Cossonids or An- thribids,—the latter numbering 26 species, and the former 54! Here, then, is a point on which it may be worth while, for a few moments, to dwell. A minute island, which has been almost cleared of its native timber (said to have been once luxuriant), and which presents, except in a few favoured districts in the interior and on the summits (and inaccessible slopes) of the high central ridge, scarcely more than a blackened mass of basaltic rock and hardened
X1V INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
voleanie mud, is nevertheless more richly stocked, even now, with wood-boring weevils and foliage-loving Anthribids than probably any other spot of equal area (whether insular or continental) in the world! In England, for example, out of a Coleopterous fauna numbering more than 3000 members, nine only belong to the Cossonide ; whilst at St. Helena (where we will, for the moment, take the modern list as more truly representing the present English one), out of 203 exponents of the Coleoptera, 54 (or considerably more than a quarter) are included in that particular family !
There have been some writers on the island who haye not thought it beneath them to scoff at the old records which tell us, as plainly as words can be made to tell, of forests and rank herbage covering whole tracts of mountain-slopes, and upland plains, which have sub- sequently been reduced to comparative desolation,—converted gra- dually by troops of hungry goats and the still more vicious practice of the inhabitants of permitting the indigenous trees to be chopped down ruthlessly for fuel, into a chaos of scoriz ; but to my mind no more damaging paraphrase could be suggested on the dicta of these amiable critics than the ascertained fact that a mere ‘“ cinder- heap” happens nevertheless to be more copiously supplied with lignivorous and yvegetation-loving types than perhaps any similar- sized area in the world. One author indeed, after throwing dis- eredit on the positive assertions of the late Governor Beatson, thus sarcastically delivers himself :—‘* [t may also occur to an impartial observer that the site once so prolific is now little more than bare rock; that there is scarcely sufficient soil on any part of it to nourish or support anything less satisfied on such points than a prickly pear; and the question arises most naturally,—What has become of the soil that such a forest must have had for its roots’? *” I wonder it should never have occurred to him that when once the trees had been destroyed, and the long-continued nibbling of the goats had sueceeded in annihilating every fresh sapling as it made its appearance, even the roots would at. last perish ; under which circumstances the soil (being no longer held together as before) would be gradually washed away by the violence of the tropical rains,—leaving the faces of the rock to a great extent, and in places sufficiently steep, bare and exposed. Indeed this binding power of roots is illustrated to a demonstration, even at the present day, on
* Saint Hevena; by a Bird of Passage, [p. 55]. London Houlston & Wright, 1865.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. XV
the high central ridge, where almost perpendicular precipices in the most tempestuous and weather-beaten spots are able to retain upon them sufficient soil to nourish a most profuse herbage and perfectly gigantic examples of the various arborescent Composite. But once cut down the trees (were it possible to get at them, which happily it is not), and turn in the goats for a few generations to nibble every thing to the ground which had the power of germinating, and what would be the result? Simply that even the roots would slowly decay and the soil be gradually washed down, leaving abrupt declivities and the denuded faces of basaltic dykes, where only a century before there was (as now) a dense and well-nigh unbroken forest of cabbage-trees and asters. I do not see, therefore, that it evinces any wonderful amount of acumen to disbelieve records, plainly stated and given to us in all good faith, simply because the present aspect of the country has so altered that we cannot under- stand how they should be true; but, on the contrary, I will further declare that, even had no such records ever existed at all, the redundancy at St. Helena of the wood-infesting and herbage-loving forms of life, added to the extreme scarcity of the Heteromerous ones, would of itself have suggested to my mind aw island of wood and verdure in terms so unequivocal that it is quite impossible to mistake them.
It may, however, be urged that the exponents of the Rhynchophora are everywhere phytophagous in their modes of life, and point to the presence of herbage (in some shape or other), but not more so at St. Helena than in other countries ; to which I would reply that a perfectly overwhelming majority of the St.-Helenian Rhynchophora are over and above what may be called mere attendants on vegeta- tion; they are essentially wood-borers. Comparatively few of the Cossonide ever attach themselves to herbaceous plants; and although a certain number occur within the rotten stems of the larger ferns and the pithy branches of low-growing shrubs, by far the greater mass reside beneath the bark of trees, requiring solid timber for their subsistence ; and we may safely assert that uo country which is so anomalously crowded as St. Helena is with Cossonids could be (or could have been) otherwise, in the main, than a land of wood. But, apart from this consideration, even the ordinary herbage-loving weevils (which the St.-Helenian Rhynchophora are not), when developed to an ewcess, would imply at any rate a corresponding redundancy of vegetation to nourish them; and as this cannot be
XV1 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
said to have any existence now in the island, a totally different state of things from what we at present recognize is, even from this lower (and less accurate) point of view, imperatively demanded. But the complete overplus of the Rhynchophora, in conjunction with the fact that an absolutely astounding proportion of them are wood- borers, form, when taken together, the basis for an argument which is, to my mind at least, irresistible *.
Perhaps a word or two may be said, in this particular place, about the Anthribids, which are so characteristic of St. Helena, and which constitute so important an item (in fact the most important next to the Cossonid@) in the Coleopterous fauna. Although pro- bably lignivorous in their earlier stages, the Anthribide cannot be defined as, in any sense, wood-borers. They occur essentially upon foliage, or adhering to dead trunks and sticks, to which their rather broadly expanded feet give them a considerable power of clinging. But it so happens that nearly the whole of them at St. Helena (and they number no less than 26 species, indeed almost certainly more) are attached either to the numerous arborescent Composite or else to the tree ferns ; for if a few, which are more plastic in their nature, have been able, like some of the Cossonide, to adapt themselves, since the complete destruction in certain districts of the indigenous timber, to other trees, it is quite manifest that they are normally attendant on the strictly endemic vegetation. So that while the Cossonids tell distinctly of a more or less wooded land (their per- fectly prodigious development implying, in all probability, a very wooded one), the Anthribids take up the story, and show by their extraordinary numbers and variety of structure how that they occu- pied the place of the Phytophaga (a section which is itself but feebly expressed) amongst the native foliage—whether of trees or Crypto- gams. And we might therefore picture St. Helena, in the remote past, as a densely-wooded island, in which the Cossonids and Anthribids did the work of destruction amongst the tree ferns and Composite, on a gigantic scale, unaided by the Longicorn tribes—but where the streams and poois, far more copious than now, had no water-loving forms to tenant them, and where nearly every other
* IT would wish it to be observed that in the above remarks I have even understated the case rather than otherwise ; for the ten members of the Tany- rhynchideé have precisely the same /ignivorous habits as the Cossonids ; so that every truly aboriginal exponent of the St.-Helenian Rhynchophora, with the exception of the little Trachyphlawosoma setosum, tells the same tale,—that of a once wooded !and.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. Xvi
primary division of the Coleoptera, except perhaps the Geodephaga (which had the great Haplothorax as its most gigantic exponent, and a group of very anomalous Bembidia on the damp and reeking summits of the central ridge), was but faintly shadowed forth. A few Heteromera indeed inhabited the drier and more barren districts ; but we have no evidence of the multitude of familiar types which are more or less present in nearly every continental land. Considering how greatly the island has deteriorated since the well- nigh complete destruction of its native trees, there can be little doubt that many an aboriginal link of the Coleopterous chain, which was not able to adapt itself to the altered circumstances of the country, must have perished; and it will probably therefore be said that the above analysis does not convey a true idea of the primeval organisms. But, as regards the question of extinction or non-extinction, | would wish to observe that all the departments would have an equal chance of suffering alike, and that we have no right therefore to argue from the fact of one of them being still largely represented that it did not take its share in the general catastrophe which overwhelmed the rest. Indeed in this particular instance the presumption is altogether the other way ; for seeing that it was by the wholesale rooting-out of the indigenous vegetation that the local influences were altered for the worse, it would certainly seem to follow that the phytophagous forms are the ones which would feel the consequences most severely ; whereas they are the very types which are now present to an abso- lute excess. My own belief is that they did suffer, and, beyond all doubt, most of all, and that their exaggerated numbers even now would simply imply that there was a still greater redundancy of them aboriginally, and that the further we go back into the past the stronger would be our case as regards the unusual dominance of those particular aspects of Coleopterous life. Indeed, when we bear in mind that the whole of them would seem to have been attached, in the first instance, to the endemic trees and shrubs, it is impossible to resist the conviction that the total disappearance of the native ebony (Melhania melanodendron, Ait.) and the all but annihilation of the redwood (Melhania erythroaylon, Ait.), the Psiadia rotundi- folia, Hk. f., and the island boxwood (Mellissia begonicefolia, Hk. f.) must have resulted in the wiping-out of many a lignivorous organism which was once abundant ; whilst the fast-disappearing asters and gumwoods, around which a whole troup of Cossonids may be said to cluster, tell a tale of what a few more generations may accomplish,— b
XVill INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
unless the inhabitants should become sufficiently alive, even yet, to their own interests (which, however, I can scarcely venture to anticipate) to put a stop to the pernicious practice of destruction which has already reduced a considerable portion of the island to a well-nigh hopeless state of arid and chaotic sterility *.
Tf now we turn from the general character of the aboriginal fauna of St. Helena to the consideration of its (so-called) ‘‘ origin” and the questions attendant on geographical distribution, much greater diffi- culties present themselves, and the whole subject seems to be shrouded in mystery. Were I content to take the 203 members of the cata- logue, as given at the close of this volume, and simply to calculate what proportion of them have been cited from Southern Africa, and what from the more northern archipelagos of the Atlantic, nothing would be easier than to tabulate the results, and, indeed, to make them support any theory on the subject that I might wish to favour. But then they would be absolutely worthless ; added to which, I have no theory, a priori, to uphold. My convictions have already been urged that the well-nigh cosmopolitan forms which are
* There is just one point on which I may here adda few words. I have more than once been told, by residents in the island, that the aboriginal trees with which St. Helena was more or less clothed at the period of its discovery were of so “useless a kind” that there was no reason why they should be preserved. But, whilst demurring to this wholesale argument (for the native ebony and red- wood supplied timber of no ordinary character, and even the gumwood was found to be of service in other ways), I would simply answer that it is not so much for the sake of the trees themselves that I am pleading as for the conditions of the country which their presence in large masses could not fail to imply; for where forests exist (and no forests, in any region, are equal to those of nature’s own planting), there a/so exists, inevitably, moisture ; and without moisture, and well-filled streams, what are the chances of successful cultivation? Nor can it be urged that the tracts were required for the purposes of agricuiture; for I have already shown how a perfect jungle may flourish on an inaccessible mountain-slope and the well-nigh perpendicular edges of ravines which never could be utilized by human industry, but where a copious supply of trees and under-verdure, well protected from the goats and other nuisances, would ensure that humidity which is so essential to the well-being of any country, more par- ticularly a tropical one. The light and friable soil which a mass of herbage will slowly but steadily accumulate in the course of a few centuries, and which be- comes thicker and more persistent as time goes on, would be held together, a situ, as above mentioned, so long as the vegetation is leit untouched; but when the latter has been so far tampered with that the roots and fibres perish, and there is no foliage left to break the violence of the tropical rains when falling upon the ground, the soil will be gradually washed down into the river-beds below and be carried bodily away. And as for the mere imported trees sup- plying, in any sense whatever, the place of the aboriginal ones, I will leave it to the admirers of “ Port-Jackson willows” and diseased stunted pinasters (both of which act as a rank poison to whatever might attempt to germinate beneath them) to judge for themselves.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. x1x
liable to constant introduction almost everywhere through indirect human agencies, and which have become dispersed (in consequence) over a large area of the civilized world, have no claim to constitute even an element in the great problems of geographical distribution, for they are simply meaningless; and until these, therefore, have been carefully expunged, I cannot but think that it would be a mere waste of labour to work out conclusions which would not only lack value but be even misleading. Such species as those to which I now allude figure in the faunas of nearly every civilized country which has been properly investigated; and therefore to build up high- wrought theories of “ geographical distribution ” on account of their presence, seems to me to border closely on the ridiculous. They are transmitted, and retransmitted, across the ocean, along with various articles of commerce and merchandise, over and over again, following in the track of man; and where consignments of plants and trees have, as at St. Helena, to be taken likewise into account, the most significant perhaps of all the methods of accidental dissemination must be conscientiously allowed for. I feel satisfied, therefore, that such organisms should be removed boldly and without com- promise, if we are to arrive at an accurate judgment concerning the character of a primeval fauna, and to attempt after-deductions on the still more doubtful question of its “origin.” But, unfor- tunately, in the case of St. Helena, if we do this, it appears to me that we cannot stop short of the two eliminations to which I have already subjected the list, and which reduce the latter to the 129 species to which attention has been called at p. xii of the present “Introductory Remarks.”
Here, then, if the above observations be assented to, is our first difficulty ; for the whole of the 129 species to which I have just alluded are, with a single exception (the Chilomenes lunata, Fab.), absolutely pecudiar to St. Helena, so that the question of geographical distribution would seem to be well-nigh “nipped in the bud.” Moreover, from all that I know of the South-African Coleoptera (and I have inspected a considerable amount of material which has been sent from the Cape Colony, to say nothing of a most interesting collection of nearly 400 species which was amassed there by Mr. Gray since his departure from us in St. Helena, and a fair sample, which has lately been placed in my hands by B. Gregory, Esq., of H.M.S. ‘Spiteful,’ even from the Congo country and Angola), it has almost nothing in common with these 129 aboriginal St.-Helenians, which
XxX INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
stand out singly, as it were, and alone, related more or less inter se, but unrelated, for the most part, to any recognized continental forms. It is true that two of the most significant of the Rhynchophorous types—namely Nesiotes (of the Tanyrhynchide), and Acarodes (of the Anthribidew)—are allied conspicuously to Echinosoma and Xenor- chestes of the Madeiran archipelago; but if any more successful generalizer than myself can develop much from these points of quasi-contact, he is quite welcome to the result. So far as I can understand the evidence before me, any unprejudiced inquiry into the “origin” (as usually understood by that term) of these St.- Helenian Coleoptera, does not elicit, in reply, so much as eyen an echo ; for not only are they endemic (in the strictest sense of the word), but an overwhelming majority of them are attached (or were so originally) to trees and shrubs which would seem to exist nowhere in the world except on this remote rock, 1200 miles from the nearest point of the African coast, surrounded by an all but unfathomable ocean, and which has every appearance of having been piled-up by successive eruptions into a basaltic mass at no period very consider- ably larger than that which we now see. ‘‘ Whence, then, came its fauna and flora” are enigmas which I cannot presume to answer on any known principles of derivation and descent. ‘To a mind which, like my own, can accept the doctrine of creative acts as not neces- sarily “ unphilosophical,” the mysteries, however great, become at least conceivable; but those which are not able to do this may perhaps succeed in elaborating some special theory of their own, which, even if it does not satisfy all the requirements of the problem, may at least prove convincing to themselves. The St.-Helena fauna cannot, I think, be said to have had much light yet thrown upon it as regards its actual ‘“ origin” (except perhaps in so far as my indi- vidual opinions on the subject may be accepted by others who are predisposed to receive them); but its primtive (or at all events remote) state is another matter, and appears to be capable of some real elucidation from the facts to which we have access.
As regards the earliest diagnoses of the St.-Helena Coleoptera, the first indication of any thing from the island was in 1775, when six species, from the collection of the late Sir Joseph Banks and supposed to be St.-Helenian, were described in the ‘ Systema Entomologie’ by Fabricius. I may here repeat, however, what I have already urged under each of these species separately, that I have the gravest doubts
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. XX1
as to whether they ever were received from St. Helena at all. In- deed one of them, the South-European Cryptocephalus (or Macrolenes) ruficollis, was so glaringly confused as regards its habitat even by Fabricius himself, that I have rejected it altogether from the tewt of this catalogue as having been cited on evidence which was untrust- worthy and insufficient ; and perhaps it would have been more con- sistent had I omitted, in like manner, the Spheridium (i. e. Cyclo- notum) dytiscoides (which was probably taken at the Cape of Good Hope), the (East-Indian) Cassida (i.e. Aspidomorpha) miliaris, and the (Mediterranean) Coccinella (i.e. Epilachna) chrysomelina. Still, as there was at any rate something to be said for each of these species, I have given them the advantage of the doubt. The two other members of this equivocal little lot from the Banksian cabinet are the cosmo- politan Dermestes cadaverinus (which I have admitted, on the prin- ciple that it is one of those forms which might be found almost any- where), and the Chilomenes lunata, which is the universal ladybird of the island. Still, with respect to even these, I would wish to observe that, since the latter possesses a wide geographical range, occurring inter alia from Senegal to the most southern point of Africa, it is far from unlikely that they also may in reality have been obtained elsewhere, and that so the whole six of this Fabrician batch were incorrectly quoted as to the country from whence they had come. It is more natural, however, to believe that at any rate some of them were truly taken at St. Helena; and certainly the most probable ones to have been found there are the common Chilomenes lunata, and the Dermestes cadaverinus, liable as it is to importation throughout the civilized world, and which has established itself in vast numbers at Ascension.
The next publication, so far as I am aware, of any thing St.- Helenian was in 1836, when Chevrolat enunciated the locally- important genus Microaylobius, in the first volume of the ‘ Transac- tions of the Entomological Society of London’ (p. 98), from the then (and stil) unique little Cossonid, well figured by Westwood, to which he gave the name of M. Westwoodii.
In 1838 the Rey. F. W. Hope, in the second volume of the Entomological Society’s ‘ Transactions,’ described a Calosoma, which had been captured in the island by Mr. Darwin, under the title of C. helene. This is the universal Calosoma of St. Helena,—an eeneous state of which (taken by the late Mr. Bewicke) I inadvertently enun- ciated in 1861, under the name of C. haligena, as a separate species.
XxXil INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
In 1841 that large and singular Carabid the Haplothoraw Bur- chellii, which had been discovered by the African traveller Dr. Burchell, was published by Mr. Waterhouse in the third volume (p. 207) of the ‘ Transactions of the Entomological Society.’
In 1853 the previously-enunciated Scarabeus (i. e. Heteronychus) arator, of Fabricius, which abounds at the Cape of Good Hope, and which probably had been introduced into the island from thence, perhaps along with cattle, was redescribed by Blanchard as the H. Sancte-Helene (and therefore first placed on record as St.-Helenian), in the entomological portion of Dumont d’Urville’s ‘ Voyage au Pole Sud sur les Corvettes l’Astrolabe et la Zélée’ (iv. 105, pl. 7. f. 6).
In 1859 Candéze, in the second volume of his ‘Mon. Elat.’ (p. 409), published one of the two St.-Helenian Elaterids, as a member of Leconte’s genus Anchastus, under the title of A. atlanticus; and in the same year (1859) Boheman defined (Res. Eugen. 141) one of the largest, but most abundant, of the indigenous Cossonids, under the name of Acanthomerus armatus—a species which was redescribed by myself, three years afterwards, as the Microwylobius Chevrolatit.
In 1861 nine new species, which had been detected in the island during the previous year by the late Mr. Bewicke of Madeira, were characterized (and others, already known, enumerated) by myself, in the first volume (pp. 186 et seq.) of the ‘ Journal of Entomology.’ These nine additions to the then meagre catalogue were as follows:— Microxylobius lucifugus and lacertosus, Acanthomerus conicollis and terebrans, Nesiotes squamosus, Notiovenus Bewickii and rufopictus, Longitarsus helene, and Opatrum hadroides. And, apart from these, Mr. Bewicke met with the widely-spread Pristonychus complanatus, Dej., which was consequently first introduced by him into the St.-Helena fauna.
In 1869 and 1871 thirty-four novelties were described by myself in the ‘ Annals of Natural History,’ from material which had been collected by Mr. Melliss, and which he had kindly intrusted to me for publication. The consignments which contained these numerous additions to the list (besides some of the species which had already been placed upon record, and thirty-nine others which were known elsewhere but had not before been observed in the island) were, as 1 need scarcely remark, the largest and most important batches which had ever been transmitted from St. Helena; and, when taken in conjunction with the assurance of Mr. G. R. Crotch in 1872 that he
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
XXlil
possessed examples of the African Chilomenes vicina, Muls., which were unquestionably St.-Helenian, it enabled me to compile a cata- logue of 96 species, as the first instalment of what I had every reason to hope would prove eventually to be a tolerably correct Coleopterous fauna of the island. The 34 noveltics with which Mr. Melliss was thus enabled to enrich the list are as follows—
Bembidium Mellissii, Xantholinus morio, Oxytelus alutaceifrons, nitidifrons, Cryptophagus gracilipes, ‘ Tribalus 4-striatus, Mellissius eudoxus,
—— adumbratus,
Anobium confertum, Tomicus zmulus, Microxylobius dimidiatus, —— vestitus, Acanthomerus monilicornis, —— debilis,
angustus,
obliteratus, Lamprochrus cossonoides,
Pseudomesoxenus subceecus, Nesiotes horridus, asperatus, Trachyphlceosoma setosum, Sciobius subnodosus, Notioxenus alutaceus,
——- dimidiatus,
ferrugineus, Homeeodera pygmea, rotundipennis, alutaceicollis, —— corlacea, Bruchus rufobrunneus, advena, Longitarsus Mellissii, Zophobas concolor, Mordella Mellissiana ;
whilst the 39 due to his researches, which were well known, but which had not before been registered as St.-Helenian, are these—
Dactylosternum abdominale, Fab. Homalota coriaria, Kraatz. Creophilus maxillosus, Linn, Anobium velatum, Woll. paniceum, Linn.
—— domesticum, Fourcr. Philonthus longicornis, Steph. Carpophilus hemipterus, Linn. dimidiatus, Fab. Trogosita mauritanica, Linn. Lemophleeus pusillus, Schon. Silvanus surinamensis, Linn. Cryptamorpha mus, Woll. Cryptophagus badius, St. —— affinis, St.
Mycetzea hirta, Gyll.
Typheea fumata, Linn. Dermestes vulpinus, Fab. Attagenus gloriose, Fab, Saprinus bicolor, Fab. Aphodius lividus, Oliv. Adoretus versutus, Har, Corynetes rufipes, Fab. Gibbium scotias, Fab. Rhizopertha bifoveolata, Woll. —— pusilla, Fab.
Hylurgus ligniperda, Fab. Stenoscelis hylastoides, Woll. Calandra oryze, Linn. Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Fab. Areacerus fasciculatus, De G. Curtomerus pilicornis, Steph.
XXiV INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
Coptops bidens, Fab. Gnathocerus cornutus, Fab. Thea variegata, Fab. Tribolium ferrugineum, Fab. Alphitobius diaperinus, Kugel. Tenebrio obscurus, Fab.
piceus, Oliv.
The above statistics of the Coleopterous fauna of St. Helena I believe to embody what was exactly true up to the date of our arrival, on the 4th of September 1875. Having had some experience in the extreme poverty of oceanic islands, particularly those which are small and unusually remote, I did not anticipate even at first that we should more than perhaps double the number of the species which were already placed on record; yet, considering how large a proportion of the 96 which had then been ascertained to occur were more or less cosmopolitan ones, introduced either through the medium of commerce or else along with consignments of plants, I undoubtedly felt that so isolated and curious a flora as that of St. Helena, although rapidly becoming extinct, ought certainly to have, even yet, a suffi- “cient train of Coleopterous attendants to enable us to extend the catalogue to at least 200 members. And, moreover, I had published my conviction, over and over again, that the principal groups which were destined to figure in the fauna, and that too (in all probability) to an anomalous extent, were the Cossonideous ones around Micro- wylobius and the Anthribideous ones which are embraced in my two genera Notiowenus and Homeodera. How far these predictions have been verified a single glance at the list as it now stands will show; for whilst the entire species have been increased from 96 to 203, the Cossonids have risen from 15 to 56, and the Anthribids from 10 to 27. And yet, in spite of this, I do not believe that we have even now by any means exhausted those particular types of Coleopterous life, but that future explorations will tend still to augment them— if not considerably, at any rate to an appreciable extent; for the extravagance of the external contour of some of them speaks (at all events to my mind) of links, either present or past, which are to a certain extent intermediate,—some few of which can scarcely fail to linger on, in various distant spots, more or less difficult of access, which our six months’ sojourn in the island did not suffice for us to investigate. Indeed, although by far the most extensively represented, the arborescent Composite are not the only trees which have a fauna of their own; there is that of the tree ferns and of the Diplazium, which (although restricted) seems to be of surpassing interest, and even that of the Solanaceous Mellissia begoniefolia (or native *‘ box-
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. XXV
wood”), which, however small, is by no means to be despised. Then, the Frankenia portulacefolia—a peculiar and wiry little shrub which bears the local appellation of ‘‘ the St.-Helena tea,” and which still exists, I believe, on Sandy-Bay Barn—has not been so much as glanced at; whilst there is every reason to suspect that the island ‘ebony ” and “ redwood ” must have nourished many a lignivorous and foliage-loving parasite which, since the unfortunate annihilation of those interesting members of the vegetable kingdom, has been wholly exterminated,—numbered now amongst the organisms of the past. Whether the unique but insignificant Microrylobius West- woodi, which eluded our researches altogether, belongs in reality to the list of recently extinguished forms, is a problem which has yet to be solved.
I may just add, that in the catalogue which I have given at the end of this volume the names of those species which I have every reason to suspect may have belonged to the aboriginal fauna of the island are printed in italics.
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COLEOPTERA SANCTA-HELEN A
Sectio 1. GEODEPHAGA.
Fam. 1. CARABIDA.
Genus 1. HAPLOTHORAX. Waterhouse, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. iii. 207 [script. Aplothorax] (1841).
1. Haplothorax Burchellii.
H. g ovato-elongatus, ater, nitidus; capite prothoraceque elongatis et subtilissime inequaliter punctulatis, hoe ante medium facile rotundato, postice paulum angustiore, angulis posticis obtusis ; elytris valde elongato-ovatis (antice gradatim conspicue angusti- oribus), depressiusculis, pone scutellum transversim impressis, sutura (preesertim pone medium) subcarinulato-elevata, dense punctato- (aut subcrenato-) striatis, interstitiis parum elevatis et leviter transversim imbricatis; antennis pedibusque valde elon- gatis, illarum articulis ulterioribus fuscescentioribus ac magis pu- bescentibus ; tibiis posterioribus obsolete subflexuosis, intermediis versus apicem extus et intus, sed posticis per partem longiorem intus, fulvo-pilosis ; tarsis longissimis, anticis subtus fulvo-setosis.
© subopaca; prothorace sensim breviore et magis cordato, sc. antice subito latiore et postice magis angustato, ad latera subar- gutius filo-marginato, angulis posticis vix minus rotundatis; elytris minutius punctato-striatis sed interstitiis grossius distinctiusque transversim imbricato-rugatis, imbricationibus—e. g. in interstitiis 3'° et 7™° (angustioribus) et preesertim in 11™° (latiore)—in tuber- cula seepe transientibus; tibiis posterioribus rectis et solum in parte brevi externa (ante angulum externum) intermediarum breviter fulvo-pubescentibus.
Long. corp. lin. 14-15.
Aplothorax Burchellii, Waterh., 7. c. pl. 12. f. 1 (1841). Haplothorax Burchellii, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 303 (1869). , Melliss, St. Hel. 187, pl. 23. f. 1 (1875).
Habitat sub lapidibus in aridis subeditioribus, versus borealem in- sul; rarissimus.
B
2 CARABID.
This noble Carabideous insect is the largest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera which has hitherto been detected; and there cannot be the slightest question that it is one of the most strictly aboriginal members of the fauna. At some remote period it may very possibly have been abundant; but at the present time it is, without doubt, of extreme rarity,—appearing, moreover, to be confined to the northern division of the island, about the plains of Longwood and Deadwood (once a dense forest of the fast-disappearing Commidendron robustum, DC.), as well as on the arid and weather-beaten slopes of Flagstaff Hill. It is highly probable that our researches for the Haplothorax were not pursued at the proper season of the year ; but we were totally unable to meet with more than its dead and mutilated remains,— which, however, were far from uncommon beneath large stones, on (and near) the extreme summit of Flagstaff, where the broken frag- ments have likewise been found by Mr. N. Janisch and Mr. P. Whitehead. Indeed, so numerous occasionally are the portions of this fine Carabid at some distance below the surface of the parched and dusty soil, beneath the detached masses of the scoriaceous basalt, that it has been suggested by Mr. P. Whitehead that they may perhaps have been carried thither by the field-mice, within what certainly appeared to be the holes of which they seemed to have mysteriously accumulated ; and I cannot but think that this explanation of a problem which might otherwise have been difficult is by no means an unlikely one.
In his original diagnosis of the insect, Mr. Waterhouse did not appear to be aware of the superficial characters which render the sexes of the H. Burchellii so dissimilar from each other that at first sight they might well-nigh be mistaken for separate species. Although I possess the mere remains only of what I conclude to be the female, yet I think there can be so little doubt that it zs (truly) the female sex of the H. Burchellii, and not an additional closely- allied member of the same group, that I have had no hesitation in treating it as such; so that, asswming my conjecture to be a correct one, I may just mention that that sex differs from the male in being opaque (instead of shining), in having its prothorax a little shorter and more cordate (it being more suddenly widened in front, and therefore more narrowed behind), in its elytra being more minutely punctate-striate (both the punctures and the striz being very much finer), but with their interstices, on the other hand, more coarsely and roughly imbricated, and in its four posterior tibiz being straighter
CARABID. 3
and (if we except a comparatively short space on the outer edge of the intermediate pair at some distance from the angle) apparently free from the fringes of fulvescent sete which are so conspicuous in the male,—not only on the inside and outside of the middle ones, but on the inside of the hinder pair also. These tibial fringes are curiously suggestive of what is so marked a feature in certain of the Canarian and Madeiran Calathi. —
Genus 2. CALOSOMA. Weber, Obs. Ent. 20 (1801).
2. Calosoma helene.
C. nigrum, subopacum ; capite prothoraceque irregulariter punctatis, hoe parvo, transverse subquadrato, antice ad latera valde rotun- dato, angulis posticis productis sed obtusis, utrinque intra angulos posticos late sed profunde impresso ; elytris profunde subcrenato- striatis, interstitiis equaliter subcostato-elevatis ac transversim imbricato-rugatis, punctis magnis plus minus eenescentibus vel euprescentibus in triplici serie notatis ; antennis pedibusque nigris, illarum articulis 7 ulterioribus picescentioribus ac magis pubes- centibus.
Mas plerumque vix minor, pedibus subcrassioribus, tibiis posterio- ribus (preesertim intermediis) conspicue curvatis, tarsis anticis late dilatatis.
Fem. plerumque vix major, pedibus subgracilioribus, tibiis inter- mediis leviter ‘curvatis, posticis fere (sed haud omnino) rectis, tarsis anticis simplicibus.
Var. B. haligena, Woll. Supra plus minus obscure eeneum.
Long. corp. lin. 8-11.
Calosoma Helens, Hope, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. ii, 180 (1888). haligena, Woll., Journ. of Ent. i. 208 (1861).
, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 303 (1889).
"et Helenz, Id., ibid. vii. 412 (1871).
et ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 187, 138, pl. 23 £. 2 (1875). Habitat in intermediis editioribusque insule, a circa 1600’ s. m.
usque ad summos montes ascendens. Sub lapidibus in grami- nosis apertis preecipue abundat.
In a paper on St.-Helena Coleoptera, published in 1861, I described this Calosoma as new, under the name of “ C. haligena,” seeing that Mr. Hope’s diagnosis of his C. Helene certainly did not altogether quadrate with the example (obtained by the late Mr. Bewicke) which was then before me. And even now the same difficulty exists; for Mr. Hope speaks of the intermediate tibie alone as in-
B 2
4. CARABIDA.
curved, and of the elytra as being simply subrugose, instead of trans- versely imbricated in a most coarse and conspicuous manner. Neyer- theless, from a careful observation in situ, I am so persuaded that there is only a single Calosoma in St. Helena—which varies in colour from deep black (the asserted hue of the C. helene) to a distinctly brassy tinge (which principally obtains in the normal individuals of my C. haligena)—that I feel no hesitation whatever in attributing the few points of discrepancy in Mr. Hope’s description to a mere want of precision, or inaccuracy ; and I have therefore adopted his * title for the species, and made my own expressive of the (equally common) éenescent state,—cited as the “var. 3. haligena.”
The present Calosoma is very widely spread over the intermediate and lofty elevations of St. Helena, ascending from about 1600 feet above the sea to nearly the highest part of the central ridge,—in which latter district it is more particularly common. Mr. P. White- head, however, meets with the brassy form (or “ var. /3. haligena”’) in great profusion at Woodcot ; and we also (in conjunction with Mr. Gray) obtained it around Plantation and elsewhere; but I think the darker state is perhaps the more general of the two in the loftier altitudes,—where we used constantly to meet with it crawling rapidly across the road, particularly during the season of haymaking, when the grassy slopes immediately adjoining had been disturbed. In such situations towards Casons, High Peak, and West Lodge it was often quite abundant—far more so than on Stitch’s Ridge and in the direction of Diana’s Peak.
The C. helene seems to belong to the same type as the African species senegalense and rugosum, from the former of which it is nevertheless conspicuously different. From the latter (to which it is far more closely allied) it recedes in being more depressed, and in having its metallic punctures smaller, in its prothorax being more deeply rugose before and behind, and in its legs being less robust. The pile, also, on the underside of its feet is very much softer,— being, in fact, fine hairs instead of stiff bristles. As above implied, it appears to be either black or else of a dull brassy tinge,—the one shading off inperceptibly into the other ; and its males have their four posterior tibiz rather powerfully curved, whilst in the opposite sex the hinder ones are very nearly straight, and even the middle pair but slightly bent inwards.
CARABIDA. 5
Genus 3. PRISTONYCHUS. Dejean, Spec, des Col. iii. 43 (1828).
3. Pristonychus complanatus.
P. subovato-elongatus, valde alatus, niger sed (saltem in elytris) obsolete subcyanescens, fere impunctatus ; capite prothoraceque nitidis, Ulo antice longitudinaliter bifoveolato, hoe subquadrato- cordato (postice angustiore) angulis posticis subrectis prominulis utrinque ad basin late subpunctato-foveolato ; elytris depressis, minus nitidis (sc. subtilissime alutaceis), striatis (striis minute et plus minus obsolete crenulatis); antennis pedibusque paulo pices- centioribus, iJarum articulis 8 ulterioribus dilutioribus ac magis pubescentibus.
Mas tarsis anticis leviter dilatatis.
Long. corp. lin. 6-7.
Pristonychus complanatus, Dey., J. c. 58 (1828).
alatus, Wodll., Ins. Mad. 27.
complanatus, Id., Col. Atl. 27 (1865).
Lemosthenes complanatus, Harold, Cat. Col. 356 (1868).
Pristonychus complanatus, Woll., Ann. Nat, Hist. iv. 305 (1869).
, Meliss, St. Hel. 138 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis, inter 1500’ et 2000’ s. m. preecipue abundans.
Sub lapidibus degit, necnon in fissuris terree ad latera viarum.
The widely-spread P. complanatus, which is particularly charac- teristic of Mediterranean latitudes (having been recorded from Por- tugal, Spain, the south of France, Sardinia, Italy, Sicily, Egypt, Barbary, &¢., and which is common in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian archipelagos), is extremely abundant in the intermediate districts of St. Helena,—ranging principally from about 1500 to 2000 feet above the sea. Indeed it has all the appearance of being truly indigenous, though there is far more probability in the idea that it was originally introduced and has since become thoroughly natura- lized. On the barren slopes below High Knoll (where it was taken in profusion by Mr. Gray under stones) it is very plentiful during the spring and early summer; and we found it equally general around Plantation, particularly in the crevices of the soil, and loose friable rock, left exposed by the cuttings of the roads ; and it has been met with in considerable numbers by Mr. P. Whitehead at Woodcot.
Genus 4+. BEMBIDIUM. Latreille, Hest. Nat. viii. 221 (1804). The Bembidia of St. Helena are all of them most characteristic and manifestly aboriginal, forming a little geographical assemblage
6 CARABIDA.
of the utmost interest. In point of importance, indeed, they are scarcely inferior to the members of even the Cossonideous and An- thribideous groups; and the modus vivendi of at least half of them, within the damp and rotting stems of the dead tree-ferns on the most elevated ridges of the island, invests them with a significance which it is hardly possible to overrate. We may be pretty sure that there are many still to be discovered ; yet the detection already of no less than twelve (in every instance most wonderfully distinct inter se) will be admitted to be a large number for an area so small, isolated, and remote *.
The St.-Helena Bembidia may be said to range themselves under at least three types (if not indeed four),—only one of which (and that represented by a single member) is, as regards its habits and structure (immediately apparent in its largely developed wings and eyes), in any respect European. That one is the B. Mellissiz, the only species out of the twelve which has not remained until now absolutely unnamed,—it having been described by myself in 1869. Yet even the B. Mellissiz I believe to be peculiar to St. Helena ; though in its mode of life it is strictly a mud-loving species (falling into Dejean’s well-known section Notaphus), and one which occurs at an iiter- mediate rather than at a lofty elevation,—having nothing about it of the fern-infesting tendencies and apterous condition which impart so anomalous a feature to most of the other forms. +
The second type (which, together with the third, is wingless) is embodied in what at present is a unique example, which was cap- tured by myself from withina putrid tree fern on the highest central ridge, and which has much the primé facie aspect of a minute Platy- derus,—the strongly defined angles of the prothoracic base and of the humeral region of its elytra, in conjunction with its large prothorax, its pale castaneous hue, and the comparative robustness of its limbs, calling to mind at first sight some of the smaller members of that group.
* In the Azorean archipelago (composed of nine widely scattered islands) only 4 members of the Lembidia have hitherto been brought to light. But in the five islands of the much better-explored Madeiran Group, LO are recorded ; and at the Canaries (made up of seven large islands, the highest of which attains an elevation of no less than 12,000 feet) there are 14 (only 7 of which, however, are peculiar); whilst in the Cape Verdes (where the number of the islands is ten) merely 5 have yet been found. From which it would appear that the one little rock of St. Helena is (in proportion to its size) far better atocked with Bembidia than any of the more northern clusters,—even the Canaries
(with their vast superficial area, and great yariety of districts) exceeding it only by two exponents!
CARABIDE. a
The third department into which the Bembidia of St. Helena separate themselves is not only the most significant geographically, but, as regards the number of its exponents, by far the most exten- sive; and there can be little doubt that a continued research in the higher regions of the island would yet bring to light others (though perhaps only a few) which we failed to secure. They are all of them apterous, and found on the lofty central ridge characterized by the presence of the tree ferns and of the various arborescent Com- posite ; and although four (namely the B. nubigena, Grayanum, sublimbatum, and trechoides) occur generally under pieces of wood and sodden leaves, the greater number are more evidently at home within the old and decomposed stems of the former,—existing not merely beneath the outer fibre, but far in the interior, so that they can only be obtained by breaking open the trunks and shaking out their loose friable contents. The emphatically fern-infesting ones of these species (which might almost be looked upon as representing a fourth type, Endosomatium, Woll.) have their structure more con- spicuously in accordance with their darkling mode of life,—the enor- mous eyes, largely developed wings, and thin cursorial legs of the genuine Bembidia being replaced by eyes of a reduced pattern (fre- quently very minute), a body totally apterous, and limbs shorter and more fossorial or robust,—the antenne moreover being moniliform, rather than filiform; and in the last four of this group (which I would regard as especially typical) the elytra are provided with a deep sutural stria. But, taken as a whole, the essential feature of this third division consists chiefly in the respective bases of the pro- thorax and elytra (particularly, however, the former) being much rounded off, so that any thing like angles, properly so called, is barely traceable.
The following Table will be of service in grouping the twelve species, and in rendering their determination practically easy :-—
A. Corpus alatum ; oculis maximis, prominentibus. Mollasin-g Soraeracr 9) ott) eer: Norapuvs, Dej. AA. Corpus apterum ; oculis minoribus, interdum minutissimis. a. prothorax postice, et (minus) elytra antice, angulata.
platyderoides........ AprEeromimts, MWoll. aa. prothorax postice, et (minus) elytra antice, rotundata. B. antenne filiformes........ PsrEupopPHiLocruus, Woll. nubigena, Grayanum, sublimbatum,
trechoides.
8 CARABIDA.
BB. antenne moniliformes .......- EnposoMaATium, Woll. y. elytra equaliter striata, 8. caput magnum, grosse bisulcatum. megalops. 85. caput minus. dicksoniz. yy. elytra strid suturali profundiore impressa.
€. corpus parvum, plus minus pictum aut suffusum ; oculis parvis. rufosuffusum, gemmulipenne, fossor.
ee. corpus minutissimum, pallidum ; oculis minutissimis. evanescens.
A. Corpus alatum ; oculis maaimis, prominentibus. (Subgenus Notaphus, De.) 4. Bembidium Mellissii.
B. oblongum, subopacum, alutaceum; capite prothoraceque viridi- nigris et subzeneo tinctis, hdc parvo, breyi, subcordato, utrinque mox intra angulos posticos (acutiusculos, prominulos ) profunde impresso (impressione extus costula brevi terminata) ; elytris depressius- culis, profunde striato-punctulatis, lurido-testaceis sed fasciis ma- culisve plurimis longitudinalibus disjunctis nigrescentibus ornatis ; antennis pedibusque gracilibus, testaceo-piceis, illis versus apicem femoribusque obscurioribus.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art? basilari valde dilatato, ovali, atque etiam longiusculo.
Long. corp. lin. circa 2.
Bembidium Mellissii, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 305 (1869). ——_—— , Melliss, St. Hel. 158 (1875).
Habitat in humidis lutosis intermediis ; ad Woodcot (circa 1500' s.m.) a Dom. P. Whitehead copiose repertum.
As already stated, the present Bembidium is the only one out of the twelve which have hitherto been detected at St. Helena which is strictly on an ordinary European type,—the largeness of its wings and eyes, and its thin cursorial legs, marking it out as a normal member of the group, whilst its manifest affinity with such species as the varium and flammulatum will assign it at once to that par- ticular section for which Dejean proposed the generic name of Notaphus. There is no fear of confounding it with any of the remainder ; for, in addition to its structural differences just pointed out, it may immediately be known by its dull brassy-green head and
CARABIDA. 9
prothorax, and its lurid testaceous elytra; the last of which, how- ever, are ornamented with a number of darker patches and subcon- fluent longitudinal spots. Its striz are closely and conspicuously punctulated, and there are two very large punctiform impressions on the third interval from the suture. In the angles of the respective bases of its prothorax and elytra being sharply defined it recedes from all the other St.-Helena Bembidia except the B. platyderordes ; nevertheless its enormous eyes and wings, and wiry cursorial legs, in conjunction with its small short prothorax and almost every other detail, will remove it directly from the latter.
When I enunciated this Bembidium in 1869, the only two examples of it which I had seen were taken by Mr. Melliss—though as he had unfortunately preserved no note concerning their exact habitat, 1 think perhaps that some little qualification may be necessary as to his after-remark (/.¢. p. 138), that it was “ taken from the high land ” (that is to say, if that term be restricted, as I imagine it ought to be, to the lofty central ridge). Although it is one of the few species obtained by Mr. Melliss which I failed myself to meet with personally, yet its frequent capture by Mr. P. White-
head in the vicinity of Woodcot, at an elevation of some 1500 feet | - above the sea, added to its total want of affinity with the remark- able forms which exist amongst the tree ferns and cabbage trees on the high backbone of the island, are more than sufficient to satisfy me that it is an insect of a strictly intermediate range, and such as might properly be sought for about the Plantation district and else- where in that neighbourhood.
AA. Corpus apterum ; oculis minoribus, interdum minutissimis. (Subgenus Apteromimus, Wol/.)
5. Bembidium platyderoides, n. sp.
B. parallelo-oblongum, subnitidum, lete rufo-castaneum ; capite prothoraceque longiusculis, ilo semi-ovato oculis minutissimis, hoe magno conyexo cordato-quadrato, utrinque intra angulos posticos(subrectos) profunde et late impresso ; elytris subparallelis, basi recte truncatis, ad latera grosse marginatis, profunde sub- crenulato-striatis, postice gradatim vix clarioribus ; antennis, palpis, pedibusque robustis, infuscate testaceis.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art°® basilari valde dilatato, obtriangulari- quadrato.
Long. corp. lin. 2.
10 CARABIDE.
Habitat ad montes humidos excelsos, intra truncum Dicksonice arborescentis putrescentem a meipso semel lectum.
The unique example of the very singular Bembidium which I have above enunciated was taken by myself from the interior of the fibrous stem of a rotten tree fern obtained near Diana’s Peak on the lofty central ridge; and there can be no doubt that the species which it represents is of the utmost rarity. It is totally distinct from the whole of the ten following members of the genus, —more particularly in its parallel and somewhat elongated outline, and in the respective bases of its prothorax and elytra having their angles (instead of being rounded-off) sharply defined; and it is further remarkable for the largeness of its cordato-quadrate, ante- riorly convex prothorax, for the extreme minuteness of its eyes, for the comparative robustness of its limbs, and for its well-nigh con- colorous reddish-castaneous hue,—the antenne and legs, however, being testaceous. Like all the St.-Helena Bembidia except the B. Mellissiz, it is apterous.
(Subgenus Pseudophilocthus, Woll.)
6. Bembidium nubigena, n. sp.
B. oblongum, nigrum sed obsoletissime subpiceo tinctum ; capite prothoraceque subopacis, illo leviter et late bifoveolato, hoe sub- rotundato, postice obsolete bifoveolato ; elytris ovalibus, profunde et grosse striatis, interstitio tertio punctis binis magnis notato, ante apicem fascié dentata obscura lurido-testaceé ornatis ; an- tennis pedibusque elongatis, illis palpisque rufo-testaceis sed ad apicem obscurioribus, his rufo-piceis.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art? basilari dilatato.
Long. corp. lin. 23—vix 3.
Habitat in excelsioribus centralibus insule, sub foliis marcidis trun- cisque Dicksonie emortuis humi jacentibus ; rarissimum.
This is the largest of the St.-Helena Bembidia, and one which there can be little doubt is extremely rare,—the only two examples which I have seen haying been taken on the lofty central ridge, on the ascent of the peak known as Actzeon. They were found beneath the damp and rotten stems of tree ferns, though whether they were in any way connected with those particular plants (like so many of the other species) I have no means of ascertaining.
CARABIDA. 11
Apart from its rather large size and oblong outline, the B. nudi- gena may be recognized by its black surface (which has, however, an obsolete picescent tinge),—the ante-apical region of the elytra, alone, being ornamented with an obscure brownish-testaceous dentate, or zigzag, fascia. Its prothorax is much rounded, and has a very indistinct fovea on either side behind; and its elytra (which are rather convex) are very deeply and coarsely striated (the strix being broad, but simple); and there are two large and conspicuous punc- tures on the third interval from the suture.
7. Bembidium Grayanum, n. sp.
B. oblongo-ellipticum, nitidum, nigrum; capite profunde bifoveo- lato; prothorace subrotundato, postice gradatim rotundate an- gustulo et obsolete bifoveolato ; elytris obovatis (sc. antice rotun- date latiusculis, postice subattenuatis), profunde striatis, interstitio tertio punctis binis parvis indistinctis notato, maculis parvis angustis longitudinalibus (extus ante apicem confluente majoribus, necnon apicem ipsum omnino tegentibus) lurido-testaceis ornatis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, gracilibus, illis palpisque rufo- testaceis sed ad apicem obscurioribus, his rufo-piceis, tarsis (gra- cillimis) dilutioribus. *
Mas tarsorum anticorum art? basilari dilatato.
Long. corp. lin. 2-2}.
Habitat in locis similibus ac preecedens, regiones Dicksonie et Com- positarum arborescentium humidas excelsas colens. Obs.—Species in honorem amici John Gray, qui in ins. Sanctze-
Helene una cum meipso Coleoptera diligentissime collegit, ob gratias mihi oblatas dicata.
Although by no means common, this is perhaps the most general of the St.-Helena Bembidia,—occurring on the high central ridge (about Diana’s Peak and Actzon), beneath damp pieces of wood and sodden leaves; and I have much pleasure in naming it after my worthy friend and fellow-worker, John Gray, by whom indeed it was originally detected, and whose careful researches amongst the Coleoptera during the first month of our sojourn in the island added so many species to our then incipient, but rapidly increasing list.
Although the largest of the St.-Helena Bembidia with the excep- tion of the B. nubigena, the B. Grayanum is nevertheless very much smaller than that species ; and, although equally black as regards its ground-colour, its elytra are more or less ornamented with a
12 CARABID.
number of longitudinal lurid-testaceous spots,—which are generally subconfluent towards the outer edge, particularly (so as to shape out two larger patches) at a little distance behind the apex (the apex itself being wholly testaceous). Its forehead is more distinctly bi- foveolated than in either the preceding species or the following one ; its prothorax is very much rounded off behind ; its elytra, which are obovate (or somewhat widened in front and subattenuated pos- teriorly), are deeply striate, neither the stria, however, nor the two impressions on the third interval being quite so coarse as in the B. nubigena; its limbs, especially the antenne and feet, are long and slender; and its whole surface is glossy and shining.
8. Bembidium sublimbatum, n. sp.
B. ovyali-oblongum, subnitidum, nigrum sed szpius obsoletissime subvirescenti tinctum ; capite fere integro (aut obsoletissime bi- foveolato); prothorace regulariter rotundato-ovali, convexo, postice fere integro ; elytris ovalibus, leviter striatis (striis versus latera etiam subevanescentibus), interstitio tertio punctis binis magnis notato, in limbo (preesertim ad humeros) subrufescenti-dilutioribus necnon utrinque ante apicem macula obscura subrotundata laterali lurido-testacea ornatis ; antennis pedibusque gracilibus, illis (art? basilari rufo-testaceo excepto) palpisque piceo-fuscis, his rufo-piceis.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art® basilari dilatato.
Long. corp. lin. circa 2.
Hubitat locos editiores versus occidentalem insulz; ad rupes pre- ruptas excelsas mox supra ‘ West Lodge,” sub foliis lignoque antiquo, inter arbusculas Asteris gummifert, Februario ineunte, a meipso captum.
The only spot in which I have met with this extremely rare Bembidium is towards the western extremity of the great central ridge, immediately above the house known as West Lodge,—where, early in February, I took it, on two or three occasions, at the very edge of the tremendous precipice which overlooks the Sandy-Bay crater. It was found beneath damp wood, leaves, and sticks, amongst shrubs of the Aster gummiferus and common gorse ; and, although it may perhaps be more plentiful on the perfectly inacces- sible Aster-clothed slopes below (extending from thence to High Peak), my utmost endeayours enabled me to secure only eight or nine specimens; though as both sexes are well represented, this is more than sufficient for all practical purposes.
In its general outline and dark hue the B. sublimbatum has
CARABIDE. 13°
somewhat the prima face appearance of what we might suppose to be a very dwarfed state of the B. nubigena; nevertheless, apart from its being very considerably smaller and more shining, its limbs are relatively shorter and thinner; its head and prothorax (which are still less bifoveolated, being in fact almost quite simple or entire, and the latter of which is appreciably more oval) have frequently a faint greenish tinge; and its’elytra are less deeply striate,—the outer strie indeed being even subevanescent. Moreover the obscure ornamentation of its elytra is totally different; for (in lieu of the single, dentate, subapical fascia of that species) their external edge, or limbus, is, particularly at the shoulders. suffused with a reddish, or reddish-testaceous, hue; and there is also an obscure, somewhat rounded, dusky-yellow, isolated, sublateral patch on either side immediately behind the apex.
9. Bembidium trechoides, n. sp.
B. ovali-oblongum, nitidissimum, aut nigrum aut picescens; capite parvulo, distincte bifoveolato, oculis parvis; prothorace subrotun- dato, postice breviter bifoveolato necnon in medio subemarginato- truncato ; elytris ovalibus, striatis (striis versus latera levioribus ac interdum obsolete subpunctulatis), interstitio tertio punctis binis parvis notato, ad humeros macula indistinctaé (sepe omnino obsoleta) necnon ante apicem altera majore laterali, lurido-testaceis, ornatis; antennis pedibusque gracilibus, illis (art? basilari rufo- testaceo excepto) palpisque piceo-fuscis, his piceo-testaceis.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art® basilari leviter dilatato.
Long. corp. lin. 14.
Habitat humidos, inter Compositas arborescentes ac Dicksoniam, in editioribus insule, haud infrequens.
This Bembidium issomewhat on the same type asthe B. sublimbatum ; but it is very much smaller and a little more shining, and has its limbs relatively slenderer, its eyes are proportionately more minute, its frontal and prothoracic fovew (the latter of which are greatly ab- breviated) are more distinct, its prothorax is more truncated (and even subemarginate) in the centre behind, and its elytra (the two punctures of which, on the third interval, are much less conspicuous) are not quite so convex, and (while possessing the same kind of sublateral ante-apical blotch on either side posteriorly) are free from a decidedly rufescent limbus, but have often a very obscure patch (in many specimens completely obsolete) at the shoulders.
It is only on the lofty central ridge that I have observed the B.
14 CARABIDA.
trechoides,—where, however, in damp places generally, amongst the cabbage trees and tree ferns, it is not particularly uncommon, on the densely-covered slopes about Acteeon and Diana’s Peak; but I did not meet with it in the more western and rather less elevated parts towards High Peak and West Lodge, where the B. sublimbatum would seem to occur.
(Subgenus Endosomatium, WWoll.)
10. Bembidium megalops, n. sp.
B. ovali-ellipticum, subnitidum, aut nigrum aut piceo-nigrum necnon obsoletissime subsenescens ; capite (in utroque sexu) magno, valde profunde et latissime longitudinaliter bisuleato (regione centrali, inter sulcos, ovali elevata) ; prothorace subtriangulari (sc. postice gradatim angustato et subattenuato), postice distincte bifoveolato ; elytris obovatis, conyexis, profunde grosse et squaliter striatis, interstitio tertio punctis binis notato, maculis parvis plurimis longi- tudinalibus lurido-testaceis ornatis; antennis pedibusque subro- bustis, illis (art? basilari rufo-testaceo excepto) palpisque piceis, his piceo-testaceis.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art? basilari leviter dilatato.
Long. corp. lin. circa 13.
Habitat truncos Dicksonie arborescentis, humidos, emortuos, putridos ; in editioribus parcissime degens.
The enlarged, deeply bisulcated head (in both sexes) of this sin- gular Bembidium, added to its obtriangular prothorax and obovate, convex, and very coarsely and regularly striated elytra, which are ornamented with a number of small longitudinal lurid-testaceous spots, will sufficiently distinguish it. Like the five following species (though less decidedly so than the last four of them), its antenne are somewhat short, robust, and moniliform, rather than long and filiform; and its legs are also less slender than in the normal members of the genus; but its eyes, though small, are not actually minute. In the few specimens which I have seen, there is a faint enescent tinge.
It is only within the damp and rotten stems of the old tree ferns that I have observed the B. megalops ; and as I merely obtained three examples, it may be presumed to be of the greatest rarity. They were all found on the lofty, densely-wooded central ridge, in the neighbourhood of Acteeon and Diana’s Peak.
CARABIDA. 15
11. Bembidium dicksoniz, n. sp.
B. ovale, subnitidum, aut piceum aut nigrum; capite fere integro ; prothorace angustulo, obtriangulari, fere integro, postice in medio truncato ; elytris ovalibus, convexis, striatis (striis versus latera punctulatis), interstitio tertio punctis binis notato, maculis pluri- mis plus minus confluentibus aut suffusis ochreo-testaceis ornatis ; antennis (art® basilari piceo-testaceo excepto) palpisque fusco- piceis, pedibus rufo-piceis. :
Mas tarsorum anticorum art? basilari Teviter dilatato.
Long. corp. lin. circa 1.
Habitat editiores insule, in truncis emortuis Dicksonie arborescentis
degens.
The modus vivendi of this Bembidium is precisely similar to that of the preceding and four following ones,—it having been obtained from the interior of the damp fibrous stems of the dead tree ferns on the high central ridge inthe vicinity of Diana’s Peak. It is without doubt extremely rare; nevertheless I met with 17 examples of it, from first to last, by bringing away portions of the old Dicksonias and breaking them up carefully, at home, into small fragments, over a white cloth,—which embodies a far more successful method for securing these Filicophilous Coleoptera than by examining the trunks hastily a situ.
In its general coloration the present Bembidium has a good deal in common with the B. megalops; nevertheless it is considerably smaller, and its head is not only not enlarged but also very nearly simple (there being no traces of the two deep longitudinal furrows, and somewhat raised central space, which are so conspicuous in that species). Its prothorax (although on the whole obtriangular) is, in proportion, appreciably narrower, and well-nigh free from hinder foveze ; and its elytra are less coarsely striated (the outer striz#, more- over, being perceptibly punctate), and have their numerous patches relatively larger and of a more ochreous yellow, as well as (often) more confluent and suffused. Its head and prothorax are but seldom completely black (being more frequently piceous-black, or even piceous); and I cannot detect any eenescent tinge on their surface.
12. Bembidium rufosuffusum, n. sp.
B. oblongum, angustulum, nitidum, nigrum (rarius piceo-nigrum) ; capite breviter bifoveolato ; prothorace sub-obtriangulari, convexo, postice brevissime bifoveolato (foveolis fere punctiformibus) ; ely-
16 CARABIDA.
tris suboblongis, fortiter striato-punctatis (striis postice et versus latera evanescentibus, sed stria suturali profunda integra), inter- stitio tertio punctis binis (anteriore indistincto) notato, antice plus minus late et leete rufo-testaceo-suffusis, postice insequaliter piceo-nigris ; anteunis pedibusque (praecipue tarsis) brevibus, ro- bustis, illis valde moniliformibus piceo-brunneis, ad basin palpisque arioribus, his testaceis. Md tarsorum anticorum art? basilari vix (7. e. levissime) dilatato. Long. corp. lin, circa 3. * Habitat in locis similibus ac precedens, sub truncis Dicksonie arbo- rescentis humidis putridis precipue occurrens.
Like its immediate allies, this little Bembidium is of great rarity, and confined (so far as I have observed) to the high central ridge,— where it occurs generally (though not always) beneath the moist stems of the rotten tree ferns about Diana’s Peak and Acteon. I obtained, however, but 8 examples of it in all; though a ninth, taken in the same district, has since been. communicated by Mr. P. Whitehead.
The B. rufosuffusum is one of the smallest of the St.-Helena Bembidia; and it may be known from the cognate species by its narrower and more oblong (or less rounded) outline; by its elytra being brightly (though gradually) rufescent in front, but darker (though not quite uniformly so) behind, and with their striz strongly punctured anteriorly, but vanishing posteriorly and at the sides,— excepting, however, the sutural one, which is deep and continuous* ; and by its limbs being short and robust, the antenne especially having their joints abbreviated and moniliform.
13. Bembidium gemmulipenne, n. sp.
B. subovatum, nitidissimum, nigrum ; capite beviter bifoveolato ; pro- thorace subcordato, convexo, postice brevissime bifoveolato (foveo- lis fere punctiformibus) ; elytris rotundatis, valde convexis, grosse marginatis, esculpturatis, solum stria suturali profunda integra im- pressis, in loco interstitii tertii punctis binis obscuris indistincte notatis, maculis maximis duabus (unasc. basali et altera subapicali) plus minus distincte ornatis; antennis pedibusque breviusculis, robustis, illis valde moniliformibus piceo-brunneis, ad basin palpisque clarioribus, his testaceis, tarsis subobscurioribus.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art® basilari vix dilatato.
Var. B, elytris fere nigris, sc. macula basali omnino obsoleta, atque etiam subapicali obscura.
* This character of a deep sutural stria is absent from the preceding mem- bers of the genus, but distinguishes the present one and the remaining three.
CARABID. a
Var. y, prothorace rufo-testaceo. Long. corp. lin. 7-vix 1.
Habitat humidos excelsos ; sub ligno marcido Compositarum et Dick- sonie parce deprehensum.
A most extraordinary little Bembidium, at once recognizable by the extreme roundness and convexity of its elytra and its highly polished surface. The former, which have no appearance of sculp- ture except a deeply-impressed sutural line, are very broadly and coarsely margined; and they are somewhat variable in colouring, —having either a large basal and ante-apical paler patch (occa- sionally so much developed as to be separated from each other by merely a suffused darker median band or space), or else (var. 3) with the anterior blotch obsolete and even the hinder one not very con- spicuous, under which circumstances the elytra appear at first sight to be well-nigh black. Its prothorax also is lable to become paler, being now and then (var. y) rufo-testaceous. Its limbs (the antenne of which are moniliform) are rather thick and robust; and its pro- thorax, like the elytra, is very convex.
Like most of its congeners the H. gemmulipenne is extremely rare, and confined to the densely- wooded ridges of a high elevation,—where we met with (from first to last) 16 examples of it, in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak and Actzeon. Although taken occasionally within the rotten stems of the tree ferns, I think we found it quite as frequently beneath sticks and the fallen trunks of the cabbage trees, particularly in the dampest and most shady spots.
14. Bembidium fossor, n. sp.
B. breve, convexum, nitidissimum, castaneum, immaculatum ; capite distincte bifoveolato; prothorace ovali, convexo, postice brevissime bifoveolato (foveolis distinctis punctiformibus); elytris obovatis basi subrecte truncatis, valde convexis, esculpturatis, solum stria suturali profunda postice subevanescente impressis, in loco inter- stitii tertii punctis binis parvis notatis; antennis moniliformibus, piceo-brunneis, ad basin palpisque testaceis; pedibus (praecipue posticis) brevibus et (precipue anticis) robustis, clare rufo-piceis.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art® basilari vix dilatato.
Long. corp. lin. vix 1.
Habitat editiores sylvaticos, in trunco quodam antiquo Dicksone arborescentis seme] tantum repertum.
With the exception of the B. evanescens, this is the smallest of the St.-Helena Bembidia ; and itis perhaps the rarest of the whole of c
18 CARABID#.
them, being hitherto unique. My example was taken by myself from the interior of the decayed stem of a tree fern, which I had brought away for after-examination from the vicinity of Diana’s Peak.
The B. fossor is one of the most peculiar of the species which have yet been brought to light,—its abbreviated form, extremely convex and highly polished surface, and its rich castaneous hue, added to its obovate, almost unsculptured elytra (which are more straightly trun- cated at the base than in the allied species, and have merely a deeply impressed though posteriorly-evanescent sutural line), and (for a Bemidium) the shortness of its legs, particularly of the hinder pair, giving it a character which it is impossible to mistake. Its antenne (which are moniliform) are not particularly robust, but its anterior legs are rather more so than usual,—being somewhat in accordance with its subfossorial, darkling mode of life.
15. Bembidium evanescens, n. sp.
B. oblongum, rufo-testaceum aut pallide ferrugineum, immaculatum ; capite prothoraceque nitidissimis, illo majusculo breyiter bifoyeo- lato oculis minutissimis, hoe cordato, posticé fere integro ; elytris oblongis, paulo minus nitidis (sc. subalutaceis), grosse marginatis, strié suturali leviter impressis, in loco interstitii tertil punctis binis parvis notatis, interdum in disco obscuratis sutura sensim pallidiore; antennis pedibusque robustis, crassiusculis, illis moniliformibus palpisque infuscate testaceis, illis (preecipue tarsis) brevibus, testaceis.
Mas tarsorum anticorum art® basilari leviter dilatato.
Lon >. corp. lin, cirea 2.
Habitat im excelsioribus insule, in truncis emortuis marcidis Dicksonie arborescentis preecipue latens.
This is the most diminutive of the St.-Helena Bembidia, and one which may be known from its allies by its oblong outline, less con- vex body, and pale rufo-testaceous hue,—its elytra being merely at times a little infuscated on their disk, leaving the suture just per- ceptibly less darkened. In proportion to the smallness of its stature, its head is rather largely developed, though the eyes are extremely minute ; its prothorax is cordate, and almost free from hinder fovee ; and its elytra, which are a little less shining than the rest of the surface, are coarsely margined and provided only with a not very deep sutural line. Its limbs (for a Bembidium) are robust, the antenne being moniliform, and the legs (particularly the feet} somewhat shortened.
SPH ERIDIID®. 19
The B. evanescens is one of the most decidedly fern-infesting species of the whole, its very minute eyes and rather shortened powerful legs (in proportion to its bulk) being eminently in keeping with its modus vivendi—far within the damp fibrous trunks of the dead tree ferns; for although I have occasionally taken it on the under-surface of fallen stems, it is far more often to be found quite in the interior, where there can be no doubt that it normally resides. Like the other members of the genus, it is rare; nevertheless, ] met with about two dozen examples of it, from first to last,—all of which were obtained from the high central ridge, in the direction of Diana’s Peak and Actzon.
Sectio 2, PHYLHYDRIDA.
Fam. 2. SPHASRIDIIDZ.
Genus 5. CYCLONOTUM. (Dejean) Erichs., Kaf. der. Mark Brand. i. 212 (1837). 16. Cyclonotum dytiscoides.
C. “ ferrugineum, elytris atris. Statura et magnitudo Spheridi scarabeoides; totum glabrum, nitidum. Antenne rufee, perfo- liate. Caput, thorax, pectus, abdomen rufa; elytra atra, glabra.” [Ex Fabricio. |
Spheeridium dytiscoides, Fab., Syst. Ent. 67 (1775). , Oliv., Ent. 2. 15, t. 2. £. 10 (1790).
— — , Fub., Syst. Eleu. i. 94 (1801).
. Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 306 (1869).
Cyclonotum dytiscoides, Jd., ied. ix. 114, note (1872).
Spheeridium dytiscoides, Melliss, St. Hel. 139 (1875).
Habitat “in ins. St. Helene. Mus. Dom. Banks.” [sec. Fabricius, A.D. 1775. ]
It is with some hesitation that I assign a place to this insect in our present volume; for although it was originally described by Fabricius from a professedly St.-Helena example in the collection of the late Sir Joseph Banks, we have but too good evidence con- cerning the extreme inaccuracy of many of the habitats which were cited about that period; whilst the fact that the species in question occurs at the Cape of Good Hope would perhaps (in the absence of all traces of it now in the island) favour the idea that material from the latter locality may have been inadvertently mixed up with that
c 2
20 SPHAERIDIID”.
from St. Helena. Still, this is but conjecture; and it is far from impossible that it may have been accidentally imported from the Cape (along, perhaps, with consignments of plants), and have since died out; or, on the other hand, that it may still exist by the edges of some of -the streams or watercourses, and have escaped our notice. At any rate, I do not see that we have any right to refuse it admission, though I may entertain my private doubts as to its real St.-Helena claims. Perhaps some future collector may yet bring the species to light, in which case the desirability of having acknowledged it now will at once become apparent.
The C. dytiscordes was quoted by Fabricius as a Spheridium ; and in an article on St.-Helena Coleoptera in 1869 I accordingly entered it as such, bemg totally ignorant of what the species really was. Nevertheless I expressed my belief (judging from the short published diagnosis, and from the rough figure of it given by Olivier) that it would probably prove to be ‘“‘a Cyclonotum, with the head and prothorax rufo-ferruginous and the elytra black;” and so, indeed, it appears to be,—for in a subsequent paper, in 1872, I stated that I had received a note from the late Mr. G. R. Crotch to the effect that the Spheridium dytiscoides of Fabricius is still preserved in the Banksian cabinet, and that a friend of his who had recently examined it reported it to be totally distinct from the Dactylosternum abdominale, being, in point of fact (as, indeed, 1 had ventured to think probable), a true Cyclonotum, and one which occurs also at the Cape of Good Hope.
I ean only trust, therefore, that some more fortunate explorer will yet enable us to verify the truth of the originally asserted habitat, and to add the C. dytiscoides without doubt to the modern fauna of the island.
Genus 6. DACTYLOSTERNUM. Wollaston, Ins. Mad. 99 (1854).
17. Dactylosternum abdominale.
D, oblongum, convexum (subtus planatum), nitidum, ubique densissime minutissimeque punctulatum; capite sub-semicir- culari; prothorace breyi, transverso, postice inter angulum et medium foveolé punctiformi utrinque leviter impresso; elytris minute punctulato-striatis; antennis palpisque testaceis, illarum clava obscuriore ; pedibus breyibus, compressis, rufo-piceis. Long, corp. lin, 2-23
SPH ZRIDIIDA. 21
Spheridium abdominale, Fab., Ent. Syst. i. 79 (1792). Dactylosternum Roussetii, Woll., l. c. 99, t. 3. f. 1 (1854). — abdominale, Id., Col. Atl. 80 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp. 48 (1867).
— — , ld., Ann. Nat. Hist. iy. 306 (1869).
— —, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 65 (1870).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 139 (1875).
Habitat sub marcidis quisquiliisque in hortis cultisque insule, humidos intermedios subaquosos preecipue colens,
This widely-spread Mediterranean insect, which occurs in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos (and which is reported also from Madagascar, Bourbon, and the East Indies), has become established in the intermediate districts of St. Helena, where there can be no doubt that it must originally have been naturalized. It is found usually beneath decaying garden refuse, particularly in the dampest spots; and, along with the Cyclonotum dytiscoides (which was recorded by Fabricius from St. Helena in 1775, but which, as lately mentioned, I look upon, at all events now, as a very doubtful native of the island), it makes the nearest approach to anything lke an aquatic form which has hitherto been discovered. Nevertheless it is needless for me to add that it is not aquatic, and only questionably, indeed, even Phithydridous (as technically understood by that term), though delighting often in watery localities.
The D. abdominale does not appear to be anywhere very abundant in St. Helena. I have, however, taken it sparingly under putrid garden-rubbish at Plantation, and it has been found by Mr. P. Whitehead at Woodcot. ‘The St.-Helena examples have their antennal club a little more darkened, or infuscated, than is the case in Madeiran ones which are now before me.
Sectio 83. TRICHOPTERYGIA. Fam. 3. TRICHOPTERYGIDZ.
Genus 7. PTINELLA. (Motschoulsky) Matth., Zool. xvi. 6106 (1858). 18. Ptinella Matthewsiana, n. sp.
P. ovalis, sat convexa, ferruginea, pilis aureo-fulvescentibus vestita ; capite magno, lato, in fronte rotundato, oculis minutissimis,
22 TRICHOPTERYGID2.
pallidis ; prothorace magno, quadrato, ad latera rotundato, tuber- culis parvis remotis ordinibus sinuatis dispositis interstitiisque nitidis alutaceis ornato, angulis posticis fere rectis; elytris ovatis (capite prothoraceque brevioribus), ordinibus remotis irregularibus sat profunde asperatis, apicibus rectis ; abdomine ovato, obtuso, segmentis 5 apertis; antennis pedibusque albido- testaceis. Long. corp. lin. 58.
Habitat in editioribus insulz ; inter detritus fungosque putridos, in trunco quodam antiquo emortuo, sat copiose reperta.
This exceedingly diminutive beetle, at once known (amongst the other species with which we are here concerned) by its almost microscopic size and its pale ferruginous hue, is the only member of the Trichopterygide which has hitherto been discovered at St. Helena; and I have much pleasure in naming it after the Rey. A. Matthews (the indefatigable monographer of that assemblage of minute insects), who has not only examined it for me with con- siderable care, but has kindly furnished me with a diagnosis in which the main characters which separate it from the other known Ptinelle (with which he is so intimately acquainted) have been kept in view,—its most salient feature consisting, so far as I can gather, in the comparative largeness and breadth of its subquadrate prothorax. It is only in a single locality, and that one at a high elevation on the central ridge,that we observed the P. Matthewsiana,— namely amongst minute fungi and damp triturated refuse, within the hollow trunk of an old Buddleia madagascariensis, Vahl, below Actzeon and close to a spot called Newfoundland. It was first detected by Mrs. Wollaston, who immediately recognized it as a member of the T'richopterygide ; and I subsequently obtained a tolerable number of examples by bringing away at intervals small portions of the decomposing refuse and examining it closely on a white cloth.
Out of the ten species of Ptinella which are included in Mr. Matthews’ elaborate Monograph, seven are European and three are American,—two however, out of the seven European ones, occurring also in the Canaries, and one at Madeira; so that this exponent from St. Helena possesses a considerable interest geographically.
STAPHYLINID&. 23
Sectio 4. BRACHELYTRA.
Fam. 4. STAPHYLINIDZ. (Subfam. 1. ALEOCHARIDES.)
Genus 8. ALEOCHARA. Gravenhorst, Col. Micropt. 67 (1802).
19. Aleochara puberula.
A. angustulo-fusiformis, subnitida, minute et densissime punctulata pubeque fulvescenti demiss’ dense sericata, nigra; capite subro- tundato; prothorace lato, transverso, convexo, in limbo szpius anguste dilutiore; elytris brevibus, rubescentibus sed versus angulos externos et scutellum (in spatiis maximis subtriangulari- bus) plus minus eyidenter sed suffuse obscuratis ; abdomine ad apicem subdilutiore ; antennis crassiusculis, nigro-piceis, basi et ad apicem ipsissimum, palpis ad basin, pedibusque plus minus testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. circa 2}.
Aleochara puberula, Klug, Col. Madagasc. 51 (1833). decorata, Aubé, Ann. Soc. Ent. de France, 311 (1850). —— Armitagei, Woll., Ins. Mad. 559 (1854).
puberula, Zd., Col. Atl. 473 (1865).
—— ——, Id., Col. Hesp. 229 (1867).
, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 87 (1870).
Habitat inter quisquilias in cultis intermediis ; a meipso in horto ad Plantation semel capta.
I took a single example of this widely spread European Aleochara amongst garden-refuse at Plantation ; and there can be little doubt that the species has been introduced into the island, along, perhaps, with consignments of plants. It has become established, in like manner, in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde groups ; and there are records of it, also, from many distant parts of the civilized world.
The fusiform outline and very densely and minutely punctulated surface of the A. puberula, which is sericated all over with a decum- bent fulvescent pile, added to the slightly diluted margins of its wide prothorax, the ill-defined or suffused oblique reddish dash with which each of its elytra is ornamented, and the fact of its rather thickened antennz having(not only their base, but) their extreme apex testaceous, will sufficiently distinguish it.
24 STAPHYLINID2.
Genus 9. HOMALOTA. Mannerheim, Brachél. 73 (1881).
20. Homalota coriaria.
H. angusto-linearis, subnitida, minutissime et densissime (in capite abdomineque parcius) punctulata pubeque grisea demissa subtili sat dense sericata, nigra, elytris (brevibus) plus minus evidenter dilutioribus sed versus angulos externos et scutellum plus minus suffuse triangulariter obscuratis ; capite subtransverso-rotundato, oculis magnis; prothorace brevi, transverso, postice rotundato, angulis posticis rotundate obtusis sed sensim determinatis, in disco postico (interdum ad basin solum) leviter impresso ; antennis breviusculis, crassis (art'* subapicalibus conspicue transversis), nigro-piceis, ad basin paulum dilutioribus ; pedibus saturate tes- taceis.
Long. corp. lin. 11-1}.
Homalota eoriaria, Kraatz, Nat. Ins. Deutsch. ii. 282 (1856).
, Woll., Col. Atl. 469 (1865).
—— — , ld., Col. Hesp. 223 (1867).
—— — , Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 88 (1870). — ——, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 409 (1871). —___ ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 162 (1875).
Habitat inter quisquilias, in intermediis editioribusque (presertim
illis); vulgaris.
The European H. coriaria, which is one of the most widely diffused of the Homalotas throughout the various Atlantic islands (it haying been established in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos), is universal amongst refuse in the inter- mediate districts of St. Helena,—where it must almost certainly have been naturalized {along perhaps with consignments of plants) from more northern latitudes. Although commoner in cultivated places, and amongst garden rejectamenta, than elsewhere, it ascends likewise to the central ridge,—where I have met with it sparingly about Diana’s Peak and Acteeon ; but in spots of a lower altitude—such as Plantation, West Lodge, and Thompson’s Wood—it is far more general and abundant.
Its posteriorly rounded head and prothorax (the latter of which is wide, abbreviated, and basally impressed), in conjunction with its short, dilated, and very densely and finely punctulated elytra, and its considerably thickened antenne#, will suffice to separate the HZ. coriaria from the only other Homalota with which we have here to do,
STAPHYLINID. 25
21. Homalota helenensis, n. sp.
H. precedenti prima facie similis, sed sensim rugosius punctulata, capite pone oculos paululum minus rotundato, prothorace sensim minus abbreviato et postice minutius impresso, elytris sublongio- ribus (sc. quadratis) ac vix depressioribus, magis regulariter fus- cescentibus (aut minus subtestaceo-dilutis), antennisque longiori- bus ac multo gracilioribus.
Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat in locis valde elevatis; sub cortice Compositarum arbores- centium laxo marcido, necnon inter quisquilias, degens.
So far as I am able to judge, the present Homalota seems to be truly indigenous at St. Helena,—and, indeed, the only member hitherto observed of that very extensive genus which has any claim to belong to the aboriginal fauna of the island. At any rate, it is on the high central ridge alone that I met with it,—where it abounds beneath the damp and loosened bark of the various cabbage-trees, as well as amongst decaying vegetable refuse, in the neighbourhood of Diana’s Peak and Acton; and I have no recollection of haying ever captured it within the strictly cultivated districts.
Although with every appearance of being a real native of the island, the helenensis is nevertheless a most ordinary-looking and in- conspicuous Homalota, and one which has much the prima facte contour of the coriaria (with which, indeed, in the loftier regions, it is frequently found associated). There can be no question, however, that it is truly and altogether distinct from that species,—its more coarsely punctulated surface, and its longer and thinner antenne, being sufficient, even of themselves, to separate it. But, apart from these characters, its head is not quite so much rounded-off behind the eyes, its prothorax is appreciably less abbreviated and more minutely impressed in the centre of the base, and its elytra are a trifle longer or more quadrate, as well as for the most part of a more uniformly dark piceous brown,—the slightly diluted portions being seldom, if ever, subtestaceous.
(Subfam. 2. STAPHYLINIDES.)
Genus 10. CREOPHILUS. (Kirby) Steph., IW. Brit, Ent, v. 202 (1832).
22. Creophilus maxillosus.
O. magnus, elongatus, parallelus, ater; capite prothoraceque nitidis-
26 STAPHYLINIDZ.
simis, illo subquadrato, in disco minute et leviter sed ad latera et postice grossissime parce et profunde punctato, collo aperto crasso convexo, ad latera et postice grosse punctato; hdc subquadrato sed postice paulum angustiore et rotundato, angulis posticis rotun- datis, ad latera sinuato, (limbo anguste punctato excepto) fere im- punctato, versus angulos anticos longe nigro-piloso ; scutello ely- trisque distinctius punctatis, his punctis perpaucis maximis in disco exteriori longitudinaliter notatis, longe nigro-pilosis fascia- que magna transyersa cinerea ornatis ; abdomine dense asperato- punctulato, longe nigro-piloso pilisque cinereis (presertim in segmentis intermediis) fasciato-marmorato ; antennis pedibusque nigris, tibiis dense pilosis ac spinulosis. Long. corp. lin. 9-11.
Staphylinus maxillosus, Linn., Syst. Nat. 421 (1758). Creophilus maxillosus, Woll., Coll. Atl. 487 (1865). , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 85 (1870). —— —.,, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 90 (1870). —— ——, Melliss, St. Hel, 163 (1875). Habitat in cadayeribus, putridis, et etiam (rarius) stercore bovino,
per regiones intermedias et editiores, passim; ex alienis certe introductus.
The common European C. maaillosus (so well distinguished by its large size and deep-black, darkly-pilose surface, which, however, is ornamented across the elytra with a broad whitish band, and which has the abdominal segments more or less mottled with smaller fascize of the same hue) has become naturalized at St. Helena, as it has in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Cape-Verde archipelagos. In all probability it is well-nigh universal, though it was only at inter- mediate and lofty altitudes (from Plantation to the central ridge) that I happened to meet with it. As elsewhere, it occurs usually beneath dead animals and amongst putrid substances generally, and occasionally also (though rarely) in the droppings of cattle. Mr. Melliss states that he has found it in the vicinity of churchyards.
Genus 11. PHILONTHUS. (Leach) Curt., Brit. Ent. xiii. t. 610 (1825). § I. Prothoracis seriebus dorsalibus é punctis 4 (preter basalem) compositis. 23. Philonthus flavoterminatus, n. sp.
P. angustulo-linearis ; capite prothoraceque atris, nitidissimis, illo subquadrato-oyali punctisque perpaucis magnis utrinque irrorato,
STAPHYLINID. 27
héc elongato-quadrato, ad latera (extus seriem punctorum 4) punctis magnis circa 4 notato; scutello elytrisque «nescentibus, sat dense subasperato-punctatis, his striaé subsuturali obtusa impressis, griseo-pilosis; abdomine nigro, griseo-piloso, parce asperato-punctato, segm"* 2 basalibus postice transversim convexis necnon ad basim ipsam in medio grossius punctatis; antennis (art? 1™° valde elongato, 3° elongato, 2" huic breviore) pedibusque elongatis, gracilibus, illis nigrescentibus art'* 2 ulterioribus subito et lete flavo-testaceis, femoribus testaceis, tibiis tarsisque testaceo- piceis. *
Mas antennis longioribus, capite majore et magis quadrato, tarsis anticis paulum dilatatis.
Long. corp. lin. 3-31.
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque insule ; in humidis rarissimus.
This extremely distinct Philonthus may perhaps be a true native of the island, though the few examples of it which I have yet seen (only three in number) are perhaps scarcely sufficient to warrant a conjecture on that point. It was first met with by Mr. Gray on the high central ridge; and subsequently by myself in the same locality, as well as in a muddy spot at Plantation.
Apart from its prothoracic line of dorsal punctures being com- posed of only four on either side (though I should mention that in one of my examples, a male, there is a fifth one, in each series, at the base,—which, however, I imagine belongs in reality to the few which are scattered along the hinder margin, rather than to the central longitudinal rows), the P. flavoterminatus may instantly be recog- nized by its brassy elytra and the two bright yellowish articulations which terminate its otherwise nearly black antenne. Its head, in the male sex, is large and squarish; its first and third antennal joints (especially the former) are conspicuously elongated ; and its femora are testaceous, with the tibize and tarsi a good deal (though by no means altogether) picescent.
§ II. Prothoracis seriebus dorsalibus € punctis 5 compositis.
24. Philonthus longicornis.
P. angustulus, fusiformi-linearis, ater; capite prothoraceque niti- dissimis, illo ovali punctisque perpaucis magnis utrinque irrorato, hoc subconico (antice angustiore), ad latera (extra seriem puncto- rum 5) punctis magnis perpaucis notato ; scutello elytrisque sat dense asperato-punctulatis ac longe griseo-pilosis, concoloribus, his integris (nec stria subsuturali impressis) ; abdomine minutius
28 STAPHYLINID.
parciusque punctulato et obsoletissime submetallico-tincto, griseo- piloso; antennis brunneo-nigris; pedibus nigro-piceis, coxis anticis saturate testaceis et etiam femoribus interdum paululum subtestaceo-dilutioribus, tarsis posterioribus elongatis.
Mas antennis sublongioribus, tarsis anticis dilatatis.
Long. corp. lin. 3-4.
Philonthus longicornis (Aby.), Steph., Ill. Brit. Ent. v. 237 (1832).
seybalarius et fuscicornis, Nordm., Symb. 94, 96 (1838).
, Woll., Col. Atl. 492 (1865).
olds, Col, Hesp. 237 (1867).
—— longicornis, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 409 (1871).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 162 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque, passim ; sub quisquiliis ster- coreque bovino degens. Certe introductus.
The common European P. longicornis (at once distinguished amongst the few Philonthi here enumerated by its large size and uniformly black hue,—the anterior coxe, and sometimes even the femora, being alone a little diluted, or subtestaceous) is pretty gene- rally distributed over the intermediate and lofty districts of St. Helena,—from about the altitude of Plantation (where it 1s tolerably abundant amongst decaying garden-refuse) to the central ridge; and there can be no doubt that it has been naturalized from more northern latitudes. Owing to its constant liability to accidental transmission amongst civilized countries, it is a species which has acquired for itself a wide geographical range; and in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde groups, as well as at Ascension (where it was taken, on the Green Mountain, by the late Mr. Bewicke), it has become completely established. |
25. Philonthus discoideus.
P. angustulo-linearis, niger (seepe piceo-niger) ; capite prothoraceque nitidissimis, illo subquadrato convexo punctisque perpaucis magnis utringue irrorato, hée elongate subconico-quadrato, ad latera (extra seriem punctorum 5) punctis magnis perpaucis notato ; scutello elytrisque sat dense subasperato-punctulatis et longe ful- vescenti-pilosis, his per suturam rufo-ferrugineis lineaque subsu- turali obsoleta leviter impressis; abdomine piceo-nigro, minute subasperato-punctulato, fulvo-piloso; antennis breviusculis, sub- moniliformibus, lete ferrugineis ; pedibus piceo-testaceis.
Mas antennis eo bicuplonibus; tarsis anticis dilatatis.
Long. corp. lin. 23.
Staphylinus discoideus, Grav., Col. Micropt. 88 (1802).
Philonthus discoideus, W ae Col. Atl, 493 (1865). —— ——, Id, Col. Hesp. 238 (1867).
STAPHYLINID®. 29
Habitat in intermediis insule ; a meipso, sub quisquiliis ad Planta- tion, semel deprehensus.
Like the P. longicornis and nigritulus, this common European Philonthus is of course a merely introduced insect at St. Helena,— where in all probability it must have been imported originally along with consignments of plants. The only example of it which I have seen was captured by myself, amongst garden-refuse, at Plantation ; but the species would most likely be found to be suffi- ciently abundant if searched for in similar localities. It has, in like manner, become established in the Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape- Verde archipelagos.
Apart from the five punctures of which either row of its dorsal prothoracic series is composed, the P. discoideus (which is the smallest of the St.-Helena Philonthi except the nigritulus) may be recognized by its subquadrate head and its rather short, submonili- form, brightly ferruginous antenne, as well as by its suture being broadly and conspicuously diluted in hue. Its elytra and abdomen are clothed with a slightly golden, or fulvescent, pile ; and its subsu- tural line is shallow and very lightly impressed.
§$ LL. Prothoracis seriebus dorsalibus é punctis 6 compositis.
26. Philonthus nigritulus.
P. angustulo-sublinearis, niger; capite prothoraceque nitidissimis, illo subquadrato sed postice in 2 paululum angustiore, punctis perpaucis magnis utrinque irrorato, hoc elongate subconico-qua- drato, ad latera (extra seriem punctorum 6, interdum solum 5 certe conspicuorum) punctis magnis perpaucis notato ; scutello elytrisque sat dense punctatis, griseo-pilosis, concoloribus (aut in- terdum obsoletissime subfuscescentioribus ), stria subsuturali leviter impressis ; abdomine minutissime subasperato-punctulato, griseo- piloso; antennis nigrescentibus, ad basin paululum dilutioribus ; pedibus picescenti-testaceis. Mas capite paululum oblongiore, tarsis anticis (ut in 2 ) simplicibus. Long. corp. lin. vix 2. Staphylinus nigritulus et aterrimus, Grav., Col. Micropt. 41 (1802). Philonthus aterrimus, Woll., Ins. Mad. 584 (1854).
nigritulus, Jd., Col. Atl. 494 (1865).
, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 91 (1870).
Habitat in cultis intermediis; rarissimus.
I have seen but two St.-Helena examples of this insignificant
30 STAPHYLINIDA.
little European Philonthus, one of which was captured by Mr. Gray at Plantation, and the other by myself at West Lodge; and there cannot be much doubt that the species (as in the case of the P. longicornis and discoideus) must have been introduced originally into the island from more northern latitudes. It has become esta- blished, in like manner, in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian archipelagos; but we did not happen to meet with it at the Cape Verdes.
Its small size and dark concolorous hue (the legs alone being piceo-testaceous), added to its rather distinctly punctured elytra (which, together with the abdomen, are clothed with a coarse griseous pubescence), will suffice to separate the P. nigritulus from the few other Philonthi with which we are here concerned. Judging from the two now before me, the St.-Helena examples would seem to have their elytra a trifle more coarsely punctured than is the case in the ordinary European ones, and the front puncture of their protho- racic series appears to be (as is not unusual elsewhere) obsolete.
§1V. Prothoracis seriebus dorsalibus é€ punctis 6 vel 7 compositis.
27. Philonthus turbidus.
P. angustulo-linearis, subpiceo-niger ; capite prothoraceque nitidis- simis, illo subquadrato-ovali punctisque perpaucis magnis utrinque irrorato, héc subconico (antice angustiore), ad latera (extra seriem punctorum 6 vel 7) punctis perpaucis notato; scutello elytrisque sensim picescentioribus, dense et argute subasperato-punctatis, longe griseo-pilosis, his stria subsuturali leviter impressis ; abdo- mine minutius sed dense subasperato-punctulato, subiridescenti, longe griseo-piloso ; antennis brunneis, ad basin yvix dilutioribus ; palpis pedibusque piceo-testaceis.
Mas antennis sublongioribus, tarsis anticis dilatatis.
Long. corp. lin. 33-44.
Philonthus turbidus, Erich., Gen. et. Spec. Staph. 484 (1839).
punctipennis, Woll., Col. Atl. 494 (1865).
turbidus, Id., Col. Hesp. 240 (1867).
Habitat (rarior) in intermediis editioribusque insule ; sub quisqui- liis marcidis putridis latens.
The only three St.-Helena examples which I have seen of this somewhat large and very distinct Philonthus are one which was found by Mr. Gray on the central ridge, and two which I met with myself (beneath damp and decaying garden-refuse) at Plantation.
STAPHYLINIDZ. ol
It is a species of a very extensively acquired range, though one which does not appear anywhere (so far, at least, as my own expe- rience is concerned) to be even locally abundant ; nevertheless it has established itself sparingly in the Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape- Verde groups, and it has been recorded from many countries widely separated from each Sihee anal as Madagascar, the Mauritius, Egypt, and Assam.
Apart from its rather large size and slightly piceous-black hue (particularly as regards the elytra), the P. turbidus may be recog- nized by its prothorax being somewhat narrowed (or compressed) anteriorly (as in the P. longicornis), by its elytral punctures being rather deep and sharply defined, and by its abdomen (which is more finely but closely punctulated) being usually a little iridescent.
(Subfam. 3. XANTHOLINIDES.)
Genus 12. XANTHOLINUS. Dahl, in Encycl. Meth. x. 475 (1825).
28. Xantholinus morio.
X. angusto-linearis, elongatus, nitidus, niger; capite prothoraceque nitidissimis, illo elongato-subquadrato, postice subrecte truncato, punctis paucis magnis utrinque irrorato, in fronte breviter bicani- culato, hoc elongato, subparallelo, ad latera (extra seriem puncto- rum 6—7) punctis perpaucis notato; elytris concoloribus, parcissime griseo-pubescentibus necnon confuse et laxe subseriatim punctatis, costa suturali arcuata (postice subevanescente) instructis ; abdo- mive in dorso fere impunctato, ad latera punctulis minutis subas- peratis parce irrorato, parcissime griseo-piloso ; antennis ferrugi- neis, art'* 1™° et 3° picescentibus ; pedibus dilute piceis, tarsis fere testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. vix 3-33.
Xantholinus morio, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 410 (1871).
» Melliss, St. Hel. 163 (1875).
Habitat in editioribus ; sub cortice emortuo laxo putrido Composita- rum arborescentium precipue latitans.
In all probability the present Xantholinus belongs to the aboriginal fauna of the island. At any rate it seems peculiar to the higher elevations, never descending (so far as I am aware) into the strictly cultivated districts ; indeed the lowest altitude at which I observed
ae STAPHYLINID&.
it was Vine-Tree Gut (nearly 2000 feet above the sea),—a small ravine .between Oakbank and Hutt’s Gate, issuing out of Stitch’s Ridge. In the direction, however, of Diana’s Peak and Acton (where it was found likewise by Mr. Gray) it is far more abundant, occurring especially beneath the damp and putrid bark of the decayed cabbage trees; and I have captured it commonly (particu- larly on the wing) amongst the cabbage trees at Cason’s, as well as at West Lodge and (more sparingly) on the summit of High Peak. The uniformly deep black hue of the X. morio—the antenne of which, however, are ferruginous, with their first and third joints darkish, whilst the legs are diluted piceous and the feet nearly. testaceous,—added to its rather elongate-subquadrate head (the hinder angles of which are obtusely rounded) and concolorous elytra, will sufficiently distinguish it from the following species.
29. Xantholinus armatus, n. sp.
X. precedenti similis, sed paulum minor, capite etiam submagis elongato-quadrato, angulis posticis minus rotundatis aut multo magis determinatis (sc. minutissime etiam exstantibus), utrinque densius punctato, prothoracis seriebus dorsalibus e punctis minoribus ac paulum magis numerosis (sc. 8-9) compositis, aliisque versus latera magis curvatim dispositis, elytris sensim dilutioribus, postice etiam subtestaceo-translucentibus, antennis pedibusque pallidioribus (se. rufo-testaceis).
Long. corp. lin. 21.
Habitat in intermediis insule, rarissimus. Dua specimina ad Plan- tation cepi.
The present Staphylinid has much the appearance at first sight of _ the common European Leptacinus parumpunctatus ; but the less reduced terminal joint of its palpi show it to be a true Xantholinus ; whilst its two (instead of four) frontal grooves, and the smaller and more numerous punctures of its prothoracic series, will still further distinguish it from that insect. From the X. morio it differs in being smaller, and in haying its head (which is more densely punctured on either side) not only more strictly elongate-quadrate but with the posterior angles less rounded off,—the latter being, in fact, minutely prominent, or thickened into what might almost be defined as a small anguliform spinule. Its elytra, also, instead of being black, are (as in the European X. hesperius and the Leptacinus parumpunctatus) slightly diluted in hue, and even testaceous (and
STAPHYLINID. 33
somewhat translucent) behind ; its prothorax has the dorsal series composed of punctules which are both smaller and a little more numerous, the sublateral ones also having a tendency to be arranged in a longitudinal curve; its elytral punctures are likewise less coarse, and more longitudinally disposed ; and its limbs are altoge- ther paler, being rufo-testaceous.
The only examples of the X. armatus which I have yet seen are two which were captured by myself at Plantation.
(Subfam. 4. PAKDERIDES.)
Genus 15. LITHOCHARIS. (Dejean) Boisd., Faun. Ent. de Paris, i, 431 (1835).
30. Lithocharis ochracea.
L. linearis, fusco-ferruginea, subopaca, confertissime subtilissimeque punctulata pubeque grisea demissa vestita; capite magno, con- vexo, triangulari-quadrato, magis nigrescente, oculis magnis; pro- thorace subquadrato ; elytris sutura vix dilutiore ; abdomine fus- cescentiore, versus apicem paulum dilutiore; antennis, palpis, pedibusque testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. cirea 1.
Peederus ochraceus, Grav., Col. Micropt. 59 (1802).
Lithocharis ochracea, Erich., Gen. et Spec. Staph. 623 (1839). -—_ Woll., Col, Atl. 506 (1865).
—— ——, ld., Col. Hesp. 244 (1867).
—— ——, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 92 (1870).
Habitat inter quisquilias in intermediis; in horto ad Plantation
capta.
Several individuals of a Zrthocharis which I took amongst garden- refuse at Plantation are manifestly referable to the common European L. ochracea, Grav., a species which has become naturalized in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos; and there can be no question that at St. Helena also it must have been introduced originally from higher latitudes. The proportions of their rather large and subtriangularly quadrate head, added to their somewhat opake griseo-pubescent surface, and their extremely fine and close punctation, are in exact accordance with the more northern
examples. D
34 STAPHYLINIDA,
31. Lithocharis debilicornis.
L. linearis, clare rufo-ferruginea elytris testaceis, subopaca, parce griseo-pilosa ; capite prothoraceque minute alutaceis punctulisque levibus (in illo parce) irroratis, illo magno, convexo, quadrato, basi rectissime truncato, oculis parvis sed prominulis ; prothorace subquadrato, postice paululum angustiore, antice in medio sub- producto; elytris dense et confuse punctatis ; antennis (brevissi- mis, moniliformibus), palpis, pedibusque (brevibus) testaceis, tarsis gracilibus.
Long. corp. lin. 1—-vix 13.
Lithocharis debilicornis, Woll., Cat. Mad. Col. 194 (July 1857). brevicornis, Allard, Ann. Soc. Ent. de France, 747 (1857). eegyptiaca, Mots., Bull. de Mose. 664 (1858). debilicornis, Woll., Col. Atl. 508 (1865).
, Id., Col, Hesp. 245 (1867).
——, Crotch, in Godm, Azor. 93 (1870).
Habitat inter quisquilias et sub gramine desiccato, in intermediis ;
minus frequens.
This very singular little Lithocharis, which seems to have a rather wide African and South-European range (occurring in Egypt and in Mediterranean latitudes generally, as well as in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos), I met with amongst garden-refuse and cut grass at Plantation, but in no great abundance. It is a species which may be readily recognized by its small size and clear rufo-ferruginous hue, the elytra, however, being more diluted and almost testaceous ; by its relatively large, square, and convex head (which, together with the prothorax, is ‘minutely alutaceous, but sprinkled also with light but evident punctules) ; by its eyes being small but prominent; by its prothorax being a trifle narrowed posteriorly and rather mesially produced in front; and by its antennee (which are eaceedingly short and monili- form) being, together with the legs, testaceous.
(Subfam. 5. OXYTELIDES.)
Genus 14. OXYTELUS. Gravenhorst, Col. Micropt. 101 (1802).
$I. Antennis art* 8 ulterioribus gradatim incrassatis.
32. Oxytelus sculptus. O, linearis, nitidus, niger elytris plus minus piceo-testaceis ; capite
STAPHYLINIDZ. 35
subtriangulari, confuse punctato, postice in medio distincte cana- liculato, clypeo impunctato sed grosse alutaceo opaco et antice fere immarginato, oculis maximis, prominentibus; prothorace transverso-subquadrato postice paulum angustiore, substriguloso- punctato, in disco profunde trisulcato (sulcis externis sub- curvatis); elytris dense punctato-strigulosis ; abdomine fere im- punctato; antennis longiusculis, fusco-nigris, art 3 basalibus rufo-ferrugineis ; pedibus testaceis. Long. corp. lin. 13-2. Oxytelus sculptus, Grav., Mon. 191 (1806). —— ——, Woll., Ins. Mad. 607 (1854). , Id., Col. Atl. 516 (1865). — ——-, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 93 (1870). Habitat in intermediis editioribusque (preesertim illis), inter quisqui- lias in humidis parce occurrens.
——
The common European 0. sculptus has become naturalized at St. Helena, in like manner as it has in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian archipelagos. Nevertheless the only two spots in which I happened to observe it are Plantation and Cason’s, at the former of which I met with a tolerable number of examples amongst garden- refuse. At first sight it very closely resembles the O. alutaceifrons, which is so universal throughout the island; nevertheless it is, on the average, a little larger, its head (which is wider behind) is less coarsely and less densely punctured, and has the short central channel more distinct, its eyes are very much larger, its clypeus is unmargined in front, and its antenne are not only longer but have their three basal joints more brightly rufo-ferruginous.
33. Oxytelus alutaceifrons.
O. preecedenti similis, sed subminor, oculis multo minoribus, anten- nisque conspicue brevioribus; capite postice sensim angustiore, rugosius densiusque punctato, et canaliculé obscuriore impresso, clypeo antice evidenter marginato, antennis ad basin minus con- spicue dilutis.
Long. corp. lin. 14—vix 2.
Obs.—Species O. piceo, Grav., affinis; sed oculis minoribus, clypeo omnino impunctato depressiore et magis opaco, prothorace postice sensim magis angustato, angulis posticis subexstanter rectioribus necnon sulcis externis profundioribus, elytrisque sub- minoribus, precipue differt.
Oxytelus alutaceifrons, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 410 (1871). , Melhiss, St. Hel. 163 (1875).
DZ
36 STAPHYLINID®.
Habitat sub stercore bovino et equino, necnon inter quisquilias, in intermediis editioribusque insule ; vulgaris.
This may be regarded as the universal Owytelus of St. Helena, though, as we did not collect to any great extent in the more arid districts adjoining the coast, I am unable to say whether it descends much below the intermediate altitudes. From about the level, however, of Plantation (some 1800 feet above the sea) to the extreme summit of the central ridge it occurs, amongst decaying vegetable refuse and the droppings of cattle, almost everywhere—my own specimens being chiefly from Plantation, West Lodge, Cason’s, and the vicinity of Diana’s Peak; and it was captured hkewise by Mr. Gray.
In size and general aspect the O. alutaceifrons very closely resembles the European O. piceus, Gray., which has been naturalized in the Madeiran and Canarian groups; nevertheless its eyes are conspicuously smaller, its clypeus is more decidedly unpunctured, as well as flatter and more opake, its prothorax is a little narrower behind and has the posterior angles (though not exactly prominent) more strictly right angles, and the outer grooves perhaps a trifle deeper, and its elytra are appreciably shorter or less developed.
§ IL. Antennarum art® 3 (vie distincte 5 vel 6) ulterroribus imerassatis.
34. Oxytelus nitidifrons.
O. linearis, nitidus ; capite nigro, prothorace elytrisque rufo-ferru- gineis, his postice obscurioribus ; capite prothoraceque transversis, confuse et dense rugoso-punctatis, illo transverso-subquadrato, postice convexo et in medio canalicula brevissima obscura impreésso, clypeo nitidissimo fere impunctato convexo transverso antice truncato et immarginato, oculis parvis, mandibulis elongatis por- rectis rufo-piceis ; prothorace brevissimo, postice vix angustiore, in disco confuse trisulcato (sulcis postice subevanescentibus) ; ely- tris brevibus, dense punctato-strigulosis; abdomine fere impun- ctato, piceo sed antice subtestaceo-dilutiore ; antennis pedibusque gracilibus, illis fusco-nigris sed basin versus clare rufo-ferrugineis, his testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 1-1}.
Oxytelus nitidifrons, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 411 (1871). ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 163 (1875).
Habitat inter quisquilias in intermediis, necnon pareius sub ecortice
STAPHYLINIDA. OF
Compositarum arborescentium laxo putrido in editioribus ; passim.
I believe this very remarkable little Oxytelus to be a true native of the island—its claim for being regarded as aboriginal seeming to me to be greater than those of even the still more universal 0. alutaceifrons. It is only at intermediate and lofty altitudes that I observed it, and nowhere in any great abundance. At Plantation, however, it is sufficiently common (where it occurs under garden- refuse and cut grass); and on the high central ridge I met with it sparingly beneath the damp and rotting bark of the old cabbage- trees.
Apart from its much smaller size and more variegated surface— the head being black, and the prothorax and elytra bright rufo- ferruginous (though the latter are gradually more and more obscured posteriorly), whilst the abdomen is piceous but more diluted towards the base—the O. nitidifrons may be recognized by its head, pro- thorax, and elytra being each of them rather unusually short and transverse, the prothorax especially being much abbreviated and hardly (if at all) narrowed behind, by its clypeus being highly polished, nearly unsculptured, transverse, and considerably truncated (as well as unmargined) in front, by its eyes being small, and con- sequently very anterior in position, and by its limbs being slender. Its antenne indeed (which are dark, but brightly rufo-ferruginous at the base) are not only less incrassated towards their apex, but have a smaller number of joints distinctly thickened—the terminal three being alone conspicuously widened (for the preceding two are scarcely broader than the basal ones). Its mandibles also are somewhat longer and more porrect than in the majority of the Oxyteli, though less produced than those of the South-American O. insignitus, Erich., which has become naturalized in the island of St. Thomas and at Madeira.
Genus 15. TROGOPHLEUS. Mannerheim, Brachél. 49 (1831).
35. Trogophleus corticinus.
7. minutus, angustulo-lnearis, niger, ubique densissime et subtilissime punctulatus pubeque cinerea vestitus; capite magno, rotundato- subquadrato, in fronte breviter longitudinaliter bifoveolato, oculis sat parvis sed prominulis, a basi parum remotis ; prothorace sub-
38 NITIDULID.
cordato (postice sensim angustato), in disco postico paulum ineequali,
se. obsolete bicanaliculato (canaliculis extus curvatis sed vix sub-
interruptis) ; elytris strié suturali obtusa (postice subevanescente)
leviter notatis ; antennis palpisque fusco-nigrescentibus, ad basin
vix dilutioribus ; pedibus piceo-testaceis, femoribus obscurioribus. Long. corp. lin. circa 1.
Oxytelus corticinus, Grav., Mon. 192 (1806).
Trogophleeus corticinus, Erich., Gen. et Spec. Staph. 809 (1839). nanus, Woll., Ins. Mad. 611 (1854).
corticinus, Id., Col. Atl, 519 (1865).
, Crotch, in Godm. Azor, 94 (1870).
Habitat in intermediis humidis lutosis, rarissimus; a meipso ad Plantation bis captus.
Two examples of this very minute and insignificant European Trogophleus, which occurs likewise in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian archipelagos, embody all that I have seen of the species in St. Helena. They were both of them captured by myself at Plan- tation,—one beneath garden-refuse, and the other by treading out the mud in amarshy spot. It is the smallest of the Staphylinids which have been met with in the island; and, in addition to this, its uniformly black surface, which is most minutely and densely punctulated all over, as well as clothed with a cinereous or whitish pubescence, in conjunction with its somewhat small but prominent eyes and the slight inequalities on the hinder disk of its prothorax (which may be said to be a generic feature of the Trogophlaz), will serve to distinguish it from every thing else with which we have here to do. Its antenne are almost wholly black (the base being but very faintly diluted in hue); and its legs are piceo-testaceous,— the femora, however, being well-nigh entirely piceous.
Sectio 5. NECROPHAGA.
Fam. 5. NITIDULIDA.
Genus 16. CARPOPHILUS. Stephens, ZU. Brit. Ent. iii. 50 (1830).
36. Carpophilus hemipterus.
©. ovalis, latiusculus, dense sed haud profunde punctatus, niger elytris late flavo-maculatis, subopacus, pube parva subcinerea
NITIDULID2. 39
dense vestitus; prothorace magno, convexo, subquadrato, utrinque versus angulos posticos late sed obsolete impresso; coleopteris valde abbreviatis, postice triangulariter truncatis, ad latera sub- rotundatis, utrinque maculis duabus subrotundatis flavo-testaceis (una se. ad humeros et alteraé majore ad angulos apicales internos positis) late decoratis ; antennis pedibusque ruto-testaceis, capitulo magno, picescentiore. Long. corp. lin. 12.
Dermestes hemipterus, Linn., Syst. Nat. 11, 567 (1767). Carpophilus hemipterus, Murray, Mon. Nitid. 862 (1864). , Woll., Col. Atl. 108 (1865).
—— —., Id., Col. Hesp. 58 (1867).
—— —.,, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 399 (1871).
—— ——,, Melliss, St. Hel. 139 (1875).
Habitat in mercatorum repositoriis ; certe ex alienis introductus.
I did not happen to meet with this introduced and well-nigh cosmopolitan insect at St. Helena, having had but little leisure for the examination of the mere houses and stores; but a few examples of it were among the collectanea of Mr. Melliss, who doubtless must have obtained them either at Jamestown or else amongst culinary substances which had been brought thence. Although apparently established in the island (as it has become in the Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos), I need scarcely add that it has no connexion whatever with the real fauna of St. Helena.
The rather broad and shortly-oval outline of the C. hemipterus, added to the two bright yellowish-testaceous spots (one of which is placed at the shoulder, and the other, which is larger, at the inner apical angle) with which each of its greatly-abbreviated elytra is adorned, in conjunction with its otherwise dark but densely pubes- cent, subopake, closely punctured surface, and its rufo-testaceous limbs (the rounded and much developed antennal club being alone picescent), will sufficiently distinguish it from every thing else which concerns us in this volume.
37. Carpophilus dimidiatus.
C. oblongus, angustior, parcius ac multo profundius punctatus, niger elytris subdilutioribus et obsolete subrufulo oblique nebulosis, subnitidus, pube grossa fulyo-cinerea parce vestitus ; prothorace magno, convexo, transverso-subquadrato, ad latera subdistinctius marginato et paululum minus rotundato; coleopteris abbreviatis, postice subtriangulariter truncatis, ad latera subparallelis (angulis humeralibus fere rectis), sensim piceo-subdilutioribus et plaga
40 NITIDULIDA.
magna obsoleta suffusi valde obliqua paulum rufescentiore utrinque plus minus evidenter nebulosis; antennis pedibusque piceo-testaceis, capitulo picescentiore, tibiis sensim minus dilatatis, tarsis brevioribus. 1 1 Long. corp. lin. 1-13.
Nitidula dimidiata, Fab., nt. Syst. i. 261 (1792). Carpophilus auropilosus, Woll., Ins. Mad. 117 (1854) dimidiatus, Murray, Mon. Nitid. 379 (1864). —— ——, Woll., Col. Atl. 107 (1865).
—— ——, Id., Col. Hesp. 59 (1867).
—— ——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 399 (1871). —— ——., Melliss, St. Hel. 159 (1875).
Habitat in locis similibus ac preecedens ; necnon (rarius) etiam sub cortice arborum arido laxo in cultis. Certe introductus.
The present Carpophilus is almost equally cosmopolitan with the C. hemipterus,—it being quite as subject to accidental introduction, along with dried fruits and various other stores, throughout the civilized world. Although rare at St. Helena, it would appear (so far at least as my own observations are concerned) to have established itself more completely than the hemipterus,—inasmuch as it is to be met with occasionally even beneath the dead and loosened bark of trees in cultivated spots. Under such circumstances I captured it sparingly near West Lodge, within the fermer garden of a ruined cottage. On account of its constant liability to accidental trans- mission, it is a species of a widely acquired range, and one which has become naturalized in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos,—in all of which it is extremely partial, along with the C. mutilatus, Erich., to decaying figs and oranges.
The C. dimidiatus is rather narrower, straighter, and more oblong than the hemipterus, as well as more shining, more remotely and much more deeply punctured, and sparingly clothed with a coarser and more golden pubescence ; moreover its elytra (instead of being adorned with the four brightly testaceous spots of that species) are nearly black, though more or less suffused with a large and often very indistinct subrufescent dash, extending obliquely from either shoulder towards the middle of the suture,—so as to leave .a trian- gular space about the scutellum which, like the region towards the outer apical angle (and like the head and prothorax), is compara- tively dark. Its prothorax also, which is more evidently margined at the sides, appears to have no indication (or scarcely any) of the wide but very shallow impression which is usually traceable towards
MONOTOMID2. 4]
the hinder angles in the C. hemipterus; its elytra are more rectan- gular at the shoulders ; its limbs are not quite so pale ; its tibiz are just perceptibly slenderer ; and its feet are less elongate *.
Fam. 6. MONOTOMIDZ.
Genus 17. MONOTOMA. Herbst, Natursyst. v. (1793).
38. Monotoma spinicollis.
M. nigro-picea (¢mmatura ferruginea), fere opaca, rugosa, parce cinereo-pubescens ; capite prothoraceque profunde punctatis, illo longiusculo oculis ante basin sitis, hoc subconico sed ad latera subrotundato angulis anticis in spinam magnam exstantem pro- ductis, postice in medio bifoyeolato ; elytris ad humeros szepius (in- terdum etiam lete) subpicescentioribus, profunde seriatim punc- tatis ; antennis pedibusque robustis, clare rufo-piceis.
Long. corp. lin. circa 13.
Monotoma spinicollis, Awbé, Ann. Soc. Ent. de France, 463 (1837).
spinifera, Woll., Cat. Mad. Col. 67 (1857).
spinicollis, Jd., Col. Atl. 118 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp. 60 (1867).
——, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 68 (1870).
Habitat inter quisquilias in cultis intermediis, ad Plantation abundans.
The widely-spread European M. spinicollis, which has established itself in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipe- lagos, and which was found by Mr. Gray at the Cape of Good Hope, has in like manner become naturalized at St. Helena,—where it is common beneath decaying garden-refuse, and cut grass, at interme- diate altitudes. Under such circumstances I met with it abundantly at Plantation.
The powerful, outwardly-directed (or spiniform) anterior protho- racic angles, and extremely coarse roughened sculpture, of this
* The C. dimidiatus is very closely allied to the C. mutilatus, Erich., a species equally liable to importation, and which has become established in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Cape-Verde groups; but it is, on the average, a little smaller, narrower, more shining, and more deeply punctured ; its colour is very much darker (that species being almost wholly ferruginous) ; its elytra are relatively a trifle shorter, and just perceptibly more convex; and its prothorax has the posterior angles somewhat more sharply defined, and is apparently free from the shallow, rounded impression which (although indistinct) is more or less traceable, in that species and in the C. hemipterus, on either side behind.
4,2 MONOTOMID.
species, added to its nearly opake and dark-piceous surface, and the fact of its eyes being situated at an appreciable (though short) dis- tance from the extreme base of its head, will sufficiently distinguish it as a Monotoma (a genus in which the antennal club is composed of apparently but a single joint, and the elytra are shortened poste- riorly).
39. Monotoma picipes.
M. nigro-picea (immatura ferruginea), opaca, dense rugulosa, parce et brevissime cinereo-pubescens ; capite prothoraceque minus pro- funde punctatis (punctis multo minoribus), illo triangulari oculis fere ad basin ipsissimam sitis, hdc ad latera subrecto angulis anticis in spinam minorem ac minus exstantem productis, postice in medio leviter bifoveolato; elytris paulo fuscescentioribus, minus pro- funde sed densius seriatim punctatis ; antennis pedibusque vix minus robustis, clare rufo-piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 1-11.
Monotoma picipes, Host., Kaf. v. 24 (1798).
, Aubé, Ann. Soc. Ent. de France, vi. 458 (1837).
congener, Woll., Cat. Mad. Col. 68 (1857).
picipes, Id., Col. Atl. 118 (1865).
Habitat in locis similibus ac preecedens, una cum illa sepius com- mixta.
Likewise a widely distributed European insect, and one which has been naturalized in the Madciran and Canarian groups ; but, although the most abundant in England of all the Monotomas, it appears to be less common at St. Helena (as indeed it is both in the Madeiras and Canaries) than the preceding species. The two, however, are usually taken in company, beneath decaying garden-refuse at inter- mediate altitudes,—the examples now before me having been captured by myself at Plantation.
The M. picipes is a trifle more opake and finely sculptured than the spinicollis ; and its elytra are for the most part just appreciably browner (and uniformly so, being less evidently subrufescent about the shoulders); its head is more triangular (or truncated at the base), having the eyes more strictly posterior in position and abutting on the hinder rim; its prothorax is somewhat straighter, or less sinuated, at the sides, with the punctures very much smaller and lighter, and with the anterior angles more porrect, or less outwardly prominent ; its elytra are more thickly and less coarsely angulose ; and its legs are, if any thing, not quite so robust.
TROGOSITIDH.—CUCUJID&. 43
Fam. 7. TROGOSITIDA.
Genus 18. TROGOSITA. Olivier, Ent. ii. 19 [seript. Trogossita} (1790).
40. Trigosita mauritanica.
T. angustula, elongata, depressa,.subnitida, picea ; capite prothora- ceque parce sed argute punctatis, illo antice depresso, hoc brevi, lunato-quadrato, angulis anticis grosse porrectis, posticis acute prominulis; elytris subparallelo-oblongis basi recte truncatis, punctulato- aut crenulato-striatis, interstitiis minutissime seriatim punctulatis ac transversim rugulosis ; antennis pedibusque com- pressis, robustis. Long. corp. lin. 33-4. Tenebrio mauritanicus, Linn., Syst. Nat. ii. 674 (1767). Trogosita mauritanica, Woll., Col. Atl. 116 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp. 66 (1867). —— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 140 (1875).
Habitat in domibus, mercatorumque repositoriis, ex alienis certe
introducta.
The cosmopolitan 7. mauritanica has become established in the houses and stores of St. Helena, as it has in the islands of the more northern archipelagos and indeed throughout a great part of the civilized world. It is common occasionally at Jamestown ; and I have also met with it amongst farinaceous substances at Plan- tation.
Fam. 8. CUCUJIDA.
Genus 19. LEA MOPHL@US. (Dejean) Casteln., Hist. Nat. 11. 385 (1840).
§ L. Antenne filiformes; in maribus longissime.
41. Lemophleus pusillus.
L. breviter linearis, depressus, rufo-ferrugineus, nitidus sed minute fulvo-cinereo-sericeus ; capite prothoraceque (linea laterali in- structis) minute punctulatis, hoc subquadrato, angulis ipsissimis posticis rectiusculis, ad basin (inter lineolas) carinula subtuberculi- formi transyersa instructo ; elytris vix pallidioribus, minutissime seriatim punctulatis, interstitiis (preecipue alternis) subelevatis, sublaterali distinctius costiformi.
Mas capite paulum majore, antennis longissimis.
Long. corp. lin. vix 1.
44. CUCUJIDE.
Cucujus minutus, Oliv. [nec Kugel. 1794), Ent. iv. bis, 8, 9 (1795). pusillus, Sehon., Syn. Ins. iii. 55 (1817).
Lemophleeus pusillus, Erich., Ins. Deutsch, iii. 521 (1846).
——, Woll., Col. Atl. 131 (1865).
—— — , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 307 (1869).
—— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 140 (1875).
Habitat in domibus repositoriisque insule ; certe introductus.
A single example of this minute and almost cosmopolitan Lemo- phleus was taken by Mr. Melliss; and a second (a male) was met with subsequently by myself. The species is of course a mere importation into the island, along with articles of commerce and merchandise, and has no connexion whatever with the true fauna; nevertheless, as is the case with it in the Madeiran and Canarian archipelagos, it may perhaps have established itself in the ware- houses and stores. It may be known from the following species by being relatively a trifle broader and shorter, by its prothorax being a little more quadrate, and by the antenne of its male sex being not only very much more lengthened but with their joints (instead of short and globose) gradually elongated and obconical.
§ IL. Antenne moniliformes ; in utroque sexu magis equales, nec im maribus longissime.
42. Lemophleus carinulatus, n. sp.
LZ. linearis, angustulus, depressus, rufo-ferrugineus, nitidus sed minute fulyo-cinereo-sericeus ; capite prothoraceque (linea laterali instructis) minute punctulatis, hoe subquadrato postice paulo an- gustiore, angulis ipsissimis posticis exstanti-acutiusculis, in disco depresso, ad basin (inter lineolas) carinula arguta acuta transversa instructo ; elytris depressis, subpallidioribus, minutissime seriatim punctulatis, interstitiis (preecipue alternis) subelevatis, sublaterali distinctius costiformi.
Mas capite majore et prothorace antice sublatiore.
Long. corp. lin. 7-1.
Habitat in inferioribus intermediisque, a meipso ad Jamestown, Plantation, et Thompson’s Wood parce repertus.
The present species (although equally linear) is relatively a little narrower and longer than the last one; both its prothorax and elytra are a trifle more depressed on their respective disks, the former having the hinder angles rather more outwardly-prominent and acute, and the short transverse keel (in the centre of the base) somewhat thinner and less tuberculiform ; and its antenne are not
CUCUJIDA. 45
only moniliform (their joints being rownded instead of obconic) but likewise shorter,—those of the male sex being merely a little more elongated than in the female. It has a good deal the appearance at first sight of the LZ. clavicollis, which is so general throughout the more northern archipelagos ; but it is proportionally a little larger, broader, and more shining, its prothorax is less narrowed posteriorly, with the hinder angles acutely prominent instead of being rounded- off, and its antenne are thicker.
The L. carinulatus is probably an introduced insect at St. Helena,— my few examples (seven in number) having been captured by myself in Jamestown, at Plantation, and in Thompson’s Wood.
Genus 20. CRYPTAMORPHA. Wollaston, Ins. Mad. 156 (1854).
43. Cryptamorpha musz.
C. elongato-linearis, angusta, subdepressa, subopaca, grosse fulvo- cinereo-pubescens ; capite prothoraceque rufo-ferrugineis, illo subtriangulari utrinque foveolato et in fronte convexo, hdc elongato-subquadrato (postice subangustiore), ad utrumque latus minute crenulato et in disco subinequali; elytris rufo-testaceis sed pone scutellum macula et pone medium fascia transversa dentataé abbreviataé (interdum linea suturali connexis) nigro- pictis, grosse et dense striato-punctatis; antennis pedibusque crassis, illis rufo-ferrugineis, articulis subapicalibus nigris, his testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 12-2.
Oryptamorpha muse, Woll., l. c. 157, t. 4. f. 1 (1854). , Id., Col. Atl. 133 (1865).
—— — , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 307 (1869).
___ ___ Melliss, St. Hel. 140 (1875).
Habitat inter quisquilias, et sub ligno antiquo marcido, preecipue in
intermediis, passim.
The elegantly-marked C. muse (which has the head and prothorax rufo-ferruginous, and the elytra rufo-testaceous but ornamented with a black subscutellary blotch and a dentate postmesial abbreviated transverse fascia, which are sometimes distinct but more often united by a suffused sutural band) is a most abundant insect in the intermediate and rather elevated districts of St. Helena, occurring beneath decayed vegetable refuse and under pieces of damp wood almost everywhere,—though more particularly in the gardens and other cultivated grounds. It has all the appearance of being
4.6 CUCUJIDA.
indigenous ; nevertheless I have little doubt that it must have been originally introduced into the island, and that it has since completely established itself. In Madeira, which is the only other country in which I have ever observed the species, it resides almost exclusively beneath the outer fibre of the stems of bananas, though I have like- met with it sparingly beneath that of a large Strelitzia; but at St. Helena I did not notice this peculiarity in its mode of life, though Mr. Melliss mentions his having found it amongst old banana-trees at the Hermitage. Dr. Sharp informs me that it has been taken by Mr. Blackburn even at the Sandwich Islands.
The C. muse (which is elongated, narrow, pubescent, and sub- depressed, and the limbs of which are thick and pale, but with the subapical joints of the antennz curiously darkened) is extremely common about Plantation; and I have also taken it at West Lodge, in Thompson’s Wood, &c.; and it has frequently been captured by Mr. P. Whitehead at Woodcot.
Genus 21. SILVANUS. Latreille, Gen. Crust. et Ins. iii. 19 (1807).
44, Silvanus surinamensis.
S. elongato-linearis, angustus, aut nigro- aut fusco-piceus, subopacus, grosse fulvo-pubescens ; capite prothoraceque rugose granulatis, illo magno triangulari-quadrato, hoc in disco longitudinaliter 3-cari- nato necnon ad utrumque latus dentibus 6 (primo et ultimo magis exstantibus) instructo ; elytris densissime punctato-striatis, inter- stitiis alternis leviter elevatis; antennis pedibusque crassis, his rufo-piceis, femoribus posticis denticulo minutissimo subtus armatis.
Long. corp. lin cirea 1.
Dermestes surinamensis, Linn. Syst. Nat. ii. 565 (1767). Silvanus surinamensis, Woll. Co/. Atl. 135 (1865).
, Id., Coll, Hesp. 69 (1867).
—— —,, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 899 (1871).
—— —, Melliss, St. Hel. 140 (1875).
Habitat in domibus granariisque insule, certe ex alienis introductus.
—
As in the more northern archipelagos, the cosmopolitan S. sur7- namensis has: become established in the houses and granaries of St. Helena. It is often abundant at Jamestown; and I have also met with it at Plantation.
CRYPTOPHAGID®. 47
Fam. 9. CRYPTOPHAGIDA.
Genus 22. CRYPTOPHAGUS. Herbst, Kaf, iv. 172 (1792).
45. Cryptophagus badius.
C. oblongus, convexus, brunneo-ferrugineus, ubique dense punctatus pubeque subdemissa subcinerea vestitus ; capite prothoraceque vix obscurioribus, hoc convexo, transverso-subquadrato, angulis anticis elongate et oblique incrassatis, ad latera paululum subsequaliter rotundato, in medio denticulo minuto acutissimo armato necnon inde ad basin equaliter serrato; antennis pedibusque crassis, longiusculis, illis obscure ferrugineis, his obscure testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 14.
Cryptophagus badius, Stem, Deutsch. Fna, xvi. 96, t. 317. f. A (1845). , Redt., Fna Austr. 191 (1849).
—— ——, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 400 (1871).
——, Melliss, St. Hel. 141 (1875).
Habitat in domibus (?), introductus; semel deprehensus a Dom. Melliss.
A single specimen of the common European C. badius was taken by Mr. Melliss at St. Helena ; but I did not myself observe the species during our six months’ sojourn in the island. It is doubtless, how- ever, a mere importation from more northern latitudes, if indeed it be truly established at all, and must clearly have been met with in or about, the houses or stores.
The C. badius is the largest of the three Cryptophagi which have hitherto been found at St. Helena; and it may be further recognized from the C. affinis (with which alone it could be confounded) by being of a slightly darker hue and altogether more robust, by the pubescence of its elytra being less erect, by its limbs being relatively a little longer, and by the sides of its prothorax having both the central denticle and anterior ridge-like prominence, as well as the posterior crenulations, a trifle more developed.
46. Cryptophagus affinis.
C. oblongus, convexus, ferrugineus, subnitidus, ubique dense punc- tatus pubeque suberecta subcinerea (preesertim in elytris) vestitus ; capite prothoraceque paulum obscurioribus, héec transverso-sub- quadrato, angulis anticis elongate et oblique incrassatis, ad latera paululum subequaliter rotundato, in medio denticulo minutissimo
48 CRYPTOPHAGID#.
acutissimo armato necnon inde ad, basin minute sequaliter serrato ; antennis crassis, obscure ferrugineis ; pedibus obscure testaceis. Long. corp. lin. 1-vix 1j. Cryptophagus affinis, Stem, Deutsch. Fina, xvi. 79, t. 314. f. C (1845). —— —_, Woll., Col. Atl. 187 (1865). —— ——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 307 (1869). —— ——, Crotch, in Godm. Azor, 69 (1870). , Melliss, St. Hel. 141 (1875). Habitat in domibus repositoriisque insule; ex Europa certe in- vectus.
A few examples of the European C. affinis were captured by myself at Plantation, in and about the house; and a single other one had been previously met with by Mr. Melliss,—though in what exact locality [have no means of knowing. There cannot, of course, be the slightest doubt that the species is a mere accidental importa- tion into the island from more northern latitudes, and that it has no connexion whatever with the original fauna of St. Helena. It has, in like manner, established itself in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian Groups.
As compared with the C. gracilipes, it may be sufficient to state that the C. affinis may be recognized by the central position of the small and very acute denticle with which the sides of its prothorax are armed,—the space between the denticle and the base being minutely but evenly crenulated. The edges of its prothorax, although very slightly so, are about equally rounded before and behind; and its elytra (which are somewhat straightened in outline) are rather densely clothed with a subcinereous pubescence,—a portion of which is decumbent, and a portion longer and more erect.
47. Cryptophagus gracilipes.
C. oblongo-ovalis, convexus, ferrugineus, subnitidus, ubique dense et profunde punctatus pubeque elongata suberecta cinerea (pree- sertim in elytris) vestitus; capite prothoraceque paulum obscuri- oribus, héc brevi, transyerso-subquadrato, angulis anticis elongate et oblique incrassatis, ad latera subsinuato, fere omnino simplici (sed sub lente minutissime et obsoletissime subserrato); antennis pedibusque longiusculis, gracilibus, obscure testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 7-7.
Oryptophagus gracilipes, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 400 (1871).
, Melliss, St, Hel. 141 (1875).
Habitat in herbidis et sub quisquiliis, in intermediis editioribusque insule; hine inde vulgatissimus.
LATRIDIIDE. 49
This little species is the universal Cryptophagus of St. Helena, at intermediate and lofty altitudes; and, though a form which is scarcely distinct from it was taken by Mr. Gray at the Cape of Good Hope, I think that it is not unlikely to have been an aboriginal member of the fauna,—representing the C. hesperius of the Canarian archipelago and the common C. vii of Europe. Although ascending to the central ridge (for I have met with it at Cason’s, and even in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak), it is more particularly in the inter- mediate districts that it abounds,—swarming beneath garden-refuse and cut grass at Plantation, West Lodge, Thompson’s Wood, Peak Gut, and elsewhere.
In addition to its small size, as compared with the two preceding species, the C’. gracilipes may readily be distinguished by its extremely coarsely punctured surface (for a Cryptophagus), and for the very long, soft, and suberect whitish hairs with which it is, particularly on the elytra, though not very densely, clothed. Its elytra are rather more oval, or less straightened in outline, than those of the affinis ; its prothorax (which is short and transyerse) has the anterior angles quite as much incrassated into an oblique ridge-like process, but the lateral edges thence to the base, although more sinuate (or less evenly rownded), are destitute of the central denticle which is there so conspicuous,—being in fact well-nigh simple ; and its limbs, which are dusky-testaceous, are remarkably slender.
Fam. 10. LATRIDIIDA.
Genus 23. ANOMMATUS. Wesmael, Bull. Acad. Bruceil. ii. 339 (1836).
48. Anommatus 12-striatus.
A, angustulus, subcylindricus, nitidus, calvus, infuscate testaceus ; capite sat grosse sed leviter et confuse punctato, oculis nullis; prothorace elongato-quadrato postice vix angustiore, valde pro- funde, grossissime, et parce punctato (punctis subseriatim dis- positis); elytris subparallelis, profunde striato-punctatis, striis postice subevanescentibus ; antennis (abrupte clavatis) pedibusque (compressis) brevibus, testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 3-1.
Lyctus 12-striatus, Miill., Germ. Mag. iv. 190 (1821). Anommatus terricola, Wesm., /. c. 339 (1836). —— ]2-striatus, Woll., Col. Ati. 146 (1865). Habitat in cultis intermediis insule; sub truncis arborum yetustis EB
D0 LATRIDIIDA.
emortuis humi jacentibus, ad Plantation et West Lodge, a meipso parce deprehensus.
The minute European A. 12-striatus, which occurs sparingly in the Madeiran archipelago, is found (though quite as sparingly) in the intermediate, cultivated districts of St. Helena,—where we may be pretty sure that it must have been originally introduced, perhaps along with consignments of plants. I have taken it beneath the fallen trunks of old Spanish-chestnut trees at Plantation, and under precisely similar circumstances at West Lodge.
Apart from its diminutive bulk and its total want of eyes, the A, 12-striatus may be known from every thing else with which we are here concerned by its narrow and subcylindrical form, its glossy, bald, testaceous surface, its shortened limbs (the antenne of which are powerfully clavate, and the legs compressed), and by the anoma- lously large and coarse punctures of its prothorax.
Genus 24. CORTICARIA. Marsham, Ent. Brit. i. 106 (1802).
49. Corticaria elongata.
(’, minutissima, oblonga, rufo-ferruginea, subnitida, breviter fulyo- cinereo-pubescens ; capite prothoraceque minutissime (vix per- spicue) punctulatis, hoc subrotundato, ad latera minutissime crenulato, postice in medio fovea rotundata punctiformi profunde impresso; elytris parallelis, vix clarioribus, minute punctulato- striatis, interstitiis vix convexis; antennis pedibusque testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 3.
Latridius elongatus, G'yll., Ins. Suec. iv. 180 (1827).
Corticaria elongata, Steph., Illus. Brit. Ent. ii. 108 (1830). » Mannerh., Germ. Zeitsch. v. 44 (1844).
—— — , Redt., Fna Austr. 210 (1849).
—— —~, Waterh., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. vy. 140 (1859).
Habitat inter quisquilias in hortis, sed preecipue sub recremento ad
basin acervorum fceni sparso, in intermediis ac (minus copiose) in editioribus.
The diminutive C. elongata, Gyll., which is so common throughout Europe, but which has not hitherto been detected in any of these Atlantic archipelagos, abounds in the intermediate districts of St. Helena, where in all probability it has become accidentally naturalized from England. It is usually to be met with amongst garden-refuse and under cut grass, and more particularly beneath
LATRIDIIDA. 51
the rubbish which has accumulated around the base of haystacks. In such localities I have taken it abundantly at Plantation, and more sparingly even on the central ridge.
Apart from its small size and rather parallel oblong outline, the present Corticaria may be known by its pale rufo-ferruginous hue, its very slightly shining pubescent surface, and by the deep rounded fovea in the centre of its prothorax behind. At first sight it closely resembles the C. fagi of Madeira; but that species has the head and prothorax very much more strongly punctured,—the latter moreover being a trifle narrower posteriorly (or less straightened at the sides), with the edges more coarsely crenulated, and with the central fovea wider and deeper. Added to which, there are generally traces of an extra fovea on either side near to the basal angles; and the elytra are not quite so parallel.
Genus 25. LATRIDIUS. Herbst, Kaf. v. 8 (1793). § 1. Antennarum clava 3-articulata.
50. Latridius nodifer.
L. elongato-ovatus, nigro- aut fusco-piceus (immaturus ferrugineus), ubique inzqualis vel nodosus, fere opacus; capite prothoraceque rugulosis, illo antice leviter ac breviter bicostulato, héc angusto, ante basin profunde transversim constricto, in disco argute longi- tudinaliter bicostato; elytris in medio rotundato-ampliatis, valde inequalibus, grosse et dense striato-punctatis (punctis magnis), interstitiis alternis costato-elevatis, pone medium nodos 4 (internos majores, obtusiores, rufescentiores) efficientibus; antennis brevi- bus, gracilibus, piceo-testaceis clayé obscuriore; pedibus piceo- testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. circa 1.
Latridius nodifer, Westw., Int. to Ent. i. 155, pl. 18. f. 23 (1839),
, Steph., Man. Brit. Col. 129 (1839).
——- — , Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 70 (1870).
— ——, Woll., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 253 (1871).
—_
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque (preesertim illis) insule, inter quisquilias vulgaris. This curious little nodose Latridius, which until within the last few years had been observed only in England, but has now been detected in various parts of the continent of Europe, and which has
established itself in the Azorean and Madeiran archipelagos, is E2
52 LATRIDIID®.
extremely common in the intermediate districts of St. Helena, ascending even to the central ridge. It swarms at Plantation, principally amongst garden-refuse ; and I have also met with it at West Lodge, and sparingly towards Diana’s Peak. In all probability it was originally introduced into the island, perhaps along with consignments of plants.
The very nodose elytra of this singular species (which are coarsely striate-punctate, and have their alternate interstices greatly elevated shaping out behind the middle four nodules—of which the inner ones are the most raised, obtuse, and subrufescent), added to its rather narrow but transversely-constricted prothorax, which has two sharp thread-like coste down its disk, will more than suffice to characterize it.
§ 2. Antennarum clava 2-articulata. (Subg. Latridulus, Woll.)
51. Latridius approximatus, n. sp.
L. elongato-ovatus, angustulus, aut ferrugineus aut piceus, fere opacus ; capite prothoraceque rugulosis, illo subquadrato in medio leviter canaliculato, héc angusto, longe ante basin profunde trans- versim constricto, in disco leviter longitudinaliter bicostulato (costulis postice approximatis); elytris dense striato-punctatis, interstitiis alternis sensim elevatis; antennis (brevissimis) tar- sisque testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 3-1.
Habitat ad domos, necnon in cultis intermediis sub quisquiliis, ad
Plantation a meipso lectus.
It is only at Plantation that I met with this small and rather narrow Latridius—my few examples (eight in number) having been captured, partly amongst garden-refuse and partly even within the house. In all probability therefore the species is a naturalized one, though the peculiarity of its antenne (which are extremely short, and have their club only 2- instead of 3-jointed) certainly distin- guishes it from all the European ones with which I am acquainted. In other respects it is a very ordinary-looking form—its either piceous or ferruginous hue, and the slightly raised. alternate inter- stices of its elytra, being quite in accordance with a great number of the Latridii. Its prothorax is somewhat narrow, and deeply con- stricted (transversely) behind the middle; and the two hair-like costee with which the disk is furnished approximate posteriorly, if indeed they do not completely unite.
MYCETOPHAGIDA. 53
Fam. 11. MYCETOPHAGIDA.
Genus 26. MYCETAA. (Kirby) Steph., IW, Brit. Ent. iii, 80 (1830).
52. Mycetea hirta.
M. minuta, oboyata, rufo-ferruginea, nitida, longe et suberecte griseo-pilosa; capite prothoraceque distincte punctatis, hdc transverso, versus utrumque latus linea elevata instructo ; elytris antice conyexis rotundatis, postice paulo acuminatis, grosse subseriatim punctatis (punctis magnis); antennis pedibusque rufo-testaceis. Long. corp. lin. 3—vix 1. Dermestes fumatus, Mshm [nee Linn., 1767], Ent. Brit. 65 (1802). Silpha hirta, Mshm, J. ec. 124 (1802). Myceteea hirta, Woll., Col, Atl. 156 (1865).
—., Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 71 (1870).
—__— —_, Melliss, St. Hel. 142 (1875).
Habitat sub truncis emortuis vetustis, necnon inter quisquilias, in intermediis editioribusque insulee.
Not uncommon in the intermediate and rather elevated districts of St. Helena, especially in the neighbourhood of houses and cultivated grounds,—occurring also under old logs of wood, particularly of the firs and Spanish-chestnut trees. I have taken it at Plantation, as well as at West Lodge, Thompson’s Wood, and at Cason’s; and there cannot be the slightest doubt that it has been accidentally in- troduced in the island.
The diminutive size, obovate outline, and rufo-ferruginous hue of this little European species (which has been detected also in the Azorean and Madeiran groups), added to its shining and coarsely- punctured surface, which is clothed with elongate suberect hairs, and the raised line with which it is furnished towards either side of its prothorax, will suffice to distinguish it.
Genus 27. TYPHAA. (Kirby) Steph., Il, Brit. Ent. iii, 70 (1830).
53. Typhza fumata.
T. regulariter parallelo-oblonga (sc. antice et postice squaliter obtusa), rufo-ferruginea, subnitida, longe fulvo-pubescens ; capite prothoraceque minutissime punctulatis, hoc transverso, subcon- yexo; elytris sensim pallidioribus, minutissime punctulatis, vix
54: DERMESTID&.
striatis sed pilis in lineis longitudinaliter dispositis ; antennis (crassiusculis) pedibusque (compressis) vix pallidioribus. Long. corp. lin. 13. Dermestes fumatus, Linn., Syst. Nat. ii. 564 (1767). Typha fumata, Woll., Col. Atl. 157 (1865). , Id., Col. Hesp. 78 (1867). —— — , Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 71 (1870). ___. __’ Melliiss, St. Hel. 142 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis insule ; inter quisquilias et praecipue sub recremento ad basin acervorum foeni sparso, vulgaris.
The common and widely spread European 7’, fumata (which abounds in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos, and which is registered even from the United States) has been imported into St. Helena,—where it is now thoroughly established, principally at intermediate altitudes. It occurs for the most part beneath garden-refuse and cut grass, as well as amongst the rubbish around the base of haystacks, and is very common at Plantation and elsewhere in that neighbourhood.
Fam. 12. DERMESTIDZ.
Genus 28. DERMESTES. Linneus, Syst. Nat. ii. 561 (1767).
54. Dermestes cadaverinus.
D. cylindrico-oblongus, elongatulus, convexus, subnitidus, niger, densissime minuteque punctulatus sed pilis demissis griseis fulvescentibusque dense vestitus (sc. pilis ad marginem pro- thoracis posticum, necnon in scutello, letius fulvescentibus) ; capite subrotundato, oculis magnis ; prothorace transverso, postice trisinuato ; antennis pedibusque piceis. Subtus magis fulvo- cinereo nigroque pubescens; abdomen sc. fulvo-cinereum, seg- mentis in medio bimaculatim (maculis a basi usque ad apicem gradatim decrescentibus), necnon in macula ad utrumque latus sité, nigris.
Mas abdominis segmentis 3'° et 4° fasciculo setarum fulvarum minuto rotundato in medio instructis.
Long. corp. lin. 43.
Dermestes cadaverinus, Fab., Syst. Ent. 55 (1775).
, Oliv., Ent. ii. 9. 3 (1790).
domesticus (Gebl.), Germ., Ins. Spec. Nov. 85 (1824).
——- cadaverinus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 309 (1869).
__ ___, Melliss, St. Hel. 142 (1875).
Habitat ‘in St. Helena. Mus. Dom. Banks.” [sec. Fabricius, 1775}.
DERMESTID&. 55
I have not myself, as yet, seen a St.-Helena example of this well- nigh cosmopolitan Dermestes, which is so liable to accidental dis- semination throughout most countries of the civilized world ; neyertheless since the actual type (in the collection of the late Sir Joseph Banks) from which it was originally described by Fabricius, in 1775, was from St. Helena, it is impossible not to assign it a place in the present catalogue. Indeed we may be pretty con- fident that it will sooner or later be found again in the houses or stores of Jamestown, where its near ally the D. vulpinys has recently been met with. It is common in the comparatively neigh- bouring island of Ascension, where it was taken in profusion by the late Mr. Bewicke: and it has been recorded not only from Europe, but even from the Hast Indies, Arabia, Siberia, North and South America, Otaheite, &c.; though it would appear to have established itself more in warm countries, generally, than in tempe- rate ones. é
The D. cadaverinus is rather more elongate and cylindrical than many of the Dermeste ; and its dark surface is densely clothed with a coarse griseous decumbent pile, a portion of which, however, (espe- pecially on the scutellum and the hinder edge of the prothorax) is slightly fulvescent. The pubescence of its underside is more con- spicuously of a fulvo-cinereous hue, the abdomen however being dappled with black,—each segment having two dark patches in the middle (becoming gradually smaller, and more approximating, as they approach the apex) and a somewhat lunate one on either side ; and in the male sex the third and fourth segments are addi- tionally furnished in the centre with a little rounded fossette, or fasciculus, of strong and brightly fulvescent bristles.
55. Dermestes vulpinus.
D. preecedenti prima facie subsimilis, sed plerumque paulo minor ac minus elongatus, capite (oculis minoribus) prothoraceque ad utrumque latus magis albido-pubescentibus, elytris singulatim ad apicem spinula minutissima acutissima (ab angulo suturali sur- gente) armatis, antennarumque articulis intermediis vix sub- minoribus. Abdomen subtus pallidius, sc. albidum, segmentis macula laterali magis rotundaté et magis nigra ornatis, ultimi parte centrali omnino nigra sed ad apicem fulvo-pubescente.
Mas abdominis segmento 4°° foveola rotundataé minuta (breviter fulvo-setosaé) in medio instructo.
Long. corp. lin. 33—vix 4.
56 DERMESTIDA.
Dermestes vulpinus, Fub., Spec. Ins. i. 64 (1781). —— ——, Woll., Col. Atl. 159 (1865). —— —, Id., Col. Heap. 79 (1867). —— —,, Melliss, St. Hel. 142 (1875). Habitat in domibus mercatorumque repositoriis, a Dom. Melliss lectus.
Like the last species, the present one is equally cosmopolitan,— though perhaps more liable to introduction into temperate climates than into tropical ones. It has established itself in the Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos; and although I did not myself meet with it, it was taken at St. Helena by Mr. Meliss.
From the D. cadaverinus (which it much resembles at first sight) the present Dermestes may immediately be known by the excessively diminutive spinule (not always distinguishable, however, unless the elytra be a little uplifted, or raised) with which the extreme apex of each elytron is armed. It is also a trifle smaller, and relatively less elongated, than that species; the ‘intermediate joints of its antennee are perhaps not quite so large ; its eyes are less developed ; its head and prothorax are clothed on either side with a whiter pubescence; and its abdomen is also whiter beneath, as well as differently dappled—the lateral spots being not only more lateral, but rounder and blacker; and the apical segment has its central region altogether dark, though fringed with fulvescent pile. Its male sex has a minute rounded fossette in the centre of the fourth abdominal segment only, instead of on the third and fourth as in the D. cadaverinus.
Genus 29. ATTAGENUS. Latreille, Hist, Nat. iii. 121 (1802).
56. Attagenus gloriose.
A, ovalis, convexus, subnitidus, niger, ubique densissime minutissi- meque punctulatus ; capite parvo, depresso, grosse fulyo-cinereo- pubescente ; prothorace transverso, postice lato trisinuato, grosse fulyo-cinereo- (sed in disco antico nigro-) pubescente ; elytris haud striatis, grosse nigro-pubescentibus sed fascia transversa dentata (ante medium positaé) fulvo-cinereé ornatis; antennis (brevibus) rufo-testaceis, clava pedibusque (gracilibus) testaceo- piceis.
Long. corp. lin. vix 2.
Anthrenus gloriose, Fub., Syst. Eleu. i. 107 (1801). AXthriostoma gloriose, Mots., Etud. Ent. 146 (1858). Attagenus gloriose, Woll. Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. p. 310 (1869). —-— ——.,, Melliss, St. Hel. 148 (1875).
HISTERID&. 57
Habitat in domibus mercatorumque repositoriis, ad Jamestown interdum vulgaris.
The widely spread A. gloriosw, which is well-nigh universal within the tropics (being reported from Eastern Africa, India, America, &c., and which has established itself even at Ascension), is occasionally common in the houses and stores of Jamestown,— which is the only locality in which I have myself observed it, and where it has likewise been captured by Mr. Melliss and Mr. N. Janisch. Its convex, oval body and darkly pubescent surface, which, however, is conspicuously ornamented with a fulvo-cinereous fascia before the middle of the elytra, and which has the hairs of its head and prothorax (except those on the fore disk of the latter) of the same fulyo-cinereous hue, will abundantly distin- guish it.
Fam. 13. HISTERIDA.
Genus 30. TRIBALUS. Erichson, in Klug Jahrb. i. 164 (1834).
57. Tribalus 4-striatus.
7. rotundato-ovalis, niger, ubique (in disco levius) punctatus ; fronte minutius densiusque punctulata, subsemicirculari, angulis anticis subrectis, simplici (nec transversim carinata), oculis parvis ; elytrorum striis 4 dorsalibus, sat profundis, punctatis, usque ad medium ductis, sutwrali nulla sed ad basin ipsam subarcuatim brevissime conspicua, hwmerali tenui obliqua ; pygidio perpendiculari; antennis pedibusque rufo-piceis, tibiis anticis circa 5- vel 6- leviter denticulatis.
Long. corp. lin. vix 14.
Tribalus 4-striatus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. p. 310 (1869).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 143. (1875).
Habitat St. Helenam, a Dom. Melliss semel tantum repertus.
It is somewhat remarkable that the only two Histerids which have as yet been detected at St. Helena I failed myself to procure,— a single example, merely, of each of them, having been obtained by Mr. Melliss. Unfortunately he preserved no note as to their exact localities; but I think it is almost certain that both species are introduced ones, and such as might occasionally be met with in the vicinity of Jamestown. Still, as I was not able to identify them, in
58 HISTERID®.
my memoir on St.-Helena Coleoptera in 1869, with any of the exponents of their respective groups figured in De Marseul’s monograph, I had no option but to treat them as novelties ; though one of them has since been identified by Mr. G. Lewis with the widely spread Saprinus bicolor, Fab.
Although with every appearance of an ordinary Saprinus, I mentioned in my paper (above referred to) that the rather small size and entirely punctulated surface of the present Histerid, combined with its semicircular wnearinated forehead, and the fact of its elytra being totally free from a sutural line (which is only traceable as a very short subscutellary arcuated impression), affiliate it better with the little cluster of species which constitute the genus 7ribalus; though it seems to differ from the whole of them in having fowr very distinct dorsal punctured striz con- tinued to about the middle of each elytron. Apart from other features, its black or piceous-black hue, subrufescent limbs, and perpendicular pygidium will additionally characterize it.
Genus 31. SAPRINUS. Erichson, in Klug Jahrb. i. 172 (1834).
58. Saprinus bicolor.
S. submetallicus, nitidissimus; capite prothoraceque snescentibus, illo dense punctato, fronte ab epistomate linea transversa distincte divisa, héc versus latera et basin grosse punctato, in disco leviore, ad latera nudo (nec ciliato); elytris cyaneis (aut subvirescenti- cyaneis), sat dense ruguloso-punctatis, punctis in disco antico et versus humeros obsoletis, striis humeralibus obsoletis, subhumerali distinctaé, longe ultra medium postice ducté, 4 dorsalibus ad medium terminatis (4 in suturalem integram antice arcuatam coéunte) ; pygidio propygidioque obscurioribus, profunde punc- tatis; antennis pedibusque nigro-piceis ; tibiis anticis circa 8—9-denticulatis.
Long. corp. lin. 3.”
Hister bicolor, Fab., Syst. Eleu. i. 86 (1801). Saprinus bicolor, Mars., Mon. des Histérid. 459. 66 (1858).
lautus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. p. 511 (1869).
__ —_, Melliss, St. Hel. 143 (1875).
Habitat in St. Helena; semel collegit Dom. Melliss.
As above stated, I did not meet with this insect at St. Helena, the only example which I have seen from thence having been found by Mr. Melliss. It is a rather large and very beautiful Saprinus, with
APHODIID2. 59
a blue tinge on the elytra and a somewhat brassy one on the head and prothorax, and one which has slightly the primd facie aspect of the widely-spread S. semipunctatus; nevertheless the fact of its epistome being divided from the forehead by a strong transverse line, in conjunction with its sutural stria being complete, and uniting in front with the fourth discal one, remove it into a totally different section of the genus.
The S. bicolor, which is manifestly an introduced species at St. Helena (if indeed it be truly established at all), appears to possess a wide acquired range,—it being recorded from the Cape of Good Hope (where it has been found lately by Mr. Gray) and Natal, and many examples being now before me which were collected by B. Gregory, Esq., of H.M.S. ‘ Spiteful,’ in the district of the Congo. And since it is cited likewise from Arabia, we may expect it to occur in many intervening parts of the African continent.
Sectio 6. LAMELLICORNIA.
Fam. 14. APHODIID.
Genus 32. APHODIUS. Nlliger, Kaf. Preuss, i. 28 (1798).
59. Aphodius granarius.
A, parallelo-oblongus, nitidus, ater, immaculatus ; clypeo rugose et dense punctato; prothorace minutissime et parce punctulato punctisque majoribus perpaucis distantibus irrorato ; elytris cre- nulato-striatis, interstitiis minutissime parcissimeque punctulatis, ad apicem yix subpicescentioribus; antennis testaceis, clava obscuriore; pedibus nigro-piceis, tarsis piceo-testaceis, tibiis anticis fortiter 3-dentatis.
Maris clypeus postice tuberculo medio instructus.
Fem. clypeus fere simplex.
Long. corp. lin, 2}.
Scarabzeus granarius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i. ii. 547 (1767). Aphodius carbonarius, Brullé, in W. et B. (Col.) 60 (1838). —-— granarius, Woll., Col. Atl. 178 (1865). — — , Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 73 (1870). Habitat in stercore boyino et equino, a Dom. P. Whitehead ad Woodeot captus.
60 APHODIID.
This widely-spread European Aphodius, which is so lable to accidental transportation along with cattle, and which has established itself in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian archipelagos, appears to be rare at St. Helena,—the only two examples of it which I have seen haying been taken by Mr. P. Whitehead at Woodcot. Occurring, however, in the dung both of horses and cattle, it will perhaps be found to be pretty generally distributed. Its deep black unmacu- lated surface will at once distinguish it from the following species.
60. Aphodius lividus.
A, preecedenti similis, sed yix subminor, subangustior; clypeo in- eequaliter diluto (sc. utrinque gradatim rufo-testaceo) et paulo minus rugose punctato; prothorace subbreviore, ad latera (in medio nigro-plagiato) et (angustius) postice gradatim testaceo ; elytris testaceis, sed per suturam necnon (minus) in utroque disco lurido-obscurioribus ; antennis pedibusque subpicescenti- testaceis.
Maris clypeus postice tuberculo medio instructus.
Fem. clypeus magis simplex.
Long. corp. lin. 2-23.
Scarabzeus lividus, Oliv., Ent. i. 3. 86 (1789). Aphodius lividus, Woll., Col. Atl. 178 (1865).
-—, Id., Col. Hesp. 89 (1867).
— —, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 74 (1870).
—., Melliss, St. Hel. 144 (1875).
Habitat in locis similibus ac preecedens, necnon etiam inter quisqui-
lias marcidas in cultis.
The European A. lividus, which is even more widely spread still than. the last species (and which abounds in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape- Verde groups), is a universal insect in the inter- mediate and elevated districts of St. Helena,—where doubtless it must have been introduced originally along with cattle. It occurs not only in the dung of the latter, but likewise amongst decaying vegetable refuse,—under which circumstances I have met with it commonly at Plantation, as well as (though more sparingly) on the central ridge, both towards Diana’s Peak and Cason’s; and it has been found by Mr. P. Whitehead at Woodcot.
Apart from its being (on the average) just appreciably smaller and narrower than that species, the A. lividus may be known from the deep-black A. granarius by having its clypeus and the sides and base of the prothorax more or less testaceous, and its elytra of the same
TROGID. 61
hue,—the disk of each of them however being slightly, and the suture more appreciably, darkened. Its limbs too are pale, being piceo- testaceous instead of nearly black.
Fam. 15 TROGIDZ.
Genus 33. TROX. Fabricius, / nt. Syst. 1. 86 (1792).
61. Trox Wuiteneadii.
7’. ovato-oblongus, niger, scabrosus, opacus, antice in limbo fulvo- setoso-ciliatus (sed in margine elytrorum calvus); clypeo antice acute triangulariter acuminato; prothorace transverso, antice ad latera explanate rotundato, ad angulos posticos subito emarginato- angustiore, ubique (sed preesertim utrinque) valde inzequali, costis binis flexuosis obtusis dorsalibus, altera valde elevata antice abbreviata (inter dorsum et latus posita) et tertia obscura valde abbreviata curvata antica (in dorsalem antice curvatim mergente), precipue discernendis ; coleopteris costis 4 (preter suturam) valde elevatis utrinque instructis (costis 2 exterioribus, atque etiam subsu- turali postice, fractis, interruptis), interstitiis leviter sed grossissime et obtuse subbiseriatim tuberculatis (tuberculis versus suturam subobsoletis) ; antennis ferrugineis, art® basilari longissime fulvo- piloso; pedibus fulvo-pilosis ; tarsis piceis, anticis brevissimis ; tibiis omnibus extus simplicibus (haud denticulatis), anticis haud dilatatis sed ad angulum externum processu lato bipartito (e den- tibus duobus composito) terminatis.
Long. corp. lin. 4.
_ Habitat inter quisquilias in intermediis, rarissimus. Species valde distincta in honorem Dom. P. Whitehead citata, qui exemplar unicum ad Woodcot nuperrime collegit.
A single example of this large and well-marked Trov was taken lately by Mr. P. Whitehead, amongst refuse, at Woodeot, and for- warded to me from St. Helena; and I have great pleasure in dedi- cating so interesting an addition to the catalogue to its captor— whose successful researches have rendered me so much assistance in compiling the present volume. Although the species may possibly prove to have a South-African range, it is nevertheless totally ‘distinct from every other with which I am acquainted, or to the diagnosis of which I have had access,—its main features consisting in its acute, friangularly acuminated clypeus, and the four sharply elevated costee with which each of its elytra (independently of the
62 RUTELIDE.
raised suture) is furnished. The two outer ridges, however, as well as the extreme apex of the first or inner one, are somewhat broken up and interrupted ; and the longitudinal spaces between them are branded with a double row of large and obtuse, but not much elevated, tubercles—which, however, become nearly obsolete towards the suture. Its prothorax (which is suddenly scooped out at the basal angles, and which, together with the head, is ciliated with fulvous sete, the elytra having their margin bald) is extremely uneven, particularly towards the sides ; and there are two somewhat flexuose costee down the dorsal region, as well as a greatly raised one behind, midway between the centre and edge, and an obscurer short curved one in front, rounded into the anterior extremity of the dorsal one which is nearest to it. Its tibize are simple externally (or free from denticles) ; though the front pair (which are not at all dilated) have their outer angle produced into a broad and slightly bipartite process (as though composed of two basally confluent teeth); and its fore feet are exceedingly abbreviated.
Fam. 16. RUTELIDA. (Subfam. ANOPLOGNATHIDES.)
Genus 34. ADORETUS. (Eschcholtz) De Castln., Hist. Nat. ii. 142 (1840).
62. Adoretus versutus.
A, valde alatus, ovato-oblongus, depressiusculus, brunneo-piceus pilisque cinereis demissis parce et grosse irroratus; capite pro- thoraceque nitidis, illo magno, rugose punctato, postice in medio conyexo ac minus sculpturato, oculis maximis, clypeo semicirculari picescentiore ad marginem recuryo, héc breyissimo, marginato, grosse punctato, ad latera rotundato, angulis anticis subporrectis, posticis rotundato-obtusis ; elytris amplis, magis brunneis, sensim minus nitidis, punctato-rugosis (punctis, saltem majoribus versus latera, subseriatim dispositis), parce longitudinaliter costatis; antennis (brevibus) pedibusque (robustis) rufo-ferrugineis, tibiis anticis 3-dentatis, posticis latis; tarsis piceis, unguiculis magnis, ineequalibus.
Long. corp. lin. 53-6.
Adoretus vestitus, Bohem. {nec Reiche, 1847}, Eugen. Res. 56 (1858).
versutus, Harold, Col. Hefte, v. (1869).
— , Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. p. 812 (1869).
—— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 144 (1875).
DYNASTID. 63
Habitat in inferioribus intermediisque insule, folia Quercis (et olim Vitis) copiosissime destruens.
Apparently a very common insect in the rather low and inter- mediate districts of the island during the early summer months, where it used formerly to be very destructive to the vines, but where now it subsists more particularly on the young foliage of the oaks. This latter peculiarity in the modus vivendi was first pointed out to me by the Rev. H. Whitehead,—who, on the 15th of December 1875, brought me a perfect profusion of specimens which he had gathered during the previous evening at Woodcot; and he assures me that they make their appearance every year, much about the same season, in equal abundance. Mr. Melliss, however, says that it devours “ the leaves and young shoots of the vines so voraciously as very soon to reduce a vine from full leaf to bare stems. As it hides away under stones and woodwork during daylight, only emerging as night comes on, the gardener finds that it requires special exertion to keep it in check ;” but as the vines have now so greatly disappeared, its change of habitat is not unintelligible.
Not to mention its more strictly generic characters, the powerfully winged A. versutus may be known from the few Lamellicorns which are here enumerated by its oblong outline, and brownish, or brownish- piceous, surface (which is sparingly clothed with a short, but coarse and decumbent, cinereous pubescence); by its rather large head, semicircular clypeus, and greatly developed eyes; by its extremely abbreviated and strongly margined prothorax; by its ample, sub- costate, rugulose elytra; and by the inequality of its claws.
Fam. 17. DYNASTIDZ. (Subfam. PENTODONTIDES.)
Genus 35. HETERONYCHUS. (Dejean) Burm., Handb. der Ent. y. 90 (1847).
63. Heteronychus arator.
H. alatus, breviter oblongus, subcylindricus, niger aut piceo-niger, supra calvus convexus nitidus ; capite subtriangulari, rugose trans- versim subplicatulo-asperato, clypeo ad latera et antice (trisinuato) anguste recurvo; prothorace transverso-quadrato, convexo, fere impunctato, ad latera equaliter rotundato; elytris postice paulo
64. DYNASTID&.
truncato-abbreviatis, profunde punctato-striatis, striis punctisque ad latera subevanescentibus; antennis (brevissimis) pedibusque (robustis) piceis; tibiis latis, anticis fortiter 3-dentatis, posteri- oribus valde spinosis. Mas tarsorum anticorum unguiculo interno valde incrassato et inflexo. Long. corp. lin, 6-7. Scarabeeus arator, Fub., Ent. Syst. i. 33 (1792). Heteronychus arator, Burm., 1. e. 94 (1847). Sanctee-Helenze, Blanch., Voy. P. S. iv. 105, p. 7. £. 6 (1853). arator, Woll., Journ, Ent. i. 210 (1861). , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist.iv. p. 312 (1869). —— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 144 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque, hine inde occurrens, ad latera viarum necnon in terra sub lapidibus.
Next to the two species of Mellissius, this is the largest of the St.-Helena Lamellicorns ; and it has much the appearance of being truly indigenous, though found equally in Southern Africa. It occurs at intermediate and rather lofty altitudes, its normal range being from about 2000 to 3000 feet above therysea. Midway between Plantation and the central ridge it usually commences to make its appearance, and is sometimes very abundant as we approach the lower portions of the latter,—as, for instance, along the road from Cason’s to High Peak and West Lodge. It was taken, however, by Mr. Gray as low down as Francis Plain, and by Mr. P. Whitehead at Woodcot. It is more particularly along the sides of the roads that it is practically to be met with, “in the neighbourhood,” as Mr. Melliss well observes, ‘“ of grass-lands and hayfields,”’—where it may often be seen lying dead in considerable numbers, or crawling sluggishly about amongst the loose friable dusty soil, in company with the Mellissius eudoxus, with which at first sight it might almost be confounded. Apart however from the structural characters which separate it from that insect (amongst which its fully developed wings, and the greatly thickened and curiously bent znner claw of the two anterior feet of the male should be especially noticed), it may at once be recognized by its much smaller size and more shortly oblong, sub- cylindric outline, by its darker hue and more highly polished surface, by its clypeus being more rugose, and trisinuate (instead of trun- cate) in front, by its prothorax being unsculptured, and by the punctures of its elytra being distributed in regular strie.
Unlike those of the Mellissii, the sexes of the H. arator are about equally abundant.
DYNASTIDE. 65
Genus 36. MELLISSIUS. (Bates) Wollaston, Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 313 (1869).
Corpus crassum, supra nudum, subtus pilis longis robustis obsitum ; capite triangulari, clypeo apice truncato, necnon ibidem, ac subito (ante oculos) in genis, plus minus incrassato recurvo, fronte In medio tuberculata: prothorace magno, convexo, ad latera sub- equaliter rotundato, in utroque sexu simplici (nec antice impresso); prosternali lobo (inter coxas anticas) brevi, piloso: scutello semi- circulari-triangulari: alis minutis, obsoletis: instrumentis stridu- lantibus propygidium pliculis brevibus tuberculisve transversis (vel ubique dense, vel multo parcius) asperantibus. Antenne 9-art®: art? 1™° elongato, robusto, subclavato, subflexuoso, 2°° brevi trans- verso, 3"° minore breviore, 4'°, 5°, 6 gradatim paulo crescentibus, reliquis clavam magnam foliatam ovalem 3-articulatam efficienti- bus. Labrum clypeo absconditum. Mandibule cornex, robuste, subtriangulares, concave, apice incurvee obtuse, extus setis lon- gissimis instructe. Masillarum lobus internus obsoletus ; externus latus, suboblongus, setisque longissimis ubique obsitus. Palporum mavillarium articulus ultimus obovato-oblongus, labialiwn sub- ovatus. Mentum (ligulam occultans) elongatum, subtriangulare, corneum, pilis longissimis obsitum. Pedes fossorii, robusti, sub- zequales: tibis anticis extus fortiter tridentatis, posterioribus apice truncatis ciliatis: wnguiculis eequalibus.
Although published in 1869, I have thought it desirable to give a fresh, and somewhat emended, diagnosis of this remarkable genus, on account of its extreme importance in the aboriginal fauna of St. Helena,—the two representatives of it which have hitherto been brought to light being perhaps the only Lamellicorns, with the possible exception of the Heteronychus arator, which have any claims whatever to be looked upon as truly and absolutely indi- genous. Its structural features bring it into rather close proximity with the Australian groups Cheiroplatys and Isodon, although it is abundantly distinct from both of them; yet, unlike the members of those genera, the prothorax is entie in both sexes, and the organs for stridulation are developed; moreover the anterior tibiz are not enlarged as in Cheiroplatys. The wings of the Mellissi, unlike those of Heteronychus, are so small and rudimentary that the species must be considered as practically apterous; and their legs, as though to compensate for the organs of flight, are extremely robust and powerful, and are much in accordance with their sluggish, fossorial modes of life. |
66 DYNASTID.
64. Mellissius eudoxus.
M. crassus, subquadrato-ovatus, rufo-piceus, nitidus; capite (pre- sertim in ¢) grosse ruguloso-punctato; clypeo subtriangulari, apice late truncato et ibidem anguste recurvo, ad latera anguste marginato; prothorace magno, conyexo, grosse punctato, angulis anticis subporrectis acutiusculis, posticis rotundato-obtusis, ad latera subrotundato et longe fulvo-ciliato ; elytris subquadratis sed pone medium latiusculis, apice subtruncato-abbreviatis (angulis suturalibus vix rotundatis), propygidium recte transyersum sub- leeve nitidum (mucronibus perpaucis distantibus, in medio majori- bus transversis, adspersum) occultantibus, grossissime et confuse submalleato-punctatis (punctis plus minus confluentibus, et non- nullis vix sublongitudinaliter dispositis), sutura subelevata, et seepius obsoletissime longitudinaliter sub-bicostatis ; pygidio semi- circulari, subnitido ; pedibus robustis, fossoriis, fulvo-pilosis.
Maris clypeus tuberculo medio distincto instructus ; prothorax sub- major; pygidium minutissime et densissime subrugulosum.
Fem. clypeus minus distincte tuberculatus; prothorax subminor ; pygidium sensim leevius.
Long. corp. lin. 7-9.
Scarabzeus eudoxus, 2 Dej. Cat. 168 (1837). Mellissius eudoxus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 314 (1869).
——, Melliss, St. Hel. 145, pl. 23. £.3 (1875).
Habitat subeditiores insule, ad latera viarum, preesertim juxta gra- minosos, lente movens.
The normal range of the MW. eudowus does not differ greatly from that of the Heteronychus arator, though, while ascending (in like manner) to the less-elevated portions of the central ridge, it perhaps scarcely descends quite so low as that insect does,—about 2500 feet above the sea being the height at which it is more particularly abundant. Like the Heteronychus arator, it is more often to be met with crawling sluggishly at the sides of the roads, in the vicinity of grass-lands, than elsewhere,—its larve, apparently, being very destructive to the roots of the grass. Mr. Melliss speaks of the latter, in conjunction with those of the MW. adumbratus, as called ‘“‘hog-worms,” and quotes an account by General Beatson of the manner in which they pursue their depredations; but I think it must be the grubs of (more particularly) the M. ewdoaus to which in reality he alludes, for that species is certainly very much more abundant than the other. Indeed we met with the ewdoxus almost universally throughout the rather elevated central and south-western parts of the island (particularly in the vicinity of Cason’s, High
DYNASTIDA. 67
Peak, and West Lodge), and more sparingly even in the northern ones, whereas of the adumbratus I did not procure so much as a single example during our six months’ sojourn in the island; so that, if the “‘hog-worms” do really “ play so important a part in the destruction of the grass on the high lands, by feeding on its roots, that large patches, and sometimes whole fields, are laid bare,” I suspect that it must be the J/. eudowus, and not the comparatively rare adumbratus, which is mainly responsible for the damage. I will, however, just add, that our researches were so very much less pursued in the northern division of the island than they were in the central and south-western ones, that it is not impossible that the adumbratus may be found to occur in some parts of the former, and that the work of depredation may be carried on by both species within their respective areas; though, even in that case, the fact undoubtedly remains that by far the larger portion of the high land has the M. eudoxus for its tenant, and not the adumbratus. Possibly, though I did not observe it there, the latter may prove to be the dominant form on the Longwood and Deadwood Plains, or (which is still more likely) towards the eastern coast.
The excessive rarity of the female sex in the Mellissi7, as compared with the males, is very remarkable. Indeed when I enunciated the genus in 1869 I had not seen a single female of either species, though I had 18 examples altogether before me; and even now, out of a large number of the M. ewdowus which were collected by myself, there are only two or three of that particular sex. It does not appear, however, to differ much, in its general characters, from the male—the tubercle of its clypeus being merely a little less distinct, its prothorax a trifle smaller, and its pygidium appreciably smoother (or less rugulose).
65. Mellissius adumbratus.
M. precedenti similis, sed subpallidior ac magis opacus ; capite paulo minus rugose punctato; clypeo subangustiore, ad apicem minus late truncato sed magis recurvo, ad latera minus obliquo et cras- sius marginato, tuberculo medio magis elevato instructo; pro- thorace sublevius punctato, necnon ad latera in medio subangulato (aut, saltem, minus zequaliter rotundato); elytris nullo modo (non etiam obsoletissime) sub-bicostatis, suturaé sensim minus elevata, angulis ipsis suturalibus omnino rectis, punctis etiam minus sub- longitudinaliter dispositis ; propygidio (vix omnino elytris abdito) triangulari (7.¢c. 1m medio angulatim producto, nec recto), magis
F2
68 DYNASTID#.
opaco, multo densius ac magis regulariter plicatulo-asperato ; pygidio lunari (nec semicirculari) et magis opaco. Long. corp. lin. 83-9}. Mellissius adumbratus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 315 (1869). ——, Meliss, St. Hel. 145 (1875). Habitat (nisi fallor) versus orientem insula, a Dom. Melliss supra Prosperous Bay.deprehensus.
I have scarcely sufficient material to decide for certain whether this species may not be, on the average, a trifle larger than the last one; however, it is certainly a little paler, or redder, and very much more opake. Its head is rather less roughly sculptured; and its clypeus (which is narrower, or less obliquely sloping at the sides) is less broadly truncated, as well as appreciably more recurved, in front, with its lateral edges more thickened, or coarsely margined, and with its central tubercle more developed; its prothorax, which is not guite so deeply punctured, is rather less equally rounded at the sides, it having a faint tendency to be subangulated in the middle. Its elytra, which are free from all appearance of being even obsoletely (as in the M. eudoxus) longitudinally-costate, have their suture less elevated and their sutural angles somewhat more sharply expressed ; and they are also sufficiently truncated behind to leave exposed (which is not the case in the MM. ewdoxvus) a small portion of the propygidium. The latter is treangular instead of transverse, it being separated from the pygidium by an angular line instead of a straight one; and it is likewise more opake, and much more densely asperated with minute transverse tubercles (or short file-like plaits) for the purpose of stridulation. And its pygidium is lunate (instead of semicircular), and more opake*.
In speaking of this insect and the last one, Mr. Melliss says, ‘«‘ Both species are plentiful, and occur in similar localities ;” but I have already given my reason why I think that some qualification of that statement is necessary. Indeed, out of 18 examples which Mr. Melliss himself sent to me for examination, three only belong to the M. adumbratus; and these three embody all that I yet know
* Tn all probability the M. adwmbratus will be found to stridulate audibly. In my original diagnosis of the genus and its two representatives, I expressed an opinion that, from the comparatively slight file-like arrangement on its pro- pygidium which is observable in the M. eudoxus, that species would scarcely be able to produce a sound sufficiently loud to be heard ; and I may now add that I have not succeeded in detecting in it any stridulation that is appreciable. But whether the powers of the M. adumbratus are, in that respect, greater (as I am rather inclined to believe), remains yet to be proved.
ELATERID. 69
about the latter. And, moreover, since Mr. Melliss expressly men- tions that he “found this insect under stones on the low barren plains near Prosperous Bay” (a locality which we never explored, and which is totally different from those which are normally occupied by the VW. eudowus), I would venture to surmise that it is probably towards the eastern side of the island, and perhaps at a rather lower altitude, that the MW. aduwmbratus will be found more particularly to occur*.
Sectio 7. PRIOCERATA.
Fam. 18. ELATERIDAS.
Genus 37. ANCHASTUS. Leconte, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. x. 459 (1853).
66. Anchastus compositarum, n. sp.
A, elliptico-elongatus, angustulus, niger, pilisque brevissimis minu- tissimis demissis cinereis parce irroratus; capite prothoraceque subopacis, densissime et profunde punctatis (punctulis nonnullis intermediis minoribus), hée magno, convexo, in medio coleopteris latiore, angulis posticis valde productis, acutissimis, subsinuatim vix exstantibus, et carinulis binis instructis, in disco postico obsolete canaliculato, basi transversim declivi sed in parte media ipsissima (ante scutellum) sublobato-elevato; elytris elongato- ellipticis, sensim nitidioribus, grosse arguteque crenato-striatis, in interstitiis minutissime levissimeque punctulatis ac obsolete sub- rugulosis ; antennis, palpis, pedibusque rufo-ferrugineis ; tarsorum art? 3"° subtus late bilobo.
Var. 8. capite prothoraceque sensim nitidioribus, hdc postice magis subito declivi; elytrorum interstiis paulo magis rugulosis.
Long. corp. lin. 5-6.
Habitat editiores, preecipue in ligno Compositarum antiquo; sstate ineunte, occurrens.
The present species and the following one, which are the only Elaterids which have hitherto been detected at St. Helena, resemble each other very closely; nevertheless I am satisfied that they are
* The very excellent figure which Mr. Melliss has given to illustrate this genus belongs evidently, from its shining surface, to the M. eudoxus; nevertheless I may just mention that it is cited as the adwmbratus,—which would seem to imply that the two species may perhaps have been a little confounded by him as to their exact points of difference.
70 ELATERIDA.
truly distinct, and that they cannot be looked upon as local modifi- cations of a single form,—being, in point of fact, very frequently found associated. They both of them occur in the higher parts of the island, within the region of the arborescent Composite,—to which in their larva-states they would appear to be attached. Indeed, until they make their appearance after the early summer rains (about the beginning of February), when they may be found abundantly beneath stones in open grassy places, the few which I have ever met with have been broken out of the dead boughs and trunks of the various cabbage trees and gumwoods,—within which they clearly undergo their transformations. In fact on the eastern, and almost inaccessible, side of High Peak I on one occasion brought away with me a small portion of an old rotten branch of the “ Whitewood Cabbage Tree” (Petrobium arboreum, R. Br.), within which the Anchasti had manifestly just arrived at maturity ; and although less than a foot in length, I obtained, by breaking it open carefully, more than 50 examples,—about two thirds of which belonged to the present species, and the remainder to the A. atlanticus; and my belief is, that the A. compositarwin will be found to be more attached to the Petrobium arboreum than to any of the four native cabbage trees. Along the whole line of the central heights, from Diana’s Peak to High Peak, the A. compositarum may be captured at times, during the commencement of the summer, in this sort of manner,— a single piece of dry tinder-like wood harbouring often a perfect colony of individuals; and I may add that Mr. P. Whitehead has obtained the species on Stitch’s Ridge in much the same profusion as I did at High Peak.
The A. compositarum is, on the average, the larger of the two Anchasti, and its limbs are usually a trifle more robust; its surface is appreciably darker (it seldom being brownish or fuscescent), as well as more sparingly besprinkled with a much shorter and more minute cinereous pubescence ; its elytral interstices are more finely punctured, and less rugulose ; and its prothorax, which is just per- ceptibly opaker, convexer, and more rounded about the middle, has its posterior angles relatively someweat narrower and more acute, and less straightened,—having a slight tendency to be a little sinuated or outwardly-curved.
The examples from Flagstaff Hill, in the extreme north of the island, are not quite so typical as those from High Peak and Stitch’s Ridge, being in some respects intermediate between the two species;
ELATERID. 71
nevertheless their exceedingly narrow and acute hinder prothoracic angles and very abbreviated pubescence will, I think, refer them to the A. compositarum rather than to the atlanticus, though in their less opake head and prothorax (the latter of which is very suddenly sloped off in the middle), as well as in the more rugulose interstices of their occasionally subfuscescent elytra, they approach somewhat to the latter. In all probability they belong to the Gumwood fauna which must once have been dominant on the Longwood and Dead- wood plains, and may perhaps represent some slight modification, or variety, peculiar to those trees, which have now almost totally disappeared.
67. Anchastus atlanticus.
A, prexcedenti similis, sed minor, plerumque paulo magis piceus aut fuscescens, pilisque longioribus grossioribus ac sensim magis griseis vestitus; capite prothoraceque submagis nitidis, hoc vix minus convexo et in medio vix angustiore, angulis posticis sensim rectioribus minusque acutis (sc. nullo modo subsinuatim subex- stantibus), postice paulo abruptius declivi; elytris vix magis ellipticis, insterstitiis paulo magis subruguloso-asperatis ; antennis pedibusque subrobustioribus, tarsorum posteriorum art® 1™ vix minus elongato.
Long. corp. lin. 4—vix 5.
Anchastus atlanticus, Cand., Mon. Elat. ii. 409, t. 3. f£. 8 (1859). Heteroderes puncticollis, Voll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 817 (1869). Anchastus atlanticus, Zd., abid. viii. 401 (1871).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 146 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque insule; vel sub lapidibus in graminosis apertis, vel in ligno Compositarum antiquo.
As already implied, this is (on the average) a rather smaller species than the preceding one, less ‘decidedly black (the elytra being fre- quently picescent, or even brownish), and clothed with a coarser and longer pile ; its head and prothorax are just perceptibly more shining, the latter being also a trifle less convex and less rounded before the middle, as well as alittle more abruptly desilient behind, and with the posterior angles appreciably straighter and not qwite so narrowed or acute ; its elytra (which are somewhat more shortened, or elliptic) have their interstices more rugulose; and its limbs are less con- spicuously robust.
Like the last one, the present species appears to be attached, in at any rate its larval condition, to the arborescent Composite of a somewhat high altitude, more particularly (I think), though by no
72 CLERIDA.
means exclusively, to the Little Bastard Gumwood, or Aster gum- miferus, Hk. fil.; but in its perfect state it is more often to be met with beneath stones in open grassy spots, especially in the vicinity of those particular shrubs. After the early summer rains, about the beginning of February, it makes its appearance in comparative abun- dance ; during which season I took it in profusion just behind the lofty ridge, above West Lodge, overlooking the great Sandy-Bay crater, as well as on the eastern (and well-nigh inaccessible) slopes of High Peak, and also (though more sparingly) so low down as even Plantation. It has been captured by Mr. P. Whitehead on Halley’s Mount, and likewise (in great profusion), beneath stones, on Green Hill.
Fam. 19. CLERIDZ.
Genus 38. CORYNETES. Herbst, Kaf. iv. 148 (1791).
68. Corynetes rufipes.
C’. ovato-oblongus, ceeruleus aut cyaneus, nitidus, pilisque elongatis suberectis griseco-nigrescentibus obsitus; capite prothoraceque (interdum subzeneo-tinctis ) profunde punctatis, hoc subconico-rotun- dato; elytris profunde substriato-punctatis, insterstitiis transversim rugulosis ; antennis pedibusque lete rufo-testaceis, illarum claya (magna) articulisque adjacentibus nigrescentibus.
Long. corp. lin. 2}—vix 3.
Anobium rufipes, Thunb. Nov. Ins. Spec. i. 10 (1781). Corynetes rufipes, Woll., Col. Atl. 209 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp. 102 (1867).
—— ——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 317 (1869).
—— ——, Meliss, St. Hel. 146 (1875).
Hahitat in domibus repositoriisque insulee, ex alienis certe introductus.
There are few insects more widely dispersed than the common European C. rufipes, its constant liability to transmission along with various articles of commerce and merchandise haying rendered it well-nigh cosmopolitan. It has become established in the Canarian and Cape-Verde archipelagos, and was taken by the late Mr. Bewicke at Ascension ; but at St. Helena it does not appear to be usually very abundant, though to be met with occasionally in the houses and stores of Jamestown,—where it has been likewise found by the Rev. H. White- head and Mr. N. Janisch. Mr. Melliss mentions that it occurs also about Ladder Hill. ‘Its bright cyaneous, or metallic-blue, surface
PTINID#.—ANOBIID. 73
(which is coarsely punctured, and clothed with dark suberect hairs), in conjunction with the clear rufo-testaceous hue of its antenne and legs, the former of which, however, have their club and anteclaval joints blackish, will abundantly characterize it.
Fam. 20. PTINIDZ.
Genus 39. GIBBIUM. Seopoli, Int. ad Hist. Nat. 505 (1777).
69. Gibbium scotias.
G. ovatum, valde convexum, politissimum, calvum, esculpturatum, subtranslucens, rufo-castaneum ; capite deflexo; prothorace bre- vissimo, transverso, elytris arcte applicato; antennis pedibusque elongatis, crassis, densissime fulvo-cinereo-squamosis.
* Long. corp. lin. 1.
Ptinus scotias, Fab., Spec. Ins. i. 74 (1781).
Gibbium scotias, Woll., Col. Atl. 214 (1866).
, _Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 818 (1869).
___ ___) Melliss, St. Hel. 147 (1875).
Habitat circa domos et in cultis, rarissime; certe introductum.
A single example of the European G‘. scotias (which has become naturalized also in Madeira) was taken by Mr. Gray, amongst garden refuse, at Plantation, and another had previously been met with by Mr. Melliss; but the species is, of course, a mere introduction from more northern latitudes. There is no fear of confounding it with any thing else which concerns us in this volume,—its extremely convex, highly polished, unsculptured, glabrous, semitransparent, globule-shaped body, added to its bright-chestnut (or rufo-casta- neous) hue, and the fact of its thick, elongate limbs being densely clothed with a fine and closely-set fulvo-cinereous pubescence being more than sufficient at once to characterize it.
Fam. 21. ANOBIIDA. Genus 40. ANOBIUM. Fabricius, Syst. Ent. 62 (1775). $ 1. Scutellum transversum.
70. Anobium velatum.
A. parallelo-oblongum, subcylindricum, piceo-brunneum, subnitidum,
74. ANOBIID.
longe et molliter fulyo-cinereo-pubescens pilisque elongatis sub- erectis mollibus velatum; capite prothoraceque granulato-asperatis, illo oculis maximis, prominentibus, hdc lato, convexo, transyerso- subquadrato, ad latera in medio subrecto, angulis posticis rotun- datis, linea leviore obsoleta dorsali instructo; elytris profunde striato-punctatis, interstitiis parce granulato-rugulosis; antennis pedibusque longiusculis, crassis, piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 2.
Anobium yelatum, Woll., Ins. Mad. 276, t. v. f. 3 (1854).
, Id., Col. Aél., 226 (1865).
—— —, ld., Ann, Nat. Hist. iv. 318 (1869).
—— —,, Melliss, St. Hel. 147 (1875).
Habitat in cultis et domibus, ad lignum antiquum ; rarissimum.
I did not meet with this Anobium at St. Helena; but a single example was obtained by Mr. Melliss, and a second has been given to me by Mr. P. Whitehead—taken by himself at Woodcot. The . species is without doubt a naturalized one, and may perhaps have been more abundant before the vines (to which I believe it to be a good deal attached ; at least so it appears to me in at any rate the Madeiran and Canarian archipelagos) were so generally destroyed. It is the largest of the St.-Helena Anobia; and it may be further distinguished by its roughly sculptured, piceous-brown surface, which is clothed with soft, elongate, and nearly erect hairs, and by its rather wide, convex, transverse-quadrate prothorax. It is studded with small granules, rather than punctules; but the punctures of its elytral strize are both deep and somewhat coarse, and its eyes are very large and prominent.
§ 2. Scutellum subtriangulare.
71. Anobium paniceum.
A, breviter oblongum, subopacum, rufo-ferrugineum, breviter et molliter (et vix demisse) fulvo-cinereo-pubescens; capite pro- thoraceque minute subgranulatis, hoe lato, convexo, ad latera leviter explanato rotundato, postice in medio obsolete subcarinu- lato-gibboso; elytris minute crenulato-striatis; antennis pedi- busque testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. circa 13.
Dermestes paniceus, Linn., Fna Suec. 451 (1761). Anobium paniceum, JVoll., Col. Atl. 227 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp. 109 (1867).
— —,, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 77 (1870).
—__ ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 147 (1875).
Habitat in domibus insule mercatorumque repositoriis, passim.
ANOBIID. 75
Like the A. domesticum, this universal European insect (which occurs in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde groups) _ has acquired for itself almost a world-wide range, its liability to intertransmission amongst civilized countries along with farinaceous substances and other articles of commerce having succeeded in esta- blishing it almost everywhere. At St. Helena it is not uncommon ; often amongst bread and meal, as well as about old houses generally, —under which latter circumstances it has been taken by Mr. P. Whitehead at Woodcot.
The A. molle is a rather small and insignificant Anobiwm, and one which may be known by its shortly-oblong outline, rufo-ferruginous hue, and nearly opake, densely pubescent surface,—the hairs of which, however, although equally fine and soft, are not quite so elongate, or so erect, as those of the A. velatum. Its prothorax is as wide behind as the base of the elytra, and nearly even; and the latter are minutely crenate-striated.
72. Anobium domesticum.
A, angustulum, elongatulum, subopacum, brunneo-piceum elytris dilutioribus, minutissime, brevissime, et omnino demisse fulvyo- pubescens ; capite prothoraceque angustis, subgranulato-rugulosis, hoc parvo, ineequali, lateraliter compresso, versus angulos posticos anguste acuteque subexplanato-marginato, in disco postico alte gibboso-carinato; elytris profunde striato-punctatis, utrinque ante apicem obsolete subgibbosis ; anteunis (rufo-testaceis) pedi- busque (piceo-ferrugineis) longiusculis, gracilibus.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Anobium domesticum, Fourcr., Ent. Par. i. 26 (1785).
striatum, Oliv., Ent. ii. 16. 9 (1790).
, Woll., Col. Atl. 227 (1865).
, 1d., Col. Hesp. 109 (1867).
domesticum, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 77 (1870).
—— striatum, Melliss, St. Hel. 147 (1875).
Habitat in domibus, passim ; ex Anglia forsan introductum.
This widely-distributed European Anobium, which from its con- stant liability to exportation along with timber (and in vessels) has acquired an almost cosmopolitan range, and which has established itself in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archi- pelagos, occurs sparingly in houses at St. Helena. I have met with it frequently at Plantation; and it has been found by Mr. P. White- head at Woodcot.
76 ANOBIIDA.
The rather narrow outline and piceo-brownish hue of the A. do- mesticum, added to its nearly opake and very minutely and shortly pubescent surface, and its small, uneven, laterally compressed pro- thorax, which is acutely margined towards the posterior angles, and obtusely carinated (or gibbose) on the hinder disk, will sufficiently distinguish it.
73. Anobium confertum.
A, cylindricum, aut nigrum aut fusco-nigrum, opacum, ubique minutissime et densissime subarenaceo-granulatum (vix punctu- latum) pubeque breyi cinerea et omnino demissa parce sericatum ; capite deflexo, oculis magnis, prominentibus; prothorace brevi, transyerso, simplici, convexo, postice elytrorum latitudine, angulis anticis subrectis, posticis magis rotundatis, ad latera subrecto regulariter explanato-recurvo atque ferrugineo ; elytris obsoletis- sime longitudinaliter substriatis (sed nullo modo punctatis) ; antennis pedibusque gracilibus et inaqualiter piceo-ferrugineis, tarsis clarioribus.
Long. corp. lin. 13-21.
Anobium confertum, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 319 (1869). , Melliss, St. Hel. 147 (1875).
Habitat inter arbusculos Asteris glutinosi, Roxb. (engl “ Serub- wood”), lignum antiquum destruens.
The single example, taken by Mr. Melliss, which I had seen of this very distinct Anobiwm in 1869 was unaccompanied with any note as to its habitat; and considering, therefore, how eminently liable the Anobia are to accidental introduction throughout the civilized world, I expressed my doubts (while describing it as new) as to its real claims to be regarded as indigenous at St. Helena. Even now, only one more individual has come beneath my notice ; but since its modus vivendi is unmistakably defined, I am enabled at all events to treat the species which it represents as, without doubt, one of the aboriginal exponents of the fauna; so that the A. confertum is no longer dubious as regards the question of its origin. It is to Mr. P. Whitehead that we are indebted for clearing up this particular point, and showing that it is probably to the Aster glutinosus, or ‘¢Scrubwood,” that the insect is attached,—some decayed portions of that viscous and essentially characteristic shrub which he collected in the vicinity of Flagstaff Hill having produced, amongst certain Microxylobii of undoubted Scrubwood-infesting habits, the specimen to which I have just called attention. Unfortunately we had no
BOSTRICHID. rare
opportunities, during our six months’ sojourn in the island, of in- vestigating the Scrubwood,—one of the aboriginal arborescent Com- posite which is now becoming extremely scarce, and confined to a few hot and arid districts towards the coast which are practically difficult of access ; but Mr. Whitehead has proved to a demonstration that it harbours a little fauna of its own, and that it only requires to be carefully searched to add (even yet) new members to the catalogue. I have consequently but little doubt that when the Scrubwood-regions have been thoroughly examined, the present Anobium will be found to occur more plentifully, and will cease to be (as now) well-nigh unique *.
There is no fear of confounding the A. confertum with any other of the Anobia recorded in this volume,—its cylindrical outline and opake curiously-sculptured surface, which is altogether devoid of punctures but which is most densely, evenly, and minutely granu- lated all over (like the finest possible seal-skin), and apparently more or less clothed, or sericated, with an extremely short and quite decumbent whitish, cinereous pubescence, being more than sufficient to distinguish it. Its colour is either black or brownish black ; its eyes are large and very prominent; its prothorax is wide, transverse, and even, with the lateral edges rather straightened, but ferrugimous and conspicuously flattened and recurved; its elytra are almost free from even obsolete traces of longitudinal strie; and its limbs are
slender and piceo-ferruginous. ,
Fam. 22. BOSTRICHIDE.
Genus 41. RHIZOPERTHA. Stephens, Zi. Brit. Ent. iii. 254 (1830).
74. Rhizopertha bifoveolata.
R. breviter cylindrica, piceo-ferruginea, subopaca; prothorace magno, subgloboso, valde convexo, scabroso, necnon antice mucronibus fortiter asperato, ad basin foveolis duabus mediis impresso ; elytris ubique confertim punctatis (haud striatis), ad apicem integris ; antennis longiusculis, robustis.
Long. corp. lin. circa 12.
* Since these observations were written, another example of the A. confertwm has been communicated by Mr. P. Whitehead. It was taken by himself on “the Barn,” amongst the bushes of Scrubwood ; and he has even sent me a por- tion of the dead sticks out of which he obtained it ; so that I need scarcely add that the above remarks have been most completely corroborated.
78 BOSTRICHID.
Rhyzopertha bifoveolata, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. ii. 409 (1858). Rhizopertha bifoveolata, Id., Col. Atl. 232 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp. 110 (1867).
—— — , ld., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 320 (1869).
—— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 147 (1875).
Habitat in mercatorum repositoriis; mihi non obvia, sed certe ex alienis introducta.
I did not meet with this insect at St. Helena, where, however, it was taken by Mr. Melliss; but there can be no question that the species is merely a naturalized one, and only requires to be searched for in the stores and houses of Jamestown. Like the &. pusilla, it seems to be more particularly attached to dried roots, imported as articles of merchandise,—whether whole, or (like ordinary arrow- root) in the form of farina; and indeed it was in a cask of flour that it was introduced, many years ago, into Madeira. I obtained it, however, under circumstances which appeared somewhat more natural, in the interior of St. Iago, in the Cape-Verde group.
In my original diagnosis of this insect, in 1858, I mentioned that the F. bifoveolata is rather larger and broader than the common A. pusilla, but proportionally not quite so long, as also a little darker, or more piceous, and nearly opake. Its prothorax is much larger and more globose,—being exceedingly convex, wider and more roughened in front, and with two deep, rounded fovev or depressions (separated only by a narrow rudimentary dorsal line) in the centre behind. Its elytra are uniformly and closely punctured all over, the punctures being much smaller and more numerous than those of the R. pusilla, and without any tendency to be arranged either in striz or longitudinal rows ; and they are rounded and entire at the apex, there being no appearance of an oblique truncation; and the antenne, which are a little paler than the rest of the surface, are somewhat longer and more robust than in that species.
75. Rhizopertha pusilla.
R. angustulo-cylindrica, piceo-ferruginea, subnitida; prothorace semicirculari-cylindrico, scabroso, necnon antice mucronibus aut pliculis transversis asperato; elytris profunde striato-punctatis (punctis magnis), ad apicem obsolete oblique truncatis aut retusis (vix omnino integris); antennis rufo-testaceis ; pedibus gracilibus rufo-piceis, tarsis clarioribus.
Long. corp. lin. circa 14.
TOMICID. 79
Synodendron pusillum, Faub., Ent. Syst. v. Re ) 156 (1798). Rhyzopertha pusilla, Steph., l. c. 854 (1880
Rhizopertha pusilla, Woll., Coll, Atl. 232 (1865).
— — _, ld., Ann. Nat. ’ Hist. iv. 320 (1869).
— , Meliss, St. Hel. 148 (1875).
Habitat in domibus repositoriisque ad Jamestown, farinas radicesque destruens.
I met with this almost cosmopolitan insect sparingly on outer walls, particularly of warehouses, in Jamestown,—where it appears to have established itself (as it has at Madeira and elsewhere) through the medium of commerce, being particularly partial to farinaceous substances and dried roots. I need scarcely add that it has no real connexion with the true fauna of St. Helena.
Sectio 8. RHYNCHOPHORA.
Fam. 23. TOMICIDA:.
Genus 42. TOMICUS. Latreille, Hist. Nat. iii. 2053 (1802).
76. Tomicus emulus.
T. cylindricus, nitidus, nigro-piceus, pilisque longiusculis suberectis fulvescentibus parce obsitus; prothorace amplo, postice evidenter punctulato, in disco mox ante medium subnodoso- conyexo, antice dilatato obtuse rotundato necnon mucronibus asperato ; elytris leviter striato-punctatis punctulisque minoribus in interstitiis uniseriatim notatis, ad apicem retusis, parte perpendiculari denti- bus sublateralibus duobus subsequalibus (sc. superiore et inferiore) ac perpaucis lateralibus minutissimis granuliformibus utrinque armata; antennis pedibusque infuscato-testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. circa 11.
Tomicus emulus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 321 (1869).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 148 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis (rarius editioribus), arbores (preecipue Podo- carpi elongati, ’ Hér.) perforans.
When I described this species in 1869 I had seen only a single example of it, which was taken by Mr. Melliss but the habitat of which was totally unknown to me. During our residence, however, at Plantation I met with it in absolute profusion,—principally boring
80 HYLESINIDA.
into the stems, and beneath the loose outer bark, of the gigantic Cape yews (Podocarpus elongatus, Hér.) ; so that it is not impossible that it may have been originally introduced into the island, and have since become completely naturalized. Still I do not feel confident that this is the case ; for | have taken it also, though very much more sparingly, even on the central ridge. Like most of the Zomici, however, it is a species which uses its wings vigorously ; so that, when once established in any country or district, it would very soon spread.
In its general size, outline, proportions, and sculpture, the 7’. emulus has much the primd facie appearance of the European T. saxesenit (which occurs likewise in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian groups); but, as I mentioned in 1869, a closer inspection will show not only that it is a little larger and more pilose, with its prothorax less alutaceous and more distinctly punctulated behind, but that its elytra are more retuse (or perpendicularly truncated) at the apex, and that each of them is armed with (in addition to smaller and granuliform ones) two robust acute spines. This latter character, apart from its more evidently punctulated prothorax and darker hue, will equally separate it from the 7. perforans, a species closely resembling the sawesenti, and which has been found in the Madeiran and Cape-Verde archipelagos,—where, however, in all probability, it has become naturalized through indirect human agencies.
Fam: 24, HYLESINIDA.
Genus 43. HYLURGUS. Latreille, Gen. Crust. et Ins. ii, 274 (1807).
77. Hylurgus ligniperda.
H. cylindricus, subnitidus, niger sed in elytris obsoletissime sub- picescens (immaturus omnino ferrugineus), pilisque erectis (in capite prothoraceque, necnon ad elytrorum apicem, longioribus) cinereo-fulvis vestitus; capite prothoraceque dense et profunde punctatis, illo crasso triangulari-quadrato, hée elongato, sub- conico, in medio linea levi subcarinulato ; elytris densissime et grosse asperato-rugulosis (vix certe punctatis), et obsolete longi- tudinaliter striatis, ad apicem ipsum leyiter truncatis aut retusis ; antennis tarsisque piceo-testaceis, femoribus tibiisque (latis, com- pressis, extus spinulosis) piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 2-23.
COSSONIDZ. © sl
Bostrichus ligniperda, Fub., Ent. Syst. i. ii. 867 (1792). Hylurgus ligniperda, Woll., Col. Atl. 250 (1865).
, Id. Ann. Nat. Hist, iv. 321 (1869).
—— ——.,, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 78 (1870).
—— —_,, Melliss, St. Hel, 148 (1875).
Habitat pinos emortuas in intermediis rariusque in editioribus, sub cortice laxo erodens.
The common European H. ligniperda (which has established itself abundantly in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian archipe- lagos) is universal beneath the bark of old fir trees at St. Helena, occurring at intermediate and lofty altitudes—where it has doubtless become naturalized, along with the various pines, from Europe. Its thick, cylindrical outline, and elongate, subconical prothorax, added to the long and erect cinereo-fulvescent hairs with which it is clothed (particularly, however, on the anterior and posterior ex- tremities of its body), and its broad, compressed, and externally spinulose tibie, will at once distinguish it from every thing else with which we have here to do.
Although in general outline and aspect a little resembling at first sight some of the larger exponents of Pseudostenoscelis, nevertheless its total freedom from a hook at its outer tibial angle, its flattened, externally spinulose tibiz, and the subretuse apex of its elytra will, even of themselves, immediately separate it from that group, and indeed from all the members of the Cossonide.
I have taken the H. ligniperda abundantly at Plantation, as well as in old pine-trees at Cason’s and elsewhere.
Fam. 25. COSSONIDZ:.
The excessive importance of the Cossonide at St. Helena, which number more than a quarter of the entire Coleopterous fauna (so far at least as the latter has hitherto been ascertained), renders it desirable to furnish a short analysis of the groups, in order to facilitate the'study of an assemblage of forms which might otherwise be somewhat difficult both to classify and determine. For the actual species themselves I must refer to the several diagnoses as given in situ; but the following Table will perhaps be found useful in enabling us to recognize the main characters on which the various genera have been established :—
G
2 COSSONIDA&. A. Rostrum brevissimum, latum, crassum, triangulure. Abdominis segmt® 1” et 24 lined argute divisis .. [Subfam. STENOSCELIDES. |
a. oculi laterales. elytra postice asperata. B. funiculus T-articulatus. oculi valde demisst.
Stenoscelis. BB. funceulus 5-articulatus. oculi sensim prominulr. Pseudostenoscelis. aa. ocult subsuperiores. elytra postice haud asperata. Pachymastax.
AA. Rostrum vel breve vel plus minus elongatum et gracile. Abdominis segmts 1° et 24 inter se arcte connatis .... [Subfam. CossonmpEs et PENTARTHRIDES. |
’ y. funiculus T-articulatus 1... 1.606. Phlceophagus. { Subfam. CossonrDEs. |
yy. funculus 6-articulatus .. 6... 6 es Hexacoptus. yyy: funiculus 5-articulatus........ [Subfam. PENTARTHRIDES. | 5. oculi minuti. prothorax subtriangularis. Pentarthrodes. 85. ocult obsoleti, subnulli. prothorax subovalis. Pseudomesoxenus. 666. oculi plus minus conspicut. e. rostrum breve, triangulare ; oculis valde demissis. Isotornus. ee. rostrum vel elongato-subtriangulare, vel breviter parallelum. ¢. corpus nigrum aut piceum (nec e@neunr). Microxylobius. C6. corpus plus minus @neo-micans. n. prothorax nunquam grossissime sculpturatus. Acanthomerus. nn. prothorax grossissime sculpturatus. Eucoptoderus. eee. rostrum plus minus elongatum, sepe gracile. 6. corpus @neo-micans. u. wnequaliter (aut semi-) politum, se. hine inde nitidum et hine inde opacum. Chalcotrogus. uw. equaliter politum. x. funiculi art? 2% valde elongato.
Lamprochrus. xk. funiculi art? 24 quam primus paululum longiore ;
rostro robusto, distorte curvato.
Xestophasis. 8@ corpus nullo modo metallicum. a. magnum ; rostro robusto, distorte curvato. Tapiromimus. An. rostro gracili, linear. u. prothorax antice simplex (i. e. truncatus). Tychiorrhinus. uu. prothorax antice obtuse productus, cuculliformis,
caput tegens.
Cryptommata.
COSSONID @. 83
(Subfam. 1. STENOSCELIDES.)
Genus 44. STENOSCELIS. Wollaston, Jowrn. of Ent. i. 141 (1861).
Corpus cylindricum, dense sculpturatum, subnitidum ; rostro brevis- simo, crasso, triangulari, oculis lateralibus, subreniformibus, valde demissis, scrobe brevissimo, fere nullo, ante oculos sito; prothorace postice recte truncato, antice distincte constricto, necnon ad latera in medio sinuato ; scwtello minutissimo, punctiformi. Hlytris antice transversim plicato-rugosis, postice (subito desilientibus, tamen vix subretusis) parce tuberculato-asperatis ; metasterno mediocri ; abdomints segmentis 1™ et 2% linea argute divisis. Antenne breves, subgraciles; scapo brevissimo; funiculi (7-articulati, parum compacti) art? 1™° magno, antice recte truncato; capitulo abrupto, subrotundato. Pedes subgraciles, antici omnino, inter- medi fere omnino contigui, postic: paulo distantes ; tarsis elonga- tis, gracilibus, art® 1™ elongato, 3"° vix latiore sed minutissime bilobo, ult™ elongato.
The genus Stenoscelis was enunciated by myself in 1861 to receive a small and cylindrical Hylustes-like Cossonid (apparently conspecific with the present one from St. Helena) which was taken by the late Mr. Bewicke, during the preceding year, at the Cape of Good Hope ; and it still makes, as I cannot but believe, the nearest approach to the members of the Hylesinide, of all the true Curculionids which have as yet been brought to light. Perhaps, indeed, Pseudostenoscelis may be said to have a nearly equal claim to be prima facie suboscu- lant between the two groups; nevertheless in the genus now under consideration the rostrum is (if possible) even still shorter and more triangular, the scape is even still more abbreviated, and the elytra are more decidedly asperate; so that on the whole it is best placed in juxtaposition with the exponents of the preceding family.
Since nearly all the St.-Helena members of the Cossonide which are absolutely and undoubtedly aboriginal seem to possess a 5-jointed funiculus (the only exceptions to that rule being the one which we are now discussing, the Hewvacoptus ferrugineus, and the European Phleophagus eneopiceus which has manifestly been naturalized), and since, as just mentioned, the Stenoscelis hylastoides occurs equally in Southern Africa, it may perhaps be open to inquiry whether the latter may not have been introduced originally from the Cape of Good Hope, and have since completely established itself. At any rate this conclusion is somewhat borne out by its mode of life, inasmuch as it
a2
84. COSSONID&.
is only within the intermediate cultivated districts that I have hitherto met with it; whereas the closely-resembling Pseudostenoscelides are attached more emphatically to the native arborescent Composite, not only of intermediate but (more particularly) of the loftiest elevations.
78. Stenoscelis hylastoides. (Fig. 1.)
S. breviter cylindrica, nigra, fere calya, subnitida; capite protho- raceque sat profunde et densissime punctatis, illo equali et (una cum rostro) late triangulari, oculis valde demissis, héc triangulari- quadrato, postice recte truncato, ad latera in medio distincte sinuato; elytris vix (tamen antice evidentius) picescentioribus, striato-punctatis, interstitiis minutissime punctulatis ac rugose seriatim asperatis, asperitate antice plicaturas transversas sed postice tubercula parva acuta efformante: antennis tarsisque ferrugineis, femoribus tibiisque piceis. Suwhtus alutacea, parce subfulvescenti-pilosa, distincte sed leviter punctata.
Long. corp. lin. 13-14.
Stenoscelis hylastoides, Woll., 1. c. 142, pl. 11. f. 1 (1861).
, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 401 (1869).
—— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 148 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis (precipue cultis) insule, lignum aridum pul-
verosum et valde antiquum destruens.
I have taken this insect most abundantly within pieces of dry rotten wood, completely dusty and pulverized, as well as in old decayed posts, at Plantation ; and it has been found by Mr. P. White- head at Woodcot under precisely similar circumstances; but I did not observe that it ascends, like the closely-resembling members of Pseudostenoscelis, to the central ridge, to attach itself to the native arborescent Composite. Perhaps therefore it may be less strictly indigenous than the exponents of that genus, and more particularly so since it is not confined (like them) to St. Helena, but exists like- wise at the Cape of Good Hope.
Genus 45. PSEUDOSTENOSCELIS (nov. gen.).
Corpus cylindricum, dense sculpturatum, plerumque subnitidum ; rostro brevissimo, crasso, subtriangulari, oculis lateralibus, subro- tundatis, scrobe brevissimo sed profundo, foveiformi, ante oculos sito; prothorace postice recte truncato, antice plus minus con- stricto, ad latera in medio plus minus sinuato; scutello minutis- simo, punctiformi ; elytris antice et postice (subito desilientibus, tamen vix snbretusis) parce tuberculato-asperatis ; metasterno mediocri; abdominis segmentis 1™° et 2% linea argute divisis. Antenne breyes subgraciles; scapo brevi; funieuli (5-articulati,
COSSONID&. 85
sublaxi) art? 1™° magno, antice recte truncato; capitulo abrupto, subrotundato. Pedes subgraciles, antici omnino, intermedii fere omnino contigui, postic? paulo distantes: tarsis elongatis, gracili- bus, art° 1™° elongato, 3°° vix latiore sed minutissime bilobo, ult™? elongato.
A wWevéos, falsus, et Stenoscelis.
Obs.—Genus prima facie Stenoscelidi simillimum, sed differt funiculo 5-, nec 7-articulato, rostro paululum minus triangulari, oculis minus demissis, scapo paulo minus brevi, elytrisque antice minus grosse plicato-asperatis.
It is somewhat remarkable that the extreme resemblance of the members of this most important St.-Helena group to those (from the Cape of Good Hope and Japan) which I described a few years ago under the generic name of Stenoscelis should have hitherto so com- pletely deceived me that I had no hesitation whatever in referring the whole of them to the latter assemblage. Perhaps, however, this is not altogether inexplicable, seeing that it is only now that I have overhauled my recently acquired material from St. Helena with sufficient precision to perceive that the species which have as yet been brought to light differ so essentially from the South-African and Japanese ones as to possess a funiculus which is composed of only five joints instead of seven. Yet, although scarcely differing prima facie from the rest (except, of course, specifically), one at any rate of these Hylastes-like forms is a veritable Stenoscelis (having a 7-jointed funiculus, and sundry other small distinctive characters to which I have already called attention); and this one, the S. hylas- toides, was acknowledged by myself (vide ‘ Ann. Nat. Hist.’ iv. 322, 1869) as occurring in St. Helena, no less than at the Cape of Good Hope,—the only marvel being, at any rate to my mind, that six closely resembling species which are due to our late explorations in the island should by any possibility be generically distinct from the South-African one. Yet this certainly appears to be the case; and I have consequently cited them under a separate genus, as above enunciated.
With this single radical exception of a 5-jointed funiculus (instead of 7-), the members of the present genus do not differ materially from those of Stenoscelis. Their rostrum is perhaps not quite so triangular, and (which is important, their eyes are less completely sunken or depressed; and their scape, although short, is not quite so abnormally reduced i» lengtli; added to which they have a rather
86 COSSONID.
more distinct, though very abbreviated, scrobs (or fovea) for the reception of their antenne, and their elytra, although roughened, are less asperate (particularly at the base); but the same cylindrical contour and laterally-sinuated prothorax, and the same apically-desi- lient elytra, slender legs, and elongated feet obtainin both groups*.
§ 1. Opaca ; prothorace antice fere integro.
79. Pseudostenoscelis sculpturata, n. sp.
P. breviter cylindrica, latiuscula, crassa, nigra, fere calva; capite prothoraceque opacis, sat profunde et densissime punctatis punctis subconfluentibus), illo (una cum rostro) late triangulari, in medio leviter canaliculato, héc longiusculo, triangulari-ovato, postice subemarginato-truncato, ad latera in medio obsolete sinuato; elytris antice singulatim arcuatis, vix minus opacis, pro- funde punctato- et tuberculato-striatis (punctis sc. remotis, grossis, et superne asperatis, tubercula efficientibus), interstitiis minutis-
- sime punctulatis ac elevatis; antennis tarsisque (art? 3° fere simplici) ferrugineis, femoribus tibiisque piceis. Subtus parce subfulvescenti-pilosa, et profunde punctata.
Long. corp. lin. 23.
Habitat truncos Dicksonie arborescentis, lV Herit., antiquos emortuos
putridos, in regionibus valde excelsis, rarissima.
Evidently one of the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera, three examples enly having been brought to light during our sojourn in the island,—one of which (found by Mrs. Wollaston between Actzon and Diana’s Peak) was dead and imperfect, while another was taken by myself in the centre of a rotten stem of a tree fern, and the third from beneath a piece of damp decayed wood on the very summit of nearly the highest portion cf the central ridge. It is clearly there- fore one of the aboriginal forms, and in all probability undergoes its transformations within the putrid trunks of the magnificent Dick- sonia arborescens. Although generically identical, it is totally unlike
* Although possessing a 5-jointed funiculus, I cannot place the present genus and the following one (in a general arrangement of the Cossonide) amongst the Pentarthrideous types (in which that organ is essentially 5-articulate), inasmuch as the whole of their other features affiliate them most unmistakably with the somewhat osculant forms which terminate the entire family and serve to articu- late it on to the Hylastideous and Scolytideous groups. Indeed their manifestly close relationship (as already pointed out) with Stenoscelis, inwhich the funiculus is 7-jointed, forbids altogether any attempt to locate them except in juxta-position with that genas; and they must consequently be looked upon (like Pentamimus from Australia, and Zomolips from Mexico) as exceptional members (in which the funiculus is composed of 5, instead of 7, articulations) of the particular sub- family in which I have located them.
COSSONID. 87
any of the other species of Pseudostenoscelis which have hitherto been discovered,—its large size, as compared with all of them except the P. asteriperda, and broad, thickened, shortly-cylindric body, in con- junction with its completely opake head and prothorax (the densely- set punctures of which have a tendency to be subconfluent), and very coarsely sculptured elytra, which have their interstices elevated and their striz very wide and deep, the punctures of the latter being large and remote and so completely asperate (or overhung by their raised anterior edge) as to appear, when viewed from above, more like sharp and isolated tubercles than any thing else, giving it a character which it is impossible to mistake. Its prothorax, too, is well-nigh simple anteriorly, being almost unconstricted.
§ 2. Nitidula ; prothorace antice plus minus constricto.
80. Pseudostenoscelis asteriperda, n. sp.
P. cylindrica, crassa, valde alata, eeneo-nigra aut aneo-picea, nitidi- uscula, in elytris sensim breviter subfulvescenti-pilosa; capite prothoraceque sat profunde et dense punctatis, illo late subtrian- gulari, in medio leviter canaliculato, hoc triangulari-ovato, antice paulum constricto, ad latera in medio sinuato; elytris transversim rugulosis, confuse substriato-punctatis (punctis superne asperatis, tubercula, postice magna acuta, efficientibus), interstitiis con- fuse uniseriatim punctulatis; antennis tarsisque (elongatis, art? 3° distincte bilobo, ult™®? elongato) ferrugineis, femoribus tar- sisque piceis. Subtuws parce fulvescenti-pilosa, et grosse sed haud profunde punctata.
Long. corp. lin. 23-3.
Habitat in editioribus, truncos ramulosque Asteris gummiferi et Bur-
chellui, Hk. f., antiquos emortuos perforans.
With the exception of the P. sculptwrata (which about equals it in bulk), the present Pseudostenoscelis is very much the largest member of this genus which has hitherto been brought to light ; and it seems to be peculiar, so far as I have observed, to the rotten wood of the two rare arborescent Asters—the A. qummiferus, Hk. f. (or ** Little Bastard Gumwood”), and the A. Burchellii, Hk. f. It is consequently a species of a high elevation, as regards its range; indeed the only locality in which I have met with it (though there in tolerable profusion) is on the almost inaccessible and windy sides of the great Sandy-Bay crater just beyond West Lodge, near to thi old Picquet House and overlooking Lufkins. In size and general
88 COSSONID.
outline it is at first sight a little suggestive of the common Hylurgus ligniperda; but this, of course, is the merest superficial analogy. Apart from its comparatively large bulk, this thick and cylindrical Pseudostenoscelis may be known by its enescent, or brassy, tinge, by its confusedly sculptured elytra (the hinder asperities of which are exceedingly acute and prominent), and by (like the P. longitarsis) its greatly elongated feet—the third joint of which is more deeply and distinctly bilobed than is the case in any of the other species.
81. Pseudostenoscelis longitarsis, n. sp.
P. cylindrica, angustula, nigra aut piceo-nigra, nitidiuscula, ubique (sed preesertim in elytris) fulvescenti-pilosa ; capite prothoraceque sat profunde et dense punctatis, illo lato crasso, quadrato-trian- gulari, in medio leviter canaliculato, oculis prominulis, hée lon- giusculo, cylindrico-ovato, pone apicem distincte constricto, ad latera in medio obsolete sinuato, in disco linea levi instructo ; elytris swepius antice evidentius picescentibus, transversim rugu- losis, substriato-punctatis (punctis superne asperatis, antice plica- turas transversas sed postice tubercula acuta efficientibus), iter- stitiis minutissime uniseriatim punctulatis; antennis tarsisque (elongatis, art° 3° minutissime bilobo, ult™° elongato) ferrugineis, femoribus tibiisque piceis. Subtus dense sed yix grosse punctata.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Habitat precipue in intermediis insule, Commidendron robustum, DC. (anglice “‘ Gumwood”), et Asterem glutinosum, Roxb. (anglice ‘*Scrubwood”) destruens; ad Plantation, Thompson’s Wood, Peak Gut, necnon ad et juxta promontorium ‘‘the Barn” dictum, lecta.
This is a species which, so far as I have observed, is more particularly attached to the rotten trunks and branches of the gumwood (Commidendron robustum, DC.), and also to those of the scrubwood (Aster glutinosus, Roxb.),—Mr. P. Whitehead having lately communicated a large number of examples which he appears to have taken out of the decayed stems of the latter on, and in the vicinity of, ‘the Barn.” Those that I have myself met with were broken out of dried sticks of the true gumwoods which are still left in the grounds at Plantation; and I also obtained it, from similar trees. in Thompson’s Wood and Peak Gut; but it does not seem to ascend, so far as i am aware, into the extremely elevated parts of the great central ridge.
The P. longitarsis is a rather narrow species in proportion to its bulk (which ranges next in order after the P. sculpturata and
COSSONID&. 89
asteriperda) ; and it is also more pilose than any of the others,—its elytra especially being studded with exceedingly fine and suberect cinereo-fulvescent hairs. Its head is convex; and its prothorax (which is normally rather elongate, and which is only obsoletely sinuated at the sides, although conspicuously constricted anteriorly) has a bright unpunctured line or space (not always equally distinct’) on the centre of its disk; and its elytra are nearly as much trans- versely-plicate or asperated, at their base, as in the Stenoscelis hylas- toides. Its feet, too, are considerably lengthened, particularly the terminal joint—indeed quite as much so (relatively) as in the P. asteriperda, though their third one is much less bilobed than in that insect.
82. Pseudostenoscelis alutaceicollis, n. sp.
P. precedenti similis, sed minor, angustior, antice paulo minus pilosa; prothorace (antice vix minus constricto) alutaceo, nec nitido, et levius punctato, linea discali leeviore vix (etiam obsolete) instructo, sed utrinque in disco postico obsoletissime (vix per- spicue) subnoduloso ; elytris subopacioribus, et multo minus rugose sed magis confuse sculpturatis; tarsorum art® 3° paulum minus elongato.
Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat locos editiores, juxta Diana’s Peak et mox supra West Lodge parcissime deprehensa.
This is a rather obscure species, of which I possess only five examples, all of which I took on the central ridge,—four of them in the direction of Diana’s Peak, and the other on the somewhat less elevated portion towards the south-west immediately above West Lodge. Its nearest ally is clearly the P. longitarsis; never- theless it is considerably smaller and relatively narrower than that insect, and anteriorly it is less pilose (indeed almost free from pubescence); its prothorax (which is a trifle less constricted in front) is alutaceous, and therefore less shining, as well as more finely and lightly punctured; and it has no traces (or scarcely any) of an unpunctured discal line, though there are very obscure indications on either side of its posterior disk of a small rounded (often quite inappreciable) subtuberculiform space ; its elytra (which are likewise somewhat less shining than in the P. longitarsis) are both much less roughly and more confusedly sculptured ; and the last joint of its feet is not quite so elongate.
90 COSSONID.
83. Pseudostenoscelis compositarum, n. sp.
P. cylindrica, nigra aut seepius fusco-nigra (interdum obsoletissime, vix perspicue, subzenescens), nitidiuscula, fere calva; capite pro- thoraceque sat profunde et dense punctatis, ilo subtriangulari, fere integro, héc breviusculo, triangulari-quadrato, ad apicem leviter constricto, ad latera in medio distincte sinuato; elytris interdum antice obsolete picescentioribus, regulariter punctato- striatis (punctis antice vix, et etiam postice paulo solum, aspe- ratis), interstitiis convexis et minute uniseriatim punctulatis ; antennis tarsisque (art®? 3° minutissime bilobo) ferrugineis, femo- ribus tibiisque piceis. Suwbtus parce et leviter punctata.
Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat lignum antiquum, et sub cortice laxo emortuo, Compositarwm arborescentium (presertim Petrobii arborei, R. Br., et Melano- dendronis integrifoliz, DC.); in locis valde elevatis degens.
The present Pseudostenoscelis is essentially a species of the highest elevations,—occupying the districts characterized by the various cabbage-trees, to which it would seem to be attached. Along the great central ridge I have taken it at times in considerable profu- sion, particularly after the early summer rains (about the beginning of February),—not only towards Diana’s Peak and Actzon, but likewise at Cason’s and (still more abundantly) at High Peak; indeed on one occasion I met with it at the latter, beneath the dead and loosened bark of the ‘‘ whitewood cabbage-tree” (Petrobium arboreum, R. Br.), in countless numbers. It has also been found by Mr. P. Whitehead along what is called the ‘“‘ Cabbage-tree Road.”
The P. compositarum is, on the average, a little smaller than the longitarsis, and (except on the hinder part of the elytra) it is well- nigh free from pile; its head is not quite so broad: its prothorax (which is almost, or even entirely, devoid of all appearance of a bright discal line) is relatively shorter, and much more sinuated on either side, with its transverse constriction more decidedly apical, and its punctures not quite so coarse; and its elytra (which are much less rugulose, being almost free from asperities except pos- teriorly, whilst even there they are somewhat minute) are more regularly punctate-striate,—the striz being deeper and better marked, and the interstices more convex. Its tarsi, likewise, although long, are not quite so lengthened as in that species; and there is occasionally a brownish, as well as an obsolete subsenescent tinge, over the entire surface.
COSSONIDZ. 9]
84. Pseudostenoscelis minima, n. sp.
P. precedenti subsimilis, sed minor et subrugosius sculpturata, elytris preesertim magis asperatis necnon ad basin. ipsam sepius picescentioribus, antennarum capitulo sensim minore, tarsorumque art? 3"° fere simplici (vix etiam minute bilobo).
Long. corp. lin. 1-13.
Habitat in intermediis insule, lignum antiquum Commidendronis
robust, DC. (anglice **‘ Gumwood”’) preecipue destruens.
This is the smallest member of the present genus which has hitherto been found; and I am inclined to suspect that it subsists normally on the true gumwood (Commidendron robustum, DC.), though the disappearance of that tree in so many of its former quarters has compelled the insect to adopt a different mode of life. At any rate I have taken it amongst the gumwoods at Thompson’s Wood and in Peak Gut; whilst its occurrence at Plantation and Oakbank, in a region where there can be little doubt that the gum- wood was once supreme, even though now attached to other trees (as, for instance, the “ Port-Jackson willow” or Acacia longifolia, Willd., and the “Cape coral-tree” or Erythrina caffra, Thunb.), is quite in accordance with my supposition as to its original habitat. As a necessary consequence of this hypothesis (if correct), the species should be essentially one of intermediate altitudes ; and this certainly appears to be the case, as I am not sure that I have ever met with it in the strictly cabbage-tree region of the high central ridge,— where the P. compositurum frequently swarms.
Judging from about 25 examples which are now before me, the P. minima may be known from the P. compositarum, apart from its diminished bulk, by being altogether (in proportion to its size) a little more roughly sculptured (the elytra especially being more asperate, as well as usually more picescent at their extreme base), by its antennal club being relatively smaller, and by the third joint of its feet being almost simple (or scarcely even minutely bilobed).
Genus 46. PACHYMASTAX (nov. gen.)
Corpus fere ut in Pseudostenoscelis, sed majus, multo crassius, minus: cylindricum (sc. magis elongato-ovatum), magis opacum, setulisque brevissimis suberectis ubique obsitum; rostro sublongiore (tamen brevissimo), oculis minus lateralibus, sc. magis superioribus, superne sensim magis approximatis, scrobe longiore (tamen brevi), valde profunda, recta, argute determinata, et infra oculos breviter ducta;
92 COSSONID.
prothorace magis oyali (antice et postice equaliter angustiore), antice vyix constricto, ad latera integro (nec in medio sinuato) ; scutello nullo; elytris ubique eequaliter (nec antice et postice magis) granulato-asperatis, apice regulariter rotundatis (nullo modo subito desilientibus) ; metasterno breviore, sc. brevissimo. Antenne paulo longiores, scapo preesertim multo longiore, funiculi (laxi) art? 1™° antice minus recte truncato.
A raxvs, crassus, et pdoraé, os.
The rare and most extraordinary insect for which the present genus is proposed is still more unlike the normal members of the Cossonide than even Stenoscelis and Pseudostenoscelis ; yet, at the same time, its somewhat less abbreviated (though equally thickened) rostrum, its longer scape, its less cylindrical (although extremely convex and incrassated) body, and the fact of its elytra not being more asperated behind than elsewhere, nor more apically-desilient than in the ordinary Curculionids, combine, in reality, to remove it a little further than those two genera from the sub-Hylastideous, osculant (but nevertheless strictly Rhynchophorous) forms which connect this family with the preceding one.
From Pseudostenoscelis proper, Pachymastax recedes in the com- paratively large, incrassated, and less parallel (and therefore less cylindric) form of the curious species which hitherto represents it, which is sparingly studded all over with very short, erect sete,— those on the elytra being beautifully golden or fulvescent. Its rostrum (although very thick and abbreviated) is not quite so reduced in length as is the case in that genus; the eyes are more superior in position, or less lateral ; and the antennal scrobs, although short, is very much deeper, more decidedly expressed, and very sharply defined,—being directed, moreover, considerably below the eye, instead of towards the middle of it. Its prothorax is more oval (being about equally narrowed before and behind), as well as less constricted anteriorly and not sinuated at the sides. Its scutellum is altogether untraceable; its metasternum is considerably more abbreviated ; its elytra are well-nigh unstriate, but uniformly roughened all over with small and well-defined tubercles or granules (not being more asperated before and behind than elsewhere, nor at all unusually desilient, or suddenly sloped off, at their extremity) ; and its antenne have their scape conspicuously longer.
COSSONIDZ. 93
85. Pachymastax crassus, n. sp.
P. elongato-ovatus, crassus, convexus, niger; capite nitido, calvo, profunde punctato, rostro brevi subtriangulari-quadrato postice convexo, oculis subsuperioribus, demissis ; prothorace elytrisque opacis, illo subovali, valde profunde densissimeque punctato setu- lisque brevissimis erectis fulvo-nigris obsito, his sensim longius grossiusque erecte setulosis: (setulis lete aureo-fulvescentibus), ubique et equaliter granulato- aut tuberculato-asperatis, sed vix (aut etiam obsoletissime) longitudinaliter striatis ; antennis tar- sisque rufo-piceis ; femoribus tibiisque nigro-piceis. Subtus antice opacus, postice nitidus, ubique (preesertim in metasterno abdo- minisque art’ 1™° et 2°°) profunde et grosse punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 3-43.
Habitat truncos ramulosque Compositaruim arborescentium antiquos emortuos (presertim Asteris gummifert, Hk. f.), in editioribus, rarissimus.
I have already pointed out what the principal characters are by which this thickened and coarsely (though evenly) sculptured insect may be recognized ; and I will merely add that its somewhat shining head, whilst the prothorax and elytra are opake, and uniformly dark surface, which, however, is relieved on the elytra by the fulvo-golden hue of the short and erect setee with which they are studded, will serve additionally to distinguish it.
The P. crassus is one of the rarest, and most unmistakably indi- genous, of the St.-Helena Coleoptera ; and if I am right in suspecting that it is more particularly attached to the decayed trunks and branches of the Aster gummiferus or “little bastard gumwood,” there is a fair chance of its becoming before long totally extinct. At any rate I have captured it from out of rotten sticks of that singular shrub at the extreme edge of the tremendous precipice immediately above West Lodge which forms the side of the great Sandy-Bay crater, as well as from the interior of dead stems of the same species a little further along the ridge and overlooking Lufkins. And I also met with it on the well-nigh perpendicular and almost inaccessible slopes behind High Peak, overlooking Peak Gut; but I am not quite sure that the pieces of wood which produced it in that particular instance were those of the Aster gummiferus, as they may possibly have belonged to the Petrobium arboreum, R. Br., or ‘*‘ whitewood cabbage-tree.”
94. COSSONIDZ.
(Subfam. 2. COSSONIDES.)
Genus 47. PHL(@OPHAGUS. Schonherr, Gen. et Sp, Cure. iv. 1047 (1838).
86. Phleophagus zneopiceus.
P. cylindrico-oblongus, piceo-sneus, nitidus, calyus ; capite (cum rostro) dense punctulato ; prothorace subovato, grosse et profunde punctato, ad basin ipsam filo-marginato necnon in medio obsolete foveolato-impresso ; elytris (prothorace paulo latioribus) basi recte truneatis ac distincte filo-marginatis profunde striato-punctatis, interstitiis minutissime parceque punctulatis ; antennis (gracilibus, funiculi art® 2° sequentibus sensim longiore) tarsisque ferrugineis, femoribus tibiisque rufo-piceis.
Mas rostro sensim breviore, crassiore, et vix densius punctato quam in feemineo.
Long. corp. lin. circa 13.
Phlceophagus eneopiceus, Bohem., in Schén. Gen. Cure. viii. 2. 278.
, Duval, Gen. Col. Curc. t. 30. f. 143 (1854).
—— —,, Woll., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 654 (1873).
Habitat in cultis intermediis; sub ligno Pint recenter secato tria specimina collegi.
This is the only Cossonid out of the fifty-six which have hitherto been detected at St. Helena which is certainly and without doubt naturalized,—the Stenoscelis hylastoides being merely questionable on account of its occurring likewise at the Cape of Good Hope. It is singular, however, that both of these species (although as widely re- moved from each other, in affinity, as it is possible to be) offer the only exceptions in the subfamily as regards their funiculus—which is 7-jointed, instead of being composed (as in the whole of the other St.-Helena members except the Hewacoptus ferrugineus, the funiculus of which is 6-articulate) of only five articulations. But, whatever be the case as regards the original introduction (or not) of the Stenoscelis hylastoides, there can be no question whatever that at any rate the common European P. eneopiceus must have been accidentally imported into the island,—in all probability along with trees and shrubs. It would appear, however, to be of the greatest rarity in the island, the only examples which I have as yet seen being three which were found by, myself at the Hermitage (near Plantation) beneath a solid block of felled pine. Most likely, therefore, it is the fir trees to which the species is attached.
COSSONID. 95
The St.-Helena exponents of this Phleophagus are a little more brassy, and just perceptibly more coarsely punctured, than English ones which are now before me; but in every thing essential they are inseparable from their more northern representatives.
Genus 48. HEXACOPTUS (nov. gen).
Corpus cylindrico-fusiforme, subdpacum, fere calvum, et fere esculp- turatum ; rostro longiusculo, sublineari sed postice subconstricto- angustiore, In medio convexo, oculis parvis, scrobe infra oculos ducta ; prothorace subovato, antice integro; scutzllo obsoleto ; elytris elongato-subovatis basi recte truncatis ; metasterno brevi- usculo, et (una cum abdominis segmento 1™°) paululum longitudi- naliter concavo; abdominis segm"s 1™° et 2° inter se arctissime connatis (linea yix distincta divisis). Antenne mox ante medium rostri insert, crassiuscule ; funiculo 6-articulato, crasso subcom- pacto, art? 2° brevi minuto, 3° magno crasso subquadrato, reli- quis tribus latiusculis transversis ; capitulo ovali et haud abrupto. Pedes crassi, antici fere omnino contigui, intermedit paululum et postict magis (tamen haud remote) distantes ; tibiis ad angulum internum in spinulam minutissimam productis ; tursis crassiuscu- lis, art® 3° latiusculo et distincte bilobo.
Ab é&, sex, et xézrw, seco.
Even at first sight the Cossonid for which the present genus is erected may be known by its cylindric-fusiform outline, its opake, ferruginous, almost unsculptured, and nearly bald surface, its small eyes, incrassated limbs, and by its rather long and posteriorly- narrowed rostrum,—which appears, consequently, to be a little widened about the middle (particularly, however, in the male sex), and slightly gibbose, or convex, in that particular part. Neverthe- less its most salient feature consists in the construction of its funi- culus, which is not only considerably thickened and somewhat compact but is composed of sta articulations,—of which the second is extremely reduced in bulk (it being short and small), whilst the third one is anomalously increased, broad, and subquadrate. This modification of the funiculus-joints is most eccentric ; and I am acquainted with no other Cossonid in which the third one is thus abnormally deve- loped at the expense of the (usually more elongated) second. Amongst other points worth noting, the anterior coxe of Hexacoptus are as nearly as possible contiguous, whilst even the intermediate ones are not far apart, and the third articulation of its feet is rather distinctly widened and bilobed.
96 COSSONID.
87. Hexacoptus ferrugineus, n. sp.
H. cylindrico-fusiformis, subopacus, fere calvus, ferrugineus ; rostro (a capite lined subdiviso) longiusculo, sublineari sed postice sub- constricto-angustiore, in medio (preesertim in ¢ ) paulo ampliatim subconvexo, minute et dense punctulato, oculis parvis; prothorace elytrisque (basi filo-marginatis) fere esculpturatis, his obsoletissime longitudinaliter substriatis; antennis pedibusque crassis, his capituloque paulo clarioribus; tarsorum art® 3° latiusculo et distincte bilobo.
Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat editiores insule, inter Filices preecipue deprehensus.
It is unnecessary to point out afresh what the characters are which serve to distinguish this Cossonid, even at first sight, from the others with which we have here to do,—its generic and specific characters being alike referred to in the observations which I haye given above. It is an inhabitant essentially of the higher altitudes, and (although occurring at intervals along the whole central ridge) one which is decidedly scarce,—about thirty-six examples being all that I was able to obtain. Although many of them were captured accidentally in the sweeping-net, I am inclined to suspect that it is not the arboresceut Composite to which the insect is normally attached, nor yet the tree ferns (for I have taken it at West Lodge and at Cason’s, which are rather below the region of the Dicksonias), but perhaps one of the other large ferns,—such as the Diplazium nigro-paleaccum, Kunze, the thick masses of which cluster almost everywhere from about 2500 feet above the sea to the extreme summits of the peaks. This, however, is merely a conjecture ; though it is certain that I have frequently beaten the H. ferru- gineus out of the dead and blackened plants of the Diplaziwm in various localities. My examples are principally from the vicinity of Diana’s Peak and Acteeon; but a few were captured at Cason’s, High Peak, and West Lodge.
(Subfam. 3. PENTARTHRIDES.) Genus 49. PENTARTHRODES (nov. gen.).
Corpus eylindrico-subfusiforme, nitidum, calvum, aut nigrum aut piceo-nigrum, angustulum; vostro vel sublineari, vel breviore crassiore subtriangulari, oculis minutissimis, rotundatis, tuberculi- formibus, sed haud obsoletis, scrobe infra oculos ducta ; prothorace magno, elongato, subtriangulari (sc. yersus basin latiore), antice
COSSONIDA. 97
leviter subconstricto; scutello obsoleto; elytris cylindrico-sub- ellipticis, ad basin conjunctim subarcuato-truncatis ; metasterno breviusculo, vel simplici, vel (in specie typica) una cum abdomine ad basin (distincte in ¢, minus evidenter in 9 ) late longitudi- naliter concavo; abdominis segmentis 1™° et 2° inter se arcte connatis (linea vix distincta divisis), segm‘° ult™® vel simplici, vel (ut in specie typica) fovea media rotundata (distincte in ¢, minus evidenter in 9 ) impresso. Antenne ante medium rostri inserte ; funiculo 5-articulato. Pedes robusti, anteriores paulo, sed postice magis distantes ; ¢ib¢is ad angulum internum in spinulam minu- tissimam productis ; ¢arsis brevissimis, crassiusculis, art? 3° pree- cedentibus paulo latiore et minute sub-bilobo.
A Pentarthrum, et cidos, aspectus. [Typus Pentarthrodes dicksonic. |
In their general contour and aspect, particularly as regards their subtriangular prothorax, the two members of this genus which have hitherto been detected, and both of which seem to be peculiar to the rotten stems of the old tree ferns, are very suggestive at first sight of Pentarthrum ; nevertheless the obsoleteness of their scutellum and the excessive minuteness of their eyes, in conjunction with their somewhat differently shaped rostrum, will at once separate them from that group. In reality they have far more in common with Pseudomesoxenus, the scutellum of which is likewise absent; but the decided presence of eyes, however diminutive, added to their more triangular (or posteriorly wider) prothorax, their basally-subarcuated elytra, their more robust legs, and their thicker feet (the third joint of which is appreciably a little broader than the preceding ones, and minutely sub-bilobed instead of being simple), will separate it equally from the exponents of that genus. Moreover, in at all events one of the species (the P. dicksonie) there is a longitudinal concavity (particularlyghowever, in the male sex) extending down the (much shorter) metasternum and abdominal base, as well as a large rounded fovea on the terminal segment.
$1. Rostrum longiusculum, subparallelum. Metasternum et abdomen ad basin (precipue in 3 ) longitudinaliter impressa, necnon ab- domimis seqgm. ultimum (precipue in 3) rotundate foveclatum.
88. Pentarthrodes dicksonia, n. sp.
P. cylindrico-fusiformis, niger (interdum piceo-niger), nitidus ; rostro minutissime sed vix dense punctulato; prothorace magno, elongato, subtriangulari, postice lato, argute et dense sed haud profunde punctato; elytris subellipticis, basi conjunctim sub-
H
98 COSSONIDA.
arcuato-truncatis, subconvexis (aut subarcuatim decurvis), striato- punctatis, interstitiis depressis et minute uniseriatim punctulatis ; antennis pedibusque longiusculis, crassis, rufo-piceis. Subtus vix subalutaceus, punctatus.
Mas rostro subbreviore et paulo crassiore quam foemineum, antennis sensim magis versus apicem insertis ; subtus paulo levius puncta- tus ac profundius impressus.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Habitat intra truncos Dicksonie arborescentis, VHérit., antiquos
emortuos putridos, in locis humidis valde elevatis.
This is essentially an insect of the highest altitudes, and one which is quite peculiar to the interior of the fibrous stems of the old and putrid tree ferns,—where it is often exceedingly common, though unless searched for under those particular circumstances it would undoubtedly be altogether overlooked. Its comparatively elongated and more parallel rostrum and larger size give it more the prima facie appearance than the following species of a true Pentarthrum ; nevertheless, apart from its blacker hue, I have already mentioned what the particular characters are which immediately separate it from the members of that genus.
We met with the P. dicksonie (which was first captured by Mr. Gray) on the high central ridge, about Acteeon and Diana’s Peak,— usually by bringing home portions of the dead trunks of the tree ferns, and breaking them up carefully over a white cloth. By this method I obtained it both in the imago and larva states ; and it has been found in the same manner by Mr. P. Whitehead.
§ 2, Rostrum sensim brevius ac magis triangulare. Corpus subtus integrum (nec in 3 nec im Q nea ):
89. Pentarthrodes filicum, th. sp.
P. fusiformi-cylindricus, piceo-niger, subnitidus ; rostro minutissime et dense punctulato ; prothorace magno, elongato, subtriangulari, ‘convexo, postice lato, argute, densissime, et profunde punctato, ad basin ipsam in medio subito desiliente, foveam parvam subtrian- gularem (aut concavitatem obsoletam) efficiente; elytris sub- eliiptico-cylindricis, basi conjunctim subarcuato-truncatis, pro- funde punctato-striatis, interstitiis paulo convexis ac minutissime uniseriatim punctulatis ; antennis pedibusque breviusculis, crassis, rufo-piceis. Subtus vix subalutaceus, profunde denseque punctatus.
Mas rostro subbreviore et paulo crassiore quam foemineum, antennis sensim magis versus apicem insertis.
Long. corp. lin. 1-13.
COSSONIDA. 99
Hatitat in locis similibus ac preecedens, una cum illo degens, sed multo rarior.
The P. filicwm is a very much rarer species than the dicksonie ; nevertheless its mode of life is precisely similar,—occurring as it does within the damp putrid stems of the old tree ferns. This is most unmistakably its normal habitat, as has been proved to a demonstration both by Mr. P. Whitehead and myself on the high central ridge, where we have taken it sparingly, on several occasions, towards Diana’s Peak and Acton. Yet this exclusiveness in its modus vivendi has a slight doubt cast upon it by the fact that, unless I am greatly mistaken, I certainly met with a single example at Thompson’s Wood,—a locality which is far below the region of the Dicksonias, and which belongs in reality to the zone which is cha- racterized by the Gumwoods. I merely mention this as a point which demands further inquiry; for there can be no question whatever that the P. filicum is as essentially attached to the tree ferns as the P. dicksonie is, and I feel it just possible therefore that my sweeping-net, which was in constant operation on the central ridge and elsewhere, may have harboured the specimen (unknown to me) to which I have just called attention, and that I may perhaps have simply found it therein while collecting at Thompson’s Wood. At least some such explanation as this seems to me to be not alto- gether improbable.
Although the largest examples of it almost equal in dimensions the most stunted ones of the P. dicksoniw, the present species is nevertheless on the average very much smaller than the latter; and it is also less black (or a little more picescent), as well as less shining and more deeply sculptured. Both its rostrum and its limbs are relatively less elongated, the former being also more triangular (or less linear) in outline; and there is no appearance beneath the body, in either sex, of the longitudinal concavity which is so conspi- cuous in the males (and which is slightly traceable even in the females) of the P. dicksoniw ; added to which, its elytra have their striz very much deeper, and their interstices more convex. But one of its most constant characters (though by no means very conspicuous unless the insect be viewed obliquely under a strong lens, and in a favourable light) consists in the fact that the centre of the eatreme base of its prothorax is somewhat desilient,—so as to shape out a
small, rounded, or subtriangular, foveiform concavity, or obsolete H 2
100 COSSONID®.
impression, which, although obscure, will be found (when rightly looked for) never to be absent.
Genus 50. PSEUDOMESOXENUS. Wollaston, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 453 (1873).
Corpus cylindricum (rarius subfusiformi-cylindricum), nitidum, calyum, piceo-castaneum, angustum; vosto breviusculo, crassius- culo, elongate subtriangulari, ocw/is omnino obsoletis (rarius minutissime subperspicuis); prothorace magno, suboyali, antice integro (yix constricto) ; scutello obsoleto; elytris plus minus cylindricis, ad basin recte truncatis ; metusterno longiusculo, et, una cum abdomine, simplici (nec longitudinaliter concayo) ; abdominis segm"* 1™ et 2” inter se arcte connatis (linea vix distinct divisis). Antenne ante medium rostri inserte, breyius- cule ; funiculo 5-articulato. Pedes breves, anteriores paulo sed, postici sat late distantes ; tibiis ad angulum internum in spinulam minutissimam productis ; tarsis brevibus, art® 3"° parvo, simplici.
The minute Cossonid for the reception of which I proposed the present genus four vears ago was described by myself in 1869 (vide ‘Ann. Nat. Hist.’ iv. 410) as an aberrant Pentarthrum, in which the eyes and scutellum are obsolete ; and inasmuch as the original example (taken by Mr. Melliss) was unique, it was not until our late visit to the island that I was enabled to perceive that the group is in reality aboriginal, and an extremely significant one in the Coleopte- rous fauna of St. Helena. Indeed two additional exponents have already been brought to light; and we may confidently expect that others will yet occur.
Apart from the diminished bulk of the species which compose it, and their obsolete scutellum and eyes, the present genus may be known from Pentarthrum by its rostrum being more triangular (or less parallel), and by its prothorax being more oval, or less widened posteriorly ; and it is further remarkable for the shortness of its feet, the third joint of which is small and simple.
A word or two perhaps may be necessary concerning the eyes of this singular little genus, which I have defined as strictly ‘‘ obsolete.” In the P. subcecus indeed they might well-nigh be cited as totally absent ; for eyen beneath a high magnifying-power I cannot satisfy myself that I am able to detect for certain even the smallest trace of organs of sight ; and indeed the same might be said of the majority of the examples of the P.minutissimus. Nevertheless in a few of the latter avery diminutive speck, or rounded granuliform tubercle, is decidedly
COSSONIDA. 101
present to represent the eye, though clearly quite useless for the pur- poses of vision; and a similar structure is distinguishable (perhaps a trifle more evidently) in my unique example of the P. scrobiculatus. Under these circumstances I think that it would be rash to speak of the eyes, at all events in the generic diagnosis, as positively absent ; though it is certainly true that, if they can be said to be present, they are so abortive and rudimentary as to come under the exact definition of what is technically termed ‘ obsolete.”
90. Pseudomesoxenus minutissimus, n. sp.
P, minutissimus, breviter cylindricus, piceus, nitidulus ; rostro crasso, triangulari-conico, minutissime parceque punctulato ; prothorace magno, ovali, convexo, profunde sed haud dense punctato; elytris profunde striato-punctatis, interstitiis minu- tissime uniseriatim punctulatis; antennis pedibusque brevibus, ferrugineis. Swbtus in medio profunde sed parce punctatus.
Long. corp. lin, $-1.
Obs.—Oculi interdum subperspicui (tamen zgerrime), sc. minu- tissimi, punctiformes, valde rudimentaril.
Habitat in editioribus insulee, Compositas arborescentes Pinosque destruens. Etiam in ligno antiquo emortuo putrido longe sub terra sito frequenter degit.
Of all the St.-Helena Cossonids which have hitherto been disco- vered, this is the most minute, and it is an insect which is confined essentially to the higher elevations,—occurring along the whole central ridge, from Diana’s Peak and Actzeon to Cason’s, and thence to High Peak and above West Lodge. It is, however, at Cason’s that I met with it more abundantly than elsewhere, where it has attached itself to the Pinasters which have been planted amongst the native cabbage-trees, and where it was met with by Mrs. Wol- laston and myself swarming in the interior of the decayed roots which extended deep into the soil. It was in company with the P. subcecus, which is also practically blind (the eyes of both species being usually quite untraceable, though in occasional examples just to be distinguished as a minute punctiform granule which must be quite useless for the purposes of vision) ; so that the structure of the two members of the genus may be said to be somewhat in accordance with their modus vivendi,— organs of sight being scarcely required for creatures which reside mainly in the interior of rotten wood and very frequently at a considerable depth beneath the ground. Nor-
102 COSSONIDZ.
mally the P. minutissimus is dependent, I believe, on the arborescent Composite, it having been met with abundantly by Mr. P. White- head and myself, on the ascent of Actseon, within the damp putrid trunks of dead cabbage-trees; and it was under similar circumstances that I found it at High Peak ; but, like so many of the aboriginal Cossonids, it seems able to adapt itself to the firs which have been extensively planted of late years in the less elevated parts of the great central ridge,—in some instances appearing even to desert the cabbage-trees in order to attack the latter.
Apart from its diminutive bulk, the P. minutissimus may be recognized by its shortly-cylindric contour, and its oval, considerably developed, convex prothorax, by its thick, conical rostrum, by the sculpture of its upper surface being rather distinct and coarse, by the central portion of its underside being deeply but sparingly punctured, and by its limbs being somewhat abbreviated.
91. Pseudomesoxenus subcecus.
P. angustus, elongate cylindricus, piceus aut rufo-piceus, nitidus ; rostro elongate triangulari-conico, minutissime et leviter punctu- lato ; prothorace magno, ovali, sat profunde et dense punctulato ; elytris parallelis, parum profunde striato-punctatis, interstitiis minutissime uniseriatim punctulatis ; antennis pedibusque ferru- gineis. Subtus profunde et parum dense punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 1-13.
Pentarthrum subezcum, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 410 (1869). Pseudomesoxenus subcecus, Id., Trans. Ent. Soe. Lond, 654 (18738). Pentarthrum subceecum, Melliss, St. Hel. 152 (1875).
Habitat in ligno Pinorum emortuo antiquo marcido, in intermediis
ac subeditioribus preedominans.
As regards its range, the present Pseudomesoawenus does not usually ascend quite so high as the last species,—the lower portions of the central ridge (as, for instance, at Cason’s, and immediately above, as well as at, West Lodge) being, so far as I have observed, its upper limits; whilst, below, it descends into strictly intermediate spots, such as Plantation (which possesses an average altitude of about 1800 feet). At Cason’s, however, which must be quite 2300 feet above the sea, we obtained it very abundantly, in company with the P. minutissimus, within the rotten wood of dead fir trees,—particu- larly the roots, at some appreciable depth underground ; and it was also within the damp but tinder-like masses of old pines that I met
COSSONID. 103
with it (in considerable numbers) at Plantation. But at the edge of the precipice above West Lodge my examples were nearly all obtained from the decayed sticks of the Aster gummiferus and the common gorse. I conclude therefore that the insect was attached originally to the native arborescent Composite; but that, as these have gradually disappeared, it has changed its mode of life and attacked the firs.
The comparatively linear outline of this species, added to its slightly thinner and less abbreviated rostrum, its extremely parallel and more elongated elytra, its rather more shining surface, and its appreciably larger bulk (even though relatively more narrowed), will at once distinguish it from the P. minutissimus.
92. Pseudomesoxenus scrobiculatus, n. sp.
P. preecedenti similis, sed elytris sensim minus parallelis aut paulo magis fusiformibus, subopacis ac rhulto levius sculpturatis, sc. solum subpunctato-substriatis (punctis striisque fere obsoletis), sed parce transversim subrugatis aut irregulariter et obsolete scro- biculatis ; rostro subbreviore et subcrassiore, oculis quidem discer- nendis (tamen minutissimis, granuliformibus, valde rudimentariis), antennis paulo brevioribus.
Long. corp. lin. 13.
Habitat in subeditioribus ; exemplar unicum, in ligno arido antiquo
Mellissice begoniefoliw, Hk. f., collegit Dom. P. Whitehead.
The only example of this Psewdomesoxenus which I have yet seen has been communicated lately by Mr. P. Whitehead, who found it in the rotten wood of the Mellissia begoniefolia on Rock-Rose Hill. Although nearly allied to the P subcecus, there can be no question that it represents a species which is in reality quite distinct,—its elytra being not only less decidedly parallel (or a little more fusiform in outline), but likewise suhopake and much more lightly sculptured (both the punctures and the striz being well-nigh obsolete); and they are further remarkable for the irregular transverse scratches, or obsolete rugs, with which they are sparingly marked,—a peculiarity of surface which somewhat recalls the otherwise perfectly dissimilar, and hitherto unique, Microrylobius Westwoodii. In other respects the P. scrobiculatus recedes from the subcecus in having its rostrum relatively a trifle shorter and broader, in its limbs being a little more abbreviated, and (which is important), in the fact of its eyes, although excessively minute, punctiform, and rudimentary, being at any rate traceable.
104 COSSONIDA.
Genus 51. ISOTORNUS (nov. gen.).
Corpus elongate subovato-fusiforme, angustulum, supra arcuato- convexum (sc. prothorace elytrisque inter se arctissime applicatis necnon exacte continuis), nitidum, calvum, nigrum, dense sculp- turatum ; rostro brevi, crasso, subtriangulari, oculis valde demissis, scrobe profunda, infra oculos subeurvate duct; prothorace elon- gato, conico (basi recte truncato), antice vel omnino vel fere integro ; scutello obsoleto; elytris fusiformibus basi recte trun- catis; metasterno vel breviusculo vel longiuscule; abdominis segm's 1™ et 2 inter se arcte connatis (linea vix distincta divisis), illo paulum longitudinaliter concayo. Antenne mox ante medium (fere in medio) rostri inserte, breviusculee ; funiculo 5-articulato, subcompacto, a basi usque ad apicem gradatim paulo latiore, art° 1™° obconico, in specie typicé subelongato et nullo modo incrassato ; capitulo haud abrupto. Pedes valde contractiles, antici sensim, intermedu paulo magis, sed postict parum late dis- tantes; tibis ad angulum internum in spinulam (in anticis sub- robustam, sed in posterioribus minutissimam) productis; tarsis art°® 3"° vel distincte vel indistincte bilobo.
Ab ‘oos, equalis, et ropvevw, efformo. [Typus: Lsotornus retractilis. }
It seems scarcely possible to admit the two curious Cossonids for which the present genus is proposed amongst the Microxylobii (however dissimilar from each other some of the members of that assemblage may be),—their arcuated upper surface (the elongate, conical prothorax being not only very closely applied against the elytra, but likewise, both above and laterally, in the same continuous curve), added to their shorter, thicker, and more triangular rostrum, their extremely depressed eyes, their more compact, gradually- widened funiculus (the first joint of which is searcely, if at all, increased in breadth), and their unusually contractile legs, giving them a character which is essentially their own. In outline they are somewhat narrow, elongate, and ovato-fusiform (being a little widened behind the middle of the elytra, and gradually tapering in front); their surface is black, shining, perfectly bald, and very densely sculptured; their scutellum (as in the whole of these genera) is altogether obsolete; and their prothorax is either almost or entirely unconstricted anteriorly.
In one of the species described below, and which I have regarded as the type, the metasternum is rather short, and the third tarsal joint is distinctly, though minutely, bilobed ; whilst in the other (the I. aterrimus) the metasternum is somewhat elongated, and the feet have their third articulation well-nigh unexpanded and simple.
COSSONID®. 105
§ 1. Metasternum breviuseulum. Funiculi art 1” longiusculus, nullo modo incrassatus. Tarsorum art*® 38 evidenter sed minute bilobus.
93. Isotornus retractilis, n. sp.
T, elongate subovato-fusiformis,. angustulus, supra arcuato-convexus, nitidus, calvus, niger; rostro brevi, crasso, triangulari, minute et leviter punctulato, oculis valde demissis; prothorace elongato, conico, «quali, autice omnino integro, densissime et profunde punctato; elytris dense et sensim grossius punctatis, punctis in striis longitudinalibus irregularibus obsolete dispositis ; antennis pedibusque rufo-piceis. Subtus in medio profunde punctatus.
Long. corp. lin, 13-24.
Habitat in ligno arido antiquo Commidendri robusti, DC. (anglice
“Gumwood”), inintermediis ad Peak Gut et Thompson’s Wood deprehensus.
This most singular Cossonid was detected by Mrs. Wollaston amongst the old gumwoods ( Commidendron robustum, DC.) in Peak Gut, at an elevation (probably) of about 1600 feet above the sea; and I afterwards met with it abundantly in the same spot (always in the dry and perforated portions of the broken-up wood, within the cavities of which it would le concealed), and more sparingly at Thompson’s Wood. The curious habit which it possesses of retracting its limbs most completely, and applying them against the body, causes the specimens (when shaken out of the hollows) to appear like dead and imperfect ones in which the trunk only remained ; and so thoroughly is this the case, that until I had seen one of them produce its legs and absolutely crawl, I could scarcely persuade myself that they were in reality alive.
There can be no fear of confounding this insect with any thing else, except perhaps the following one (the exact distinctions of which will be pointed out shortly),—its elongated ovato-fusiform outline, which is gradually attenuated anteriorly from behind the middle of the elytra (which last are at their base of eaactly the same breadth as the hinder portion of the prothorax, the two segments being precisely in the same continuous curve), added to its short, triangular rostrum, extremely sunken eyes, and densely sculptured . surface, being even of themselves more than sufficient to charac- terize it. Its metasternum is shorter than in the following species ; the basal joint of its funiculus is both longer and slenderer (it being
106 COSSONID.
scarcely, if at all, broader than than the succeeding one,—a very unusual structure in the Cossonidw); and the third articulation of its feet is more evidently widened and bilobed.
§ 2. Metasternum longiusculum. Funiculi art’* 1™* breviusculus, sequente subcrassior. T'arsorum art? 3%* fere simplex (1. e. via latior et via bilobus).
94. Isotornus aterrimus, n. sp.
I. precedenti similis, sed subangustior ac paululum magis cylin- dricus (se. postice vix minus ampliatus, et antice vix minus regu- lariter attenuatus); rostro sublongiore et paulo minus triangular, sensim magis arcuato, nitidiore (sc. nitidissimo), et etiam minutius parciusque punctulato, oculis minoribus et vix omnino demissis ; prothorace elytrisque subnitidioribus, necnon rugosius ac subminus dense punctatis, illo antice vix omnino integro (se. levissime sub- constricto).
Long. corp. lin. 2-2}.
Habitat in locis parum elevatis; a Dom. P. Whitehead, in ligno Mellissie begoniefolie, Hk. f., antiquo juxta Rock-Rose nuper detectus. :
The present Zsotornus is due to the researches of Mr. P. White- head, who has lately communicated to me an interesting series of examples which he captured, within the dead wood of the Mellissia begoniefolia (or native “ Boxwood”), on Rock-Rose Hill. Although unmistakably congeneric with the preceding one, which at first sight it greatly resembles, it is nevertheless specifically quite distinct, —possessing, as it does, many characters, some of them even struc- tural ones, which combine to remove it entirely from the J. retrac- tilis. Thus, not only has it a longer metasternum, an almost simple third tarsal joint, and a less lengthened and less slender basal articulation to its funiculus, but it is also a trifle narrower and more cylindrical in outline (it being rather less widened behind the middle of the elytra, and a little less regularly tapering anteriorly), its rostrum is not gwite so short and triangular, as well as more arcuated, more shining, and still more minutely punctulate, its eyes are smaller though not quite so completely sunken or depressed, and its prothorax and elytra (the former of which is obsoletely constricted in front) are both somewhat more shining, as well as more coarsely (and perhaps not quite so closely) sculptured.
COSSONID. 107
Genus 52. MICROXYLOBIUS. Chevrolat, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. i. 98 (1836).
Corpus plus minus elongato-fusiforme, aut subnitidum calvum, aut subopacum et (saltem in elytris) minutissime subpubescens, ple- rumque nigrum (rarius picescens, et rarissime obsolete submetal- lico tinctum) ; -rostro plerumque breviusculo (rarius longiusculo, et nunquam elongato), plus minus elongate triangulari (rarius subparallelo), ocuwlis plus minus conspicuis (rariss. «gre discer- nendis), scrobe profunda, infra oculos subcurvate ducta ; prothorace subovali, basi truncato (sc. ad latera subsequaliter rotundato), antice vel omnino vel fere integro; scutello obsoleto; elytris plus minus ellipticis basi recte truncatis (rarius subparallelis) ; meta- sterno breyi, et (una cum abdominis segmento 1™°) seepius longi- tudinaliter concayo; abdominis segm"* 1™° et 2° inter se arcte connatis (linea vix distinctaé divisis). Antenne ante medium rostri insert ; funicu/o 5-articulato. Pedes seepius robusti, antici sensim, intermedi paulo magis, sed postici parum late distantes ; tibvs ad angulum internum in spinulam minutissimam (rarius sub- robustam) productis; ¢arsis art? 3"° distincte sed minute bilobo.
The genus Microxylobius, which includes many species of very _ different aspect, is perhaps less easy to define rigidly than the other immediately allied groups with which we are here concerned; nevertheless it may be said generally to embrace the smaller St.- Helena Cossonids in which the funiculus is 5-articulate, the meta- sternum short, the eyes are more or less distinct, and in which the rostrum is never very long or slender, but more or less thick and of an elongated-triangular (sometimes slightly parallel) outline. They are almost invariably black (or nearly so), a metallic tinge (which is so conspicuous in four of the following genera) being quite untrace- able except (and very faintly so) in a single species; and although usually quite bald, some of the members are (at any rate on the elytra) very minutely and sparingly pubescent. Their third tarsal joint, although not much widened, is appreciably bilobed; and in two of the exponents (which I have placed at the commencement, and which well-nigh require generic separation) the elytra are aperated towards the apex by a few anomalously large punctures which are arranged (on each elytra) in two deep but abbreviated grooves,—there being, additionally, in one of them (the M. tritu- ratus) a lateral sulcus of a similar character (but less coarsely expressed) behind the middle, but anteriorly and posteriorly evanes- cent. The following tabulation of the species will serve to render the determination of them practically easy :—
108 COSSONID.
A. Corpus nullo modo metallicum. a. plus minus nitidum (omnino aut fere calvum),. 8. oculis minutis, rudimentariis, egre observandis. trituratus. Bp. oculis plus minus distinctis. y. rostro utringue ad apicem oblique subfoveolato-desiliente. Whiteheadii. yy. rostro simpler. 6. oculis valde prominentibus. oculatus. 66. oculis nunquam valde prominentibus. e. tébits angulum internum spinula valde distincta in 3 armatis. ¢. oculis magnis, subsuperioribus. lucifugus. CC. oculis minoribus, lateralibus. calearatus. ee. tibus ad angulum internum haud conspicue armatis. dimidiatus, bisectus. aa. plus minus opacum (minutissime, interdum vir perspicue, pubescens). n- grosse sculpturatum; rostro postice longitudinaliter mnciso, sculpturatus, bicaudatus. nn. levius (vel dense vel parce) sculpturatum ; vostro postice integro. 8. rostro ad apicem (inter antennas) minute impressa. granulosus. 60. rostro omnino integro. . rostro crasso, elongate triangulart. lacertosus. u. rostro graciliore. opacus, vestitus, AA. Corpus obsolete submetallicum. Westwoodii.
95. Microxylobius trituratus, n. sp.
M. angustus, elongato-fusiformis, nitidus, calvus, ater; rostro longi- usculo, vix elongato-subtriangulari (sc. postice leviter et etiam antice levissime latiore), minutissime punctulato, oculis minutis, rudimentariis, «gre discernendis; prothorace angustulo-ovals, convexo, antice integro, dense et profunde punctato; elytris multo grossius sed parcius punctatis, haud striatis sed punctis sublongitudinaliter (alternatim majoribus ac minoribus) dispositis, —punctis perpaucis pone medium in linea sublaterali, necnon aliis versus apicem in sulcis duobus abbreviatis, gradatim majoribus et asperatis, apicem asperatum conjunctim efficientibus, notatis. Subtus in medio grossissime et profunde sed parce punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 2.
Habitat ad promontorium preruptum aridum “the Barn” dictum,
COSSONID. 109
a Dom. P. Whitehead inter arbusculas Asteris glutinosi, Roxb. (anglice “ Scrubwood ”’), semel tantum (emortuum) lectus.
The only example of this very distinct Microwylobius which I have yet seen was taken. by Mr. P. Whitehead on the remote and arid headland, or promontory, in the extreme north-east of the island, known as “the Barn,’—amongst shrubs of the Aster glutinosus, Roxb., or “Scrubwood.” Unfortunately it was dead and without limbs, so that I have not been able to examine its antenne and legs ; but its other characters are so remarkably well defined that the species which it represents could not by any possibility be con- founded with any other which has hitherto been brought to light. In the singular structure at the apex of its elytra to which I have already called attention, as well as in its large size, general aspect, and deep-black hue, it has much in common with the MW. White- headit (which occurs likewise upon the Barn and in its immediate vicinity, and which is equally attached to the scrubwood); but it nevertheless wants the very curious oblique impression which that species possesses on either side of its rostrum at the tip, and it has also a sublateral coarsely-punctured groove (to which I have above alluded) behind the middle of each elytron, in addition to the two short and deep ones at the apex. Besides which, the entire outline of the insect is much narrower, its eyes are smaller and extremely rudimentary (the species, in fact, being the only one of the genus in which those organs are somewhat difficult of observation); and its surface (both above and below) is not only more coarsely punctured and more shining, but there is no appearance on the elytra of the obsolete transverse ruge, or scratches, which, although few in number, are nearly always faintly traceable in the M. Whiteheadi.
96. Microxylobius Whiteheadii, n. sp.
M. elongato-subfusiformis, subnitidus (seepe in prothorace subopacus), calyus, ater; rostro longiusculo, subparallelo, utrinque ad apicem oblique declivi (quasi late sed oblique foveolato), minute (in 2 minutissime) punctulato: oculis parvis, subdemissis, sed parum conspicuis ; prothorace subovali, antice fere integro, paulo dis- tinctius (tamen leviter) punctulato; elytris confuse, leviter, ac minutissime punctulatis, haud striatis sed obsoletissime parceque transversim subscrobiculato-rugulosis, et ad apicem punctis per- paucis maximis asperatis (in sulcis duobus abbreviatis dispositis), apicem asperulum conjunctim efficientibus, notatis ; antennis pedi-
110 COSSONID. busque crassis, vix picescentioribus; illis ad basin clare piceo- rufis; funiculi articulis ulterioribus valde transvyersis; tibiis anticis intus versus apicem leyiter excavatis: tarsorum art? 3" distincte bilobo. Subtus alutaceus, subopacus, in medio sat grosse sed haud profunde punctatus.
5A Long. corp. lin. 13-23.
Habitat lignum emortuum antiquum Asterzs glutinosi, Roxb. (anglice **Serubwood”’); ad et juxta promontorium preruptum aridum, “the Barn” dictum, a Dom. P. Whitehead captus, cujus in honorem nomen triviale stabilivi.
It is to Mr. P. Whitehead that the discovery of this most interesting Microxylobius is due,—he having first obtained it (like the pre- ceding one) on the Barn, and afterwards in the immediate vicinity of that bluff and almost inaccessible headland. In every instance it was attached to the ‘“‘scrubwood” (Aster glutinosus, Roxb.), and it may without doubt therefore be looked upon as a strictly serubwood species. I am glad to be able to name it after its captor, whose careful observations in so many distant and difficult localities at St. Helena have rendered me the greatest assistance in investigating the Coleopterous fauna of the island.
As already stated, the M. Whitehead has the same curious arrangement of enormous asperated punctures and abbreviated sulci at the apex of its elytra which exists in the M. tritwratus ; nevertheless it entirely wants the lateral row which is so con- spicuous in that insect. On the average, too, it is larger, broader, and thicker; its entire surface is much more finely sculptured and less shining, its prothorax being often subopake ; and its eyes, although rather small and by no means prominent, are at any rate quite conspicuous,—being both larger and more perfectly developed.
How far the limbs of the W. Whiteheadii may agree with those of the trituratus I have no means of judging, seeing that the unique example of the latter is limbless ; but in the former the antennz and legs are a good deal incrassated, and the funiculus is remarkable for having all the joints except the basal one exceedingly (though gra- dually more and more) transverse,—the club being, in consequence,
not very abrupt.
97. Microxylobius oculatus, n. sp.
M. breviter cylindricus, subopacus, calvus, niger; rostro parallelo, dense punctulato, oculis valde prominentibus ; prothorace ovali basi truncato, antice leviter constricto, convexo, dense sed vix
COSSONIDA. WU
grossius punctulato ; elytris parallelis, vix punctatis sed levissime substriatis et granulis minutis (saltem antice et versus humeros) parce irroratis; antennis pedibusque brevibus, crassis, piceis, tarsorum art® 3"° distincte bilobo. Swbtus in medio dense et pro- funde punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 12.
Habitat in regionibus intermediis, ad Thompson’s Wood inter arbores vestustas Commidendri robusti, DC. (anglice “ Gumwood”), a meipso semel deprehensus.
A single example of this Mieroaylobius, which was captured by myself amongst the old gumwoods at Thompson’s Wood, is all that I have hitherto seen; but it is so distinct from every thing else with which we are here concerned that additional material is quite un- necessary in order to complete its diagnosis. As compared with the immediate species with which I have associated it, the M. oculatus is small in stature and more parallel in outline (it being shortly- subcylindric); and its rostrum, although tolerably broad, is like- wise more straight and linear; its limbs are abbreviated and thick- ened, its entire surface (which is black and bald) is somewhat opake, and (which is one of its most salient features) its eyes are exceed- ingly prominent. Its rostrum and prothorax are finely and lightly punctulated ; but the punctures of its elytra (which are very indi- stinctly striate) are obsolete,—being replaced, at any rate towards the base and shoulders, by diminutive granules.
98. Microxylobius lucifugus. (Fig. 2.)
M. magnus, crassus, elliptico-fusiformis (in medio latiusculus), sub- nitidus, calvus, ater; rostro crassiusculo, elongate triangulari, densissime et rugose punctato, ad apicem canaliculato et impresso, oculis sat magnis sed demissis et subsuperioribus ; prothorace ovali basi truncato, antice integro, densissime et vyix minus grosse punctato ; elytris ellipticis basi truncatis, densissime rugoseque punctatis et plus minus obsolete substriatis, necnon (prasertim postice et versus humeros) granulato-asperatis; antennis pedi- busque elongatis, crassis, illis tarsisque piceo-ferrugineis, femori- bus tibiisque nigro-piceis ; tibiis ad angulum internum robuste calearatis; tarsorum art® 3"° latiusculo et conspicue bilobo. Subtus in medio dense et sat profunde punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 2—-vix 3.
Microxylobius lucifugus, Woll., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond, vy. 382, pl. 18. £. 6 (1861).
—— -—, ld., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 405 (1869).
—— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 151 (1875).
112 COSSONID®.
Habitat editiores insule, inter Compositas arborescentes proprie degens. Sed quoque in regiones intermedias descendit,—ad Plantation, Oakbank, et cet., etiam Quercus, Acacias, Pinos, Erythrinam caffram, Thunb., et Psoraleam pinnatam, Linn., destruens.
This is the largest of the true Microwylobii which have yet been detected ; and it is also thick and mesially-widened in outline, of a deep-black, densely punctured, and totally bald but not very shining surface, and with its limbs a good deal lengthened and incrassate. Its rostrum is elongate-triangular, with the extreme apex channelled and impressed ; and the eyes are rather large, but sunken and a little more superior in position than is the case in the other members of the group ; its prothorax is unconstricted in front ; its elytra (which are well-nigh unstriate, or very obsoletely so) have a certain amount of asperated granules, particularly towards the shoulders and apex, mixed up with their closely-set punctures ; its tibiae are produced into a slightly more robust spinule than is usual at their apical angle ; and the third joint of its feet is comparatively widened and conspicuously bilobed.
The M. lucifugus (which was first met with by the late Mr. Bewicke, during a day’s collecting at St. Helena, in 1860) is one of the most general and widely-spread of all the Microwylobi, and one which seems (although without doubt attached originally to the various arborescent Composite) to have been able to adapt its mode of life to the altered conditions of the island,—occurring often beneath the loosened bark of oaks, acacias, pines, and the Cape coral-tree (Erythrina caffra, Thunb.), and descending into strictly the intermediate districts, such as Plantation, Oakbank, and below the ridge towards Sandy Bay (where it was found in the decayed trunk of an old Hrythrina by the Rey. H. Whitehead). It is, how- ever, far more at home in the higher regions, where it abounds beneath the loose outer fibre of the Composite along the whole length of the great central ridge,—from Diana’s Peak and Actzeon to Cason’s, High Peak, and West Lodge; and I have also obtained it amongst the gumwoods in Thompson’s Wood. In one of the few spots which are at all accessible on the precipitous slopes behind High Peak I met with it in countless numbers,—under the dead and loosely-hanging bark of a Petrobiwm arboreum, R. Br., or “ White- wood Cabbage-tree.”
The M. lucifugus was captured likewise by Mr. Gray.
COSSONIDZ. 113
99. Microxylobius calcaratus, n. sp.
M. elliptico-fusiformis, nitidus, fere calvus (oculo fortissime armato in elytris minutissime et parcissime pubescens), ater ; rostro sub- lineari (vix elongate subtriangulari), minute et leviter punctulato, in medio subconvexo, oculis parvis sed distinctis (vix prominulis); prothorace magno, convexo, suboyato, antice leviter constricto, paulo distinctius (tamen leviter) punctato; elytris breviusculis, convexis, ellipticis basi truncatis, confuse substriato-punctatis, interstitiis sub-uniseriatim punctulatis, leviter transversim rugu- losis, necnon ad humeros incrassate marginato-porrectis ; antennis clare piceo-ferrugineis ; pedibus nigro-piceis, tarsis dilutioribus ; tibiis subeurvatis, ad angulum internum in ¢ valde robuste cal- caratis ; tarsorum art® 3"° distincte sed minute bilobo. Swbtus in metasterno valde profunde et grosse sed vix dense punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Habitat in locis elevatis, Compositas arborescentes et interdum etiam Pinos erodens.
This is rather a small, but deep-black and shining little species, in which the prothorax is very convex and largely developed (in proportion to the size of the insect), and in which the elytra appear consequently to be rather more abbreviated and elliptical than usual, and one in which the male tibize (which are slightly curved) are produced at their inner angle into a proportionally more robust spinule than in the other members of the genus. Its rostrum is moderately long and thick, but hardly at all triangular—it being well-nigh linear or parallel ; its elytra are convex, with the margin at the shoulders thickened and porrected; and the surface of the latter, although practically bald, will be seen, when viewed beneath a high magnifying-power, to be very sparingly studded with a few exceedingly short and diminutive hairs,—which, however, are often barely traceable.
The M. calcaratus is essentially a cabbage-tree species, and one of a high elevation ; nevertheless it has attached itself also to the pines, when planted (as at Cason’s) amongst the native arborescent Com- posite. Indeed at Cason’s we met with it in profusion, in company with the M. bisectus, granulosus, and lacertosus, and the Pseudo- mesoxeni, beneath the loosened bark of dead pines which lay rotting on the ground. It was likewise, however, as on the loftier parts of the great central ridge (in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak), within the old wood of the decayed cabbage-trees.
il4 COSSONID&.
100. Microxylobius dimidiatus.
M. precedenti similis, sed paululum minor, et subminus nitidus (etiam obsoletissime, vix perspicue, subeneo-tinctus); rostro sensim crassiore, convexiore, et magis triangulari, paulo profundius punctato, oculis sensim minoribus (tamen subprominulis) ; pro- thorace paulo angustius ovali (sc. ad latera minus ampliate rotun- dato), antice submagis constricto; elytris paulo magis rugulosis, et vix magis perspicue (tamen minutissime) pubescentibus ; funiculo breviore, crassiore; tibiis posterioribus nec in ¢ robuste calcaratis ; metasternoque paulo minus grosse punctato.
Long. corp. lin. 13-12.
Microxylobius dimidiatus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 402 (1871).
——, Melliss, St. Hel, 150 (1875).
Habitat in editioribus, lignuin antiquum marcidum Compositarum arborescentium parce destruens.
Judging from the few examples (ten in number) which are now before me, the present Microvylobius approaches so closely to the M. calcaratus that until the two species haye been accurately com- pared they might well be confounded with each other; and yet I feel quite satisfied that they are truly distinct. Thus, not only is the M. dimidiatus a little smaller (on the average) than the calca- ratus, and not quite so shining or of so intense a black (there being generally very obscure traces of a just appreciable subsenescent tinge), but its rostrum is relatively broader, thicker, convexer, and more tri- angular, as well as a trifle more coarsely punctured ; its eyes, although somewhat prominent, are a little smaller ; its prothorax is perceptibly narrower or less rounded-outwards at the sides (being, in fact, oval, rather than ovate), and more constricted in front; its elytra are more rugulose, and with their very diminutive and remote pubescence a trifle more traceable; its metasternum is not quite so coarsely punctured; its funiculus is proportionally somewhat shorter and thicker ; and the inner angle of its male tibiz (at any rate the four posterior ones) are not more powerfully spurred than is the case in the ordinary species.
So far as I have observed, the MV. dimidiatus is found only on the higher parts of the great central ridge, about Diana’s Peak and Acteeon,—where I met with it beneath damp rotting pieces of the wood of the old cabbage-trees ; whereas the M. calcaratus (although occurring sparingly in the same locality) was more particularly abundant at Cason’s, which is appreciably lower in eleyation,—where
COSSONID&. 115
it seemed to have attached itself quite as much to the pines as to the native arborescent Composite.
101. Microxylobius bisectus, n. sp.
M. minutus, breviter subovato-fusiformis, nitidus, fere calvus (oculo fortissime armato in elytris minutissime et parcissime pubescens), niger; rostro breviter sublineari(postice atque etiam antice paululum latiore), minus convexo, minutissime et levissime punctulato, oculis minutis sed prominulis; prothorace magno, subovato, antice fere integro, argute punctulato ; elytris breviusculis, rugulosis, profunde punctato-striatis, interstitiis subconvexis ac minutissime uniseria- tim punctulatis ; antennis pedibusque (brevibus) piceo-ferrugineis ; tarsis brevissimis, art® 3“° fere simplici (sc. vix latiore et vix etiam minutissime subbilobo). Subtus in metasterno parcissime sed rugose punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 7-1.
Habitat lignum emortuum antiquum in editioribus insule, inter Compositas arborescentes et Pinos.
This is the most minute of the true Microwylobii which have hitherto been detected, and one which is confined to the high central ridge,—where I have taken it both in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak and at Cason’s. Indeed at the latter it was extremely abundant ; and, like so many of the species in that somewhat less-elevated region, it occurred quite as much beneath the old pines which were lying dead upon the ground as in the rotten wood of the cabbage- trees ; nevertheless there can, of course, be no question that it is the latter to which it was originally attached. It has also been met with by Mr. P. Whitehead in decayed firs at Rock Cottage, on the eastern side of the ridge.
In proportion to its size the WV. bisectus (which is short and rather broad in outline) has its prothorax (which, like that of the calcaratus, is rather more ovate than oval) quite as largely developed as in the last two species—indeed se much so as to cause the two anterior segments of its body to appear (conjointly) almost larger, if any thing, than its elytra; at all events it may be said to be about equally bisected by the central line of division. Its colour is black (or occasionally sub- picescent) ; and, beneath a high magnifying-power, there are indi- cations on the elytra of a few extremely diminutive and very abbre- viated scattered cinereous hairs (often barely traceable), Its rostrum (which is not very convex, and most minutely and indistinctly
punctulated) is rather more linear than triangular (being, however, 12
116 COSSONIDA.
a trifle widened both before and behind); its eyes are small but slightly prominent; its elytra are more deeply striated than is the case in most of these immediately-allied forms ; and its feet, which are very short, have their third joint scarcely at all expanded or bilobed.
102. Microxylobius sculpturatus, n. sp.
M. angustulus, subcylindricus, subopacus, oculo fortissime armato in elytris minutissime et parce cinereo-pubescens, niger aut piceo- niger sed plus minus fusco-lutosus ; rostro sublineari (aut in ¢ anguste elongato-subtriangular1), nitido, minutissime punctulato, postice profunde arguteque longitudinaliter ‘excayvato-inciso ; capite profundius dense punctato, oculis prominulis ; prothorace subovali, dense et grosse punctato; elytris profunde punctato- striatis (punctis maximis), interstitiis subcostato- (2% a sutura postice paulo magis) elevatis ; antennis pedibusque piceo-ferrugi- neis; tarsis brevibus, art® 3"° minutissime subbilobo. Sudtus in medio dense et grosse punctatus. ;
Long. corp. lin. 1-12.
Habitat in ligno antiquo Compositarum arborescentium, in _locis insulz valde eleyatis.
The present species and the following one (which may possibly be extreme modifications of a single type) are both of them found on the high central ridge (the latter occurring also a little below it) ; and they are both remarkable for their rather narrow and subcylin- drical outline, and for their nearly opake and extremely coarsely sculptured surface,—the punctures of the prothorax being large and closely packed, and those of the elytral strize enormous ; and (although black, or piceous-black, in hue) they are usually more or less coated with a pale brownish mud-like deposit, which is apt to fill up the inequalities and is not always easy to remove. ‘Their rostrum, which is brighter than the rest of the body (particularly in the female sex), is longitudinally cut into, or gashed, behind, the excavation being deep and sharply expressed ; and their interstices are more or less elevated, or costate. In the M. sculpturatus the latter are not very much, and about evenly raised,—the second one only from the suture being a trifle more conspicuous than the rest, particularly towards the apex.
The M. sculpturatus occurs along the whole central ridge, from Diana’s Peak and Actzeon to High Peak, and thence to West Lodge. It is attached to the rotten wood of the various arborescent Compo-.
COSSONIDA. 117 site ; and I have usually found it rare, except on one occasion on the almost inaccessible slope behind High Peak,—where I met with it in the utmost profusion beneath the bark, and in the decayed branches, of a Petrobium arboreum, R. Br., or “« Whitewood Cabbage-Tree.”
¥
103. Microxylobius bicaudatus, n. sp.
M. preecedenti similis, sed vix (nisi fallor) ejus varietas. Differt elytrorum interstitiis alternis magis elevatis, interstitio 2% postice gradatim valde elevato (coleopteris sc. quasi exstanter bicaudatis).
Long. corp. lin. 1-14.
Habitat in locis similibus ac precedens ; tamen fere in intermedios
descendit.
As already mentioned, this Microwylobius may possibly be an extreme modification of the preceding one, though I have not been able to obtain connecting links between the two. It seems to differ from it merely, so far at least as I can detect, in the alternate inter- stices of its elytra being more elevated than the rest, and (more par- ticularly) in the second one from the suture being gradually raised behind in a most extraordinary manner,—so as to shape out two prominent tail-like appendages, or costiform prominences, towards the apex.
Like the M. sculpturatus, the present Microxylobius is attached normally to the rotten wood of the old cabbage-trees, and (as in the neighbourhood of Actzeon and Diana’s Peak) in the highest eleva- tions ; but it has adapted itself also to the pines, and descends occa- sionally rather below the great central ridge,—under which circum- stances I have met with it abundantly at Rock Rose; and it was likewise captured amongst the firs, by Mr. P. Whitehead, at Rock Cottage.
104. Microxylobius granulosus, n. sp.
M. parvus, elongato-ovatus, opacus, oculo fortissime armato in elytris minutissime et parce cinereo-pubescens, niger aut piceo- niger, ubique minutissime granulosus (vix punctulatus); rostro sub- lineari (sed postice atque etiam antice paululum latiore), depresso, ad apicem ipsissimum (inter antennas) leviter subrotundate im- _presso, oculis subprominentibus ; prothorace ovali; elytris (vix _subpunctato-) striatis, ad humeros marginato-porrectis, interstitiis subcostato- (2% a sutura seepius paululum magis) elevatis ; antennis (paulo magis versus apicem rostri insertis) longiusculis, crassiusculis, pallide ferrugineis ; pedibus piceo-ferrugineis, tarsorum art? 3"°
118 COSSONIDA.
evidenter sed minute bilobo, Subtws in medio confuse subpunctato- rugosus. Long. corp. lin. 7-13. : Habitat in insule editioribus, inter Compositas arborescentes et (pre- cipue quidem) Pinos. Ad Cason’s sub truncis Pinorum prolapsis emortuis copiosissime collegi.
This is one of the smallest of the Microvylobii ; and it is a species which has attached itself to the pines more than most of the others, though it occurs normally (as on the higher parts, towards Diana’s Peak, of the great central ridge) within the rotten wood of the old cabbage-trees, However, at Cason’s we met with it in the utmost profusion beneath the dead trunks of the firs which were lying scattered on the ground,—in company with the M. bisectus, calcaratus, and lacertosus ; but I did not observe it anywhere at a lower ele- vation.
There can be no fear of confounding the present diminutive Microxylobius with any thing else with which we are here con- cerned,—its subovate outline and opake densely-granulated surface, added to its slightly flattened rostrum (the extreme apex of which is minutely foyeolated, or impressed, between the antenne), its somewhat prominent eyes, porrected shoulders, and the rather distinctly-raised interstices of its elytra, giving it a character which it is impossible to mistake. Its antenne, which are rather long and thick (in proportion to the size of the insect), are implanted a trifle nearer to the apex of the rostrum than is the case in the other members of the genus.
105. Microxylobius lacertosus. (Fig. 3.)
M. elongate ovato-cylindricus, opacus, in elytris minute sed distincte cinereo-pubescens, niger (interdum subpicescens); rostro crasso, elongate triangulari, convexo, dense punctulato, oculis prominen- tibus ; prothorace ovali, antice paululum constricto, densissime ruguloso-punctulato ; elytris vix punctatis sed obsolete striatis granulisque minutis parce irroratis, interstitiis paululum convexis ; antennis ferrugineis ; pedibus piceis, tarsorum art® 3"° distincte bilobo. Subtus in metasterno dense sed confuse subpunctato- asperatus. ,
Long. corp. lin. 14-1}.
Microxylobius lacertosus, Woll., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. v. 381, pl. 18.
f. 5 (1861). —— ——, Id., Ann. Nat, Hist. iv. 405 (1869). —— ——, Melliss, St. Hel, 150 (1875).
COSSONIDZ. 119
Habitat in editioribus atque etiam intermediis insule, Compositas Pinosque presertim destruens.
According to my experience, this is the most common and general of the Microwylobii ; for although the M. vestitus exists still more abundantly in the places where it occurs, that species does not descend normally into districts so strictly “ intermediate” as the pre- sent one. Moreover the WV. lacertosus has attached itself to the pines almost as much as it ever could have done to the native arborescent Composite ; whereas the MV. vestitus is scarcely ever found except amongst the cabbage-trees. Although it is on the central ridge that the M. lacertosus principally swarms (it being universal about Diana’s Peak and Acteon, as well as at Cason’s, High Peak, and above West Lodge), I have nevertheless taken it in almost equal profusion in spots of an appreciably lower altitude—such as Rock Rose, Planta- tion, Oakbank, Vine-Tree Gut, &c.,—it being often found about old palings and gates (particularly when made of rough pine), as well as under the bark of various naturalized trees.
There is no species more distinct, or more readily determinable, than the present one,—its ovato-cylindric outline and thick, convex, subtriangular rostrum, in conjunction with its rather prominent eyes, and its opake and densely (though somewhat minutely) sculptured surface (the elytra, on which the short cinereous pubescence is comparatively easy to be traced, being free from punctures, but sparingly studded with very diminutive granules), being more than sufficient to characterize it.
106. Microxylobius opacus, n. sp.
M. elongato-subovatus, opacus, fere calvus (oculo fortissime armato in elytris minutissime et parcissime cinereo-pubescens), vel piceus vel nigro-piceus ; rostro longiusculo, subgracili (tamen graciliter elongato-subtriangulari), tereti, minute punctulato, antice (pre- sertim in 9? ) nitido, oculis parvis, subdemissis ; prothorace magno, conyexo, ovali, antice atque etiam postice obsolete constricto, basi evidentius marginato, leviter et haud densissime punctulato ; elytris ellipticis basi (submarginatis) truncatis, obsolete substriato- subpunctatis (striis punctisque indistinctis, et postice omnino- evanescentibus), interstitiis latis depressis et obsolete vix sub- uniseriatim parce punctulatis, sutura antice canaliculato-impressa ; antennis pedibusque crassis, illis clare piceo-ferrugineis, his piceis; tibiis in ¢ ad angulum internum robuste calcaratis ;
120 COSSONIDE.
tarsorum art® 3° latiusculo et distincte bilobo. Subtus in medio leviter et parce punctatus. Long. corp. lin. 13—vix 2.
Habitat intra truncos Dicksoniw arborescentis antiquos emortuos marcidos; in editioribus juxta Diana’s Peak lectus.
It is exclusively within the damp and rotting stems of the old tree ferns that the present Microwylobius has been taken ; and it was only on the highest portions of the great central ridge that we met with it, and even there but sparingly,—about two dozen examples being all that I could secure during our constant researches amongst the Dicksonias. Still, of all the Cossonids attached to those plants, it certainly ranks next to the Pentarthrodes dicksonie as regards abundance. It was chiefly on the ascent, and at the summit, of Actzon that we observed the WV. opacus; and it has been found also by Mr. P. Whitehead in the same locality.
The opake but very lightly sculptured and nearly bald surface of this species, added to its piceous or piceous-black hue, its rather long and slender rostrum, small eyes, posteriorly-margined prothorax, and its somewhat anteriorly-margined elytra (the suture of which is grooved in front, whilst the punctures and stri are almost obsolete and quite untraceable behind), will at once separate it from the other species with which it is associated. As in the case of the MW. calca- ratus and vestitus, the inner apical angle of its male tibiz is rather powerfully spurred.
107. Microxylobius vestitus.
M. elongato-fusiformis, subopacus, parce sed parum grosse fulvo- cinereo-sericatus, piceo-ferrugineus sed in rostro et prothorace sepius clarior; rostro prothoraceque minute, leviter, et parce punctulatis, illo sublineari, antice (presertim in @Q ) nitido, oculis sat magnis, prominulis, et subsuperioribus, hoc (preecipue in ¢) magno, subovali, antice conspicue constricto; elytris ovali-cylin- dricis, dense transversim subasperato-rugulosis sed solum obsolete substriatis ; antennis pedibusque (preesertim in d) longiusculis, erassis, rufo-testaceis ; tibiis in ¢ ad angulum internum robuste calearatis ; tarsorum art? 3"° latiusculo et distinete bilobo. Subtus in medio leviter et parce (sed parum grosse) punctatus.
Long. corp. lin, 1—vix 2.
Microxylobius vestitus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 404 (1869).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 150 (1875).
Habitat inter Compositas arborescentes, in editioribus insule, vulga-
tissimus.
COSSONID2. 2
Although perhaps not quite so widely spread over the island as the M. lacertosus (for it scarcely descends into the strictly “ intermediate ” districts), the present species is immeasurably the most abundant of all the Microwvylobzi in the places where it is found,—swarming under the loose outer fibre of the cabbage-trees almost everywhere through- out the higher altitudes. About Actzeon and Diana’s Peak, as well as at Cason’s, I have frequently seen many hundred examples on a single dead trunk ; but it is not quite so common as we approach the south-western portion of the ridge, towards High Peak and West Lodge. On one occasion only have I taken a specimen so low down as Plantation (1800 feet above the sea); and that in all pro- bability was an accidental one which had been brought from the mountains along with fuel. It is one of the Cossonids which was met with also by Mr. Gray, during the month that he remained with us in the island.
The unique individual, taken by Melliss, from which I enunciated this species in 1869, afforded me no opportunity of perceiving the great variability of the latter as regards stature,—larger examples often doubling the smaller ones in bulk. But, apart from this fact, and the comparatively coarse fulvo-cinereous pubescence with which it is clothed or sericated, the M. vestitus may be known by its opake surface and its piceo-ferruginous colour (the rostrum and prothorax, which are most minutely and not very densely punctulated, being of a clearer tint than the rest of the body), by its elytra being con- fusedly and somewhat roughly transversely-rugulose (but scarcely punctured, and scarcely striate), and by its limbs (particularly in the male sex) being rather long and thick, and of a pale reddish-testa- ceous hue. ‘The tibize, also, in the males are (as is observable in the preceding species, as well as in the M. calcaratus) a little more powerfully spurred than is usual at their inner apical angle ; and the prothorax, which is a good deal constricted anteriorly, is appreciably more rounded and enlarged in that sex than it is in the females. Its rostrum is nearly linear ; its eyes are rather large and prominent, as well as a trifle more superior in position than is the case in the generality of the other members of the group; and the third joint of its feet is comparatively wide and bilobed.
108. Microxylobius Westwoodii.
M. angusto-elongatus, ovato-cylindricus, obscure subnigro-eneus (atque etiam obsoletissime subvirescens), alutaceus, subopacus,
122 COSSONID#.
calvus ; capite rostroque minute et leviter sed argute punctulatis, hoc breviusculo sed lineari et supra subgibboso; prothorace angusto, eylindrico-subovato, punctulis minutissimis parce et leviter irro- rato: elytris subcylindricis sed pone medium paulo latioribus, confuse transversim rugatis (fere quasi subrimosis) sed haud sculpturatis (7. e. vix striatis et vix punctatis), sutura antice sub- carinata; antennis pedibusque piceo-nigris, illis basi rufo-ferru- gineis. Long. corp. lin. 1. Microxylobius Westwoodii, Chevr., Trans. Ent. Soe. Lond. i. 98, pl. 10. f. 6 (1886).
_— —_, Woll., ibid. v. (n. 8.) 381 (1861).
—— —,, ld., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 403 (1869).
—— ——,} Id,, ibid. viii, 412 (1871).
—_— ——, Melliss, St. Hel, 149 (1875).
Habitat “ins. St. Helena” [sec. Chevrolat]; mihi non obyius.
Obs.—Species inter reliquas distinctissima ; differt corpore angus- tiore et multo magis cylindrico, ubique alutaceo, subopaco, calvo, prothorace minutissime tantum parceque punctulato, elytris transversim substriguloso-rugatis sed longitudinaliter vix sculptu- ratis, sutura antice acutiuscula subcariniformi.
Not possessing, for re-comparison, the type of this obscure little Microxylobius, which was lent to me by Mr. Saunders in 1872, I have simply transcribed the diagnosis which I then drew out with considerable care,—believing that even a fresh examination of it would not enable me to add to the characters any thing of sufficient importance to throw new light upon its affinities. Although we unfortunately failed in securing examples of the species which it represents, and which is still vouched for (after an interval of nearly fifty years) by a unique specimen in a London cabinet, I have already expressed my suspicion that it is not to the cabbage-trees, nor yet to the tree ferns, that we must look for the reintroduction into the fauna of the Microaylobius type, but (as I cannot but think is more probable) to the ‘‘ secrubwood” (Aster glutinosus, Roxb.),—one of the aboriginal arborescent Composite which we had no opportunity of investigating, and which (although once so abundant that large tracts of a comparatively low altitude towards the coast were literally covered with it) is becoming, year by year, more rare. Still I only offer this as a conjecture, for it may possibly be to the Mellissia begoniefolia, Hk. f., or to some other native shrub now nearly extinct, that the M. Westwoodii is (or, rather, was) attached ; though the no distant relationship which it possesses with the
COSSONID. 123
M. Whitcheadii (and to a certain extent, also, even with the Pseu- domesoxenus scrobiculatus) inclines me to think that it more probably belongs to the fauna, now rapidly disappearing, of the scrubwood.
Before I had inspected the actual type of the M. Westwoodi, Chevrolat’s original diagnosis (which contains scarcely a reference to any character which is really distinctive) led me to believe that it might perhaps prove to be conspecific with the common M. vestitus ; but a single glance at the example itself was sufficient to dispel any such idea. Nevertheless, when contrasting it with that insect (which is well selected, from its extreme abundance, as a basis for comparison), I mentioned, in 1872, that it “is as small as even the vestitus, being only a line and a quarter in length. It is, however, relatively narrower and much more cylindrical (indeed more so than any of the Microxylobii which have hitherto been detected); and it is likewise darker in hue and perfectly free from even a trace of pubescence. Its rostrum is a little wider than in that species, and its tibie are rather more curved, and the punctation of its head and prothorax (the latter of which is comparatively unexpanded behind the middle) is even more delicate still; and it is further remarkable for its elytra (which have their suture slightly raised, or somewhat keel-shaped in front) being transversely marked with remote, obscure scratches, or irregular strigee, but almost devoid of longitudinal sculpture; whilst its entire surface is coarsely alutaceous, and therefore but very faintly shining.”
Genus 53. ACANTHOMERUS. | Boheman, Res. Eugen. 141 (1858).
Corpus vel fusiforme vel ovatum, calvum, nitidissimum, eneum ; rostro mediocri, vel graciliter elongato-triangulari vel (ssepius) parallelo, oculis distinctis, scrobe intra oculos subcurvate ducta ; prothorace vel ovato vel (rarius) conico, antice integro; scutello obsoleto ; elytris plus minus oboyatis basi truncatis ; metasterno brevissimo, et seepius (una cum abdominis segm"* 1™° et 2%°) lon- gitudinaliter concavo ; abdominis segm"* 1™° et 2° inter se arcte connatis (linea tamen parum distincta divisis). Antenne ante medium rostri inserte ; fwniculo 5-articulato, art™ 2° vel elongato vel sequentibus vix longiore. Pedes robusti, antici fere contigui, intermedii paulo magis distantes, postici haud valde distantes ; femoribus posticis in speciebus typicis supra ad basin (in utroque sexu) spina magné acuta armatis, sed in speciebus aberrantibus muticis ; tarsis art® 3"° latiusculo et profunde bilobo.
124 COSSONIDA.
As distinguished from the Microwylobii, the Acanthomert may be said to be (on the average) rather larger in bulk, of a brilliant eneous tinge (instead of being black, or piceous, and unmetallic), perfectly free (in at all events the majority of the species) from pubescence, with their rostra usually a trifle longer and more parallel (being seldom, even obsoletely, subtriangular), and with the third joint of their feet more appreciably widened and bilobed ; and in the typical members of the group the femora are armed at their base, on the upper or anterior edge, with an acute and powerful spine. This last character is, as I need scarcely add, extremely anomalous ; and it is one which does not appear to be in any degree sexual. The metasternum in Acanthomerus (the A. cylindricus alone excepted) is remarkably short; and the antenne are generally implanted a little nearer to the apex of the rostrum than is the case in the true Microxylobii.
As a slight aid to the practical determination of the 11 species which compose the present assemblage, I subjoin the following analytical table :—
A. Femora postica supra, ad basin, spind armata .... [ACANTHOMERI typici. | a. corpus magnum ; funiculi art? 2% elongato.
armatus.
aa. corpus breviter converum; funiculi art’* 1” et 2” longiusculis, sub- equalibus. conicollis.
aaa. funiculi art? 2”, 3%, 4%, et 5° brevibus, subequalibus, monilt- formibus. ellipticus,
moniliformis, AA. Pemora Miutica pie. 6 eon ea cite ek [ ACANTHOMERI aberrantes. | B. funiculi art® 2%, 3%, 4°, et 5° brevibus, subequalibus, monili- formaibus. similis.
BB. funiculi art*® 1° et 2” plus minus elongatis. y. corpus elongate fusiformi-ovatum. debilis. yy: corpus angustissimum, cylindricum (metasterno longiore). cylindricus., yvy-. corpus plus minus fusiforme, vel elliptico-fusiforme. 8. tibws evidenter curvatis. e. fuuiculi art? 2” vix longiore quam primo. angustus. ec. funiculi art? 2” multo longiore quam primo. asperatus. 66. tidbits subrectis.
terebrans, obliteratus.
COSSONID. 125
A. Femora postica supra ad basin (in utroque sexu) spind armata. { AcANTHOMERI typici. |
109. Acanthomerus armatus. (Fig. 5.)
A. magnus, elongato-fusiformis, eneus, nitidissimus, calvus ; rostro sublineari, crassiusculo, convexo, dense et rugose punctato, oculis magnis sed haud yalde prominentibus; prothorace subovali, minutius leviusque punctulato, per basin ipsissimam opaculo et minute subgranulato ; elytris obsolete et remote substriato-punc- tatis, interstitiis latis et parum grosse denseque punctatis; an- tennis pedibusque elongatis, illis tarsisque rufo-ferrugineis ; funiculi art° 2% elongato; tarsis elongatis, art® 3° latiusculo. et valde distincte bilobo. Subtus in medio remote et leviter sub- granulatus, aut asperato-punctatus.
Variat (rarius) colore nigro, haud metallico.
Long. corp. lin. 23-3.
Acanthomerus armatus, Bohem., Res. Eugen. 141 (1859).
Microxylobius Chevrolatii, Woll., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. y. 383, pl. 18. f. 8 (1861).
—,, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 408 (1869).
Acanthomerus armatus, Id., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 653 (1873).
Microxylobius Chevrolatii, Melliss, St. Hel. 152 (1875).
Habitat sub cortice Compositarwm arborescentium laxo emortuo ; in editioribus vulgaris.
The present Acanthomerus is essentially a cabbage-tree species, and one which occurs abundantly towards the central ridge of the island,—often clustering under the loose fibrous bark of the old dead trunks in considerable numbers. I have met with it more particu- larly below Diana’s Peak and Acton (along what is called the ‘“‘ Cabbage-Tree Road”), as well as on Stitch’s Ridge and at Cason’s ; but it does not seem quite so common as we approach High Peak and West Lodge. It was obtained likewise by Mr. Gray, during his month’s sojourn at St. Helena, as well as by the late Mr. Bewicke in July of 1861.
Apart from its large size, elongate-fusiform outline, and the powerful spine with which it is furnished on the upper edge of the extreme base of its two hinder femora, the A. armatus (which, like the other members of the present genus, is brightly polished, bald, and brassy) may be known by its very lightly and minutely pune- tulated prothorax, and more coarsely punctured rostrum and elytra, as well as by its elongate limbs (the feet and the second funiculus- joint being conspicuously lengthened), and by the comparatively wide
126 COSSONID#.
and deeply-bilobed third articulation of its tarsi. Like most of the eneous species, it has an occasional dark or blackish state.
110, Acanthomerus conicollis. (Fig. 4.)
A, breviter ovato-ellipticus, valde convexus, supra arcuatus, nigro- geneus, nitidissimus, calvus; rostro graciliter subtriangulari, minute parceque punctulato, oculis subdemissis; prothorace conico (postice elytrorum latitudine), fere esculpturato (obsoletis- sime solum levissimeque punctato); elytris obsolete et remote subpunctato-substriatis, interstitiis latis et punctis magnis sed obsoletissimis notatis (punctis striisque plus minus evanescenti- bus); antennis tarsisque rufo-ferrugineis, femoribus tibiisque piceis ; spina femorum posticorum maxima; funiculi art's 1° et 2” Jongiusculis, subsequalibus ; capitulo oblongo, minus abrupto ; tarsorum art? 3"° distincte bilobo. Subtus in medio punctis perpaucis obscuris leyibus irroratus.
Variat (rarius) colore nigro, vix submetallico.
Long. corp. lin. 13-1.
Microxylobius conicollis, Woll., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. y. 384, pl. 18. f. 9 (1861). , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 409 (1869). Acanthomerus conicollis, Zd., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 655 (1873). Microxylobius conicollis, Melliss, St. Hel. 152 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque insul, arbores varias colens. In ligno antiquo emortuo Commidendri robusti, D.C., Asterisque gummiferi, Hk. f., preecipue abundat.
Of all the St.-Helena Cossonids which are unmistakably aboriginal this is perhaps the most generally diffused over the island ; and it is one which occurs more at intermediate and rather lofty altitudes than in absolutely the highest spots. In other words, it would seem to me to be Jess attached to the cabbage-trees (although found amongst them occasionally) than to the asters and gumwoods,— which, on the average, range a little lower than the former as regards elevation ; and this perhaps is the reason why it appears to have adapted itself more than most of the other species to the trees which haye been introduced,—the gumwoods, which covered so large an area in the intermediate districts, having been almost entirely destroyed, and oaks, pines, acacias, &c. planted in their stead. Thus at Plantation and at Oakbank, where the gumwoods must have once reigned supreme, the A. conicollis has now (since the well-nigh total disappearance of those interesting trees) attached itself mainly to the various kinds of oak; and in Vine-Tree Gut
COSSONID. 127
(below Halley’s Mount) it is common amongst the willows. But in places where the gumwoods still remain—as, for instance, in Peak Gut and at Thompson’s Wood—it absolutely swarms; and this is equally the case amongst the “ Little Gumwoods” (or arborescent asters) above West Lodge and towards Lufkins. Amongst the cabbage-trees (as just stated), which ascend into the highest parts of the island, it is not quite so universal; nevertheless I have met with it towards Diana’s Peak and Actzeon, as well as at Cason’s and High Peak,—at the former of which it was taken likewise by Mr. Gray.
There can be no fear of confounding this singular Cossonid with any thing else which concerns us here,—its short, ovate-elliptic, and extremely convex body, added to its brassy, highly-polished, and but very slightly sculptured surface, its conical prothorax (which is of precisely the same width behind as the base of the elytra, the two segments being in one continuous curve), the largeness of its femoral spine, and the rather long and subequal first and second joints of its funiculus giving it a character which it is impossible to mistake.
111. Acanthomerus ellipticus, n. sp.
A, elliptico-fusiformis, nigro-zneus, nitidus, calvus ; rostro breviter sublineari, postice (saltem in d ) obsolete subangustiore, et (pre- sertim in ¢) supra arcuatim convexo (a fronte subdiviso), distincte punctulato, oculis prominulis ; prothorace vel (in typicis) profunde, vel (in aberrantibus) levius minutiusque punctato ; elytris postice attenuatis, substriato- (interdum tantum sub- seriatim) punctatis, in interstitiis punctis minoribus subuniseri- atim notatis; antennis pedibusque crassis, piceis, illis ad basin rufescentibus, tarsis ferrugineis; scapo brevi et gradatim valde elavato; funiculi articulis (1™° obtriangulari excepto) brevibus, subeequalibus, latis (presertim in ¢), transversis, moniliformi- bus; tarsorum art? 3° parum distincte bilobo. Subtus in medio parcissime punctatus.
Variat (varius) colore fere nigro, subcyanescente.
Var. 6 (in formam typicam gradatim transiens).—Submajor, omnino minus grosse sculpturatus; funiculi articulis paululum minus transversis.
Long. corp. lin. 14—vix 2
Habitat (saltem in statu Essel in ligno antiquo Asteris glutinosi, Roxb. (anglice “Scrubwood”), in aridis ad et juxta “the Barn.”
128 COSSONID#.
Sed quoque lignum Commidendri robusti, D.C. (anglice “ Gum- wood”), ‘var. 3” eequaliter destruit,—ad “‘Thompson’s Wood,” necnon in ascensu montis “ Flagstaff,’ abundans.
Owing to the instability of its sculpture, and its slight prima facie resemblance to the following one, the present Acanthomerus is somewhat less easy to define than most of the others; and yet it certainly cannot be confounded with the monilicornis, however closely the two may be allied. In what I have regarded as its normal phasis (under which circumstances the prothorax is deeply punctured, and the funiculus-articulations are very broad and trans- verse), it appears to be more especially attached to the scrubwood (Aster glutinosus, Roxb.),—within the dead branches of which it was taken by Mr. P. Whitehead on the Barn, and in that immediate vicinity ; but it is also equally common amongst the true gumwoods (Commidendron robustum, D.C.),—as at Thompson’s Wood, and sparingly even at Plantation,—where the sculpture is usually much finer, and the joints of the funiculus are not quite so wide. In this latter aspect I have met with it likewise, in profusion, on the slopes of Flagstaff Hill, in the direction of the Barn, within the cavities of the dried stems of the common gorse; but I imagine that in that particular locality (although so near to the Barn) it must be looked upon as pertaining to the quondam fauna of the gumwoods (which are said to have covered the plains beneath), rather than to the scrubwood,—which reigns supreme, even still, upon the Barn. I have tried in vain to detect any thing like a constant character to separate these two states, their distinctive features seeming to me to be so variable that they pass imperceptibly into each other. Occa- sionally perhaps the points of discrepancy are more apparent than real,—for it is certain that in the male sex the rostrum is shorter, convexer, and more coarsely sculptured, and the antenne are appre- ciably thicker ; nevertheless, in spite of this, the gumwood specimens are, on the average, unless indeed I am much mistaken, a trifle larger _ and less strongly sculptured than those from the scrubwood, and their antenne are not quite so incrassated.
Apart from its brightly brassy surface, which is common to the whole genus, the present Acanthomerus is principally remarkable, in its typical condition, for its very deeply and- coarsely punctured prothorax; though, as just mentioned, the punctures in some examples (as, for instance, those from the gumwoods, which I have
COSSONID. 129
cited above as the ‘“‘ var. 3”) are comparatively so small and faintly impressed (unless indeed an additional, proximate species is indicated, the distinctions of which I have failed to recognize) that this particular character can hardly be said to obtain. But, apart from the punc- tation, there is a peculiarity about its rostrum and antenne (at all events in the males),—the former, which is short and parallel, being convex and curved, and somewhat divided from the forehead by an indentation or line; whilst the latter have their scape abbreviated and much incrassated anteriorly, and their funiculus also (at any rate in the normal examples) extremely thickened, the joints being broad and transverse. Its general outline is fusiform, the elytra being rather narrowed towards their apex.
112. Acanthomerus monilicornis.
A, oblongo-fusiformis, nigro-neus, nitidiusculus, calvus; rostro breviter sublineari, crassiusculo, profunde, rugose et dense punc- tato, necnon (presertim in ¢) subopaco, oculis magnis, promi- nulis; prothorace minus grosse sed densissime, «qualiter, argu- teque punctulato; elytris (basi recte truncatis) dense ruguloso sed inzequaliter punctatis ac plus minus obsolete striatis (punctis subconfusis, et dense sublongitudinaliter dispositis); antennis (in 3S sublongioribus) brunneo-piceis, ad basin rufescentioribus ; pedibus longiusculis, crassis, piceis, tarsis ferrugineis; funiculi art's (1™° obtriangulari excepto) brevibus (precipue in Q ), sub- eequalibus, submoniliformibus; tarsorum art? 3"° Jatiusculo, et valde conspicue bilobo. Subtus in metasterno grosse sed haud dense punctatus. Variat (varius) colore fere nigro, subcyanescente. Long. corp. lin. 13-2. Microxylobius monilicornis, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. ivy. 410 (1869). Acanthomerus monilicornis, Id., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 653 (1878). Microxylobius monilicornis, Melliss, St. Hel. 152 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis insule, arbores varias, precipue Quercus, colens, ad Plantation abundans. In ligno antiquo Commi- dendri robusti, DC., eeque invenitur.
This is the common Acanthomerus at Plantation,—where it swarms in the dead branches and trunks of the various species of oak, as well as in the crevices of old posts &c.; and I am inclined to think that it be should looked upon as haying been attached originally to the gumwoods, which must once have been dominant throughout that district ; and I have taken it amongst the gumwoods at Thomp- son’s Wood, where, however, it is less abundant than the A. ellipticus.
K
130 COSSONIDA.
At any rate it is more particularly a species of intermediate alti- tudes; though I believe that on one occasion I met with a single example of it towards the central ridge.
The A. monilicornis agrees with the ellipticus in the shortened joints of its funiculus, which, however, are rather less decidedly transverse ; nevertheless it is (on the average) a trifle larger and more oblong than that species, it being less distinctly narrowed posteriorly ; its rostrum is a little thicker, and (in both sexes) less shining (indeed nearly opake), and very much more coarsely and thickly punctured; its prothorax (although less roughly sculptured than the rostrum) is also more densely and uniformly punctulated all over; its elytra, too (which are more straightly truncate at their base), are more closely, as well as more confusedly, punctured ; its eyes are appreciably larger; its whole surface is not quite so polished ; and the third joint of its feet is more conspicuously widened and bilobed.
AA. Femora mutica, {AcANnTHOMERT aberrantes. |
(Subgenus Chrysotrogus, Woll.)
113. Acanthomerus similis, n. sp.
A, precedenti prima facie similis, sed femoribus simplicibus (omnino inarmatis); rostro paululum minus lineari, sc. postice obsolete latiore crassiore (ergo submagis triangulari), sensim minus opaco minusque rugose punctato; prothorace vix subconvexiore aut magis globoso, paululum minus densissime punctulato; elytris postice paulo magis attenuatis, ac subminus dense et subminus confuse punctatis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2}.
Habitat in ligno arido antiquo Commidendri robusti, DC. (anglice “*Gumwood”), atque Asteris glutinosi, Roxb. (anglice “ Scrub- wood”), in intermediis insulee.
In size and general aspect this Acanthomerus bears so strong a prima facie resemblance to the A. monilicornis that, before accurately examined, it might well be confounded with that species. It will be seen, however, to differ from it essentially in having its femora unarmed (a faet which removes it into another section of the genus) ; and it further recedes in its rostrum being a trifle less linear, or more triangular (it being just appreciably more widened behind), as well as a little more shining and less coarsely punctured; in its
COSSONID#. 131
prothorax being, if any thing, somewhat convexer or more globose, and not quite so closely punctulated ; and in its elytra, which are perceptibly more attenuated behind (though not quite so much so as in the A. ellipticus), being a little less densely and less confusedly punctured.
Like the A. ellipticus, the similis appears to be attached mainly to the gumwoods and the scrubwood, though especially perhaps the former. I have taken it amongst the old gumwoods in Peak Gut, as well as amongst those towards Lufkins and in Thompson’s Wood ; and I also met with it sparingly at Plantation, and on the ascent of Flagstaff Hill. By Mr. P. Whitehead it was captured on the Barn, amongst the shrubs of the Aster glutinosus, Roxb., or scrubwood.
114. Acanthomerus debilis.
A. elongate fusiformi-ovatus (antice attenuatus, pone medium rotundate amplatus), angustulus, nigro-neus, nitidissimus, calvus ; rostro sublineari, argute et distincte punctulato, oculis sat magnis sed haud prominentibus; prothorace angustulo, ovali, fere impunctato (punctis se. levissimis ac plus minus evanescenti- bus); elytris elongato-ovatis basi recte truncatis, levissime sub- striato-subpunctatis, per basin ipsissimam granulis perpaucis asperatis; antennis pedibusque longiusculis, piceis, illarum capitulo tarsisque clarioribus ; funiculi art? 2° quam primus pau- Iulum longiore ; tarsorum art® 3"° valde distincte bilobo. Subtus in medio parcissime et levissime subasperato-punctatus.
Variat (rarius) colore nigro, subeyanescente.
Long. corp. lin. 1j{—vix 2.
Microxylobius debilis, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 407 (1869). Acanthomerus debilis, Zd., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 653 (1878). Microxylobius debilis, Me/liss, St. Hel. 151 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis insule, ad Plantation, Thompson’s Wood,
West Lodge, et cet., abundans; rarior in locis valde excelsis.
It is more in the intermediate districts than in the highest ones that the present species occurs; for while it is comparatively rare in the loftiest parts of the great central ridge (though I have met with it sparingly towards Diana’s Peak and High Peak), it abso- lutely swarms at Plantation, as well as in such spots as Vine-T'ree Gut, Thompson’s Wood, and the Aster-grove beyond West Lodge overlooking Lufkins. From which I infer that it is the gumwoods and arborescent asters (or ‘little gumwoods”) to which it was originally attached, rather than the cabbage-trees. Nevertheless, in the regions from which the gumwoods have gradually disappeared
K 2
1534 COSSONIDE.
(or nearly so), it has adapted itself most completely to many of the introduced trees, particularly the oaks; and at Plantation it often clusters within the crevices of old gates and posts,—from which it may be seen to erawl (especially after showers), adhering to them, however, with great tenacity. At Plantation it was taken also by Mr. Gray, during the first few days of our sojourn at St. Helena.
The A. debilis is rather peculiar in outline,—it being narrow, but nevertheless a good deal rounded-outwards behind the middle (causing it to appear much attenuated in front); it is also extremely brilliant, or highly polished, though often of a darkly-brassy tint ; and its strie and punctures, except the minute ones on the rostrum (which is nearly linear), are generally so lightly impressed that the surface at first sight seems to be well-nigh unsculptured. Its prothorax is oval and narrowish, its third tarsal joint is conspicuously bilobed ; and its elytra have usually a few small asperated granules, or points, along their extreme basal edge.
115. Acanthomerus cylindricus, n. sp.
A. cylindricus, angustissimus, nigro-zneus, nitidissimus, fere calyus (oculo fortissime armato minutissime parcissimeque cinereo- pubescens); rostro (a fronte impressione subdiviso) lineari, di- stincte (in ¢ distinctius) punctato, oculis parvis sed prominenti- bus; prothorace elongato-ovali, levissime sed haud minute punctato (punctis interdum evanescentibus); elytris longissimis, subfusiformi-cylindricis, grosse sed levissime substriato-punctatis ; antennis pedibusque rufo-piceis; funiculi arti* 1™° et 2° longi- tudine «qualibus; tarsis brevibus, art? 3° distinete bilobo. Subtus in medio grosse sed levissime punctatus; metasterno longiore.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Habitat inter ramulos fractos desiccatos emortuos Commidendri
robusti, DC. (anglice “ Gumwood”’), necnon etiam humi sub foliis dejectis, in intermediis ad Thompson’s Wood parce lectus.
This is one of the rarest and most peculiar of the Acanthomeri which have hitherto been detected; and it is one which, from its comparatively elongated metasternum and the fact of its being very minutely but sparingly studded with a short microscopic pubescence, well-nigh merits generic separation. Yet, if it must be assigned to any of the acknowledged groups, there is not one that will receive it so readily (barring the length of its metasternum) as that section of
COSSONIDZ#. 133
the present genus in which the exponents are free from the spine on the two hinder femora which constitutes so anomalous a feature in Acanthomerus proper. The A. cylindricus, however, is a very remarkable insect,—its more than usually brightly-polished, brassy surface (the punctures of which, although somewhat large, are most faintly impressed), in conjunction with its extremely narrow and cylindrical outline, its rather short but linear rostrum, its small but prominent eyes, and its greatly elongated elytra, giving it a character which is essentially its own.
It appears to be the gumwood (Commidendron robustum, DC.) to which the present Acanthomerus is attached. At any rate the only spot in which I met with it was Thompson’s Wood,—where I obtained about twenty examples, by sifting fallen leaves and the broken-up sticks of the old gumwoods for which that pereiculs locality is so famous.
116. Acanthomerus angustus.
A. fusiformis, nigro-zneus, nitidiusculus, fere calvus (oculo fortis- sime armato in elytris minutissime parceque cinereo-pubescens) ; rostro longiusculo, lineari, minutissime (postice distinctius) punctulato, oculis magnis, subprominulis ; prothorace densissime punctato; elytris fusiformibus basi truncatis, dense et subconfuse substriato-punctatis, versus humeros et apicem minute granulato- asperatis ; antennis pedibusque subgracilibus, nigro-piceis, illa- rum capitulo abrupto, rotundato, clariore; funiculi (sublaxi) art? 2% paulum longiore quam primo; tibiis (presertim in ¢ ) subcurvatis; tarsorum art® 3° distincte bilobo, ult™? elongato. Subtus in medio grosse, dense, et profunde punctatus ; metasterno mediocri (nec brevissimo).
Variat (varius) colore obscuriore, fere nigro.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Microxylobius angustus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii, 403 (1871). Acanthomerus angustus, Jd., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 653 (18758). Microxylobius angustus, Melliss, St. Hel. 151 (1875).
Halitat ad arbores antiquas Commidendri robusti, DC., et Asters glutimosi, Hk. f.,in aridis intermediis (e. g. the Barn et Thomp- son’s Wood), rarior.
It is to the gumwood and scrubwood that the A. angustus is attached, particularly perhaps the latter. I have taken it very sparingly amongst the old gumwoods in Thompson’s Wood ; and it was met with by Colonel Warren, adhering to the foliage of the
134 COSSONID.
scrubwood, on the Barn,—a locality in which it has likewise been captured, as well as in the immediate vicinity, by Mr. P. White- head. So far, however, as my own experience is concerned, it is decidedly scarce; though in all probability it will be ascertained to be not uncommon amongst the scrubwood, when the fauna of that remarkable shrub has been fully investigated.
Next to the armatus (which, however, is comparatively gigantic), the A. angustus is the largest of the Acanthomeri which haye yet been brought to light ; nevertheless, as regards bulk, it is a variable species,—the most highly developed examples almost doubling the smallest ones. It is fusiform in outline (much after the pattern of the Lamprochrus cossonoides) ; and its tibize, particularly in the male sex, are more curved than in any other members of the genus except the A. asperatus. Its rostrum is parallel, its prothorax is very densely punctured, its eyes are large (but not particularly promi- nent), its elytra are rather thickly and confusedly sculptured, as well as slightly asperated with raised granules towards the shoulders and apex, and its limbs (which are darkish in hue) are somewhat thin and wiry. Its antennz have their capitulum, which is rounded and abrupt, a little paler; and the funiculus has the first and second joints (the former of which is, perhaps, a trifle shorter than the latter) slightly elongated.
117. Acanthomerus asperatus, n. sp.
A, breviter elliptico-fusiformis (in medio latiusculus, antice et postice attenuatus), leete eeneus, nitidissimus, fere calvus (oculo fortissime armato minutissime cinereo-pubescens); rostro lineari, crassius- culo, distinecte punctato, ad apicem obsolete canaliculato, oculis magnis sed haud valde prominentibus ; prothorace paulo minutius sed densissime punctulato; elytris ellipticis basi subbiarcuatim truncatis, in disco antico conyexis, leviter punctato-striatis, inter- stitiis latis et subruguloso-punctatis, exterioribus conyexis et (una cum apice) dense granulato-asperatis ; antennis pedibusque elon- gatis, illis rufo-ferrugineis ; funiculi (laxi) art® 2°° multo longiore quam primo; capitulo magno, elongato, oblongo, sed haud valde abrupto ; pedibus crassis, femoribus (grosse granulato-asperatis) tibiisque (subcurvatis, preecipue intermediis) piceis, tarsis ferru- gineis, art° 3%° distincte bilobo. Subtws in medio leviter asperato- punctatus (fere granulatus).
Long. corp. lin. vix 23.
Habitat inter arbusculas Asteris glutinosi, Roxb. (anglice ‘ Serub-
COSSONID&. 135
wood”); ad promontorium preruptum aridum boreale ‘the Barn ” dictum a Dom. P. Whitehead semel repertus.
I have seen hitherto but a single example of this curious and well-marked Acanthomerus,—which was taken by Mr. P. White- head, amongst the viscous shrubs of the serubwood (or Aster gluti- nosus, Hk. f.), on the Barn. it must be regarded therefore as a scrubwood species; and I may add that there are few members of the scrubwood fauna (as yet brought to light) which are more interesting than the 4. asperatus.
Apart from its very brightly brassy hue and elliptic-fusiform outline (which is much widened in the centre, and almost equally attenuated both before and behind,—the posterior region appearing, consequently, to be unusually pointed or narrowed), the present Acanthomerus may be recognized by its robust, thickened legs (which have their femora very coarsely asperated, their tibia, parti- cularly the intermediate ones, appreciably curved, and their third tarsal joint conspicuously bilobed), by its large but not very promi- nent eyes, its closely but rather finely punctulated prothorax, and by its elytra being very densely covered towards their sides and apex with sharp but minute granules. Its surface, moreover, is not quite bald, but will be seen, when viewed beneath a high magnifying- power, to be studded, especially on the elytra (which are slightly biarcuated anteriorly), with a diminutive cinereous pubescence. Its antenne are rather long, with the second joint of their funiculus considerably lengthened, and their capitulum large and oblong.
118. Acanthomerus terebrans. (Fig. 6.)
A. breviter ovato-fusiformis, eneus aut nigro-eneus (interdum obsoletissime subviridi tinctus), nitidus, calvus; rostro lineari, distincte punctato,.oculis haud valde prominentibus; prothorace (elytris sensim angustiore) subtriangulari-ovato, vix minutius dense punctato; elytris ovalibus basi subemarginato-truncatis, leviter substriato-punctatis. per basin ipsissimam granulis per- paucis asperato-terminatis, striis antice breviter profundioribus, interstitiis latis et distincte punctatis; antennis tarsisque rufo- ferrugineis, funiculi (laxi) art's 1™° et 2° subeequalibus ; femori- bus tibiisque eeneo-piceis; tarsorum art? 3"° valde distincte bilobo. Subtus in medio parce punctatus.
Variat (rarius) colore fere nigro, subcyanescente.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2}.
136 COSSONID.
Microxylobius terebrans, Woll., Trans. Ent. Soc. v. 382, pl. 18. f. 7 (1861).
——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 406 (1869).
Acanthomerus terebrans, Id., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 653 (18738).
Microxylobius terebrans, Melliss, St. Hel. 151 (1875).
Habitat in editioribus insula, Compositas arborescentes varias copiose destruens.
This is one of the most abundant, and widely spread, of all the Acanthomeri which have hitherto been detected,—occurring particu- larly, however, amongst the cabbage-trees and arborescent asters of a lofty altitude. Along the whole central heights, from Diana’s Peak and Acteeon to Stitch’s Ridge, Cason’s, High Peak, and West Lodge, it is universal,—congregating beneath the loose fibrous bark of the Pladaroxylon leucodendron, Hk. f., and the Melanodendron mtegrifolium, DC.; and in the aster-grove beyond West Lodge, overlooking Lufkins, it literally swarms. But it scarcely descends into the strictly ‘‘intermediate ” districts,—the least-elevated point at which I observed it being Vine-Tree Gut, below Halley’s Mount. It was captured likewise by Mr. Gray ; and it is a species which was first placed on record by myself, on the evidence of two examples which were found by the late Mr. Bewicke, during a day’s collecting in the island in 1860.
The rather short and ovate-fusiform outline of the A. terebrans (the brightly brassy surface of which varies occasionally into a subcyaneous-black), added to its densely (but not very coarsely) punctulated prothorax, and the deepened anterior portions of its strie, which cause the base of the elytra to appear at first sight to be somewhat impressed with a series of abbreviated longitudinal furrows, will serve sufficiently to distinguish it.
119. Acanthomerus obliteratus.
A, precedenti similis, sed paulum crassior ac magis ovatus, in medio sublatior (prothorace subconyexiore, elytrisque sensim convexiori- bus ac magis rotundatis), etiam nitidior, sc. nitidissimus; rostro presertim in 9) paululum longiore; sculptura omnino (sed precipue in elytris) submagis grossa, tamen multo leviore (sc. punctis striisque subobliteratis, his haud profundioribus ad basin elytrorum); antennarum capitulo minus abrupto, pedibusque sensim crassioribus.
Long. corp. lin. cirea 2.
COSSONID&. 137
Microxylobius obliteratus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 407 (1869). Acanthomerus obliteratus, Id., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 653 (1873). Microxylobius obliteratus, Melliss, St. Hel. 151 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis aut subelevatis insule, rarior.
I think it is scarcely likely that this Acanthomerus can be any local state, or phasis, of the A. terebrans, peculiar perhaps to the gumwoods (instead of the cahbage-trees), though the two have undoubtedly a good deal in common. Judging from the few examples to which I have access (for it is clearly one of the rarer members of the genus), it is altogether a little thicker and more ovate than that species, and more mesially-widened (the prothorax and elytra being, each of them, more convex, and the latter more rounded); and it is even still more shining (being very highly polished) ; its rostrum is appreciably longer; its antennal club is less abrupt ; its legs are more incrassated; and its entire sculpture (except on the rostrum), although coarser or less fine, is very much more lightly impressed,—the punctures and striz of the elytra, the latter of which are not more deeply grooved at their base than else- where, being well-nigh obliterated.
I have taken this Acanthomerus amongst the old gumwoods in Peak Gut; and it was met with by Mr. P. Whitehead on likewise the eastern side of the great central ridge, though further to the northward,—beyond (and below) Cason’s. Where Mr. Melliss’s original examples, from which I enunciated the species, were pro- cured I have no means of ascertaining.
Genus 54. EUCOPTODERUS (nov. gen.).
Corpus elongate fusiformi-ovatum, calvum, semipolitum (sc. in parte nitidum et in parte opacum), in rostro prothoraceque densissime et grossissime rugoso-sculpturatum, sed in elytris subnoduloso- ineequale; rostro longiusculo, subgraciliter elongato-subtriangu- lari, oculis parvis sed subprominulis, scrobe infra oculos subcurvate ducta; prothorace subovato, antice ieviter constricto; scutello obsoleto ; elytris elongato-subovatis, hine inde gibbulosis; meta- sterno brev1; abdominis segm"* 1™° et 2° inter se arctissime con- natis (lined valde indistincta divisis). Antenne mox ante medium rostri inserte, subgraciles ; scapo longiusculo; funiculo 5-articu- lato, laxo, art® 2° elongato (sc. 1™° sensim longiore). Pedes antici parum, imtermedu paululum magis, et postici latius (tamen haud remote) distantes; tarsis longiusculis, art? 3%° latiusculo et distincte bilobo.
Ab ev, bene, korrw, seco, et é€pn, collum.
138 COSSONID.
The anomalous sculpture of the two singular Cossonids which constitute the present genus, the prothorax and rostrum of which are most coarsely, roughly, and densely wrinkled (rather than punctured) with subconfluent, fold-like flexuosities, or confused vermiform subreticulating ridges, in conjunction with their slightly nodulose, uneven elytra, their rather slender, elongate-subtriangular rostrum, piceo-cneous hue, and the lengthened second joint of their funiculus, seem to refer them to a totally different type from Microxylobius; whilst the same characters, with the exception of the brassy tinge of their surface and their somewhat produced second funiculus-articulation, almost equally prevent their associa- tion with the aberrant Acanthomeri, in which the femora are unarmed with a basal spine. Their anterior coxe are more appreciably removed from each other than is usual in these immediate groups, being by no means even subcontiguous ; and their general surface, although quite bald, has, from the tendency to inequalities which it possesses, and the fact of its being partially bright and partially opake (as though semi-polished), a somewhat sericeous or silken
appearance.
120. Eucoptoderus vermiculatus, n. sp.
E. elongate fusiformi-ovatus, calvus, vel eeneo-piceus vel piceo-zeneus ; rostro longiusculo, subgraciliter elongato-subtriangulari, postice rugose et subconfluenter costulato-striguloso et indistincte punc- tato, subopaco sed versus apicem nitido, et ibidem minute punc- tulato, oculis parvis ; prothorace densissime grossissimeque con- fluenter vermiculato-plicato, subopaco ; elytris subnodulosis, in- eequalibus, grosse subundulatim striatis (striis latis sed indistincte punctatis), subopacis sed versus suturam plus minus eeneo-mican- tibus (quasi sc. semipolitis), interstitiis convexis ; antennis pedi- busque piceo-testaceis. Subtus in medio grosse et profunde, sed vix densissime, punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 2-21.
Habitat in insule editioribus, sub ligno antiquo late sed parce dif-
fusus.
I have already called attention to the prima facie characters of this curious Cossonid, the marvellously sculptured prothorax and rostrum of which give it such a peculiar appearance. It seems somewhat scarce, aud to be confined to the higher parts of the island,—though descending as low as about 2300 feet above the sea. My examples are principally from the neighbourhood of Diana’s
COSSONIDA. 139
Peak and Actzeon; but I also met with it at Cason’s, where it has attached itself partially to the dead pines, and at West Lodge.
121. Eucoptoderus affinis, n. sp.
E. precedenti similis, sed prothorace multo minus grosse sculptu- rato; elytris vix magis rotundatis et utrinque vix magis alutaceis, multo minus profunde striatis (striis minus grossis tamen eviden- tius punctatis), interstitiisque latioribus ac depressis (nec convexis). Subtus minus grosse punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 11-23.
Habitat sub ligno antiquo ramulisque fractis emortuis ; in editioribus supra West Lodge, Februario ineunte, a meipso repertus.
It is not altogether impossible that this may represent in reality but a permanent state, or modification, of the last species ; never- theless I was not able to meet with any intermediate links. It seems . to differ from the £. vermiculatus in haying its prothorax very much less coarsely sculptured, and in its elytra (which are just appreciably rounder in outline) being not only more alutaceous on either side, but with their striz finer and more lightly impressed (though rather more evidently punctate), and with their interstices wider and less conyex. Its underside also is less coarsely punctured.
The few examples which I have seen of this Kucoptoderus (seven in number) were captured by myself, after the early summer rains at the beginning of February, on the extreme and precipitous edge of the central ridge immediately above West Lodge and overlooking the great Sandy-Bay crater. They were adhering to small pieces of wood and old sticks, in the vicinity of the Aster guinmiferus, Hk. fil., or “ Little Bastard Gumwood.”
Genus 55. CHALCOTROGUS (nov. gen.).
Corpus elliptico- aut potius bielliptico-fusiforme, fere calyum, semi- politum (sc. in parte nitidum et in parte opacum), minus sculptu- ratum ; rostro elongato, gracili, lineari sed in ¢ ad apicem (7. e. ad antennarum insertionem) leviter dilatato-ampliato, in 2 aut fere aut omnino simplici; oculis minutis sed subprominulis ; scrobe infra oculos oblique ducta; prothorace ovali aut elliptico, interdum rotundate ampliato, antice vix constricto, postice linea marginato ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris vel oboyato- vel elongato-ellipticis, utrinque pone medium gibbulosis aut ineequalibus, fere quasi sub- nodulosis ; metasterno vel brevissimo (ut in typicis), vel mediocri ; abdominis segm"* 1™° et 2° inter se arctissime connatis (linea valde indistincta divisis), et, una cum metasterno, longitudinaliter
140 COSSONIDA.
sat concavis. Antenne ante medium rostri inserte ; funiculo 5-articulato, laxo, art'* 1™° et 2° longiusculis, subsequalibus. Pedes antici fere contigui, intermedi paululum magis distantes, atque etiam postict haud late remoti; tarsis breviusculis, crassiusculis, art? 3% minute bilobo. “A yadkos, es (sc. eneus), et rpwyw, edo. [Typus: Chalcotrogus apio- nides. |
Although unwilling to multiply genera unnecessarily amongst these numerous forms of the Cossonide, I nevertheless cannot but consider that the three singular insects which I have regarded as representing the present group cannot by any possibility be assigned to even the ‘“‘aberrant” (or spineless) Acanthomert,—from which they altogether recede in their long, narrow rostrum (which in the male sex is slightly evpanded anteriorly, at the insertion of the antenne), their extremely minute but rather prominent eyes, their subcontiguous fore coxee, the less dilated third joint of their more abbreviated feet, in their somewhat 67-elliptical outline (the pro- thorax and elytra being more than usually separately-elliptic, and the former liable in one of the species to considerable development), and in their very anomalous sculpture. This last indeed is on a most unusual type,—the surface being partly brilliant and partly alutaceous and opake (a peculiarity which, to a certain extent, is shadowed forth likewise in Hucoptoderus), as though half-polished ; it having much the appearance, in consequence, although practically bald, of what we may be permitted to express as cenescent satin. Their prothorax is margined behind, the margin being formed by a very regular subbasal line ; and their elytra are more or less wneven on either side beyond the middle,—the inequalities taking the prima facie appearance of either very obsolete nodules (as in Hucoptoderus), or else of irregular scabrous spaces.
a. Metasternum brevissimum.
122. Chalcotrogus apionides, n. sp.
C. breviter elliptico-fusiformis (in medio latiusculus, antice et postice attenuatus), vel nigro- vel piceo-zeneus, semipolitus (sc. hine inde nitidus, et hine inde alutaceo-opacus), oculo fortissime armato minutissime parcissimeque cinereo-pubescens (preecipue in elytris) ; rostro longiusculo, gracili, ad antennarum insertionem (in ¢ distincte, in 9 obsolete) subquadrato-latiore, subopaco, minu- tissime et parce punctulato ; oculis minutis sed subprominulis ;
COSSONID#. 141
prothorace (elytris sensim angustiore) ovali, punctulis minu- tissimis parce irrorato, ad basin anguste marginato, inequaliter alutaceo-opaco sed antice nitido; elytris ellipticis (aut obovatis) basi truncatis, convexis, fere non sculpturatis (sc. obsoletissime substriato-subpunctatis), utrinque pone medium inequalibus aut obsolete subnodulosis, antice et postice alutaceo-opacis sed in medio gradatim politissimis; antennis pedibusque rufo-ferru- gineis ; funiculi art's 1™° et 2° subsequalibus ; tibiis posticis in ¢ paulo curvatis ; tarsorum art® 3° minutissime subbilobo. Subtus in medio nitidulus, leviter et parcissime punctulatus. Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat in ligno Compositarum arborescentium emortuo antiquo marcido, necnon interdum etiam sub truncis Pinorwm in editioribus ; parce occurrens.
The short, elliptico-fusiform, mesially-widened, Apion-like outline of this remarkable little Cossonid would, of itself, almost suffice to distinguish it from every thing else with which we are here con- cerned. Its rostrum is rather long and slender, and appreciably widened towards the tip (at the point of insertion of the antenne), particularly, however, in the male sex; and the first and second joints of its funiculus are about equal, and only slightly elongated. Its surface is well-nigh unsculptured,—the rostrum and prothorax (which are nearly opake, though wnevenly so, except the anterior edge of the latter which is brilliant) being but very sparingly sprinkled with most diminutive punctules, whilst the punctures and striz of the elytra (which last are alutaceous and opake before and behind, but gradually highly polished across the central region) are nearly obsolete. The legs are a little longer in the males than in the females; and in the former sex the two posterior tibize are perceptibly curved. In colour it is either of a blackish brass, or else of a dark eneo-piceous.
The C. apionides is extremely scarce, and confined to the high central ridge,—where normally it is, without doubt, attached to the damp and decayed wood of the old cabbage-trees. In such situations I have met with it along the “ Cabbage-Tree Road,” immediately below Diana’s Peak and Actzeon ; but at Cason’s, like so many of the Cossonids in that particular locality, it has adapted itself almost equally to the pines,—beneath the dead trunks of which I captured it, not uncommonly, particularly about February, in company with the Pseudomesoxent and varies species of Microaylobius, after the early summer rains,
142 COSSONID#.
125. Chalcotrogus oblongior, n. sp.
C. preecedenti similis, sed paulo major et oblongior (in medio minus rotundato-amphatus); rostro longiore et graciliore, ab apice usque ad basin gradatim paululum subangustiore, in 2 [ ¢ adhue latet} nullo modo ad antennarum insertionem dilatato, postice rugosius densiusque punctulato (etiam fronte dense et rugose punctulata) ; prothorace elytrisque vix evidentius punctulatis, his minus con- vexis; antennis sublongioribus, funiculi art® 2° quam primus sublongiore.
Long. corp. lin. vix 13.
Habitat in editioribus insule, rarissimus; a meipso bis lectus.
Of this species I haye seen hitherto but two examples, which were taken by myself on the high central ridge. Unfortunately they are both of them females; so that I am not able to decide whether the rostrum is at all apically-dilated (at the insertion of the antenne) in the males. In the female, however (in which sex of the C. apionides there is at all events a faint widening), there is no trace whatever of any thing like an expansion,—it being perfectly slender throughout, though, if any thing, gradually narrowed from the extreme tip to the base. This greater length and thinness of the rostrum, added to its perfect freedom (at any rate in the female sex) from a dilatation, or thickening, at the implantation of the antenne, and the fact of its beg much more densely and roughly punctulated (the punctules extending moreover, between the eyes, onto the forehead, which is comparatively free from sculpture in that species), constitute its main points of divergence from the C. upionides. It is, however, in addition to this, a little larger and more oblong (or less mesially-widened) than that insect ; its elytra are less convex ; and its antenne (which are a trifle longer) have the second joint of their funiculus just appreciably more lengthened than the first one (instead of being equal to it).
aa. Metasternum mediocre.
124. Chalcotrogus semipolitus, n. sp.
C. angustulus, elongate bielliptico-fusiformis (sc. prothorace elytris- que singulatim ellipticis, inter se bene divisis), eneus, semipolitus (sc. hine inde nitidus, et hine inde alutaceo-opacus), fere calvus : rostro elongato, gracili, ad antennarum insertionem in ¢ paululum subquadrato-latiore, in 2 fere simplici (sed a basi usque ad
COSSONID. 143
apicem gradatim obsolete latiore), in ¢ subopaco et distincte punctulato sed in Q paulum longiore graciliore minutius punctu- lato et antice nitido ; oculis minutis sed subprominulis ; protho- race elliptico, vel ad latera valde rotundato-ampliato (elytris multo latiore) vel angustiore, minutissime et parce (sed interdum distinctius) punctulato, ad basin marginato, ineequaliter alutaceo- (et substriguloso-) opaco sed antice paululum nitidiore et ibidem Tugosius transversim striguloso; elytris elongato-ellipticis basi truncatis, plerumque vix striatis et vix punctatis sed interdum interrupte substriato-punctatis, irregulariter transversim rugatis et utrinque pone medium inequalibus, aut obsolete scabroso- subnodulosis, hine inde (presertim ad apicem et utrinque pone medium) alutaceo-opacis et hine inde nitidioribus ; antennis tar- sisque rufo-ferrugineis. Subtus in medio subopacus, leviter sed parum grosse punctatus. Long. corp. lin. 13-23.
Habitat sub ligno antiquo in editioribus insule, late diffusus.
Obs.—Species forma sculpturaque variabilis,—prothorace ad latera plus minus rotundato-ampliato atque interdum evidentius punctulato, elytrisque plus minus transyersim rugatis ac punctatis. Colore rarius nigrescenti- aut virescenti-cyaneo.
Although widely spread along the whole central ridge—where I have taken it about Diana’s Peak and Actzeon, as well as at Cason’s, High Peak, and West Lodge (and on one occasion even below Halley’s Mount)—the present singular Cossonid does not appear to descend into the “‘ intermediate ” districts, it being attached to the old wood of the various arborescent Composite. At Cason’s, how- ever, it has adapted itself a good deal to the pines, like so many of the cabbage-tree species in that particular locality; and I also obseryed a similar tendency in it at Rock Rose.
The C. semipolitus is one of the most beautiful of the St.-Helena Cossonids; and yet, owing to its variability both in stature and outline, it is certainly one of the most difficult ones to describe. From the great development of the prothorax in the larger indivi- duals and its comparative narrowness in the smaller ones, as well as from the fact that the latter are very frequently a little more decidedly punctured (neither of which characters appear to be in any way sexual), I felt it probable at first that two distinct species would be indicated; nevertheless, after overhauling very earefully 117 examples which are now before me, I have been forced to the conclusion that they are all of them specifically identical, and
144 COSSONID.
that a certain inconstancy in bulk, contour, and sculpture is the utmost that can safely be inferred.
It is but very seldom that the brightly senescent hue of the C. semipolitus becomes (as in so many of the Acanthomeri) darker, or of a somewhat metallic black; but its curious surface (which has already been alluded to) is perhaps on the whole a little less opake, yet at the same time zn parts less brilliant, than in the C. apionides. In size, however, it is very much larger and more elongated than in that insect,—its prothorax being proportionally more developed (sometimes very conspicuously so), and its elytra (which are more uneven and transversely wrinkled) less shortened and more regu- larly elliptical ; its rostrum is relatively longer, and less widened in the males (in which sex it is opake and coarsely punctured) at the insertion of the antennz, whilst in the female there is no appearance whatever of any dilatation at all (the rostrum being merely a little gradually narrowed, as in the C. oblongior, from the apex to the base); and its metasternum is much less abbreviated.
Genus 56, LAMPROCHRUS. Wollaston, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 450 et 520 (1875).
Corpus magnum, fusiforme, in elytris distincte (tamen minute) pubescens, nitidum; rostro (presertim in Q) elongato, gracili, lineari, in ¢ paulo robustiore et breviore necnon ante medium (ad antennarum insertionem) conspicue et elongate dilatato- ampliato; oculis subprominulis; scrobe longe ante oculos oblique ducta; prothorace breviter subovali, antice vix constricto ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris elongato-fusiformibus basi truncatis, postice dense granulato-asperatis; mcetasterno brevi; abdominis segm"* 1™° et 2% inter se arctissime connatis (lined valde indistincta divisis) et, una cum metasterno, longitudinaliter concavis. An- tenne elongate, graciles, in 9 ante medium sed in ¢ paulo magis Versus apicem rostri insert; scapo elongato, gracili; funiculo 5-articulato, gracili, laxo, art? 2° valde elongato (quam primus multo longiore) ; capitulo magno, oblongo. Pedes longissimi, antict fere contigui, intermedii paululum magis distantes, atque etiam postict haud late remoti; tarsis longissimis, art? 1™° elongato, 3° lato et valde distincte profundeque bilobo, ult™® longissimo.
The magnificent Cossonid for which I proposed the present genus, in 1873, is altogether one of the largest and finest members of the family with which I am acquainted,—not merely in St. Helena but elsewhere; and although evidently akin to Chalcotrogus and the
COSSONID®. 145
aberrant Acanthomeri, there cannot be a doubt that it well deserves (indeed positively requires) generic separation. Apart from its somewhat gigantic stature (for an exponent of the Pentarthrideous section of the Cossonid@) and its brassy surface (which it possesses in common with so many of the immediately allied forms), it is at once remarkable for the structure of its rostrum (which in the females is extremely elongated, narrow, and filiform, but a little robuster and shorter in the males, and conspicuously widened before the middle at the insertion of the antenne), as well as for the unusual length of its limbs—the scape, the second joint of the funiculus, and the first and last ones of the feet being (as compared with what one observes in the allied genera) greatly elongated,—and for its conspicuously and deeply bilobed third tarsal articulation. As in Chalcotrogus, its anterior coxe are well-nigh contiguous ; and even the intermediate ones are but slightly separated; its elytra (which, like the femora, are much roughened behind with asperated granules) are very decidedly sprinkled with a short cinereous pubescence; and its antenne are (not merely long, but also) remarkably slender.
125. Lamprochrus cossonoides.
LZ. magnus, fusiformis, nigro-zneus, nitidulus, in elytris conspicue sed breviter cinereo-pubescens; rostro in 9 longissimo, gracili, lineari, polito, minutissime punctulato, sed in ¢ paulum robustiore, breyiore, vix minus nitido evidentiusque punctulato, necnon ante medium (ad antennarum insertionem) elongate ampliato ; capite dense punctulato; prothorace dense (preesertim versus latera) et sat profunde punctato ; elytris elongato-ellipticis aut fusiformibus, conyexis, profunde substriato-punctatis, interstitiis latis et distincte irregulariter punctatis, postice transversim rugatis et dense granulato-asperatis ; antennis tarsisque longissimis, ferru- gineis, illis gracilibus, funiculi art? 2° longissimo, femoribus grosse granulato-asperatis, his art? 3%° valde conspicue et pro- funde bilobo. Swubtus in medio dense et grosse punctatus.
Varvat (varius) colore piceo atque etiam subcyanescenti-nigro.
Long. corp. lin. 23-4.
Microxylobius cossonoides, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 403 (1871). Lamprochrus cossonoides, Id., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 653 (1873). Microxylobius cossonoides, Melliss, St. Hel. 151 (1875).
Habitat in editioribus insule (rarissime in regionibus intermediis), ad folia Asters gummiferi, Hk. f., precipue adherens. Inter Commidendron robustum, DC., multo rarius occurrit.
L
146 COSSONIDA.
By Mr. Melliss this beautiful Cossonid was taken on the highest part of -the central ridge, in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak; and it was found sparingly by Mr. Gray in the same locality during the first month of our sojourn at St. Helena. Subsequently I met with a few examples of it myself in the identical spot (where it was like- wise captured by the Rey. H. and Mr. P. Whitehead), as well as upon an Aster gummiferus at Cason’s; and I may add that, if no other habitat for the species had been observed, the L. cossonoides would have ranked amongst the rarest of the aboriginal Coleoptera. Fortunately, however, I happened to detect it in the Aster-grove beyond West Lodge and overlooking Lufkins, and which (although so small) occupies one of the few accessible areas on the precipitous inner wall of the great Sandy-Bay crater, where the native arborescent Composite (represented there, entirely, by the two rare Asters—the gummeferus and Burchellii) have not been entirely destroyed ; and by constant visits to that particular spot I secured a considerable number of examples. In very few instances, however, could I obtain them from within the old trunks and sticks (the principal resort of the Cossonids), nearly the whole of my specimens haying been beaten off the foliage into my sweeping-net. This is a peculiarity on which I would lay considerable stress; and it is one which is all the more remarkable on account of the tearing wind which scarcely ever ceases to play (in consequence of the south-east trades) against those marvellously exposed slopes. So boisterous indeed was the breeze, on nearly every occasion when we succeeded in reaching that remote little copse, that it was with difficulty that I could even open my net ; and yet, in spite of constant driving mist and every possible disadvantage, I never once failed to brush the Z. cossonoides (sometimes eight or nine of it at a single beat) from the sticky leaves of the asters. But this modus vivendi is clearly its normal one, the unusually expanded third joint of its unusually elongated feet (as compared with the adjacent forms) giving it, in conjunction with the viscous foliage of the shrubs, a manifest power of adhesion, in the teeth of the most boisterous gales, which is neither possessed nor required by the species (even in the selfsame locality) which le concealed within masses of rotting wood.
Although so eminently attached to the Aster gummiferus (and the well-nigh extinct A. Burchellii), I nevertheless met with a single example of the L. cossonoides on the foliage of one of the true gum- woods (Commidendron robustum, DC.) between Peak Dale and
-~
COSSONIDA. 147
Lufkins, at a much lower elevation than the Aster-grove to which I have just called attention, but at the same time almost immediately beneath it ; and it is not impossible, therefore, that it may have been a chance one which had been conveyed accidentally from the (more or less) Aster-covered cliffs above. At any rate I did not obtain the species amongst any other genuine gumwoods, and I do not think that it belongs properly to the-real gumwood fauna. As for the few individuals on the extreme summit of the high central ridge, I suspect that it must have been from an Aster gummiferus that they were brushed off, though I do not remember to have observed that shrub in the neighbourhood of Diana’s Peak; for I possess no evidence that the species is attached in any way to the cabbage- trees.
Genus 57. XESTOPHASIS (nov. gen.).
Corpus magnum, fusiforme, calvum, politum ; vostro longiusculo, robusto, ad basin subconstricto aut strangulato, dein supra alte gibboso, dei (usque ad apicem) subito et valde decurvo, in d ad antennarum insertionem (i.e. in medio) facile sed conspicue incrassato, ad basin (in utroque sexu) longitudinaliter obtriangu- lariter excavato; oculis parvis sed prominulis; scrobe valde pro- funda et argutissime determinata, angusta, longissima, sc. ab apice rostri yso usque ad basin sub oculos curvate ducta ; prothorace ovali-subconico, antice leviter constricto; scutello obsoleto ; elytris elongato-fusiformibus, equalibus; metasterno mediocri; abdominis segm"® 1™° et 2° inter se arctissime connatis (linea valde indistincta divisis). Antenne graciles, in ¢ in medio sed in 2 mox pone medium rostr: (et scrobis) insertee ; funiculo 5-articulato, laxo, art® 2°° primo paululum longiore. Pedes subgraciles, antici parum, intermedi paululum magis, atque etiam postici haud latissime distantes ; tarsis art? 3"° sat minute sed distincte bilobo.
A feards, calvus, et deors, facies.
Considering the very great similarity of their robust and anoma- lously formed rostra (which are somewhat narrowed, or strangulated, at the base, then much raised, or gibbose, to about the middle, from which point to the apex they are suddenly and most unusually deflected, while in the centre behind they are obtriangularly branded or scooped out), I had at first imagined that the two curious insects for which the present genus and the following one are established might prove to be widely differing members of a single group. And even now indeed I cannot but feel that this is possible; though a close examination has revealed so many discrepancies, which are
L2
148 COSSONIDA.
more or less structural, that I think it safer to treat them as expo- nents of independent but nearly allied assemblages, of which we may expect that others will yet occur. In their small but rather prominent eyes they are also on much the same pattern inter se, as well as in the proportions of their funiculus-joints ; nevertheless prima facie they are almost totally dissimilar,—Xestophasis having the body fusiform, bald, shining, and brassy, with the elytra even, the metasternum moderately elongated, and the third articulation of the feet decidedly bilobed ; whereas in Tapiromimus the body is large and oblong, conspicuously setose, opake, and nearly black (it being entirely unmetallic), with the metasternum short, and the third tarsal joint comparatively simple. Moreover, even as regards the rostrum (which embodies their main point of resemblance), the two species are by no means similar; for whilst in Tapiromimus (unless indeed I am much mistaken) it is nearly alike in both sexes (it being robust but only very obsoletely widened mesially), in Xestophasis, on the other hand, it is in the females equally simple (although longer, narrower, and less curved), but mesially-thickened to a most remarkable extent (in addition to being shorter) in the males. And, besides all this, the implantation of the antennz con- stitutes another item of divergence ; for while in Tapiromimus they are ante-median (I believe) in both sexes, in Xestophasis they are median in the males and post-median in the females. And the scrobs, which in Xestophasis is narrow and grooye-like, and most anomalously carried from the extreme apex of the rostrum to the extreme base (below the eye), the antennz being inserted in the middle of it and behind the middle, respectively, in Tapiromimus commences at some distance from the tip and extends backwards (to below the eye) as a broad and open channel *.
* Expressed concisely, the main distinctive features which separate these two genera may be recorded thus :—
Corpus calvum, politum, xeneum ; vostro in d in medio conspicue incrassato, in © longiore graciliore minus arcuato et fere simplici; scrobe angusta, longis- sima, sc. ab apice rostri ipso usque ad (sed infra) oculos curvate ducta ; elytris fusiformibus, eequalibus; metasterno mediocri. Antenne in ¢ in medio, sed in 2 mox pone medium rostri (et scrobis) insertee. Pedes subgra- ciles ; tarsorwm art® 3%° anguste sed distincte bilobo ............ XESTOPHASIS.
Corpus magnum, pubescens, opacum, niger; rostro in utroque sexu quasi arcuatim distorto, tamen subsimili ; scrobe ab ultra medium rostri usque ad (sed infra) oculos latissime curvate ducta ; elytris oblongis basi late subsinuato- truncatis, utrinque pone medium obsoletissime subnoduloso-insequalibus ; metasterno brevi. Antenne in utroque sexu ante medium rostri inserte. Pedes crassi; tarsorum art® 34° minutius ac minus evidenter bilobo (sc. Nias) F910) 0) UL) ssn ohac socdop op Soo dbaaadebEOpAeanonas Sabpnaae5cbcccadeccada. 41> TAPIROMIMUS.
COSSONIDE. 149
126. Xestophasis nasalis, n. sp.
X, elongato-fusiformis, angustula, nigro-snea, nitida, calva; rostro robusto, ad basin substrangulato, supra in medio (presertim in ¢ ) gibboso, dein usque ad apicem valde arcuato-deflexo, in 2 longissimo arcuato-sublineari aut pone medium obsoletissime cras- siore minute punctulato, in ¢ paulo breviore et multo crassiore (sc. gradatim pone medium valde incrassato) necnon rugosius punctato, in utroque sexu (sed preesertim in ¢ ) ad basin elongate obtriangulariter impresso aut exciso; oculis subprominulis ; pro- thorace Gaal -subconico, antice leviter constricto, grosse, profunde, et parum dense punctato; elytris elongato-fusiformibus, grosse substriato-punctatis, interstitiis distincte subseriatim punctatis ; antennis pedibusque subgracilibus, ilis tarsisque ferrugineis, funiculi art® 2° paululum longiore quam primo, tarsorum art? 3*° anguste sed distincte bilobo. Swbtws in medio grosse sed vix den- sissime punctata.
Long. corp. lin. 3-33.
Habitat ad folia, necnon in ligno antiquo Commidendri robusti, DC.
(anglice “ Gumwood ”) ; ut mihi videtur, rarissima.
This singular Cossonid, so remarkable for the structure of its basally strangulate, superiorly gibbose, and anteriorly decurved ros- trum (which is comparatively long and narrow in the females, but mesially thickened in the males to an extraordinary extent, and which has the antennz median in the latter sex, but post-median in the former) is one of the rarest, so far as my experience is con- cerned, of all the St.-Helena Coleoptera. It appears to be attached to the Commidendron robustum, DC., or gumwood,—amongst the old trees of which I have taken it sparingly in Thompson’s Wood (where it was also met with by Mrs. Wollaston), as well as in Peak Gut.
Genus 58. TAPIROMIMUS (nov. gen.).
Corpus magnum, fusiformi-oblongum, setulosum, opacum ; rostro (et cet.) fere ut in genere precedente, sc. quasi distorto, tamen in ‘utroque sexu (nisi fallor) subsimili (nee in ¢ in medio distincte incrassato) ; scrobe breviore, postice latiore, tamen valde profunda, sc. ab ultra medium rostri usque ad (sed infra) oculos gradatim latiore ducta ; elytris suboblongis (nec fusiformibus) basi late sub- sinuato-truncatis, utrinque pone medium obsoletissime subnodu- loso-inequalibus ; metasterno breviore. Antenne in utroque sexu (nisi fallor) ante medium (nec in ¢ in medio, et in 9 pone
150 COSSONIDA.
medium) rostri inserts. Pedes crassi (nec subgraciles); tarsorum art® 3° minutius ac minus eyidenter bilobo.
A Tapirus, et pipos, imitator.
The large size of this curious insect (for a member of the Pentar- thrideous section of the Cossonidee), added to its opake setose surface and most extraordinary rostrum, would of themselves suffice for recognizing it. The short bristles with which it is everywhere studded (even on the very rostrum) become extremely fulvescent, or well-nigh golden, on the elytra,—where they are longitudinally disposed down the interstices, and gradually longer (as well as more erect) behind; and its entire surface, which is often much coated with dirt, is either of a dull black or else somewhat picescent. Its elytra, on either side behind the middle, have a very faint tendency to inequalities or nodules,—which perhaps, however, is more appa- rent than real, from the fact of the sete being more conspicuous in those particular parts.
127. Tapiromimus gibbirostris, n. sp.
T. magnus, fusiformi-oblongus, niger aut piceo-niger, opacus, bre- viter fulvo-setosus ; rostro robusto, ad basin substrangulato, supra pone medium alte gibboso, dein usque ad apicem valde arcuato-: deflexo, in utroque sexu (nisi fallor) fere simili, se. arcuato-sub- lineari aut in medio obsolete suberassiore, minutissime punctulato, ad basin elongate obtriangulariter impresso aut exciso; oculis prominentibus ; capite utrinque ad latera (fere subtus) dense asperato-punctato ; prothorace oblongo-ovali, antice vix constricto, leviter, parce, et ineequaliter punctato; elytris oblongis basi late subsinuato-truncatis, leviter punctato-striatis, interstitiis latis, obsolete transversim rugatis ac minutissime subseriatim punctu- latis longitudinaliterque fulvo-setosis (setis postice gradatim longi- oribus), utrinque pone medium obsoletissime subnoduloso-inzequa- libus ; antennis tursisque ferrugineis, funiculi art? 2° primo paululum longiore ; pedibus crassis, tarsorum art® 3"° minutius ac minus evidenter bilobo. Subtws in medio grossissime sed haud valde profunde punctatus.
Long. corp. lin, 33-43.
Habitat in ligno antiquo emortuo marcido Compositarum arbores-
centium, in locis valde elevatis humidis ; rarissimus.
This is one of the rarest of the Cossonids which have hitherto been found at St. Helena,—seven examples being all that I could obtain during our six months’ sojourn in the island. They were
COSSONIDA. Lo
found on the high central ridge, in the immediate neighbourhood of Actzon and Diana’s Peak ; and as they were more or less in connexion with the damp decayed wood of the old cabbage-trees, the species in all probability belongs to the aboriginal cabbage-tree fauna.
Genus 59. TYCHIORHINUS (nov. gen.).
Corpus oblongum aut ovale, pubescens, opacum ; rostro longiusculo, gracili, vel omnino lineari vel postice gradatim obsolete sublatiore ; oculis vel parvis vel minutissimis ; scrobe infra oculos profunde ducta ; prothorace seepius subquadrato-ovali, antice vix constricto ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris vel oblongis vel ovalibus, basi plus minus emarginato- (rarius recte) truncatis, hine inde (sed presertim utrinque pone medium) plus minus noduloso- aut costulato- ipequalibus ; metasterno brevi; abdominis segm*® 1”° et 2% inter se arctissime connatis (rarius distincte separatis), linea valde indistincta (rarius distincta) divisis. Antenne ante medium rostri insert ; funculo 5-articulato, art's 1™° et 2° longitudine subequa- libus. Pedes antici fere contigui, intermedi: paululum magis, atque etiam postici haud latissime distantes ; tars’s brevibus, art® 3‘? minute bilobo.
A Tychius, et pir, nasus. [Typus: Tychiorhinus porrectus.]
The five Cossonids for which J have proposed the present genus are rather small in stature, coarsely pubescent (but not very thickly so), and with their surface opake and more or less deeply sculptured and uneven,—the elytra having a tendency for obscure costiform nodules, occasioned by the greater or less breaking-up of the raised alternate interstices. Their rostrum is rather long and slender (sometimes gradually a trefle widened behind); their eyes are minute (in one species extremely so); their first and second funiculus-joints are not much produced, and pretty nearly of equal length; and their feet are short, with the third articulation rather indistinctly bilobed. In one of the exponents (the 7. variolosus) the first two segments of the abdomen are divided by a conspicuous line of sepa- ration (which is very unusual amongst these immediate Cossonideous forms); but in the others they are closely soldered together. The whole five species are peculiar to the high central ridge, and appear to be attached normally to the damp rotting wood of the old cabbage- trees.
A. abdominis segm* 1” et 2%” lined distinctd divisa. variolosus,
AA. abdominis segmt* 1™™ et 24” ayctissime connata. a. scapus longiuscelus, facile clavatus,
152 COSSONID..
B. elytra interstitio laterali valde costato, ad humeros valde porrecto. porrectus. BS. elytra ubique subnoduloso-inequalia, ad humeros paulum porrecta. inzequalis, subochraceus. aa. scapus breviusculus, subito clavatus. lineatus.
128. Tychiorhinus variolosus, n. sp.
T’. angusto-elongatus, parallelo-oblongus, opacus, niger, parce sed grosse (presertim in elytris) fulvo-pubescens ; rostro longiusculo, subgracili, postice gradatim obsolete latiore, rugose (saltem postice) punctato, oculis minutissimis ; prothorace angustule subquadrato- ovali, ineequali, dense et grossissime varioloso-punctato (punctis maximis, subconfluentibus) ; elytris elongate subparallelis, ante apicem obsolete sublatioribus, profunde et grossissime striato- variolosis aut -punctatis (punctis maximis), interstitiis alternis (presertim sublaterali et preesertim postice) elevatis, pone medium nodulos costiformes subefficientibus ; antennis pedibusque piceis. Subtus in medio parce sed grossissime varioloso-punctatus, abdo- minis segm* ]™° et 2° linea distincta divisis.
Long. corp. lin. 14-2. x
Habitat sub ligno ramulisque Compositarum arborescentium antiquis
marcidis, in regionibus valde elevatis humidis juxta Diana’s Peak; parcissime deprehensus.
The only examples which I have seen of this small and well- marked Cossonid are five which were taken by myself on the high central ridge, in the neighbourhood of Acteeon and Diana’s Peak,— partly from amongst the damp decaying wood of the cabbage-trees, and partly by sifting the broken-up sticks*which were lying loosely - beneath them; and I think there can be no question that the species belongs essentially to the cabbage-tree fauna. Moreover there is but little doubt that it is of the greatest rarity ; though I suspect that the sifting method of collecting would be more likely than any other to bring fresh material to light.
The 7’. variolosus is at once remarkable for its narrow and almost parallel outline (it being merely a very little widened midway between the middie and the apex of the elytra), and for its black and opake surface being most coarsely and deeply sculptured with enormous punctures or yarioles. Its rostrum, although narrowish,; is gradually just appreciably thickened behind ; its eyes are extremely minute ; its elytra (on which the pubescence is distinct and-yellowish, although sparing, and which are more strazghtly truncated in front
COSSONID. 153
than in the other species) are rather more subcostulate on either side than nodulose,—the sublateral interstice being more elevated than the remainder; and the first and second segments of its abdomen are very unusually divided by a conspicuous transverse line.
129. Tychiorhinus porrectus, n. sp.
T. oblongus, fere opacus, ferrugineus, parce et brevissime cinereo- pubescens; rostro (presertim in 2) elongato, gracili, lineari, minute (in ¢ distinctius) punctato, oculis minutis; prothorace quadrato-ovali, densissime et grosse rugoso-punctato (punctis subconfluentibus) ; elytris parallelo-oblongis, profunde et dense striato-punctatis, interstitiis transversim rugatis, laterali valde elevato, humeros conspicue porrectos costamque exstantem late- ralem subapicalem efficiente, utrinque intra humeros subconcavis ; antennis pedibusque (crassis) concoloribus. Subtus in medio grosse, dense, et confuse punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 2-21.
Habitat in editioribus, rarissimus ; ad Cason’s intra lignum Compo-
sitarum arborescentium antiquum, necnon etiam sub truncis Pinorum, lectus.
Like the other members of this genus, the present one is confined apparently to the central ridge ; but, so far as my own experience is concerned, it descends a trifle lower than the 7’. variolosus and lineatus,—the whole of my examples (only eleven, however, in number) having been taken by myself at Cason’s. Although without doubt attached normally to the cabbage-trees (from within the loose rotting masses of which some of my individuals were obtained), it would appear nevertheless, lke so many of the Cossonids in that particular locality, to have adapted itself to the pines,—beneath the old fallen trunks of which the majority of my specimens were captured.
The 7’. porrectus is easily recognized by its pale, ferruginous hue, and its straightened (though by no means particularly narrow) elytra,—which have the shoulders greatly porrected. This latter fact is due to the lateral interstice being unusually raised and con- tinuous (for it shapes-out likewise a very prominent lateral costa towards the apex),—the general surface of the elytra, although transversely rugate, being hardly at all nodulose. It rostrum is very slender and elongate (especially in the females) ; and the eyes, although small, are not quite so minute as in the 7’. variolosus.
154 ° COSSON1DA.
130. Tychiorhinus inequalis, n. sp.
T. subquadrato-oblongus, opacus, niger, parce sed distincte griseo- pubescens ; rostro (presertim in 9) elongato, gracili, lineari, rugose (in ¢ etiam rugosius) punctato, oculis parvis; prothorace quadrato-ovali, inzequali, densissime et grosse rugoso-punctato (punctis subconfluentibus) ; elytris latiuscule subovato-quadratis, profunde tuberculato- (vix punctato-) striatis, interstitiis (pre- sertim alternis) elevatis, interruptis, nodulos elongatos plus minus efficientibus, ad humeros (tamen minus quam in specie precedente) porrectis ; antennis tarsisque rufo-piceis, pedibus crassis. Subtus in medio grosse, dense, et confuse punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 2-23.
Habitat ad lignum antiquum Compositarum arborescentium, in editioribus insule ; rarissimus.
This species is slightly broader than the 7’. porrectus, and it is therefore perhaps (on the average) somewhat the largest of the Tychiorhini which have hitherto been brought to light. It is also abundantly distinct from the porrectus in being black instead of ferruginous, and in having its elytra (which are more coarsely clothed with a sparing griseous pubescence) a little less straightened at the sides, and more or less roughened with elongated nodules,— and, therefore, more wneven. The prothorax, as in the 7’. porrectus, is rather large and oval-quadrate.
Although of extreme rarity, I have nevertheless taken the 7. inequalis in widely distant parts of the great central ridge (to which it seems to be peculiar),—namely amongst the sticks and wood of the old cabbage-trees about Diana’s Peak and Actzeon, as well as (under similar circumstances) at Cason’s, and at the edge of the pre- cipice, or crater-wall, immediately above West Lodge.
131. Tychiorhinus subochraceus, n. sp.
T. ovali-oblongus aut subellipticus, fere opacus, piceus aut piceo- niger et obsolete subeneo-tinctus, distincte subcinereo-pubescens ; rostro longiusculo, gracili, lineari, minute punctulato, oculis minutis; prothorace quadrato-ovali sed postice conspicue an- eustiore, insequali (sc. in disco profunde canaliculato, et utrinque fovea rotundata impresso), dense sed haud valde profunde subcon- fuse punctato ; elytris subovalibus basi subemarginato-truncatis, profunde punctato-striatis (punctis grossis, rarius obsoletis), inter- stitiis elevatis interruptis, nodulos elongatos costiformes plus minus
COSSONID&. 155
efficientibus ; antennis rufo-piceis ; pedibus piceo-testaceis. Subtus in medio grosse, dense, et confuse punctatus. Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat in locis similibus ac preecedens ; sed paulo magis frequens,
The present species is altogether a little smaller and more oval than the last one ; its prothorax (which is deeply channelled down the centre and has a rounded impréssion on either side of the disk) is conspicuously narrowed behind, as well as (like the rostrum) less coarsely punctured; its legs are very much paler; and its entire surface is less black,—being more or less of a brownish piceous, and with a faint ochreous tinge.
Although scarce, the 7’. subochraceus is, next to the lineatus, the commonest of the Zychiorhini which have hitherto been detected. It is emphatically a native of the loftiest altitudes; for although I obtained a single example of it at Cason’s (where the central ridge is somewhat less elevated than it is in certain other parts), the remainder of my specimens (37 in number) were captured either about Diana’s Peak and Acton, or else towards the summit of High Peak. There can be no question that it belongs to the aboriginal cabbage-tree fauna.
132. Tychiorhinus lineatus, v. sp.
7’. ovalis (aut fere subovatus), opacus, fusco-piceus, minute et par- cissime fulvo-pubescens ; rostro longiusculo, gracili, lineari, minu- tissime punctulato, et fere ferrugineo, oculis minutis ; prothorace breviter quadrato-ovali sed postice sensim angustiore, eequali, fere impunctato; elytris ovalibus basi subemarginato-truncatis, fere esculpturatis sed lineis 4 angustissimis fulvo-pubescentibus (inter- dum fractis, rarius obsoletis) ornatis ; antennis piceo-ferrugineis, scapo breviusculo et abrupte clavato; pedibus piceo-testaceis. Subtus in medio minutissime, levissime, et parce punctatus.
Long. corp. lin. 13-1}.
Habitat in locis valde elevatis; sub cortice laxo emortuo Com- positarum arborescentium preecipue latens.
Although I have regarded this insect as a T'ychiorhinus (on account, mainly, of its slender rostrum, minute eyes, and general appearance), it nevertheless belongs to a slightly different type from the four preceding species,—characterized by its more ovate outline, its well- nigh unsculptured and even surface, and by the fact of its scape being a little shorter and more suddenly clavate. In colour it is of a more
156 : COSSONID A.
or less piceous brown, or even brownish ferruginous ; its prothorax and elytra (as just mentioned) are practically unpunctured and free from inequalities (the elytra being merely ornamented with four ex- tremely narrow, thread-like, occasionally broken-up, fulvo-pubescent lines) ; and its legs are nearly testaceous.
The 7’. lineatus is excessively common beneath the loose and dead fibre-like bark, as well as under damp masses of the rotting wood, of the old cabbage-trees, on the highest portion of the central ridge, about Acteon and Diana’s Peak; but I did not meet with it in any other locality.
Genus 60. CRYPTOMMATA (noy. gen.).
Corpus elongate ovato-fusiforme, minute et parcissime pubescens, opacum ; rostro elongato, gracillimo, lineari sed in g ad anten- narum insertionem paulo ampliato ; oculis (in rostro ipso conspi- cue sitis) minutis; scrobe infra oculos subsinuate ducta ; capite parte prothoracis antic’ omnino abscondito; prothorace valde elongato, subovali, antice obtuse producto, cucullum efficiente ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris elongato-ovatis basi recte truncatis et filo-marginatis, ubique leviter et subregulariter subnoduloso- aut costulato-ineequalibus ; metasterno brevissimo ; abdominis segm™ 1™° et 2% arctissime connatis (linea valde indistincta divisis). Antenne in ¢ ante medium sed in 9 magis versus apicem rostri inserte ; funiculo 5-articulato, laxo, art® 2° conspicue longiore quam primo. Pedes breves (presertim posticz) et crassi, antice con- tigui, intermedi paululum distantes, postict parum separati ; tarsis brevibus, crassis, art? 5° distincte bilobo.
A xpuzros, occultus, et dupa, oculus.
The most curious insect from which I have drawn out the above generic diagnosis is one of the rarest of the St.-Helena Cossonids, three examples only (a male and two females) being all that I have yet seen. In its slender, filiform rostrum and minute eyes (which, however, are placed more than usually upon the rostrum itself) it has perhaps more in common with Tychiorhinus than with any thing else; nevertheless it is totally dissimilar to the members of that group in its anteriorly much-produced prothorax, which com- pletely conceals the head (and almost the eyes),—forming a kind of obtusely rounded hood. This structure is exceedingly rare in the Cossonide, the members of which nearly always have the head partially exposed and visible from above; and it further recedes from Tychiorhinus in the more elongated second joint of its funi-
COSSONIDA. Lb7,
culus, in the more bilobed third one of its feet, in its perfectly contiguous fore coxee, and in its rostrum (which, when the insect is in a State of repose, is much deflected, or bent downwards) being in the male sex appreciably widened, as in Chalcotrogus, at the insertion of the antenne. ‘
133. Cryptommata cucullata, n. sp.
C. elongate ovato-fusiformis, opaca, nigra, minutissime et parcissime cinereo-pubescens ; rostro elongato, gracillimo, in @ lineari sed in 3 ad antennarum insertionem sensim incrassato, densissime rugoseque asperato-punctulato, oculis minutis; prothorace magno, longissimo tamen subregulariter ovali (sc. antice obtuse producto, quasi cucullum efficiente, capite omnino tegente), ad latera gros- sissime et confuse corrugato-rugoso, in medio tenuiter carinulato et punctulis levissimis parce irrorato; elytris ovalibus, convexis, late sed vix profunde striatis, interstitiis obtuse elevatis, inter- ruptis, nodulos elongatos aut costas breves efficientibus; pedibus crassis, piceis, tarsis antennisque piceo-ferrugineis. Subtus pone medium dense, grosse, et confuse punctata.
Long. corp. lin. circa 24.
Habitat in eleyatis insule, rarissima ; inter ramulos emortuos fractos (Asteris qummiferi, Hk. f.?) in preruptis supra West Lodge, Februario ineunte, reperta.
I have already called attention to some of the more structural peculiarities of this remarkable Cossonid; and I will merely there- fore add, that its deep-black hue and perfectly opake, almost unpunctured surface (which beneath a high magnifying-power will be seen to be very sparingly studded with a minute cinereous pubes- cence, and which on the elytra is somewhat longitudinally disposed), in conjunction with its anteriorly-produced, elongate-oval prothorax (the sides of which are coarsely wrinkled or corrugated), its densely and minutely roughened rostrum, and the fact of its elytral inter- stices being broken-up into but slightly raised elongated nodules, or abbreviated ridges, will serve still further to distinguish it.
My three examples of the C. cucullata were captured by myself, after the early summer rains, about the beginning of February, amongst dead and broken-up sticks (I believe of the Aster gummi- ferus, Hk. f.), at the ewtreme edge of the great precipice, or crater- wall, immediately above West Lodge. It is not unlikely, therefore, that they may represent one of the nearly extinct members of the now rapidly disappearing Aster fauna.
158 RHYNCHOPHORID#.—TANYRHYNCHID.
Fam, 26. RHYNCHOPHORIDZ.
Genus 61. CALANDRA. Clairville, Ent. Helv. i. 62 (1798). 134. Calandra oryze.
C.. elliptica, depressa, piceo-nigra (interdum picea), opaca, in elytris minute longitudinaliter cinereo-setulosa ; rostro gracili, lineari sed postice (ad antennarum insertionem) subito ampliato, minute et parce punctulato; prothorace elongato, triangulari, antice pro- funde constricto, grosse et profunde punctato; elytris ovalibus basi late truncatis, postice abbreviatis, densissime striato-punc- tatis, interstitiis angustis ac paulo elevatis, maculis duabus (sc. una humerali et altera longe pone medium) rufo-testaceis, inter- dum obscuris, ornatis; antennis pedibusque piceo-ferrugineis. Variat interdum colore omnino dilutiore, maculis suffusis. Long. corp. lin. 13-23. Curculio oryze, Linn., Amen. Acad. vi. 395 (1763). Sitophilus oryzze, Woll., Col. Atl. 265 (1865).
——, Id., Col. Hesp. 125 (1867). —— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 153 (1875).
Habitat in domibus granariisque insule, nimis vulgaris. Etiam sub
cortice arborum laxo emortuo in cultis interdum latet.
The common biscuit-weevil, which is so destructive to various kinds of food and stores, and the range of which has become well- nigh cosmopolitan (at any rate in tropical and subtropical countries), is only too abundant in the houses of St. Helena (particularly in Jamestown),—as it is in the Cape-Verde, Canarian, Madeiran, and Azorean archipelagos. At Plantation I have met with it occasio- nally even beneath the dry and loosened bark of trees; but the species has, of course, no kind of connexion with the true fauna of the island.
Fam. 27. TANYRHYNCHIDZ. (Subfam. SYNAPTONYCHIDES.) Genus 62. NESIOTES. Wollaston, Journ. of Ent. i. 211 (1861).
Corpus vel ovatum vel elongato-ovatum, plus minus grosse squamoso- pubescens, seepius opacum sed interdum nitidiusculum; rostro breyiusculo, sublineari, sed postice interdum gradatim suban-
TANYRHYNCHIDA. 159
gustiore et interdum sublatiore; eculis distinctis (rarius minutis et valde prominentibus), in specie typica nitidis et omnino egra- nulatis, sed in reliquis opacis et grosse granulatis; prothorace subovali, antice vix (rarius profunde) constricto ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris aut ovatis aut elongato-ovatis, basi truncatis, vel eequalibus vel obsoletissime subcostulato-inaequalibus ; metasterno brevius- culo; abdominis segm"*® 1™° et 2° arctissime connatis (linea indi- stincta divisis). Antenne ante.medium rostri inserte ; scapo aut calvo, aut intus plus minus evidenter barbato ; fwniculo 5-articu- lato, gracili, laxo, art? 2° vel conspicue vel vix longiore quam tertio, 3, 4 et 5° parvis, rotundatis, moniliformibus. Pedes vel crassi et dense squamosi, vel graciliores ac minus squamosi; «antici parum, intermedi multo magis, et postic: sat late distantes ; tarsis seepius breviusculis, art? 3"° plus minus distincte bilobo.
[Typus: Mesiotes squamosus. |
According to the late Professor Lacordaire, the affinities of this _curious genus are with Echinosoma from Madeira, Synaptony« from Australia, and the European 7'rachodes; and the four genera were consequently erected by him into a little subfamily (under the title of Synaptonychides) of his sixteenth tribe “ Tanyrhynchides.” Although I was perfectly content, without further evidence, with this conclusion, the shrewdness of Lacordaire’s remarks has never- theless, since, been unexpectedly corroborated by the discovery of additional exponents which approach far nearer (than the original type) to the singular Echinosoma porcellus of the Madeiran archi- pelago; for it was only the NV. squamosus that I was enabled to communicate to him for inspection ; and in that species the scape 1s altogether bald, the eyes are shining and egranulate, and the whole surface is unpunctured though densely clothed with a thick decwm- bent squamiform pubescence. But now that other members have been brought to light, in addition to the NV. squamosus, some of the most remarkable features of Echinosoma have presented themselves ; for not only are the eyes on the ordinary, opake, coarsely granulated pattern, and the body and legs thickly beset with erect bristles, but in at any rate two of the species (the WV. barbatus and fimbriatus) the entire contour is in complete accordance with that of their more northern analogue, and (which is the most important of all) the inner edge of their scape is conspicuously furnished with a cluster of long, incrassated sete. The extreme rarity of this character (last- mentioned) in the Rhynchophora, added to its presence in Echino- soma and in at any rate a portion of Nestotes, suggests (to my mind)
160 TANYRHYNCHIDA.
a point of connexion which is perhaps more significant and con- clusive thau any other; though the rather lax and slender 5-jointed funiculus of the two genera is another item in which they approach each other most unmistakably.
The exponents of this genus are peculiar to intermediate and lofty altitudes ; and the majority of them are certainly attached to the dead wood of the old cabbage-trees. One, however (the NV. simplea), may perhaps be attendant on the tree ferns; and the smallest and most abundant species of the whole (namely the WV. asperatus) was in all probability, like the V. fimbriatus, a member of the gumwood fauna, which has adapted its mode of life to the altered circumstances of the times. The 10 species which have hitherto been brought to light may be thus tabulated :—
A. oculi nitidi, omnino egranulati. squamosus. AA. oculi opaci, grosse granulate. a. oculi minutissimi sed valde prominentes ; scapus intus longe et conspicue barbatus. barbatus, fimbriatus. aa. oculi majores. scapus vel fere vel omnino calvus. B. funiculi art? 2% conspicue longioré quam tertio. breviusculus, horridus, gracilis, minor. BB. funiculi art? 2” paululum longiore quam tertio. simplex, — asperatus, ascendens.
135. Nesiotes squamosus. (Fig. 7.)
N. ovatus, nigro-piceus, opacus, alutaceus (sed haud aliter sculptu- ratus), squamis crassis demissis cinereo-fulvis (in femoribus tibiis- que densissime) vestitus; rostro (postice gradatim paululum - angustiore) interdum fere calvo, nitido, et minutissime parce punctulato, oculis nitidis, omnino egranulatis; prothorace con- vexo, postice gradatim angustiore; elytris breviter ovatis basi truncatis, convexis, ventricosis; antennis tarsisque calvis, rufo- ferrugineis ; funiculi art® 2° multo longiore quam tertio.
Long. corp. lin. 13-15.
Nesiotes squamosus, Woll., J. c. 212, pl. 14. f. 3 (1861).
——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 413 (1869).
____ ___) Melliss, St. Hel. 154 (1875).
TANYRHYNCHID. 161
Habitat in locis valde elevatis, lignum Compositarwm arborescentium emortuum antiquum destruens.
Up to the date of our arrival at St. Helena, the only examples which I had seen of this singular little Curculionid were two which had been taken by the late Mr. Bewicke, during a day’s collecting on the central ridge, in 1860 ; and it was on the evidence thus sup- plied that I enunciated the genus Nesiotes in 1861. It is an insect which is by no means common, though at the same time widely distributed over the highest altitudes,—it being evidently attached to the dead wood of the old cabbage-trees. I have met with it on the ascent and extreme summit of Diana’s Peak and Actzon, par- ticularly around the base of the latter, as well as beneath the loose fibrous bark of the various cabbage-trees along Stitch’s Ridge; and I also obtained it, though less abundantly, on High Peak.
The shortly ovate, ventricose outline of the NV. syuamosus, added to its opake and simply alutaccous surface (which is free from sculp- ture, though densely clothed with a coarse decumbent fulvescent squamiform pubescence, which also thickly covers the femora and tibize, giving them a very incrassated appearance), would of them- selves suffice to characterize it. In the fact, however, of its eyes being shining and totally wngranulated it possesses an additional feature which completely separates it from every other member of the group which has hitherto been detected.
136. Nesiotes barbatus, n. sp.
N. ovatus, piceus, opacus, alutaceus sed vix aliter sculpturatus (sc. solum in elytris parce seriatim subasperato-punctulatus), squamis crassis, elongatis, plus minus curvatis et erectis, nigrescentibus (in femoribus tibiisque densissime) vestitus ; rostro (postice gradatim paululum latiore) latiusculo ; oculis minutissimis sed prominenti- bus: prothorace postice angustiore, antice profunde constricto ; elytris breviter rotundato-ovatis basi truncatis, convexis, ventri- cosis; antennis pedibusque (preesertim femoribus et tibiis) brevi- bus, illis tarsisque calvis rufo-ferrugineis ; scapo intus ad apicem longe barbato; funiculi art® 2“ paululum longiore quam tertio.
Long. corp. lin. 13.
Habitat in elevatis insule, rarissimus ; in preeruptis juxta High Peak parcissime lectus.
The only three examples which I have yet seen of this very rare Nesiotes were taken by myself on a precipitous and barely accessible M
162 TANYRHYNCHID.
slope behind High Peak and overlooking Peak Gut; and, in con- junction with the NV. fimbriatus from Thompson’s Wood, it possesses a peculiar interest through the fact of its scape being powerfully barbed towards the inner apex with a cluster of coarse, elongated, squamiform bristles. This latter character, which is only faintly traceable in some of the other members of the group (and which, indeed, in the NW. squamosus and simplew appears to be altogether absent), is so conspicuous in the barbatus and fimbriatus that, when taken in connexion with their minute but very prominent eyes, the stronger and more erect set of their entire surface, and their anteriorly much constricted prothorax, it is sufficient to place them in a different section of the genus—the species of which make a more decided approach to the Echinosoma porcellus of Madeira than any of the remainder.
In general contour the N. barbatus is shortly-ovate : and its sculp- ture is scarcely more than alutaceous,—in both of which respects it agrees a good deal with the squamosus ; nevertheless there are traces on the elytra (beneath the elongated, erect, and darkened sete) of a few longitudinally-disposed rows of small punctures; its colour is rather piceous than black ; its legs (particularly the hinder pair, and particularly the tibie) are abbreviated; and its second funiculus- joint is but very little longer than the minute third one.
137. Nesiotes fimbriatus, n. sp.
N. precedenti similis, sed multo angustior, oblongior (sc. subovato- oblongus, nec rotundato-ovatus), elytris longioribus, multo magis parallelis, minus convexis, et distinctius seriatim asperato-punc- tatis, tibiis paulo minus abbreviatis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat in intermediis insule; inter ramulos quisquiliasque juxta arbores antiquas Commidendii robust, DC., humi jacentes, ad Thompson’s Wood, deprehensus.
Thompson’s Wood is the only spot in which I observed this well- marked Nesiotes; and although the whole of my examples (22 in number) were obtained by shaking and sifting broken-up sticks and rubbish which were lying on the ground, nevertheless, since the majority of the trees in that particular locality are gumwoods, I have little doubt that the WV. fimbriatus belongs in reality to the gumwood fauna. I have already stated that, in conjunction with the NV. barbatus, it makes a nearer approach to the Echinosoma por-
TANYRHYNCHID. 163
cellus of Madeira than the other members of the genus. However, it is not quite so much on the Hehinosoma-contour as that species (even while possessing the same development of thick incrassated setze on the inner edge of its scape, and the same anteriorly-con- stricted prothorax) ; for it is considerably narrower and more oblong, —its elytra especially (which are more conspicuously marked with longitudinally-disposed asperated punctures) being very much more parallel and less convex (7. e. much less rounded and less ovate) ; and its tibiee, although shert, are not quite so abnormally abbreviated.
138. Nesiotes breviusculus, n. sp.
N. elongato-ovatus, piceo-niger (interdum obsoletissime subzeneo tinc- tus), nitidulus, grosse sculpturatus squamisque crassis suberectis griseo-cinereis plus minus dense vestitus; rostro lineari, dense et rugose punctato ; oculis magnis, prominentibus; prothorace postice conspicue angustiore, antice latiusculo et vix constricto, profunde, grosse, densissime, et confuse punctato ; elytris ovatis basi trun- catis, nitidiusculis, profunde striato-punctatis ; antennis tarsisque piceo-ferrugineis ; femoribus tibiisque piceis ac breviter, parcius, et minus conspicue squamosis; scapo fere calvo (sc. intus versus apicem pilis perpaucis gracillimis indistinctis solum obsito) ; funi- euli art® 2° distincte (tamen haud multo) longiore quam tertio.
Long. corp. lin. 14-12.
Habitat in locis clevatis, late sed parcissime diffusus.
The present Nestotes belongs neither to the jfimbriatus and bar- batus type, nor yet to that of the sywamosus (in both of which the femora and tibie are very densely squamose),—but emphatically to that which embraces the horridus and gracilis. It is a scarce species, so far as my own observations are concerned, but one which is nevertheless widely distributed along the whole central ridge,—my examples being from the vicinity of Diana’s Peak, as well as from High Peak and above West Lodge; and, unless it be in any way connected with the Aster gummiyerus (or ‘ Little Bastard Gum- wood”), which is far from impossible, I think that we must regard it as a member of the great cabbage-tree fauna.
Although much clothed, except on the limbs, with thick, erect, squamiform, griscous setee (which are very liable, however, to become a good deal abraded or destroyed), the N. breviusculus, like the horridus and gracilis, has its surface bright instead of opake, and coarsely sculptured,—its rostrum (which is linear) being densely
M 2
164 TANYRHYNCHIDA.
punctured, its prothorax most roughly and deeply so, and even its elytra being conspicuously striate-punctate. It has often an ex- tremely faint enescent tinge; its outline is relatively shorter and more ovate than that of the horridus; its prothorax is widened in front and narrowed behind ; its eyes are large and rather prominent ; and the second joint of its funiculus, although unmistakably longer than the minute third one, is nevertheless but very slightly lengthened. Although its scape is free from the robust squamiform bristles which are so conspicuous in the NV. fimbriatus and barbatus, the latter are nevertheless just represented by a few fine elongated hairs, which, although indistinct except when viewed in certain lights, are generally to be traced.
139. Nesiotes horridus.
N. elongato-ovatus, niger aut piceo-niger, nitidulus (saltem in elytris), grosse sculpturatus squamisque crassis suberectis griseo- cinereis et cinereis plus minus dense vestitus; rostro lineari, dense et rugose punctato; oculis magnis, prominentibus; pro- thorace postice angustiore, antice vix constricto, profunde, grosse, et densissime punctato; elytris elongato-ovatis basi truncatis, nitidioribus, profunde striato-punctatis ; antennis tarsisque piceo- ferrugineis ; femoribus tibiisque longe cinereo-pilosis ; scapo fere calvo (sc. intus versus apicem pilis perpaucis gracillimis solum obsito); funiculi art? 2° multo longiore quam tertio.
Long. corp. lin. 2-3.
Nesiotes horridus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 404 (1871).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 154 (1875).
Habitat sub cortice Compositarum arborescentium arido fibroso laxo, in locis valde elevatis preedominans.
Obs.—Species preecedenti affinis, sed multo major, omnino longior, antennis pedibusque longioribus, funiculi art? 2° con- spicue longiore, femoribus tibiisque multo densius longiusque cinereo pilosis.
Although extremely variable in stature, this is (on the average) the largest member of the present genus which has hitherto been detected; and it is one which occurs almost exclusively in the highest altitudes,—where it congregates beneath the dead fibrous bark of the old cabbage-trees in the most exposed and windy spots. I have taken it in profusion in the direction of Diana’s Peak and Acteon, as well as on Stitch’s Ridge and at Cason’s, and more sparingly at High Peak.
TANYRHYNCHID®. 165
The J. horridus has a good deal the outline and general aspect of the breviusculus, though it is very much larger and relatively more elongated ; its limbs (and second funiculus-joint) are conspicuously longer, and its femora and tibie are densely clothed with long, whitish or cinereous hairs. The tendency of the majority of the species of this genus is to have the squamiform pubescence of their elytra condensed into fasciculi, or elongated spaces: but the latter are so easily destroyed, and the surface is so apt to be corroded with a viscous kind of dirt (perhaps due to the exudation of the cabbage- trees), that it is only in very fresh and perfect examples that this is ever practically observable. When, however, it is to be traced, I think perhaps that it is more conspicuous in the N, horridus than in the allied forms,—occasional individuals having (so far as their elytra are concerned) quite a tessellated appearance.
140. Nesiotes gracilis, n. sp.
J. precedenti similis, sed multo minor et omnino angustior, gracilior, prothorace conspicue angustiore, elytris antice gradatim magis attenuatis (quare omnino magis elongato-ovatis, sc. ultra medium magis rotundato-ampliatis), femoribus tibiisque multo minus pubescentibus, funiculique art® 2°° sensim minus conspicue elongato.
my ObE ght: Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Habitat in locis similibus ac preecedens, inter Compositas vulgaris.
Like the last one, this is a species of the highest elevations, being attached essentially to the cabbage-trees. About Diana’s Peak and Acteeon I have taken it in profusion, as well as along Stitch’s Ridge, and in one instance even so low down as Vine-Tree Gut,—a small ravine which issues out of Halley’s Mount.
Although in a general sense abundantly different, an occasional large example of the VV. gracilis and a small one of the horridus are not quite easy at first sight to separate ; nevertheless I am satistied that the two species (which occur in the same localities, and are exposed to precisely the same influences) are truly and properly distinct. The WN. gracilis (which is as variable in size as its ally) may be defined to be (on the average) both much smaller and consi- derably slenderer than the horridus,—its prothorax being conspi- cuously narrower, and its elytra gradually much more drawn-in, or attenuated, anteriorly. ‘This form of the elytra causes them to be proportionately more elongate-ovate in outline (or more rounded
166 TANYRHYNCHIDA.
outwards beyond the middle). Its femora and tibiz, also, are very much less pubescent ; and its second funiculus-joint is not quite so decidedly lengthened.
141. Nesiotes minor, n. sp.
N. precedenti affinis, sed vix ejus varietas depauperata. Differt statura minore, prothorace conspicue minore et antice profundius constricto ; elytris minus nitidis, densius sed minutius punctato- striatis, interstitiis angustioribus et sensim convexioribus; antennis subgracilioribus, nigricantibus, scapo calvo, funiculi art® 2° dis- tincte longiore quam tertio.
Long. corp. lin. cirea 1.
Habitat inter ramulos humi jacentes, in regionibus valde elevatis, rarissimus.
Whether the two examples from which the above diagnosis has been drawn out, and which were taken by myself in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak on the high central ridge, represent more than an ex- tremely depauperated state of the WV. gracilis, I have scarcely mate- rial enough to decide ; but if they may be regarded as typical of their kind, the WV. minor may be said to be smaller than the gracilis (its prothorax especially being smaller, or less developed, as well as more powerfully constricted in front), and to have its elytra less shining and more rugulose—though, at the same time, more closely and finely punctate-striated, with the interstices narrower and more convex. Its antenne, too, are a little slenderer and more blackened ; and the scape (as in the WV. simplex) seems to be totally bald.
142. Nesiotes simplex, n. sp.
N. anguste ovato-oblongus, niger, vix nitidulus, dense sculpturatus sed squamis erectis fere carens (setulis solum brevissimis demissis cinereis parce irroratus); rostro longiusculo, lineari, minute punctulato; oculis magnis, prominentibus; prothorace antice constricto, minute, leviter, dense, et confuse punctato; elytris subparallelis, punctato- aut crenulato-striatis, interstitiis rugu- losis; antennis tarsisque ferrugineis; femoribus tibiisque fere calvis ; scapo calvo; funiculi art? 2% vix longiore quam tertio.
Long. corp. lin. vix 13.
Habitat regiones editiores ; in truncis Dicksonie arborescentis, VHer., antiquis emortuis marcidis parcissime deprehensus.
Obs.—N. gracili affinis, sed minor et minutius pubescens (setulis erectis fere carens), elytris magis parallelis (sc. antice
TANYRHYNCHID. 167
minus attenuatis et ultra medium vix ampliatis); rostro sensim longiore et, una cum prothorace, multo minutius leviusque punctato; elytris minus nitidis, magis rugulosis, et minutius punctato-striatis ; scapo omnino calvo; funiculi (minus gracilis) art® 2% vix longiore quam tertio.
I have seen but two examples of this small and obscure Nesiotes, which were taken by myself from the interior of the fibrous stem of a decayed tree fern (near the summit of Actwon) on one of the highest points of the central ridge. If it is a normal representative of its kind, the species is very much smaller than the gracilis ; and it seems to want the erect squamiform bristles which are more or less present in that species,—it being merely clothed with a compa- ratively minute cinereous pubescence. Its elytra are much more oblong, or parallel, than in the gracilis (being less attenuated in front, and less rounded behind the middle) ; and they are also less shining, more rugulose, and very much less coarsely punctate- striate. Its rostrum is a trifle longer, and, together with the pro- thorax, much more finely and minutely punctured ; its scape is altogether bald; and its funiculus is a little less slender, and has the second joint, but very little longer than the third one.
145. Nesiotes asperatus.
N. anguste ovato-oblongus, niger aut piceo-niger, vel opacus vel subopacus, tuberculato-asperatus squamisque crassis suberectis fulvo-cinereis plus minus dense vestitus ; rostro lineari, dense et rugose punctato; oculis magnis, prominentibus; prothorace ovali, antice profunde constricto, (subter squamis) longitudinaliter tuberculato-asperatis ; antennis tarsisque piceo-ferrugineis ; scapo fere calvo; funiculi art® 2% paululum longiore quam tertio.
Long. corp. lin. 1-1.
Nesiotes asperatus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 415 (1869).
, Melliss, St. Hel, 154 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis insul, vulgaris ; in locos valde elevatos multo
rarius ascendens.
Obs.—Species sculpturé inconstans; corpore interdum omnino opaco, sed interdum fere nitidiusculo; elytris interdum rugose sed interdum multo levius granulatis.
Of all the members of the present genus which have hitherto been brought to light, this is the most abundant ; and it is also, with the exception perhaps of the NV. ascendens, the smallest of them, and
168 TANYRHYNCHID.
likewise the most variable. Its variability, however, does not con- sist so much in stature as in the exact sculpture of its elytra,— which, when denuded of their sete and mud-like deposit, will be seen to be sometimes perfectly opake, and at others appreciably shining (though never so much so as in the NV. uscendens); whilst in certain examples the granuliform tubercles of the elytra (which are always more or less traceable in partial longitudinal rows) are thickly-set and coarse, and in others wider apart and comparatively indistinct. In no instance, however, do they merge into absolute punctures, such as are conspicuous in the nearly-allied NV. ascendens. The specimens from Flagstaff Hill are peculiarly opake; and I might have been inclined to treat them as distinct from the ordinary form (which must be regarded as the type) did not intermediate links occur in many widely-separated localities. The species, how- ever, may be defined, generally, as rather narrow and elongate (in proportion to its small size), and as densely beset with brown mud- like scales which are intermingled with erect squamiform fulyo- cinereous sete ; and when the clothing has been removed, the pro- thorax will be seen to be thickly studded with robust granuliform tubercles, whilst the elytra have the same kind of tubercles longitu- dinally disposed (except towards the shoulders, where they are often denser)—sometimes in double rows, and at others in anteriorly- confluent spaces.
The JV. asperatus is more particularly a species of intermediate altitudes,—swarming at Plantation, Oakbank, Thompson’s Wood, West Lodge, Vine-Tree Gut, &c.,—but seldom ascending into the loftier districts ; though I met with a very few examples of it on the central ridge, both towards Actzon and High Peak. I cannot help suspecting, therefore, that it may have been originally attached to the gumwoods, and perhaps also to the arborescent asters and even to the scrubwood ; but I have no evidence that it is in any Way con- nected with the cabbage-trees. In the <Aster-grove beyond West Lodge, overlooking Lutkins, it swarms; and, as just mentioned, it is equally common beneath the old gumwoods at Thompson’s Wood ; and since it is highly probable that the Plantation and Oakbank district was formerly a district of gumwoods, its excessive abundance in that particular region may possibly be accounted for. The examples from Flagstaff, which differ a little from most of the others, may perhaps represent a race which was dependent once upon the serub- ~ wood.
TANYRHYNCHID#.—TRACHYPHL@ID&. 169
144. Nesiotes ascendens, n. sp.
NV. asperato valde affinis, sed elytris paululum minus elongatis ac magis ovatis, subter squamis nitidioribus (nec alutaceo-opacis), necnon distincte, regulariter, et parum grosse striato-punctatis (nec seriatim tuberculatis).
Long. corp. lin. circa 1.
Habitat in locis valde elevatis ; inter ramulos antiquos fractos Com- positarum arborescentium, rarissimus.
At first sight the present Mesiotes is barely distinguishable from the asperatus; and yet I do not believe that it can in reality be referred to that species. Moreover its habits appear to be different ; for while the .V. asperatus is strictly a native of intermediate, or at all events not very lofty, altitudes, the wscendens occurs on the highest portions of the central ridge,—the whole of my examples having been obtained below Acteeon, along what is called the “* Cabbage- Tree road.” I cannot help thinking. therefore, that they represent a species which is truly distinct from, although closely allied to, the asperatus, and one moreover which is attached to the cabbage-trees, rather than to the asters and gumwoods.
The JV. ascendens differs from the asperatus in its elytra being a trifle less elongated and just appreciably more ovate, as well as (when denuded of their setee and mud-like scales) more shining (their surface being in no respect alutaceous or opake), and rather coarsely, regu- larly, and conspicuously striate-puwnctate,—instead of being studded with small, longitudinally disposed tubercles. Owing, however, to the dense manner in which the surface is coated, this peculiarity of the elytral sculpture is not easy to be observed.
Fam. 28. TRACHYPHL@IDA.
Genus 63. TRACHYPHL@OSOMA. Wollaston, Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 414 (1869).
Corpus parvum, breviter ovale, apterum, dense lutoso-squamosum, et parce setosum ; rostro brevissimo, triangulari aut potius conico, ad apicem recte truncato ; oculis minutis, demissis ; scrobe pro- funda, versus oculum ducta, dei subito mox ante oculum angu- latim deflexa ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris ovalibus basi truncatis ;
* metasterno brevissimo ; abdominis segm“* 1° et 2° linea profunda argute divisis. Antenne fere ad apicem rostri inserte; scapo
170 TRACHYPHLG@IDZE.
robusto, curvato, intus parce setoso; funiculo 7-articulato, com- pacto ; capitulo magno, abrupto, ovali. Pedes longiusculi, cras- siusculi, antict contigui, wntermedit paululum separati, postice parum distantes ; tarsis crassis, art® 3"° latiusculo et distincte bilobo, wnguiculis sat magnis.
Obs.—Genus Trachyphiewo similimum, sed differt corpore mi- nore; rostro multo breviore et magis conico, ad apicem recte truncato (nec triangulariter exciso) ; oculis minutissimis ; scrobe ante oculos subito angulatim deflexé ; antennis magis versus apicem rostri insertis, tarsorum art? 3"° paulum minus late bilobo, unguiculisque submajoribus.
Ii is not altogether impossible that the small and obscure Curcu- lionid for which, in 1869, I proposed the present genus, may have to be acknowledged eventually as a minute 7’rachyphleus ; nevertheless, since the genus has already been established, and it certainly pos- sesses a few structural peculiarities which I do not perceive in Trachyphlous proper, I can see no particular advantage in suppressing Trachyphleosoma as, at any rate, a subsidiary group. The only member of it which has hitherto been brought to light, and which abounds in the intermediate districts of St. Helena, is not only smaller than any of the true Trachyphlei with which I am ac- quainted, but it has its rostrum much shorter and more regularly conical, straightly truncated at the tip (instead of being triangularly scooped out), and with the eyes considerably more minute, and the scrobs (instead of being abbreviated, straight, and auriform) suddenly deflected, just before reaching the eye, so as to shape out a sharply- defined right angle. Its antenne, also, are implanted rather nearer to the apex of the rostrum, the third joint of its feet is not quite so broadly bilobed ; and its claws (in proportion to the comparatively minute size of the insect) are somewhat more largely developed.
145. Trachyphleosoma setosum.
T. breviter ovale, squamis brunneis quasi lutoso-vestitum, sed subter squamis plus minus brunneo-piceum ; rostro brevi, conico, in medio indistincte canaliculato, et una cum prothorace plus minus parce at minute setoso, hoe subter squamis grossissime punctato (punctis maximis, inter se subconfluentibus) ; elytris setis sub- erectis cinereis longitudinaliter parce obsitis, subter squamis valde profunde striato-punctatis, punctis magnis et argute determinatis ; antennis pedibusque lete rufo-ferrugineis.
Long. corp. lin. 1-1}.
TRACHYPHL@®IDA.—OTIORHYNCHID&. 7a
Trachyphloeosoma setosum, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 415 (1869). ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 154 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque, presertim illis ; vulgaris.
The small size and shortly-oval outline of this insignificant little brown Trachyphleeid, which is more or less densely coated with mud-like scales, and which is sparingly studded with suberect cine- reous sete (which on the elytra are somewhat longitudinally disposed), will sufficiently distinguish it. I believe it to be a truly aboriginal form ; and yet it is one of the most widely distributed over the island of all the Coleoptera which have hitherto been detected.
It is more in the intermediate districts than the higher ones that the 7’. setosum abounds. Thus, about Plantation and Oakbank it swarms,—particularly beneath cut grass, and crawling sluggishly on the hot dry ground amongst loose stones and earth (to the colour of which it so completely assimilates that it is very easily overlooked). I have taken it also in profusion at West Lodge and in Thompson’s Wood, as also at Rock Rose—and more sparingly (at a higher alti- tude) at Cason’s, on High Peak, and even on the loftier portion of the central ridge.
Fam. 29. OTIORHYNCHID.
Genus 64. SCIOBIUS. Schonherr, Cure. Disp. Meth. 197 (1826).
146. Sciobius subnodosus.
S. ovatus, piceus, squamulisque cinereis minutis depressis (interdum obscure etiam submetallico-tinctis) plus minus nebuloso-vestitus, setulisque brevibus suberectis cinereis in elytris longitudinaliter obsitus ; rostro breviter subcylindrico, apice triangulariter exciso, in medio argute carinulato ; scrobe profunda, ante oculos (valde prominentes) evanescente ; prothorace (subter squamis) confuse subtuberculato-ruguloso, in disco leviter carinulato ; elytris (pro- thorace latioribus) ovalibus, late punctato-sulecatis, interstitiis convexis et postice plus minus evidenter subnoduloso-elevatis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, illis gracilibus, funiculi (7-articu- lati, laxi) art? 2° elongato.
Long. corp. lin. 23-33.
Sciobius subnodosus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. 416 (1869). , Melliss, St. Hel. 165, pl. 23. f. 4 (1875).
W2 OTIORHYNCHID.
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque insule, ad plantas varias, passim.
Whether this rather large and light-brown Curculionid is truly indigenous at St. Helena, I can scarcely venture to pronounce. Certain it is that it occurs now almost everywhere, and that it is extremely destructive to vegetation ; but since it belongs to a genus which is essentially South-African, it is far from unlikely that it may have been introduced originally from the Cape of Good Hope (from whence I have examined specimens which were captured lately by Mr. Gray), and have since completely established itself. Still there is no reason why it should not have been aboriginally St.-Helenian ; though I am more inclined to suspect that it is in reality a naturalized species. Mr. Melliss mentions that it is more particularly common in gardens and cultivated grounds,—lying concealed by day, but feeding voraciously at night on the young shoots of plants, which it com- pletely destroys. I believe that the whole of these Otiorhynchideous types are nocturnal in their habits ; but my own experience of the S. subnodosus would imply its occurrence indiscriminately in nearly all parts of the island, at intermediate and lofty altitudes. I met with it commonly at Plantation and West Lodge, as well as at High Peak, Cason’s, in the vicinity of Actzeon and Diana’s Peak, in Vine- tree Gut, between Peak Dale and Lufkins, in Thompson’s Wood, on the slopes of Flagstaff Hill, and. indeed, almost everywhere ; and it has been taken by Mr. P. Whitehead about Woodcot.
There is no other Curculionid, which concerns us here, with which the S. swhnodosus could be confounded,—its rather large size and light-brown surface, which is densely clothed with minute depressed subcinereous scales (which in highly coloured examples have often a very faint metallic tinge), the elytra being additionally studded with short longitudinally-disposed cinereous suberect sete, as well as furnished posteriorly with a few (sometimes indistinct) slightly raised humps or nodules, formed by the breaking-up of the somewhat elevated interstitial spaces, being more than sufficient to characterize it. Its paler scales are sometimes condensed into an obscure line on either side of the prothorax ; and there are occa- sional traces of a few scattered irregular darker specks behind the middle of the elytra, which in very perfect and highly coloured examples take almost the form of an obsolete ill-defined fascia.
OTIORHYNCHID2#.—BRACHYDERID. 173
Genus 65. OTIORHYNCHUS. Germar, Ins. Spec. 842 (1824).
147. Otiorhynchus sulcatus.
O. magnus, ovato-oblongus, opacus, niger, pilisque demissis fulvo- cinereis (in elytris in fasciculos aut maculas parvas collectis) parce vestitus ; rostro antice dilatato et triangulariter exciso, in medio late profundeque canaliculato ; prothorace parvo, ovali-cylindrico, grossissime, dense, et regulariter tuberculato; elytris grosse et late suleatis (sulcis in fundo tuberculis remotis obsitis), interstitiis convexis et rugose transversim subimbricato-tuberculatis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, subconcoloribus, femoribus subtus denticulo armatis.
Long. corp. lin, 44-5.
Curculio sulcatus, Fab., Mant. Ins. 122 (1787). Otiorhynchus sulcatus, Sterl., Rev. der Otiorh. 225 (1861). —— ——, Woll., Ann. Net. Hist. iv. 416 (1869).
, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 81 (1870).
—— ——,, Melliiss, St. Hel. 155 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque, passim; ex Europa certe
introductus.
This common European Otiorhynchus (so well distinguished amongst the St.-Helena Curculionids by its large size, and its black, opake, coarsely sculptured surface), although nowhere abundant, is widely spread over the intermediate and lofty districts of the island,—where doubtless it must have been accidentally introduced, originally, from Europe. It has become naturalized in a similar manner in the Azorean archipelago ; but it has not yet been detected in any of the more southern groups. I have met with it at Plan- tation and West Lodge, as well as at High Peak, Cason’s, and even on the most elevated portion of the ridge towards Diana’s Peak and Acteeon.
Fam. 30, BRACHYDERIDZ. Genus 66. SITONA. Germar, Ins. Spec. 1. 414 (1824).
148. Sitona lineatus.
S. longiusculus, parallelus, squamulis subfuscis dense irroratus et lineis paululum magis cinereis (sc. 3 in capite et prothorace,
174 BRACHYDERID®.—ANTHRIBID&.
aliisque in interstitiis elytrorum alternis positis), interdum ineon- spicuis, ornatis; capite in medio (presertim antice) argute canali- culato, prothoraceque creberrime punctulatis, hoc ad latera pone medium leviter rotundato ; elytris punctato-striatis ; antennis versus basin, tibiis, tarsisque piceo-ferrugineis. Long. corp. lin. 2. Curculio lineatus, Zinn., Fina Suec. 183 (1761). Sitona lineatus, Schén., Gen. et Spec. Cure. ii. 109 (1834). , Woll., Col. Atl. 336 (1865), —— ——, Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 81 (1870). Habitat in cultis intermediis, rarissimus ; ad Plantation exemplar unicum (emortuum) collegit Dom. Gray.
The only evidence that I possess for the admission of this common and widely-spread European Sztona into the St.-Helena catalogue is embodied in a single example which was found (dead) by Mr. Gray in the grounds at Plantation ; and, inasmuch as I did not myself meet with the species during our six months’ residence in the island, and, indeed, in that actual part of it, it must, if truly natura- lized (which perhaps, under the circumstances, we can scarcely doubt), be of extreme rarity. At any rate, its presence in the fauna is almost without significance,—seeing that the utmost that can be said of it is, that it may have been imported accidentally from England, at some not very remote period, along with consignments of plants. In the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian archipelagos it has not only completely established itself, but has become abundant.
Fam. 31. ANTHRIBIDA.
(Subfam. 1. ARAKOCERIDES.)
(Linea transversa prothoracica basilaris, marginem basalem elevatum efficiens ; utringue per marginem lateralem usque ad medium ducta.)
Genus 67. ARAZOCERUS. Schonherr, Cure. Disp. Meth. 40 [ script. Arecerus | (1826).
149. Arzocerus fasciculatus.
A. breviter ovalis, crassus, brunneo-piceus, pube breyvi demissa cinerea et grisea nebulosus necnon in elytris plus minus (in inter- stitiis alternis) longitudinaliter tessellatus ; capite prothoraceque (subter pube) opacis, densissime et rugose punctatis, oculis maxi-
ANTHRIBIDA. 175
mis, prominentibus, hdc subconico, postice lato et trisinuato, costa transversaé in marginem basalem coéunte necnon utrinque mar- ginem lateralem (usque ad medium lateris ductum) efficiente, angulis posticis argute determinatis ; elytris apice truncato-rotun- datis, (subter pube) subopacis, densissime et rugose granulatis ac leviter crenulato-striatis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, infuscate testaceis, illis gracilibus, clava (elongata, laxa, 35-articulata) obseuriore ; tarsorum art® 1™° longissimo, anticis in ¢ paulum dilatatis. Variat interdum (precipue in sexu foemineo) elytris fere concoloribus (se. interstitiis alternis vix tessellatis). Long. corp. lin. 2-23. Curculio fasciculatus, De Geer, Ins. v. 276, t. 16. f. 2 (1775). Anthribus coffe, Fab., Syst. Eleu. ii. 411 (1801). Areocerus fasciculatus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. iv. (1869). ——, Melliss, St, Hel. 155 (1875). Habitat in domibus repositoriisque, rarior ; ad Jamestown ex alienis invectus.
I did not myself meet with this introduced insect at St. Helena ; but a specimen was found by Mrs. Wollaston crawling on the outer wall of a house in Jamestown, and two more had been obtained previously by Mr. Melliss. Of course it has no connexion whatever with the real fauna of the island ; though its ability to transmission along with various articles of commerce (particularly seeds and berries) amongst most of the warmer countries of the civilized world has resulted in its naturalization at St. Helena, as it has done in so many other places; so that we cannot omit it from the present catalogue.
As compared with the truly indigenous Anthribids of St. Helena, which play so significant a part in the Coleopterous fauna as to be second only in importance to the Cossonide, the present insect belongs to a totally different type,—in which the first joint of the feet is greatly elongated, and the transverse prothoracic keel is removed to the extreme base of the pronotum (so as to form a mere elevated marginal line), and is then produced at right angles to about midway along the lateral edge. But, apart from these cha- racters, which are more strictly generic ones, the A. fasciculatus may be known by its compact thickened body and short-oval outline, and by its brownish-piceous surface being clouded with an abbre- viated decumbent cinereous and griseous pubescence, the alternate elytral interstices having (additionally) indications of being longitu- dinally tessellated,—which in some examples is extremely conspi-
176 ANTHRIBID.
cuous, but in others (particularly the females) very indistinct. Its eyes are exceedingly large and prominent ; its antenni (which are remarkably slender) are of a dull testaceous hue, but have their lax and elongate 3-jointed club darker; and its surface, when the pubescence is removed, will be seen to be opake and closely and coarsely sculptured. Its male sex has the two front feet a trifle dilated.
(Subfam. 2. NOTIOXENIDES.)
(Linea transversa prothoracica conspicue ante basin sita ; utrinque plus minus arcuata sed rarius per marginem lateralem etiam pau- lulum ducta.)
Genus 68. NOTIOXENUS. Wollaston, Jowrn. of Ent. i, 212 (1861).
Corpus vel oblongum vel ovato-oblongum, aut pubescenti-variegatum aut (rarius) subglabrum, plus minus pictum; rostro brevyi, trian- gulari, apice rotundato-truncato; oculis rotundatis, integris; prothorace ante basin vel linea impressa vel (sepius) carinula elevata (utrinque plus minus arcuata, sed rarius per marginem lateralem etiam paululum ducta) transversim instructo; scutello vel obsoleto, vel minutissimo, vel sat distincto; elytris postice subabbreviatis, pygidium vix tegentibus. Antenne 11- articulate, eraciles, rectee, laxee, in pagina superiore rostri (mox intra oculos in fovea) insert; art? 1"° curvato, sequentibus paululum cras- siore, 2° usque ad 8"™ elongate obconicis, reliquis clavam elon- gatam laxam 3-articulatam efficientibus. Mandibule triangulares, crassze, valide, corner, ad apicem obtuse bidentate, dein intus emarginate. Mawille bilobee; lobo externo angusto, arcuato, glabro sed ad apicem ipsum pubescente ; interno paululum bre- viore, intus dense piloso. Palpt mawillares 4-articulati, art® 1™° parvo, 2% majore crassiore, 3'° huic paulo breviore ac paulo angustiore, breviter subcylindrico, ult™® elongato, sensim graci- liore, fusiformi ; labiales Be articulati, arti* 1™° et 2% subsequalibus, ult™ paulo longiore, graciliore, fusiformi. Mentum corneum, antice curvato-emarginatum, angulis anticis rotundatis. Ligula brevis, basi cornea, antice in medio cordata et longe pilosa. Pedes longiusculi ; tibiis ad apicem muticis; tarsis pseudotetra- meris, art® 1”° in posticis multo longiore quam secundo, 3“° late bilobo, 4°° minutissimo recepto, ult™® clavato unguiculis appen- diculatis munito.
Next to the Cossonids, there can be no question that the Anthri- bide play the most important part in the Coleopterous fauna of St. Helena; and although I have admitted the whole of them, with
ANTHRIBIDA. 177
the exception of the Acarodes gutta, into the two genera Notioxenus and Homeodera (characterized, respectively, by the presence and absence of a basal prothoracic line), it is not unlikely that future researches will add so many species to the number that it may become desirable eventually to split them up, like the Cossonide, into several distinct groups. This indeed might be done even now, were it not that the widely-differing forms which each genus has been made to embrace are in reality more suggestive, to at any rate my mind, of intermediate links yet to be detected than of an inde- pendent series of isolated generic types. This, indeed, I strongly insisted upon even in 1869, when commenting on the few Notiowent which had then been met with,—adding that “ the great specific dis- similarity of the four representatives enumerated below induces me to suspect (as I did in 1861, when only two of them had been brought to light) that there are many Wotioaweni, of a more or less intermediate facies, yet to be discovered, and for which therefore we: may confidently look.” Two years later an additional Woteoxenus was contributed by Mr. Melliss, and likewise anew Homeodera; but how far my original conjecture has been verified may be gathered from the fact that, during our late sojourn in the island, the 5 Noti- oweni were increased to 12, and the 4 Homeodere to 13; and I am satisfied that we have not yet by any means exhausted their numbers.
The Notiovent are, on the average, larger insects than the Home- oderas, and also a little more variegated in hue; but their main distinctive feature consists in their prothoracic line being in all instances conspicuously developed, and removed from the extreme base by a more or less appreciable interval. In most cases it takes the form of a sinuated, or arcuate, transverse keel, though in the N. Bewickii it appears to be impressed rather than raised; and although it is a little curved anteriorly at either extremity, it is never produced at right angles along the lateral edge (as in the Areocerides) so as to constitute a thread-like margin to the posterior half of the pronotum. Indeed in the majority of the species it is but very slightly curved forwards at all; but in two of them (the NV. Janischi and Dalei) there is a somewhat greater tendency to this lateral prolongation of the basal keel.
Before I had become acquainted with the Notioweni in a living state, I felt it just possible that perhaps some of them might prove to be saltatorial (remembering that several of the smaller Anthri-
N
178 ANTHRIBID2.
bideous types, as for instance Xenorchestes in Madeira and the
European Choragus, possess the power of jumping); but I am now enabled to state that neither Notiovenus nor Homeodera show any
such tendency. The 12 Notioxent which have hitherto been brought to light may
be thus tabulated :-—
A. elytra distincte et regulariter striata, striis impunctatis. a. prothoracis linea basalis impressa, canaliculum efficiens. Bewickii. aa. prothoracis linea basalts elevata, carinulam efficiens. subfasciatus. AA. elytra strid suturali impunctatdé solum impressa. alutaceus. AAA. elytra seriatim punctata, sed punctis postice evanescentibus. dimidiatus. AAAA, elytra plus minus regulariter punctato-striata. 8. prothoracis linea basalis ad utrumque latus antrorsum distincte curvata. Janischi, Dalei. BB. prothoracis linea basalis ad utrumque latus antrorsum nec aut vie curvata, Yy. corpus @nescens. Grayii, eeneus. yy: corpus nullo modo enescens (nec etiam submetallicum). 8. ovale, nitidum, sepius nigro- et rufo-pictum. e. elytrorum stris laxe et grosse crenulatis. congener, rufopictus. ee. elytrorum strus crebre et minute crenulatis. rotundatus. 55. angusto-elongatum, subopacum, ferrugineum, sed dense cinereo-pubescens. ferrugineus.
(150. Notioxenus Bewickii. (Fig. 8.)
JV. fusco-niger, subopacus, impunctatus sed minutissime obsoleteque subrugulosus, pube brevissimé demissa grisea vestitus necnon hine inde cinereo-pictus ; capite minute et dense punctulato, in fronte earinula brevi levi instructo; oculis magnis; prothorace linea subbasali impressa utrinque regulariter curvata plagisque 3 lon- gitudinalibus (plus minus fractis et interdum omnino obsoletis) cinereo-squamosis picto ; scutello minutissimo, punctiformi ; elytris argute et regulariter impunctato-striatis, maculis minutis plurimis cinereo-squamosis irroratis, interdum ad basin et humeros obsolete rufescentioribus; antennis tarsisque piceo-testaceis, illis gracilibus ; femoribus tibiisque piceis, his ad basin rufescentibus.
Long. corp. lin. 34-4.
ANTHRIBIDA. 179
Notioxenus Bewickii, Woll., /. c. 213, pl. xiv. f. 1 (1861).
—— ——, ld., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 20 (1870).
——., Melliss, St. Hel. 156 (1875).
Habitat in herbidis elevatis, inter plantas Diplazium nigro-palea- aceum, Kunze, preecipue degens.
The large size and griseous-black, densely-clothed surface of this Notioxenus, which is obscurely ornamented (especially on the elytra) with a few minute and irregular patches of cinereous scales (the two postmedian ones of which are the most conspicuous), added to its prothoracic line being impressed* and its strie (as in the NV. sub- fasciatus) perfectly simple, will sufficiently distinguish it. With the exception of the head, which is minutely punctulated, it will be seen (when the pubescence has been removed) to be impunctate, but somewhat alutaceous and subopake; in highly-coloured specimens there is often a slight rufescent tinge about the base and shoulders of the elytra; its scutellum is most minute and punctiform ; and its eyes, although not particularly prominent, are extremely large.
Up to the time of our visit to the island I had seen but two examples of this Wotiowenus,—one of which was taken in 1860 by the late Mr. Bewicke, and the other more recently by Mr. Melliss. If searched for, however, in the proper localities, it seems to me to be one of the most abundant of the aboriginal Coleoptera of St. Helena,—the great central heights being essentially its range. Unless I am much mistaken, it is attached to the Diplazium nigro- paleaceum, Kunze (next to the Dicksonia arborescens the largest of the native ferns); at any rate it was nearly always out of the thick and partially-blackened masses of that plant that my examples were beaten. In the neighbourhood of Acton and Diana’s Peak, as well as along the Cabbage-Tree Road and on Stitch’s Ridge, I have seldom shaken the Diplaziwm without obtaining it; and I also met with it under precisely similar circumstances at Cason’s, and even so low down as Vine-Tree Gut—which issues out of Halley’s Mount. It was found also by Mr. Gray during the first few weeks of our sojourn in the island.
151. Notioxenus subfasciatus, n. sp.
NV. ferrugineus, subopacus, fere impunctatus sed minutissime obso-
* Owing to the posterior edge of this impressed line, in the NV. Bewickit, being a trifle elevated, the whole line seems occasionally to be, after all, more of a keel than a channel. But this, I think, is more apparent than real.
9 & N 2
180 ANTHRIBIDZ.
leteque subrugulosus, pube demissa cinereo-fulya aut etiam -aurea (in elytris in fasciis duabus valde obliquis obsoletissimis, interdum eegre perspicuis) vestitus; capite minute punctulato; oculis magnis, prominentibus; prothorace sat magno, lineé subbasali eleyata utrinque regulariter curvata; scutello minutissimo, punc- tiformi; elytris basi distincte recto-marginatis (margine minute fimbriato), argute et regulariter impunctato-striatis, stria suturali valde abbreviata subscutellari ; antenuis pedibusque rufo-ferru- gineis; unguiculorum appendiculis internis nec laciniatis sed angustis acutissimis liberis, quasi unguiculos internos minores efformantibus. Long. corp. lin. 2-3.
Habitat in locis valde elevatis, inter herbas, rarissimus.
This is one of the rarest of the Notioveni, and confined (so far as my own experience is concerned) to the highest portions of the great central ridge,—the whole of my examples (only 18, however, in number) having been taken either on the flanks or summit of Diana’s Peak and Acteon. It was first detected by Mr. Gray, and subsequently met with by Colonel Warren, in the same district. It was by general brushing that my specimens were obtained ; so that I am unable to say to what particular plant the insect is attached ; but, judging from the analogy of the NV. Bewrckii, I should be inclined to suspect that it is the ferns, rather than the cabbage-trees, with which it is connected.
Although extremely variable in stature (for some of the larger examples more than double the smaller ones in actual bulk), the NV. subfasciatus is nevertheless, on the average, one of the largest members of the group; and, although not so large as the NV. Bewickii, it agrees with that species in having its elytral strize (the first one of which, however, is abbreviated and merely subscutellary) perfectly simple. But its prothorax and the basal joint of its club are relatively a little more developed than in the Bewickii, its antenne are less slender, its eyes are more prominent, and its elytra are coarsely and straightly margined at their base. Apart, however, from this, it is at once distinguished by its ferruwginous surface, which is covered with a longer and somewhat golden decumbent pubescence, which is so disposed on the elytra as to shape out (in highly coloured examples) two very oblique and obscure fasciz,
which are never conspicuous, and sometimes barely traceable. Its antenne and legs are rufo- ferruginous; its antebasal prothoracic line is sharply elevated ; and he appendages of its claws are less broad and lacinia-like than in
t
ANTHRIBIDA. 18]
the NV. Bewickii,—being in fact narrow, acute, and corneous, forming in every respect an independent but smaller pair of inner ungues.
152. Notioxenus alutaceus.
JV. xneo-piceus (interdum eneo-niger) et obsoletissime subviridi tinctus, seepius subopacus sed seepe subnitidulus, fere impunctatus sed sensim alutaceus, pube demissa cinereo-fulvescente (in elytris plagas irregulares longitudinales plerumque efformante) vestitus ; oculis magnis, prominentibus; prothorace linea subbasali elevata utrinque paululum curvata; scutello minuto, punctiformi ; elytris basi distincte recto-marginatis (margine minute fimbriato), striis (suturali profunda impunctata, antice evanescente, excepta) obso- letis ; antennis nigrescentibus, ad basin, tibiis in toto tarsisque ad basin piceo-testaceis ; femoribus tarsisque versus apicem picescen- tioribus.
Variat elytris concoloribus, nullo modo longitudinaliter fasciato- tessellatis sed evidentius subviridi tinctis, pedibus nigrescentio- ribus.
Long. corp. lin. 1—vix 2.
Notioxenus alutaceus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 22 (1870). , Melliss, St. Hel, 157 (1875).
Habitat regiones editiores, foliis Compositarum arborescentium
gaudens ; vulgatissimus.
The unique example from which I had to enunciate this Notioaenus in 1869, and which was taken by Mr. Melliss, chanced to belong to the variety, or state, in which the fulvous pubescence does not appear in any degree to tessellate the elytra; but now that I have | had an opportunity of observing thousands of them, I am enabled to correct the diagnosis so as to lay proper stress on that particular point. In by far the majority of the specimens the elytra are very conspicuously dappled or subfasciated ; but when they become at all worn, and abraded, this character is less conspicuous. Although, like the rest of the species, variable in stature, the WV. alutaceus is one of the smaller nembers of the group ; and its surface has usually a slight enescent tinge, mingled often with a faint shade of metallic green. It is but obscurely shining, indeed more frequently sub- opake, almost (or even entirely) free from punctures, but somewhat alutaceous all over; and (which is its main distinctive feature) its strie are completely obsolete, with the exception of a deep impune- tate sutural one (on each elytron) which is suddenly abbreviated anteriorly. Its antenne are blackish, except the first and second
182 ANTHRIBIDZ.
joints—which, like the tibiz and the base of the tarsi, are either rufo- or piceo-testaceous.
Although confined to the higher districts of the idan (where it ascends to the very summits of the peaks), the NV. alutaceus is never- theless, within its own proper range, one of the most abundant of the St.-Helena Coleoptera. Indeed I doubt if there is any one which is more universally spread over the regions occupied by the cabbage-trees,—to the foliage of which (particularly that of the Pla- daroxylon leucodendron, Hk. f.) it seems to be attached. It was first secured, in profusion, by Mr. Gray, at Cason’s, during the com- mencement of our visit and before I had been able to reach the central heights ; but subsequently along the whole length of Stitch’s Ridge, and towards Diana’s Peak and Actzon, we met with it in indefinite numbers,—it being scarcely possible to beat a single cabbage-tree without obtaining specimens.
153. Notioxenus dimidiatus.
N. ovatus, convexus, aut piceus aut ferrugineus et plus minus evi- denter subzeneo tinctus, nitidus, pube grossa demissa vel cinerea vel’ fulvescente (in elytris fasciam postmediam dentatam inter- ruptam sepius efformante) vestitus; capite ruguloso-punctato ; oculis magnis, prominentibus ; prothorace sat profunde et confuse (sed in disco antico levyius parciusque) punctato, linea subbasali valde elevata utrinque sinuata; scutello minutissimo, punctiformi; elytris basi conjunctim arcuato-marginatis (margine minute fim- briato), antice grossissime seriatim punctatis, punctis in dimidia parte postica evanescentibus, sed stria suturali profunda impune- tata antice evanescente impressis, pone medium spatio transverso necnon ad utrumque latus ante apicem altero irregulari minore nigrescentibus nitidioribus ac magis glabris; antennis gracilibus, nigrescentibus, art's 1° et 2% (curvatis) pedibusque plus minus piceo- aut rufo-testaceis.
Variat (rarius) colore nigro-gneo, viridi tincto, immaculato.
Long. corp. lin. 1-13.
Notioxenus dimidiatus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 22 (1870).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 156 (1875).
Habitat regiones intermedias, ramulis emortuis fractis humi jacen-
tibus preecipue adherens.
As in the case of the last species, the two examples from which I was compelled in 1869 to define this Notiowenus left me in ignorance of its true character of coloration ; for since one of them
ANTHRIBIDA. 183
happened to be (what I now perceive is) the normal state, and the other the darker variety, in which the elytra are wholly immacu- late, I unfortunately regarded the latter as the type, and treated the ornamented form (which is truly typical) as immature and aberrant. In real fact the obscurer and unspotted phasis, although clearly a mere variety of the other, is extremely scarce,—only two or three individuals being indicated out of many hundreds of the maculated one which I haye examined with considerable care; and there can be no question therefore that it represents the aberration, and not the type.
When unrubbed and richly-coloured, the V. dimidiatus (although rather small and ovate) is one of the most lively-tinted of all the Notioxeni,—its more or less piceous or piceo-ferruginous hue and shining surface, which is dappled with a coarse decumbent pubes- cence (either cinereous or fulvescent), which is concentrated on the elytra into an ill-defined dentate postmedian fascia (bounded anteriorly by a blacker, highly-polished, more glabrous transverse space), giving it a character which is quite its own. This trans- verse glabrous space is also supplemented by a smaller and more irregular one, of the same blackish hue, towards either lateral edge, halfway between the middle and apex; which tends still further to variegate the surface. But the main character of the species con- sists in its sculpture,—the elytral punctures being enormous, closely set, and longitudinally disposed, but suddenly evanescent about the middle of each elytron, while the presence of an unpunctured sutural line, which (as in the WV. alutaceus) is continued to the apex, but is abbreviated anteriorly, is another feature which should be noted. Its antebasal prothoracic keel (which is considerably removed from the hinder margin) is much elevated and sinuate; and its head and prothorax are distinctly but confusedly punctured, the punctures, however, on the anterior disk of the latter being both lighter and fewer.
The WV. dimidiatus appears to be an insect of strictly intermediate altitudes ; for I have never obtained a single example of it at so high an elevation as even the lowest portion of the central ridge. It is far from unlikely, therefore, that it may have belonged originally to the gumwood fauna. It is usually to be met with, in company with the Homeodera pumilio and alutaceicollis, adhering to old sticks which are lying on the ground; under which circumstances I captured it in absolute profusion at Plantation, as well as in Vine-
184 ANTHRIBID&.
Tree Gut,—a small ravine, between Oakbank and Hautt’s-Gate, which issues out of Halley’s Mount.
154. Notioxenus Janischi, n. sp.
N. oblongus, niger, nitidus, pube grossa demissa fulva et albida nebulosus; capite prothoraceque dense, rugose, et profunde punctatis, oculis magnis et valde prominentibus, hée triangulari aut conico, subinzequali, linea subbasali paulum elevata utrinque per partem posticam marginis lateralis curvate ducta; scutello distincto, albido, subtransverso ; elytris basi marginatis (margine minute fimbriato), profunde punctato-striatis, distinctius albido- marmoratis (macula utrinque ad humeros, altera in disco antico, fasciaque obsoletissima anteapicali fracta, sepius preecipue discer- nendis) ; antennis nigrescentibus, art’* 1™° et 2° piceo-ferrugineis ; pedibus elongatis, crassis, nigrescentibus, tarsis late dilatatis.
Long. corp. lin. 3—vix 4.
Habitat ad folia Commidendri robusti, DC. (anglice ‘‘Gumwood ”), rarissimus ; inter arbores antiquas in Thompson’s Wood parce repertus.
The present species and the following one may be distinguished from the other members of the genus by (inter alia) their prothoracic keel being conspicuously curved forwards at either extremity for about a quarter of the distance along the lateral edge of the pro- notum,—but not to so great an extent, or so much at right angles to the base, as in the subfamily Arcocerides. They are both of them peculiar, apparently, to the foliage of the gumwood (Commidendron robustum, DC.), and occur therefore at intermediate altitudes. In- deed the only spot in which I observed the NV. Janischz, which is very much the rarer of the two, was at Thompson’s Wood,—where I obtained five examples of it by beating the old trees for which that remote locality is so famous.
The WV. Janischi is one of the largest and most conspicuous expo- nents of the group which have hitherto been brought to light; and it gives me much pleasure to connect its name with that of His Excellency the Governor,—from whom we received so much kindness and consideration during: our six month’s residence at St. Helena, and whose well-known scientific acquirements predisposed him to render us every assistance in his power towards investigating the fauna of the island.
Apart from its iarge size, oblong outline, and thickened legs, the N. Janischi may be recognized by its black and rather coarsely
ANTHRIBIDZ. 185
punctured surface being densely clouded, or variegated, with a robust decumbent pubescence,—which is partly of a brownish-fulvescent hue, and partly white. The whiter scales preponderate on the elytra,—where (although appreciable almost everywhere) they are most decidedly condensed about the shoulders as well as into a patch on either side of the fore disk, and into a very obsolete and often fragmentary subapical fascia. ‘Its scutellum is white, and rather evident ; its limbs are a good deal blackened, except the first two joints of the antenne, which are piceo-ferruginous ; and its feet are broadly dilated.
155. Notioxenus Dalei, n. sp.
NV. precedenti proximus, sed minor minusque oblongus (elytris sc. paululum magis ovatis), subnitidior et (subter pube, minus fulyescente) multo minus niger,—se. prothorace sepius piceo ely- trisque piceis sed ubique et suffuse rufulo-pictis; capite protho- raceque minus profunde punctatis, hoc sensim minore, breviore ; scutello subminore et haud albido; elytris fascia albida ante- apicali plerumque distinctius ornatis, sed macula in disco antico carentibus; antennis pedibusque gracilioribus minusque nigre- scentibus, illarum art 1™ et 2% sensim gracilioribus, tarsisque minus dilatatis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-vix 23.
Habitat in locis similibus ac precedens, in Thompson’s Wood
et Peak Gut ad folia Commidendri robusti, DC., copiosius lectus.
Like the last species, this is peculiar to the gumwood, from the foliage of which I obtained it both at Thompson’s Wood and in Peak Gut, as well as between Peak Dale and Lufkins. It is a most distinct and beautiful Notioxenus, and one which belongs to exactly the same general type as the WV. Janischi,—its antericly produced prothoracic line, and primd facie aspect, associating it unmistakably with that insect. Specifically, however, there can be no doubt that it is quite distinct,—its much smaller size and less oblong outline (the elytra being relatively more ovate in contour), added to its somewhat more shining and less blackened surface (the pubescence of which is whitish and cinereous, without any admixture of a brownish-fulvous hue), in conjunction with its darkened and less thickened limbs (of which the antenne have their first and second joints appreciably slenderer), being more than sufficient to separate it. Apart from these points, however, its prothorax is proportionally
186 ANTHRIBID.
smaller and shorter, and (together with the head) less deeply punctured ; its scutellum is more minute, and not whitened; its feet are less broadly expanded ; and its elytra will be seen, when the pubescence has been removed, to be not only less black, but blotched or suffused all over with ill-defined rufescent patches,—a fact which gives a reddish tinge, even when the scales are thickly present, to the entire surface.
I have dedicated this interesting Notiowenus to my friend C. W. Dale, Esq., of Glanvilles Wootton,—whose extreme devotion to entomology, inherited from the worthiest of prototypes, is well known to all who have paid any attention to our favourite science.
156. Notioxenus Grayii, n. sp.
N. oblongus, angustulus, zeneus, nitidus, pube demissé aureo-fulva, rarius cinerea (in elytris minus dense in fascia angusta dentata valde obliqua postmedia, necnon in linea longitudinali dentato- curvata subhumerali, et in spatio parvo subapicali, omnibus inter- dum obsoletis) vestitus; capite prothoraceque dense et minute punctuiatis, oculis valde prominentibus, hoc triangulari, linea subbasali elevataé sinuataé sed vix antrorsum curvata; scutello minuto, punctiformi; elytris leviter et minute substriato-punctatis ; antennis nigrescentibus, art'* 1™° et 2° leete rufo-testaceis ; pedibus piceo-testaceis, seepe testaceo-piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 14-1.
Habitat in editioribus locisque paululum minus elevatis, passim ;
foliis Compositarwm arborescentium adherens.
It was by Mr. Gray that this very distinct Notiovenus was first captured,—who met with it, in tolerable profusion, at Cason’s, by beating the foliage of the cabbage trees, during the early part of our sojourn at St. Helena ; and I am glad to name it after its discoverer, whose indefatigable researches added so many species to the list,— some few of which it proved extremely difficult (indeed in one or two instances impossible) afterwards to obtain. The NV. Grayii is attached essentially to the cabbage-trees, but does not seem to be very common. I subsequently procured it, likewise, at Cason’s, as well as on Stitch’s Ridge and towards Diana’s Peak, and even so low down as Vine-Tree Gut,—a small ravine between Oakbank and Hutt’s Gate.
The cblong, straightened, rather narrow, and not very convex contour of this species, added to its brassy and finely sculptured
ANTHRIBIDA. 187
surface, which is densely clothed with a golden-fulvous (rarely cinereous) pubescence, will readily distinguish it. In fresh and unrubbed examples its elytra have a tendency to be obscurely marked with a thread-like and extremely oblique zigzag postmedian fascia, an irregular and curved subhumeral longitudinal line, and a small space near the apex, formed by a mere disappearance of the pile ; but which in the majority of the specimens are so faint as to be barely traceable.
157. Notioxenus eneus, n. sp.
N. ovatus, crassiusculus, eeneus, nitidus, pube grossé demissa cinerea (in prothorace prope angulos posticos et in lineis 3 obsoletis valde abbreviatis posticis, sed in elytris in fasciis duabus obsoletis fractis, preecipue disposita) vestitus ; capite prothoraceque minute, leviter, et confuse punctulatis, oculis valde prominentibus, hée conico, linea subbasali valde elevata sinuata et utrinque paulo antrorsum curvata ; scutello sat distincto; elytris basi marginatis (margine minute fimbriato), grosse striato-punctatis (striis punctisque postice levioribus); antennis gracilibus, piceis, art's 1™° et 2% leete rufo-testaceis ; pedibus rufo-piceis, tibiis basi clarioribus.
Long. corp. lin. 2-3.
Habitat ad truncos antiquos emortuos Compositarum arborescentium in regionibus valde elevatis; rarior.
The rather large, thick, and ovate body of this shining and brassy Notioxenus, the surface of which is a good deal variegated with coarse decumbent cinereous pubescence (which on the prothorax is princi- pally concentrated into a patch towards the hinder angles, and into three extremely short and very obscure, often altogether obsolete, basal lines, whilst on the elytra, which are more or less tessellated with it all over, it is mainly apparent in two ill-defined and broken-up transverse fascie), will readily distinguish it. Its subbasal protho- racic keel is considerably elevated, and a little curved forwards at either extremity ; its prothorax is conical; its scutellum, although small, is quite appreciable ; and its elytral punctures are (at any rate anteriorly) large and coarse.
The NV. eneus is decidedly scarce, though by constant visits to the central heights I succeeded in obtaining a tolerable number of it. It is essentially a cabbage-tree species, and one which occurs in the loftiest altitudes. It was met with both by Mrs. Wollaston and myself below Actaeon and on Stitch’s Ridge,—particularly crawling
188 ANTHRIBIDA.
on the old and dead stumps of the cabbage-trees, as well as on decayed posts which had been made out of the trunks of the same ; but we seldom, if ever, procured it from the living plants and foliage.
158. Notioxenus congener, n. sp.
JN. angustulo-ovalis, niger, nitidissimus, in elytris calyus sed in pro- thorace minutissime et parcissime cinereo-pubescens ; capite dense et rugulose punctato ; oculis haud valde prominentibus ; protho- race (saltem in disco) levius parciusque punctato, linea subbasali elevata sinuata vix antrorsum curyata ; scutello obsoleto; elytris angustule ovalibus basi truncatis, apice acutiusculis, grosse et profunde crenato-sulcatis, interstitiis paulo convexis, fere conco- loribus (sc. ad apicem ipsissimum, necnon rarius obsoletissime ad basin, paululum rufescentioribus) ; antennis piceo-testaceis ; pedi- bus testaceo-piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-15.
Habitat in editioribus insule; una cum NV. rufopicto degens, sed multo rarior.
Obs.—Species NV. rufopicto affinis, sed differt corpore minore, angustiore, sensim minus ovato, prothorace vix minus profunde punctato minusque pubescente, elytris omnino calvis, sensim minus convexis, postice paululum acutioribus, et fere in toto concolori- bus,—se. ad apicem ipsum (et multo rarius versus humeros et basin) solum rufescentioribus.
Whether this is more than a permanent variety, or state, of the N. rufopictus I have hardly material enough to decide; I think, ' however, that it is more probably a distinct but cognate species. It differs from that insect in being on the average rather smaller, and in its outline being narrower and less ovate, in its prothorax being a trifle less coarsely punctured and still more minutely and sparingly cinereo-pubescent, and in its elytra (which are rather straighter at the humeral angles, less convex, and more pointed posteriorly) being altogether bald, and very nearly black,—the extreme apex only, and occasionally a suffused blotch about the shoulders and base, being appreciably more rufescent. As in the N. rufopictus, its surface is highly polished, its scutellum is obsolete, and its elytra are deeply and coarsely crenate-sulcate.
My examples (about a dozen in number) of this Notrowenus were taken, in company with the N. rufopictus, on the high central ridge,—in the vicinity of Actawon and Diana’s Peak.
ANTHRIBID. 189
159. Notioxenus rufopictus. (Fig. 9.)
N. ovalis aut ovatus, niger, nitidissimus, minute et parce cinereo- pubescens ; capite prothoraceque dense et rugulose punctatis, oculis haud valde prominentibus, hoe linea subbasali elevata sinuata vix antrorsum curvata; scutello obsoleto ; elytris convexis, grosse et profunde crenato-sulcatis, interstitiis latis, ubique maculis suffusis (presertim pone medium et versus marginem) plus minus rufulo pictis; antennis piceo-testaceis ; pedibus testaceo piceis.
Variat elytrorum maculis plus minus suffusis et confluentibus.
Long. corp. lin. 1}—vix 2}.
Notioxenus rufopictus, Woll., Journ. of Ent. i, 213, pl. 14. f. 1 (1861). , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 21 (1870). , Melliss, St. Hel. 156 (1875).
Habitat in regionibus valde elevatis, vulgaris ; nisi fallor ad Dick- soniam arborescentem proprius.
The only example which I had seen of this Notiovenus up to the date of our arrival in the island is one which was captured by the late Mr. Bewicke on the 21st of July, 1860; and yet in the loftiest parts of the central heights there is hardly a coleopterous insect which is much more general or abundant. About Diana’s Peak and Acteeon, as well as on Stitch’s Ridge, it is universal; and I also met with it towards the summit of High Peak. Although most of my examples were obtained by general brushing, I am inclined to suspect that the species may in reality be attached to the tree ferns ; for I never procured it except in the regions occupied by those plants, and it is certain that I occasionally took it out of the interior of the dead and moist Dicksonia-stems. In all probability, therefore, it was from the fronds of the D. arborescens that my specimens were principally beaten. It was found also by Mr. Gray during the commencement of our visit.
There is certainly no member of the present genus, hitherto detected, which is more beautiful than the present one,—the nume- rous, but more or less suffused, bright-red spots with which its elytra are adorned (and which are occasionally subconfluent and very conspicuous), in conjunction with its otherwise black and highly polished surface, and its wide and deep crenulated strie, giving it a character which it is impossible to mistake. At first sight 1t appears to be perfectly glabrous ; but when examined beneath a high mag- nifying-power it will be seen to be sparingly and minutely cinereo-
190 ANTHRIBIDA.
pubescent ; its head and prothorax are rather coarsely punctured ; and its scutellum is obsolete.
160. Notioxenus rotundatus, n. sp.
N. rufopicto affinis, sed multo minor et globosior, yix minus nitidus, et sensim densius (tamen minutissime) cinereo-pubescens, protho- race subminore, paulo densius ac paulo minus grosse punctato, elytris fere obovatis, striis multo crebrius ac multo minutius cre-" nulatis, antennisque sublongioribus ac subgracilioribus.
Long. corp. lin. cirea 1.
Habitat in herbidis valde elevatis, rarissimus ; hactenus bis captus.
The only two examples of this most interesting little Notiowenus which I have yet seen are from the high central ridge, in the immediate vicinity of Actzeon and Diana’s Peak,—the first of them haying been captured by Mr. Gray, and the other by myself. It is evidently, there- fore, one of the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera. In its brightly maculated elytra and general sculpture it belongs to exactly the same type as the WV. rufopictus ; nevertheless it is considerably smaller and more globose than that species, as also a trifle less shining and more densely (although most minutely) cinereo-pubescent. Its prothorax is relatively a little less developed, as well as more thickly and not quite so coarsely punctured ; its antenne are proportionally some- what longer and slenderer; and its elytra, which are slightly obovate in outline, have their strive very much more closely and finely crenu- lated. This last character, although not the most evident at first sight, is perhaps its most important one.
161. Notioxenus ferrugineus.
N. oblongus, angustulus, elongatus, ferrugineus, subopacus, grosse et dense cinereo- aut fulyo-cinereo-pubescens ; capite prothoraceque densissime et minute punctulatis, oculis magnis et valde promi- nentibus, hdc linea subbasali elevata smuata vix antrorsum curvata; scutello obsoleto; elytris elongato-ovalibus, (subter pube) sat pro- funde punctato-striatis, per suturam necnon interdum in lineis duabus fractis antice evanescentibus plus minus nigrescentibus ; antennis pedibusque infuscate testaceis, larum clava (presertim art? ult™?) paululum obscuriore.
Variat elytrorum partibus nigrescentibus majoribus subconfluentibus.
Long. corp. lin. $12.
Notioxenus ferrugineus, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 405 (1871).
, Meiliss, St. Hel. 157 (1875).
ANTHRIBID. 19]
Habitat in graminosis (precipue apertis) in intermediis editioribusque insule ; vulgaris.
This is a most abundant insect in the intermediate and lofty districts of the island,—ranging from about the altitude of Plantation te the extreme summits of the peaks. It is found nearly always in grassy places, particularly on the open slopes, where it may often be brushed into the sweeping-net in great numbers. Under such cir- cumstances it swarms at Plantation, as well as about West Lodge, High Peak, Cason’s, Stitch’s Ridge, and on the flanks of Diana’s Peak and Acton; and I also met with it at Thompson’s Wood and in Peak Gut; but it is so extremely variable in stature (and to a certain extent also in the greater or less development of the darker streaks, or longitudinal dashes, of its elytra) that it was difficult to believe, until I had accurately examined them, that two species were not concealed amongst the mass of examples which are now before me. However, after a careful comparison of them, I can detect nothing whatever to enable me to recognize more than a single, somewhat variable form ; thongh I think that the individuals which occur in the highest regions are, on the average, smaller and darker than those from the more strictly “intermediate ” ones.
There is no fear of confounding the NV. ferrugineus with any of the preceding members of the genus,—its comparatively narrow, elon- gate, Sitona-like outline, added to its nearly opake and more or less ferruginous surface, which, however, is densely clothed with either a whitish or yellowish-cinereous pubescence. being of themselves sufficient to distinguish it. Its head and prothorax are very densely but minutely punctulated; and its elytra, when the scales have been removed, will be seen to be rather coarsely punctate-striate, and more or less ornamented with suffused blackish longitudinal streaks or dashes,—which, although sometimes (except along the suture) nearly obsolete, are occasionally enlarged and subconfluent, so as to cover the greater portion of the surface.
(Subfam. 3. HOM@IODERIDES.) % (Prothorax simplea, sc. lined transversé nulla instructus.)
Genus 69. HOMG0DERA. Wollaston, Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 25 (1870).
Corpus et instrumenta cibaria fere ut in Notioweno, sed ilud ple-
192 ANTHRIBID2.
rumque minoris magnitudinis et minus ornatum, semper plus minus pubescens, prothoraceque simplici, nec linea subbasali instructo.
The members of the present group are, on the average, smaller and less variegated than the Notioweni,—the greater proportion of them being, although minutely pubescent, very obscure is colouring. The H. elateroides, however, which perhaps should be regarded as generically distinct, offers a slight exception to this rule; and the comparatively brassy surface of the H. minor and pygmea separates them also, somewhat, from their congeners. But the main feature in which they all of them recede from Notiowenus consists in their prothorax haying no appearance whatsoever of a subbasal pro- thoracic line,—a fact of considerable importance in the Anthribids. Although from their rather diminutive bulk and their want of lively tints the Homeeoderas are insignificant insects on the whole, they nevertheless include amongst them a greater variety of form than even the Notioventi—so much so indeed that, although I have failed to discover structural characters of sufficient value to enable me to break up the group, I cannot but think that the time may perhaps arrive when it will be found desirable to do so on the evidence afforded by mere external configuration alone. And yet I must emphatically repeat that this great outward dissimilarity is, to my mind, far more suggestive of missing links even yet to be detected, than of an aboriginal series of independent generic centres. And if this opinion should prove to be correct, in all probability Homeodera will be acknowledged eventually as by far the most extensive generic assemblage in the Coleopterous fauna of St. Helena.
The 13 Homeeoderas which have hitherto been brought to light may be thus tabulated :—
A. elytra strid suturali (antice evanescente) solum impressa. elateroides. AA, elytra plus minus evidenter punctato-striata. a, elytra postice excavata, et ibidem grossissime nodoso-producta. nodulipennis. aa. elytra inequalia, sed via nodulosa. Hdithia. aaa, elytra simplicia (i. e. nullo modo nodulosa). B. prothorax plus minus distincte punctatus, y. elytra rotundato-elliptica. major. yy. elytra breviter suboblonga. compositarum, pygmea, pumilio.
ANTHRIBIDA. ‘ 193
BB. prothorax vel omnino vel fere impunctatus. rotundipennis, alutaceicollis, asteris,
Paive. AAA. elytra esculpturata (strits punctisque obsoletis). 5. corpus grosse albido-pubescens. coriacea. 88. corpus calvum. globulosa.
162. Homeeodera elateroides.
H. angustulo-subelliptica, elongata, plus minus sneo-picea, nitida, fere impunctata, pube demissa fulvo-cinered nebuloso-sericata ; capite confuse punctulato ; prothorace magno, convexo, elongato-globoso, postice angustiore ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris convexis, elongato- ellipticis basi grosse marginato-truncatis, postice subattenuatis, ad apicem ipsum minute singulatim subnoduloso-gibbosis et ab- breviatis (pygidium profunde longitudinaliter foveolatum haud tegentibus), hinc inde (praesertim versus latera in medio, in disco, necnon ante apicem) obsolete et suffuse subglabro-variegatis, stria suturali impunctata (antice evanescente) solum impressis; an- tennis pedibusque infuscate testaceis, illis versus apicem vix obscurioribus, his elongatis crassis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-22.
Habitat in locis valde elevatis, inter herbas (precipue filices) ; rarior.
The comparatively large and elongate, or Elater-like, form of this Homeodera, in conjunction with its seneo-piceous hue, and its shining almost unsculptured surface (the elytra alone being impressed with a single, unpunctured, anteriorly-evanescent sutural line), which however, is densely sericated with a short silken fulvo-cinereous pubescence, will at once characterize it. Its outline, too, is very peculiar,—the prothorax being large, convex, and elongate-globose, but narrowed behind, whilst the elytra are elliptical but gradually a trifle attenuated posteriorly ; and the latter, although not exactly variegated, are by no means uniform in tint, there being more or less evident indications of obsolete subglabrous spaces (having a just appreciably darker appearance) in various parts,—particularly about the middle of the lateral margin, down the disk, and towards the apex (which, however, itself is often slightly paler or rufescent).
The ZH. elateroides is confined to the loftier portions of the central ridge, and is decidedly scaree—though, by repeated visits to its proper habitat, I secured a tolerable supply of examples. They
0
194, ANTHRIBID&.
were nearly all of them taken about Diana’s Peak and Acton, though I met with a few towards the summit of High Peak. Although it was by general brushing that they were obtained, I ~ believe it was out of the masses of the ferns (either Dicksonia arborescens or Diplazium nigro-paleaceum) that my specimens were usually beaten. The species was found also by Mr. Gray.
163. Homeeodera nodulipennis, n. sp.
H breviter et crasse ovalis aut elliptica, nigro-picea, opaca, pube grossa brevi demissa cinereo-fulyva dense sericata ; oculis minoribus et haud prominentibus ; prothorace breviter subconico, vix punc- tato sed minutissime subgranuloso; scutello obsoleto; elytris ovalibus basi late truncatis, grosse punctato-striatis, interstitiis ineequaliter elevatis interruptis, nodos efficientibus,—nodulo costi- formi ad humeros, altero majore elevatiore in disco postico, et tertio maximo distorto sinuato postice obtuse producto, ante apicem concavo-excayatum in elytris singulis positis, preecipue dis- cernendis; antennis pedibusque gracilibus, illis picescentibus, artis 1™° et 2% pedibusque testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 13.
Habitat in editioribus insule, rarissima; in preruptis mox supra West Lodge parcissime deprehensa.
This is perhaps the most extraordinary member of the Coleoptera which has hitherto been detected at St. Helena,—the enormous, wonderfully produced and apparently mishapen, obtuse nedule with which the apex of each of its elytra is furnished being quite unpre- cedented in any insect with which I am acquainted. The narrow space between these two subapical protuberances, 7. ¢. the apex itself, is anomalously scooped out or excavated; and since the pro- tuberances are rather sinuate and curved inwards, at first sight they seem almost to meet, and give a most singular and somewhat gro- tesque appearance to the whole posterior region,—savouring more of an accidental monstrous development than of any thing else. But that the structure in question is not indicative of a ‘“ monstrosity ” becomes perfectly clear when the creature is accurately examined, to say nothing of its being precisely similar in both of the examples which are now before me. In other respects the H. nodulipennis is remarkable for its thick, obtuse, shortly oval, or elliptical form,— the widest part being at the junction of the prothorax and elytra, which are broadly truncated at their respective bases ; its eyes are
ANTHRIBID&. 195
not quite so large, or so prominent, as in most of the Homeoderas ; its surface is opake and of a piceous black, but densely sericated with a short decumbent fulvescent pile; its limbs are abbreviated and slender, the legs and the two basal joints of the antennz being testaceous ; and, although its prothorax is well-nigh unsculptured, its elytra are coarsely and deeply punctate-striate, with the inter- stices raised and interrupted soas to shape out a few ill-defined and subsidiary nodules in addition to the two monstrously developed apical ones,—of which the most apparent is one on either posterior disk, and a less elevated costiform one at the shoulders.
The only two examples of this marvellous little insect which I have yet seen were captured by myself, early in February, at the extreme edge of the tremendous precipice, or crater-wall (consti- tuting the south-western portion of the great central ridge), imme- diately above West Lodge,—in one of the most exposed and windy spots it is possible to imagine. So difficult indeed was it, on account of the violence of the gale, to examine, even in the most imperfect manner, any thing that presented itself, that I feel almost satisfied that I inadvertently threw several specimens away, mistaking them for the seeds of plants. Nor, indeed, is their prima facie resem- blance to seeds, when the limbs are contracted, altogether fanciful ; for they at least have as much the appearance, at first sight, of a vegetable substance as of an animal one; and it was more by acci- dent than any thing else that the symmetry of their outline induced me to put a couple of them into my collecting-bottle. They were obtained amongst small and broken-up sticks, I think of the common Gorse; though their close proximity to the shrubs of the Aster guamiferus (or “ Little Bastard Gumwood”), which stud the inac- cessible rocks and ledges below, incline me to suspect that the species may in reality belong to the fauna of that interesting but now rapidly disappearing arborescent Composite.
164. Homeeodera Edithia, n. sp.
H. breviter subrotundato-ovata, arcuato-convexa, atra, nitida, fere calva (pube minutissima fulvo-cinerea parcissime irrorata) ; capite confuse et parce punctulato, in fronte foveolato, oculis magnis sed haud valde prominentibus ; prothorace conico, ad latera profunde sed parce punctato, sed in disco antico fere impunctato ; scutello minutissimo, punctiformi; elytris convexis, basi late truncatis, grossissime substriato-punctatis (punctis maximis), ubique mal-
02
196 ANTHRIBIDA.
leato-ineequalibus et hine inde obsolete subnodulosis,—spatio sub- nodiformi in disco antico, aliisque minoribus indistinetis in disco postico versus apicem, precipue discernendis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, crassis, illis piceis clava (elongata) dilutiore articulisque 1° et 2° rufescentioribus, his nigris, tarsis (elongatis, crassis) piceo-testaceis, etiam art? basilari latiusculo.
Long. corp. lin. vix 13.
Habitat regiones valde excelsas, in ligno emortuo marcido Buddlee madagascariensis, Vahl, juxta Diana’s Peak semel tantum reperta.
The only example of this most remarkable Homaodera which I have yet seen was captured by Mrs. Wollaston (after whom I have named the species) in the rotten trunk of a dead Buddleia madagas- cariensis, Vahl, immediately below the Acteon and Diana’s-Peak ridge, close to a spot called Newfoundland. It is evidently one of the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera ; for, in spite of constant researches at the very same tree, we were quite unable to procure a second specimen,
The H. Edithia is one of the most anomalous of the Homceoderas ; and yet (as in the case of the H. nodulipennis, which is even more anomalous still) I cannot detect a single structural character about it of sufficient importance to enable me to separate it generically from the remainder; and we can only conclude, therefore, that forms of a more or less intermediate aspect may even yet be brought to light to articulate it on (as it were) to the more typical members of the group. The main features which at once separate the H. Edithia from the other Homceoderas which have hitherto been detected, consists in its short, thick, convex, and rounded ovate body, its subconical, posteriorly widened prothorax, its deep black hue, and its shining and almost bald surface,—the elytra, however (the punctures of which are enormously developed), being uneven and malleated, with a faint trace of ill-defined obtuse prominences, or obsolete nodules. These latter are discernible in various parts, though more particularly on the fore disk and between the hinder disk and the apex. Its limbs are elongated and thick,—the antenne being dark in the centre, with their club (which is much lengthened) more diluted, or browner, and with their first and second joints rufo-piceous ; whilst the femora and tibie are black, and the feet (which are considerably elongate, and have even their basal articu- lation somewhat incrassated) piceo-testaceous.
ANTHRIBID&. 197
165. Homeodera major, n. sp.
H. ovata, convexa, senea (rarius nigrescens), nitida, pube grossa demissa fulvo-cinereé parce nebulosa; capite prothoraceque di- stincte et subsequaliter punctatis, oculis magnis et valde promi- nentibus ; hée subconvexo, postice angustiore ; scutello obsoleto ; elytris convexis, rotundato-ellipticis, striato-punctatis, interstitiis latis depressis antice transversim subrugulosis, in medio fascia magna dentata transversa valde indistincta subglabra (tamen con- colori) obscure instructis; antennis pedibusque elongatis, illis nigrescentibus (clava elongata), art'* 1° et 2% piceo-testaceis, his fusco-piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Habitat in regionibus valde elevatis insule ; rarissima.
A rather large and apparently scarce species, the only three examples which I have seen having been captured on the high central ridge,—two of them by myself, and the other by Mr. P. Whitehead. My own specimens were beaten off the blossoms of the Melanodendron integrifolium, DC., or “ black cabbage-tree,” on nearly the extreme summit of Acteeon. Apart from its some- what large size (for a Homeodera), the H. major may be known by its convex, rounded elliptical elytra, and its shining, brassy surface, which is sparingly clothed with a coarse cinereous pubescence,— which latter, however, is absent from an obscure, transverse, dentate, fascia-like, but concolorous space across the central region of the elytra. Its limbs are elongate,—the antenne (which have their club a good deal lengthened) being blackish, with the first and second joints piceo-testaceous, and the legs being brownish-piceous.
166. Homeodera compositarum, n. sp.
H. ovato-oblonga, nigra (szepius obsoletissime subviridi aut sub- eeneo-viridi tincta), nitida, pube grossa demissa cinerea (rarius fulvo-cinerei) parce nebulosa; capite (saltem in fronte) fere impunctato; prothorace profunde et dense punctato, in disco antico sepe leviore; scutello obsoleto; elytris breviter sub- oblongis, grosse striato-punctatis, pone medium fascia dentata transversa plerumque valde indistincté subglabra (tamen con- colori) obscure instructis; antennis pedibusque nigrescentibus, illarum art 1™° et 2°° piceo-testaceis.
Long. corp. lin, $-1%.
Habitat inter Compositas arborescentes, vulgaris; in elevatis et sub- elevatis degens.
198 ANTHRIBIDA.
Variable in stature as the Homeeoderas are, this one is perhaps the most variable of them all,—the largest specimens trebling, in actual bulk, the smaller ones. in its main features, however, it is not so very inconstant,—its rather oblong outline and dark surface (which is sparingly clouded with a coarse cinereous pubescence, and has usually a very obsolete greenish or brassy-greenish tinge), in con- junction with its distinctly punctured prothorax, the large and deep punctures of its elytral strie, and its blackish limbs (the first and second joints of the antenne being alone piceo-testaceous), being sufficient to characterize it.
The present Homeodera seems to be attached to the various arbo- rescent Composite,—though more, I think, to the asters and gum- woods than to the cabbage-trees. Still I have beaten it frequently from the foliage of the latter in the very loftiest parts of the central ridge, about Actzeon and Diana’s Peak, as well as on High Peak; though it is infinitely more abundant amongst the Aster gummiferus (on the inner slopes of the great Sandy-Bay crater) beyond West Lodge, as well as amongst the gumwoods at Thompson’s Wood, in Peak Gut, and towards Lufkins.
167. Homeodera pygmeaa.
H. subovata, enea, nitida, pube grossi subdemissa fulvo-cinerea parce nebulosa; capite prothoraceque minutissime alutaceis punc- tisque parvis leviter notatis, hdc ovali; scutello obsoleto; elytris subovatis, punctato-striatis, interstitiis subeonvexis et paululum rugulosis, pone medium fascia dentata transversa valde indistincta subglabra (tamen concolori) obsolete instructis; antennis nigres- centibus, arts 1™° et 2° rufo-testaceis ; femoribus tarsisque piceis, tibiis piceo-testaceis.
Variat (varius) colore nigrescentiore, tibiisque concoloribus (nec piceo-testaceis),— H/. compositarum fere simulans.
Long. corp. lin. 3-1}.
Homeeodera pygmeea, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 24 (1870).
5 Melliss, St. Hel. 157 (1875).
Habitat inter Compositas arborescentes, in locis elevatis, passim.
This is a rather small and insignificant species, though at the same time distinguishable amongst its allies by its somewhat more ovate outline and its conspicuously brassy hue, and by its tibiz being nearly always diluted in colouring, or piceo-testaceous. Its head and prothorax will be seen under a powerful lens to he very minutely alutaceous, but nevertheless rather thickly studded with
ANTHRIBID”. 199
small and lightly-impressed punctures ; and its elytra (which are deeply and closely punctate-striate, with the interstices slightly convex) have traces (in unrubbed examples) of a very obscure post- median transverse fascia,—not differently coloured from the rest of the surface, but formed by the mere partial absence of the fulvo- cinereous pubescence. This last-mentioned character, however, as in the other species in which it obtains, is often altogether inappreciable.
I have taken this Homeodera sparingly on the central ridge about Diana’s Peak and Action, as well as at Cason’s (where it was like- wise found by Mr. Gray) and at High Peak,—in which latter locality it was extremely abundant beneath the dead and loosened bark of a Petrobium arboreum, R. Br., or “ whitewood cabbage tree.” I also met with it at Thompson’s Wood.
168. Homeodera pumilio, n. sp.
H. precedenti similis, sed minor ac sensim minus enea (sc. eneo- picea, interdum etiam picea), capite prothoraceque sxpius minus alutaceis sed densius punctulatis, elytris vix minus convexis minusque rotundatis (sc. paululum magis parallelis aut breviter oblongis), pedibus omnino rufo-testaceis (sc. nullo modo in femo- ribus et tarsis picescentibus).
Long. corp. lin. 3-1.
Habitat in intermediis editioribusque (preesertim illis), vulgaris.
Although the largest examples are perhaps larger than the most dwarfed ones of these immediately allied forms, the H. pwmilio is nevertheless, on the average, the smallest of the Homeeoderas (not excepting even the H. globulosa) which have hitherto been brought to light; and although it has a good deal in common with the pygmea, I am satisfied that it is quite distinct from that insect speci-
.fically. Moreover its habits, and range, are altogether different ; for whilst the pygmea is emphatically a native of the high central ridge, where it occurs amongst the arborescent Composite, it is only sometimes that the pumlio ascends into those altitudes, its proper area being strictly within the ‘“ intermediate” districts,—where it attaches itself in great numbers to the small and broken-up sticks of various trees and shrubs. Under such circumstances it absolutely swarms at Plantation (where it may be found, likewise, adhering to the fallen cones of fir-trees), in company with the H. alutacetcollis and the Notiowenus dimidiatus ; but, from its minute size and the
200 ANTHRIBIDE.
close resemblance of its colour to the brown surfaces to which it is usually attached, it is not always easy to be recognized. It may often be seen crawling sluggishly (especially after showers) on old posts, within the cracks and crevices of which it is apt to conceal itself. At West Lodge, Thompson’s Wood, and in Peak Gut the H, pumilio is extremely common; but it is comparatively seldom that I met with it on High Peak and the still loftier parts of the great central ridge.
Apart from its much smaller size (on the average), the H. pumulio differs from the pygmcea in being less decidedly brassy (though it has usually more or less of an appreciable wnescent tinge)—its colour being seneo-piccous, and sometimes even piceous only,—in its head and prothorax being generally less alutaccous but rather more closely punctulated, in its elytra being a little less convex and also a trifle less rounded at the sides, and in its legs, instead of having the femora and tarsi picescent, being wholly testaceous.
169. Homeodera rotundipennis.
H, crasse ovata, nigra, pube grossa demissa cinereo-fulva lete (in- terdum etiam ornate) marmorata; capite prothoraceque opacis, alutaceis (sed haud punctatis), illo magno mandibulis magnis, oculis haud valde prominentibus, hoc magno, postice paululum angustato, ad latera plus minus fulvo-pubescenti maculato; scutello minutissimo, punctiformi; elytris subquadrato-ovatis basi late truncatis, vix minus opacis (interdum obsoletissime subzeneo tinctis), grosse et profunde striato-punctatis (punctis magnis), interstitiis rugulosis et subcostatis, in disco antico seepe subconcavo- foveolatis, ad basin in medio, necnon in fascia postmedia trans- versi, plus minus evidenter fulvo-cinereo-pubescentibus ; antennis gracilibus, nigrescentibus, art'* 1™° et 2° lete rufo-testaceis ; pedibus elongatis; crassis, Ineequaliter rufo-piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 7-13.
Homeeodera rotundipennis, Woll. Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 23 (1870). , Meliss, St. Hel. 157 (1875). Habitat in intermediis (et, rarius, subeditioribus) insule ; ad truncos antiquos emortuos Asterts gummifert, Hk. f., et Commidendri robusti, DC., necnon sub cortice arido laxo, preecipue adherens.
The thick and squarish-ovate outline of this Homaodera, in con- jnnetion with its comparatively large head and mandibles, its opake but wnpunctured head and prothorax (the latter of which is rather elongate, and somewhat narrowed behind), and its rounded-quadrate,
ANTHRIBID#. 201
roughly sculptured elytra, wili serve to distinguish it from its immediate allies. Its surface (which is black, and only rarely with a very faint subsenescent tinge on the elytra) is, in fresh and unrubbed examples, beautifully dappled with a coarse, decumbent, fulyo-cinereous pubescence,—which in most instances completely covers the head, but is concentrated on the prothorax into a few elongated subconfluent patches towards either side; whilst on the elytra, although present in various parts, it is more particularly traceable in a small central patch at the extreme base and in a post- median transverse fascia. However, when the specimens are in the least degree worn and abraded, this ornamentation is quite absent. Its legs are long and thick, and of an unequal rufo-piceous hue.
Unless I am much mistaken, the H. rotundipennis is more attached to the arborescent asters and gumwoods than to any thing else ; for, although I have taken it sparingly at Plantation, that district in all probability abounded once with gumwoods, and it is certainly quite at home amongst the gumwoods at Thompson’s Wood, as well as amongst those in Peak Gut and between Peak Dale and Lufkins. At West Lodge, however, and more particularly in the Aster-grove beyond it (overlooking Lufkins), it is more common than in any spot which I observed, though it is evident that the species must, on the whole, be regarded as a scarce one. It is usually to be met with beneath the dead and loosened bark of the old trees, and even (in the very eye of the wind) on the trunks themselves, to which it would seem to have the power of adhering with wonderful tenacity. By Mr. P. Whitehead it has been obtained sparingly at Arno’s Vale.
170. Homeodera alutaceicollis.
H. oblonga, nigra aut fusco-nigra, sxepius obsoletissime subzeneo tincta, pube grossi demissé cinereo-fulva et albida nebulosa ; capite prothoraceque alutaceis, subopacis (sed haud punctulatis), hoéc longiusculo, postice paulum angustiore ; scutello obsoleto aut vix discernendo ; elytris suboblongis, paulum magis submicantibus, striato-punctatis, in medio obsoletissime albido- et pone medium subglabro-fasciatis; antennis rufo-testaceis, clavaé obscuriore ; pedibus crassis, femoribus piceis, tibiis tarsisque (preesertim illis) magis testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 1-1}.
Homeeodera alutaceicollis, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 24 (1870).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 157 (1875).
Habitat intermedias insule (in regiones valde elevatas multo rarius
202 ANTHRIBIDZ.
ascendens); truncis ramulisque emortuis, humi jacentibus, copiosissime adheerens.
This is one of the most common and widely-spread of the Homeeo- deras in the intermediate districts of St. Helena, though ascending likewise more sparingly into the highest ones. I met with only a very few specimens of it on the lofty central ridge ; but at Planta- tion it absolutely swarms,—occurring principally, along with the H. pumilio and the Notiowenus dimidiatus, on dead sticks lying on the ground. It frequently attaches itself to old posts and gates, out of the erevices of which it may be seen to crawl sluggishly. I likewise met with it in Vine-'l'ree Gut (below Halley’s Mount), as well as at West Lodge, and amongst the gumwoods in Thompson’s Wood, Peak Gut, and towards Lutkins; and I am inelined to suspect that, in all probability, it is a remnant of the aboriginal gumwood fauna,
The H. alutaceicollis is a rather small and inconspicuous species ; but it is one which may easily be recognized by its outline being somewhat more straightened, or oblong, than is the case in the immediately allied forms, whilst its head and prothorax (the latter of which is narrowed behind, and elongate) are opake and finely alutaceous, but not appreciably punctured. Its pubescence is coarse, and consists partly of fulvo-cinereous and partly of whitish scales ; its elytra, which are not quite so opake as the rest of the surface, are distinctly striate-punctate ; its antenne, with the exception of the club (which is darker), are generally altogether rufo-testaceous ; and its legs, which are much thickened, have their femora piceous, but their tibie and tarsi (especially the former) paler or more testaceous.
171. Homeodera asteris, n. sp.
H. alutaceicolli valde affinis, et forsan ejus varietas Aster? glutinoso, Roxb., propria. Differt pracipue statura minus oblonga aut magis abbreviata, elytris sensim brevioribus, latioribus, ac magis rotundatis, antennisque vix sublongioribus.
Long. corp. lin. }-1.
Habitat inter arbusculas Asteris glutinost, Roxb. (anglice ‘ Serub-
wood”). Duo exemplaria collegit Dom. P. Whitehead.
It is not impossible that this obscure little Homaodera may prove eventually to be but a local state, or phasis, of the alutaceicollis peculiar to the Aster glutinosus, Roxb., or “ Serubwood 3’ but since there is a decided difference in the outline of its elytra, and its habits
ANTHRIBIDZ. 203
do not appear to be the same, I am inclined to suspect that the two examples which are now before me may represent perhaps a separate but closely-allied form. Almost the only point, however, in which it recedes from the alutacetcollis, so far at least as I can detect, con- sists in its shorter, or less oblong, contour (the elytra being rounder and more abbreviated, and therefore relatively a little broader) ; and its antennze are perhaps just perceptibly longer; but the scrubwood fauna embraces so many species which do not pertain to that of the other arborescent Composite, that I think it is safer to treat this Homeodera as distinet from the alutaceicollis and to wait for further evidence to enable us to decide the question positively.
It is to Mr. P. Whitehead that we are indebted for this addition to the St.-Helena fauna,—the only two examples which I have seen having been captured by him from some bushes of the scrubwood between Sugarloaf and Flagstaff Hill, in the extreme north of the island.
172. Homeeodera Paiva, n. sp.
H. ovata, nigra, obsoletissime subviridi-tincta, pube gross demissa fulvo-cinerea parce vestita; capite prothoraceque subopacis, grosse alutaceis (sed haud punctatis), hoc ovali ; scutello obsoleto, aut vix discernendo; elytris ovatis, paulo magis micantibus, pro- funde striato-punctatis, pone medium obsolete fasciatis ; antennis breviusculis, nigrescentibus, art's 1™° et 2° (presertim illo) rufo- testaceis ; pedibus longiusculis, crassiusculis, nigrescentibus.
Long. corp. lin. 2.
Habitat (nisi fallor) in editioribus insule, a meipso semel tantum lecta.
The single example from which I am compelled to describe this minute Homeodera, and which was taken by myself (1 beleve, on the central ridge), has more the appearance at first sight, in its greenish- black hue and dark legs, of a very diminutive specimen of the 2. compositarum, did not its opake, alutaccous, and totally unpunctured head and prothorax refer it to the present division of the genus. Moreover even its elytra are less shining than in the H. compositarum, as well as less coarsely striate-punctate and very much more rounded (or ovate) in outline. From the H. alutaceicollis, on the other hand, it is abundantly distinct, not only in its smaller size and in its much more ovate (or less straightened) contour, but likewise in its greenish- black hue, in the darkened intermediate joints of its antenne, and in its blackened legs.
204. ANTHRIBID&.
I have had great pleasure in dedicating this little Homeodera to my excellent friend the Bardo do Castello de Paiva, of Lisbon, whose former researches at Madeira and in the Canaries have thrown so much light on the natural history of those particular archipelagos.
173. Homeodera coriacea.
H. ovata (rarius oblongo-ovata), nigra, opaca, coriacea, esculpturata (nec punctata, nec striata), pube grossa demissa fulvo-cinerea et albida parce nebulosa; scutello obsoleto, aut vix observando ; ely tris ad basin versus humeros, necnon in fascia media obsoletis~ sima fracta, interdum albido- pubescentibus ; antennis rufo-testa- ceis, clava obscuriore ; pedibus crassiusculis, nigrescentibus.
Variat corpore obsoletissime subzeneo tincto, tibiis sensim dilu- tioribus.
Long. corp. lin. 2—vix 1.
Homeeodera coriacea, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 406 (1871). ——, Meiliss, St. Hel. 157 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis insul, nisi fallor Commidendro robusto, DC. (anglice “* Gumwood ”) propria.
Judging from the five examples only which are now before me, this obscure little Homeodera would appear to be one of the rarer members of the group; though, if I am right in concluding that it is attached normally to the gumwoods, it is far from unlikely that when those trees have been more completely searched it will be found to occur commonly enough in some locality which has hitherto been but imperfectly investigated. My own specimens were captured at Plantation and in Peak Gut, in the latter from the foliage of the gumwood ; but where Mr. Melliss’s unique example was met with, I have not the means of ascertaining. At any rate I have no evidence hitherto that the species ascends above the inter- mediate districts. :
Apart from its diminutive size, the present Homeodera may immediately be recognized by its nearly opake, coriaceous, but totally unsculptured surface,—which, however, in fresh and unrubbed ex- amples, is more or less sparingly clouded with coarse, decumbent, whitish scales. Its colour (beneath the scales) is normally of a deep black with a just appreciable subeyaneous tinge, and its legs are likewise dark ; but there seems to be a state, or variety, in which a very faint enescent lustre is traceable, and in which the tibie (as in the H. alutaceicollis) are perceptibly diluted in hue. Still its total
ANTHRIBIDA. 205
want of sculpture (even on the elytra) will at once distinguish the species.
174. Homeeodera globulosa, n. sp.
H. rotundato-ovata, convexa, piceo-nigra (immatura picea), sub- opaca, fere calva et fere esculpturata (sc. pube, punctis, et striis omnino obsoletis) ; prothorace breviter subcylindrico-ovali; scu- tello obsoleto ; elytris globoso-ovalibus ; antennis pedibusque piceo- testaceis, illarum clava picescentiore, his crassis.
Long. corp. lin. 3-4.
Habitat in herbidis valde elevatis, minus frequens.
The convex, rounded, subglobose contour of this singular little species, added to its practically bald, wesculptured, subopake surface, and its piceous-black concolorous hue (the limbs alone being paler), give it an appearance, at first sight, so different from the whole of the preceding members of the group that it might almost seem to merit generic separation. Yet, after a careful overhauling of its various details, I cannot detect any thing about it sufficient for that purpose ; and I can, therefore, only conclude (as I did in the some- what analogous cases of the LH. nodulipennis and Edithia) that future observations will in all probability bring to light intermediate forms (if indeed they have not already become extinct) which will justify the propriety of retaining it even now amongst the true Homeeoderas.
The H. globulosa is confined to the high central ridge; indeed, with the exception of a single individual which I met with above West Lodge, the whole of my specimens (about 50 in number) were eaptured on the very loftiest portion of it,—in the neighbourhood of Actzeon and Diana’s Peak. They were all of them obtained by general brushing; so that I am unable to decide as to the particular plant to which the species is attached; but I think it most likely that it belongs to the cabbage-tree fauna. It was found also below the Cabbage-tree Road by Mr. P. Whitehead.
Genus 70. ACARODES (nov. gen.).
Corpus et cet. fere ut in Homeodera, sed illud breviter ovatum, valde arcuato-convexum, globuli- aut potius guttiforme, politissi- mum, glaberrimum, calvum, subtranslucidum ; oculis parvis ; pro- thorace breviter conico ; scutello nullo; tarsisque magis simplicibus (sc. minus late bilobis).—N.B. Genus Xenorchestes, insularum
206 ANTHRIBID®.
Maderensium, simulans, et ei certe proximum. Differt, tamen, inter alia, corpore haud saltatorio, antennis pedibusque gracilio- ribus ac minus elongatis, tarsorum art® 1"° multo breviore, 3“°que minus evidenter bilobo.
Ab Acarus, et eidos, aspectus.
Without any very decided structural peculiarities to separate it from the members of that assemblage, it is almost impossible to admit the singular little Anthribid from which the above diagnosis has been compiled amongst the Homceoderas,—its extremely convex, shortly ovate, drop-shaped contour, in conjunction with its totally unsculptured, highly polished, bald, and subtranslucid surface (which is either black or piceous black), giving it a character which is essentially its own. In point of fact, it so closely resembles at first sight the curious Xenorchestes saltitans of Madeira that, before I had examined it accurately, I felt disposed to refer it to the same actual genus; nevertheless its complete want of the capacity for hopping, added to its shorter and slenderer limbs (the first joint of the feet being very conspicuously less elongate, and the third one less evi- dently bilobed), incline me to think that it should be treated as the exponent of a distinct but intimately connected group. Its manifest relationship, however, with one of the rarest and most remarkable of the Madeiran types gives it an interest, geographically, which it is difficult to overrate.
175. Acarodes gutta, v. sp.
A. breviter ovata, arcuato-conyexissima, nitidissima, glaberrima, calva, nigra aut piceo-nigra, subtranslucida, omnino esculpturata ; oculis parvis sed prominulis ; prothorace breviter conico; elytris versus basin interdum obsolete et suffuse subtranslucido-dilutio- ribus, sed sepius omnino concoloribus ; antennis pedibusque graci- libus, piceo-testaceis, illarum clava tarsisque paulo picescentioribus.
Long. corp. lin. circa 3.
Habitat inter folia putrida marcida, humi jacentia, in regionibus
valde elevatis ; sat vulgaris.
This anomalous little Anthribid was first detected by Mrs. Wol- laston,—who secured several examples of it (on two or three different occasions, and before I was able to meet with a single one) at a very high altitude on the central ridge, immediately below the extreme summit of Actzeon. They were all of them obtained on the wet ground amongst sodden leaves,—between which they would
BRUCHID&. 207
secrete themselves, in much the same manner as many of the Phil- hydrida do in other countries; and it was only afterwards, by sifting, that I succeeded myself in securing additional individuals. Having once, however, found out their exact modus vivende, 1 soon ascertained that any number of specimens could be procured by either shaking or sifting the damp rotting leaves which strewed the ground beneath the cabbage-trees ; and by this process we accumu- lated ultimately a considerable series. From its small size, unsculp- tured brilliantly-polished surface, inflated outline, and dark hue, the insect is so suggestive at first sight of a large Acarus that when found in company with the latter it was not always easy without the aid of a lens to distinguish immediately between the two.
Fam. 32. BRUCHIDZ.
Genus 71. BRUCHUS. Geoffroy, Ins. de Paris, i. 163 (1672).
176. Bruchus rufobrunneus.
B. quadrato-subovatus, rufo-brunneus in elytris clarior, subtus dense cinereo sed supra ineequaliter fulvescenti et cinereo piloso-varie- gatus ; capite prothoraceque dense ruguloso- -punctatis, illo argute carinato, oculis magnis, luniformibus, "hoe conico, in parte seit basali macula quadrata subbipartita cinerea ornato ; scutello rotundato, cinereo ; elytris quadratis, profunde striatis, interstitiis eonvexis ac rugulosis, fasciis 3 obsoletissimis (interdum suffusis et vix discernendis) intus plus minus abbreviatis obscure nebulosis ; antennis pedibusque piceo-testaceis, illis versus apicem (saltem in 3) pedibusque posticis paulo obscurioribus, femoribus posticis denticulis duobus contiguis (e marginibus externo et interno sur- gentibus) subtus armatis, tibiis posticis ad angulos apicales internos spinis duabus ineequalibus (una sec., preesertim in 6, elongata, robusta) terminatis.
Mas antennis multo longioribus, paulo crassioribus, intus longe pectinatis ; pedibus anterioribus etiam subgracilioribus.
Long. corp. lin. circa 13.
3ruchus rufobrunneus, JVoll., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 25 (1870). —— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 157 (1875).
Habitat in domibus, mercatorumque repositoriis; in insulam invectus.
I did not meet with either the present Bruchus or the following one during our sojourn at St. Helena,j—having had but little
208 BRUCHIDA.
leisure to devote to the mere introduced species which occur about the warehouses and stores, and which in every country constitute a section of the fauna which is of all others the least important. Several examples, however, of the B. rufobrunneus, and one of the advena, were found by Mr. Melliss amongst rice; and it was with considerable reluctance, knowing how extremely liable to accidental dissemination the Brucht are throughout the civilized world, that I felt compelled (in 1869) to describe them as new. Yet having been unable, both then and since, to affiliate them with any species which had already been characterized, I have no option but to cite them afresh under the titles which I ventured to propose,—leaving the question of their identity, or otherwise, with previously-defined forms still open for future consideration.
In my remarks on the B. rufobrunneus, in 1870, I stated that its main features appeared to consist in its reddish-brown hue,—the elytra, however, being more pale and rufescent than the head and prothorax; in the latter being dappled with cinereous scales, which are concentrated into a squarish central bipartite patch in the middle (be- hind the scutellum), and sometimes apparently into two obsolete and fragmentary oblique bands ; in its head being powerfully keeled ; in its elytra being deeply striate (with the interstices convex), and likewise ornamented (in unrubbed specimens) with rudimentary bands or fascize on either side,—composed, in examples which are highly coloured, of darkish cloudy patches, with a few ashy scales between; in the antennve of the male being very much longer than those of the female, and deeply pectinated internally ; and in its two posterior femora being armed beneath with two small denticles, alongside each other and arising out of the inner and outer edges respectively,—whilst the two inner angles of its two hinder tibize are each terminated by a spine, one of which (particularly in the male sex) is robust and elongated.
177. Bruchus advena.
B. precedenti similis, sed paulum angustior ac sensim magis ellip- ticus (sc. elytris sublongioribus pygidioque minus perpendiculari), capite minus evidenter carinato, prothorace subprofundius pune- tato et postice in medio haud cinereo- (tantum fulvescenti-) pubescente, elytris minus depressis, clarius rufescentibus, letiusque pictis, multo magis tenuiter leviusque subcrenulato-striatis, inter- stitiis valde depressis (nec convexis), antennis brevioribus ac
CERAMBICID. 209
magis compactis, femoribus posticis omnino simplicibus (nec subtus denticulatis), spinisque tibiarum terminalibus minus robustis. Long. corp. lin. 13. Bruchus advena, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 26 (1870). —, Melliss, St. Hel. 157 (1875).
Habitat in locis similibus ac preecedens ; mihi non obvius.
The single individual (a female) from which I was compelled in 1870 to enunciate this Bruchus still embodies all that I have seen of the species which it represents. There can be no doubt that, like the preceding one, it is a mere accidental importation into St. He- lena, perhaps along with either fruits or seeds ; but whether it has become thoroughly established in the stores and warehouses of the island I am scarcely in a position to decide.
The B. advena has much the same general colouring as the rufo- brunneus, and in all probability it must have been introduced origi- nally from the same country (wheresoever that may be); neverthe- less, judging from the single example which is now before me, it is a little narrower and more elliptical than that species (its elytra being rather longer, or less guadrate, and its pygidium less perpen- dicularly decurved, and therefore more visible from above), its head is less evidently keeled, its prothorax is free from the square patch of whitish scales in the centre of the base, its elytra (which are less depressed) are of a redder tint and apparently more highly decorated with fascia-like markings, as well as very much more finely and lightly striated and with the interstices considerably flatter; its antenne are shorter and more compact ; and its two hind legs have their femora entirely free from the small denticles which characterize its ally, and the terminal spines of their tibiz less developed.
Sectio 9. EUCERATA. Fam. 33. CERAMBICIDZ.
Genus 72. CURTOMERUS. Stephens, Man. Brit. Col, 269 (1839).
178. Curtomerus pilicornis.
C. angustus, cylindricus, subnitidus, rufo-ferrugineus, pilis fulves- J P
210 LAMIIDA.
centibus suberectis ubique (etiam in antennis pedibusque) parce vestitus ; capite deflexo, oculis magnis, valde prominentibus, sub- lunato-reniformibus ; prothorace ovali cylindrico, postice angus- tiore, antice constricto, punctis perpaucis asperatis aut tuberculi- formibus adsperso ; elytris cylindricis, basi recte truncatis, parce subseriatim (antice subasperato-) punctatis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, vix clarioribus, femoribus basi pedunculatis, apicem versus valde clavatis. Long. corp. lin. vix 4.
Callidium pilicorne, Fub., Ent. Syst. ii. 327 (1792).
—— luteum (Mshm), Steph., Ill. Brit. Ent. iv. 249 (1881). Curtomerus luteus, /d., Man. Brit. Col. 275 (1839).
—— pilicornis, Woll., Ann. Net. Hist. viii. 407 (1871).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 158 (1875).
Habitat in domibus hortisque ad Jamestown, ex alienis introductus ; rarior.
I did not obtain this Longicorn at St. Helena ; but three examples of it were captured by Mr. Melliss at Maldivia, above Jamestown,— ** flying into the house at night ;” and there can be no question that the species is merely a naturalized one. Indeed the West-Indian Islands would appear to be its proper country ; and so liable is it to accidental transmission (along, probably, with timber), through indirect human agencies, that it has on one or two occasions been found alive even in England.
The narrow and cylindrical outline of the C. pilicornis, added to its pale reddish-brown concolorous surface and the long and suberect hairs with which it is everywhere studded (even upon its limbs), will at once distinguish it from every thing else with which we are here concerned. Its antenne and legs are considerably lengthened ; and the latter have their femora slender and pedunculated at the base, but much clavate towards the apex.
Fam. 34, LAMIIDZ.
Genus 73. COPTOPS. Serville, Ann. Soc. Ent. de France, 64 ( 1835).
179. Coptops bidens.
C. late subcylindricus sed postice gradatim attenuatus, pilis griseis cinereisque demissis densissime tectus ; ecapite deflexo, oculis magnis sed haud prominentibus, profunde excavato-luniformibus ; prothorace brevi, transverso, tamen subcylindrico, grosse noduloso-
HALTICIDE. 211
ineequali, ad latera ante medium spina brevi obtus4 nigrescentiore armato ; elytris antice prothorace multo latioribus, dense griseo- nebulosis et parce cinereo irroratis, maculisque perpaucis rotun- datis punctiformibus nigrescentibus (antice tubercula amplecten- tibus) adspersis, et utrinque in disco postico plagaé longiore sub- eurvataé lineiformi longitudinali ornatis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, crassis, dense griseo- et cinereo-pubescentibus, tarsis latis et lete nigro variegatis. Long. corp. lin. 8-9.
Habitat in hortis insule, precipue in apricis inferioribus juxta Jamestown, Fcos et cet. destruens ; ex alienis certe introductus.
This large, thick, robust, Lamia-like Longicorn has become naturalized accidentally in the gardens of St. Helena, in low and hot localities about Jamestown,—where it appears more particularly to attack the fig-trees, to which it is becoming extremely destructive. I am indebted to the Rev. H. Whitehead for obtaining examples for me in both the pupa and imago states, the former of which I reared after a very brief interval. In addition to its large stature (as compared with the St.-Helena Coleoptera generally), it may be known by the short and obtuse spine with which the edges of its very uneven and transverse prothorax are furnished before the middle, and for the dense manner in which its entire surface is clothed or mottled with a griseous and whitish pubescence. Its elytra (which are much broader anteriorly than the prothorax) taper gradually and slightly towards their apex ; and, apart from the few small, rounded, blackish specks with which they are besprinkled (and which near to the base pass into elevated tubercles), there is a short curved longitudinal dark line, or dash, on either disk behind the middle; and the feet, which are considerably expanded, are beautifully variegated with black.
Sectio 10. PHYTOPHAGA. Fam. 35. HALTICIDA.
Genus 74. LONGITARSUS. Latreille, Fam. Nat. 405 (1825).
The Longitarsi of St. Helena belong to a rather singular type,
Pp 2
212 HALTICIDZ.
and are unquestionably aboriginal members of the fauna,—being peculiar to the foliage of the various cabbage-trees at a high eleva- tion. They are of a more or less brassy green tint, with their limbs extremely elongated, and with the basal joint of their four front feet in the males much expanded or enlarged. But their most remarkable feature consists in the superficial dissimilarity of ‘the sexes; for while the males are free from inequalities, except in the case of the prothorax of the L. Mellissii, which has its sides impressed with two transverse grooves, the females, on the other hand, have their elytra not only more conspicuously margined at the base and sides, but likewise more or less malleated, or irregularly impressed, on either outer disk,—forming in the Z. Janulus inequalities of a most extra- ordinary and anomalous kind. Some of the main characters of the three species which have hitherto been brought to light may be thus briefly formulated :—
a. elytris in 2 pone humeros paulum malleato-inequalibus. 3 omnino
simplex. helene. aa. elytris in Q in medio valde et profunde malleato-inequalibus. 3 om- nino sumplex. janulus.
aaa. elytris in 2 pone humeros paulum concavis. et 2 ad latera pro- thoracis transversim biimpressi. Mellissii.
180. Longitarsus helene.
L. subellipticus, eeneo-viridis, subnitidus, subalutaceus ; capite im- punctato; prothorace punctulis levibus minutissimis parce irrorato ; elytris profundius punctatis, plerumque distinctius subsenescenti- bus; antennis pedibusque longissimis, rufo-testaceis, illis versus apicem femoribusque posticis paulum obscurioribus.
Mas tarsis anterioribus art? 1"° magno, valde dilatato.
Fem. tarsis anterioribus simplicibus; elytris sublongioribus ac magis obovatis (postice paululum magis attenuatis), ad basin et latera distinctius marginatis, necnon pone humeros malleato- inequalibus, tamen costulis valde abbreviatis subbasalibus circa 2 vel 3 in parte malleata discernendis.
Long. corp. lin. 1—vix 1}.
Longitarsus Helene, Woll., Journ. of Ent. i. 214 (1861).
, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 27 (1870).
__ ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 158 (1875).
Habitat ad folia Compositarum arborescentium in editioribus insule, usque ad summos montes copiosissime ascendens.
This is the universal Longitarsus of the higher elevations of St.
HALTICID. 213
Helena,—occurring on the foliage of the various cabbage-trees, and ascending to the very summits of the peaks. Indeed so abundant is it that it is almost impossible to find a single cabbage-tree from which it may not be beaten in actual profusion. Yet up to the date of our arrival in the island I had seen but three examples of it,— one of which was taken by the late Mr. Bewicke in 1860, and the other two more recently by Mr. Melliss. As they happened more- over to be all of them males, I was unable to pronounce for certain on the characteristics of both sexes ; but I now perceive that while the male is perfectly free from inequalities, the female has a portion of its elytra uneven, or malleated (enclosing two or three very abbreviated longitudinal coste), behind either shoulder. The females also haye their elytra proportionally a trifle more elongated than the males, as well as a little more obovate in outline; and the males descend to a much smaller stature than either of the other species which have as yet been detected.
181. Longitarsus janulus, n. sp.
L. preecedenti similis, sed submajor et paulo minus metallicus, pro- thorace distinctius punctate, elytris in 9 multo minus nitidis ac multo magis ineequalibus,—se. utrinque in medio valde et profunde malleato-excavatis (tamen costis minus abbreviatis circa 4 in excavatione discernendis), antennis in ¢ multo magis incrassatis, necnon art® 1™° tarsorum anteriorum in ¢ etiam magis dilatato (sc. maximo).
Long. corp. lin. 13-13.
Habitat ad folia Lachanodes prenanthiflore, Burch. ; in loco quodam paulum minus elevato, Vine-Tree Gut dicto, sat copiose repertus.
The only spot in which I observed this very distinct Longitarsus is a little ravine below Halley’s Mount and between Oakbank and Hutt’s Gate, known as Vine-Tree Gut,—where it was extremely abundant on the foliage of the curious Lachanodes prenanthiflora, or “she cabbage-tree.” It is a rather larger insect than the ZL. helene, and of not quite so lively a metallic green. Indeed its female sex is comparatively dull and opake, and has the elytra so wonderfully and deeply malleated down either outer disk as to cause the whole surface to appear coarsely wrinkled and (as it were) imperfectly developed,—leaving, however, three or four abbreviated longitudinal ridges (not so short as in the ZL. helene) conspicuous within the excavation. Its males moreover differ from those of the
214 HALTICIDZ.
L. helene in having their antenne very much thicker or more developed, and in the basal joint of their four anterior feet being still more broadly expanded. Its prothorax too, in both sexes, is much more coarsely punctured than that of the LZ. helene.
182. Longitarsus Mellissii.
L. elongato-subellipticus, eneo-viridis, nitidus ; capite nitidissimo, impunctato ; prothorace antice nitidissimo et vix punctato, ad latera et postice profundius punctato, necnon ad latera late trans- versim biimpresso et grossius marginato, angulis anticis incrassatis, subferrugineis ; elytris dense, profunde, et grosse punctatis ; antennis pedibusque longissimis, crassis, testaceis, illis versus apicem femoribusque posticis vix obscurioribus.
Mas tarsis anterioribus art® 1™° magno, valde dilatato.
Feem. paulo rugosius punctata; tarsis anterioribus simplicibus ; prothorace utrinque profundius transversim biimpresso ; elytris sublongioribus, ad basin et latera distinctius marginatis, necnon pone humeros late sed yix profunde excavatis, excavatione fere simplici (nec intus costulis abbreviatis instructa, sed extus costa elongata laterali terminata).
Long. corp. lin. 14-1}.
Longitarsus Mellissii, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. viii. 407 (1871).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 158 (1875).
Habitat in locis valde elevatis, inter Compositas arborescentes ; rarior,
This is the largest and most shining of the three species, it being in no part even obsoletely alutaceous; and it is also the most coarsely punctured (particularly in the females), and with the legs a trifle thicker. But its main feature consists in the prothorax being (in both sexes, though more especially in the female one) impressed on either side with two wide transverse grooves. This character is extremely important, because in the other two members of the genus the prothorax is in both sexes perfectly free from inequalities. Its elytra, however, are more even in the female sex than those of the L. helene and janulus,—there being merely a wide and simple excavation behind the shoulders, bounded externally by a single lateral costa which extends nearly the whole length of the elytra. The anterior angles of its prothorax, also, are not only more thick- ened than in either of the preceding species, but they are eyen slightly ferruginous ; and the apex of the elytra in the male sex seems to be a little diluted in hue, or subflavescent.
So far as my own experience is concerned, the L. Mellissii is by
CASSIDID. 215
far the rarest of the St.-Helena Longitarsi, the few examples which I met with (and one more was found by Mr. Gray) having been captured from the foliage of the cabbage-trees, in the vicinity of Diana’s Peak and Actzon, on the high central ridge. Mr. Melliss’s two specimens, from which in 1871 I enunciated the species, appear to have been taken likewise in the same district *.
Fam. 36. CASSIDIDZ.
Genus 75. ASPIDOMORPHA. Hope, Col. Man. (1840).
183. Aspidomorpha miliaris.
A, “flava thorace immaculato, elytris nigro punctatis, margine bifasciato. Statura C. margimate. Antenne flave, apice nigre. Thoracis clypeus rotundatus, integer, immaculatus. Elytra levia, flava, punctis circiter 10 nigris sparsis. Margo uti in reliquis dilatatus fasciis duabus, alteré ad basin, altera versus apicem, nigris. Sutura apice nigra. Subtus nigra, margine flavescente.
Pedes flavi.” [Ex Fabricio. |
Cassida miliaris, Fub., Syst. Ent. 91 (1775).
——, Id., Syst. Eleu, 1. 400 (1801).
Aspidomorpha miliaris, Bohem., Mon. Cass. ii. 261 (1854). » Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 28 (1870).
—— — , Melliss, St. Hel, 158 (1875).
Habitat “in ins. St. Helene, Mus. Dom. Banks.” [Ex Fabricio.]
* As it seems to have been founded upon some strange geographical miscon- ception, I need scarcely perhaps allude to the fact that a Cryptocephalus was described by Fabricius in 1775, under the title of C. rujicollis, as coming from St. Helena ; nevertheless, as this is the proper place in our catalogue for noticing it, it may be desirable just to mention that it was from an example professedly St.-Helenian, in the collection of the late Sir Joseph Banks, that Fabricius’s diagnosis was drawn out. Fabricius, however, appears to have fallen into some unaccountable confusion concerning the habitat of his insect; for in 1792 he cited it as occurring not only in St. Helena, but likewise (on the authority of Prof. Helwig) in Italy! In 1798 he seems to have discovered that it was not a Cryptocephalus at all, but a Clythra; whilst in 1801, whilst quoting it as the Clythra ruficollis, he still refers to his former volumes, but loses sight of the St.-Helena habitat altogether, and gives it simply as South-European! Under these cir- cumstances, and as I have no evidence whatsoever that either a Clythra or a Cryptocephalus has ever been captured in the island, it is only natural to assume that Fabricius fell into an error as regards the country in which his C. rzficollis was taken, and that, as several of the Banksian Coleoptera were unquestionably St.-Helenian, he inadvertently assumed this one (which is from Southern Europe) to be so likewise ; though if this should be the case, and he subse- quently became aware of his blunder, it is simply unpardonable that he should have quietly shifted its Aa4itaz (in his later publications) without stating plainly that he had been originally mistaken in recording an insect from the south of
Europe as a St.-Helena one.
216 CASSIDID.
Although I admitted this insect into the St.-Helena catalogue in 1870, on the evidence of Fabricius, who described it (in 1775)*from an example in the collection of the late Sir Joseph Banks, yet I must confess, after our six months’ sojourn in the island, that I am far more disposed to strike it out altogether; for I feel almost satisfied that no member of the Cassidide occurs now at St. Helena. Indeed Boheman, in his elaborate monograph of the family, does not acknowledge Fabricius’s Cassida miliaris as a St.-Helena insect at all, but cites it from the East Indies, Java, Celebes, the Philippine Islands, and China; and yet the fact remains that the actual type from which it was originally enunciated was (whether correctly so or not) professedly St.-Helenian. Weare therefore at once confronted by a geographical difficulty ; for either Fabricius feil into an error regarding the original habitat (as indeed I certainly think that he did in the case of the Oryptocephalus ruficollis, and perhaps also in that of the Epilachna chrysomelina), or else we have the strange phenomenon of a species from Eastern Asia existing likewise in a remote island of the Southern Atlantic. In this dilemma some such explanation as the following seems to me to be not altogether impossible. It is well known that when the island was in the hands of the East-India Company no expense was spared in importing trees and shrubs from various parts of the world, even 4irds haying been naturalized through their instrumentality ; and I can conceive it by no means unlikely that a consignment of plants from India may have been the means of introducing accidentally a.few stray examples of this conspicuous Aspidomorpha, and that the species may thus have been literally taken at St. Helena, even though destined otherwise immediately to die out. This at all events commends itself to my mind as a not unsatisfactory solution of a problem which is at first sight difficult,— seeing that the grounds (whether at Plantation or elsewhere) in which exotic plants would most probably be experimented upon would almost certainly be watched with considerable care, so that a brightly coloured insect like the one which we are now considering could hardly fail to be noticed and perhaps secured. Nevertheless, as I do but offer this as a conjecture, I will include the species in our list— qualified thus distinctively, and not without an emphatic protest ; for I have a far greater inclination, in reality, to avoid all allusion to it as a member of the present fauna,
COCCINELLIDZ. al NF
, Sectio 11. PSEUDOTRIMERA.
Fam. 37. COCCINELLIDZ.
Genus 76. CHILOMENES. Chevrolat, ix Dej. Cat. 459 (1837).
184. Chilomenes lunata.
C. subhemispherica, nitida, minutissime et levissime (vix perspicue) punctulata; capite albido-testaceo, epistomate late emarginato ; prothorace brevi, sublunato, albido-testaceo sed per basin late nigro, parte nigra in medio quadrato-ampliato ; scutello elytrisque nigris, sed his maculis 5 magnis rufis vel flavo-rufis (sc. 1 basali et 1 apicali maximis elongatis sublunato-arcuatis, 1 breviore sub- lunata in disco postico, et 2 paulo minoribus subrotundatis in disco antico) lete ornatis, limbo subrecurvo, nigro; antennis pedibusque piceo-testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 22-33.
Coccinella lunata, Fab., Syst. Ent. 86 (1775).
Cydonia lunata, Muls., Sécurip. 431 (1851).
, Woll., Journ. of Ent. i. 214 (1861).
, Id., Ann. Nat. Mist. v. 29 (1870). Chilomenes lunata, Crotch, Revis. Coccinell. 179 (1874). Cydonia lunata, Melliss, St. Hel. 159 (1875).
Habitat ubique in insula, ab ora maritima usque ad summos montes ascendens.
There is hardly a Coleopterous insect more common in St. Helena than this large and beautifully spotted ladybird,—which, although more abundant in the lower and warmer parts of the island than in the higher ones, occurs from the sea-level to the summits of the peaks. Indeed it was the very first beetle that we met with on landing,—several examples haying been captured by Mrs. Wollaston on our way up from the beach to Jamestown. It swarms on the foliage of plants, as well as beneath stones and crawling over the hot ground, and, indeed, almost everywhere. It was taken in profusion by Mr. Gray, particularly in arid places around High Knoll, and likewise by Mr. Melliss; and it was found by Colonel Warren on the Barn. In fact it has been brought from the island by nearly every naturalist who has collected there, including the late Mr. Bewicke, who obtained it in 1860; and it is worthy of remark that the specimens on which the species was originally
218 COCCINELLIDA.
established (in 1775) by Fabricius, and which still exist in the Banksian cabinet, were from St. Helena. This should be carefully borne in mind; for since the insect is supposed to possess a wide geographical range (it being reported from Senegal, Angola, the Cape of Good Hope, Caffraria, Madagascar, the Mauritius, Java, the East Indies, and even Australia), it is far from impossible that it may exhibit a certain number of varieties or states ; and if this should prove to be the case, it is interesting to know that the parti- cular form which must of necessity be looked upon as typical is the St.-Helena one.
185. Chilomenes vicina.
C. subhemispherica, nitida, minute et leviter punctulata ; capite (labro obscuriore excepto) albido-testaceo, epistomate profunde emarginato; prothorace brevi, sublunato, nigro, per marginem anticum anguste sed ad latera late albido-testaceo (macula laterali in lineam, fere ad medium disci extensam, intus producto) ; scu- tello nigro; elytris rufo-aurantiacis, in limbo angustissime, per suturam anguste, et in linea arcuata discali (a basi fere ad suturam, mox pone apicem, ducta) paulo latiore, nigro-ornatis, antennis testaceo-piceis ; pedibus testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 2-23.
Cheilomenes vicina, Dej., Cat. 459 (1857). —— circumflexa (Klug), Id., ibid. (1837). Cydonia vicina, Muls., Séeurip. 440 (1851). , Woll., Col. Hesp. 155 (1867). Chilomenes vicina, Crotch, Revis. Coccinell. 180 (1874). Cydonia vicina, Melliss, St. Hel. 159 (1875).
Habitat “‘in St.-Helena” (sec. Dom. G. R. Crotch); mihi non
obyia.
My only evidence for the occurrence of this Cydonza is the assu- rance of the late Mr.G. R. Crotch that he possessed two examples of it which are undoubtedly from St. Helena, they having been received by him along with the @. /wnata, which is so universal in the island ; and although it entirely escaped our united observations during our late visit, and those indeed of Mr. Melliss and other recent collectors, it is nevertheless so likely an insect to be found (ranging as it does from Egypt and Nubia to Senegal and Guinea, and abounding in the Cape-Verde archipelago) that I think Mr. Crotch’s statement must be accepted as sufficiently reliable to enable us to admit the species into our catalogue. At the same time, I would wish expressly to
COCCINELLIDA. 219
add that I do so with a certain amount of reluctance, though we had so few opportunities of investigating accurately the hot and barren districts above Jamestown and Ladder Hill (amongst the Cactus-covered portions of which the C. vicina might well be sup- posed to exist) that there is ample room for suspecting that we by no means exhausted the fauna so completely as to exclude the possi- bility of a certain number of additions even as conspicuous prima facie as the one now under consideration.
In my remarks on the C. vicina, given in the ‘ Coleoptera Hespe- ridum,’ I mentioned that there was but little fear of confounding it with any thing else there enumerated,—* its whitish-yellow head and prothorax (the latter of which is ornamented with a large, broad, and somewhat o/triangular black patch immediately behind its ante- rior excavation, connected by a short peduncle with a wide band which covers the entire base), its dark scutellum, and its orange- coloured, rounded elytra (which have their suture, an arcuate stripe down the middle of each, parallel to the outer margin, and usually also the extreme outer edge itself, black) being more than enough to distinguish it.”
Genus 77. THEA. Mulsant, Sécurip, 206 (1851).
’ 186. Thea variegata.
T. hemispheerica, nitida, minute et leviter punctulata, leete sulphureo- flava sed nigro-maculata; capite antice et postice maculis duabus parvis obscuris (interdum fere obsoletis) notato; prothorace bre- vissimo, transverso, antice vix excayato, maculis 5 nigris in disco ornato ; scutello nigro; elytris maculis nigris 9, transversim (sc. 2, 3, 3, et 1) positis, interdum subconfluentibus, ornatis; antennis pedibusque testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-vix 2.
Coccinella variegata, Fab., Spec. Ins. i. 99 (1781). — cognata, Dej., Cat. 457 (1887).
—— nassata, Erich., in Wregm. Archiv, ix. 266 (1843). Thea variegata, Muls., Sécurip. 206 (1851).
, Woll., Ann, Nat. Hist. viii, 408 (1871).
—- — , Crotch, Revis. Coccinell. 134 (1874),
—_— —_, Melliss, St. Hel. 159 (1875).
Habitat regiones intermedias, precipue in cultis ; hine inde vulgaris.
This pretty little yellow Coccinellid, so well distinguished by the
220 COCCINELLIDZ.
black spots with which it is ornamented (five of which are situated on the prothoracic disk, and nine on each of the elytra), has probably become naturalized at St. Helena ; for since it occurs both at Angola and the Cape of Good Hope, it is far from unlikely that it was introduced originally from the latter along with consignments of plants. At any rate it is abundant now in many cultivated spots of intermediate altitude, such as Plantation,—where we met with it in great profusion. Mr. Melliss states that he reared it from larvee which were obtained from the grape-vine ; and Mr. P. White- head has called my attention to the fact that it is more especially attached to the various passion-flowers—a conclusion which is quite in accordance with my own experience, a hedge of the Passiflora cerulea at Plantation haying been absolutely infested with it. In all probability, however, its presence on any particular plant, or shrub, is mainly dependent upon the number of Aphides which may happen to have made their appearance.
Genus 78. EPILACHNA. Chevrolat, Dict. Univ. d Hist. Nat. iv. 45 (1844).
187. Epilachna chrysomelina.
E. * coleopteris rufis ; punctis duodecim nigris, thorace immaculato. Major. Caput et thorax rubra, immaculata, margine paullo pal- lidiora. Elytra rufa, punctis sex nigris per paria distributis. Pedes flavicantes.” [Ex Fabricio. |
Coccinella chrysomelina, Fab., Syst. Ent. 82 (1775).
—— capensis, Thunb., Nov. Ins. Spec. i. 16, t. 1. f. 21 (1781). Epilachna chrysomelina, Muls., Sécurip. 793 (1851).
, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. y. 30 (1870).
—— — , Crotch, Revis. Coceinell. 71 (1874).
, Melliss, St. Hel. 159 (1875).
Habitat “in ins. St. Helene. Mus. Dom. Banks.” [Ex Fabricio.]
I can scarcely believe that this widely-spread insect (which occurs not only in Mediterranean latitudes, but also in Persia and Arabia, as well as in Upper Egypt, Senegal, and at the Cape of Good Hope) has at present any claim to be regarded as St.-Helenian ; never- theless, since it was described originally (in 1775) from a professedly St.-Helena example in the collection of the late Sir Joseph Banks, and since its wide African range renders it at least a not improbable member, a priori, of the fauna, perhaps we can hardly refuse to
CORYLOPHIDA. 221
grant it admission into the catalogue, though I must confess that I do so with a very great amount of reluctance. Still it is far from unlikely that it may at some former period have been introduced accidentally into the island, along perhaps with consignments of shrubs and plants (much in the same manner as I have assumed in the case of the East-Indian Aspidomorpha miliaris), and so may really have been captured at St. Helena; but, be this as it may, I must record my conviction that at the present time we have no eyi- dence for believing that it continues to exist-—though of course it is open to consideration whether some of the dry and arid tracts towards the coast, where the Cactus opuntia reigns supreme, and which on account of their extreme sterility have been but imper- fectly investigated, may not, sooner or later, be ascertained to harbour it.
Fam. 38. CORYLOPHIDA.
Genus 79. SERICODERUS. Stephens, Ill. Brit. Ent. ii. 187 (1829).
188. Sericoderus lateralis.
S. minutissimus, quadrato-ovalis, convexus (subtus planatus), infus- cate testaceus (rarius obscurior), nitidus sed grosse fulvo-cinereo sericatus; capite parvo, obtecto; prothorace lunato, sc. postice lato angulis acute productis, in disco antico sensim infuscato ; elytris antice latis, postice truncatis (pygidium haud tegentibus) ; antennis pedibusque testaceis, illarum clava obscuriore. Long. corp. lin. 3. Cossyphus lateralis (Meg.), Gyll., Ins. Suec. iv. 516 (1827). Sericoderus lateralis, Woll., Col. Atl. 95 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp. 55 (1867).
—— — , Crotch, in Godm, Azor, 66 (1870).
Hatitat culta hortosque in intermediis insul, sub quisquiliis hine inde congregans.
This minute European species, which through its extreme liability to accidental dissemination has acquired a wide geographical range (occurring in the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos, and which was obtained by the late Mr. Bewicke even at the Cape of Good Hope), abounds in the intermediate districts of St. Helena,—where it is generally to be met with amongst decaying vege- table refuse and beneath cut grass. It swarms at Plantation and in
222 CORYLOPHID.
Thompson’s Wood, and will doubtless be found to be universal in most of the cultivated and semicultivated grounds.
The extremely diminutive size and dusky-testaceous hue of the S. lateralis, in conjunction with its obtuse, squarish-oval outline, its convex upper portion, which is densely clothed with a fine decum- bent silken pubescence, its concealed head, its broad lunate pro- thorax (the hinder angles of which are acutely produced), and its shortened or truncated elytra, which leave the pygidium partially exposed, will sufficiently distinguish it from every thing else with which we have here to do.
Genus 80. ORTHOPERUS. Stephens, JU. Brit. Ent. ii. 186 (1829).
189. Orthoperus atomarius.
O. minutissimus, breviter rotundato-ovalis, arcuato-convexus, piceo- testaceus aut testaceo-castaneus, nitidus, calvus, et (oculo fortissime armato) minutissime sed haud dense punctulatus ; capite subtri- angulari, oculis magnis ; prothorace (subsemicirculari) postice elytrisque antice latitude equalibus ; elytris haud striatis ; antennis (brevibus) pedibusque pallido-testaceis, illarum clayva picescentiore.
Long. corp. lin. 3.
Pithophilus atomarius, Heer, Fna Col. Helv. 435 (1841). Orthoperus atomarius, Woll., Cat. Mad. Col. 145. f. 38 (1857). ———, Duval, Gen. des Col. d’ Eur. ii, 236, t. 57. £..283 (1859). __. ___} Woll., Col. Atl. 93 (1865).
Habitat in cultis intermediis ; inter quisquilias rarissimus.
This extremely minute beetle is,next to the Ptinella Matthewsiana, the smallest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera which has hitherto been detected ; and there can be little doubt it has become naturalized accidentally in the.island, perhaps along with consignments of plants, from more northern latitudes. It is, however, so far at least as I can judge from my own limited experience, exceedingly rare ; though perhaps it might more properly be said that its diminutive bulk has, in all probability, caused it to escape observation. At any rate I have seen but three examples of it, all of which were captured by myself,—two by sifting rubbish at Thompson’s Wood, and one at Plantation.
Apart from its minute size and shortly-oval (well-nigh hemi- spheric) outline, the O. atomarius (which occurs also in the Madeiran
EROTYLID#. 220
group) may be recognized by its shining piceo-testaceous or yellow- ish-castaneous surface (the small punctules of which are scarcely distinguishable except beneath a microscope), and by its pallid limbs,—the club only of its somewhat abbreviated antenne being slightly picescent. As in the Orthopert generally, its prothorax and elytra are of precisely the same breadth at their respective bases, and the latter are free from strive.
Fam. 39. EROTYLIDA.
Genus 81. EUXESTUS. Wollaston, Ann. Nat. Hist. ii. 411 (1858).
The present genus possesses a certain geographical interest, from its having been detected hitherto only in Madeira,—whence it was described by myself, from examples which had been found within the nests of ants, in 1858. The St.-Helena representative, more- over, becomes still further important from its enabling me to correct the diagnosis of the Madeiran one as regards the precise number of the antennal joints,—the intermediate ones of which are so ex- tremely obscure and so closely compacted together as to have left both Professor Westwood and myself in considerable doubt concern- ing them. It was this uncertainty that induced me to record only “four” between the elongated third one and the club, instead of six; but the species enunciated below has so unmistakably the latter that I have been at some pains to submit the #. Parkii of Madeira to a fresh and more rigid examination, and have in conse- quence quite satisfied myself, now that additional light has been thrown upon it by the Z. phalacroides, that the antenne of 7¢ also are 10-articulate (and not 8-),—the eatremely solid club, although composed practically of a single joint, having the last (or eleventh) one immersed and obsolete. Although in the Madeiran group it is by no means peculiarly associated with ants (the . Parkii being often abundant in ordinary garden-refuse), I would nevertheless remark not only that the genus as hitherto observed at St. Helena is exclusively formicophilous, as regards its modus vivendi, but that it lives in the society of the very same species (the @eophthora pusilla, Heer) with which, when residing with the ants at all, it occurs at Madeira.
224 EROTYLIDE.—OPATRID&.
190. Euxestus phalacroides, n. sp.
E. oblongo-ovalis aut ellipticus, convexus (subtus planatus), nitidis- simus, calvus, ubique minute et leviter punctulatus ; capite pro- thoraceque nigro-castaneis, hoc transverso, postice lato (elytrorum latitudine) et per basin trisinuato ; elytris castaneis (immaturis fere ferrugineis), in disco transversim subobscurioribus, quare versus apicem gradatim clarioribus et interdum quasi subbimacu- latis, obsoletissime vix substriatis; antennis brevibus, ecrassis, abrupte clavatis, pedibusque (compressis) piceo-testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 1-1}.
Habitat formicarum nidos ; in horto publico ad Jamestown, in trunco quodam Palmze emortuo prolapso, copiosissime captus.
The only spot in which this most interesting Phalacrus-lke insect has hitherto been observed (so far at least as I am aware) is the Castle-garden at Jamestown,—where it was taken in profusion by myself, and subsequently by Mr. Gray, in company with the common house-ant (cophthora pusilla), within the dead and fibrous stem of an old felled palm. Its convex, elliptical, highly polished, unpubes- cent, minutely punctulated surface, added to its rich castaneous hue (the elytra being generally a little paler, and with a tendency to be so far diluted towards their apex as occasionally to appear well-nigh bimaculate), its short, thick, abruptly clavate antenne, and its tes- taceous, compressed legs, will sufficiently characterize it.
From the Madeiran £. Parkvi the present Euaestus differs in being a little larger and more oblong, in its antennee (particularly as regards the third joint) being appreciably longer, and in its surface being not only more densely and distinctly punctulated, but also (especially the head and prothorax, the central region of the elytra, and some- times the club of the antenne) darker or more infuscate.
Sectio 12. HETEROMERA.
Fam. 40. OPATRIDZ.
Genus 82. OPATRUM. Fabricius, Syst. Ent. 76 (1775).
191. Opatrum hadroides.
O. parallelo-oblongum, latiusculum, valde alatum, nigrum, opacum,
OPATRID&. 225
ubique granulato-rugulosum et setulis brevibus demissis fulves- centibus vestitum ; capite lato, ad latera ante oculos subangulatim exstante ; prothorace brevi, ad latera subzequaliter leviter rotun- dato, antice late emarginato, postice trisinuato, angulis posticis acutiusculis ac leviter productis ; scutello subdeclivi, nitidiusculo ; elytris parallelis (ad humeros incrassatos rectangulis), subpunctato- striatis, interstitiis convexiusculis ; antennis pedibusque (setosis) concoloribus, unguiculis solum piceo-testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 4-43.
Opatrum hadroides, Woll., Journ. of Ent. i. 215 (1861). , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 30 (1870). Hopatrum hadroides, Melliss, St. Hel. 160 (1875).
Habitat ab ora maritima fere ad cacumina montium ; sub lapidibus, precipue in aridis cultisque apricis, vulgaris.
The present Opatrum, which belongs to the winged section of the genus (or Gonocephalum, Solier), is a most universal insect at St. Helena,—occurring beneath stones, more or less abundantly, from the sea-level to the central ridge; nevertheless it is decidedly more common in hot and arid spots of a rather low altitude than else- where. About Jamestown it often swarms; and I have seen it in considerable profusion at Plantation and West Lodge, as well as on the slopes of Flagstaff Hill ; and it was brought by Colonel Warren from the Barn, where it attains a slightly larger size than in most other districts. Mr. Melliss mentions that he has frequently observed it in great profusion on ploughed fields at Longwood, and in potato- grounds; though I cannot agree with him that it is “of all the Coleoptera in the island the most plentiful.”
The winged Opatra are generally moulded so much on the same pattern that it requires a careful examination to separate the species from each other; nevertheless, after comparing it accurately with various closely allied forms from the Cape-Verde, Canarian, and Madeiran archipelagos, I am satisfied that the O. hadroides is per- fectly distinct from all of them. It is perhaps more nearly akin to a species which was taken by the late Mr. Bewicke (in 1860) at the Cape of Good Hope; and since it seems to me, unless indeed I am much mistaken, to be absolutely identical with another which was met with by Mr. Gray, rather abundantly, during his late visit to that same locality, I cannot but feel it probable that it will turn out, sooner or later, to have been well known and described, previous to my publication of it (under the name of O. hadroides) in 1861.
Q
226 OPATRID®.
Genus 83. HADRODES (noy. gen.).
Corpus oblongo-ovale, minute setulosum ; clypeo antice late emar- ginato ; prothorace transverso, ad latera eequaliter subrotundato et explanate subrecurvo, basi profunde trisinuato, angulis anticis et posticis acutiuscule productis ; scwtello brevissimo, valde transverso, declivi; ¢lytris longitudinaliter tuberculato-ineequalibus; pro- sterno subcarinato, inter coxas anticas lobo brevissimo obtu- sissimo terminato. Antenne longiuscule, apicem versus grada- tim leviter incrassate, art? 3° paululum elongato. Labrum subquadratum, antice fere integrum, angulis anticis obtuse rotun- datis ac longe ciliatis. Mandibule breves, triangulares, incrassate, ° supra transversim strigose, apice breviter acute, intus infra apicem denticulo minuto armate. Mawille bilobe, lobis apice pubescentibus; eaterno paulum longiore sed vix latiore, apice acutiusculo. Palpi maaillares 4-articulati, art? 1”° parvo an- gusto flexuoso, 2° multo majore crassiore elongato, 3"° quam hie breviore (sed haud crassiore) obtriangulari, ult™° maximo secu- riformi ; labiales 3-articulati, art? 1™° parvo, 2°° paulum majore, ult™? magno incrassato ovali apice suboblique truncato. Mentum transverso-quadratum, antice latissime sed leviter emarginatum (lobo medio brevissimo obtusissimo rotundato), angulis anticis acu- tissimis. Ligula subcordato-quadrata, antice fere integra, angulis anticis rotundatis ac longe pilosis. Pedes longiusculi, subgraciles ; tibiis anticis paululum latioribus et ad apicem externum in angu- lum breviter productis, extus minute spinulosis ; tarszs art® 1™° in anterioribus nullo modo, et etiam in posticis vix, elongato.
Ab Hadrus, et eidos, aspectus.
Obs.—Genus Hadro (insularum Maderensium) affinis ; sed cor- pore multo minore, clypeo minus profunde excavato, labro antice integro, scutello multo breviore transverso declivi, elytris tubercu- lato-ineequalibus, prosternali lobo breviore, antennarum art? 3° necnon tarsorum posticorum art? 1” multo minus elongatis, tbiis- que (preesertim anticis) ad apicem externum magis angulatis (nec oblique truncatis) conspicue differt.
With the exception of the Opatrum hadroides, the Mordella Mellissiana, and the two species of Anthicodes, the present insect and the following one are the only truly indigenous exponents of the Heteromera which have hitherto been detected at St. Helena; and there can be no question whatsoever that they are both of them aboriginal members of the fauna. They seem to belong to the Opatride, and to occur (though very sparingly) in the elevated parts of the island.
In its general contour and aspect, the genus Hadrodes has a good
OPATRID®. Pa
deal in common with Hadrus of the Madeiran archipelago ; never- theless its type is very much smaller, and has the elytra (instead of being comparatively unsculptured) coarsely sulcate and tuberculose ; its upper lip is entire in front ; its clypeus is less deeply excavated ; the last joint of its maxillary palpi is less broadly securiform ; the lobe of its prosternum is shorter ; its scutellum is much narrower, or more abbreviated,—being extremely thin, transverse, and tilted ; the third articulation of its antennz and the basal one of its hinder feet are conspicuously less elongate ; and its tibie (particularly the anterior pair) are more angulated at their outer apex,—not being obliquely lopped off as in that group.
192. Hadrodes helenensis, n. sp.
H. oblongo-oyalis, convexus, opacus, niger aut piceo-niger setulisque breyissimis erectis brunneis obsitus, necnon seepius quasi luto plus minus tectus; capite minute et parce granulato, genis (ante oculos) rotundate vix exstantibus ; prothorace transverso, ad latera eequaliter subrotundato et late explanato-subrecurvo, con- fuse punctato; elytris grosse subcrenato- (aut subpunctato-) sul- catis, interstitiis obtuse convexis, alternis interruptis nodulos obtusos inzequales efficientibus, ad humeros noduloso-exstantibus ; antennis piceo-ferrugineis ; pedibus piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 3-33.
Habitat in subelevatis insule, rarissimus sed tamen valde gregarius ;
sub lapide quodam magno in preruptis supra West Lodge semel tantum, tamen copiose (sc. exemplaria 33), collegi.
Apparently extremely scarce, and occurring at a high altitude. Indeed it was only once that I captured it; and yet, so gregarious is it in its mode of life, that I secured no less than 33 examples from beneath a single stone. It was at the extreme edge of the tremendous precipice immediately above West Lodge, overlooking the great Sandy-Bay crater, that I obtained them ; and although we frequently revisited the same spot, and searched in the immediate vicinity, I was never able to meet with so much as another spe-
cimen.
Genus 84. TARPHIOPHASIS (nov. gen.).
Genus precedenti subsimilis, sed corpore minore et magis inequali (sc. in elytris multo grossius sculpturato et tuberculato, neenon etiam in prothorace conspicue inequali) ; capite postice tubereulo centrali armato, genisque (ante oculos) magis elevatis necnon
a2
228 OPATRIDA.
nid
magis angulatim exstantibus ; palporum mawxillarium art? ul minus late securiformi, lobis mavillaribus sublatioribus ac valde pubescentibus ; mento paulum minus quadrato (sc. postice sensim subangustiore); prothorace mox intra angulos (anticos et posticos) multo profundins excavato ; abdominis “seqnt 1” et 2% inter se arctissime connatis (nec linea profunda divisis) ; antennis pedi- busque (preesertim tarsis posticis) multo brevioribus.
A Tarphius, et daors, facies.
As already mentioned, the extremely rare Heteromerous insect from which the above generic diagnosis has been compiled has some- thing in common with Hadrodes, though at the same time manifestly distinct from it even structurally. Thus it is not only very much smaller and more roughly and coarsely sculptured, but its head is armed with a central tubercle behind and has the genz considerably more prominent, elevated, and angularly developed ; its prothorax is grooved and uneven on the disk, and is mwch more deeply scooped out within the anterior and posterior angles; its abdomen has the first and second joints completely soldered together (instead of being divided by a strongly indented line); and its antennz and legs, especially the two posterior feet, are conspicuously more abbreviated. Its. entire surface is so densely coated with brownish scales as completely to conceal the scutellum, and almost the sculpture ; its body is less convex and more shortly oblong than in the Hadrodes helenensis:; and the tubercles of its elytra are greatly enlarged, elevated, and numerous.
193. Tarphiophasis tuberculatus, n. sp.
T. breviter et obtuse oblongus, opacus, nigro-fuscus, dense brunneo- squamosus setulisque brevissimis suberectis cinereo-brunneis ves- titus ; capite inequali (sc. utrinque ad genas, mox ante oculos subangulatim valde exstantes, subito elevato, necnon postice in medio tuberculo minore instructo); prothorace mox intra angulos valde profunde excavato (quare, antice et postice, in medio dis- tincte lobato), ad latera equaliter subrotundato et late explanato- recurvo, in disco insquali (sc. antice canaliculato, et postice canalicula et costa quasi figura V notato) ; scutello haud visibili (squamis obtecto) ; elytris grossissime et profunde sulcato-punctatis ‘punctis magnis) et ubique tuberculis magnis obtusis valde exstan- tibus (presertim postice et ad humeros) rugatis ; antennis pedi- busque breviuscutis, illis piceo-ferrugineis, his piceis.
Long. corp. lin. 24.
ULOMID&. 229
. . . *,. . . . = . Habitat in locis subeditioribus, rarissimus ; juxta West Lodge a meipso parcissime repertus.
The only two examples of this coarsely tuberculated, Turphius- like insect which I have seen were captured by myself beneath pieces of rotten wood in the Aster-grove beyond West Lodge and over- looking Lufkins; and there can be no doubt that the species is amongst the rarest of the St.-Helena Coleoptera.
Fam. 41. ULOMIDZ.
Genus 85. ALPHITOBIUS. Stephens, Zl. Brit. Ent. vy. 11 (1882).
194. Alphitobius diaperinus.
A. oblongus, latiusculus, depressiusculus, nitidus, piceo-niger, calvus ; capite prothoraceque vix dense punctatis, hoc breviusculo, trans- yerso, basi profunde trisinuato, ad latera rectiusculo et anguste marginato; scutello parce punctato; elytris striato-punctatis, interstitiis parce punctulatis; antennis pedibusque piceis, his parce spinulosis.
Long. corp. lin. cirea 3.
Tenebrio diaperinus, Kwgel., in Pnz. Fna Ins. Germ. 37.16 (1797). Alphitobius diaperinus, MVoll., Col. Atl. 419 (1865). , Id., Col. Hesp. 208 (1867). —— ——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. vy. 31 (1870). Melliss, St. Hel. 160 (1875).
Habitat in domibus repositoriisque insule ; certe ex alienis intro-
ductus.
The widely-spread A. diaperinus would seem to have established itself at St. Helena as completely as it has done in most other countries of the civilized world,—occurring about houses, and amongst farinaceous substances, principally in Jamestown. It has in like mauner become naturalized in the Madeiras, Canaries, Cape-Verdes, and at Ascension; but I need scarcely add that it is utterly without significance as a member of any particular fauna,—its presence being merely due to indirect human agencies.
195. Alphitobins piceus.
A. oblongus, angustulus, convexiusculus, subopacus, piceo-niger, calvus ; capite prothoraceque dense punctatis, héec brevi, trans-
230 ULOMIDA.
Verso, basi trisinuato et utrinque evidenter impresso, ad latera subrotundato et distinctius marginato; scutello dense punctulato ; elytris leviter striato-punctatis, interstitiis sat dense et subconfuse punctulatis, ad humeros denticulo minutissimo armatis; antennis pedibusque piceis, tibiis subangustioribus ac paululum minus spinulosis. Long. corp. lin. cirea 3. Tenebrio mauritanicus, Fab. [nec L., 1767], Ent. Syst. i. 115 (1792). Helops piceus, Oliv., Ent, iii. 58. 17. 82 (1795). Tenebrio fagi, Panz., Fna Ins. Germ. 61. 3 (1799). Alphitobius piceus, Woll., Col. Atl. 419 (1865). , id., Col. Hesp. 208 (1867). , Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 82 (1870). | Melliss, St. Hel. 161 (1875). Habitat in locis similibus ac precedens ; sed etiam sub lapidibus in hortis interdum oeccurrit.
Likewise an imported insect into St. Helena, and one which has no kind of connexion with the true fauna of the island ; nevertheless it appears to be pretty common about bakehouses and stores, and indeed in houses generally,—my own examples being principally from Jamestown. It differs from the diaperinus in being a little smaller, narrower, less shining, and a trifle more convex; in its prothorax (which is more distinctly margined at the sides and base) being relatively somewhat shorter, more rounded at the lateral edges, and more thickly punctured, as well as obsoletely marked on either side behind with an obscure fovea; in its scutellunn being more densely and finely punctulated ; in its elytra being armed with an extremely minute point, or denticle, at the humeral angles, with their strie still more lightly impressed, and the punctures of their interstices both more numerous and more confused ; and in its tibie being conspicuously slenderer and rather less spinulose.
The A. piceus has established itself equally in the Azores, Ma- deiras, Canaries, Cape-Verdes, and at Ascension,—in which last- mentioned island it was found abundantly, in company with the A. diaperinus, by the late Mr. Bewicke, not, however, about houses and
amongst farinaceous substances (as we should have anticipated), but >
‘‘in the dung of sea-birds, miles from habitable parts ;” a modus vivendi which must be admitted to be somewhat singular for these common and well-nigh cosmopolitan insects to have assumed. I believe, however, that, like many of these allied forms, it will attach itself, when pressed for food, to almost any thing. Thus in Madeira
it often swarms amongst decaying garden-refuse.
ULOMID&. 231
Genus 86. GNATHOCERUS. Thunberg, Act. Holmiens. 47 (1814).
196. Gnathocerus cornutus.
G. parallelo-oblongus, subcylindricus, angustulus, subnitidus, clare rufo-ferrugineus, calvus ; capite prothoraceque minute et dense punctulatis, clypeo ad latera explanato, subrecuryo, héc trans- verso-subquadrato sed antice conspicue latiore, convexo, basi recte truncato et utrinque foyeola minuta obscura punctiformi impresso ; elytris parallelis, leviter striato-punctatis, interstitiis minutissime parceque punctulatis ; antennis pedibusque paulo clarioribus, illis (in utroque sexu) a basi usque ad apicem gradatim incrassatis, tarsis elongatis.
Mas fronte breviter bicornutaé, clypeo antice profunde trisinuato necnon ad latera latius explanato magisque recurvo, mandibulis magnis, porrectis, superne curvatis.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2.
Trogosita cornuta, Fab., Ent. Syst. (Suppl.) 51 (1798). Cerandria cornuta, Woll., Ins. Mad. 490 (1854). Gnathocerus cornutus, Zd., Col. Atl. 420 (1865).
, Id., Col. Hesp, 204 (1867).
—— ——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 82 (1870).
—— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 161 (1875).
Habitat in domibus officinisque pistoriis, preecipue inter farinas et panicea ; proculdubio introductus.
The almost cosmopolitan G. cornutus, so remarkable for the horn- like developments of its male sex (which has two small triangular processes on the forehead, a more laterally-recurved and anteriorly- sinuated clypeus, and the mandibles not only enlarged and porrecte but somewhat upwardly bent), has established itself in the houses and bakehouses of St. Helena, as is the case in so many parts of the civilized world,—occurring more particularly amongst flour, and being often found baked accidentally in loaves of bread. My examples are chiefly from Woodcot, where they were taken by Mr. P. Whitehead ; but the species has, of course, no connexion with the true fauna of the island. It has become naturalized in like manner in the Madeiras, Canaries, Cape-Verdes, and at Ascension.
Genus 87. TRIBOLIUM. MacLeay, Annul. Javan. 47 (1825). 197. Tribolium ferrugineum.
T. parallelo-elongatum, angustum, subopacum (saltem in @ ), obscure
202 ULOMID&.
ferrugineum, calyum ; capite prothoraceque dense punctulatis, clypeo in @ subsimplici, hoc brevi, transverso-quadrato, basi subrecte truncato et utrinque intra angulos posticos obsolete foveo- lato ; elytris parallelis, elongatis, tenuiter costulato-striatis (cos- tulis versus suturam obsoletis) et ubique minute punctulatis ; antennis pedibusque piceo-ferrugineis, illis brevibus (art** 3 ulte- rioribus in ? clavam efformantibus), tibiis anticis subtriangulariter dilatatis.
Mas sensim clarior, minusque opacus; clypeo antice evidentius emarginato necnon ad latera paulum latius explanato-recurvo, mox ante oculos magis angulatim exstante ; prothorace postice paululum subangustato ; antennis gradatim incrassatis (nec cla- vatis).
Long. corp. lin, 13-2.
Tenebrio ferrugineus, Fab., Spec. Ins. 1. 324 (1781). Tribolium fertugineum, Woll., Col. Atl. 402 (1865). , Id., Col. Hesp. 204 (1867).
—— ——, Id., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 38 (1870).
—— ——, Melliss, St. Hel. 161 (1875).
Habitat in locis similibus ac precedens ; in insulam certe invectum-
Found under much the same circumstances as the Gnathocerus cornutus and the Alphitobii, and equally an introduced species through the medium of commerce. It is perhaps the most strictly cosmopolitan of them all, there being scarcely a civilized country in which it has not become more or less naturalized. I met with it amongst loaves of bread at Plantation: but it doubtless only re- quires to be searched for in the proper places to be obtained in abundance. It has been introduced equally imto the Azorean, Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde groups.
Although in size and colour somewhat similar to that species, it is impossible to confound the present insect with the Gnathocerus cornutus ; for, in addition to the sexes being (externally) compara- tively alike, or with less conspicuous male developements about the head, it is narrower, more opake (particularly the females), and a little darker in hue ; its prothorax is shorter, not widened anteriorly (though in the male sex just appreciably narrowed behind), and more coarsely punctulated ; its elytra (instead of being punctate- striate) are simply marked (in addition to the interstitial punctures) with a few minute thread-like costae, which however are evanescent towards the suture; its antenns are very much more abbreviated, and dissimilar in the sexes,—the female ones (instead of being gra- dually thickened from the base to the apex) having their last three
TENEBRIONID®. 2393
joints formed into a distinct club; its two front tibie are more triangularly dilated, and its feet are less elongate *.
Fam. 42. TENEBRIONIDA.
Genus 88. TENEBRIO. Linneus, Syst. Nat. edit. vi. (1748).
*e
198. Tenebrio obscurus.
7. parallelus, angustus, elongatus, niger, fere opacus, ubique densis- sime ruguloso-punctatulus, calvus ; genis (ante oculos) rotundatis, obtusis, vix exstantibus ; prothorace transverso, convexo, angulis ipsis posticis acutiusculis, ad latera subsequaliter rotundato, basi in medio linea eleyata subduplicata (utrinque foveola terminata) instructo ; scutello magno, pentagono ; elytris levissime striatis, interstitiis obtuse paululum elevatis; antennis pedibusque vix picescentioribus, tibiis anticis (preesertim in ¢) sensim curyatis.
Long. corp. lin. 7-83.
Tenebrio obscurus, Fab., Ent. Syst. i. 111 (1792). —— ——,, Woll., Col. Atl. 424 (1865).
—— — , ld., Ann. Nat. Hist. y. 33 (1870). —— — , Crotch, in Godm. Azor. 86 (1870). —— ——, Melliss, St. Hel, 161 (1875).
Habitat in domibus, stabulis, officinisque pistoriis, passim ; procul- dubio introductus.
The European 7’. obscurus, which has acquired for itself so wide a geographical range through the medium of commerce (and which has become completely established in the Azorean, Madeiran, and Canarian groups, as well as at Ascension), does not seem to be very abundant at St. Helena,—though perhaps sufficiently common if searched for in the proper localities. It occurred occasionally at Plantation ; and Mr. P. Whitehead obtained it for me at Woodcot,—
* In my ‘Catalogue of Canarian Coleoptera,’ published by the Trustees of the British Museum in 1864, I drew attention to the fact (vide p. 496) that in every diagnosis to which I had had access the sexes of Zriboliwm are regarded as per- fectly similar (externally) inter se. It appears to me, however, that there is a very decided difference between them,—the males being not only less opake (and perhaps of a slightly clearer hue), tut with their clypeus more evidently scooped out in front and more expanded (and recurved) at the sides (the gene, immediately in front of either eye, being more angular and prominent); added to which, their prothorax is just appreciably narrowed behind, and (which is the most important of all) their antenn, instead of having a perceptibly 3-arti- culated club, are regularly and evenly thickened from the base to the apex. I think there can be no question that these discrepancies are seawal ones, and are by no means indicative of a separate but closely-allied species.
234 TENEBRIONIDE.
its usual habitat being, as elsewhere, about houses and bakehouses, amongst farinaceous substances and in granaries. Mr. Melliss mentions that he met with it amongst straw in stables,—a modus vivendi which is in keeping with its frequent presence, in the Cana- rian and Madeiran archipelagos, beneath the refuse which has accumulated around the base of corn-stacks. i
At Ascension large numbers of this Tenebrio (which are called by the inhabitants “‘ hardbacks ”) were stated by the late Mr. Bewicke to make their appearance annually about the season of the Turtle ; but it is in the open country, quite as much as about the houses, that they were said to swarm.
Genus 89. ZOPHOBAS. (Dejean) Blanch., Hist. Nat. des Ins. ii. 15 (1840).
199. Zophobas concolor.
Z. angustulus, elongatus, postice paulum attenuatus, niger, nitidulus sed hine inde quasi nebulose opacior, calvus; capite antice parce, postice parcissime punctato, genis (ante oculos) rotundatis, obtusis, haud exstantibus, clypeo mox intra angulos anticos foveola minuta impresso ; prothorace (elytris angustiore) transverso, antice rotun- dato, postice angustiore, subconvexo, punctis perpaucis in disco irrorato, angulis anticis obtusis, rotundatis, posticis subproducte acutiusculis, basi in medio linea crassa elevata obtusa (antice im- pressione, et utrinque foveolé minuta, terminata) instructo ; scu- tello subsemicirculari ; elytris postice gradatim attenuatis, grosse punctato-sulcatis, interstitiis obtuse elevatis ; antennis pedibusque elongatis, crassis, concoloribus, in utroque sexu similibus.
Mas clypeo antice profunde excayato-emarginato, tibiis anticis omnino calvis, posterioribus intus versus apicem breviter fulvo- pubescentibus.
Fem. clypeo antice recte truncato, tibiis omnibus intus versus apicem breviter fulvo-pubescentibus.
Long. corp. lin. 94-10.
Zophobas concolor, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. v. 33 (1870). , Meliss, St. Hel. 162 (1875).
Habitat circa domos et in hortis, ad Jamestown; minus frequens.
Whether this large and uniformly black Tenebrionid, which I have but little doubt has been naturalized at St. Helena, was already described, previous to my enunciation of it in 1869, I will not undertake to say; but, as I then mentioned, it might possibly agree with Fabricius’s Helops morio from the West Indies and Equatorial
MORDELLID&. 205
America,—though the sexual peculiarities did not appear to me to tally with what I was able to gather elsewhere concerning those of that insect. Be this, however, as it may, the Z. concolor (which in the male sex has its clypeus deeply scooped out and its front tibiz perfectly bald ; whilst in the female one the clypeus is straightly truncate and all the tibie are, like the posterior four of the opposite sex, minutely fulyo-pubescent.towards their inner apex) may be known by its thick and robust elytra (which are wider at the base than the prothorax) bemg gradually attenuated posteriorly and very coarsely punctate-sulcate, by its prothorax (which is slightly rounded in front and narrowed behind) having only an extremely few large and scattered punctures on the disk, and a transverse impression in the centre of its base, and by its limbs (which are alike in both sexes) being elongate and thickened. Its surface is rather shining, but at the same time more or less dulled or beclouded in parts (especially towards the sides and behind) with a kind of bloom,— much in the same manner as one observes in some of the Hegeters ; and its clypeus has a small fovea (strongest in the female sex) on either side in front, immediately within the anterior angles.
It is only in Jamestown (beneath the felled trunk of an old palm in the Castle garden) that I observed this large and robust Tenebri- onid ; and it was likewise procured for me by the Rev. H. Whitehead in Jamestown, where it was also taken (though sparingly) by Mr. Melliss.
Fam. 43. MORDELLID.
Genus 90. MORDELLA. Linneus, Syst. Nat. edit. i. 420 (1758).
200. Mordella Mellissiana.
M. angusto-elliptica, supra arcuata, brunnea (interdum rufo-brunnea), subnitida sed pube brevi valde demissa fulyescente dense sericata ; capite deflexo, subsemicirculari, oculis magnis sed demissis ; pro- thorace basi lato et trisinuato ; elytris postice regulariter attenu- atis, sutura postice subcarinulata, apice singulatim rotundatis, pygidium (in mucronem elongatum productum) haud tegentibus, nullo modo striatis; antennis, palpis, pedibusque anterioribus (elongatis, gracilibus) plus minus picescenti-testaceis, pedibus posticis subtestaceo-piceis.
Long. corp. lin, 2-vix 3.
236 ANTHICIDA.
Mordella Mellissiana, Woll., Ann. Nat. Hist. y. 35 (1870). —— ——, Melliss, St, Hel. 162 (1875).
Habitat in intermediis, locisque subelevatis insulie, rarior ; nisi fallor, Commidendro robusto, DC., (anglice ‘‘Gumwood”) pracipue propria.
This large and dark-brown Mordella, which is densely sericated with a decumbent fulvescent pubescence (usually of a slight golden lustre), is, on the whole, rather scarce, though widely spread over the intermediate districts of the island. I strongly suspect that it belonged originally to the gumwood fauna, now so -rapidly disap- pearing, though perhaps attached likewise, less abundantly, to the arborescent asters ; at any rate I have taken it amongst the old gumwoods in Peak Gut and Thompson’s Wood, and about the Aster gummiferus above West Lodge; whilst its occurrence, sparingly, at Plantation and Oakbank, which must once have abounded with eumwoods, is quite in accordance with this hypothesis.
Its convex arcuated upper surface and the powerful spine into which the apex of its abdomen is produced, added to its curious capacity for skipping, or somewhat clumsily hopping, although mere generic characters of Mordella, will at once serve to distinguish the M. Mellissiana from every thing else with which we are here con-
cerned.
Fam, 44. ANTHICIDA. Genus 91. ANTHICODES (nov. gen.).
Genus Anthico, Payk., affinis, sed capite majore, prothorace magno, lato, subquadrato (nec postice angustato, constricto), scutello alisque obsoletis, tarsisque minus gracilibus.
Ab Anthicus, et eiéos, aspectus.
The members of this curious genus, which I have enunciated below, cannot, I think, by any possibility be admitted into Anthicus proper; nor indeed do they appear to be embraced by any of the _ few nearly-allied groups which have hitherto been established. They differ from the Anthici mainly in their larger head and in their very much larger, broader, more robust, and guadrate prothorax (which has no tendency whatever to be constricted posteriorly, but is quite as broad behind as it is in front), in their wings and scu- tellum being obsolete, and in their feet being less slender. The two
- ANTHICID. 237
species which have hitherto been brought to light, and which were detected by myself, are essentially inhabitants of the loftier regions, though not ascending perhaps into the loftiest of all,—the portion of the central ridge from High Peak to West Lodge, and the summit of Flagstaff Hill being the districts in which I have myself observed them. I may just add that I believe a third exponent, smaller and nearly black, was found by: Mrs. Wollaston at Cason’s; but as I unfortunately lost it before I had had time to examine it critically, I would desire to speak somewhat cautiously on that particular point.
201. Anthicodes maculatus, n. sp.
A, elongato-ovalis, pube griseé omnino demissa vestitus ; capite pro- thoraceque minute et densissime rugulosis, fere opacis, illo magno subquadrato (postice recte truncato), oculis (longissime a_ basi capitis sitis) parvis sed prominulis ; elytris (ad basin ipsam lati- tudine prothoracis) ovalibus, convexis, vix nitidioribus minusque rugulosis, haud striatis sed maculis duabus obscuris (una sc. magna humerali subobliqua, quasi e 3, et altera minore in disco postico, quasi e 2, confluentibus, compositis) utrinque ferrugineo-ornatis ; antennis. palpis, pedibusque plus minus piceo-testaceis.
Long. corp. lin. 14—vix 2.
Habitat in regionibus insulz parum elevatis, ligno ramulisque fractis desiccatis humi jJacentibus adherens.
The first spot in which I met with this robust and singular Anthicid is the Aster-grove beyond West Lodge, on the inner slope of the great Sandy-Bay crater and overlooking Lutkins ; and it was not until after the eariy summer rains, about the end of January, that it began to make its appearance more abundantly. At that time, however, it was found by Mrs. Wollaston and myself in com- parative profusion,—at the edge of the tremendous precipice imme- diately above West Lodge, adhering to small pieces of stick which were lying on the exposed rocky soil, as well as on the only avaii- able portion of the almost inaccessible ground behind High Peak.
In addition to its generic characters, of enlarged head and quadrate prothorax, the A. maculatus may be known by its oval and convex elytra (which at their extreme base are of about the same breadth as the prothorax) being each of them ornamented with two obscure ferruginous patches,—one of which is somewhat oblique and humeral, and composed as it were of three which are confluent,
whilst the other is smaller and on the hinder disk, and appears to °
238 ANTHICIDA.
be made up of two. Its entire body is clothed with a decumbent griseous pubescence ; its surface, at any rate of the head and pro- thorax, is nearly opake and minutely and densely rugulose ; and its eyes, which are rather small but prominent, are placed at a great distance from the base of the head.
202. Anthicodes fragilis, n. sp.
A, precedenti similis, sed minus niger et concolor (elytris sc. nullo modo maculatis, solum per suturam interdum anguste dilutioribus), paululum minus opacus, et ubique dense cinereo- (nec parcius griseo-) sericatus ; capite basi sensim minus recte truncato, oculis paulum majoribus ; antennis pedibusque sublongioribus, fragili- bus, pallidioribus, illarum art® ult™? sensim minus abbreviato.
Long. corp. lin. 13-2}.
Habitat in intermediis et locis parum elevatis, sub lapidibus in aridis
ventosis hine inde congregans.
This very distinct Anthicodes was detected by myself and Mrs. Wollaston, on the 10th of February, 1876, beneath stones on the extreme summit of Flagstaff Hill,—one of the most exposed and windy spots it is possible to imagine ; and one can but marvel how an insect which is so eminently fragile (its limbs being so liable to be cast off that if kept for more than a few hours in the laurel-bottle it is most difficult to ensure even a single perfect example) should be able to exist in a locality so uniformly boisterous. It was, how- ever, met with a few months later, and after we had left the island, by Mr. P. Whitehead,—who obtained several specimens of it at a somewhat lower altitude but in the same direction, namely in Sane Valley (at no great distance from Napoleon’s Tomb).
Although descending to a rather smaller size, the A. fragilis in its general outline and structure closely resembles the last species. Its elytra, however, are completely without spots (the suture alone being occasionally a little diluted in hue); and its entire surface is less black and more densely sericated with a whiter decumbent pubescence, which gives the insect a more cinereous and silken appearance. Its head too is not quite so straightly truncated at the base; and its eyes are appreciably larger; its limbs are a trifle longer, paler, and more fragile ; and the terminal joint of its antenne is not quite so abbreviated.
239
AGP RAEN Dix.
Waite this volume has been going through the press a most impor- tant addition has been made to the Coleoptera of St. Helena by Mr. P. Whitehead, who has sent me a single example of the curious little Cossyphodes Wollastonii, which he obtained at Woodecot. Con- sidering the practically blind condition, and the ant-associating habits, of this most remarkable beetle, and the fact that it had hitherto been observed nowhere except in the Madeiran, Canarian, and Cape-Verde archipelagos, the importance (geographically) of so unexpected a capture could scarcely have been overrated did it not occur to me as at least possible that the species may originally have been imported into the island along with consignments of plants. In favour of this supposition is the fact that the self-same kind of ant with which it is found in company in the more northern groups, namely the @cophthora pusilla, Heer (or the common “ House- Ant” of Madeira), is the particular one which abounds at St. Helena from the sea-level to the summit of the central ridge; and (universal as it is now) it is hardly likely that it was ever a truly aboriginal member of the fauna; in which case, if the ant was originally introduced, there seems no reason why the Cossyphodes should not have come with it. But, on the other hand, if the Cos- syphodes is literally confined to our Atlantic-island ‘ province ” (of which, however, we possess no proof, beyond the circumstance that it does not happen as yet to have been noticed elsewhere), there is nothing more improbable than that it should have found its way accidentally, along with the Geophthora, to St. Helena; for I am not aware that the latter has ever had any intercommunication with the three more northern archipelagos, which are entirely in the hands of the Spaniards and Portuguese. Yet so plentiful is this especial ant at Madeira that, 7f it should so happen that shrubs and plants have ever been received from that island, it would be well- nigh impossible that they should have been packed for consignment without numbers of the (cophthora being intermingled with the earth used for that purpose ; and, as just urged, if the ant can be
240 APPENDIX.
imagined to have been taus transmitted, I see no reason why the presence of its little Coleopterous associate should not be tested by the same hypothesis. At the same time, if the Cossyphodes should be ascertained ultimately (as is highly probable) to exist elsewhere than in these particular Atlantic groups, the main difficulty which suggests itself as regards its introduction will be at once removed. And I may just state, in this connexion, that the genus at all events is not a purely insular one, but likewise African,—a second exponent of it (the C. Bewickii, Woll.) having been discovered by the late Mr. Bewicke, in 1860, within an ants’ nest (‘‘on the Atlantic side of the promontory of the Cape, about three or four hundred feet above the sea”), near Capetown; whilst a third (the C. Raffrayi, Gestro) was communicated to me a few years ago as having been obtained in Abyssinia; so that there is no reason why even this actual species (namely the C. Wollastonii, Westw.) should not be African equally, and have been established at St. Helena from some other district than the islands which lie so much further to the north.
In the general enumeration, the family Endophleide, in which I would provisionally place this anomalous little form, should be made to follow immediately after p. 42 and just before the Trogositide ; and the species may be thus cited :—
Fam. 6*. ENDOPHL@IDA.
Genus 17*. COSSYPHODES. Westwood, Zrans. Ent. Soc. Lond. i, 168 (1851).
39*. Cossyphodes Wollastonii.
(’. elliptico-oblongus, valde depressus, in linea dorsali obtuse carina- tus sed versns latera valde explanato-subrecurvus, ubique ferru- gineus, minutissime subsericato-alutaceus, subopacus ; capite semicirculari, utrinque (inter discum et latus) lineola (oculum obsoletum continente) impresso: prothorace transverso, antice et postice sinuato, ad latera subrecto, utrinque lineis aut costulis’ tribus longitudinalibus instructo ; elytris ovalibus basi late trun- catis, utrinque costulis quatuor longitudinalibus notatis ; antennis pedibusque brevissimis, sub margine corporis explanato absconditis.
Long. corp. lin. 13.
Cossyphodes Wollastonii, Westw., /. c. 170 (1851).
, Woll., Ins. Mad. 146, t. 3. £. 8 (1854).
J Fas Col. Adi. 130 (1865).
== Ia Col. -tesp265 (1867).
APPENDIX. 241
Halnitat in intermediis insule; a Dom. P. Whitehead ad Woodecot lectus.
Apart from its minute stature and extremely flattened, Cossyphus- like body (the largest examples measuring no more than a line and a half in length), the C. Wollastonii may be recognized by its elliptical-oblong outline—the head, prothorax, and elytra, all of which are much dilated at the ‘sides, being in the same continuous curve,—by its uniformly reddish-ferruginous hue, its only slightly shining subalutaceons surface, and by its obtusely keeled dorsal region—which is supplemented on either side by a few longitudinal coste, of which the prothorax has three and the elytra four. Although its limbs are so short as to be concealed beneath the expanded edges of the body, and although its eyes are strictly obso- lete, the C. Wollastonii is nevertheless able to run with considerable velocity.
The South-African C. Bewickii has its (nevertheless very minute and rudimentary) eyes rather more traceable than those of the C. Wollastoni ; it is also a trifle broader, less keeled down the dorsal region; and its entire margin (especially behind) is a little more recurved. Its prothorax is shorter, and nearly free from longitu- dinal costee (there being only the faintest possible indication of an obsolete line on either side); and its elytra, which are more acute posteriorly, have only three (instead of four), and those exceed- ingly fine, elevated coste down each. For a description and figure of the C. Bewickii, vide ‘Journ. of Ent.’ 1. 133, pl. xi. f. 2.
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243
CATALOGUE.
GEODEPHAGA.
Carabidae.
1. HaptorHorax, Waterh. 1. Burchellii, Waterh.
2. Catosoma, Weber. 2. helene, Hope. fb. haligena, Woll. 3. Prisronycuus, Dej. 3. complanatus, De}.
4, Bemsrorum, Latr. (Notaphus, Dej.) 4, Mellissvi, Woll. (Apteromimus, Woll.)
5. platyderoides, Woll. (Pseudophilochthus, Woll.) by nubigena, Woll.
7. Grayanum, Woll. 8. sublimbatum, Woll. 9. trechoides, Woll. (Endosomatium, Woll.) 10. megalops, Woll. 1]. dicksonie, Woll. 12. rufosuffusum, Woll. 13. gemmulipenne, Woll. i4. fossor, Woll.
15. evanescens, Woll. PHYLHYDRIDA. Spheridiida.
5. Cycronotum, Erich. 16. dytiscoides, Fab.
6. DacrytostErnum, Woll. 17. abdominale, Fab.
CATALOGUE. TRICHOPTERYGIA. Trichopterygide.
7. Prinetia, Mots. 18. Matthewsiana, Woll.
BRACHELYTRA.
Staphylinide. (Aleocharides. ) 8. ALkocHaRA, Gray. 19. puberula, Klug. 9.. Homatora, Mann. 20. coriaria, Kraatz. 21. helenensis, Woll. (Staphylinides.) 10. Creopuitts, Steph. 22. maxillosus, Linn. 11. Purttonruvs (Leach), Curt. 23. flavoterminatus, Woll. 24. longicornis, Steph. 25. discoideus, Gray. 26. nigritulus, Grav. 27. turbidus, Erich. (Xantholinides.) 12. Xanrunorrnvs, Dahl. 28. morio, Woll. 29. armatus, Woll. (Pederides.) % 13. Lirnocnarts, Erich. 30. ochracea, Grav. 31. debilicornis, Woll. ( Oxytelides.) 14. Oxytetus, Gray. 32. sculptus, Grav. 33. alutaceifrons, Woll. _ 34. nitidifrons, Woll. 15. Trogopntevs, Mann. 35. corticinus, Gray.
NECROPHAGA.
Nitidulide.
16. Carporuites, Steph. 36. hemipterus, Linn. 37, dimidiatus, Fab.
CATALOGUE. 245
Monotomide. 17. Monoroma, Hbst. 38. spinicollis, Aubé. 39. picipes, Hbst. Endophleide. 17*. CossypHoprs, Westw. 39*,. Wollastonii, Westw. Trogositide. 18. Troeosrra, Oliv. 40. mauritanica, Linn. Cucujide. 19. La morxiavs, Casteln. 41. pusillus, Schon. 42. carinulatus, Woll. 20. CrypramorpHa, Woll. 43. muse, Woll. 21. Srzvanvs, Latr. 44. surinamensis, Linn. Cryptophagide. 22, CrypropHacus, Hbst. 45. badius, St. 46. affinis, St. 47. gracilipes, Woll. Latridiide. 23. ANoMMATUS, Wesm. 48. 12-striatus, Mull. 24. Corricartra, Mshm. 49. elongata, Gyll. 25. Larrinius, Hbst. 50. nodifer, Westw. 51. approximatus, Woll. Mycetophagide. 26. Mycrrma, Steph. ' 52. hirta, Gyll. 27, Typuma, Steph. 53. fumata, Linn. Dermestide. 28. Drrmesres, Linn. 54. cadaverinus, Fab. 55. vulpinus, Fab. 29, ArragEntvs, Latr. 06. gloriose, Fab.
246
CATALOGUE.
Histeride. 30. Trrpatus, Erich. 57. 4-striatus, Woll. ol. Saprinvs; Erich. 58. bicolor, Fab.
LAMELLICORNIA.
Aphodiide. 32, Apuoptus, Llhg. 59. granarius, Linn. 60. lividus, Oliv.
Trogida. 33. Trox, Fab. 61. Whiteheadii, Woll.
Rutelide. 34. AporeEtus, Casteln. 62. versutus, Harold.
Dynastide. 35. Herreronycuus, Burm. 63. arator, Fab.
36. Metxisstus (Bates), Woll. 64. eudovus, Woll. 65. adumbratus, Woll.
PRIOCERATA.
Elateride. 37. Ancuastus, Lec. 66. compositarum, Woll. 67. atlanticus, Cand.
Clerida. 38. Corynetes, Hbst. 68. rufipes, Thunb.
Ptinide. 39. Gipsrum, Scop. 69. scotias, Fab.
Anobiide. 40. Anosium, Fab. 70. velatum, Woll. 71. paniceum, Linn. 72. domesticum, Fourc. 73. confertum, Woll.
CATALOGUE.
~) S NI
Bostrichide.
4]. RutzorertHa, Steph. 74. bifoveolata, Woll. 75. pusilla, Fab.
RHYNCHOPHORA. Tomicide. .
42. Tomicus, Latr. 76. emulus, Woll.
Hylesinide.
43. Hytureus, Latr. 77. ligniperda, Fab.
Cossonidz. (Stenoscelides.)
44, Srenoscetis, Woll. 78. hylastoides, Woll.
45. PsrupostENnoscELis, Woll. 79. sculpturata, Woll. 80. asteriperda, Woll. 81. longitarsis, Woll. 82. alutaceicollis, Woll. 83. compositarum, Woll. 84. minima, Woll.
46. Pacnymasrax, Woll. 85. crassus, Woll.
( Cossonades. )
47. Putamopnacts, Schon. 86. seneopiceus, Bohem. 48. Hexacortus, Woll. 87. ferrugineus, Woll.
(Pentarthrides.)
49, PentartHropes, Woll. 88. dicksonie, Woll. 89. filicum, Woll.
50. PseupomEsoxEeNvs, Woll. 90. minutissimus, Woll 91. subcecus, Woll. 92. serobiculatus, Woll.
51. Isorornus, Woll. 93. retractilis, Woll. 94. aterrimus, Wol
248
o2.
o4.
CATALOGUE. ,
Mrcroxytostus, Chey.
95. trituratus, Woll. 96. Whiteheadii, Woll. 97. oculatus, Woll.
98. lucifugus, Woll. 99. calearatus, Woll. 100. dimidiatus, Woll. 101. disectus, Woll. . 102. sculpturatus, Woll. 108. bicaudatus, Woll. 104. granulosus, Woll. 105. lacertosus, Woll. 106. opacus, Woll.
107. vestitus, Woll. 108. Westwoodii, Chev.
. AcantHomeERts, Bohem.
109. armatus, Bohem. 110. conicollis, Woll. 111. ellipticus, Woll. 112. monilicornis, Woll. 113. similis, Woll.
114. debilis, Woll.
115. cylindricus, Woll. 116. angustus, Woll. 117. asperatus, Woll. 118. terebrans, Woll. 119. obliteratus, Woll. Evcoproprrvs, Woll. 120. vermiculatus, Woll. 121. affinis, Woll.
. Caatcorroetus, Woll.
122. apionides, Woll. 123. oblongior, Woll. 124. semipolitus, Woll.
}. Lamprocurus, Woll.
125. cossonoides, Woll.
7. XestopHasts, Woll.
126. nasalis, Woll.
. Tarrromimus, Woll.
127. gibbirostris, Woll. Tycutoruinus, Woll. 128. variolosus, Woll. 129. porrectus, Woll. 130. inequalis, Woll. 131. suhochraceus, Woll. 132. lineatus, Woll.
CATALOGUE.
60. Cryprommara, Woll. 133. cucullata, Woll.
Rhynchophoride. 61. Catanpra, Clairv. 134. oryzee, Linn. Tanyrhynchide. (Synaptonychides.) 62. NuxstorEs, Woll. 135. squamosus, Woll. 136. barbatus, Woll. 137. fimbriatus, Woll. 138. breviusculus, Woll. 139. horridus, Woll. 140. gracilis, Woll. 141. minor, Woll, 142. simplex, Woll. 143. asperatus, Woll. 144. ascendens, Woll.
Trachyphleide. 63. TracnypHi@osoma, Woll. 145. setosum, Woll. Otiorhynchide. 64. Scroprus, Schon. 146. subnodosus, Woll.
65. OrrorHyncHts, Germ. 147. sulcatus, Fab. Brachyderide. 66. Srrona, Germ. 148. lineatus, Linn. Anthribide. (Areocerides.) 67. ArmxoceRus, Schon.
149. fasciculatus, De Geer.
(Notioxenides.)
68. Norroxents, Woll. 150. Bewickii, Woll. 151. subfascratus, Woll. 152. alutaceus, Woll. 153. dimidiatus, Woll. 154. Janischi, Woll. 155. Dalei, Woll.
156. Grayii, Woll. 157. a@neus, Woll. 158. congener, Woll. 159. rufopictus, Woll.
249
250 CATALOGUE,
68. Norioxenus, Woll. (continucd). 160. rotundatus, Woll. 161. ferrugineus, Woll.
(Homeoderides.)
69. Homaoprra, Woll. 162. elateroides, Woll. 163. nodulipennis, Woll. 164. Edithia, Woll. 165. major, Woll. 166. compositarum, Woll. 167. pygmea, Woll. 168. pumilio, Woll. 169. rotundipennis, Woll. 170. alutaceicollis, Woll. 171. asteris, Woll. 172. Paive, Woll. 173. coriacea, Woll. 174. globulosa, Woll.
70. Acaropgs, Woll. 175. gutta, Woll.
Bruchide. 71. Brucuus, Geoffr. 176. rufobrunneus, Woll. 177. advena, Woll.
EUCERATA. Cerambicide. 72. Curromervs, Steph. 178. pilicornis, Fab. Lamiide.
73. Coprors, Sery. 179. bidens, Fab.
PHYTOPHAGA. Halticide. 74, Lonerrarsvs, Latr. 180. helene, Woll. 181. janulus, Woll. 182. Mellissiz, Woll. Cassidide.
75. AsprpomorpHA, Hope. 183. miliaris, Fab.
PSEUDOTRIMERA. Coccinellide. 76. CurtoMEneEs, Chev. 184. lunata, Fab. 185. vicina (Dej.), Muls.
CATALOGUE.
77. TaeEa, Muls. 186. variegata, Fab. 78. Eprtacuna, Chevr. 187. chrysomelina, Fab. Corylophide. 79. Sericoprrvs, Steph. 188. lateralis, Gyll. 80. OrrHorrERvs, Steph. 189. atomarius, Heer.
Erotylide. 81. Evxestus, Woll.
190. phalacroides, Woll.
HETEROMERA. Opatride.
82. Opatrum, Fab. 191. hadroides, Woll.
83. Hapropes, Woll. 192. helenensis, Woll.
84. TarpHiopnasis, Woll. 193. tuberculatus, Woll.
UVlomide.
85. Atpuitostus, Steph. 194. diaperinus, Kugel. 195. piceus, Oliv.
86. GnatHocerts, Thunb. 196. cornutus, Fab.
87. Trrotium, MacL. 197. ferrugineum, Fab.
Tenebrionide. 88. Trenesrio, Linn. 198. obscurus, Fab.
89. ZopHosas, Blanch. 199. concolor, Woll.
Mordellida. 90. Morpetxa, Linn. 200. Mellissiana, Woll. Anthicide. 91. AnrnicopEs, Woll.
201. maculatus, Woll. 202. fragilis, Woll.
251
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MORALS
ay
abdominale, Dactyloster- num, 20. Acanthomerus angustus, 133. armatus, 125. asperatus, 134. conicollis, 126. —— cylindricus, 132. debilis, 131. —— ellipticus, 127. —— monilicornis, 129. —— obliteratus, 136. similis, 130. terebrans, 135. Acarodes gutta, 206. Adoretus versutus, 62. vestitus, 62. adumbratus, Mellissius, 67. adyena, Bruchus, 208. emulus, Tomicus, 79. reneopiceus, Phlceopha- gus, 94. zeneus,-Notioxenus, 187. Aithriostoma gloriose, 56. affinis, Cryptophagus, 47. , Hucoptoderus, 159. Aleochara Armitagei, 23. decorata, 23. puberula, 25. Alphitobius diaperinus, 229.
piceus, 229.
alutaceicollis, Homeo- dera, 201.
, Pseudostenoscelis,
alutaccifrons,Oxytelus,35.
alutaceus, Notioxenus, 181.
Anchastus atlanticus, 71.
compositarum, 69.
angustus, Acanthomerus, 133.
Anobium confertum, 76.
domesticum, 75.
paniceum, 74.
—— rufipes, 72.
striatum, "75.
velatum, 73.
Anommatus 12-striatus, 49. —— terricola, 49. Anthicodes fragilis, 238. — maculatus, 237. Anthrenus gloriose, 56. Anthribus coffee, 175. Aphodius carbonarius, 59. granarius, 59. lividus, 60. apionides, Chalcotrogus, 140. Aplothorax Burchellit, 1. approximatus, Latridius,
Arzeocerus fasciculatus, 174.
arator, Heteronychus, 63.
armatus, Acanthomerus, 125.
, Xantholinus, 32.
ascendens, Nesiotes, 169.
asperatus, Acanthomerus,
34
, Nesiotes, 167.
Aspidomorpha miliaris, 215.
asteriperda, Pseudostenos- celis, 87.
asteris, Homceodera, 202.
aterrimus, Isotornus, 106.
atlanticus, Anchastus, 71.
atomarius, Orthoperus, 222.
Attagenus glorios, 56.
badius, Cryptophagus, 47. barbatus, Nesiotes, 161. Bembidium dicksoniz, 15. evanescens, 18. fossor, 17.
—- gemmulipenne, 16. —— Grayanum, 11. —— megalops, 14.
—— Mellissii, 8.
—— nubigena, 10.
—— platyderoides, 9. —— rufosuffusum, 15. —— sublimbatum, 12. trechoides, 13.
Bewickii, Notioxenus, 178.
bicaudatus, Microxylo-
bius, 117.
bicolor, Saprinus, 58.
bidens, Coptops, 210.
bifoveolata, Rhizopertha, hike
bisectus, Microxylobius, 115.
Bostrichus ligniperda, 81.
breviusculus, Nesiotes, 163.
Bruchus advena, 208.
rufobrunneus, 207.
Burchellii, Haplothorax, it.
cadaverinus, Dermestes, 54.
Calandra oryze, 158,
ealcaratus, Microxylobius, 113.
Callidium luteum, 210.
pilicorne, 210.
Calosoma faligena, 3.
helene, 3.
See auropilosus,
0.
dimidiatus, 39. hemipterus, 38. carinulatus, Leemophleus,
Cassida miliaris, 215.
Cerandria cornuta, 231.
Chalcotrogus apionides, 140
—— oblongior, 142. semipolitus, 142. Chilomenes cirewmflexa, 218. lunata, 217. vicina, 218. chrysomelina, Epilachna, 220. Clythra ruficollis, 215, Coccinella capensis, 220. chrysomelina, 220. cognata, 219. lunata, 217.
254.
Coccinella nassata, 219.
variegata, 219.
complanatus, Pristony- chus, 5.
compositarum, Anchastus, 69.
, Homeeodera, 197.
, Pseudostenoscelis,
concolor, Zophobas, 254.
confertum, Anobium, 76.
congener, Notioxenus, 188.
conicollis, Acanthomerus, 126.
Coptops bidens, 210.
coriacea, Homeeodera,204.
coriaria, Homalota, 24.
cornutus, Gnathocerus, 231.
Corticaria elongata, 50.
corticinus, Trogophlceus, 37.
Corynetes rufipes, 72.
cossonoides, Lampro- chrus, 145.
Cossyphodes Wollastonii, 240.
Cossyphus lateralis, 221.
crassus, Pachymastax, 93.
Creophilus maxillosus,25.
Cryptamorpha muse, 45.
Cryptommata cucullata, 157.
Cryptophagus affinis, 47.
badius, 47.
gracilipes, 48.
Cryptocephalus ruficollis, 215.
Cucujus minutus, 44.
pusillus, 44.
cucullata, Cryptommata,
57.
Curculio fasciculatus,\75.
lineatus, 174.
—— sulcatus, 173.
Curtomerus /utews, 210.
pilicornis, 209.
Oyclonotum dytiscoides, 19:
Cydonia lunata, 217.
vicina, 218.
eylindricus, Acantho- merus, 132.
Dactylosternum abdomi- nale, 20.
Roussetit, 21.
Dalei, Notioxenus, 185.
debilicornis, Lithocharis, 34.
INDEX.
debilis, Acanthomerus,
Dermestes cadaverinus, RZ 54.
domesticus, 54. Fumatus, 58, 54. hemipterus, 39. paniceus, T4. surinamensis, 46. vulpinus, 58. diaperinus, Alphitobius, 299, dicksonix, Bembidium, iltsy , Pentarthrodes, 97. dimidiatus, Carpophilus, 39.
, Microxylobius, 114. discoideus, Philonthus,28. domesticum,Anobium, 75. 12-striatus, Anommatus,
dytiscoides, Cyclonotum, ©
ov.
Edithia, Homceodera,195. elateroides, Homceodera,
ellipticus, Acanthomerus, 127.
elongata, Corticaria, 50.
Hpilachna chrysomelina, ted ed \]
Eucoptoderus affinis, 139.
vermiculatus, 138.
eudoxus, Mellissius, 66.
Euxestus phalacroides, 224.
eyanescens, Bembidium,
18.
fasciculatus, Arzeocerus, 174.
ferrugineum, Tribolium, oF
ferrugineus, Hexacoptus, 96.
, Notioxenus, 190.
filicum, Pentarthrodes, 98.
fimbriatus, Nesiotes, 162.
flayoterminatus, Philon- thus, 26.
fossor, Bembidium, 17.
fragilis, Anthicodes, 238.
fumata, Typha, 53.
gemmulipenne, Bembi- dium, 16.
gibbirostris, Tapiromi- mus, L50.
Gibbium scotias, 73.
globulosa, Homceodera, 205.
gloriose, Attagenus, 56.
Gnathocerus cornutus, 231.
gracilipes, Cryptophagus, 48
gracilis, Nesiotes, 165.
granarius, Aphodius, 59.
granulosus, Microxylo- bius, 117.
Grayanum, Bembidium, ie
Grayii, Notioxenus, 186.
gutta, Acarodes, 206.
Hadrodes helenensis, 227.
hadroides, Opatrum, 224.
Haplothorax Burchellii, 1.
helene, Calosoma, 3.
, Longitarsus, 212.
helenensis, Hadrodes, 227.
, Homalota, 25.
Helops piceus, 230.
hemipterus, Carpophilus, 38
Heteroderes puncticollis, Ts Heteronychus arator, 63. Sancte-helene, 64. Hexacoptus ferrugineus, 96. hirta, Mycetea, 53. Hister bicolor, 58. Homalota coriaria, 24. helenensis, 25. Homeeodera alutaceicol- lis, 201. asteris, 202. compositarum, 197. coriacea, 204. —— Hdithia, 195. elateroides, 193. —— globulosa, 205. —— major, 197. nodulipennis, 194, —— Paive, 208. — pumilio, 199. —— pygmea, 198. rotundipennis, 200. Hopatrum hadroides, 225. horridus, Nesiotes, 164. hylastoides, Stenoscelis, 84
Hylurgus ligniperda, 80.
inzequalis, Tychiorhinus, 154.
Tsotornus aterrimus, 106.
retractilis, 105.
Janischi, Notioxenus, 184.
janulus, Longitarsus, 213.
lacertosus, Microxylobius, 118. Lemophleus carinulatus,
——- pusillus, 43.
Lamprochrus cosso- noides, 145,
lateralis, Sericoderus, 221.
Latridius approximatus, 52.
elongatus, 50.
—— nodifer, 51.
ligniperda, Hylurgus, 80.
lineatus, Sitona, 178.
, Tychiorhinus, 155.
Lithocharis egyptiaca, 34
brevicornis, 84. debilicornis, 34. ochracea, 33. lividus, Aphodius, 60. longicornis, Philonthus, 27. longitarsis, Pseudoste- noscelis, 88. Longitarsus helene, 212. janulus, 213. — Mellissii, 214. lucifugus, Microxylobius, iii lunata, Chilomenes, 217. Lyctus 12-striatus, 49.
maculatus, Anthicodes, 237.
major, Homeeodera, 197.
Matthewsiana, Ptinella, 21.
mauritanica, Trogosita,
megalops, Bembidium, 14.
Mellissiana, Mordella, 235.
Mellissii, Bembidium, 8.
, Longitarsus, 214.
Mellissius adumbratus,
eudoxus, 66.
Microxylobius angustus, 133.
— bicaudatus, 117.
—— bisectus, 115.
calearatus, 113.
—— Chevrolatii, 125.
INDEX.
Microxylobius conicollis, 126. cossonoides, 145. debilis, 181.
— dimidiatus, 114. granulosus, 117. lacertosus, 118. — lucifugus, 111. monibicornis, 129. —- obliteratus, 137. — oculatus, 110. —— opacus, 119.
sculpturatus, 116. terebrans, 136. trituratus, 108. vestitus, 120. — Westwoodii, 121. Whiteheadii, 109. miliaris, Aspidomorpha, 215. minima, Pseudostenosce- lis, 91. minor, Nesiotes, 166. minutissimus, Pseudome- soxenus, 101. monilicornis, Acantho- merus, 129. Monotoma congener, 42. picipes, 42. spinicollis, 41. spinifera, 41. Mordella Mellissiana,235. morio, Xantholinus, 31. mus, Cryptamorpha, 45. Mycetzea hiria, 53.
nasalis, Xestophasis, 149. Nesiotes ascendens, 169. —— asperatus, 167. barbatus, 161. breviusculus, 163. —— fimbriatus, 162. gracilis, 165. horridus, 164. —— minor, 166.
— simplex, 166. squamosus, 160. nigritulus, Philonthus,
29. nitidifrons, Oxytelus, 36. Nitidula dimidiata, 40. nodifer, Latridius, 51. nodulipennis, Homeo-
dera, 194. Notioxenus 2neus, 187. alutaceus, 181. — Bewickii, 178. congener, 188. —— Dalei, 185.
——— dimidiatus, 182. ferrugineus, 190.
255
Notioxenus Grayii, 186.
Janischi, 184.
rotundatus, 190.
rufopictus, 189.
subfasciatus, 179.
nubigena, Bembidium, 10.
obliteratus, Acanthome- rus, 136.
oblongior, Chalcotrogus, 142.
obscurus, Tenebrio, 233.
ochracea, Lithocharis,
oculatus, Microxylobius, 110. ,
opacus, Microxylobius, 119.
Opatrum hadroides, 224.
Orthoperus atomarius, 222.
oryze, Calandra, 158.
Otiorhynchus sulcatus, 173.
Oxytelus alutaceifrons, 30.
corticinus, 38. nitidifrons, 36. sculptus, 34.
Pachymastax crassus, 93. Pederus ochraceus, 38. Paive, Homeeodera, 208. . paniceum, Anobium, 74. Pentarthrodes dicksonize 97
7
filicum, 98. Pentarthrum subcecum, 102. phalacroides, Euxestus, 224. Philonthus aterrimus, 29. discoideus, 28. — flavoterminatus, 26. Suscicornis, 28. longicornis, 27. —— nigritulus, 29. punctipennis, 30. scybalarius, 28. —— turbidus, 30. Phloeophagus zeneopiceus, 94
piceus, Alphitobius, 229.
picipes, Monotoma, 42.
pilicornis, Curtomerus, 209.
Pithophilus atomarius, 222.
platyderoides, Bembi- dium, 9.
256
porrectus, Tychiorhinus, 153. Pristonychus alatus, 5. complanatus, 5. Pseudomesoxenus minu- tissimus, LOL. scrobiculatus, 103. subexcus, 102. Pseudostenoscelis aluta- ceicollis, 89. asteriperda, 87. compositarum, 90. longitarsis, 88. minima, 91. sculpturata, 86. Ptinella Matthewsiana, 21. Ptinus scotias, 73. puberula, Aleochara, 23. pumilio, Homeeodera, 199. pusilla, Rhizopertha, 78. pusillus, Leemophlceus, 43
pygmea, Homeeodera,
4-striatus, Tribalus, 57.
retractilis, sotornus, 105. Rhizopertha bifoveolata, Ute
pusilla, 78.
rotundatus, Notioxenus, 190.
rotundipennis, Homeo- dera, 200.
rufipes, Corynetes, 72.
rufobrunneus, Bruchus, 207.
rufopictus, Notioxenus, 189.
rufoswffusum, Bembi- dium, 15.
Saprinus bicolor, 58, lautus, 58. Scarabeus arator, 6+. eudoxus, 66. granarius, 59. lividus, 60. Sciobius subnodosus, 171. scotias, Gibbium, 73.
INDEX.
scrobiculatus, Pseudome- soxenus, 108.
sculpturata, Pseudoste- noscelis, 86.
sculpturatus, Microxylo- bius, 116.
sculptus, Oxytelus, 34.
semipolitus, Chalcotro- gus, 142.
Sericoderus lateralis, 221.
setosum, Trachyphleo- soma, 170.
Silpha hirta, 53.
Silvanus surinamensis,46.
similis, Acanthomerus, 130.
simplex, Nesiotes, 166.
Sitona lineatus, 173.
Sitophilus oryze, 158.
Spheridium abdominale, 20,
dytiscoides, 19.
spinicollis, Monotoma,41.
squamosus, Nesiotes, 160.
Staphylinus aterrimus,29.
discoideus, 28.
maxillosus, 26.
nigritulus, 29.
Stenoscelis hylastoides, 84.
subexecus, Pseudomesoxe- nus, 102.
subfasciatus, Notioxenus, uly(o)
sublimbatum, Bembi- dium, 12.
subnodosus, Sciobius,171.
subochraceus, Tychio- rhinus, 154.
sulcatus, Otiorhynchus, ies
surinamensis, Silvanus, A6.
Synodendron pusillum,79.
Tapiromimus gibbiros- tris, 150.
Tarphiophasis tubercula- tus, 228.
Tenebrio fagi, 280.
ferrugineus, 232.
mauritanicus, 48,
230.
obseurus, 283.
THE END.
terebrans, Acanthomerus, 135.
Thea variegata, 219.
Tomicus emulus, 79.
Trachyphleosoma seto- sum, 170.
trechoides, Bembidium, 13.
Tribalus 4striatus, 57.
Trobolium ferrugineum, 231.
trituratus, Microxylobius, 108.
Trogophleus nanus, 38.
corticinus, 37.
Trogosita cornuta, 231.
mauritaniea, 43.
Trox Whitehendii, 61.
tuberculatus, Tarphio- phasis, 228.
turbidus, Philonthus, 30.
Tychiorhinus inequalis, 154.
lineatus, 155.
porrectus, 153.
— subochraceus, 154.
variolosus, 152.
Typha fumata, 53.
variegata, Thea, 219.
variolosus, Tychiorhinus, 152.
velatum, Anobium, 73.
vermiculatus, Eucopto- derus, 138.
versutus, Adoretus, 62.
yestitus, Microxylobius, 120.
vicina, Chilomenes, 218.
vulpinus, Dermestes, 55.
Westwoodii, Microxylo- bius, 121.
Whiteheadii, Microxylo- bius, 109.
. Trox, 61.
Wollastonii,Cossyphodes, 240.
a“
Xantholinus armatus, 32. morio, 31. Xestophasis nasalis, 149.
Zophobas concolor, 234.
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