m cr 0: • r-R > O D a m a RETURN TO LIBRARY OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY WOODS HOLE, MASS. LOANED BY AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA THOS. L CASEY 1 I9IO PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY LANCASTER, PA. CONTENTS PAGE I — New Species of the Staphylinid Tribe Myrmedoniini ... I II — Synonymic and Descriptive Notes on the Psederini and Pinophilini 184 I— NEW SPECIES OF. THE STAPHYLINID TRIBE MYRMEDONIINI. The Myrmedoniini comprise by far the greater part of the large subfamily Aleocharinae, and present a rather discouraging problem to the systematist through sheer force of numbers. In the European fauna probably a very large proportion of the existing species have been described, though in an inconveniently scattered literature, so that it is difficult to identify many of the forms, especially as the types are widely diffused and in some instances probably lost. In the most recent European catalogue the greater part of those described are announced as synonyms of a few more accentuated species, possibly to thereby cut the Gordian knot of uncertainty of identification as much as anything, for many of these so-called synonyms are not truly such by any means. I do not think that the names printed in that catalogue under Acrotona fungi, for example, are synonyms in many instances, for I have received under this name from various European authorities at least four unequivocally distinct though generically related species. Some describers have not taken pains to study their material with the care exercised by such investigators as Thomson, Kraatz and Rey, whose genera are nearly all valid as such, and the absence of information concerning the intermesocoxal sternal pieces and other important structural characters, renders it impossible to iden- tify, with very few exceptions, the species published by Maklin, Mannerheim, Melsheimer, Say, Erichson and many of those of Bernhauer, more particularly when founded upon short comparative statements concerning certain European species, positively authen- tic examples of which it is almost impossible for American students to obtain. As a result, even when the species of those authors are described as pertaining to special genera or subgenera, there are frequent mistakes in the assignments, rendering their work to some extent misleading and untrustworthy. This comes about in great degree from the method of mounting pursued by most of the European collectors of the smaller Coleoptera, the entire undei T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. 2 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. surface being glued to cards, so that the most important characters are not observable, except through a good deal of mechanical labor and risk of injury or destruction of the types. Most remarkable systematic characters have in this way remained unappreciated, if not virtually unknown to them in various sections of the Coleoptera, especially in such genera as Cardiola and in Anthicus and related genera. The three investigators above mentioned are among the notable exceptions to this rule however. During the past twenty-five years the writer has been steadily accumulating as much material as possible in the Aleocharinse, with a view to ultimately describing and classifying the species, but pressure of other matters has thus far left too little time for any serious attempt in that direction. It is considered desirable, however, to describe this material now, so far as may be convenient and in a less systematic way, in order that the types may remain in this country for the benefit of coming students of our Staphy- linidse. The species were all described as new, and, in vast major- ity, are actually in this category without question ; but in all cases where it has been possible to identify them with species previously described, I have simply substituted the name given by the previous author and allowed the description to remain. Although the species here described in the group Athetse may seem perhaps to be in- ordinate in number, it can be said with great confidence that they represent only a fraction of the seemingly unending horde occurring in North America, where the Staphylinid fauna is far richer than in Europe; so the likelihood of having made any considerable num- ber of synonyms of species previously described is, from every point of view, minute or negligible. Tribe MYRMIDONIINI. Group ATHETVE. The Athetse constitute one of the largest and most intricate groups of the entire Coleoptera, and give rise to much diversity of opinion regarding scope and validity of genera. In my own opinion an intermediate course between the prevailing assumption of the present day, that such conspicuously different types as Atheta, Datomicra and Amischa, not to mention a score or more in addition, are not truly generic on the one hand, and the naming of so-called STAPHYLINID^E. 3 genera which differ among themselves only in sexual modifications at the ventral apex,— though often most important if supplemented by structural differences elsewhere, — on the other hand, is eminently proper. And, after all, what is to be gained by trying to aggregate these structural groups of species under a single name, as in the case of the comprehensive genus Atheta of the most recent school? Not only is there no discernible advantage in this procedure, but we subject ourselves to very great inconvenience in efforts to prevent duplication of specific names in such enormous single genera. This difficulty is also becoming pronounced in Stenus, but there it seems impossible to suggest the relief afforded by generic subdivision, which is so proper in Atheta because of the widely diversified facies as well as structure prevailing in the latter group; in Stenns the facies is very consistent throughout, and most of the subdivisions that have been proposed are apparently not true genera from any reasonable point of view. The European catalogue of Heyden, Reitter and Weise of 1895 'ls far superior to that of 1906, not only in its more sensible treatment of the Atheta?, as being composed of at least a few admittedly valid genera, but especially because our sense of propriety is not offended by the wholly unnecessary reversal of the usual succession of subfamilies, tribes and genera in the great family Staphylinidse given in the latest edition of that work. Another mistake frequently made, and a very serious one, is in assuming that nearly all exotic forms can be forced into the genera of purely European species. Some genera are common to Europe and America, but the isolation of the latter region since the middle Tertiary has sufficed for the evolution of many distinct types, so that at present there are a great many more endemic American genera than of those common to the two continents. The same remark applies as well to the species, the least resemblance between species of the two continents sufficing some superficial observers for a verdict of identity, which is false as a rule. There are some species common to America and Europe but not many, and they constitute an exceedingly small proportion of the whole number known; moreover virtually all such are likely to be cosmopolitan. There have been but few attempts ever made to systematically arrange the genera and subgenera of Athetae in accordance with their structural differences, and I would here bring forward one 4 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. well known character to a position of primary importance in group- ing the genera and subgenera; this relates to the degree of inflexion of the hypomera or inflexed sides of the pronotum, which divides the group into three very well defined sections thus: I — Hypomera moderately inflexed, nearly flat and wholly or in great part visible from the sides, — including such genera as Metaxya, Hydrosmecta, Atheta and many others. 2 — Hypomera horizontal, though because of considerable warping of the sur- face, visible in very limited part from the sides, — including Dimetrota, Datomicra and others. 3 — Hypomera strongly inflexed, in such manner as to be wholly invisible when viewed from the sides and including Acrotona, Colpodota, Copro- thassa and others, as well as some related but distinct groups, such as the Hoplandriae. The body in the first of these sections is more or less parallel and of larger size as a rule, in the second rather small to minute and generally with more tapering abdomen; in the third the body becomes on the whole still more limuliform, or with strongly tapering abdomen. The second character in point of importance relates to the formation of the sterna between the middle coxae, and then follow several characters more particularly important in certain subsidiary sections, such as tarsal structure, impression of the ab- dominal tergites and form of the head, antennae and lateral carinae. Under the second of the above groups we have genera with the head parallel and others with the head basally inflated, and, among the latter, some with finely and others with coarsely faceted eyes. So it becomes sufficiently evident that we have among the Athetae an unusual diversification of structural features. The group Athetae, as here construed, comprises the single genus Atheta of Fauvel, Bernhauer and some other recent authors. Atheta Thorns. Stethusa n. subgen. If Dr. Bernhauer had examined the under surface of his Atheta klimschi, which he assigns to typical Atheta, he would probably have observed that in sternal structure it bears very little resemblance to the true Atheta, where the mesosternal projection between the coxse is more or less prolonged and slender to aciculate. In this subgeneric group the sterna between the coxae are notably STAPHYLINHXE. 5 wide, the mesosternal process only extending to slightly be- yond the middle of the coxae, with its apex transversely to circularly rounded and separated from the angular apex of the metasternal projection by a short and slightly depressed interval. This section of Atheta includes numerous species in North America, the following being some of the many allies of klimschi: Atheta (Stethusa) affluens n. sp. — Stout, parallel, moderately convex, blackish-piceous, the elytra and legs pale, the former obscure flavate, the abdomen black, scarcely paler apically; anterior parts moderately shining, minutely, closely punctulate and finely, closely and inconspicuously pubes- cent; head four-fifths as wide as the prothorax, transversely orbicular, the eyes large; antennae fuscous, pale at base, extending to the middle of the elytra, gradually moderately enlarged distally, the third joint slightly longer than the second, both elongate, the tenth slightly wider than long, the eleventh as long as the two preceding; prothorax two-fifths wider than long, nearly as wide as the elytra, parallel, the sides broadly arcuate, the median line very finely, almost imperceptibly impressed throughout; elytra a little wider and longer than the prothorax; abdomen more shining and more sparsely punctulate, a little narrower than the elytra, subparallel, the fifth tergite ( cf) transversely truncate, unmodified, the sixth strongly arcuate at tip and acutely dentate at each side, the middle of the arc narrowly trun- cate, the truncature marked at each end by a very small convex knob and the surface adjoining feebly impressed. Length 2.7mm.; width 0.7 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck) and New York (Long Island). Specimens not clearly separable from the considerable type series are before me from New Jersey (Anglesea), North Carolina (Ashe- ville), Mississippi (Pass Christian) "and Arkansas (Little Rock). It is a widely diffused species, readily distinguishable by its large convex eyes, extending almost to the base of the head, by the medial truncature of the sixth male ventral scarcely so wide as the distance separating it from the lateral slender teeth and not extend- ing behind the latter, and by the sternal characters. Atheta (Stethusa) irvingi n. sp. — Form, coloration and sculpture nearly as in affluens, the head relatively larger but otherwise similar, fully five-sixths as wide as the prothorax, the latter even relatively larger than in affluens, similar, except that the parallel sides are slightly less rounded; antennae with the last joint evidently shorter; elytra similar, but little wider than the prothorax and with the humeri only very narrowly exposed at base; abdo- men less parallel, slightly narrowing near the apex, the fifth tergite (cf) similarly truncate and unmodified, the sixth with the apical arcuation larger, with smaller lateral teeth, the median truncature sinuate, with the adjacent surface more impressed and its ends not marked by swollen points. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.65 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). 6 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. Resembles affluent very much but distinguishable by the some- what larger head, shorter last antennal joint and slight differences in the male sexual characters. Atheta (Stethusa) galvestonica n. sp. — General form, coloration and sculp- ture as in klimschi, the punctuation not quite so dense and the lustre more shining, the prothorax shorter, more transverse and paler in color; head well developed, the eyes large but separated from the base by fully two-fifths of their own length, the antennae more slender, very moderately incrassate, with the outer joints nearly as long as wide; prothorax rather more than one-half wider than long, the basal impression feeble; elytra rather short and transverse, the suture not distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen as in klimschi; mesosternal process unusually broad, rounded at tip, which is separated from the triangular metasternal projection by but little more than its own subapical width. Length 2.3-2.5 mm.; width 0.65-0.7 mm. Texas (Galveston). Though represented at present by the female only, this species can be distinguished readily from any other by the very wide mesosternal process even for the present genus, and the eyes, which are not quite so large as usual. Atheta (Stethusa) texana n. sp. — Of the usual coloration and rather stout form, the head well developed, with the eyes not quite so large as usual and decidedly more prominent; antenna; rather rapidly though moderately in- crassate, the outer joints evidently though not greatly wider than long; prothorax not densely punctate, strongly transverse, strongly rounded at the sides, nearly as wide as the elytra, feebly impressed medially except in apical third ; elytra large, wider than long, with the suture much longer than the prothorax and similarly rather shining, with the distinct asperate punc- tures not very dense; abdomen as in klimschi and galvestonica; mesosternal process extending to apical fourth of the coxae, moderately wide, rounded at tip and separated by only its own width from the large triangular meta- sternal projection. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.75 mm. Texas (Austin). Also represented by the female but to be known readily by the more prominent eyes, which are decidedly smaller than usual, al- though much larger than in Atheta, and by the shorter and more transverse prothorax. Atheta (Stethusa) canonica n. sp. — Very similar throughout in form, color- ation and sculpture to affluent but a little smaller and less stout, the head just visibly larger and with the similarly large eyes slightly less convex; pro- thorax almost similar but rather shorter, more impressed along the median line posteriorly; elytra similar but shorter, strongly transverse; abdomen with thinner and deeper side margins, paler basalt}- and at apex, the sixth tergite (cf) with the truncate median part at apex not projecting behind the lateral teeth but very much wider than in aj^wens, being separated from each of the teeth by a space very much narrower than its own width, and STAPHYLINID/E. 7 having its apex feebly sinuato-truncate and its lateral limits marked by very obtusely rounded unthickened angulations. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.6 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). Distinguishable from affluens principally by the notably different sexual modification of the sixth tergite of the male. Superficially, the species of this section of Atheta resemble each other very closely throughout. Atheta (Stethusa) sagax n. sp. — Smaller than any of the preceding and with relatively shorter prothorax and elytra, similar in coloration and sculpture; head rather more transverse, very much narrower than the prothorax, the large eyes similar, and, as usual, finely faceted and having a few stiff bristling setae; antennae rather less developed but of the same type, the last joint fully as long as the preceding two, the latter each but little shorter than wide, prothorax nearly one-half wider than long, parallel and broadly rounded at the sides, evidently narrower than the elytra; the basal angles distinct as usual; elytra pale brownish-flavate, feebly clouded toward the scutellum; the suture but little longer than the prothorax; abdomen blackish, faintly rufescent basally and at apex, the sixth tergite ( cf ) with the medial truncature not more posterior than the tips of the slender dentiform process at each side of the apex and separated therefrom by nearly its own width, its apex faintly sinuato-truncate and its subangulate ends rounded and not at all thickened. Length 2.2 mm.; width 0.58 mm. Virginia (Norfolk). Separable from any of the preceding by its rather smaller head and prothorax and smaller size of the body, as well as by differences in the male sexual characters. Atheta (Stethusa) sororella n. sp. — More slender than any of the preceding species and rather small in size, similar in coloration and sculpture; head moderate, the eyes large, convex, extending almost to the base; antennae well developed, the last joint as long as the two preceding; prothorax trans- verse, parallel, very much wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, the latter short and transverse, the suture not longer than the pro- thorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, rather shining, sparsely punctulate as usual, the lateral margins scarcely at all elevated, the sixth tergite (cf) with the apical lobe not projecting beyond the lateral processes and very wide, subsinuate medially and with very widely rounded unthick- ened angles, separated from each slender lateral process by but little more than half of its own width. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.56 mm. New York (Catskill Mrs.). The slender form and broad, feebly defined lobe of the sixth male tergite will probably prove efficient determinative characters for this species. Atheta (Stethusa) subdebilis n. sp. — Moderately stout, small in size, colored as in the preceding species, the fine close sculpture also similar; head 8 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. rather well developed, almost three-fourths as wide as the prothorax, the large eyes almost extending to the base as usual, the antennae moderately developed, with the penultimate joints slightly wider than long, the last barely as long as the two preceding; prothorax more nearly as wide as the elytra, moder- ately transverse, parallel with rounded sides but with the base more rounded than usual and with a small rounded discal foveola near the base; elytra very little wider than the prothorax, much longer than in any of the preceding, the suture infuscate basally and much longer than the prothorax; abdomen shining, much narrower than the elytra, finely and not closely punctulate, evidently pubescent, the sixth tergite (c?) with the median truncate lobe about as wide as the interval between it and the lateral processes and limited at each side by a strong swelling of the surface, its median part concave; mesosternal process rather longer than usual, its truncate apex distant from the metasternum by but little more than its own apical width, the metasternal angulation much more rounded at tip than usual. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.5 mm. Missouri (St. Louis). Departs rather radically from the preceding species in its longer elytra, which are however together about a third wider than long, and in recognizable differences in general form and sternal structure. Atheta (Stethusa) spuriella n. sp. — Moderately stout, testaceous, the head piceous, the elytra more flavate, the abdomen clouded posteriorly except at apex; sculpture minute and dense, sparse on the elytra; head transversely oval, the eyes not quite so large as usual, separated from the base by nearly two-fifths of their length; antennae with the outer joints rather stout, de- cidedly wider than long, the last as long as the two preceding; prothorax as in subdebilis; head, prothorax and elytra increasing in even but gentle ratio in width, the last as in subdebilis; abdomen and sexual characters nearly as in that species, the swellings marking the median lobe of the sixth tergite (cf) continued forward for a rather greater distance as obtuse ridges; sterna nearly similar, the metasternal angle less rounded. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.6 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). This species and the preceding form a small group of Stethusa, distinguished by a less sharply angulate metasternal angle, not quite so large eyes, rather more transverse antennal joints, longer elytra and more pronounced apical characters of the sixth male tergite. Spuriella differs from subdebilis in its relatively larger head and larger and more incrassate antennae, among the more obvious characters. The following species is appended very doubtfully to this sub- genus, as it differs markedly in general form and antennal structure, though having the very broad mesosternum : Atheta (Stethusa) mendosa n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, not parallel, distinctly shining and very minutely, not closely punctulate, the STAPHYLINID^:. 9 punctures rather well separated even on the elytra, the abdomen polished, minutely, sparsely punctulate; blackish-piceous, the pronotum a little paler, the elytra still paler; legs and basal joint of the antennae very pale; head well developed, the eyes convex, prominent, at nearly their own length from the base, the tempora arcuate and converging behind them, the carinae dis- tinct, entire; antennae moderately long, rather rapidly and strongly in- crassate distally, the second joint cylindric, the third obconic and a little longer, both very elongate, the outer joints distinctly transverse; prothorax relatively small, strongly transverse, parallel and strongly rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and correspondingly much narrower than the elytra, which are parallel, rather strongly transverse and much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, slightly narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth ; mesosternum extending beyond the middle of the coxae, very wide between them and flat, with the apex broad and circularly rounded, approaching the apex of the large triangular metasternal projection by its own apical width, the angle of the metasternum rounded; hind tarsi slender, the four basal joints equal. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.75 mm. Virginia (Fort Monroe). Though represented only by the female, this species is so distinct in its structural characters that it could not be mistaken ; the male characters would probably decide whether it is to be properly asso- ciated with the other species of the subgenus or not; it is certainly remarkably different from them in general appearance and all char- acters except the very broad sterna. Macroterma Csy. This subgenus of Atheta is related to Stethusa and has the same very broad and apically arcuate process of the mesosternum, but it is here shorter and separated from the metasternum by a longer interval. The eyes are much smaller, being at nearly their own length from the base of the more parallel-sided head, the outer antennal joints much shorter and more transverse, with the last greatly elongate, being almost as long as the three preceding com- bined ; the male sexual characters are materially different and more complex. Of the three described species, borealis Csy., is unfor- tunately founded upon the female, but it may be distinguished from alutacea Csy., by the more sparsely punctulate and puberulent and more polished integuments; dentata Bernh., has the head and prothorax relatively smaller and more transverse, with the protuber- ance of the fifth male tergite very much smaller and of different form. The following is another species: io MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta (Macroterma) iowensis n. sp. — As small as dentata and relatively narrower and more parallel, the antennae much larger, stouter and more incrassate, the eleventh joint less acutely pointed; black, the elytra and legs pale piceo-flavate ; antennae blackish throughout; head distinctly narrower than the pro thorax, the eyes less prominent than in dentata; prothorax nearly as in that species, shorter than in alutacea and borealis, transverse, parallel, evenly rounded at the sides, finely punctulate and moderately pubescent; elytra large, slightly transverse, with feebly diverging sides, distinctly wider and very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen moder- ately narrow, parallel, the fifth tergite (cf) with a very small and sharply elevated tubercle close to the hind margin and more posterior in position than the somewhat similar tubercle of dentata, the sixth tergite with a slightly projecting and broadly arcuate apical lobe, about a third as wide as the basal width of the segment, the lobe with two short carinse separated by a concavity at each side of its surface, the median part more arcuate and with a minute median sinus at apex, the segmental apex at each side of the lobe unevenly crenulate and wrinkled. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.7 mm. Iowa (Iowa City), — Wickham. The specimens at hand are gummed alongside of a large black ant, having the pedunculated abdomen relatively very stout, but it is hardly assumable that the beetle and ant are associated very closely. Homalotusa Csy. This subgenus, composed of rather large species with long and not much incrassated antennae, in which the outer joints are more or less elongate, the eleventh much shorter than the two preceding combined, the mesosternal process extending almost to the middle of the coxae and very acute, the metasternal projection very short and broadly angulated, the coxae contiguous, the abdomen parallel and devoid of evident sexual modification, may be placed near Liogluta. The following are some additional species: Atheta (Homalotusa) lanei n. sp. — Unusually stout, piceous-black, the abdomen black; legs pale, the antennae fuscous; pubescence distinct but not dense, rather pale, very sparse on the abdomen; lustre shining; head trans- versely orbicular, the strongly setose eyes not very prominent, at their own length from the base; antennae extending to the middle of the elytra, the tenth joint slightly elongate; prothorax nearly a third wider than long, much wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, parallel, with rounded sides, rather convex, minutely, sparsely punctulate but flat- tened and with closer granuliform punctures medially toward base, with a short transverse impression just before the base; elytra large, slightly wider than long, very much wider and longer than the prothorax, impressed on the suture basally, rather closely, granularly punctate; abdomen slightly nar- rower than the elytra, remotely punctulate, the fifth tergite fully as short STAPHYLINID^. n as the fourth and feebly trapezoidal. Length 3.2 mm.; width 0.92 mm. Oregon (Lane Co.). Quite distinct from any other species in its much stouter form, short fifth ventral and many other features. Atheta (Homalotusa) oregonina n. sp. — Moderately stout, black, the elytra dark brown, the abdominal tip slightly pale, the legs and antennae as in lanei; pubescence finer and more abundant, the lustre duller throughout; head relatively larger, convex, moderately shining, the eyes smaller, at a little more than their own length from the base; antennae long, scarcely incrassate, the tenth joint feebly obtrapezoidal and not quite so long as wide; prothorax formed as in lanei but smaller, a fourth wider than the head and more evidently narrower than the elytra, the parallel sides evenly rounded; surface evenly and feebly convex, the basal impression obsolete, the punctulation very fine and indistinct; elytra large, slightly transverse, not quite parallel, the hu- meri much exposed at base, the surface strongly micro-reticulate, the fine punctulation thereby rendered indistinct; abdomen wide, but little nar- rower than the elytra, with parallel and nearly straight sides to the tip of the fifth segment, not very closely, minutely punctulate throughout, the sixth tergite (cf) broadly sinuato-truncate at apex. Length 3.6 mm.; width 0.83 mm. Oregon (Lane Co.). Allied rather closely to fuscula Csy., from Coeur d'Alene, but with relatively larger head and smaller and more transverse pro- thorax; the sex of the type is not altogether certain as announced above. Atheta (Homalotusa) mormon n. sp. — Form more slender, black through- out, the elytra and legs piceous-black, the lustre strongly shining though dis- tinctly micro-reticulate, the punctures minute, feebly and very indistinctly granuliform as in the preceding; pubescence rather sparse; head convex, parallel, the eyes at their own length from the base; antennae very slender, the second joint much longer than the third, the tenth distinctly longer than wide; prothorax about a fourth wider than long, much wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, apparently a little narrower at apex than at base, the sides broadly arcuate; surface rather convex, shining, the transverse impression at the base very short and subobsolete; elytra large, slightly transverse, very much wider and longer than the prothorax, the straight sides feebly diverging from base to apex, the surface nearly flat, shining; abdomen rather wide, parallel, the fifth tergite distinctly longer than the fourth, the sixth rounded in the type. Length 3.2 mm.; width 0.78 mm. Utah (southwestern) , — Weidt. Not closely allied to any other species but belonging to the same subgenus as the preceding, as shown by sternal and general struc- ture. Atheta (Homalotusa) lacustrina n. sp. — Rather stout, more parallel than usual, feebly shining and pubescent, the abdomen more shining and with 12 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. sparser vestiture; black or piceous-black, the legs bright, the elytra darker, rufous, the latter feebly blackish basally; antennae dark, paler basally; head parallel, convex, rather shining, the eyes at their own length from the base, not very convex; antennae long and slender, the tenth joint much longer than wide; prothorax large, very much wider than the head and only a little narrower than the elytra, fully a fourth wider than long, the sides parallel, broadly arcuate; surface finely, closely punctulate and with a small nearly rounded feeble impression near the base; elytra subparallel, much wider than long, the suture only a little longer than the prothorax, the surface feebly convex, finely, closely and inconspicuously punctulate; abdomen wide, slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel, minutely, not closely punctulate, the sixth tergite broadly arcuate, becoming gradually feebly sinuate medially at tip in the type, the sixth ventral broadly angulate, the angle rounded. Length 3.3 mm.; width 0.8 mm. Wisconsin (Bayfield), — Wickham. Differs from any other described species of the subgenus in its more parallel and rather convex form. Atheta (Homalotusa ) wisconsinica n. sp. — More slender and less parallel than the preceding, piceous, the abdomen black, gradually bright rufous apically; elytra and legs pale brownish-rufous, the former infumate basally toward the scutellum, the antennae fuscous, paler very gradually basally; head small, orbicular, the eyes at nearly their own length from the base; antennee long, very slender, the second joint a little longer than the third, the tenth very distinctly elongated; prothorax not quite a fourth wider than long, parallel, with broadly and very moderately arcuate sides, much wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, minutely, closely punctulate, the basal impression very feeble; elytra parallel, wider than long, the suture distinctly longer than the prothorax, the slightly rough punctulation very minute and close-set; abdomen only moderately wide, much narrower than the elytra, minutely, sparsely punctulate, shining and unusually flat, the fifth tergite very much longer than the fourth, the sixth broadly and very evenly arcuate at apex in the type, and, behind this, another segment, the surface of which is covered sparsely with stiff inclined spinuliform hairs; sixth ventral moderately narrow, with the apex arcuato- truncate. Length 3.5 mm.; width 0.75 mm. Wisconsin (Bayfield), — Wick- ham. This distinct species differs greatly from the preceding in the more elongate fifth tergite, which in lacusttina is only about as long as the fourth; also in its smaller prothorax, narrower abdomen, larger eyes and other characters. The sex of the type is not evident. Anepsiota Csy. The species of this subgenus are moderately large in size, of heavy build and unusually broad abdomen, this in the majority being fully as wide as the elytra. The antennae in typical forms, such as the type (A. quadricollis Csy.), are long and rather strongly STAPHYLINID/E. 13 incrassate, the basal joint of the hind tarsi much longer than usual, the infra-lateral carinse of the head subobsolete and the middle coxae approximate. Atheta (Anepsiota) torpens n. sp. — Stout, shining, piceous, the head darker, the abdomen black, the prothorax, elytra and legs more or less pale, the antennae blackish throughout; head transversely oval, the eyes not prominent, at fully their own length from the base ; antennae moderately long, thick, much incrassated distally, the penultimate joints rather distinctly wider than long; prothorax large, convex, two-fifths wider than long, parallel and evenly rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, with a small rounded indentation before the base, the punctulation minute and very sparse; elytra large, parallel, almost as long as wide, much longer than the prothorax, minutely, simply and much more closely punc- tulate and micro-reticulate; abdomen as wide as the elytra, parallel, the sides just visibly arcuate, polished, the punctulation minute and remote; basal joint of the hind tarsi distinctly longer than the second but much shorter than the next two; metasternum almost truncate, very feebly arcuate medially. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.8 mm. California (San Mateo Co.). Resembles insignis Csy., from San Francisco Co., but differs in its feebler and sparser punctulation, longer elytra, stouter antennae and other characters. Atheta (Anepsiota) shastana n. sp. — Rather stout and shining, testaceous, the head and abdomen, except at tip, blackish, the legs pale; antenna? fuscous, pale basally; head orbicular, the eyes small, at much more than their own length from the base, not at all prominent; antennae long, gradually and distinctly incrassate, the tenth joint as long as wide, the eleventh gradually acutely pointed, as long as the two preceding; prothorax two-fifths wider than long, parallel, with evenly rounded sides, rather convex, much wider than the head and evidently, though not greatly, narrower than the elytra, minutely, sparsely punctulate, the basal impression very small and subob- solete; elytra much wider than long, the suture but little longer than the prothorax, finely, closely punctulate and micro-reticulate; abdomen perfectly parallel, with straight sides, not quite as wide as the elytra, the fourth and fifth tergites equal in length, the sixth (c?) very broad, arcuato-truncate, the edge nearly even but the surface adjoining with a series of feeble irregular beading defined at each side by a feeble straight oblique carinule, its general surface strongly reticulate and with small sparse granules. Length 2.75 mm.; width 0.72 mm. California (Siskiyou Co.). Not closely allied to any other Anepsiota and not quite typical in its rather narrower abdomen, longer, though slender, mesosternal process and sexual characters; the first three joints of the hind tarsi decrease rapidly in length. 14 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Athetalia n. subgen. This subgenus differs from Anepsiota in having the infra-lateral carinse of the head very strongly developed and entire ; the abdomen is narrower and is not always parallel. The middle coxae are contiguous, the mesosternal process acutely angular or prolonged and aciculate, and the metasternal extremely short, very broadly angulate. One of its most salient characters is the very long basal joint of the hind tarsi, so unusual a character in Atheta, this joint being fully as long as the next two combined throughout. The three species at present assignable are as follows: Atheta (Athetalia) bicariniceps n. sp. — Rather stout and convex, shining, fusoid, testaceous, the head slightly darker, the abdomen, except apically, black; legs pale, the antennae infuscate; head parallel at the sides, the eyes rather prominent, at their own length from the base; antennae long, gradually incrassate, the outer joints not quite as long as wide, the eleventh pointed, not quite as long as the two preceding; prothorax convex, transverse, one- half wider than long, just visibly narrower than the elytra but very much wider than the head, the sides parallel and broadly rounded, the minute punctures sparse, the basal impression well developed; elytra wider than long, the suture much longer than the prothorax, the punctulation only moderately close-set, the micro-reticulation rather feeble; abdomen at base evidently not so wide as the elytra, thence evenly tapering to the tip of the fifth tergite, where it is three-fourths as wide as at base, the tergites flat, the basal impressions fine, the punctulation feeble and sparse, the sixth rounded, becoming gradually sinuate medially at tip, the sixth ventral rather narrow and acutely angular, the apex of the angle slightly blunted ; mesosternal process long and acicular; basal joint of the hind tarsi very long, fully as long as the next two. Length 2.8 mm.; width 0.73 mm. California (Siskiyou Co.). The tapering form of the abdomen is remarkably exceptional in the true Athetae and this character alone will serve to isolate this species from its fellowrs; the infra-lateral carinae are very strong and are entire. Atheta (Athetalia) repensa n. sp. — Moderately stout, more parallel, rather convex, shining, colored as in the preceding, the elytra however in the type having feeble infumation apico-externally and medio-basally; integuments polished between the punctures, without the usual micro-reticulation; head nearly as in the preceding but relatively larger, the eyes not quite so convex; antennae a little more rapidly and strongly incrassate distally but other- wise nearly similar; prothorax not quite so large, slightly narrower than the elytra and distinctly but not so greatly wider than the head as in bicarini- ceps, otherwise similar, except that there is no basal impression, and, instead, a fine even impressed line throughout the length; elytra slightly transverse, much less so than in the preceding and very much longer than the prothorax, STAPHYLINID.E. 15 finely, closely, simply and very clearly punctate; abdomen parallel or very nearly, slightly narrower than the elytra; basal joint of the hind tarsi sim- ilarly long, the mesosternal process very much shorter and triangular, not prolonged and finely aciculate as it is in the preceding. Length 3.3 mm.; width 0.75 mm. California (Sta. Cruz Mts.). Very distinct from bicariniceps in the formation of the sterna and abdomen; the infra-lateral carinae of the head are similarly entire but are finer and not so elevated. Atheta (Athetalia) nimia n. sp. — Form parallel, convex, large in size, black, the elytra, legs and antenna? basally brownish-rufous, the abdominal tip faintly paler; lustre moderately shining, the integuments rather strongly micro-reticulate, the abdomen with excessively fine and close transverse strigilation; head well developed, the eyes not very convex, at about their own length from the base; antenna? not quite so long, moderately stout, not gradually incrassate but parallel except basally, the joints slightly wider than long, the eleventh not quite so long as the two preceding; prothorax distinctly wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, convex, transverse, parallel, unusually strongly and evenly rounded at the sides, finely, not densely punctulate and with two minute approximate and coalescent impressions before the base; elytra large, wider than long, finely punctulate, very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, much narrower than the elytra, minutely, sparsely punctulate, the fifth tergite a little longer than the fourth, the sixth in the type broadly rounded, becoming gradually distinctly sinuate at the middle of the apex; mesosternal process very long, extending three-fourths of the coxal length, becoming very finely drawn out and aciculate. Length 4.2 mm.; width i.o mm. British Columbia (Metlakatla), — Keen. This is the largest Athetid known to me from North America and is very distinct from the two preceding. The basal joint of the hind tarsi is similarly elongate. Megista Rey. The following species agrees very well with subplana in all its structural characters, including nearly obsolete infra-lateral carinae of the head, short basal joint of the hind tarsi and approximate middle coxae, with very short metasternal projection, but the meso- sternal process is noticeably longer. Granulata Mann., (Elytrusa Csy.) is closely allied but larger and with a notably larger head and still longer and stouter antennae; I do not think that grannlata can be the same as the European graminicola Grav. Atheta (Megista) nomadica n. sp. — Moderately stout, parallel, deep black, moderately convex, rather strongly shining, the elytra not distinctly picescent, the antennse nearly black, the legs piceous-brown; head small, orbicular, 1 6 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. the eyes at more than their own length from the base; antennae long, very moderately incrassate, the tenth joint obtrapezoidal, about as long as wide, the eleventh pointed, almost as long as the two preceding; prothorax dis- tinctly narrower than the elytra and very much wider than the head, relatively larger than in subplana, moderately transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, very minutely, not closely punctulate and with a rather large but feeble transverse ante-basal impression; elytra large, wider than long, very much longer than the prothorax, the punctures moderately close-set and distinctly but not very coarsely graniform, less strongly than in granulata; abdomen parallel, narrower than the elytra, minutely, rather sparsely punctulate, much more distinctly and less sparsely than in granulata, where the abdomen is almost sculptureless. Length 3.2 mm.; width 0.78 mm. Alaska (Nome), Related to granulata but differing in its smaller head, more rounded sides of the prothorax, more punctulate abdomen and smaller size. Liogluta Thorns. As represented by the European longiuscula Grav., and nitidula Kr., Liogluta is allied somewhat to Stethusa in the more widely separated middle coxae, with the mesosternal process rather wide and abruptly arcuato-truncate at tip; it differs from Stethusa in its much smaller eyes, smaller prothorax and generally black coloration. The basal joint of the hind tarsi is equal to the second or a little longer; the infra-lateral carinae of the head are feebly developed and abbreviated. The following American species agrees very well in structure with the European, except that the metasternal projection is longer and more angulate: Atheta (Liogluta) insolens n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, strongly shining and with obsolescent micro-reticulation, deep black, the antennae black throughout, the elytra and legs piceous, the former blackish basally; head parallel, well developed, the eyes at more than their own length from the base, the basal angles broadly rounded; antennae moderate in length, rather rapidly incrassate, the outer joints distinctly wider than long; prothorax transverse, parallel, rounded at the sides, intermediate in width between the head and elytra, not distinctly punctulate and unimpressed; elytra large, slightly transverse, much wider and very much longer than the prothorax, very minutely, not closely punctulate; abdomen almost as wide as the elytra, parallel, with just visibly arcuate sides, almost sculptureless; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.7 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands (Massett), — Keen. Differs from vicina and nitidula in its broader abdomen, from the former also in its larger head and prothorax; the antennae, also, are more rapidly and strongly incrassate than in either. In the STAPHYLINID/E. 17 male of insolens the abdomen is not quite so broad as in the female, and the sixth tergite is trapezoidal, transversely truncate at tip. the truncature feebly and vaguely crenulate, the surface at apex bounded at each side by a feebly oblique narrow straight and even carina, the general surface of the segment strongly micro-reticulate and with numerous large cariniform granules. Lamiota n. subgen. Mesosternal process rather long, extending nearly to apical fourth of the coxae, rather wide, the apical prolonged part becoming paral- lel, with its apex rounded and separated from the short and very broad, angulate metasternal projection by a moderate interval; the first four joints of the hind tarsi are equal, the infra-lateral carinee of the head very fine and feeble, though nearly entire, and the eyes moderate in size. The type is the following: Atheta (Lamiota) keeni n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, strongly shining though sharply micro-reticulate, the punctures fine but subgranose, the abdomen minutely and feebly, transversely strigilate; black, the elytra piceous, the legs and antennal base pale flavo-testaceous; remainder of the antenns black; head well developed, with a small impressed puncture in both sexes, the eyes rather prominent, at their own length from the base; antennae rather long and very gradually and moderately incrassate, the outer joints wider than long; prothorax strongly transverse, much wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, the parallel sides sub- angulate before the middle; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax, very finely but sharply, not very densely punctato- granulose; abdomen almost as wide as the elytra, nearly sculptureless, sub- parallel, very feebly narrowed toward tip, the fourth and fifth tergites equal in length. Male with the pronotum impressed in median third from near the apex to the base, the sixth tergite with a long pointed compressed process at each side of the broad apex, the edge between the processes evenly and broadly arcuate and tuberculato-crenate; female with the pronotal impression narrow, very feeble and only visible basally. Length 3.0-34 mm.; width 0.75-0.85 mm. British Columbia (Metlakatla), — Keen, 452. This strikingly distinct species is dedicated with pleasure to Rev. J. H. Keen, who has made many interesting discoveries among the small clavicorn Coleopteia of the northern coast of British Columbia. Delphota n. subgen. The body is rather small in size, the abdomen parallel, the mesosternal process very acute and aciculate at apex but not pro- longed beyond the middle of the coxae, separated from the very T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. 1 8 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. short metasternal projection by a notably extended interval, the coxae contiguous, the first four joints of the hind tarsi subequal, the infra-lateral cephalic carinae fine but subentire, the eyes moder- ate and the antennae strongly incrassate, with transverse penultimate joints. The type is the following: Atheta (Delphota) cephalina n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, slightly shining, the abdomen more so; piceous-brown, the elytra and legs slightly paler, the head and abdomen black throughout; antennae dark-brown, paler basally ; head transverse, parallel, the eyes not prominent, at their own length from the base, the antennae extending barely to basal third of the elytra, rapidly and strongly incrassate, the 'outer joints distinctly transverse, the eleventh pointed and as long as the preceding two; prothorax about as wide as the elytra, much wider than the head, two-fifths wider than long, parallel, with moderately rounded sides, the basal impression obsolete, the punctures fine and close-set; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the pro- thorax, closely, rather asperulately punctulate; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, the minute punctures numerous but not dense, the sixth tergite ( cf) broadly, rectilinearly truncate, the edge finely, feebly crenulate, the lateral projections very short, flat and rounded, not very different from the other crenulations. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.6 mm. Iowa, — Brendel. This species is chiefly remarkable in its very exceptional sexual modifications of the head, which, in the male, is opaque by reason of extremely small strong reticulation, rather flattened above and feebly impressed along the median line; in the female it is more convex, even, shining and very much more feebly and less minutely micro-reticulate. Atheta Thorns. The species here assigned to typical Atheta, although exhibiting much diveisity of structure, agree tolerably well among themselves in the small or very moderate size of the body, in having the abdo- men parallel or virtually so, the eyes moderate in size, generally al their own length from the base, the antennae moderate in length and gradually incrassate, the mesosternal process acute, the meta- sternal short, the coxae approximate and the basal joints of the hind tarsi subequal among themselves, although the basal joint is occa- sionally a little shorter or longer than the second. In the descriptions the infra-lateral carinae of the head are alluded to simply as carinae. Atheta barbarse n. sp. — Moderately slender, rather shining, black, the elytra scarcely less so, the legs and antennae piceous; vestiture not dense and rather long; head transverse, parallel, with sparse shallow umbilicate punctures, the STAPHYLINID^E. 19 carinae fine but strong, entire; antennae rather long, incrassate only distally, strongly setose, the outer joints strongly transverse, the last rapidly pointed and as long as the two preceding; prothorax minutely, sparsely punctate, but little wider than long, only slightly wider than the head, parallel, evenly and moderately rounded at the sides, rather convex, not impressed ; elytra wider than long, much wider and longer than the prothorax, finely, very distinctly and closely punctate; abdomen narrower than the elytra, very slightly nar- rowed near the apex, shining, minutely, sparsely punctate; mesosternal process very long and gradually finely aciculate, extending to apical fifth of the coxae, where it is separated from the angular mestasternum by a very short in- terval, the coxae not contiguous; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.65 mm. California (Sta. Barbara). The type, although a female, is described because of its isolated characters relating to the sterna, cephalic carinae and general outline. Atheta pocahontas n. sp. — Moderately shining, black, the elytra feebly picescent, the antennae, except toward base, black; legs pale piceous-brown; vestiture very short; head parallel, transverse, the eyes not prominent, at more than their own length from the base; carinae fine but entire; surface with rather coarse but obsolescent punctures; antennae rather short, gradually, and moderately incrassate distally, the outer joints transverse; prothorax slightly wider than long and very little wider than the head, with broadly rounded sides which become straighter basally, widest rather before the middle, not impressed, very finely, rather closely punctate; elytra large, slightly transverse, much wider and very much longer than the prothorax, finely but strongly, closely punctate, each deeply sinuate at apex externally; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel basally, feebly and .arcuately nar- rowing apically, shining, minutely, sparsely punctate; mesosternal process extremely long, gradually and finely aciculate, extending fully to apical fifth or sixth of the coxae, separating the latter, its tip very close to the apex of the acutely angulate and sharply defined metasternal projection; basal joint of the hind tarsi one-half longer than the second, two to four equal. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.66 mm. Virginia (Norfolk and Fort Monroe). Readily distinguishable by the sternal and tarsal characters; the types are apparently females. Atheta vaticina n. sp. — Similar in all of its structural characters to the pre- ceding but smaller and more parallel, the vestiture longer and more shaggy, the head similarly convex, shining and rather coarsely though feebly punctate, the antennae notably more slender, much less incrassate distally; prothorax nearly similar; elytra differing .in being very nearly as long as wide and paler, rufescent; abdomen rather more strongly and distinctly punctulate; fifth tergite similarly distinctly shorter than the fourth ; tarsi similar. Length 2.2 mm.; width 0.55 mm. New York (Willets Point, Long Island). Closely allied to pocahontas in general structure but differing in the more slender antennae, much smaller size and more elongate elytra. I have in my collection several specimens taken at Alameda, 2o MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. California, which belong not only to the type of the two preceding species but closely resemble them, to such a degree in fact that it is scarcely worth while to describe them at present. Atheta iterans n. sp. — Rather dull, the abdomen more shining, not very stout, parallel, only moderately convex, piceous, the head black; elytra and legs more or less pale brownish; abdomen black, paler basally and at the apices of the first three segments ; antennae inf uscate ; pubescence very short, close, inconspicuous; head convex, not distinctly punctate, the eyes not prominent; carinae fine and feeble but entire; antennae moderate, subparallel, the outer joints distinctly wider than long; prothorax transverse, much wider than the head but only a little narrower than the elytra, widest before the middle, the sides straighter basally; median line finely and feebly im- pressed ; elytra wider than long, distinctly longer than the prothorax, minutely, densely punctulate; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel throughout, minutely, not closely punctulate, the first three tergites strongly impressed at base; mesosternal process triangular, finely aciculate but not much prolonged at apex, extending to beyond the middle of the coxae, which are contiguescent, its tip far from the apex of the angulate metasternum; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.8 mm.; width 0.6 mm. New York (near the city). Distinguishable by the abdominal and sternal structure and the fine impressed median line of the pronotum. Sexual characters are not evident in the types. The fifth tergite is slightly longer than the fourth. Atheta enitescens n. sp. — Rather slender, moderately convex, strongly shining and minutely, sparsely punctulate, the short stiff vestiture not dense even on the elytra; body piceous-brown, the head and abdomen black, the elytra slightly paler than the prothorax, the legs pale, the antennae blackish ; head well developed, the eyes rather prominent, at a little less than their own length from the base; carinae fine but entire; antennae rather long, gradually and feebly incrassate, the outer joints but slightly wider than long; prothorax distinctly wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, two-fifths wider than long, the sides subparallel, broadly, evenly rounded, the basal angles much rounded; surface finely, feebly impressed along the median line; elytra slightly transverse, much longer than the prothorax, the asperate punctures distinct but not very close-set on the pol- ished ground; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel throughout, minutely, sparsely punctulate, the fifth tergite distinctly longer than the fourth; mesosternal process extending to apical fourth of the coxae, drawn out but not very finely pointed, its tip separated by a long distance from the metasternum, which is extremely short and very broadly rounded ; basal joint of the hind tarsi shorter than the second. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.5 mm. New York (Ithaca). The male sexual characters of this small species are remarkably distinct, the sixth tergite being densely micro-reticulate and with STAPHYLINID^E. 2 1 a few sparse feeble elevations, broadly flattened medially, the flat- tened part limited at each side by fine feeble parallel ridges, which are nearly straight but curve apically partially around the contour of the apical lobes; the apex of this flattened surface is strongly bilobed, the lobes strongly, evenly rounded and separated by a narrow deep rounded sinus. Atheta sibylla n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, black, the elytra blackish-piceous, the legs pale, the antennae blackish throughout; surface moderately shining, densely micro-reticulate, the abdomen more coarsely though much more feebly so and strongly shining; vestiture short, not very dense, the punctulation very fine, rather loose, closer on the elytra which are less shining, very sparse on the abdomen; head with a central impression, feebly punctulate, rather shining, the eyes at more than their own length from the base, the rounded tempora parallel ; antennas rather long and thick, though but feebly incrassate, the outer joints only slightly transverse, the second longer than the third; carinae very fine and feeble, incomplete; prothorax slightly wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, widest before the middle, with rounded sides which become straighter basally, the basal angles obtuse and rounded ; surface sparsely punctulate, flattened along the middle; elytra wider than long, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sixth tergite (cf) broadly, feebly sinuato-truncate, feebly crenulate on the edge except for a moderately wide space at the middle; mesosternal process extending slightly beyond the middle of the coxae, very finely aciculate at tip and distant from the broadly and feebly parabolic metasternum, the intervening space deeply sunken, the coxae contiguous; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.75 mm. Virginia (Fort Monroe). To be readily known by the sternal structure, feeble carinae and thick subfiliform antennas. Atheta weedi n. sp. — Stout, rather convex, shining, black, the elytra and legs pale brownish-flavate; antennae infuscate; head and pronotum sparsely and not distinctly punctulate, the former not impressed, the eyes unusually large, prominent, setose, distant from the base by a little less than their own, length; prothorax transverse, relatively rather small, slightly wider than the head but much narrower than the elytra, slightly widest just before the middle, the sides rounded; basal angles obtuse and blunt; surface broadly, feebly flattened medially, becoming gradually slightly impressed basally; elytra large, wider than long, very much longer than the prothorax, very finely, not densely and inconspicuously punctate; abdomen parallel, with slightly arcuate sides, at the middle nearly as wide as the elytra, minutely, sparsely punctate, the fourth and fifth tergites equal, the sixth ( cf) with a projecting slender spur having its inner face concave at each side of the broad apex, the edge between very broadly, evenly arcuate and evenly tuberculato-crenulate; mesosternal process extending to the middle of the coxae, unusually broad, nearly as in Stethusa, with its apex rounded and separated from the large angulate metasternal projection by twice its 22 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. subapical width, the coxae separated; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.73 mm. Mississippi (Agricultural Col- lege),—H. F. Weed. Distinguishable easily by its stout form, sternal and sexual char- acters. The sternum, in connection with the larger eyes, might indicate close affinity with Stethusa, but the form of the body and smaller prothorax give a very different facies and the sexual char- acters are of a different order. Atheta arizonica n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, somewhat aluta- ceous, the abdomen shining; piceous-black, the elytra and legs pale brownish- flavate, the antennae blackish throughout; head as usual transverse, parallel, with rounded basal angles, finely, rather closely and asperulately punctate, the eyes convex and at barely their own length from the base, the carinae fine but entire; antennae rather slender and but feebly incrassate, the outer joints slightly wider than long, the second and third equal; prothorax much wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, moderately trans- verse, the sides parallel and evenly arcuate, the basal angles obtuse and blunt, the surface finely, closely and asperulately punctate, feebly impressed before the basal margin at the middle; elytra much wider than long, the suture distinctly longer than the prothorax, similarly punctate; abdomen parallel, with broadly arcuate sides, narrower than the elytra, finely and plentifully though not densely punctate, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf ) with two tuberculiform teeth separated by a feeble sinus at the middle of the apex and mutually a little more distant than either from the slender, internally concave lateral projection; mesosternal process becoming moderately narrow but not aciculate, its strongly rounded apex extending to apical third of the separated coxa:: and considerably distant from the very short and broadly rounded metasternum; basal joint of the hind tarsi shorter than the second, two to four equal. Length 2.3-2.6 mm.; width 0.65-0.7 mm. Arizona (Tucson). Somewhat allied to weedi but differing in the sterna, cephalic carinae and sexual characters; the mesosternal process is not so wide but is not aciculate, as it generally is in typical Atheta. Atheta umbonalis n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, black, the elytra dark rufo-piceous, the legs pale; antennae blackish, the two basal joints pale; body not very shining, strongly micro-reticulate, the abdomen more coarsely but feebly so and shining; punctures asperulate and rather close-set, sparser on the head, very fine and sparse on the abdomen; head moderate, the eyes at barely their own length from the base, the carina? wholly wanting; antennae thick but only feebly incrassate, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the eleventh rather longer than the two preceding, the second and third equal; prothorax convex, rather strongly transverse, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, the sides paral- lel, subevenly rounded, the basal angles distinct and only slightly blunt; surface unimpressed; elytra parallel, much wider than long, much longer STAPHYLINID^E. 23 than the prothorax; abdomen perfectly parallel, much narrower than the elytra, the first three tergites strongly impressed, the sixth (cf) broadly lobed at apex, the lobe arcuato-truncate, with a faint median projection, the apex at each side of the base of the lobe feebly concave; mesosternal process rather broad and truncate at apex, extending to the middle of the separated coxae and considerably distant from the apex of the elongate meta- sternal projection, which has its apex rounded ; hind tarsi rather short, the first four joints equal. Length 2.2 mm. ; width 0.6 mm. Ohio (Cincinnati),— Dury. This remarkable species can be known at once by the elytra of the male, each having a distinct umboniform tubercle just before the middle and at inner third; the absence of cephalic carinae and rather wide truncate mesosternal process are also conspicuous dis- tinctive characters. Atheta nevadensis n. sp. — Elongate, very moderately convex, polished throughout, the micro-reticulation obsolescent; color piceo-testaceous, the head and abdomen blackish; legs pale, the antennae dark brown throughout; vestiture rather short and not at all dense; head orbicular, the eyes at rather more than their own length from the base, the carinae fine and not extending before the middle; antennae gradually thick and very strongly incrassate, the outer joints slightly transverse, the eleventh rather longer than the two preceding, the second and third equal; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, parallel and strongly rounded at the sides, very finely, sparsely punctulate, the basal impression somewhat rounded, very feeble; elytra but slightly transverse, very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax, minutely, not densely punctulate; abdomen parallel, slightly narrower than the elytra, sparsely, very finely punctulate, the fifth tergite very slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf) truncate and very finely and feebly crenulate at tip; mesosternal process extending beyond the middle of the slightly separated coxae, the apex attenuate and very finely aciculate, separated from the very short and broadly rounded metasternum by a long depressed smooth ridge; posterior tarsi rather long, the first four joints equal. Length 3.2 mm.; width 0.73 mm. Nevada (Reno). The elongate form, shining integuments, rather small and trans- versely oval prothorax, feeble male sexual characters, thick and incrassate antennae and sternal structure will render the identifica- tion of this species comparatively easy. The following thirteen species are small forms, apparently in- habiting fungi, having pale elytra and legs, the abdomen more or less evidently paler basally, the antennae moderately stout and subparallel except basally, or, at most, very moderately incrassate, and with the sixth tergite of the male auriculate at the sides of the apex, with the intervening edge in no case crenulate. These are 24 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. only a small proportion of the very confusing host of such species inhabiting various species of fungi: Atheta rhodeana n. sp. — Moderately slender and convex, slightly, the abdomen strongly, shining, finely, closely subgranularly punctate, the ab- domen minutely and sparsely; vestiture short; color piceous-black, the elytra and legs pale brownish-flavate, the abdomen at tip and broadly toward base rufescent; antennae fuscous, paler basally; head as usual, transverse, parallel, with broadly rounded angles, the eyes at about their own length from the base ; carinse very fine and feeble but entire ; antennae well developed, the outer joints slightly wider than long, the second slightly shorter than the third; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel, evenly rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, scarcely modified medially; elytra large, but slightly transverse, parallel, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fifth tergite very little longer than the fourth, the sixth ( d") trapezoidal, with the apex truncate, even, with a large externally rounded and rather thick auriculiform impressed process at each side and not at all projecting posteriorly; mesosternal process finely aciculate at tip, extending to apical third of the not quite contiguous coxae and well separated from the angular metasternal projection; hind tarsi with the first four joints equal or with the first just visibly shorter than the second. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.56 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). The auriculae of the sixth male tergite are rather better developed in this species than in any of the following: Atheta capella n. sp. — Much stouter than the preceding and paler in color, the darker parts not black but dark piceous-brown, the punctuation rather less dense and finer, the pubescence less abundant and longer ; head smaller, the eyes larger, at barely two-thirds their length from the base, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae rather long, the outer joints slightly wider than long, the second much shorter than the third; prothorax much larger, fully as wide as the elytra, nearly one-half wider than the head, the sides rounded, notably arcuato-convergent anteriorly, nearly one-half wider than long; elytra moderately transverse, the suture not greatly though distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel though narrowing slightly apically, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth ( d") sinuato-truncate at apex, with the large auricular sides more rounded and reflexed externally; sterna nearly similar, the hind tarsi with the first joint very much shorter than the second. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.65 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Xeck). Very distinct from the last in its larger and more anteriorly narrowed prothorax, larger eyes and less parallel abdomen. Atheta comitata n. sp. — Much smaller, more slender and parallel, rather strongly shining, nearly similar in coloration and sculpture, the vestiture shorter especially on the abdomen, nearly as in rhodeana; head relatively larger, the eyes somewhat prominent, very well developed, at much less STAPHYLINia^E. 25 than their own length from the base, the carinae very fine, subentire; antennae shorter, the outer joints more strongly transverse, the second and third subequal; prothorax strongly transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, very nearly as wide as the elytra, much wider than the head; elytra moder- ately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel though, as frequently the case, apparently narrowing a little toward apex because of the narrowing of the side margins; sixth tergite ( c?) more broadly truncate than in the two preceding, feebly sinuate toward the middle, the lateral auriculae much reduced, narrow, parallel externally; sterna similar; basal joint of the hind tarsi but little shorter than the second. Length 2.2 mm.; width 0.56 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). Atheta ducens n. sp. — Elongate, parallel; coloration nearly as in rho- deana, alutaceous, the fine subgranular punctuation close, the abdomen more minutely, very sparsely punctulate and shining; head small, the eyes prominent, at much less than their own length from the base, the sides behind them arcuate and rapidly converging, the carinae fine, subentire; antennae moderate, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the second much shorter than the third; prothorax only about a third wider than long, much wider than the head and slightly though evidently narrower than the elytra, the parallel sides much more feebly arcuate than in any of the preceding; elytra slightly transverse, distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, much narrower than the elytra, the sixth tergite (cf) trapezoidal, formed nearly as in rhodeana, the truncate apex feebly sinuate, the edge even, the adjoining surface feebly and broadly corrugated, the auriculae slightly more posterior than the median part, short, rounded, inclined upward externally and rather thick; sterna as in the preceding species. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.6 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Distinguishable by its less transverse prothorax, with the parallel sides very feebly arcuate. Atheta gnoma n. sp. — Moderately stout, parallel; coloration as usual, the dark parts blackish-piceous; surface rather strongly shining, the minute granuliform punctures moderately close-set; head well developed, larger than usual, the eyes at less than their own length from the base, the carinae fine but entire; antennae moderately stout, the outer joints distinctly trans- verse, the second and third shorter than usual, equal in length, the former cylindric, the latter obconic; prothorax short, very transverse, distinctly wider than the head but only just visibly narrower than the elytra, subparallel, with moderately rounded sides, the median line very feebly impressed; elytra distinctly transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen as usual, the sixth tergite (d") trapezoidal, truncate, the truncature gradually evenly though feebly sinuate in median half, the adjoining surface even, with a transverse series of asperate punctures, the auriculae parallel, rather narrow, nearly straight and abruptly reflexed externally, narrowly rounded at apex but not posteriorly prominent; sterna as usual, the short basal joint of the hind tarsi not as long as the second. Length 2.2-2.5 mm.; width 0.48-0.58 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). 26 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. This species may be known readily by its short and transverse prothorax, virtually as wide as the elytra and by the antennal structure, the second and third joints being shorter than in any of the preceding. It is very abundant in individuals like nearly all of this group. Atheta elota n. sp. — Small, barely convex, somewhat shining, the abdomen strongly so, pale piceo-rufous, the elytra albido-flavate, the abdomen clouded subapically; antennse brown, testaceous basally; punctuation very fine, close, scarcely at all rough; head transversely orbicular, the eyes well de- veloped, at much less than their own length from the base, the carinse dis- tinct, entire; antennse notably short, stout, slender basally, joints five to ten strongly transverse, second and third as in gnoma; prothorax rather flat, strongly transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and only slightly narrower than the elytra, not impressed; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite very distinctly longer than the fourth, the sixth (c?) truncate, the truncature feebly sinuate medially, the edge thin and even, the adjoining surface transversely even to the lateral carinse, which are straight and fine, with no appearance of an auriculiform process; sterna as usual in this group, the hind tarsi with the first four joints equal, the first not evidently shorter than the second. Length 2.2 mm.; width 0.55 mm. New York (Catskill Mrs.). Distinguishable by its small size, rather flat surface, pale colora- tion, short antennae with strongly transverse joints and by the male sexual characters. Atheta insidiosa n. sp. — Parallel, rather depressed above, moderately shining, except the abdomen which, as usual, is strongly shining and minutely, sparsely punctulate, the punctures elsewhere very fine, rather close but not strongly asperate; vestiture very short, not conspicuous; coloration as in the preceding species, the dark areas piceous and not black; head well de- veloped, transverse, the eyes rather prominent, at much less than their own length from the base, the carinse entire; antennae as in elota, the second and third joints similar though a little longer, five to ten distinctly though not quite so strongly transverse; prothorax similar; elytra a little more transverse, more evidently wider and very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen nearly similar, except that the sixth tergite (d") is broadly sinuato- truncate, the short straight fine carinae limiting the apical surface laterally a little stronger and gradually sensibly reflexed, and the edge has, medially, two very feeble rounded subtumid lobes, mutually separated by one-half more than either from the rounded side angles of the apex; sterna as usual in this group, except that the mesosternal process is less acutely acicular. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.63 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Closely allied to elota but larger, stouter, with slightly less ab- breviated antennae, more prominent tempora and differently de- STAPHYLINID.E. 27 veloped sexual characters of the sixth tergite, though these are evidently of the same order. Atheta dama n. sp. — Rather more slender and convex, piceous-black, the abdomen only paler basally in apical half of the first three segments; an- tennae dark, the basal joint pale; elytra dark piceo-testaceous, the legs pale; integuments feebly shining, finely, asperulately and closely punctate, the abdomen polished; head moderate, the eyes at a little less than their own length from the base, the tempora rather prominent; carinae fine but entire; antennae moderately long and stout, the second and third joints equal, each as long as the fourth and fifth combined, the outer joints only moderately transverse; prothorax but slightly transverse, barely a third wider than long, much wider than the head and rather evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sides only very moderately rounded; elytra wider than long, only slightly longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, much narrower than the elytra, the sixth tergite (cf ) truncate broadly at apex and wholly unmodified, except a very small rounded angulation at each side; sterna as usual in this group, the metasternum a little shorter and more broadly angulate; basal joint of the hind tarsi shorter than the second. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.55 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Readily distinguishable from either of the preceding by its nar- rower and much less transverse prothorax, longer antennse and still more feeble sexual characters. Atheta temperans n. sp. — Coloration, sculpture and lustre nearly as in the preceding but very much larger and stouter, the elytra and legs pale brownish-testaceous; vestiture rather longer and coarser; head nearly as in dama, the carinae very fine and feeble but entire, the antennae still longer, rather stout, the second and third joints much elongated and feebly obconical, the second slightly the shorter, the tenth but just visibly wider than long; prothorax larger, parallel and more strongly rounded at the sides, two-fifths wider than long, very much wider than the head but only very little nar- rower than the elytra, the latter less abbreviated though distinctly wider than long, much longer than the prothorax -^abdomen thicker, parallel, slightly narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite less evidently or scarcely longer than the fourth, the sixth (c?) broadly truncate and perfectly even at apex, limited at each side by a very minute right angle having its external side just visibly cariniform; basal joint of the hind tarsi much shorter than the second. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.66 mm. District of Columbia. In this species the male sexual characters are also very feeble, but it may be known at once from dama by its much stouter form, larger and more transverse prothorax and longer antennae. Atheta tractabilis n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, rufo-piceous, the elytra and legs more flavate, the abdomen paler basally, the basal an- tennal joints also pale; lustre rather shining, the punctures minute, not dense, larger and slightly asperulate in the elytra; head transversely or- bicular, the eyes at much less than their own length from the base, the car- 28 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. inae very fine and feeble and not entire; antennae well developed, strongly incrassate distally, the outer joints strongly transverse, the second evidently longer than the third; prothorax strongly transverse, nearly as wide as the elytra, very much wider than the head, parallel and strongly rounded at the sides; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; ab- domen much narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sixth tergite (d") differing much from any of the nine preceding, being rapidly trapezoidal, with the apex rather narrow, transversely truncate medially between the sides, which are'slightly produced posteriorly in relatively wide, flat, lobiform extensions, obliquely rounded at the sides but not carinate or thickened; sterna as in the preceding species, except that the metasternal angle is rounded at tip; basal joint of the hind tarsi evidently shorter than the second. Length 2.25 mm.; width 0.62 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). The sexual characters of the male, abbreviated cephalic carinae and antennal characters will distinguish this species at once among its fellows. In the type the head betwreen the eyes has a large rounded concavity, rather abruptly limited, and so regular that it may be a normal character, especially as the specimen is mature and with hard integuments. The three following species have male sexual characters very much as in tractabilis and also apparently somewhat as in trunca- tiventris and occidentalis, of Bernhauer. Atheta ordinata n. sp. — Slender, moderately convex, dark piceous, the head blackish, the elytra pale castaneous-brown, the legs pale flavate; ab- domen black, feebly rufescent basally, moderately shining, strongly micro- reticulate throughout, the punctures minute, rather sparse, close and asper- ulate on the elytra; head small, but little wider than long, the eyes at nearly their own length from the base, the carinae fine, feeble, extending only slightly beyond the middle; antennae blackish, pale basally, moderately short, gradually and rather strongly incrassate, the outer joints strongly transverse, the last rapidly, obtusely pointed, as long as the two preceding, the second moderately elongate and subcylindric, the third a little shorter, constricted basally; prothorax but slightly transverse, parallel, evenly and strongly arcuate at the sides, feebly and finely impressed along the median line basally and with a feeble transverse basal impression, much wider than the head and only very little narrower than the elytra, the latter moderately trans- verse, with the suture only slightly longer than the prothorax; abdomen long, parallel, narrower than the elytra, the fourth and fifth tergites equal, the sixth (cf) rather narrow apically and broadly sinuate between the rounded flattened lateral lobes, the outer sides of which are extended anteriorly for a short distance, the surface very strongly reticulate; mesosternal process extending to apical third of the coxae, becoming gradually finely aciculate, moderately separated from the acutely angulate projecting metasternum, the intervening space much depressed; hind tarsi rather long and slender, the basal joint shorter than the second. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.45 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). STAPHYLINID.E. 29 This species may be known at once by its very small size, slender form, small head and relative forms of the prothorax and elytra; the male sexual characters are nearly as in the much stouter trac- tabilis. Atheta civica n. sp. — Rather stout, dark piceous, the abdomen deep black, the elytra rather pale piceous-brown, the legs pale, the antennae dark, pale basally; surface slightly shining but with the punctures fine, close and as- perulate, sparse and simple as usual on the abdomen; vestiture abundant but very short; head transverse, well developed, the eyes large, prominent, at but little more than half their length from the base, the carinse fine and not quite entire; antennae moderately stout and incrassate, the outer joints rather strongly transverse, the second and third elongate, obconic and equal in length, the eleventh longer than the two preceding; prothorax strongly transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, distinctly wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, the latter large, wider than long, very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, the border diminishing apically, the fourth and fifth tergites equal, the sixth (c?) moderately narrowed and flattened apically, having at each side a large flat, posteriorly projecting lobe, the outside of which is broadly angulate; between the lobes the edge is transverse, with a minute median tooth, the surface not much modified ; sterna as in tractabilis and other preceding species but with the mesosternal process becoming parallel and narrow though not aciculate; basal joint of the hind tarsi much shorter than the second. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.72 mm. California (Monterey). A rather stout species with distinct structural characters and sexual modifications of the male; it is probably allied to truncativen- tris Bernh. Atheta nexa n. sp. — Moderately stout, rufo-piceous, the head darker, the elytra paler; abdomen testaceous, with a large blackish cloud not extending to the tip; antennal base and legs pale; surface slightly shining, the punc- tures fine, close and asperate, strongly so on the elytra; head well developed, only moderately transverse, the eyes prominent and at nearly their own length from the base, the carinse fine, not quite entire; antennae moderately incrassate, not very short, the outer joints moderately transverse, the second and third elongate and equal; prothorax only moderately transverse, dis- tinctly wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, parallel, with the sides moderately arcuate, the ante-scutellar impression rather diffuse; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite (of) not quite so long as the fourth and with well separated irregular longitudinal carinules throughout and a feebly convex median rounded spot before the apex, the sixth rather narrowed apically, flat, with fine longitudinal rugulose folds, the apex broadly sinuate between the slightly projecting lateral lobes, which are bounded externally by thickened and posteriorly diverging margins; at the middle of the apical sinus there is a very small and feeble projection; sterna as usual, the process aciculate, the basal joint of the hind tarsi shorter 30 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. than the second. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.53 mm. Pennsylvania (Phila- delphia). Readily distinguishable by the male sexual characters, strongly asperate sculpture and well marked coloration. The following nine species can be recognized by individual pecu- liarities of sculpture, coloration or male sexual characters; they all belong to typical Atheta, but in no case is the sixth tergite clearly crenulate at apex in the male, so far as known. Atheta strigosula n. sp. — Large, rather stout, moderately convex, feebly shining, the abdomen polished as usual but with extremely fine, feeble and extremely close transverse strigilation ; punctures fine, close and asperate; color brownish-piceous, the head and abdomen nearly black, the elytra and legs pale brown; antennae pale basally; head rather small, the eyes at evi- dently less than their own length from the base, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae moderately long, only feebly incrassate, the second and third joints long and equal, the tenth but slightly transverse; prothorax rather transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, not large, much wider than the head but also very distinctly narrower than the elytra, with a small deep basal impression; elytra large, rather transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, much narrower than the elytra, the fourth and fifth ter- gites equal in length; sterna as usual, the mesosternum prolonged and finely aciculate, the metasternum projecting and angulate; basal joint of the hind tarsi scarcely more than half as long as the second. Length 3.5 mm.; width 0.8 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). I have described this species from the female because of its very distinct abdominal sculpture, distinguishing it from any other species of true Atheta here made known; also because of its large size and other striking characters. The male is unknown. Atheta remulsa n. sp. — Moderately convex, subparallel, slightly shining, minutely, asperulately punctate, loosely on the head and pronotum, closely on the elytra; color dark piceous, the head darker, the abdomen black, the elytra and legs pale; head moderate, with a small central fovea, the eyes moderately prominent, at about their own length from the base, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae rather short, gradually distinctly incrassate, the second and third joints equal in length, cylindric and obconic respectively, the outer joints rather strongly transverse; prothorax transverse, parallel, rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, feebly and finely impressed along the median line; elytra distinctly wider than long, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, distinctly narrower than the elytra, the fourth and fifth tergites equal in length, the sixth (cf ) with an acute and nearly flat tooth projecting posteriorly at each side, the apex broadly sinuate medially between two feeble projections, each of which is separated from the lateral teeth by a deep and narrow sinus, the edges even; sterna as usual, the mesosternum not very acutely STAPHYLINID/E. 31 aciculate, the metasternum rather broad, angulate; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.45 mm. British Columbia (Glenora) , — Wickham. Distinct in its male sexual characters but otherwise of ordinary appearance and small size. Atheta dunni n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, strongly shining throughout, the punctures minute, sparse, not asperulate, slightly closer but scarcely at all asperulate on the elytra; color black, the elytra dark piceo- testaceous, the legs dark piceous, the antennae blackish throughout; head small, orbicular, even, the punctures becoming granose on the flanks, the eyes moderate, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae rather slender, moderately incrassate, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the second dis- tinctly shorter than the third; prothorax rather small, transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, not deep black in color; elytra rather transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen very distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, very slightly narrowed apically, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf) broadly truncate and nearly even at apex, the truncate part sepa- rated from a very small acute process at each side, not projecting posteriorly further than the truncature, by a small deep sinus; mesosternal process obtuse and subtruncate at tip, moderately wide, not drawn out and aciculate, the metasternal broad but acutely angulate, the intervening space much depressed; basal joint of the hind tarsi apparently longer than the second. Length 2.85 mm.; width 0.65 mm. Southern California (probably near Julian), — Dunn. Easily identifiable by the sternal structure, which is somewhat aberrant for true A tlieta and by the seemingly somewhat elongate basal joint of the hind tarsi. Atheta claricella n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, shining, very minutely and not distinctly punctulate, the abdomen finely, feebly and trans- versely strigilate but not very closely; color pale rufo-testaceous throughout, the abdomen with a more or less small blackish subapical cloud, the antennae pale brown, testaceous basally; head moderate, the eyes rather prominent, at nearly their own length from the base, the carinae extremely fine and feeble, far from entire; antennae moderate in length, very stout and incrassate distally, the second joint somewhat shorter than the third, the outer joints transverse and nearly parallel-sided; prothorax transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, the latter large, moderately transverse, the sides diverging from base to apex, much longer than the prothorax ; abdomen rather wide but narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth; mesosternal process rather obtuse, truncate and not aciculate at tip, the metasternal moderately projecting and angulate, the intermediate space broadly convex and scarcely at all depressed. Length 2.25 mm.; width 0.72 mm. California (San Diego). This species, as represented by the three specimens in my cabinet, does not seem to have any clearly marked male sexual characters, but it is to be known at once by its peculiar coloration. 32 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta brumalis n. sp. — Stout, not parallel, moderately convex, somewhat shining, the abdomen polished, the punctures fine, asperate and close-set; color black or blackish, the elytra dark piceo-luteous, the legs pale, the antenna black, piceous basally; head moderately small, the eyes at nearly their own length from the base, the carinse very fine, not quite entire; antennae long, rather stout but subparallel, the outer joints moderately transverse, the second a little shorter than the third: prothorax rather small, transverse, parallel but only very moderately rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and correspondingly markedly narrower than the elytra, the latter larger, only moderately transverse, very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, slightly narrowing apically, much narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite barely as long as the fourth, the sixth (cf) with a small and narrow, internally concave auricula at each side, projecting behind very slightly, the apex between them broadly, evenly and very feebly sinuate throughout the width and scarcely at all modified; mesosternal process pro- jecting rather unusually far between the coxae and drawn out but not very finely aciculate at tip, approaching the triangular metasternal projection rather closely. Length 2.8 mm.; width 0.77 mm. British Columbia (Met- lakatla), — J. H. Keen. The sexual characters seem to distinguish this species from the very inadequately described metlakatlana, of Bernhauer. Atheta carlottae n. sp. — Resembles the last very closely but with a larger prothorax and tapering abdomen, stout, subfusoid, similar in coloration, the fine asperulate sculpture denser, the lustre duller; head moderate, the eyes at evidently less than their own length from the base, the carinae fine but virtually entire; antennae a little longer, moderately stout, the second joint distinctly shorter than the third, which is notably longer than in brumalis, the outer joints but slightly transverse; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel, more rounded at the sides, much wider than the head but only a little narrower than the base of the elytra, the latter large, moderately trans- verse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen gradually feebly tapering and with nearly straight sides from base to apex, at base much narrower than the elytra, the fourth and fifth tergites equal in length, the sixth (d71) with a small narrow auricle at each side of the apex, scarcely at all projecting posteriorly, the apex broadly and feebly emarginate from side to side in an even and very obtuse angle, the edge nearly even but the adjoining sur- face feebly and briefly fluted, giving a slight appearance of crenulation; sterna nearly as in 'brumalis but with the metasternum rather shorter and more obtusely angulate; basal joint of the hind tarsi a little shorter than the second. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.8 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands (Mas- sett), — Keen. Distinguishable from brumalis, to which it is rather closely allied, by the more elongate antennae, larger and more laterally rounded prothorax, tapering abdomen and sexual, and, to some extent, the sternal characters. Atheta blandita n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, not parallel, shining, STAPHYLINID^E. 33 piceous, the elytra slightly paler, the head and abdomen black ; legs very pale, the antennae fuscous, but slightly paler basally; punctures small but distinct, well separated, dense on the elytra; head but slightly transverse, the eyes at about their own length from the base, the carinse fine, only present in basal half; antennae rather long, gradually somewhat strongly incrassate distally, the outer joints but little wider than long, the eleventh small, pointed, not quite as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated; prothorax rather small, only moderately transverse, dis- tinctly wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, the sides broadly rounded, straighter basally, unimpressed ; elytra moderately transverse, the sides diverging slightly, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, slightly narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite but little longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf) broadly, rectilinearly truncate at apex, the edge flat but with small punctures dividing it into short sections, somewhat resembling crenulation; mesosternum extending to the middle of the coxae, where it is acutely angulate but not aciculate, very widely separated by a depressed and narrowly convex ridge from the extremely short and broadly rounded metasternum ; first four joints of the hind tarsi decreasing gradually in length. Length 2.8 mm.; width 0.66 mm. Cali- fornia (found flying near Stockton). The sternal and tarsal characters will distinguish this species very readily. Atheta aperta n. sp.- — Rather stout, very moderately convex, not very shining, the punctures asperulate and close; black, the pronotum dark piceous, the elytra paler, piceous-brown, faintly clouded at the external apical angles; legs pale, the antennae blackish; head rather transverse, the eyes large, convex, at much less than their own length from the base, the carinae very- fine and feeble but entire; antennae moderately long, feebly incrassate, the outer joints distinctly wider than long, the second distinctly shorter than the third; prothorax transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, unim- pressed; elytra large, slightly transverse, very much longer than the pro- thorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, very feebly narrowed apically, the fourth and fifth tergites equal in length, the sixth (cf) feebly sinuato-truncate at apex, the edge subeven, limited at each side by a small thick earlike process, only very slightly projecting posteriorly; meso- sternal process aciculate, the metasternal large, angulate; basal joint of the hind tarsi shorter than the second. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.7 mm. California (Arcata, Humboldt Co.). This species is of an ordinary type but may be identified probably by the above characters. Atheta discipula n. sp. — Nearly parallel, only slightly convex, dark blackish- piceous, the prothorax paler, the elytra still paler, the abdominal segments each paler apically, the legs very pale; antennae dark brown; punctures very fine and close-set; head moderate, the eyes convex and prominent, at much less than their own length from the base, the carinae fine and not quite entire; antennae well developed, rather slender, only just visibly incrassate T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. 34 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. distally, the outer joints rather transverse, the eleventh long, obtuse at tip, longer than the two preceding, the second longer than the third, which is obconic and only slightly elongate; prothorax evidently though not very greatly wider than the head and correspondingly a little narrower than the elytra, moderately transverse, parallel, moderately rounded at the sides anteriorly, a little less so basally, feebly impressed along the median line; elytra distinctly transverse though much longer than the prothorax; ab- domen perfectly parallel and straight at the sides throughout, narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth (d1) broadly, subangularly sinuate at apex, the edge even, the adjacent surface however with a series, of small elevations separated by small punctures, the sides obliquely cariniform and elevated, the carina not posteriorly prom- inent though acute-angled; surface evenly and transversely convex from side to side, strongly reticulate; mesosternal process long and rather broad, trun- cate at tip and separated by but little more than its own apical width from the metasternal projection, which is nearly as long as wide, with the apex rounded ; basal joint of the hind tarsi but little shorter than the second. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.48 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). The broad sterna and the structure of the antennae, as well as the male sexual characters, show that this small species is not closely allied to any other here described. The following six species are distinguished in each instance by some remarkable peculiarity of the male sexual characters, which will be readily recognized. Atheta marinica n. sp. — Small, rather slender, moderately convex, black, the prothorax blackish, the elytra pale piceous-brown, clouded apico-ex- ternally; legs very pale, the antennae brown, pale basally; surface finely punctate, the punctures sparse and simple on the head, close and strongly asperate on the pronotum and elytra; head but little wider than long, the eyes convex, at less than their own length from the base, the carinse fine and far from entire; antennae rather short, rapidly and strongly incrassate, the outer joints strongly transverse, the second and third equal, moderately elongate and obconical; prothorax moderately transverse, only slightly wider than the head but distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, with the sides only feebly arcuate, virtually unimpressed; elytra large, but slightly wider than long, very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen polished, minutely, sparsely punctulate, much narrower than the elytra, parallel, the border rapidly thinner behind, the fourth and fifth tergites equal, the sixth (d31) transversely truncate at tip, the truncature bearing four short stout teeth of equal length, the two median, rounded and tuberculiform, separated by nearly twice the more concave interval between either and the lateral, the latter more angulate but not more prominent; mesosternal process moderate in length and acuteness, separated from the long and sharply angulate metasternum by a short though very deep interval; hind tarsi with the first joint subcylindric and slightly shorter than the second, two to four equal and obconic. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.5 mm. California (Mill Valley, Marin Co.). STAPHYLINID.E. 35 The sternal structure, form of the antennae and male sexual characters will distinguish this species quite readily; it is scarcely a normal Atheta but seems hardly worthy of subgeneric separation. Atheta reposita n. sp. — Stout, fusoid, very moderately convex, feebly shining, the abdomen strongly so and strongly and transversely though not very closely strigilate; punctures throughout anteriorly fine, asperulate and close-set; color dark piceous, the head and abdomen black, the elytra paler; legs pale, the antennae dark; head transverse, the eyes rather convex, at a little less than their own length from the base, the carinae fine but distinct and entire; antennae moderately long, slender, feebly and gradually incras- sate, the outer joints but little wider than long, the second and third long and equal; prothorax relatively rather small, very moderately transverse, parallel, evenly and strongly arcuate at the sides, much wider than the head and correspondingly much narrower than the elytra, finely, feebly impressed along the median line; elytra large, with somewhat diverging straight sides, rather transverse, very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen gradually tapering with straight sides from base to apex, much narrower than the elytra, unusually closely but very finely punctulate, the fifth tergite scarcely longer than the fourth, the sixth (c?) with a slender porrect process at each side of the apex, and, at the middle, two more obtuse and subtuberculiform shorter teeth, separated by a gentle sinus and mutually slightly more distant than either from the lateral processes, their apices in the same transverse line as the latter; mesosternal process extending to apical fourth of the coxae, gradually prolonged but rather wide apically, its apex narrowly rounded or subacute, rather well separated from the very short and broadly, obtusely angulate metasternum; hind tarsi long, the basal joint shorter than the second. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.75 mm. Utah (southwestern), — Weidt. The general form of this species is not unlike carlottce, but with very different male sexual characters and conformation of the sterna. Atheta ostenta n. sp. — Allied to the last but less stout and rather less shining, the similarly asperulate punctures even denser, the abdomen nearly similar in sculpture and punctuation; color black, the elytra pale, the legs, still paler but with piceous femora, the antennae dark; head similar, the eyes slightly smaller, at about their own length from the base, the carinae distinct and entire; antennae nearly similar but with the equal second and third joints rather shorter and the outer joints more transverse; prothorax similar but relatively larger, the elytra smaller, the former moderately trans- verse, parallel and rounded at the sides, much wider than the head, not impressed on the median line but feebly before the scutellum; elytra moder- ately transverse, more parallel, much wider as well as longer than the pro- thorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel, narrowing slightly apically, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth (d") with a smaller, porrect and acutely aciculate process at each side of the apex and two very short obtuse median projections, the disposition of the four 36 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. teeth nearly as in reposita but differing in character, the two lateral being smaller and more slender and all the projections flat, not tuberculiform; mesosternal process aciculate, not so long as in the preceding, separated from the more angulate metasternum by a longer distance; tarsi similar. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.62 mm. Arizona (Tugson). Resembles reposita a good deal, but more slender and with dif- ferences as noted in the description. It is probable that all the species of this type are stercoraceous in habits. Atheta querula n. sp. — Allied to the two preceding, stouter than in ostenta, moderately convex, similar in coloration, rather dull, densely, finely and as- perulately punctate, the abdomen shining, similarly strigilate; head similar, the eyes convex, at about their own length from the base, the carinae fine but distinct, similarly virtually entire though not actually joining the margin of the buccal cavity; antennae similar, blackish throughout, rather thick, moderately incrassate, the second and third joints equal, moderately elongate, the outer joints distinctly transverse; pro thorax large, rather strongly trans- verse, parallel and rounded at the sides, obsoletely impressed medially at base, much wider than the head but only slightly narrower than the elytra, which are wider than long, nearly parallel and much longer than the pro thorax; abdomen but little narrower than the elytra, parallel basally, gradually narrowing slightly behind the middle, the fourth and fifth tergites equal in length, the sixth (a") with a slender and well developed process at each side of the apex, and, at the middle, two small, somewhat reflexed and strongly tuberculiform teeth, separated by about the same interval as either from the lateral processes; sterna and tarsi almost exactly as in reposita. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.75 mm. California (Calaveras Co.). Differs from ostenta in its stouter form and, from reposita, in its more parallel form, relatively larger prothorax and less evenly tapering abdomen. In the two following species the male sexual characters are al- together peculiar: Atheta promota n. sp. — Rather stout, subparallel, moderately convex, blackish-piceous, the elytra but little paler, the legs and antennal base pale; surface rather shining, minutely, not very closely and almost simply punctu- late, except on the elytra, where the punctures are close-set and strongly asperate; head moderately transverse, the eyes rather large, convex, at evidently less than their own length from the base, the carinse fine, not quite entire; antennae rather short, somewhat strongly incrassate distally, the second and third joints elongate, equal and obconic, the outer joints very distinctly transverse; prothorax large, transverse, parallel and well rounded at the sides, much wider than the head but only slightly narrower than the elytra, finely, feebly impressed along the median line and with a feeble ante-scutellar im- pression; elytra moderately transverse, with straight and rather diverging sides, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, evidently nar- rower than the elytra, slightly narrowed apically, the tergites equal in length, STAPHYLINID/E. 37 the sixth (cf ) very broad at apex, sinuate at each side within a slender porrect acute process, the middle between the sinuses projecting posteriorly in a large lobe, parallel basally, which has its angles very broadly rounded, with acute, and slightly reflexed edges and the apex sinuate medially; mesosternum rather broad between the coxae, extending beyond their middle, with its apex rapidly acute but not aciculate and separated from the metasternal projection, which is nearly twice as wide as long with the apex of its angle rounded, by a moderately long and very deep concavity; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal, only moderately elongate. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.7 mm. Mississippi (Vicksburg). A very distinct species in all of its characters, but especially in the sexual modifications of the male. Atheta prolata n. sp. — Moderately slender and convex, subparallel, rather dull, minutely, closely, asperulately punctulate, the abdomen shining; color black, the prothorax dark piceous, the elytra paler, the legs still paler, the antennae blackish, slightly paler basally; head moderately transverse, the eyes large, convex and prominent, at much less than their own length from the base, the carinae very fine and faint but subentire; antennae rather short, gradually rather thick distally, the second and third joints moderately elon- gate, equal in length, the latter much more strongly obconical, the outer joints strongly transverse, the eleventh finely pointed, evidently longer than the two preceding; prothorax moderate in size, rather strongly transverse, parallel, well rounded at the sides, distinctly wider than the head but even more evidently narrower than the elytra, which are moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, much narrower than the elytra, the tergites equal in length, the sixth (d1) broad at base but very rapidly trapezoidal, apparently without trace of lateral processes, the apex comparatively narrow, transversely and gently bisinuate, the lateral angles broadly rounded, the surface not peculiarly modified, flat; mesosternal process extending to apical third of the coxae, its apex drawn out but only moder- ately slender, the point blunt, separated from the triangular metasternum by a rather short depressed interval; tarsal joints rather short. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.6 mm. California (mountains near Claremont), — Baker. The male sexual characters are unlike anything else that I have observed in the genus. The following seven species are described in some cases from the female, or perhaps from males without distinguishing abdominal characters, but in every instance there are structural features which will render them easy to identify and they are all widely isolated. Atheta mollicula n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, shining, pale tes- taceous, the head and a large subapical abdominal cloud black, the elytra blackish extero-posteriorly; antennae blackish, basally pale, the legs very pale; micro-reticulation unusually coarse but very feeble, the punctures minute and rather sparse; head moderate, the eyes at more than their own length from the base, strongly setose, the carinae fine but distinct, 38 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. not quite entire; antennae rather short, strongly incrassate, the outer joints strongly transverse, the second and third equal, cylindric and obconic respectively; prothorax well developed, transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides, very much wider than the head and almost as wide as the elytra, the latter transverse, the suture only a little longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, narrowing a little behind, almost as wide as the elytra, the second and third segments equal in length, the sixth tergite (c") evenly and moderately sinuate at tip, the sixth ventral plate narrow, strongly rounded in the male, both plates broader and broadly rounded in the female; mesosternal process extending nearly to apical fifth of the coxae, becoming parallel and moderately narrow apically, the tip rounded and not far distant from the broad angulate metasternum; basal joint of the hind tarsi much shorter than the second. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.55-0.58 mm. British Columbia (Metlakatla), — Keen. The female has the elytra slightly shorter and still more trans- verse, with the apical plates of the abdomen very much wider; it is probably a fungivorous species. Atheta neutralis n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, black, the elytra and legs castaneous, the femora picescent, the antennae blackish throughout; surface dullish, finely, closely, asperulately punctate, the abdomen shining, sparsely punctulate and with rather long hairs, the vestiture otherwise short as usual; head rather small, moderately transverse, parallel, the eyes at about their own length from the base, the carinae distinct, almost entire; antennae moderately long, gradually and rather feebly incrassate, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the last longer than the two preceding, the second and third long, obconic, the latter slightly the longer; prothorax transverse, parallel but only moderately rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and slightly though evidently narrower than the elytra, scarcely at all im- pressed; elytra only slightly transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, slightly narrowing apically, the fifth tergite slightly shorter than the fourth, the sixth (cf) evenly and moderately sinuate at tip; basal joint of the hind tarsi much shorter than the second; mesosternum gradually narrowed to the acutely angulate but neither aciculate nor prolonged apex, which is at apical fourth of the coxae and very close to the long angulate metasternal projection, the angle blunt. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.6 mm. California (Sta. Cruz Mts.). It is assumed that the three specimens in my collection are males, though the abdominal characters are feeble, as in mollicula. Atheta fanatica n. sp. — Moderately stout and subfusoid, feebly shining, the abdomen strongly, the punctures very small, moderately close-set and slightly asperulate; vestiture short, not very dense; black, the elytra piceo- rufous, the legs piceous; head well developed, slightly transverse, parallel, the eyes at their own length from the base, the carinae wholly obsolete, not traceable even basally; antennae blackish throughout, moderate, gradually and not strongly incrassate, the outer joints evidently transverse, the last short, scarcely so long as the two preceding, second and third elongate, sub- STAPHYLINID/E. 39 cylindric and strongly obconic respectively; prothorax only moderately transverse, parallel and nearly straight at the sides, rounding apically and basally, the basal angles obtuse, distinctly though not very greatly wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, the latter rather large, very moderately transverse, much longer as well as distinctly wider than the prothorax; abdomen evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel throughout, the sides not quite straight, the fifth tergite distinctly longer than the fourth ; mesosternal process becoming fine and aciculate apically at about the middle of the coxae and well separated from the acute apex of the rather long metasternal projection; two basal joints of the hind tarsi short and equal, the third and fourth longer and also equal. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.52 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands (Massett), — Keen. Very distinct by reason of the complete absence of the usual infra-lateral carinse of the head. The sex of the types is not very definite, the sixth tergite being feebly sinuato-truncate medially, with the edge unmodified. Atheta luscitiosa n. sp.- — Rather stout, convex and fusoid, shining, minutely punctulate, sparsely and simply so except on the elytra, where the punctures are strongly asperate and close; color dark rufo-piceous throughout, the legs and antennae concolorous, the abdomen blackish; head transversely orbic- ular, the eyes at about their own length from the base, not at all prominent, the small facets convex but separated anteriorly, becoming flat and diffused posteriorly, the carinae strong and entire; antennae rather short and slender, feebly and gradually incrassate, the outer joints but slightly wider than long, the last slender and not as long as the two preceding, the second greatly, the third very moderately, elongate; prothorax convex and only moderately transverse, parallel and very moderately rounded at the sides, distinctly though not very greatly wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, obsoletely impressed before the scutellum; elytra parallel, large, only a little wider than long, very much longer than the prothorax; ab- domen narrower than the elytra, parallel, gradually narrowing a little be- hind, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth (9) rounded apically; mesosternal process finely aciculate apically, extending well behind the middle of the coxae and separated from the short obtuse metasternum by a rather long depressed space; posterior tarsi long, the basal joint appar- ently shorter than the second. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.77 mm. California (Lake Tahoe). The peculiarly long second antennal joint in comparison with the much shorter third joint, in conjunction with the structure of the eyes and sterna, will render this species very easy to identify. Atheta innocens n. sp. — Stout, nearly parallel, moderately convex, some- what shining, black, the prothorax barely picescent, the elytra castaneous, darker toward the scutellum, the legs pale; punctures fine, moderately separated, feebly asperulate; head rather large, transverse, parallel, the eyes well developed, rather convex, setose, at distinctly less than their own 4O MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. length from the base, the carinae distinct, entire; antennae blackish, paler basally, rather short, rapidly and somewhat strongly incrassate, the outer joints distinctly transverse, almost parallel-sided, the last as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated, equal; prothorax rather large and transverse, parallel, the sides only feebly arcuate, the apical and basal angles evident but blunt, evidently though not very greatly wider than the head and correspondingly slightly narrower than the elytra, the basal impression rather large, transversely oval; elytra relatively moderate in size, transverse, the suture slightly longer than the prothorax; abdomen nearly as wide as the elytra, parallel, with slightly arcuate sides, extremely finely and closely but feebly and transversely strigilate, the fifth tergite shorter than the fourth, the sixth (9) broadly, feebly arcuate apically; mesosternal process extending nearly to apical fourth of the coxae, gradually narrowing to the acutely rounded but appreciably broad and not at all acic- ulate apex, which is rather distant from the short and broadly obtuse meta- sternum; hind tarsi rather long, the basal joint much shorter than the second, two to four gradually and slightly decreasing. Length 3.0 mm.; width 0.8 mm. Oregon (Lane Co.). The large size, oblong, subparallel form, antennal and sternal characters are distinctive. Atheta nupera n. sp. — Nearly parallel, but slightly convex, slightly shining, black, the elytra castaneous, the legs pale; punctures very fine, rather close, asperulate; vestiture only moderate in length but rather coarse; head mod- erate, the eyes convex, at nearly their own length from the base, the carinae extremely fine, feeble and far from entire; antennae pale brown throughout, well developed, gradually and moderately incrassate, the outer joints slightly wider than long, the last not as long as the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, the former the longer; prothorax moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, widest at apical third, the sides rounded, straighter basally; surface not definitely impressed; elytra parallel, rather transverse, the suture distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, with the sides straight, shining, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth (9) very broadly and feebly arcuate at apex; mesosternal process extending beyond the middle of the coxae, drawn out and extremely finely aciculate at the apex, which is far distant from the transversely arcuate metasternum; hind tarsi short. Length 2.65 mm.; width 0.62 mm. New York (Willets Point, Long Island). This species is not a perfectly typical Atheta, but to isolate it by subgeneric name would not be advisable at present. Atheta reticula n. sp. — Stout, moderately convex, only slightly shining, finely, the abdomen more coarsely, micro-reticulate, finely, moderately closely and asperulately punctate, the punctures of the abdomen fine and sparse but also asperulate; color dark rufo-piceous, the abdomen more blackish, the elytra but slightly paler, the legs piceous; vestiture rather coarse but not long; head moderate, the eyes convex, prominent, setose as STAPHYLINID^E. 41 usual, not very finely faceted and at less than their own length from the base, the carinse fine and feeble, extending to the apex but obsolete far before the base; antennae rather long, slender, scarcely at all incrassate, the outer joints somewhat longer than wide, the last oval, scarcely more than one-half longer than the tenth, the second and third much elongated, equal; pro- thorax very moderately transverse, evidently though not greatly wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, parallel and evenly but feebly rounded at the sides, scarcely impressed ; elytra rather transverse, the suture evidently longer than the prothorax; abdomen wide, slightly nar- rower than the elytra, parallel, with feebly arcuate sides and thick margins, the fourth and fifth tergites equal, the sixth (9) broadly arcuate apically; mesosternal process barely extending to the middle of the coxae, gradually narrowed to the rather acute but in no way prolonged or aciculate apex, which is at a considerable distance from the large equilatero-triangular metasternal projection. Length 3.0 mm.; width 0.83 mm. Virginia (Newport News). The rather large size, remarkable antennae and peculiar infra- lateral carinse of the head will serve to identify this species very readily. The following ten species have the sixth tergite of the male very obviously crenulate at apex; they are probably for the most part fungivorous in habits: Atheta citata n. sp. — Nearly parallel, rather slender, moderately convex and shining, the micro-reticulation fine, rather feeble except on the pronotum, where it is dense and very strong, giving a dull lustre; abdomen minutely, feebly, transversely strigilate; punctures fine, asperulate, close on the elytra; color pale testaceous, the head dark piceous, the prothorax paler piceous and the abdomen with a large blackish cloud posteriorly; head small, the eyes at nearly their own length from the base, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae pale brown, gradually testaceous basally, moderately short, thick, gradually incrassate, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last gradually pointed and fully as long as the two preceding, the second and third elongate, the latter very slightly the longer; prothorax large, convex, transverse, as wide as the elytra and very much wider than the head, parallel, well rounded at the sides, impressed along the median line, except toward apex, and with a very feeble oblique impression basally at each side of the middle; elytra transverse, only slightly longer than the prothorax; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, long, parallel, narrowing very slightly apically, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf ) broadly arcuato-truncate, the crenelures rather small and only moderately strong; mesosternal process moderate, separated from the broad but angulate meta- sternum by a rather long and very deep interval; hind tarsi very slender, the joints elongate, the first a little shorter than the second. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.52 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Well distinguished from either of the two following species by its very strongly micro-reticulate pronotum and antennal characters. 42 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta nympha n. sp. — Rather slender, moderately convex, shining and somewhat feebly micro-reticulate throughout, the punctures very fine, rather close and asperulate; coloration throughout as in the preceding; head moderate, the eyes not quite their own length from the base, the carinae all but obsolete and not entire; antennae nearly as in citato, but with the outer joints more transverse, the last larger, pointed and decidedly longer than the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, subsimilar; pro- thorax shorter, strongly transverse, not quite as wide as the elytra and very much wider than the head, shining, parallel and rounded at the sides, not impressed; elytra less transverse, very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen nearly similar, the sixth tergite (d") broadly, feebly arcuato-trun- cate and evenly, rather coarsely and strongly crenulate throughout; meso- sternal process extending two-thirds the length of the coxae, rather wide, gradually and sinuously narrowed to the rounded apex, which is separated by a considerable distance from the strongly angulate metasternum, the intervening ridge not much sunken and broadly convex; hind tarsi slender, the first four joints nearly equal, the first scarce!}' visibly shorter. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.48 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Related to citato, but abundantly distinct in its larger terminal joint of the antennae, shorter, shining and unimpressed pronotum and other characters. Atheta discreta n. sp. — As in nympha in coloration, lustre and sculpture but a little stouter; head nearly similar but more transverse, the carinae fine but strong and completely entire; antennae shorter, stouter, gradually more strongly incrassate, the subapical joints very short and strongly trans- verse, the last large, gradually pointed, not quite as long as the three preced- ing combined, the second and third, respectively, rather long and cylindric, and materially shorter and strongly obconic; prothorax well developed, convex, transverse, almost as wide as the elytra and very much wider than the head, parallel and strongly rounded at the sides, with a very obsolete transverse impression before the scutellum; elytra rather large, moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax, the sides slightly diverging from the base; abdomen very- much narrower than the elytra, otherwise nearly as in the preceding, the sixth tergite (cf ) rather narrow, broadly arcuate and strongly, coarsely crenulate at apex, the sixth ventral plate rather narrow and strongly, evenly rounded; mesosternal process not distinctly exposed in the single type, but separated from the acute apex of the long and angular metasternum by a considerable space, the intervening ridge more narrowly convex than in nympha and the metasternal projection a little longer, narrower and more acute; tarsi nearly similar. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.5 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Resembles nympha but differs in its stouter form, shorter antenna, with more transverse outer joints and relatively still longer eleventh and different second and third joints; also in its strong and entire infra-lateral carinse, laiger prothorax and elytra and narrower ab- domen. STAPHYLIXID.-E. 43 Atheta disjuncta n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, strongly shining throughout, the micro-reticulation virtually obsolete, the abdomen faintly opalescent from the minute and extremely close but faint micro-strigilation; pubescence rather long, not close; punctures minute, not close-set and feebly asperulate; color piceous-black, the prothorax dark piceous, the elytra and legs very pale; head moderate, the eyes at less than their own diameter from the base, the carinae fine and virtually entire but not joined to the buccal margin as they are in discrete, ; antennae rather long, only feebly incrassate, piceous-black, very gradually testaceous basally, the outer joints very nearly as long as wide, the last slender, gradually pointed, longer than the two pre- ceding, the second and third much elongated, the latter the longer; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head, not quite as wide as the elytra, parallel and evenly, rather strongly arcuate at the sides, th ante- scutellar impression small and very feeble; elytra moderately transverse, distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel, with very slightly arcuate sides, the first five tergites short, equal in length, the sixth (cf) abruptly truncate, the truncature feebly, an- gularly sinuate and coarsely, strongly crenulate; mesosternal process ex- tending fully two-thirds of the coxae, gradually and sinuously narrowed and prolonged but appreciably wide, the apex rather acute, separated from the broadly angulate metasternum by a moderate space, which is slightly de- pressed and broadly, transversely convex; two basal joints of the hind tarsi short and subequal, the next two a little longer. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.7 mm. Pennsylvania (Allegheny) and North Carolina (Asheville). The abdomen is somewhat as in strigosula, but the species is very different in its shining surface, larger prothorax and other characters. Atheta annexa n. sp. — Rather stout and convex, shining, the micro-reticu- lation somewhat feeble, coarse on the abdomen, the punctures minute, faintly asperulate, not close except on the elytra; color black, the prothorax piceous, the abdomen at tip and the two basal segments, the elytra, legs and antennae basally, testaceous, the elytra dark at the scutellum and each apical angle; head rather transverse, the eyes moderate, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae moderately short and stout, feebly incrassate and pale brown dis- tally, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last much longer than the two preceding, the second and third elongate, subequal, the latter slightly the longer; prothorax transverse, about as wide as the elytral base; much wider than the head, parallel and strongly rounded at the sides, scarcely at all impressed; elytra slightly wider and much longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel basally, gradually feebly narrowing thence to the tip, the fifth tergite distinctly longer than the fourth, the sixth (c?) broadly and rectilinearly truncate and strongly, not very coarsely crenulate, the lateral crenelures a little larger and dentiform; mesosternal process narrow, subacutely rounded at tip, extending well behind the middle of the coxae and rather well separated from the angulate, rather narrow and pronounced metasternal projection. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.65 mm. North Carolina (Asheville). Distinguishable readily by the antennal characters and coloration. 44 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta freta n. sp. — Moderately slender and convex, feebly shining, finely micro-reticulate, the head most strongly so (cf), the abdomen faintly and irregularly, the punctures very fine and close, asperulate; color piceous- black, the prothorax but little paler, the elytra and legs moderately pale; head broadly, longitudinally and feebly impressed (cf), the eyes moderate, the carinae fine and scarcely entire, the antennae piceous, gradually paler basally, slender, moderate in length, feebly incrassate, the outer joints evidently transverse, the last slightly longer than the two preceding, the second and third equal, feebly and strongly obconic respectively; prothorax moderately transverse, but little narrower than the elytra, much wider than the head, parallel and evenly arcuate at the sides, scarcely impressed; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel basally, thence feebly narrowing apically, the punc- tures rather close but feeble, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf) broadly, transversely truncate and very finely but distinctly crenulate, the lateral crenelures scarcely larger but more pointed and denti- form. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.55 mm. North Dakota (Bismarck). The antennae and male sexual characters are sufficiently distinctive to identify this species, which is a little smaller than either of the two preceding. Atheta evecta n. sp. — General form, coloration and sculpture as in annexa, rather shining, the micro-reticulation moderately developed, the abdomen with not very dense and unevenly wavy transverse strigilation; head mod- erate, transversely oval, the eyes at less than their own length from the base, the carinae fine but sharp, not entire; antennae moderately long, gradually somewhat strongly incrassate, blackish, testaceous basally, the outer joints fully one-half wider than long, the eleventh longer than the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, subequal; prothorax transverse, nearly as wide as the elytra, much wider than the head, slightly widest and rounded at the sides anteriorly, not definitely impressed; elytra evenly pale, short and transverse, with feebly diverging sides, the suture only slightly longer than the prothorax; abdomen black, piceous at tip, the two basal segments pale testaceous and parallel, thence feebly tapering to the apex, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf ) rather broadly truncate, moderately, somewhat acutely and not very regularly crenulate, the crenules larger at the sides, the lateral ones more projecting, slender and subspini- form; mesosternal process not extending behind the middle of the coxae, the apex very finely acute, separated from the rather short and broadly angulate metasternum by a long depressed space, in which the ridge is notably acute; hind tarsi slender, the basal joint shorter than the second. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.62 mm. Mississippi (Vicksburg). Resembles annexa somewhat, but differs in the prothorax, which is parallel and evenly rounded at the sides in that species. Atheta replicans n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, piceous, the head and abdomen black, the latter feebly paler basally, the elytra and legs pale; surface shining, the micro-reticulation obsolete, the minute wavy strigilation STAPHYLINID^E. 45 of the abdomen barely traceable; punctures very fine and not close-set, evidently separated and but little larger on the elytra; head, eyes and carinae as in the preceding, the head not so transverse; antennae dark piceous-brown, dark testaceous basally, extending well behind the prothorax, the outer joints very moderately transverse, the last longer than the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, the latter the longer; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel, evenly and moderately rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, the basal impression small and barely visible; elytra rather large, only moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel, narrowed a little near the apex, the fifth tergite barely as long as the fourth, the sixth (cJ1) rather broadly truncate, moderately but strongly crenulate, the lateral crenule slightly elongate but thick, dentiform; mesosternal process extending well behind the middle of the coxae, gradually and sinuously narrowed to the acute but not at all aciculate apex, which is separated from the large, equilatero-triangular metasternal projection by a rather short, sunken, broadly and feebly convex interval; hind tarsi rather slender, the first joint very much shorter than the second. Length 2.65 mm.; width 0.75 mm. Iowa (Cedar Rapids), — Brendel. Distinguishable from allied species by the rather narrower, less transverse prothorax, sternal and tarsal characters. Atheta spadix n. sp. — Coloration, sculpture and shining lustre as in the preceding, the abdomen not paler basally, except narrowly and faintly at the apices of the segments, the elytra and legs uniformly pale, the antennae similarly dark piceous-brown and but slightly paler basally; head orbicular, but slightly transverse, the eyes rather prominent, at less than their own length from the base, the carinae fine, almost entire; antennae notably long and thick, gradually and very feebly incrassate, the outer joints but very slightly wider than long, the last distinctly longer than the two preceding, the second moderately, the third distinctly, more elongate ; prothorax rather smaller in size, transverse, distinctly wider than the head and quite as dis- tinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, evenly and very moderately rounded at the sides, not definitely impressed; elytra rather large, only moderately transverse, very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, narrowing a little apically, the fourth and fifth tergites equal, the sixth (cf) moderately wide and transversely truncate at apex, the truncature strongly, evenly crenate, the lateral crenule larger, rather long, forming a slender, externally rounded process; meso- sternal process extending nearly to apical fourth of the coxae, gradually narrowed and with the apex very slender and acute but not aciculate, sepa- rated from the moderate and angulate metasternal projection by a short depressed interval, which slopes anteriorly under the process; basal joint of the hind tarsi a little shorter and thicker than the second. Length 2.65 mm.; width 0.75 mm. New York (near the city). A moderately large species, allied to replicans but differing in the longer, more acute mesosternal process, still longer antennae, more nearly entire cephalic carinse and other characters. 46 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta bucolica n. sp. — Dark piceous, the head black, the abdomen dark testaceous, shaded black subapically, the ventral segments darker toward their bases, the legs very pale, the elytra pale, slightly darker extero-pos- teriorly and near the scutellum; surface moderately shining, not strongly sculptured; head transversely orbicular, the eyes at less than their own length from the base, the carinse fine, subentire; antennae slender and pale through the fourth joint, then gradually and moderately incrassate and black to the tip, rather small in size, the outer joints very moderately transverse, the last gradually and acutely pointed and notably longer than the two pre- ceding, the second and third slender and elongate, the latter slightly the longer; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel and evenly rounded at the sides, distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, which are rather strongly transverse, though evidently longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, the sides parallel and feebly arcuate; mesosternal process long, extending to apical fourth of the coxae, gradually and sinuously narrowing but still rather wide even at the strongly rounded apex, which is not very distant from the broadly and obtusely angulate and blunt metasternum, the depression broadly, transversely convex; first two joints of the hind tarsi short, equal, the next two longer and equal. Length 2.75 mm.; width 0.73 mm. Mississippi (Vicksburg). Though described from the female, this species is so evidently homologous in its structure with the preceding, that there can be but little doubt that the sixth male tergite is crenate at tip. It is distinct in its antennal and sternal structure and in coloration. Traumoecia Rey. I have applied this subgeneric name to a few species which re- semble Atheta in all essential structural characters, but are of very small size and rather slender form. Atheta (Traumoecia) ithacana n. sp. — Dark piceous, the head and abdomen blackish, the elytra dark piceous-brown, the legs pale; surface rather shining, the micro-reticulation moderate, stronger on the elytra, the punctures very fine, asperulate and close on the elytra; head moderately transverse, the eyes rather large and more prominent than the tempora, which are shorter, parallel and straight to the rounded basal angles; carinae fine, feeble, not quite entire; antennae extending to the middle of the elytra, rather thin, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last as long as the two preceding, the second long, cylindric, the third much shorter, obconic; prothorax moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, parallel but only feebly arcuate at the sides, finely impressed along the median line; elytra but slightly wider than long, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel, very slightly narrowing apically, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth feebly and gradually- sinuate medially at tip in the type; mesosternal process extending slightly behind the middle of the coxae, gradually and finely pointed, separated by a considerable interval from the rather short but broadly angulate metasternum, SxAPHYLINIDyE. 47 the depressed intermediate ridge rather convex; hind tarsi somewhat elon- gate, with the first four joints subequal. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.45 mm. New York (Ithaca). Readily distinguishable by the form of the head and antennal characters. Atheta (Traumoecia) orbiceps n. sp. — A little larger than the preceding, still more blackish throughout, the elytra very dark piceous-brown, the legs pale, the antennae as in ithacana dark piceous, paler basally; pubescence a little longer; head slightly smaller, more orbicular, but slightly wider than long, the tempora behind the rather large eyes converging and more rounded to the base; carinae similar, the antennae nearly similar, the outer joints only very moderately transverse, the last not quite as long as the two preceding; pro- thorax transverse, nearly as in ithacana but relatively somewhat larger, much wider than the head, not impressed along the median line; elytra similarly slightly wider and much longer than the prothorax, scarcely more distinctly wider than long and subparallel ; abdomen longer, more parallel, not narrowed apically, the sides nearly straight, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth as in the preceding but broader; sterna as in ithacana, the obtusely angulate metasternal projection somewhat blunter, the tarsi similar. Length 2.1 mm.; width 0.45 mm. Iowa (Cedar Rapids), — Brendel. Closely allied to the preceding but differing in the form and size of the head, smaller terminal joint of the antennae, more parallel abdomen and other features. Atheta (Traumoecia) subdola n. sp. — General form, coloration and sculpture as in the preceding but more slender and with a notably smaller prothorax, rather more shining; head and antennae similar; prothorax moderately trans- verse, parallel but more strongly rounded at the sides, very moderately wider than the head though much narrower than the elytra, very obsoletely im- pressed along the median line; elytra but little wider than long, very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen as in orbiceps; sterna similar, the meso- sternal process not quite so finely pointed and the metasternal projection rather more sharply angulate; hind tarsi similarly slender, with the first four joints equal. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.42 mm. Wisconsin (Bay- field), — Wickham. In general organization the three preceding species agree very well, and they form a perfectly natural group, whether or not actually the same as the European Traumcecia, as represented by a specimen before me named T. ravilla Er. The following species is aberrant in its more strongly asperate sculpture : Atheta (Traumcecia) asperiola n. sp. — Subparallel, very moderately convex, scarcely shining, distinctly micro-reticulate, the punctures fine and close, strongly asperulate, the vestiture short; dark piceous, the head and abdomen 48 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. black, the elytra rather dark and uniform brown-flavate, the legs pale; head moderately transverse, the eyes longer and more prominent than the tempora, which are parallel, rounding basally, the carinse very fine, not entire; antennae rather short, much thicker amd more strongly incrassate distally than in the three preceding, the outer joints strongly transverse, the last stout, oval, pointed, rather longer than the two preceding, the second and third elongate, equal ; prothorax transverse, distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, the parallel sides moderately arcuate, rather more so before the middle than basally, scarcely impressed; elytra distinctly transverse though much longer than the prothorax; abdomen parallel throughout, narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite but slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth in the type broad, very feebly and gradually sinuato-truncate medially at tip; mesosternal process extending to nearly apical fourth of the coxae, gradually prolonged but only moderately slender at apex, well separated from the short and broadly angulate, rather blunt metasternum, the inter- vening ridge very broadly convex; hind tarsi with the joints moderately slender, the first but slightly shorter than the second. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.5 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). This species resembles the preceding in the tarsi, sterna and carinse of the head, but differs in sculpture and in the structure of the antennae. Donesia n. subgen. This name is proposed for a small species, at first sight resembling the preceding but distinguishable by the form of the head and the complete absence of all trace of infra-lateral carinae; the type is the following: Atheta (Donesia) temporalis n. sp. — Nearly parallel, rather depressed, subalutaceous, very finely and distinctly micro-reticulate throughout, more feebly on the abdomen, the punctures extremely fine, close but wholly in- conspicuous; color piceous-black, the elytra and legs but slightly paler, piceous; head rather well developed and transverse, the eyes somewhat small, strongly convex, at a little more than their own length from the base, the parallel tempora broadly arcuate and sensibly more prominent than the eyes; antennae not very stout, very gradually and feebly incrassate, piceous throughout, extending to about the middle of the elytra, the second joint cylindric, about as long as the more obconic third, tenth slightly wider than long, the eleventh as long as the two preceding ; prothorax transverse, almost as wide as the elytra but much wider than the head, the parallel sides feebly arcu- ate, straighter basally, the angles obtuse though rather distinct, the median line very faintly impressed ; elytra very moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel basally, thence very feebly narrowed to the apex, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth in the type notably narrow, the apex feebly and gradually sinuate in about median third; mesosternal process extending only slightly behind the middle of the coxae, the apex gradually prolonged and very finely STAPHYLINID^:. 49 aciculate, separated from the extremely short and broadly, very obtusely subangulate metasternum by a rather long sunken interval, which is rather sharply ridged; hind tarsi with the basal joint shorter than the second. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.43 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). The rather depressed form, very fine sculpture and swollen tem- pora, which however are not at all as in Amischa, will render the identification of this species comparatively easy. The abdomen differs from anything in the preceding subgenus in being evenly though not densely asperulato-punctulate throughout, and the sixth ventral segment is much narrower. Micrearota n. stibgen. Body very small in size, the eyes less developed than in more typical forms of Atheta, the middle coxae well separated, the long ridge between the mesosternum and short angulate metasternum scarcely at all depressed and broadly convex, the mesosternal process short, with its apex very broad and truncate, nearly as in Stethusa. Additional characters of subgeneric import are mentioned in the course of the following descriptions. The species are rather nu- merous and appear to associate with ants but probably as mere casual guests: Atheta (Micrearota) loricula n. sp. — Moderately stout, feebly convex, not very shining, the micro-reticulation unusually coarse and strong, very coarse but feeble on the abdomen, the punctures fine, not dense and not rough; color piceous, the head and abdomen posteriorly slightly blackish, the elytra but little paler, the legs pale; pubescence not dense, rather coarse; head about as long as wide, the eyes small, anterior, the long tempora feebly swollen basally, the carinse wholly wanting; antennae moderately short and stout, distinctly incrassate, blackish throughout, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the last not quite so long as the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, obconic, the latter slightly the shorter; prothorax transverse, nearly as wide as the elytra, much wider than the head, widest before the middle, the sides broadly arcuate, the basal impression very feeble; elytra short and transverse, the suture feebly impressed throughout, but little longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate externally, the sides diverging; abdomen wide, only slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fourth and fifth tergites equal, longer than the others, the first unusually short; hind tarsi rather long, slender, the first four joints uniformly though very slowly decreasing. Length 1.65 mm.; width 0.38 mm. Iowa (Iowa City). Prof. Wickham, who sent me my only example of this distinct species, has labeled it "Nest 3," but without further note. T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. 50 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta (Micrsarota) reperta n. sp — Moderately stout and convex, strongly shining, the micro-reticulation very fine and nearly obsolete, moderately large but feeble on the abdomen, the punctures very fine and rather sparse, wholly inconspicuous; pubescence somewhat coarse; color black, the pro- notum piceous, the elytra but slightly paler, the legs pale piceo-testaceous; head rather transverse, parallel, the convex eyes larger, at scarcely more than their own length from the base, the tempora not swollen beyond them, the carinse extremely fine, extending anteriorly a short distance from the base; antennae blackish, moderately short, the joints from the fifth moder- ately stout and subparallel, transverse, the last gradually pointed, a little longer than the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, the latter only a little the shorter but more obconic; first joint stout; pro- thorax slightly wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, moderately transverse, the sides parallel and somewhat feebly, subevenly arcuate, unimpressed; elytra and abdomen nearly as in the preceding; hind tarsi slender, the basal joint much more elongate, almost as long as the next two. Length 1.65 mm.; width 0.35 mm. Iowa (Iowa City). The two specimens of this species were labeled by Prof. Wickham "Nest a." I have placed with them a single example from Keokuk. Atheta (Micrearota) definita n. sp. — General form and coloration nearly as in reperta, shining, the reticulation obsolete, rather coarse but feeble on the abdomen, the punctures very fine, not close and not at all asperulate, the vestiture short and inconspicuous, head only a little wider than long, the eyes at about their own length from the base, the tempora slightly swollen and just visibly more prominent, the carinae very fine, extending beyond the middle; antenna? nearly similar, the joints from the fifth rather stout, subparallel, transverse, the last arcuately pointed, fully as long as the two preceding, the first short and stout, the second considerably elongated, the third much shorter and strongly obconic; prothorax moderately transverse, a little wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, the sides subparallel, almost evenly and moderately arcuate, unimpressed; elytra nearly as in the preceding, the abdomen relatively a little narrower and not so parallel, very feebly narrowing apically, the sides not so straight, very slightly arcuate, the tergites similarly proportioned ; basal joint of the hind tarsi distinctly longer than the second. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.33 mm. Texas (Austin). Allied rather closely to reperta but less parallel, the head and prothorax relatively smaller, the abdomen slightly narrower and not so parallel and the tempora more swollen. I have placed with the types two examples which I took at St. Louis, Mo. In neither case were they associated with ants so far as observed. Atheta (Micrearota) versuta n. sp. — Coloration and sculpture as in definita, very shining, the reticulation obsolete anteriorly, the minute punctures sparse; head nearly as long as wide, subquadrate, the eyes at more than their own length from the base, convex and prominent, the tempora swollen basally STAPHYLINID/E. 51 and distinctly more prominent than the eyes, the carinse very fine, far from entire; antennae nearly as in the preceding but less stout; pro thorax .only slightly transverse, distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, just visibly widest before the middle, the sides moderately and subevenly arcuate, unimpressed; elytra as in definita, the suture distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen very evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel, with straight sides, the fifth tergite not at all narrower but, if any- thing, wider than the first. Length 1.5 mm.; width 0.3 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). A very small species differing from definite, in the smaller and more convex eyes, more quadrate head, with the tempora more basally swollen and in its parallel abdomen; from repleta it differs in its smaller size, more slender form, relatively smaller head and pro- thorax, the former less transverse, narrower abdomen and shorter antennae. Atheta (Micrearota) gregaria n. sp. — Form and coloration somewhat as in loricnla but much more shining, the reticulation fine and subobsolete though evident, that of the abdomen disposed in feebly evident transverse broken lines; head relatively even smaller than in loricnla, the eyes larger and more convex though at rather more than their own length from the base, the tempora slightly swollen, the carinae fine but extending for some distance from the base; antenna? moderately short, unusually stout, the first three joints as usual, the outer joints transverse but with the ninth shorter than the tenth, the last much longer than the two preceding, gradually acute; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, slightly widest near apical third but with the sides very broadly and subevenly rounded, unimpressed; elytra only moderately transverse, the suture much longer than the prothorax; ab- domen only a little narrower than the elytra, parallel; first three joints of the hind tarsi decreasing rapidly in length, slender. Length 1.5-2.2 mm.; width 0.3—0.4 mm. Iowa (Cedar Rapids), — Brendel. This species is distinguishable from the three preceding by the smaller head and evident though feeble micro-reticulation, and, from loricula, by the decidedly longer elytra and feeble sculpture. Atheta (Micrearota) pristina n. sp. — Moderately stout, very feebly convex, colored as in the preceding, the lustre moderately shining, the reticulation rather coarse and evident though feeble, the punctures minute and not dense; head about as long as wide, the eyes convex, prominent and well developed, as long as the tempora, which are not at all swollen and scarcely so prominent as the eyes, the carinee vestigial and short; antennae short and rather stout, slightly incrassate distally, the ninth and tenth joints mutually similar and transverse, the latter simply a little the larger, the last rather short and obtuse, not longer than the two preceding; prothorax small, only a little wider than long, very little wider than the head but very much narrower than the elytra, 52 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. parallel, the sides feebly and subevenly rounded, unimpressed; elytra large, much shorter than wide though very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel; three basal joints of the hind tarsi decreasing moderately in length. Length 1.75 mm.; width 0.4 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). Readily distinguishable by the relatively small head and pro- thorax and wide elytra; the eyes are more developed than usual and the tempora are not in the least inflated. Atheta (Micrearota) fecunda n. sp. — Coloration and fine indistinct punc- tuation as in the preceding, the reticulation small and feeble but more or less evident, that of the abdomen coarser but feebler and, as usual, irregular; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes moderately convex, at a little more than their own length from the base, the swollen tempora slightly more prominent, the carinae fine but long and entire or very nearly so; antennae only moder- ately short, of the usual structure, stout except basally, the outer joints transverse, the ninth evidently shorter than the tenth, the last pointed at tip and about as long as the two preceding; prothorax rather transverse, much wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, widest near apical third, the sides broadly rounded, straighter basally, unimpressed; elytra moderately short, transverse, the suture not impressed and materially longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel, with straight sides; hind tarsi as usual, slender, the first three joints rapidly decreasing. Length 1.6-1.75 mm.; width 0.35 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Distinguishable from any other species by the unusual develop- ment of the infra-lateral cephalic carinae, which are frequently virtually entire though sometimes abbreviated, always however, so far as observed, extending well before the middle. Atheta (Micrearota) sana n. sp. — Rather stout, only feebly convex, colored as in the preceding species, shining, the fine reticulation feeble, the minute punctures not dense; pubescence rather coarse; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes well developed, at rather less than their own length from the base, the tempora parallel, feebly arcuate, not at all more prominent, the carinae wholly obsolete; antennae very stout, rather short, distinctly incrassate, the outer joints mutually similar in form, strongly transverse, the last pointed, stout, rather longer than the two preceding; prothorax unusually transverse, but little narrower than the elytra and much wider than the head, the sides almost evenly and moderately arcuate, unimpressed; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel, with straight sides; first three joints of the hind tarsi rapidly diminishing in length, slender as usual. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.42 mm. Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). Recognizable among the other species by its rather stout form and transverse prothorax. STAPHYLINID.E. 53 Atheta (Micrearota) tincta n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, the colora- tion nearly as in the preceding, shining, the reticulation feeble, the punctures very fine, sparse, notably closer and asperulate on the elytra; head as long as wide, the parallel sides evenly and broadly rounded, the eyes rather small, not prominent and anterior, the carinse wholly obsolete; antennae unusually long, about half as long as the body, moderately stout and only very gradually incrassate, the outer joints evidently wider than long though much less trans- verse than in the other species, the last large, stout, pointed, fully as long as the two preceding, the second and third alike, unusually elongate, the latter but very slightly the shorter; prothorax nearly as in sana but relatively a little smaller and shorter, much wider than the head; elytra short and strongly transverse, the suture only just visibly longer than the prothorax; abdomen rather wide, only a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, with straight sides, the first two tergites as usual, shorter than the next three and paler in color; hind tarsi long and slender, of the usual struc- ture. Length 1.78 mm.; width 0.45 mm. New York. This species is an exception in the entire genus in its notably long antennae. In this genus there are no distinct male sexual modifications so far as observable. Micratheta n. subgen. In this subgenus the body is minute in size and of peculiar parallel convex form, the mesosternal process extending but slightly behind the middle of the coxee, with its apical part subparallel but rather wide, the apex subacutely rounded and rather closely approaching the long and acute metasternal projection, the intervening narrow ridge not or scarcely depressed and the coxae well separated. The tarsi seem to be rather long but the posterior are missing in my only example. The hypomera appear to be fully visible from a lateral viewpoint but are rather more in flexed than in Atheta. Atheta (Micratheta) caudex n. sp. — Parallel, convex, strongly shining, the reticulation wholly wanting on the head and pronotum but coarse, though not strong, on the elytra and abdomen, becoming transversely wavy on the latter posteriorly, the punctures fine but rather strong, not asperate; color deep black, the elytra piceous, the legs pale; pubescence very inconspicuous; head nearly as long as wide, gradually broadening to the base, the eyes rather small, anterior and not at all prominent, the carinse very fine but al- most entire; antenna? short, gradually and moderately stout and incrassate distally, compact, the outer joints transverse, the last obtuse, not quite as long as the two preceding, the second moderately long, almost as long as the next two combined, the third but little longer than wide; prothorax moderately transverse, large and convex, parallel, the sides very feebly and evenly arcuate from apex to base, distinctly wider than the head and fully as wide as the elytra, unimpressed; elytra short, transverse, the suture 54 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. apparently very slightly shorter than the prothorax, the apices very broadly and feebly sinuate laterally; abdomen parallel, with very feebly arcuate sides, fully as wide as the elytra, finely, not densely punctate, the fifth tergite rather shorter than the fourth. Length 1.42 mm.; width 0.4 mm. Virginia (Fort Monroe). The type and only known specimen of this isolated species flew upon my newspaper while on a steamer in Hampton Roads. Phasmota n. subgen. The type of this subgenus is one of the most minute of the Athetids, of subparallel and moderately convex form, the meso- sternal process very short, not extending to the middle of the con- tiguous coxae and with its sharply angulate apex finely aciculate, separated from the small but angulate metasternal projection by a very long deep interval, at the bottom of which the longitudinal ridge is very thin and laminiform. The tarsi are moderate, the first four joints of the posterior short and rubequal. Atheta (Phasmota) ingratula n. sp. — Rather slender, nearly parallel, moder- ately shining, the punctures very minute and rather close-set, sparse on the abdomen, the vestiture rather close and distinct; color pale piceous, the head darker, the elytra paler, the abdomen feebly clouded medially, the legs pale; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes well developed, nearly as long as the tempora, the latter but feebly swollen, the carinse fine though clear and even, entire; antennae short, very slender basally, gradually and rapidly, strongly incrassate distally, the outer joints strongly transverse, the last longer than the two preceding, the second cylindric, much longer than the third, which is strongly constricted basally; prothorax but slightly transverse, only just visibly wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, widest anteriorly, the sides feebly arcuate, straighter basally, the basal angles very distinct; surface scarcely impressed basally; elytra somewhat transverse, the suture slightly longer than the prothorax, the apices narrowly and scarcely visibly sinuate externally; abdomen finely, not densely punctate, parallel, only slightly narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth. Length 1.22 mm.; width 0.25 mm. Mississippi (Vicksburg). The contiguous coxae and short mesosternum betoken some affinity with Metaxya and Hydrosmecta, but the antenna? are wholly at variance. There are no visible sexual modifications. Crephalia n. subgen. Body long and slender, the facies somewhat as in Metaxya, the middle coxae very narrowly separated, the mesosternal process short, barely extending to the middle of the coxae, its apex acute but STAPHYLINID/E. 55 differing greatly from the usual conformation in not being free, separated from the rather small but anteriorly projecting meta- sternum, with its apex narrowly rounded, by a moderate undepressed interval, in which the longitudinal ridge is narrowly convex; hind tarsi slender, the basal joint much longer than the second. This will probably prove to be a true genus. Atheta (Crephalia) recessa n. sp. — Subparallel, slender, rather convex, shining, the punctures very fine, sparse, a little closer and more asperulate on the elytra, the abdominal reticulation rather coarse but feeble; pubescence very inconspicuous; color pale testaceous, the head and a large subapical abdominal cloud blackish, the legs pale; elytra not paler but more flavate; head as long as wide, oval, swollen slightly basally, the tempora very much longer than the eyes, the carinae obsolete, only visible at base; antennae moderately short, gradually and rather rapidly, strongly incrassate, the outer joints transverse, the last as long as the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, subequal; prothorax very moderately transverse, unimpressed, rather wider subanteriorly than at base but with the sides feebly and subevenly rounded, slightly wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, the latter short, with diverging sides, the apices truncate, the suture very distinctly shorter than the prothorax; abdomen long, nearly as wide as the elytra, parallel basally but feebly narrowed apically, the tergites very shining, subequal. Length 1.75 mm.; width 0.33 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). A very clearly defined species, to be readily known by its colora- tion, slender form, oval head and short elytra. Atheta (Crephalia) prolongata n. sp. — Similar to the preceding in coloration and lustre but a little larger, more elongate and more parallel ; head similarly oval and moderately inflated basally, the eyes rather small, not prominent, anterior in position, the carinae merely basal; antennae distinctly longer and a little heavier but otherwise similar, except that of the transverse outer joints the tenth is a little less transverse than six to nine, the last large, obtusely pointed, longer than the two preceding; prothorax larger and rather more transverse but similar in form, as wide as the base of the elytra and very much wider than the head; elytra similar though not quite so abbreviated, the suture about as long as the prothorax; abdomen similar but rather longer and more parallel, the apex scarcely narrowed. Length 1.85 mm.; width 0.35 mm. Missouri (St. Louis). This species is allied to the preceding but differs in its larger prothorax, less abbreviated elytra and longer antennae. The following species is slightly aberrant in its shorter abdominal segments and minute size; but the head and tarsi are similar, the sterna, from what can be seen in the single type, homologous, and the antennae of similar organization though shorter, with the second and third joints much more unequal: 56 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta (Crephalia) testata n. sp. — Subparallel, somewhat convex, shining, the punctures minute and rather sparse, moderately close though scarcely distinct on the elytra, the abdomen coarsely but feebly micro-reticulate, the vestiture fine, not very close; pale brownish-testaceous, the abdomen feebly clouded posteriorly, except at apex, the legs pale; head as long as wide, suboval, the tempora nearly one-half longer than the eyes and more inflated, the carinae wholly obsolete except at the base; antennae pale testaceous, rather short and stout, gradually though moderately incrassate and compact distally, the outer joints strongly transverse, the last longer than the two preceding, the second and third moderately elongate, mutually similar in form, the latter much the shorter; pro thorax only slightly transverse, large and convex, much wider than the head and as wide as the elytral base, somewhat widest before the middle but with the sides distinctly and almost evenly arcuate, the basal angles obtusely rounded, unimpressed; elytra short and transverse, the sides straight and diverging, the suture equal in length to the prothorax; abdomen wide, only slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the tergites subequal and short. Length 1.38 mm.; width 0.38 mm. Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). This species is one of our smallest of the true Athetids; it is probably fungivorous in habits. Nemota n. subgen. The form is here rather stout, the elytra greatly developed, the middle coxae slightly separated, the mesosternal process extending to their middle, the tip very acute, subaciculate and separated from the transverse and feebly, medially and obtusely cuspid metaster- num, by a very long sunken acute ridge. The hind tarsi are slender, with the first three joints decreasing rather rapidly in length, the first much longer than the second, and the apices of the elytra are not definitely sinuate laterally. Male sexual marks are very feeble. Atheta (Nemota) paganella n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, rather shining, the abdomen with coarse reticulation posteriorly, obsolescent basally, the punctures throughout very fine, moderately close on the elytra, the pubescence not dense, rather coarse; body, legs and antennae deep black throughout; head slightly transverse, parallel, the eyes prominent, at evi- dently more than their own length from the base, the rounded tempora barely perceptibly more laterally prominent, the carinae obsolete except at the extreme base; antennae rather thin, moderate in length, gradually feebly incrassate, the outer joints slightly transverse, the last rather stouter, grad- ually acutely pointed, fully as long as the two preceding, the second and third elongate, the former barely visibly the longer; prothorax rather small, moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, slightly widest anteriorly, the sides moderately rounded, straighter basally, the basal impression distinct; elytra large, parallel, nearly as long as wide, very much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen STAPHYLINID,*:. 57 narrower than the elytra, parallel but with the border narrowing gradually behind, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth; sixth ventral plate in the type prolonged behind, broad, circularly rounded at apex. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.6 mm. California (Siskiyou Co.). Recognizable by the deep black color of every part of the body and legs, the large subquadrate elytra and other characters as mentioned above. Atheta (Nemota) filiola n. sp. — Similar in coloration, form and lustre, ex- cept that the body is not so stout and the legs not deep black, but blackish- piceous, the vestiture rather shorter and finer; head similar but relatively larger and except that the eyes are rather less prominent and at not at all more than their own length from the base, the tempora barely at all swollen; antennae slender basally but more distinctly and rapidly and evidently more strongly incrassate distally, the outer joints more transverse, the last a little smaller, the third evidently shorter than the second ; prothorax nearly similar, convex, less evidently wider than the head and not quite so greatly narrower than the elytra, the sides more parallel and more rounded; elytra narrower and more nearly as long as wide, very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, nearly similar, the hairs shorter, finer and more numerous, the tergites all a little shorter but similarly pro- portioned. Length 1.75 mm.; width 0.48 mm. California (San Bernardino Mts.),— Fall. As stated in the description, this species, though allied rather closely to paganella, may be distinguished by its narrower form, shorter vestiture, more incrassate antennae and other features. Atheta (Nemota) timida n. sp. — Form, coloration, lustre and sculpture nearly as in filiola, the legs blackish-piceous; head nearly similar, parallel, the eyes rather convex, smaller, at much more than their own length from the base, the antenna? slender basally, gradually rather strongly incrassate distally, the outer joints slightly transverse, the ninth shorter than the tenth, the last rapidly pointed, as long as the two preceding, the second and third obconic, the latter the shorter; prothorax rather short and transverse, dis- tinctly wider than the head and correspondingly narrower than the elytra, nearly parallel, with the sides subevenly and moderately arcuate, the basal impression distinct; elytra evidently shorter than wide, very much longer than the prothorax, not quite parallel; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the punctures fine, sparse, the hairs rather coarse; fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth ventral plate in the apparently male type produced behind, with the apex broadly and arcuately subtruncate. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.48 mm. California (Sta. Cruz Mts.). The sixth ventral of the male is more subtruncate at tip than in the broader and heavier paganella, and from filiola, it may be known by its longer antennae, more prominent eyes and shorter and more transverse prothorax and elytra. 58 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta (Nemota) perpera n. sp. — Subparallel, rather convex, shining, black, the elytra dark piceous-brown, the legs pale, the punctures small, sparse, not dense and scarcely asperate on the elytra, the vestiture rather sparse and moderately coarse; head nearly as long as wide, slightly broadening basally, the eyes moderately convex, at fully their own length from the base, the carinae obsolete; antennae short, blackish, slender basally, the second and third joints elongate, subequal, the fourth a little longer than wide, thence gradually distinctly incrassate, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last fully as long as the two preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head but almost as wide as the elytral base, the parallel sides evenly and moderately arcuate, unimpressed; elytra subparallel, a little shorter than wide, much longer than the prothorax, the apices laterally feebly sinuate; abdomen nearly as wide as the elytra, parallel, narrowing just visibly apically, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth. Length 1.7 mm. ; width 0.4 mm. California (Ojai), — Fall. This species is aberrant in the tarsi, the basal joint of the posterior being elongate though scarcely so long as the second. The meta- sternum is transverse and does not project forward at all. The elytra are as transversely convex as the pronotum, the suture narrowly impressed at base. Atheta (Nemota) perspecta n. sp. — Moderately slender and very feebly convex, shining though with obvious micro-reticulation, the punctures nearly as in the preceding, not close even on the elytra, the pubescence rather sparse, short; color pale brownish-testaceous, the head and abdomen piceous, the latter clouded blackish subposteriorly, the legs pale; head slightly transverse, the eyes prominent, a little shorter and less prominent than the slightly swollen tempora, the carinae obsolete; antennae dark, short though unusually slender, very feebly and gradually incrassate, the second and third joints elongate, the latter slightly the shorter, the outer joints narrowed basally as in the preceding, slightly transverse; prothorax moderately transverse, nearly as wide as the elytral base, distinctly wider than the head but less markedly so than in the preceding, the sides parallel and very moderately, evenly arcuate; elytra slightly shorter than wide, with feebly diverging sides, much longer than the prothorax, the apices not evidently sinuate laterally; abdomen almost as wide as the elytra, nearly as in the preceding. Length 1.7 mm.; width 0.36 mm. California. The coloiation will distinguish this species from any of the pre- ceding and also the less incrassate antennae; the sterna are as in the other species; the hind tarsi are missing in the type. Microdota Rey. The following species seem to be sufficiently allied in general organization to Microdota amicula Steph., to be included in the same subgeneric group, at least for the present: STAPHYLINID.-E. 59 Atheta (Microdota) alamedana n. sp. — Slightly shining, the reticulation distinct, coarse but feeble on the abdomen; punctures fine, not very close, slightly asperulate on the elytra, the pubescence short, not dense; color black or faintly piceous, the elytra brown, the legs pale; head slightly wider than long, parallel, the eyes rather convex, well developed, as long and as prominent as the tempora, the carinae fine, far from entire; antennae short, distinctly incrassate, the outer joints mutually similar in form and transverse, the last gradually pointed, barely as long as the two preceding, the second as long as the next two combined; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, feebly arcuate at the sides, the basal angles obtuse but distinct, only slightly blunt, the basal impression feeble, rounded; elytra not quite parallel, evidently shorter than wide, much longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate laterally; abdomen rather short, narrower than the elytra, parallel, with feebly arcuate sides, the tergites subequal, the fifth (d") truncate and coarsely but not strongly crenate, the sixth ventral semicircularly rounded; meso- sternum extending but little beyond the middle of the coxae, the apex finely aciculate, rather far removed from the moderate and angulate metasternal projection, the connecting subdepressed ridge narrowly and strongly convex. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.38 mm. California (Alameda Co.). A rather obscure small species, agreeing in most of its characters with amicula. Atheta (Microdota) saturata n. sp. — Blackish-piceous, the abdomen black, the elytra scarcely paler than the prothorax, the legs piceous; punctures very fine, the pubescence short, not dense, inconspicuous; surface moder- ately shining, the reticulation feeble, coarse but feeble on the abdomen; head slightly wider than long, wider basally, the eyes but slightly convex and shorter than the much more prominent and rounded tempora, the carinae wholly wanting; antennae dark brown, moderately short, gradually distinctly incrassate, the ninth joint transverse, a little shorter than the tenth, the last gradually acute, rather longer than the two preceding, the second elongate, only a little longer than the third; prothorax as in the preceding but with the basal angles less evident and except in being only a little wider than the decidedly larger head, though more evidently narrower than the elytra, the latter larger, more transverse, much longer as well as wider than the prothorax, not evidently sinuate at the apices; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, subparallel, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth ventral in the type rather produced, with its apex broadly and circularly rounded; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 1.85 mm.; width 0.4 mm. California (Lake Tahoe). Very distinct from the preceding in its antennae, absence of cephalic carinae and other characters. Atheta (Microdota) ficta n. sp. — Piceous, the head and abdomen black, the legs pale piceous; surface slightly shining, the reticulation somewhat coarse but not strong, moderate and feeble on the abdomen, where it is transversely disposed posteriorly, the punctures fine, not dense, the vestiture 60 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. rather coarse; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes well developed, rather convex, only a little shorter and just visibly less prominent than the tempora; antennae fuscous, moderately incrassate, rather short, the outer joints mu- tually similar, transverse, the last obtusely ogival, barely as long as the two preceding, the second longer than the third; prothorax nearly as in ala- medana in form and relationship with the head and elytra, but with the basal angles less evident, the impression obsolete; elytra rather large, shorter than wide, much longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate; abdomen rather wide though evidently narrower than the elytra, short, parallel, with feebly arcuate sides, the tergites equal; sterna nearly as in alamedana, ex- cept that the metasternum is much shorter and broader, broadly parabolic; basal joint of the hind tarsi longer, thicker and darker in color than two to four, which are equal. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.42 mm. California (San Mateo), — Baker. The general form and coloration of this species is not unlike alamedana, but the tarsi are of peculiar structure and the metaster- nal projection quite different. Atheta (Microdota) properans n. sp. — Dark and uniform piceous-brown, the abdomen more blackish, alutaceous in lustre, finely and densely punctu- late, the abdomen with the coarse reticulation almost obsolete, its surface polished and with numerous asperulate punctules; pubescence abundant, short, dark ashy; head well developed, rather transverse, broadening basally, the eyes rather convex and less prominent though barely as long as the tem- pora, the carins fine, far from entire; antennae short but rather slender, dark brown, only very feebly incrassate, the outer joints but slightly trans- verse, the last rather obtuse, the second longer than the third, though much shorter than the next two combined; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head and correspondingly much narrower than the elytra, the parallel sides somewhat strongly, evenly arcuate, the basal angles obtuse and blunt but rather evident; basal impression small, rounded, feeble though clearly defined ; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax, the apices distinctly sinuate externally; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, feebly narrowing and with nearly straight sides throughout; hind tarsi and sterna nearly as in alamedana but with the basal joint of the former sensibly shorter than the second. Length 1.85 mm.; width 0.42 mm. California (Hydesville, Valley of Eel River, Humboldt Co.). Distinct from any of the preceding in lustre, sculpture and sinuation of the elytral apices. Atheta (Microdota) repens n. sp. — Rather more elongate than any of the preceding, slightly shining, the reticulation fine but distinct, feeble and somewhat transversely disposed on the still more shining abdomen, the punctures very fine, not dense, slightly close and feebly asperulate on the elytra, very sparse and feeble on the abdomen; color blackish-piceous, the head and abdomen black, the elytra a little paler though rather dark piceous, the legs blackish-piceous; head wider than long, parallel, the eyes moderately convex, as long and about as prominent as the tempora, the carinae extending STAPHYLINIDJE. 61 to about the middle, fine; antennae rather short, gradually and distinctly incrassate, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last obtuse, shorter than the two preceding, the second much longer than the third but shorter than the next two; prothorax moderately transverse, somewhat wider sub- apically than basally, with feebly arcuate sides, distinctly wider than the head and rather evidently narrower than the elytral base, the median line finely impressed in basal half; elytra subparallel, only slightly shorter than wide, very much longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate laterally; abdomen rather long, much narrower than the elytra though slightly wider at the apex of the fourth tergite than at base, the sixth ventral in the type feebly produced, broadly trapezoidal, with the apex arcuately truncate and the angles broadly rounded. Length 1.9 mm.; width 0.42 mm. Cali- fornia (Truckee). The sterna of this distinct species are nearly as in alamedana, except that the metasternal projection is much shorter and more broadly though evidently angulate; the tarsi are rather slender, with the first four joints of the posterior equal. Atheta (Microdota) perversa n. sp. — Form rather stout and a little larger, black, the elytra dark piceous, the legs pale piceo-flavate; surface slightly shining, closely and very finely punctate and micro-reticulate, the reticu- lation of the abdomen coarser but almost completely obsolete, its surface polished; pubescence short, rather abundant, dusky-cinereous; head slightly transverse, sensibly broader basally, the eyes about as long as the tempora but less prominent, the carinae fine, extending to about the middle; antennae pale brown, moderately short and incrassate, the outer joints evidently wider than long, the last elongate-oval, nearly as long as the two preceding, the basal joints as in the preceding; prothorax very moderately transverse, parallel, with rather feebly rounded sides, much wider than the head and evidently though less markedly narrower than the elytra, vaguely flattened or subimpressed medially; elytra moderately transverse; much longer than the prothorax, the apices distinctly though not deeply sinuate externally; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, the sides feebly converging and straight from base to apex, finely, rather closely and evidently punctate, the sixth tergite in the types small, with the apex feebly sinuate medially, the angles broadly rounded ; sterna nearly as in the preceding, except that the apex of the mesosternum is less aciculate, being very narrowly truncate at tip, the tarsi similar. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.52 mm. California (Gualala, Mendocino Co.). In the peculiar form and sculpture of the abdomen this species resembles properans, but otherwise it is quite different. Hilara Rey. These small slender species are held to form merely a group of Microdota. Our representatives are rather numerous and well dif- ferentiated, but are evidently congeners of Hilara palliola Er., though in nearly every case having the prothorax more developed. 62 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Atheta (Hilara) pennsylvanica Bernh. — Slender, parallel, rather convex, somewhat shining, the reticulation distinct, coarse but feeble on the abdomen; punctures fine, not dense; head and abdomen black, the latter with the first two segments and apex pale testaceous; prothorax pale flavo-testaceous, the elytra darker, piceo-testaceous, the legs pale; vestiture inconspicuous; head slightly wider than long, slightly inflated basally, the eyes not at all prominent and at very much more than their own length from the base, the carinae fine, extending scarcely to the middle; antennae pale brown, short and stout, gradually and distinctly incrassate distally, the basal joint much longer than the second, which is only about one-half longer than wide, much longer than the third, which is constricted basally, the outer joints strongly transverse, separated, the last obtusely ogival ; prothorax moderately transverse, widest anteriorly, where it is scarcely evidently narrower than the elytra, distinctly wider than the head, the sides very feebly arcuate, the median line broadly impressed throughout; elytra transverse, the suture impressed, except apically, and only just visibly longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate; abdomen rather long, parallel, almost as wide as the elytra, the fifth tergite but little longer than the fourth, the sixth (c?) broadly arcuate, becoming very feebly and gradually sinuate medially at apex, with the punctures minute and very sparse. Length 1.5 mm.; width 0.3 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.), Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Differs from palUola in the much more parallel form, shorter elytra, larger prothorax and wider abdomen. Atheta (Hilara) unigena n. sp. — Coloration, lustre and sculpture as in the preceding, the abdomen however testaceous, with a blackish cloud involving the fourth and about basal half of the fifth tergites; form much less parallel; head slightly wider than long, not at all dilated basally, the eyes convex, prominent, at more than their own length from the base, more prominent than the tempora, which are parallel and then broadly rounded to the base, the carinae as in pennsylvanica; antennae pale, nearly as in that species though slightly longer; prothorax much smaller and rather more transverse, parallel and more rounded at the sides, similarly notably wider than the head but very distinctly narrower than the elytra, not impressed ; elytra much larger, parallel, moderately transverse, truncate at apex, the humeri much more exposed at base, the suture not impressed but very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, not so parallel, feebly narrowed apically, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the male sexual characters feeble. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.32 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Very distinct from the preceding and more nearly of the type of palliola, though differing in its larger and longer antennae, less parallel abdomen, unimpressed elytial suture and larger size. Atheta (Hilara) validiceps n. sp. — Similar in sculpture, lustre and pubescence to the two preceding but larger, more parallel than in unigena, dark rufo- piceous, the head a little darker than the prothorax and elytra, the abdomen STAPHYLINID.E. 63 dark testaceous, broadly and indefinitely clouded with blackish except basally and at apex, the legs pale; head large, subquadrate, wider than long, the eyes prominent, at much more than their own length from the base and in the same longitudinal line with the feebly rounded tempora, the carinae a little longer than in the two preceding but extremely feeble and obsolescent; antennae differing greatly, a little longer, stout, gradually distinctly incras- sate, dark brown, the first joint stouter but equal in length to the second, the latter but little longer than the third, which is narrowed basally but not constricted, the outer joints distinctly but less strongly transverse, the last more pointed; prothorax moderately transverse, just visibly widest before the middle though with the sides moderately and subevenly arcuate, evi- dently narrower than the elytra and only very slightly wider than the head, the median line feebly and evanescently impressed; elytra slightly shorter than wide, truncate, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen much nar- rower than the elytra, feebly narrowed apically, with the usual thin margins, the fifth tergite not notably long, the sexual characters feeble. Length 1.7 mm.; width 0.38 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). This species is well differentiated by its large subquadrate head, coloration and antennal characters; the sunken ridge extending anteriorly from the extremely short and broadly subangulate meta- sternum is narrow and sublaminiform, the four basal joints of the hind tarsi equal. Atheta (Hilara) nugator n. sp. — Smaller, not parallel, similar in sculpture, the vestiture very inconspicuous, not at all dense; color rufo-piceous, the elytra darker than the prothorax; head and abdomen black, the latter dark rufous apically and through the two basal segments, the legs very pale; head small, very shining, about as long as wide, the eyes convex, at more than their own length from the base, the tempora much less prominent, parallel and then broadly rounding, the carinse as in unigena; antennae rather short and stout but only very feebly incrassate distally, piceous, faintly paler basally, the basal joint stout and much longer than the second, which is two-thirds longer than wide and much longer than the third, the latter only a little longer than wide, obconic, with straight sides but not at all constricted basally, the outer joints only very moderately transverse; prothorax nearly as in validiceps throughout but much wider than the head, distinctly narrower than the elytra, which are shorter than in the preceding species, transverse, the suture evidently though not greatly longer than the prothorax; ab- domen relatively broader and only a little narrower than the elytra, other- wise nearly as in validiceps, the metasternal projection much more advanced and acutely angulate. Length 1.65 mm.; width 0.33 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). Readily distinguishable by its smaller size, very much smaller head and retracted tempora. Atheta (Hilara) iibens n. sp. — Similar in sculpture, lustre, pubescence and coloration to validiceps, the head large but more transverse and differing 64 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. greatly in being swollen basally, so that the rounded tempora are more prominent than the eyes, which are convex and unusually large, being at their own length from the base; carinae as usual and very far from entire, the antennae as in that species but larger, similarly rather strongly and grad- ually incrassate distally, the proportions of the basal joints similar and dif- fering greatly from the unigena type; prothorax much less transverse than in validiceps, widest anteriorly, the sides much more converging thence to the obtuse basal angles, as wide as the base of the elytra and only just visibly wider than the head, the median line very finely, feebly impressed; elytra nearly similar and with slightly diverging straight sides, the suture about a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, rather long, the sides perfectly straight and parallel, not converging apically, the posterior tergites similarly longer than the three basal; metasternum behind the coxae very short and broadly, feebly parabolic. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.38 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). Differs greatly from validiceps, though having the head unusually developed, in that the latter is inflated basally, more transverse and with much laiger eyes; it also differs much in the size and form of the prothorax and in its longer and more parallel abdomen. Atheta (Hilara) sejuncta n. sp. — Form, sculpture, lustre and coloration nearly as in libens, the head being large but not so transverse and less inflated basally, almost as long as wide, with the very shallow variolate spaces about the erect sparse hairs better developed; eyes convex, as long and almost as prominent as the rounded tempora, the carinae unusually long, almost entire; antennae similar in general type but only very slightly incrassate, notably more slender and with less transverse joints distally than in libens, and differing also in having the third joint more elongate and only scarcely visibly shorter than the second, — not much shorter as it is in libens; prothorax shorter and more transverse, much more parallel and subevenly, moderately arcuate at the sides throughout, slightly narrower than the base of the elytra and just visibly wider than the head, the fine impressed median line subob- solete; elytra nearly similar but with the suture relatively much longer, being about one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, feebly narrowed apically, shorter than in libens and much more nearly resembling that of validiceps. Length 1.63 mm.; width 0.35 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). In common with libens, this species differs from validiceps very radically in its basally inflated head and very much larger eyes; from libens it differs in it? less incrassate antennae, with a notably more elongate third joint and shorter and less parallel abdomen, in which, as well as in the form of the prothorax, it much more closely resembles validiceps. It is rather singular that I should have col- lected what seem to be five distinct species of this subgenus, in- cluding pennsylvanica, upon a plot of less than one hundred acres in Rhode Island. STAPHYLINID^E. 65 Philhygra Rey. The species placed below seem to pertain to this subgenus of Atheta, but, as usual, vary somewhat in structure, the typical forms having an unusually long mesosternal process, not finely aciculate but blunt and truncate at apex and only very slightly separated from the projecting metasternum.* Atheta (Philhygra) repanda n. sp. — Nearly parallel, moderately stout, feebly convex, rather dull, finely, closely sculptured, the reticulation of the abdomen feebler, the pubescence abundant but short and inconspicuous; color dark piceous, the head and abdomen blackish, the elytra rather dark brown, the legs pale; head slightly wider than long, subquadrate, the eyes convex and prominent, equal in length to the tempora, the latter less later- ally prominent, the carinse fine and entire; antennae dark, rather long, only very slightly thickened distally, the first three joints rapidly decreasing in length, the first stoutest, the third scarcely more than one-half longer than wide, obconic, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last gradually pointed and much longer than the two preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel, the sides evenly and moderately arcuate, distinctly wider than the head but very nearly as wide as the elytra, the median line more or less broadly impressed in more than basal half; elytra moderately transverse, truncate apically, the suture impressed basally and fully a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen rather wide, parallel, slightly narrower than the elytra, the first five tergites equal, the sixth (cf) broadly and evenly sinuate at tip in circular arc, the edge slightly wrinkled on the surface; side margin rather thick, the punctures fine, moderately close, the first three tergites finely pallescent at apex; mesosternal process extending to apical third of the coxae, becoming parallel at the rather broad rounded tip, which is sepa- rated from the metasternum by a notably short depression; hind tarsi long, setose, the first four joints equal. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.5 mm. New Jersey and New York (Ithaca and Catskill Alts.). May be distinguished readily by the antennal and sternal char- acters. Atheta (Philhygra) astuta n. sp. — Less parallel, moderately convex, rather stout, moderately shining, the punctures not dense, fine though unusually strongly asperate, especially the sparse punctures of the head ; color blackish throughout, the abdomen dull testaceous basally and at apex and the elytra paler at the humeri, the legs pale flavate; head slightly wider than long, the eyes large, rather convex, longer and more prominent than the tempora, the carinse fine, subentire; antennae short, gradually strongly incrassate, the bristling setae conspicuous, the basal joint very much longer than the second, the latter not evidently longer than the third, neither of the latter two as *Our German friends have been recently dropping the silent h, making rot of the old familiar roth, but I do not think that this elimination should be carried to the extent of dropping the h from generic names, writing as they do Philygra, instead of the original Philhygra. T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. 66 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. much as twice as long as wide, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last gradually pointed, equal in length to the two preceding ; prothorax rather transverse, the sides parallel and evenly, notably rounded, impressed along the middle only very feebly and toward base, very distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, the latter transverse, truncate, paral- lel, the suture about a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, slightly narrowing apically, the tergites subequal, the sixth (c?) comparatively narrow, truncate transversely and even, with a small ear-like process at each side, the punctures strong and asperate, moderately numerous; sterna as in the preceding, except that there is a slightly longer interval between the metasternum and the broadly obtuse mesosternal apex. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.48 mm. Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia). Evidently allied subgenerically to the preceding, in spite of the different type of male sexual modification. Atheta (Philhygra) frugalis n. sp. — A little smaller and less stout, similar in lustre and sculpture but with the fine and rather close punctures less asperate, somewhat shining; color piceous, the head and abdomen, except apically and toward base, black, the elytra piceo-fiavate, the legs flavate; head wider than long, the eyes large, very convex and prominent, much longer and more prominent than the tempora, the carinae subentire; antennae rather short, gradually rather strongly incrassate, the basal joint not quite as long as the next two, which are subequal and each nearly twice as long as wide, the outer joints transverse, the last gradually pointed and as long as the two preceding; prothorax distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, moder- ately transverse, parallel, the sides subevenly and evidently arcuate, having a small rounded impression at base; elytra moderately transverse, about one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fifth tergite slightly trapezoidal, as long as the fourth, the sixth (cf) narrowly and feebly sinuate at apex, the sinuate part separated at each side from a small slender process by a very small, narrow and rather deep sinus; metasternal projection unusually short, its apex subparabolic. Length 1.75 mm.; width 0.45 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Distinguishable from the preceding by its narrower form, dif- ferent coloration and by the male sexual characters. Atheta (Philhygra) leviceps n. sp. — Slender, moderately convex, not paral- lel, rather dull in lustre, the fine punctures close-set and strongly asperulate throughout; color dark piceous-brown, the elytra paler, brownish-flavate, the legs rather pale piceous; pubescence very short and inconspicuous; head small, orbicular, the eyes large, convex, at scarcely more than half their length from the base, the tempora rapidly converging behind them, the carinae en- tire; antennae short, moderately incrassate, the second joint but little longer than the third, each much shorter than the first, the outer joints evidently transverse, the last gradually pointed, longer than the twTo preceding; pro- thorax moderately transverse, parallel, with evenly and moderately rounded sides, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, STAPHYLINIDJE. 67 unimpressed; elytra rather short and transverse, truncate at apex, the suture narrowly impressed basally and about a fifth longer than the prothorax; abdomen evidently narrower than the elytra, slightly narrowed apically, finely, somewhat closely punctulate though shining; basal joint of the hind tarsi a little shorter than two to four, which are equal. Length 1.75-2.25 mm.; width 0.38-0.47 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). This species is aberrant and is scarcely congeneric with the three preceding; the mesosternum is virtually similar in length, but the apex is acutely angulate, though not aciculate, and the depressed ridge thence posteriorly to the angulate metasternum is broadly convex, the coxae being much more widely separated. There ap- pears to be no male among my four examples, or else the male sexual characters are very feeble. Atheta (Philhygra) houstoni n. sp. — Subparallel, rather strongly depressed, much flatter above than in any of the preceding, feebly shining, the punctures close but very minute and scarcely at all asperulate even on the elytra; color piceous-black throughout, the elytra pale subflavate, clouded toward the scutellum, the legs pale; vestiture short, rather pale; head quadrate, but little wider than long, the eyes moderately convex, rather large, at nearly three-fourths of their own length from the base, the tempora parallel behind them and equally prominent, rounding basally, the carinse feeble and not quite entire; antennae rather long and slender, only very feebly and gradu- ally incrassate, the second joint almost as long as the first, very slender, much longer than the third, which is about twice as long as wide, the outer joints nearly as long as wide, the last much shorter than the two preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head but only very little narrower than the elytra, widest anteriorly, where the sides are broadly rounded, thence feebly converging and nearly straight to the base, unim- pressed; elytra evidently shorter than wide, truncate, the suture a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen perfectly parallel, narrower than the elytra, finely, somewhat sparsely punctulate; hind tarsi as in leviceps but shorter. Length 1.82 mm.; width 0.38 mm. Texas (Galveston). Also aberrant, especially because of its depressed surface and long, rather slender antennae. The mesosternum is nearly as in leviceps, but is separated from the stouter, very broadly angulate metasternum by a longer depressed ridge, which is more strongly convex, the coxae not so widely separated. No male sexual charac- ters are evident in the two examples. Adota n. subgen. The few Pacific coast species placed under this name differ widely in general appearance from any of the preceding subgenera of Atheta, 68 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. in the small and obtrapezoidal prothorax, duller lustre and sternal characters. The head is devoid of any trace of infra-lateral carinse. The type is the first species described below : Atheta (Adota) massettensis n. sp. — Somewhat depressed and alutaceous in lustre, the micro-reticulation dense and strong, feebler on the more shining abdomen, the punctures very fine, close-set and indistinct, the pubescence short but rather coarse, dark cinereous; color deep black throughout, the elytra scarcely visibly picescent, the legs rufo-piceous; head but slightly transverse, parallel, the eyes rather prominent but at much more than their own length from the base, the tempora about similarly prominent, parallel, very feebly arcuate, broadly rounding at base; antennae rather long and slen- der, black throughout, scarcely visibly incrassate, the outer joints nearly as long as wide, the last not as long as the two preceding, the second and third elongate, subequal in length, the former the thicker and more obconic; pro- thorax slightly transverse and a little wider than the head, subtruncate at apex, strongly rounded at base, the sides converging from apex to base, nearly straight medially, the surface nearly flat except laterally; elytra large, parallel, as long as wide, very much wider and longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel throughout, the fourth and fifth tergites subequal, the sixth (cf) arcuato-truncate at tip, with a small elevated tubercle at each lateral angle and two very short, feeble and blunt tumid median projections, mutually nearly twice as distant as either from the lateral tubercle; mesosternal process extending to apical third of the coxae, gradually acutely angulate but not aciculate at tip and only moderately distant from the very acutely angulate and long metasternal projection, the intervening space very deeply excavated; hind tarsi moder- ately long, the basal joint slightly longer than the second, two to four equal and together equaling the fifth. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.7 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands (Massett), — J. H. Keen. This species does not appear to be closely allied to any of those described by Mannerheim or Maklin. Atheta (Adota) subintima n. sp. — Closely allied to the preceding but smaller and rather more slender, the coloration, sculpture and vestiture similar; head narrower, the central impression more elongate, the tempora somewhat more swollen; prothorax shorter, nearly similar but more transverse, with the sides more rounded anteriorly, becoming convergent and nearly straight from only slightly before the middle to the base; elytra and abdomen nearly similar but narrower, the male sexual characters also similar, except that the two median projections are nearly flat and not so dorsally swollen as in massettensis. Length 2.55 mm.; width 0.6 mm. British Columbia (Met- lakatla), — Keen. This might possibly be regarded as a subspecies of the preceding, but it is constantly smaller and narrower, and the characters relating to the head and prothorax also seem to be constant. Both forms are represented by good series. STAPHYLINID.E. 69 Atheta (Adota) gnypetoides n. sp. — General form, coloration and sculpture as in the two preceding but smaller, the micro-reticulation rather feebler and the surface therefore less dull, the stiff dark cinereous vestiture similar; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes at somewhat more than their own length from the base, the tempora parallel, feebly arcuate, not more prominent; antennae nearly similar; prothorax but little wider than long and only slightly wider than the head, the sides rounded anteriorly, becoming convergent and nearly straight posteriorly from a little before the middle, unimpressed ; elytra very much wider and longer than the prothorax, parallel, as long as wide; abdomen relatively not so narrow as in the two preceding, the parallel sides feebly arcuate posteriorly, the subapical width nearly equaling that of the elytra. Length 2.2 mm.; width 0.52 mm. California (Redondo), — Fall. Evidently congeneric with the preceding far northern forms, but to be readily distinguished by the narrower prothorax, less convex eyes and form of the abdomen; the type is a female, but the male characters probably do not materially differ. Rovalida n. subgen. This subgenus seems to represent the preceding on the Atlantic coast and the Pachnida, of Europe, the body being of similar rather depressed form and subopaque lustre and with conspicuous pubes- cence, but differing in the very small antennae. The mesosternal process extends to slightly behind the middle of the coxae, the apex being gradually very finely aciculate and well separated by a deep excavation from the somewhat acute apex of the large, angulate metasternal projection. The first four joints of the hind tarsi are not much elongated and are equal, the fifth only as long as the two preceding; other generic characters can be inferred from the following descriptions, the first being the type:* Atheta (Rovalida) cribraticeps n. sp. — Rather slender, linear, subdepressed, dark rufo-piceous, the head and subapical cloud on the abdomen black, the legs and antennae throughout rather pale flavo-testaceous; lustre dull, the abdomen shining, the punctures fine, asperulate, close, the vestiture short but coarse, dark cinereous and distinct; head well developed, wider than long, coarsely and closely punctate, very feebly impressed centrally, the eyes rather small, prominent, at one-half more than their own length from the base, the tempora laterally swollen, rounded and more prominent than the eyes, the carinse fine, not quite entire; antennae very short, scarcely extending to the base of the prothorax, gradually incrassate, the outer joints strongly transverse, the last short, small, obtusely pointed, much shorter *I at first thought that this subgenus, or perhaps more properly, genus, might be the same as Halobrecthina Bernh., but in that group the head has no infra-lateral carinae. yo MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. than the two preceding, the second rather long, subcylindric, the third very much shorter, obconic; prothorax short and strongly transverse, much wider than the head and only slightly narrower than the elytra, slightly widest before the middle, with the sides broadly rounded, becoming a little more convergent and straighter basally, very feebly impressed along the median line; elytra distinctly transverse though much longer than the prothorax, parallel; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel throughout, with straight sides, finely, sparsely punctulate, the fifth tergite but little longer than the fourth, the sixth (c?) broad, the apex gradually and rather feebly sinuate medially, rectilinear at each side of the sinus to a very small tuberculate angle at each side, or (9) with the apex broader and sinuato- truncate medially. Length 2.8 mm.; width 0.62 mm. Rhode Island. It is possible that I may have confused two closely allied species in my series, for in the only series furnishing males, the head is slightly less developed in both sexes, less closely or distinctly punc- tate and with less swollen tempora than in the three female types. If there are two species, however, they are very closely allied and the sexual characters are likely to be virtually similar in each. Atheta (Rovalida) piceicornis n. sp. — Similar to the preceding, except that the antennae are blackish-piceous, paler basally, the second joint less elongate, cylindric, the third only just visibly longer than wide, both moder- ately and subequally obconic, with straight sides, the third joint not con- stricted basally; eyes prominent, larger, at their own length from the base, the tempora not laterally swollen; frontal punctures coarse but much less dense than in the preceding; prothorax nearly similar but only just visibly narrower than the elytra, the latter and the abdomen similar, the sixth ter- gite (c?) with the apex subevenly and very broadly, angularly sinuate from side to side, with the usual very minute tubercle at each side, the surface with a small indentation at each lateral third just behind the middle. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.55 mm. New Jersey. The structure of the head and antennae and still wider prothorax will readily distinguish this species from cribraticeps. Atheta (Rovalida) submaritima n. sp. — Similar in coloration, sculpture and vestiture but with the prothorax less transverse and very distinctly narrower than the elytra, the head with smaller and obsolescent punctuation, the second antennal joint longer, the third also longer than in piceicornis, very much shorter than the second, both obconic with straight sides throughout, the outer joints not quite so broad or transverse as in cribraticeps; male sexual characters as described above for that species, the elytra similar. Length 2.0-2.3 mm.; width 0.53 mm. New Jersey (Atlantic City). The head is barely visibly swollen toward base and its finer, sparse and much feebler punctuation will serve to identify it at once, especially in conjunction with the relatively much narrower and STAPHYLINID/E. 71 less transverse prothorax; it is abundant, and like the other species of this subgenus, occurs on the sandy seabeaches near decomposing animal matter. Atheta (Rovalida) monroei n. sp. — Nearly similar to the preceding species in coloration, sculpture, dull lustre and distinct vestiture, the head rather smaller though feebly swollen basally, the punctures rather small, feeble and not dense, parted as usual by a parallel-sided smooth median line through- out the length; antennae only moderately incrassate distally, pale, though gradually dark testaceous apically, the second and third joints both elongate and less unequal than usual, the former subcylindric, the latter obconic and constricted basally, both with the sparse coarse pubescence more than usually noticeable; prothorax much narrower than the elytra though short and strongly transverse, much wider than the head, subangularly prominent at the sides at apical third; elytra and abdomen as usual, the sixth tergite (cf) broadly and feebly sinuate at apex, the sinus anguliform with straight sides, becoming feebly subcrenulate laterally, but without an evident lateral tubercle in the type example, the surface without indentations. Length (extended) 2.7 mm.; width 0.5 mm. Virginia (Fort Monroe). Both the head and pronotum are broadly and very feebly concave or slightly more than flat medially. The last antennal joint is more acutely pointed than in the preceding species and especially the first two. Panalota n. subgen. The body in this group is elongate, subparallel, rather depressed, without trace of infra-lateral cephalic carinse, the elytra very long, the mesosternal process extending nearly to apical fourth of the coxae, its apex gradually slender but not finely aciculate, separated by a rather short deep interval from the acute apex of the metaster- nal projection; hind tarsi moderate in length, bristling with very long stiff setae, the first two joints rather short, equal, the next two longer and also equal. The type is the following: Atheta (Panalota) setositarsis n. sp. — Piceous, the abdomen darker poste- riori}7, rather dull, the micro-reticulation strong, obscuring the very fine non- asperate punctures, which are however distinct and asperulate, though sparse on the more shining abdomen, where the reticulation is rather coarse but feebler; pubescence abundant, very short; head suborbicular, nearly as long as wide, the somewhat convex eyes almost as long as the rounding tem- pora ; antennse rather long, moderately slender, only very slightly incrassate, the outer joints nearly as long as wide, the last not as long as the two pre- ceding, the second and third greatly elongated, subequal; prothorax only slightly transverse, distinctly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, these three segments increasing uniformly in width, the sides feebly 72 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. converging and almost straight from near the apex to the base; elytra parallel, as long as wide, very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel, with straight sides, the tergites equal in length, the sixth (cf) with the median part of the apex broadly and feebly arcuate, becoming very feebly sinuate medially, this short broad median lobe narrowly separated at each side from a less posterior, small but strong tubercle marking each side of the apex, the sixth ventral plate ogival at tip, the angle at the apex distinct and not blunt. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.68 mm. California (San Francisco). I obtained of this interesting species only a single rather immature example. Paradilacra Bernh. The body is stout to moderately slender, somewhat convex, the lustre dull because of the extremely fine dense punctures and micro- reticulation, this sculpture covering also the entire abdomen in a way wholly foreign to any modification of Atheta, so that Paradilacra should be considered a distinct genus, or more correctly a subgenus of the genus Dilacra, related to Atheta in the structure of the sterna and slightly separated coxae and in having the hypomera visible from the sides in their entirety. There is no vestige of infra-lateral carinae and the basal joint of the slender hind tarsi is much longer than the second. I have applied this name Paradilacra to the following species, although they differ from the type, named densissima by Bernhauer, in having the eyes notably small in size, the elytra shorter and the first three tergites impressed at base, the third almost as strongly as the first two. The tarsi in Paradilacra densissima are not de- scribed. Paradilacra persola n. sp. — Only moderately slender, deep black throughout, the antennae, legs and palpi scarcely less black, the tarsi paler; pubescence very short, fine, dusky; head barely wider than long, the eyes moderately convex, at rather more than their own length from the base, the tempora parallel, broadly rounded and barely perceptibly fuller than the eyes; an- tennae only moderate in length, very slender, barely visibly incrassate, the outer joints nearly as long as wide, the last obtuse at apex and not as long as the two preceding, the second and third elongate, the former distinctly the longer; prothorax rather large and convex, moderately transverse, much wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, widest, with the sides broadly rounded, at about apical third, thence slightly and subrecti- linearly narrowed to the base, impressed at the middle at base; elytra moder- ately transverse, the suture strongly impressed basally, only very little longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, STAPHYLINID^. 73 with thick margins, dull, the tergites increasing gradually in length from the base, the first three strongly, transversely impressed at base, the truncate fifth with rounded angles, the sixth small, the narrowed apex feebly sinuate medially; mesosternal process extending to apical fourth of the coxae, gradu- ally finely pointed and very free at apex, moderately distant from the ob- tusely angulate metasternum, the intermediate ridge broadly convex, the coxae separated as in Atheta; femora stout; basal joint of the hind tarsi much longer than the second. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.65 mm. Cali- fornia (Monterey). The minute dense sculpture of the abdomen resembles that so common in Oxypoda, and imparts to the species of this genus a peculiar and distinctive appearance. I have been unable to discover any sexual modifications of the abdomen, either in this or the other species. Paradilacra willametta n. sp. — General coloration, sculpture and dull lustre as in persola but more slender and rather more depressed; head more transverse, the eyes less convex, at about their own length from the base, the tempora continuing their curvature and then very broadly rounding to the base, the antennae more slender, almost filiform, the joints longer than wide, the tenth fully as long as wide, the last more pointed but shorter than the two preceding, the second and third much elongated, the latter much less evidently the shorter than in persola; prothorax shorter, more transverse, otherwise similar but not impressed at base, the median line very finely and feebly impressed ; elytra and abdomen nearly similar, the former much less transverse, the suture much longer than the prothorax, the basal abdom- inal segments less impressed at base; mesosternal process less finely aciculate at tip, the legs and tarsi nearly similar. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.58 mm. Oregon (Portland). Readily distinguishable from the preceding by the very slender and subfiliform antennae, form of the head and prothorax, longer elytra and other characters. Paradilacra uintana n. sp. — Slender, very moderately convex, dull, almost black throughout, the legs rufo-piceous to paler distally; head nearly as in the preceding, the antennae very slender but not quite so filiform, the joints elongate, eight to ten from as long as wide to nearly so, the last almost as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated, the latter slightly the shorter; prothorax nearly as in willametta but less transverse and with the sides subparallel and moderately but almost evenly rounded, much wider than the head and only slightly narrower than the elytra, very finely, feebly impressed along the median line; elytra but very little wider than long, much longer than the prothorax, the suture only faintly impressed very near the scutellum; abdomen similar; sterna nearly as in persola but with the metasternal projection more elongate and more acutely angulate; three basal joints of the hind tarsi decreasing uniformly and rapidly in length. Length 2.1-2.25 mm.; width 0.53 mm. Utah (Milford) and Nevada (Elko), — YVickham. 74 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. This species is distinguishable from persola by its smaller size and more slender form, structure of the head and prothorax and much longer elytra, and, from willametta, by the less transverse, more parallel and laterally more evenly rounded prothorax and less filiform antennae. Paradilacra glenorica n. sp. — More slender than in any of the preceding, moderately convex, nearly similar in coloration and sculpture, the legs piceo- testaceous throughout; head slightly transverse, the eyes moderately con- vex, at their own length from the base, the tempora parallel and nearly straight to the basal angles, not at all more prominent than the eyes; an- tennae feebly incrassate distally, the eighth joint nearly as long as wide, the tenth perceptibly wider than long, the second and third much elongated, the latter evidently the shorter; prothorax distinctly wider than the head, though much less pronouncedly so than in any of the preceding, also only slightly narrower than the elytra, transverse, the parallel sides subevenly and moderately arcuate, slightly straighter basally, widest a little before the middle, the basal impression very feeble; elytra distinctly transverse, the suture very evidently longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, slender, perfectly parallel, with straight sides as usual; sterna nearly as in persola, the three basal joints of the hind tarsi gradually and only moderately decreasing in length. Length 2.2 mm. ; width 0.48 mm. British Columbia (Glenora and Kamloops), — Wickham. This is the most slender of the four species and is rather more parallel, the head being relatively better developed. Another species of this genus is represented in my cabinet by a single very immature individual from Napa Co., California. Tarphiota Csy. The most remarkable characters of this genus, among the other allies of Atheta, are the form of the metasternum about the middle coxae and the proportionally very long second antennal joint, which is as long as the next two combined or very nearly. The middle acetabula are not margined and defined by a sharp line as is almost invariably the case, but are indefinitely limited in the metasternum, the latter advancing between the coxae and forming an attenuated apex, which gradually descends beneath the acute point of the meso- sternal process, becoming more compressed but without trace of the acute limiting line which usually defines the angulate metasternal projection. There can be no doubt that Tarphiota is a genus dis- tinct from A theta or any of its subgenera. The species are moder- ately numerous and exhibit great diversity in size. They all in- STAPHYLINID^E. 75 habit the ocean beaches from Alaska to Lower California and, besides fucicola Makl., and the type of the genus, pallidipes Csy., there are in my collection five other species as follows: Tarphiota debilicollis n. sp.— General form and size, sculpture and opacity as in pallidipes and fucicola, but with the pro thorax relatively much smaller; eyes at nearly their own length from the base; antennae similarly small, not longer than the head and prothorax, the latter shorter and more trans- verse, distinctly wider than the head but also much narrower than the elytra, similarly widest before the middle and rectilinearly narrowing basally; elytra also shorter and more transverse, though much longer than the pro- thorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel, with straight sides throughout, the reticulation similarly rather coarse but feeble, the lustre of its surface slightly shining, the fine punctures asperulate; legs very pale piceo-flavate. Length- (extended) 3.3 mm.; width 0.75 mm. Vancouver Island (Victoria), — Wickham. The legs in a good series of fucicola before me, from Queen Char- lotte Islands, are as constantly piceous in color as those of pallidipes are pale flavate, and this is a good character distinguishing these two species, which otherwise resemble each other considerably. The present species can be known at once by the smaller, shorter and more transverse prothorax and the more perfectly parallel abdomen. The four following species are minute when compared writh the preceding and, on first sight, might be thought to differ generically; but all the essential generic characters are reproduced in them. Tarphiota litorina n. sp. — Moderately slender, black and opaque, the ab- domen feebly shining, the legs and antennae piceous, the latter pale basally; head slightly transverse, orbicular, the eyes moderate; antennas short, throughout nearly as in the larger species; prothorax moderately transverse, evidently though not very greatly wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, the sides parallel, more evenly rounded but still evidently rather more prominent near apical third, the median line feebly and not very finely impressed; elytra parallel, nearly as long as wide, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen rather slender, much narrower than the elytra, almost perfectly parallel, the small asperulate punctures somewhat close. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.48 mm. California (San Francisco Bay). This species has the pubescence very short as usual, rather closely decumbent and not at all conspicuous, but in the following, wrhich I regard as a subspecies, the pubescence is notably long and shaggy: T. hirsutula n. subsp. — General form, coloration and dense opacity as in litorina, but a little smaller and with the dark gray and rather stiff pubescence distinctly longer and more conspicuous, the prothorax rather 76 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. shorter and perhaps slightly more narrowed basally, the elytra as long as wide, parallel and very much longer than the pro thorax; abdomen apparently tapering very feebly from base to apex as in fucicola. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.45 mm. California (Sta. Monica to San Diego). Tarphiota iota n. sp. — Very small and slender, piceous-black throughout and dull, the abdomen more shining and with the usual small asperulate punctures; antennae dusky-testaceous, the legs pale flavo-piceous; head moderate, the eyes at scarcely their own length from the base; antennae small, nearly as usual, except that the second joint is less elongate than in any of the preceding and not quite as long as the next two combined; pro- thorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, rounded at base, the sides almost evenly rounded but becoming more converging basally; elytra nearly as long as wide, very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen slender and parallel. Length 1.7 mm.; width 0.32 mm. California (San Francisco). The smallest and most slender species known to me, differing also in antennal structure to some degree as indicated above. Tarphiota insolita n. sp. — Form and size somewhat as in hirsiitula but more parallel, similarly black and dull, the pubescence stiff and similarly distinct; head larger than in the preceding, the antennae as in litorina, the eyes at less than their own length from the base, the setae very short as usual ; prothorax as usual, feebly narrowed toward base, less evidently wider than the head or narrower than the elytra than in the other species, the elytra not quite as long as wide, very much longer than the prothorax; abdomen rather less slender than usual though much narrower than the elytra, sim- ilarly punctulate, feebly narrowing apically. Length (contracted) 1.6 mm.; width 0.45 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands. Resembles litotina and hirsutula but with a rather larger head and notably wider abdomen. Tarphiota seditiosa n. sp. — Slender, moderately depressed, deep black, opaque, the reticulation very strong, rather coarse and polygonal but feeble on the slightly shining abdomen; legs and antennae blackish-piceous; punc- tures fine and obscure, but, on the elytra and especially toward the middle of the pronotum, there are comparatively large areolate punctures bearing the somewhat coarse plumbeous pubescence and not visible except under oblique view; head and antennae nearly as in insolita, the former relatively much smaller; prothorax similar but shorter and more notably wider than the head, evidently narrower than the elytra, narrowed toward base; elytra not so elongate, quite evidently shorter than wide, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen more slender, long and parallel. Length (extended) 2.3mm.; width 0.38 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands. Two similar specimens Distinguishable readily from insolita by its shorter prothorax, more slender form, rather stronger and closer areolate punctures of the pronotum and other features. STAPHYLINID^E. 77 Metaxya Rey. The elongated slender form of the body and closely contiguous middle coxse, long and usually much more slender antennae and the general habitus, all distinguish Metaxya very clearly from Atheta and most of its subgenera, and there seems to me very little doubt of the propriety of considering it a distinct genus in the Atheta series. The species are numerous and considerably diversified. Metaxya bellula n. sp. — Parallel, moderately shining, not very convex, the micro-reticulation distinct, the punctures very fine, rather close-set but inconspicuous, the pubescence short, palish but not at all conspicuous; head black, convex, rather shining, slightly transverse, the eyes at fully their own length from the base, the tempora not more prominent, broadly arcuate and converging to the base, the carinae distinct, not entire; antennae dusky rufous, brighter basally, rather long, gradually and markedly incrassate distally, the outer joints not quite as long as wide, the last as long as the preceding two, the second and third much elongated, the former distinctly the longer; prothorax piceo-rufotis, only slightly transverse, parallel and rounded at the sides though feebly subangulate before the middle, the apex rather narrower than the rounded base, much wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, the basal impression distinct; elytra and legs pale brownish-flavate, the former slightly dusky broadly about the scutellum, shorter than wide, the suture a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel, with straight sides, black, pale at apex and finely rufescent at the apices of the basal segments, the sixth tergite (cf) broadly rounded, the sixth ventral plate gradually narrowing, with evenly arcuate sides, the apex with a shallow circular sinus limited at each side by a distinct though only moderately prominent angle. Length 2.7-2.9 mm.; width 0.62 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). Evidently related to proterminata Bernh., but apparently more shining, with less conspicuous pubescence, a smaller head and less acute and prominent teeth limiting the sinus of the sixth male ventral plate. Metaxya discrepans n. sp. — More slender and less parallel, shining, the micro-reticulation rather feeble, the punctures very fine, close-set, more asperate and distinct on the elytra, the vestiture short, somewhat coarse, evident; color pale testaceous, the elytra more flavate, the head and abdomen rufo-piceous, the latter clouded with black before the apex; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes convex, anterior, the tempora much longer, rather less prominent, parallel, nearly straight, rounding only basally, the carinse very feeble, not entire; antennae pale, rather long and only very slightly incrassate, the outer joints fully as long as wide, the last not quite as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated, the former slightly the longer; prothorax small, nearly as long as wide, distinctly wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sides feebly arcuate, 78 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. widest well before the middle, not impressed; elytra almost as long as wide, much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, slightly narrower than the elytra, the sixth ventral plate (c?) gradually narrowing, with nearly straight sides, to the narrow and truncate apex, the angles blunt; mesosternal process very short, broadly angulate, the apex not at all pro- longed and rather blunt; basal joint of the hind tarsi evidently shorter than two to four, which are equal. Length 2.65 mm.; width 0.58 mm. Iowa (Keokuk). Very distinct from any other species in its small prothorax, pe- culiar head and male sexual characters. Metaxya invenusta n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, rather shining, the reticulation feeble, the punctures fine, asperulate but not close-set and very inconspicuous; color dark piceous, the head and abdomen black, the legs piceous; head moderately transverse, the eyes at rather more than their own length from the base, the tempera behind them at first parallel, then broadly rounding to the base, the carinse feeble, far from entire; an- tennae moderately long, rather slender, very feebly incrassate, black through- out, the outer joints nearly as long as wide, the second and third elongate, the former the longer as usual; prothorax very moderately transverse, dis- tinctly wider than the head and very evidently narrower than the elytra, the sides parallel .and evenly, moderately arcuate, widest at the middle, scarcely at all impressed; elytra moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel, with straight sides; mesosternal process broadly triangular but with the apex acicularly prolonged to the middle of the coxae, the metasternal projection short and broadly angulate; four basal joints of the hind tarsi moderately elongate, equal. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.65 mm. Utah (southwestern), -Weidt. This is a rather obscure species, not wholly typical in some respects like the preceding, though apparently not subgenerically different from Metaxya. The type is a female. Metaxya elusa n. sp. — Subparallel and very moderately convex, rather shining, the punctures fine and not dense; color piceous, the elytra paler and slightly more flavate, clouded about the scutellum, the head and abdomen black, the legs very pale, the antennae dark, paler basally; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes at fully one-half more than their own length from the base, the tempora parallel and broadly arcuate, being, at the middle, rather more prominent than the eyes, the carinse fine and not entire; antennae somewhat shorter than usual, gradually and moderately incrassate, the outer joints very obviously shorter than wide, the second and third much elongated and unequal as usual; prothorax but slightly wider than long, a little wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel, with the sides nearly straight, rounding anteriorly, the basal angles obtuse but evident, scarcely at all impressed; elytra but slightly wider than long, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel; meta- sternum transverse, very feebly and obtusely cuspid medially; four basal joints STAPHYLIXID/E. 79 of the hind tarsi equal. Length (strongly contracted) 1.9 mm.; width 0.45 mm. Iowa (Cedar Rapids), — Brendel. Distinguishable by its rather small size, antennae and subtrans- verse metasternum. Metaxya bracata n. sp. — Parallel, rather convex and shining, the punctu- ation very fine and inconspicuous; color dark piceous, the head and abdomen black, the latter paler only at the extreme tip and feebly along the apices of the basal segments, the elytra pale, dusky about the scutellum, the legs very pale; head moderately transverse, the eyes at distinctly more than their own length from the base, the tempora scarcely visibly swollen, the carinae very fine, feeble and far from entire; antennae red-brown, moderately long, rather stout, slightly incrassate, the outer joints evidently wider than long, the last not as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated and subequal, the third if anything a little longer and not, as usual, shorter than the second ; prothorax large, nearly as wide as the elytra, very distinctly wider than the head, parallel, with very feebly arcuate sides, which are grad- ually converging and more arcuate anteriorly, evidently wider than long, finely, feebly impressed along the median line and rather strongly before the scutellum; elytra slightly wider than long, the suture about a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel., the border narrowing rapidly on the fifth tergite, which is much longer than the fourth, the sixth broadly arcuato-truncate at tip, with rounded angles; four basal joints of the hind tarsi elongate, the first a little shorter than the second. Length 3.0 mm.; width 0.63 mm. Nevada (Reno). Two perfectly similar examples of this fine species, probably males, were taken by the writer near the Truckee River. Metaxya deceptor n. sp. — Much like the preceding in all its structural characters but somewhat more slender and less convex, less parallel, nearly similar in coloration but with the abdomen paler to a greater extent apically, the antennae not pale brown but black and more slender but otherwise nearly similar, the last joint still more evidently shorter than the two preceding; head distinctly smaller, the tempora evidently swollen behind the eyes, the carinae fine but almost entire; prothorax nearly similar but very much more greatly exceeding the head in width, not quite as wide as the elytra, the basal impression distinct; elytra shorter and more transverse, the suture but very little longer than the prothorax; abdomen similar throughout, the sixth ventral plate similarly broadly arcuato-truncate at tip. Length 3.0 mm.; width 0.6 mm. New Mexico (Gallup), — Wickham. Closely allied to bracata but readily separated by its relatively smaller head, shorter, more transverse elytra and blackish antennae. The type is probably a male. Metaxya discreta n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, rather shining the reticulation feeble, the punctures very fine, not close, inconspicuous the pubescence not dense, rather coarse; color dark piceous, the head and 8o MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. abdomen black, the latter barely perceptibly paler at apex, the elytra moder- ately pale, clouded near the scutellum, the legs very pale; head nearly as long as wide, the long parallel tempora arcuate and a little more prominent than the eyes, the carinae fine, extending only a little beyond the middle; antennse dark brown, rather short, gradually and distinctly incrassate, the outer joints rather transverse, the last oval, rapidly pointed and not as long as the two preceding, the third shorter than the second, both much elongated; prothorax very moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and obviously narrower than the elytra, somewhat prominently rounded at the sides and widest near apical third, thence feebly narrowing with straighter sides to the base, the median line wholly unimpressed, the basal impression moderate; elytra moderately transverse, the suture nearly a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fifth tergite, as usual, longer than the fourth, the sixth ventral plate in the type broadly arcuate at apex; metasternum not advancing between the coxee and feebly arcuate, the longitudinal sunken ridge between the coxae as usual very acute. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.6 mm. Nevada (Reno). I obtained a single specimen of this species near the Truckee River. It is not closely related to any other known to me, being readily identifiable by the rather short antennae, with transverse penulti- mate joints and other characters as stated. Metaxya adjuncta n. sp. — Moderately slender and convex, rather shining, the punctures very fine, closer and slightly more asperulate on the elytra, the vestiture somewhat scanty and inconspicuous; color black, the elytra very dark rufo-piceous, the legs pale flavate; head but little wider than long, the eyes at more than their own length from the base, the tempora not more prominent, parallel, then broadly rounding to the base, the carinae fine, not entire; antennae rather short, black, gradually and evidently incrassate, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the last about as long as the two pre- ceding, the second longer than the third; prothorax evidently wider than long, parallel and nearly straight at the sides, the latter slightly converging and rounding anteriorly, only a little wider than the head and obviously narrower than the elytra, the basal impression distinct, extending slightly along the median line; elytra large, wider than long, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, apparently narrowing very slightly apically, the small sixth ventral plate in the type evenly semi- circular; metasternum forming a broad but evident angle. Length 2.1 mm. ; width 0.55 mm. California (Lake Tahoe). A single example, probably female, of this small species was taken by the author twenty-four years ago. It is not closely related to any of the preceding. Metaxya fatua n. sp. — Nearly parallel, rather shining, piceous, the head darker, the abdomen largely black subapically, the legs very pale, the an- tennae dark brown, paler basally; pubescence rather coarse and distinct but not dense; head well developed, rather transverse, the tempora fully as STAPHYLINID/E. 81 long as the eyes and noticeably swollen, the carinae fine, not entire; antennae moderate in length, gradually and distinctly incrassate, the outer joints evidently transverse, the second longer than the third; prothorax transverse, much wider than the head, widest at apical third, where it is as wide as the base of the elytra and where the sides are rather strongly rounded, thence converging and straighter to the base, the basal angles almost obliterated, obtusely rounded, the surface moderately convex, almost unimpressed; elytra not quite as long as wide, much longer than the prothorax and not paler except toward the humeri; abdomen parallel, slightly narrower than the elytra, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.25 mm.; width 0.55 mm. California (Truckee). A small species of obscure coloration but of nearly normal paral- lel form. Metaxya famula n. sp. — Body more slender and much less parallel than in the preceding, the coloration nearly similar, the elytra uniform dark piceous; surface rather shining, the pubescence shorter and finer; head smaller, nearly as long as wide, the tempora longer than the eyes and scarcely visibly more prominent; antennae nearly similar but a little shorter, the outer joints distinctly transverse; prothorax much smaller, only a little wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, only slightly transverse, subparallel and almost evenly, feebly arcuate at the sides, unimpressed ; elytra moderately transverse, longer in the female, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sixth ventral rather broadly rounded (c?) or semicircularly so (9); tarsi as in fatua. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.5 mm. California (Lake Tahoe). This is an inconspicuous species of the same general type as the preceding, but differing in the smaller head and especially its much smaller prothorax; the elytra are so much longer in some examples than in others as to be inexplicable, except as a sexual peculiarity. Metaxya impotens n. sp. — Parallel, very moderately convex, somewhat shining, the punctures minute but asperulate, not very close-set even on the elytra; color piceous, the abdomen blackish except apically, the elytra pale, feebly clouded near the scutellum, the legs very pale flavate, the antennae red-brown; head well developed, distinctly wider than long, the tempora much longer and a little more prominent than the eyes, the carinae feeble and short; antennae moderately long, rather thick, feebly incrassate, the outer joints evidently wider than long, the last as long as the two preceding, the second longer than the third; prothorax large, moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and about as wide as the base of the elytra, parallel, widest well before the middle, where the sides are broadly arcuate, straighter basally, very obsoletely impressed along the middle; elytra nearly as long as wide, the straight sides feebly diverging from base to apex, distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel; metasternum transverse, not advancing, very feebly arcuate medi- ally; four basal joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.35 mm. Rhode Island. T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. 82 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. A small but distinct species having the characteristically parallel form of Metaxya. Specimens from Ithaca, New York, are very similar and perhaps identical, though apparently having the anten- nae a trifle shorter and the prothorax not so wide and rather less asperately punctate. Metaxya delectans n. sp. — Elongate, rather depressed, not parallel, feebly shining, the micro-reticulation distinct, the punctures minute and not close- set, the vestiture rather long and coarse; color piceous, the head and abdomen black, the latter pale apically, the elytra moderately pale, infumate basally, the legs pale piceo-flavate; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes unusually large, at about their own length from the base, the tempora subparallel and not as prominent as the eyes, then broadly rounded to the base, the carinae distinct though far from entire; antennae long and slender, very feebly and gradually incrassate, the outer joints nearly as long as wide, the last not quite as long as the two preceding, the second greatly elongated and longer than the third; prothorax about as long as wide, subparallel, the sides feebly, rather unevenly arcuate, distinctly wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, the sides just visibly most prominent near apical third, unimpressed; elytra large, very long, apparently longer than wide, nearly parallel, with straight sides, very much wider and longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sixth ventral plate (cf) prominent, the sides gradually and arcuately converging, the middle of the apex with a small and almost semicircular emargination, the limiting angles of which are sharp but not prominent; basal joint of the hind tarsi very slightly longer than the second. Length 3.3 mm.; width 0.68 mm. Oregon (Lane Co.). This very distinct species should perhaps be subgenerically sepa- rated from Metaxya, but there seem to be no very radical structural differences, notwithstanding the peculiarity of habitus. It is prob- ably related to californica Bernh., but not closely, as the head does not have an "unpunktierten Flech" at the middle, the pro- thorax much smaller and narrower and the elytra much more elon- gate. The two following species are apparently members of the Metaxya group, though some of their features are not so typical as in the European species: Metaxya plutonica n. sp. — Parallel, only feebly convex, deep black, the elytra scarcely visibly picescent, the legs piceous-black; vestiture fine, short, dark cinereous and inconspicuous, the punctures very fine, close but not asperate on the elytra; micro-reticulation distinct, finer and transversely wavy on the abdomen, the lustre moderately shin ng throughout; head large, transverse, rapidly widening to the base, the eyes rather small, much shorter and less prominent than the tempora, the carinae wholly obsolete; STAPHYLINID^;. 83 antennae long and heavy, gradually incrassate, all the joints longer than wide, the last not as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated, the latter the longer; prothorax moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head, but, at the middle, as wide as the base of the elytra, the sides parallel and evenly, rather strongly arcuate; elytra slightly shorter than wide, the sides feebly diverging from the base, much longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate laterally; abdomen long, slightly narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel, the first five tergites nearly equal in length; middle coxae almost contiguous, the metasternum not transverse but moderately angulate; tarsi slender, the basal joint of the posterior slightly shorter than the second. Length 3.2 mm.; width 0.68 mm. New Hampshire (Mt. Washington). At first this species seemed to be the angtisticornis, of Bernhauer, from the same region, but his description, in regard especially to the elytra, will not at all apply. The species is aberrant slightly in sternal structure. Metaxya subfusca n. sp. — Elongate, scarcely convex, alutaceous, very finely and closely micro-reticulate and very minutely, closely punctulate; vestiture rather dense, short; color piceous-brown, the head and abdomen, except the fine apices of the segments, black, the legs very pale; head but slightly transverse, parallel, with rounded basal angles as usual, the eyes at a little less than their own length from the base, the carinae short, ex- tending only to the middle; antennae dark brown, slightly paler basally, moderate in length, stout, very gradually and moderately incrassate, the outer joints slightly transverse, the last unusually short, not as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated, the latter slightly the longer; prothorax only slightly transverse, evidently though not greatly wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, parallel and mod- erately rounded at the sides; elytra only moderately transverse, much longer than the prothorax, the sides feebly diverging from base to apex; abdomen parallel, narrower than the elytra, elongate, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth, the sixth (9 ) rounded, the punctures minute, feeble and sparse; hind tarsi rather long, the first four joints equal, the first only very slightly shorter than the second; mesosternal process becoming extremely finely drawn out and aciculate, extending nearly to apical third of the coxae, which are con- tiguous over the depressed acute longitudinal ridge to the apex of the rather broad but angulate metasternum. Length 3.0 mm.; width 0.68 mm. Cali- fornia (Gualala, Mendocino Co.). A very distinct species, of which the type is apparently a female. Valenusa Csy., is a subgenus of Metaxya and not of Awischa, as previously announced. Aloconota Thorns. Although having an elongate form of body, somewhat as in Metaxya and quite unlike Atheta, and with the middle coxae contigu- ous or nearly so, also unlike the latter genus, the species of Aloconota 84 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. differ from Metaxya in having the metasternum more or less exten- sively produced between the coxae and acutely angulate. Disopora and probably Dinarosa, Taphrodota and Terasota should be con- sidered subgeneric groups of Aloconota. Aloconota admista n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, subparallel, somewhat alutaceous, the reticulation strong, the punctures very fine and not dense though asperulate, the abdomen transversely strigilate in wavy broken microscopic lines; vestiture rather short, evident; color dark rufo- piceous, the head and abdomen black, the legs pale piceo-flavate ; head well developed, with a small central impression, the tempora much longer than the rather small eyes and slightly more prominent, parallel and rounded, the carinae completely obsolete; antennae fuscous, paler basally, moderate in length, notably stout, moderately incrassate, the outer joints evidently transverse, the last almost as long as the two preceding, the elongate second and third equal; prothorax slightly transverse, widest well before the middle, where the sides are rounded, thence converging and straight to the obtuse but unrounded angles, anteriorly distinctly wider than the head and very nearly as wide as the elytral base, the median line rather broadly and dis- tinctly impressed; elytra moderately transverse, with slightly diverging sides, the punctures close and strongly asperulate, the suture a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel, the tergites one to five equal; mesosternal process not extending quite to the middle of the coxae, its apex very acute, the metasternal projection rather long, acutely angulate, separated from the former by a deeply sunken interval of much more than its own length. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.6 mm. Iowa (Cedar Rapids), — Brendel. The asperulate sculpture, general form of the prothorax and sombre coloration will render the identification of this species at all times certain. Alcconota incertula n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, rather shining, the punctures very fine and inconspicuous, stronger, dense and asperulate on the elytra; color piceous-black throughout, the elytra feebly paler only at the apex, especially externally, the legs very pale; head transversely orbicular, unimpressed, the tempora a little longer than the eyes, broadly rounding to the base, the carinae fine, strong and perfectly entire; antennae red-brown, paler basally, moderately short, slender basally, gradually rather strongly incrassate distally, the outer joints transverse, the last stout, grad- ually pointed, not quite as long as the two preceding, the second and third elongate, equal; prothorax slightly transverse, distinctly wider than the head and much narrower than the elytra, the parallel sides broadly angular well before the middle, very obsoletely impressed along the middle basally; elytra large, slightly wider than long, nearly parallel, much longer than the prothorax, the apices deeply sinuate externally abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, narrowing a little apically, the fifth tergite not as long as the fourth; sterna nearly as in the preceding species, the metasternal projection not quite so long or acute; basal joint of the hind tarsi slightly STAPHYLINID.E. 85 shorter than two to four, which are equal, the tarsal setae few in number but long and very stiff. Length 2.35 mm.; width 0.58 mm. Virginia (Fort Monroe). I am uncertain as to the position of this species but leave it under Aloconota for the present; it differs profoundly from the preceding in the unusually well developed infra-lateral cephalic carinse and in having a deep outer sinus at the apex of each elytron. The three following species constitute the subgenus Terasota Csy. Aloconota (Terasota) perdita n. sp. — Moderately stout, only slightly convex, somewhat alutaceous, the abdomen shining, the punctures fine, feebly as- perulate, dense, the pubescence short, not conspicuous; color piceous-black, the abdomen deep black, the elytra barely perceptibly less dark, the legs pale flavate; head well developed, slightly transverse, the tempora longer and fuller than the eyes, rounded and parallel; carinse completely wanting; antennae very long and slender, scarcely visibly and very gradually incrassate, all the joints notably elongate, the last long, gradually pointed, almost as long as the two preceding, the second and third relatively only moderately elongate, equal; prothorax rather small, moderately transverse, evidently wider than the head but much narrower than the elytra, widest at apical third, where the sides are somewhat prominently rounded, the base and apex equal in width; ante-scutellar impression large, transversely oval; elytra nearly as long as wide, subparallel, much longer than the prothorax, the outer sinus at the apices subobsolete; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel basally but evidently narrowing apically, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth; metasternal projection moderate in length, angulate; basal joint of the hind tarsi longer than any one of two to four. Length 2.9 mm.; width 0.65 mm. California (Gualala, Mendocino Co.). The three species preceding are very heterogeneous, and in a more detailed classification of the Athetids would be assigned to different genera or subgenera, of which Terasota is one. The present species differs from both of the preceding in its very long and slender antennae, wTith all the joints elongate, which is one of the distinctive characters of the subgenus. The male of perdita has a strong and slender discal tubercle on the fifth tergite, at about the central point of the disk and inclining backward, the sixth tergite with two approximate obtuse swollen median teeth, more approximate than either from a slender lateral process. Aloconota (Terasota) brunneipes Csy. — Slender, moderately convex, dark piceous, the abdomen blackish, slightly paler apically, the elytra not distinctly paler, the legs pale flavate; head rather small, slightly wider than long, the eyes rather large, prominent, the tempora of equal length and lateral prom- inence, parallel, then broadly rounding to the base, the carinse wholly wanting; 86 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. antennae long and very slender, all the joints elongate, the second and third long, equal; prothorax rather small, only slightly transverse, distinctly wider than the head and very much narrower than the elytra, widest and with the sides subprominently rounded before the middle, not definitely impressed; elytra slightly transverse, the punctures very fine and dense but not conspicuous, the suture much longer than the prothorax, the sinus of the elytral apices obsolescent; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, paral- lel, narrowing slightly apically, the fifth tergite (c?) with a slender tubercle at the centre, the sixth with characters almost exactly as in perdita, the sterna similar, the hind tarsi slender, with the first joint much longer than the second and following. Length 3.2 mm.; width 0.65 mm. Central New York. Differs from perdita in its more slender form but it is completely congeneric. The original type of this species, which was a female, was lost, but fortunately I found a male which serves for the above description. Aloconota (Terasota) intecta n. sp. — Slender but more parallel than the last, similar in coloration, lustre and pubescence, the close punctuation very fine; head very well developed, distinctly transverse, the eyes very convex and prominent, a little longer and decidedly more prominent than the tem- pora; central short canaliculation similar to that of the two preceding, the carinse fine but strong and completely entire; antennae rather long, very slender, dusky, paler basally, not incrassate but filiform, all the joints elon- gate, the tenth almost one-half longer than wide, the last equally slender, much shorter than the two preceding, the second and third relatively moder- ately more elongate, equal; prothorax larger, more transverse, slightly wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, the sides parallel, sub- evenly and very moderately arcuate, the median line feebly impressed basally; elytra distinctly shorter than wide though a third longer than the prothorax, the apices as in the preceding; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, not narrowing toward tip of the fifth tergite, the sixth (9) very large, semi- circular; sterna nearly as in the preceding, the basal joint of the hind tarsi, however, not longer than the second. Length 3.4 mm.; width 0.65 mm. North Carolina (Asheville). Described from a single female, which represents a species almost undoubtedly congeneric with the two pieceding, but differing re- markably in having well developed infra-lateral cephalic carinae and a basal joint of the hind taisi not longer than the second; the notably prominent and well developed eyes are also distinctive. Hydrosmecta Thorns. The following small frail insects are assigned to this genus, having, as in longula,»the middle coxae contiguous, the mesosternum short and the metasternum transverse and not projecting anteriorly; STAPHYLINID^E. 87 but they differ a good deal among themselves in antennal structure, the first two being congeneric with longula in this and other respects, but the last five are aberrant. Sexual characters are not distinct except in callidula. Hydrosmecta dulcis n. sp. — Slender, feebly convex, rather shining, ex- tremely minutely and closely but inconspicuously punctulate, the abdomen less closely; color dark piceous, the head and abdomen black, the elytra moderately pale, infuscate basally, the legs pale; pubescence short, close; head nearly as long as wide, parallel, rounded at base, the tempora fully as long as the eyes, which are setose and not prominent, the carinae wholly wanting; antennae rather pale red-brown, slender, rather long, only very feebly incrassate, the ninth joint almost, the tenth fully, as long as wide, the last elongate-oval, nearly as long as the two preceding, the second much elongated, distinctly longer than the third ; prothorax very slightly transverse, as wide as the head but evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel, slightly widest anteriorly, with the sides feebly arcuate, the median line very ob- soletely impressed ; elytra slightly transverse, much longer than the pro- thorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, linear, elongate, parallel and straight at the sides, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth. Length 1.75 mm.; width 0.3 mm. Wisconsin (Bayfield), — \Vickham. The ninth and tenth antennal joints are mutually less unequal and the eleventh relatively longer than in longula. Hydrosmecta caduca n. sp. — Very slender, scarcely at all convex, aluta- ceous, the abdomen more shining; color pale piceous-brown, the elytra still paler, the abdomen clouded, except basally and at apex, the legs pale flavate; sculpture very minute and close; head subquadrate, the eyes rather large, convex and prominent, fully as long as the rather less prominent tempora, the caring present but extremely short and basal; antennae rather pale, very long, slender and filiform, not incrassate, the ninth joint much longer than wide, the tenth still slightly longer, the last slender but much shorter than the two preceding, the second longer than the third; prothorax nearly as in dulcis; elytra about as long as wide, parallel, much longer as well as wider than the prothorax; abdomen only moderately narrower than the elytra, shorter, parallel though with somewhat arcuate sides; hind tarsi short, the four basal joints short and equal. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.27 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Readily distinguishable by its slender form and long slender fili- form antennae. Hydrosmecta callidula n. sp. — Larger and relatively stouter than either of the preceding, rather depressed, moderately shining, the punctures ex- tremely fine and close, sparse on the abdomen; color piceous, the elytra but little paler, the legs pale flavate; head rather large, nearly as long as wide, with an impressed central fovea, the eyes large, convex, more prominent than the rounding and converging tempora, the carinae fine but complete 88 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. and very distinct; antennae long, slender though gradually and very evi- dently incrassate, the ninth joint nearly, the tenth fully as long as wide, the last almost as long as the two preceding, the third shorter than the second ; pro thorax rather transverse and a little wider than the head, slightly though very distinctly narrower than the elytra, widest and with rather strongly rounded sides anteriorly, somewhat broadly, feebly impressed along the middle; elytra not as long as wide, much longer than the prothorax; ab- domen only moderately narrow, parallel, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth, the sixth (cf) rectilinearly truncate, the edge finely and feebly serrulate, the sixth ventral plate rather narrow, parabolic; middle coxae and sterna as in Atheta, the former not contiguous, the metasternum advancing and angulate between the coxae. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.4 mm. California (San Bernardino Mts.), — Fall. This species is not strictly a Hydrosmecta, but is much more closely allied to Atheta, not only in its sterna but in the fully de- veloped infra-lateral carinae of the head. In general facies, however, and particularly in its very long and slender antennae, it resembles the present genus, with which I leave it rather than propose another generic name. The two following species also are only provisionally placed in Hydrosmecta, as the antennae are widely different and purely Athetid. Hydrosmecta benigna n. sp. — Very slender, linear, feebly convex, slightly shining, the punctures very fine, close-set, coarser and more asperate but sparse on the abdomen; color rather pale piceous-brown throughout, the abdomen slightly blackish except basally and at apex, the elytra not paler, the legs pale flavate; head well developed, nearly as long as wide, the tem- pora somewhat swollen and as long as the eyes, the cannse fine but evident, not entire; antennas infuscate, rather short, somewhat rapidly and distinctly incrassate, the outer joints very evidently transverse, the last nearly as long as the two preceding, the second much longer than the third; prothorax slightly wider than long, only just visibly wider than the head, a little nar- rower than the elytra, widest anteriorly, where the sides are subprominently rounded, the median line feebly impressed basally; elytra not quite as long as wide, distinctly longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel and linear, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth; middle coxae subcontiguous, the mesosternum short, the metasternum transverse, only very slightly subangulate medially; hind tarsi rather short, the four basal joints equal. Length 1.7 mm.; width 0.31 mm. California (Fisk's Mill, Sonoma Co.). This species and the following will also have to be removed ultimately and placed near Atheta, but I leave them here for the present because of their slender linear form, short metasternum and other characters that suggest Hydrosmecta. STAPHYLINID^E. 89 Hydrosmecta jugalis n. sp. — Coloration, sculpture and the inconspicuous vestiture as in the preceding, the form more slender; head and carinae nearly similar, the tempora similarly rather swollen but longer, the eyes smaller, much shorter than the tempora; antennae similarly short and distinctly incrassate but less strongly so, the outer joints distinctly less transverse; prothorax similar, only very little wider than the head; elytra about as long as wide, parallel, distinctly wider and very much longer than the prothorax, parallel, nearly flat, the apices, as in all the preceding, without sinus near the sides; abdomen at base nearly as wide as the elytra, at the apex of the fifth tergite slightly wider than the elytra, the diverging sides perfectly straight, the fifth tergite longer than the fourth; middle coxae contiguous, the metasternal margin transverse; tarsi rather short, the first four joints but slightly elongate and equal. Length 1.65 mm.; width 0.28 mm. Cali- fornia (Booneville, Mendocino Co.). The peculiar form of the abdomen, increasing in width posteriorly and widest at the apex of the fifth segment, will distinguish this species very readily from the preceding, with which it is evidently closely allied. The Hydrosmectina subtilior, of Bernhauer, is probably a Thec- turota. The two following species are also appended and placed provi- sionally in Hydrosmecta. Hydrosmecta subparilis n. sp. — Rather feebly convex, alutaceous, black, the abdomen most deeply so, the elytra blackish-piceous, the legs flavo- piceous; punctures very minute and close-set, larger and asperate but not so dense on the abdomen ; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes large, prom- inent, at much less than their own length from the base, the tempora less prominent, the carinae fine but nearly complete; antennae long, gradually feebly incrassate, blackish throughout, the first three joints long, very slowly decreasing in length, all the other joints longer than wide, except the tenth which is as long as wide, the eleventh slender, as long as the two preceding; prothorax only very moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytral base, widest near apical third, where the sides are rather strongly rounded, thence converging slightly and straighter to the base, having a small transverse impression at base; elytra but slightly wider than long, parallel, the suture fully one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen only a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, asperately punctate to the tip, the fifth tergite a little longer than the fourth; hind tarsi rather short, the first four joints subequal. Length 2.2 mm.; width 0.43 mm. California (Booneville, Mendocino Co.). The sterna and middle coxae are obscured in the type by gum, but the general facies and the antennas indicate that the species belongs in this part of the Athetid series, though it is certainly not a typical Hydiosmecta. 9Q MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Hydrosmecta rarula n. sp. — Slender, subparallel, moderately convex, rather shining, dark testaceous, the elytra more yellowish; head and abdomen black or nearly so, the latter feebly rufescent basally and very pale at apex, the legs pale; head nearly as long as wide, feebly inflated basally, the eyes at rather more than their own length from the base, the carinae very fine and feeble but subentire; antennae moderately long, somewhat thick and very gradually incrassate, fuscous, pale basally, the second joint as long as the first but thinner, the third shorter, the fourth evidently as long as wide, the fifth cylindric, fully as long as wide, the outer joints distinctly wider than long, the last rather small, ogival, not as long as the two preceding; prothorax very moderately transverse, widest near apical third, where the sides are rounded, the sides more converging and straighter basally, slightly wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytral base, the median line finely but distinctly impressed throughout; elytra slightly transverse, with very feebly diverging sides, the suture nearly one-half longer than the prothorax, the apices feebly sinuato-truncate externally; abdomen rather long and slender, perfectly parallel, with straight sides, finely, sparsely punctate, the fifth tergite slightly longer than the fourth; middle coxae con- tiguous, the mesosternal process extremely short, not extending to the middle and finely cuspid at tip, separated from the transverse and feebly arcuate metasternum by a very large deep excavation. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.35 mm. New York (Ithaca). The punctures throughout are very fine and not dense, becoming closer but only feebly asperulate on the less shining elytra. Noverota n. gen. The middle coxae are contiguous, the mesosternum short and broadly angulate, the metasternum tiansverse, not advancing ante- riorly, these characters being as in Hydrosmecta; but the body is not so slender, the antennae very strongly incrassate and stout as a rule, the facets of the eye variable, being sometimes rather coarse, and the hind tarsi have the joints decreasing slowly in length, with the first more or less evidently longer than the second, except in scenica, where the first four joints are equal. The coloration is a somewhat notable feature. The first species may be regaided as the type, as in all other cases where the type is not specifically named : Noverota ornatella n. sp. — Moderately slender and convex, shining, the reticulation obsolete, the abdomen without trace of any form of ground sculpture; punctures rather coarse but not asperate, close-set, the abdomen with conspicuous and rather close-set asperate punctures; vestiture not conspicuous; color pale testaceous, the head and elytra somewhat darker, the latter with a pale apical border, the pale abdomen with a black cloud on the third and fourth tergites, the legs pale; head closely cribrate, subquad- STAPHYLINID/E. 91 rate, the eyes moderate, at much more than their own length from the base, convex, the facets moderate, the long tempora parallel, not so prominent as the eyes, the carinae distinct, entire; antennas rather short, gradually distinctly though moderately incrassate, the ninth joint transverse, the longer tenth nearly as long as wide, the last large, ogivally pointed, longer than the two preceding, the second and third only very moderately elongate, the latter slightly the shorter; prothorax rather large, slightly transverse, much wider than the head, subequal in width to the elytra, parallel, the sides just visibly arcuate, the angles all distinct, unimpressed; elytra rather trans- verse, the suture evidently longer than the prothorax; abdomen only very little narrower than the elytra, with thick margins, parallel, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth; hind tarsi rather long, plentifully setose. Length 1.7 mm.; width 0.37 mm. New Jersey. The striking coloration, transversely parallelogrammic prothorax and asperate punctures of the abdomen, will readily identify this species. Noverota decora n. sp. — Slender, shining, the sculpture nearly as in the preceding, the vestiture sparse and inconspicuous; color pale rufo-piceous, the head blackish, the elytra rather dark drab, with a broad and even, pale apical border; abdomen throughout bright rufous, the fourth tergite with a small black cloud, the legs flavate; head wider than long, the eyes convex, very coarsely and densely faceted, at their own length from the base, the tempora less prominent, parallel, then broadly rounded to the base, the carinae feeble but entire; antennae fuscous, pale basally, moderately short, gradually incrassate, the ninth joint transverse, the tehth much longer, nearly as long as wide, the last oval, as long as the two preceding, the second and third notably- elongate, equal ; prothorax very moderately transverse, wider than the head, not quite so wide as the elytra, parallel, with very feebly arcuate sides, the base more rounded than in the preceding, unimpressed; elytra rather short and transverse, the suture evidently longer than the prothorax; abdomen slender, with rather thick margins, much narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fifth tergite very much longer than the fourth; tarsi slender, the first joint of the posterior notably longer than the second. Length 1.62 mm.; width 0.28 mm. Mississippi (Vicksburg). Distinguishable at once from ornatella by the larger, more coarsely faceted eyes, more elongate second and third antennal joints, more slender form of body and other features. Noverota improvisa n. sp. — Coloration and sculpture nearly as in decora, the punctures on the head and pronotum rather smaller and less close than in ornatella; head slightly wider than long, the eyes rather shorter than the tempora and equally prominent, moderately coarsely faceted, the carinae entire, the antennae shorter, more slender, only slightly incrassate, the ninth and tenth joints mutually similar and distinctly transverse, the last ogivally pointed and longer than the two preceding, the second much elongated, longer than the third; prothorax moderately transverse, distinctly wider than 92 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sides rather more arcuate near apical third, where it is evidently widest, unimpressed; elytra moderately transverse, evidently longer than the prothorax; abdomen nearly as in the preceding, except that the margin ends before the middle of the fifth tergite in a very exceptional manner; tarsi almost similar. Length 2.0 mm; width 0.3 mm. Texas (Del Rio), — Wickham. The antennae, form of the prothorax and abdominal structiue separate this species from decora veiy clearly, although the colora- tion and sculpture are almost identical. Noverota personata n. sp. — Rather slender, moderately convex, shining, the reticulation very feeble, the ground sculpture of the abdomen coarsely but feebly micro-reticulate; punctures very fine throughout and not dense, the abdomen almost punctureless; color pale yellow-brown, the abdomen black, except the two basal segments, the legs very pale; head parallel, transverse, convex, nearly smooth, the eyes rather convex, shorter than the tempora but equally prominent, the facets moderate though strongly convex and contiguous, the carinse wholly obsolete; antenna? gradually in- crassate and very thick, the outer joints mutually similar and distinctly transverse, the last stouter, obtusely, ogivally pointed, fully as long as the two preceding, the second and third much elongated and equal; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head and narrrower than the elytra, widest but with the sides broadly rounded near apical third, the basal impression extremely small and feeble; elytra a little shorter than wide, much longer than the prothorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fifth tergite barely as long as the fourth. Length 1.9 mm.; width 0.35 mm. Virginia (Norfolk). This species is at least subgenerically different from the three preceding, but to name all the groups which occur in our fauna would necessitate more than a hundred separate genera and sub- genera. Noverota Clemens n. sp. — Slender, more depressed, less shining, the micro- reticulation distinct, that of the abdomen much finer than in personata; head and abdomen blackish-piceous, the latter pale basally and at apex, the pro- thorax red-brown, the elytra and legs wholly pale flavate; head slightly transverse, the eyes rather convex, finely but strongly, densely faceted, at much more than their own length from the base, the tempora parallel, rounded and a little more prominent, the carinse fine, extending to the middle; an- tennae piceous, paler basally, rather slender, feebly and very gradually in- crassate, rather long, the outer joints mutually similar in form, obviously transverse, the last rapidly pointed, not stouter, nearly as long as the two preceding, the second and third elongate, the latter slightly the shorter; prothorax rather transverse, almost similar in outline to that of the pre- ceding but less convex and with a distinctly impressed median line extending anteriorly slightly beyond the middle, distinctly wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, the latter slightly shorter than wide, much STAPHYLINID.E. 93 longer than the pro thorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fifth tergite notably longer than the fourth; margins rather thin through- out, the punctures fine and sparse. Length 2.25 mm.; width 0.35 mm. Wisconsin (Bayfield) , — Wickham. May be known by its rather flat upper surface, coloration and other characters as outlined above. Noverota finitima n. sp. — Coloration and sculpture throughout nearly as in clemens; head relatively much larger, slightly transverse, the eyes larger, at barely their own length from the base, similarly finely faceted, the tempora equally prominent, parallel, then broadly rounding to the base, the carinae fine, extending slightly beyond the middle in the type; antennae rather short, more rapidly and strongly incrassate, the outer joints mutually similar in form and strongly transverse, the second and third much elongated, the latter slightly the shorter; prothorax nearly as in the preceding in form but more parallel, with feebly arcuate sides, not so obviously widest anteriorly, nearly as wide as the elytra and only just visibly wider than the head, the entire median line very finely and faintly impressed; elytra much smaller than in clemens, shorter than wide, distinctly longer than the prothorax, the suture impressed almost throughout the length; abdomen almost similar but shorter, with the fifth tergite but little longer than the fourth. Length 1.65 mm.; width 0.3 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). While resembling the preceding in general characters, this species is shorter, much more parallel and has the antennae shorter and evidently more strongly incrassate. Noverota scenica n. sp. — Coloration and sculpture nearly as in finitima, the body much larger and stouter, moderately convex; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes rather convex, much shorter than the tempora, the latter scarcely more prominent, long, arcuate, then rounding to the base, the facets small, convex though slightly isolated, the carinae very short and basal; antennae rather long and very thick, gradually incrassate, piceous-brown, paler basally, the outer joints mutually similar in form but increasing rapidly in size, distinctly wider than long, the last not as long as the two preceding, the second much elongated, a little longer than the third; prothorax nearly as in finitima but only very slightly transverse, very obviously wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, the median line extremely finely and feebly impressed from before the middle to the base; elytra not quite as long as wide, much longer than the prothorax, the suture impressed only near the scutellum, the apices as in the preceding, not sinuate externally; abdomen narrower than the elytra but not slender, the margins rather thin, parallel and straight, the fifth tergite distinctly longer than the fourth. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.45 mm. New York (near the city). The sexual characters of the male are not obvious on the dorsal surface, but, as in Metaxya, are sometimes evident in the sixth ventral plate, which in this species is broad, feebly narrowed pos- 94 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. teriorly, with the apex truncate medially, the angles very broadly rounded. Omegalia n. gen. The minute species of this genus are intensely black throughout and have the abdomen very finely and densely punctulate as in Paradilacra, but with a very different structure of the sterna, the middle coxae being contiguous, the mesosternum short and broadly triangular and the metasternum transverse, not at all projecting anteriorly. The tarsi are of peculiar structure as shown below. So far as known these obscure allies of Metaxya are confined to the high Sierras. Omegalia abjecta n. sp. — Slender, moderately convex, not parallel, deep black throughout, the legs and antennae also black or but feebly picescent, rather dull in lustre, the punctulation very minute and dense and but little less dense on the abdomen, which is also strongly alutaceous; head nearly as long as wide, somewhat swollen basally, the eyes at much more than their own length from the base, the carinae wanting except at the extreme base; antennae rather short and stout, moderately incrassate, the outer joints strongly transverse, mutually similar in form, the last oval, obtuse, longer than the two preceding, the second moderately elongate, subcylindric, the third shorter, strongly obconic; pro thorax convex, only slightly transverse, much wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, the parallel sides subevenly and moderately arcuate, more rounding anteriorly to the apex, which is not quite so wide as the more rounded base, unimpressed; elytra slightly shorter than wide, much longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate laterally; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, parallel, the thick border becoming gradually thinner posteriorly, the fifth tergite much longer than the fourth, the sixth broad, obtuse; hind tarsi slender, the first three joints decreasing rapidly in length, the first long and slender, much longer than the second and the latter correspondingly longer than the third. Length 1.72 mm.; width 0.32 mm. California (Truckee and Lake Tahoe). Distinguishable by its small size, fine and dense sculpture and completely black coloration. Omegalia vieta n. sp.— Similar to abjecta in its deep black coloration, more slender and rather more shining, the micro-reticulation feebler, the abdomen similarly densely punctulate and the vestiture short, dark cinereous and inconspicuous; head about as long as wide, not swollen basally but perfectly parallel, the tempora very much longer than the convex eyes Taut similar in prominence, nearly straight, rounding at base, the basal margin not turned forward beneath to form the carinae; antennae similar, feebly incrassate, the outer joints rather less transverse; prothorax smaller, scarcely visibly wider than long, parallel, with broadly rounded sides, only slightly though evidently wider than the head, much narrower than the elytra, the latter very STAPHYLINID.E. 95 nearly as long as wide, with similarly feebly diverging sides; abdomen and hind tarsi also similar, the former evidently narrower. Length 1.65 mm.; width 0.27 mm. California (Placer Co. — without more definite statement of locality). Differs from the preceding very notably in its much more slender outline, form of the head and other characters. lotota n. gen. The species of this group are minute and nearly parallel, having the middle coxae contiguour, the mesosternum short, the metasternum transverse as in Metaxya and not more than feebly arcuate medially, the infra-lateral cephalic carinae wanting and the elytra very short, their apices scarcely at all sinuate laterally; thetype is the following : lotota tepida n. sp.- — Parallel, moderately convex, slightly shining, the micro-reticulation rather strong, coarser but feeble on the shining abdomen, the punctures asperulate and close-set, the vestiture rather coarse; uniform piceous-brown in color, the legs concolorous, the abdomen blackish; head nearly as long as wide; oval, being gradually and feebly dilated basally, the eyes small, not prominent, at nearly twice their own length from the base; antennae short, moderately stout, gradually incrassate, the outer joints transverse, the last obtuse, as long as the two preceding, the first joint com- pressed, the second elongate, very much longer than the third; prothorax large, moderately transverse, evidently wider than the head and fully as wide as the elytra if not wider, parallel, the sides slightly arcuate, the median line rather broadly, feebly impressed throughout; elytra short and transverse, the suture impressed throughout and evidently shorter than the prothorax; abdomen parallel, as wide as the elytra, finely, sparsely punctulate, the sixth ventral (cf) not much produced and semicircular; hind tarsi slender, the first four joints equal. Length 1.3 mm.; width 0.26 mm. California (Lake Tahoe). Easily recognizable by its parallel and somewhat convex form, coloration and short elytra. The following species is placed in lotota, though it certainly cannot remain there: lotota unica n. sp. — Very much more slender, not so convex, rather duller, the punctures very fine and dense, not asperate; color black or slightly pices- cent throughout, the legs paler, piceous; head similar though not so convex, the antennae a little longer and rather slender, only very feebly incrassate, the outer joints unequal, the tenth longer than the ninth and only slightly transverse, the last narrower and more pointed and as long as the two pre- ceding, the basal joints nearly as in tepida; prothorax but slightly transverse. a little wider than the head and narrower than the elytra, the sides feebly converging from apex to base and very feebly arcuate, the median line only 96 MEMOIRS ox THE COLEOPTERA. very finely and obsoletely impressed; elytra subparallel, nearly as long as wide, the suture impressed finely at base, very much longer than the pro- thorax; abdomen parallel, long and slender, narrower at base than the elytra, apparently somewhat enlarged at the fifth segment, which is very much longer than the fourth, its surface very finely but closely punctulate though evidently shining. Length 1.4 mm.; width 0.22 mm. California (Lake Tahoe). It may be that this species should rather go in Hydrosmecta, but it would be aberrant in any known genus or subgenus. The meta- sternum behind the coxse forms a perfectly straight transverse line. Dinaraea Thorns. The following species seems as well placed in Dinarcea as anywhere else in the Metaxya series ; the middle coxse are closely contiguous through a large part of their course, and the hind tarsi long and slender, with the two basal joints equal. Dinaraea nomensis n. sp. — Somewhat stout, parallel, moderately convex, rather dull, the abdomen shining; punctures fine, rather close, asperate on the elytra; color piceous, the head and abdomen blackish, the legs pale; pubescence moderately short and coarse; head short, transverse, the sides strongly arcuate, a little broader basally; eyes small, not at all convex, at much more than twice their own length from the base, oblique, rounded anteriorly, pointed behind; carinae fine, irregular, extending to about the middle; antennae long, dark in color, gradually strongly incrassate, the ninth joint distinctly, the tenth only slightly transverse, the last gradually pointed, as long as the two preceding, the second moderately, the third much more, elongate; prothorax large, moderately transverse, much wider than the head and also rather wider than the elytra, parallel and evenly, distinctly rounded at the sides, the basal angles obtusely rounded; median impression strong from the middle to the base; elytra parallel, transverse, the suture equal in length to the prothorax, the apices not sinuate but rather arcuate ex- ternally; abdomen long, parallel, as wide as the elytra, the first five tergites subequal in length, the first two or three with pallescent apices, the punctures fine but distinct, rather numerous. Length 3.0 mm.; width 0.66 mm. Alaska (Nome). A strikingly distinct species, because of its short head and pe- culiar eyes, large, laterally rounded prothorax and many other characters. All of the species described to this point have the hypomera fully visible and nearly flat when viewed from the sides. In the following forms, through Synaptina, the hypomera are horizontal or virtually so and warped, so that from a lateral viewpoint they are in small part visible, because of the warping. STAPHYLINID^E. 97 Amischa Thorns. Amischa appears certainly to be a genus distinct from Atheta, not only in its oval head, subhorizontal hypomera and unmargined intermediate acetabula, the metasternum, as in Tarphiota and Pontomalota, being devoid of any appearance of the usual fine raised marginal line, but the entire facies is different as well. I have a very large series, from various localities, that seems to represent analis in this country, and, as is evidently the case in Europe, the individuals vary remarkably in the relative length of the elytra and in coloration; but in the sculpture of the abdomen they agree very well, this part being shining and with the asperate punctures moderately large and well defined ; in the two following species the abdominal punctures are fine and rather dense, giving a duller appearance: Amischa normalis n. sp. — Rather slender, convex and almost parallel, more or less pale piceo-testaceous throughout, the head darker, feebly shining, the sculpture very fine, rather close, the fine punctures of the abdomen closer than elsewhere and with the depressed pale pubescence longer and denser; head equilatero-triangular, with rounded sides, the eyes anterior and but feebly convex, the carinae wholly wanting; antennae ochreous, rather slender, short, feebly incrassate distally, the basal joint stout, the second fully as long but slender, much longer than the third, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last as long as the two preceding; prothorax moderately trans- verse, parallel, with evenly rounded sides, convex, having a rather large impression at base, much wider than the head, as wide as the elytral base; elytra moderate!}7 transverse, with diverging sides, the suture distinctly longer than the prothorax as a rule, the outer sinus at the apices moderate; abdomen a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, much longer than the anterior parts combined. Length 1.85 mm.; width 0.35 mm. New York (near the city). Very distinct from any of the varieties of analis by the abdominal characters. Amischa continentalis Bernh. — Nearly similar to normalis but with the abdomen less elongate and with the fine close-set punctures not so dense, the vestiture rather coarser and less close; color piceo-testaceous, the elytra more flavate, the head and abdomen blackish, the latter paler apically; head and prothorax nearly as in the preceding, the latter less transverse; elytra more parallel, the suture scarcely at all longer than the prothorax, the abdo- men relatively broader, almost as wide as the elytra, less dull than in nor- malis. Length 1.65-1.8 mm.; width 0.3-0.33 mm. Iowa (Cedar Rapids), — Brendel. This species is allied rather closely to normalis, but there can be T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. 98 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. but little doubt of the distinctness of the former in its slightly larger size, less parallel form, in its more transverse prothorax and longer, narrower and still more finely sculptured abdomen. Con- tinentalis is represented by a considerable series, it is much paler on the whole in coloration than analis. Colposura parviceps and angusta Csy., also belong to Amischa, and the two following species are allied to them: Amischa devincta n. sp. — Unusually stout, subparallel rather convex, slightly alutaceous, the sculpture fine, close, feebly asperulate, the abdomen more shining, with very minute punctures and distinctly imbricate sculpture, evenly piceous-brown in color, the head darker and the abdomen clouded; head nearly as long as wide, gradually wider basally, the eyes rather small and anterior, the carinas wanting; antennae rather slender, moderately short, very feebly incrassate, the basal joint not stout, cylindrical, as long as the second and not thicker, the latter but little longer than the third, the outer joints feebly transverse, the last obtuse, fully as long as the two preceding, the two basal joints pale, the remainder abruptly darker; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel, with evenly and distinctly rounded sides, very much wider than the head and about as wide as the elytra, the basal impression transversely oval ; elytra not very transverse, subparallel, the suture distinctly longer than the prothorax, the outer sinus at the apices evident; abdomen rather broad, a little narrower than the elytra, not much elongated, paral- lel, with the thick margins narrowing apically; tarsi very slender and filiform. Length 1.75 mm.; width 0.48 mm. California. Distinct in its very stout form and well developed elytra; it bears but little external resemblance to the eastern and European forms of the genus. Amischa colonia n. sp. — Moderately stout, convex, larger, black to piceous- black throughout, the legs paler though blackish-piceous, pale apically; sur- face feebly shining, the very fine asperulate punctures dense, the abdomen with closely placed, fine asperate punctures and imbricate sculpture, denser than in devincta and with the lustre duller; head small, triangular, with arcu- ate sides, but little wider than long, the eyes anterior; antennae a little longer, notably slender and scarcely at all incrassate distally, the basal joint not quite so long and but little thicker than the second, the latter much longer than the third, the outer joints compact, slightly transverse, the last a little thicker, rapidly pointed apically and fully as long as the two pre- ceding; prothorax very moderately transverse, much wider than the head, almost as wide as the elytra, distinctly narrower at apex than at base, the arcuate sides converging anteriorly, the impression transversely oval, moder- ately deep; elytra subparallel, with feebly arcuate sides, much longer than the prothorax and very moderately transverse, the outer sinus at the apices distinct; abdomen rather long, narrower than the elytra, parallel, with thick margins; tarsi slender and filiform. Length 1.75-2.2 mm.; width 0.38-0.45 mm. California (Fisk's Mill, Sonoma Co.). STAPHYLINID.E. 99 Very readily distinguishable from the preceding by its coloration, apically narrowed prothorax, denser abdominal sculpture and pubes- sence and still more slender antennae. Colposura Csy. This subgenus of Amischa is distinguished by the fine transverse raised line of the metasternum, which also surrounds the acetabula in the manner so general throughout the Athetid group. Its type is Colposura prcdonga Csy. The following is another species: Amischa (Colposura) tersa n. sp. — Very slender and only feebly convex, slightly shining, coarsely and strongly micro-reticulate, the punctures ex- tremely fine, not very dense, the abdomen as usual in Amischa, not reticu- late, but with imbricate sculpture, the punctures minute and not dense; vestiture very short; color pale flavo-testaceous, the head piceous basally and the abdomen indefinitely clouded except basally and apically, the legs pale; head triangular, with rounded sides, slightly wider than long, flattened above, the eyes not prominent, anterior, the carinae wanting; antennae pale, only feebly incrassate, short as usual, the basal joint about as long as the second though a little stouter, the second longer than the third, both obconic, the outer joints slightly wider than long; prothorax moderately transverse, a fourth wider than the head, as wide as the elytra, parallel, with feebly ar- cuate sides and broadly rounded base, the basal impression distinct; elytra short, the suture not quite so long as the prothorax, the outer sinus at the apices unusually feeble; abdomen long, parallel, about as wide as the elytra. Length 2.2 mm.; width 0.3 mm. Colorado (Colorado Springs),— Wickham. Closely allied to prcelonga but differing in the more obtusely rounded basal angles of the head, broader prothorax, the latter less prominent medially at apex and in the shorter elytra; in prcelonga the elytra are evidently longer than the prothorax. The neck in this genus is unusually narrow for the Athetids, being, in pr only about a third as wide as the head. Dimetrota Rey. The hypomera are here horizontal, but as before stated of the present section of Athetids, warped, so that a small portion is visible when viewed from the sides. The species are suggestive in some respects of the Acrotona section, but there the hypomera are so strongly inflexed as to be wholly invisible from a lateral viewpoint, Dimetrota is abundantly represented in America, though, as usual in an American extension of European genera, there are many aberrant forms which will probably have to be separated eventually. ioo MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. Dimetrota resima n. sp. — Stout, rather convex, slightly shining, finely, closely and asperately punctate, the abdomen with fine transverse strigi- latiform reticulation and fine, rather close-set punctures, shining; color black, the elytra pale piceo-flavate, infuscate apico-externally and suturally, more broadly toward base, the legs pale, the femora blackish; head rather transverse, parallel, the eyes prominent but at rather more than their own length from the base, the tempora not quite so prominent, the carinae distinct and entire; antennae black throughout, rather long and slender, very feebly incrassate, the first joint much longer than the second or third, which are equal, the fourth longer than wide, the tenth wider than long, the last dis- tinctly shorter than the two preceding; prothorax well developed, moder- ately transverse, much wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sides more convergent and rounded apically, the basal impression feeble, extended also briefly along the median line; elytra large, parallel, distinctly transverse though fully a third longer than the prothorax, the outer sinus at the apices broad and very feeble; abdomen rather short and broad, slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel basally but narrowing distinctly behind, the first five tergites subequal, the sixth (c?) truncate, with two external and two smaller medial teeth, the three intervals equal; mesosternum extending to the middle of the evidently separated coxae, the tip angulate but not aciculate or prolonged, free, separated from the somewhat short and parabolic metasternum by a rather long interval; four basal joints of the hind tarsi equal, the fifth longer than the two preceding. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.7 mm. California (San Alateo), — Baker. Identifiable by its stout form, sculpture and male sexual char- acters. It differs from fenyesi Bernh., by its narrower prothorax, black antenna and other characters. Dimetrota nuptalis n. sp. — Less stout, shining throughout, the fine as- perulate punctures rather close and conspicuous on the elytra, fine and well separated on the pronotum and abdomen; head blackish, the prothorax dark, the elytra a little paler, piceous-brown, the abdomen black, slightly rufescent basally and at apex, the legs pale brownish-flavate throughout; head transverse, nearly as in the preceding, the eyes at about their own length from the base, the tempora about equally prominent, the carinae fine but entire; antennae pale ochreous, only moderate in length, rather slender and very feebly incrassate, the second joint much longer than the third, the fourth distinctly elongate, the tenth nearly as long as wide, the last gradually finely pointed, almost as long as the two preceding; prothorax rather trans- verse, much wider than the head, as wide as the elytral base, the sides parallel and broadly rounded, somewhat more converging apically, the basal im- pression small and feeble; elytra rather short and transverse, with diverging sides, the suture a little longer than the prothorax, broadly impressed basally, the external sinus at the apices deep; abdomen a little narrower than the elytra, parallel basally, narrowing slightly toward tip, the two basal paler tergites shorter than three to five, which are equal. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.6 mm. Rhode Island. The type of this distinct species is probably a female; the coxae STAPHYLINID^E. 101 are rather less separated than in resima, and the coloration of the body, legs and antennae strikingly different. Dimetrota omissa n. sp. — Moderately slender, only slightly convex, shining, finely, asperulately punctate, sparsely except on the elytra, where the punctures are very dense but minute and the micro-reticulation evident, the latter obsolete on the pronotum, distinct and irregular on the abdomen; color black throughout, the elytra feebly picescent, the legs piceous, the tarsi pale; head slightly wider than long, the eyes moderately convex, at fully their own length from the base, the tempora not quite so prominent, the carinse very fine and only present at base; antennae blackish throughout, moderately short, gradually and evidently incrassate, the basal joint longer and a little stouter than the second, the latter a little longer than the third, both slender and gradually narrowed basally, the fourth slightly, the tenth distinctly transverse, the last pointed, scarcely so long as the two preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, evidently wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, slightly narrowed at apex, the impression obsoles- cent; elytra large, only slightly shorter than wide, the straight sides feebly diverging, the suture fully one-half longer than the prothorax, the apices not evidently sinuate laterally; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel, slightly narrowed through the fifth tergite only, this much longer than the fourth, the sixth broadly rounded and becoming feebly sinuate medially at tip in the type. Length 2.3 mm.; width 0.63 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands. Decidedly aberrant in sternal structure and in its subobsolete cephalic carinse; the coxae are rather narrowly separated, the meso- sternum gradually finely aciculate, extending nearly to their apical fourth and briefly separated from the rather long and acutely angu- late metasternum. Dimetrota vicaria n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, less shining, the surface throughout distinctly micro-reticulate, minutely and rather closely, subasperulately punctate, the abdomen less finely but more feebly reticulate, minutely, not densely punctulate and shining; coloration as in omissa, the elytra and legs a trifle paler; head flattened medially, the median line im- pressed basally, the form and the carina? nearly as in the preceding though a little smaller in size; antennae rather shorter and stouter, moderately in- crassate, the basal joint much longer and thicker than the second, the latter much longer than the third, which is very different in form, being strongly obconic, the outer joints moderately transverse, the last pointed, not quite so long as the two preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, much wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, nearly parallel, the sides broadly arcuate, not evidently impressed; elytra as in omissa but a little shorter, very much longer than the prothorax, transverse at the apices ex- ternally; abdomen nearly similar, the first segment more narrowed basally, the sixth tergite (cf ) broadly trapezoidal and a little more strongly reticulate and asperulate than the others, its apex truncate, gradually and feebly f 102 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. sinuate medially, with rather obtuse angles; first four joints of the hind tarsi equal. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.66 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands. This species, like the last, taken by Mr. J. H. Keen has the sterna somewhat similar, but the acute mesosternum, extending quite to apical third of the coxae, is fully twice as far removed from the much shorter and more broadly angulate metasternum; the antennas and sculpture also are notably different. Dimetrota vacunalis n. sp.- — Moderately stout, evidently convex, rather shining though feebly micro-reticulate throughout, the punctures very fine, rather close, sparser on the more shining abdomen, the palish pubescence rather coarse; color black, the elytra dark red-brown, black suturally toward base, the legs rufo-piceous, paler distally; head convex, slightly transverse, the eyes well developed, at barely their own length from the base, the tempera not quite so prominent, at first parallel, then broadly oblique to the base, which is three-fourths as wide as the head, the carinae rather pliciform than carinate, not quite entire; antennae blackish throughout, moderately short, somewhat strongly incrassate, the cylindrical basal joint not thicker than the second, the latter about as long as the third, the outer joints evidently transverse, the last rather longer than the two preceding; prothorax smaller and less transverse than u ual, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, the sides parallel and very evenly arcuate, the im- pression obsolete; elytra distinctly shorter than wide, the suture a third longer than the prothorax, the apices externally distinctly sinuate; abdomen rather short, distinctly narrower than the elytra, gradually and very feebly narrowed from base to apex, the fifth tergite not quite so long as the others; tarsi as usual, slender. Length 2.4 mm.; width 0.63 mm. California. In this distinct species, which is apparently represented by the female, the mesosternal process extends slightly behind the middle of the coxae and is unusually obtuse at tip, by no means acute or aciculate. Dimetrota sectator n. sp. — Rather stout and but slightly convex, slightly shining, the punctures very dense and strongly asperate though fine through- out, sparser on the more shining abdomen; color black or piceous-black throughout, the elytra but little paler, the legs piceous, paler distally; head rather large and transverse, the eyes large, moderately convex, at scarcely more than half their own length from the base, the carinae entire; antennae blackish throughout, somewhat short, moderately incrassate, the second jo'nt but little longer than the third, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the last grad- ually pointed and much longer than the two preceding; prothorax rather broad and transverse, distinctly wider than the head and very nearly as wide as the elytral base, the sides broadly rounded, feebly basally, more strongly and evidently converging anteriorly, the median line feebly, not finely im- pressed almost to the apex; elytra rather strongly transverse, the suture much longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate laterally; abdomen STAPHYLINID.E. 103 narrower than the elytra, parallel, the fifth segment trapezoidal and about as long as the preceding, its asperate punctures rather close; hind tarsi somewhat shorter than usual, the basal joint not quite as long as the second. Length 1.6-2.0 mm.; width 0.35-0.5 mm. California (Gilroy Hot Springs, Sta. Clara Co.). In the male the sixth tergite has, at each side of the rather narrow and simple transverse tip, a somewhat long and slender spicule. The mesosternal process extends slightly behind the mid- dle of the moderately separated coxae, with its apex angulate but not finely so and separated by a decidedly short interval from the large and angulate metasternal projection. Dimetrota retrusa n. sp. — Allied to the preceding and with nearly similar sternal structure, though the mesosternal point is still more blunt, but with relatively smaller head and pro thorax, almost similar throughout in coloration and in the dense asperulate punctulation, the elytra even less pale, blackish; head rather small, the eyes large and convex, at about half their own length from the base, the tempora less prominent, the antennae similar though a little longer and slightly less thickened distally ; prothorax narrower and more parallel, the apex and base of about equal width, the sides evenly and moder- ately arcuate, the median line finely impressed in more than basal half, much narrower than the elytra and correspondingly much wider than the head; elytra shorter and more transverse but with the suture about a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen as in sectator but still narrower. Length 1.7-2.2 mm.; width 045-0.58 mm. British Columbia (Metlakatla, 455), — Keen. The sexual characters are as in sectator, the spicule at each side of the truncate apex of the sixth male tergite being even longer and moie slender. Dimetrota vigilans n. sp. — Rather convex, not parallel, piceous-black, the elytra pale but clouded with blackish basally and along the suture and also externally toward each apical angle, the legs rather pale piceous; lustre alutaceous, the reticulation and fine dense asperulate punctures well developed, the abdomen finely strigilate in wavy transverse lines, the fine punctures close-set but sparse apically; head rather small, the eyes large, convex, at a little less than their own length from the base, the tempora rounding to the base and less prominent, the carinae subentire; antennae blackish, slender, moderate in length, only very feebly incrassate, the third joint longest, a little longer than the first and obviously longer than the second; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel, rounding and converging at the sides an- teriorly, much wider than the head and distinctly narrower than the elytra, the median line finely impressed throughout, more feebly anteriorly; elytra short and subparallel, though fully a fourth longer than the prothorax, the apices broadly and very feebly sinuate externally; abdomen narrower than the elytra, parallel basally, narrowing apically, the sixth tergite (c?) truncate IO4 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. at tip, with four equally spaced short cuspidiform teeth, the lateral but little larger than the median; tarsi long, the basal joint of the posterior a little shorter than the second. Length 3.2 mm.; width 0.73 mm. Cali- fornia (Pomona, Los Angeles Co.), — Fall. The gradually prolonged, narrow and sharp though scarcely acicu- late apex of the mesosternum, extends fully to apical fourth of the well separated coxae; it is very free and well separated from the short and broadly parabolic metasternum. This species can be easily recognized by the remarkably long third antennal joint, which reverses the usual rule in the genus. Dimetrota revoluta n. sp. — Small, subparallel, broad and feebly convex, rather shining though closely and subasperately punctate, the abdominal punctures unusually strong, close-set and asperate; color dark piceous, the legs pale; head slightly transverse, impressed on the median line, the eyes moderately large but not very prominent, at a little less than their own length from the base, the tempora rounding to the base; antennae slender and unusually long, only very feebly incrassate, blackish, pale basally, the first joint stouter and a little longer than the second, the latter distinctly shorter than the third but elongate, pedunculate basally, the outer joints fully as long as wide, the last acutely pointed, as long as the two preceding; pro thorax strongly transverse, much wider than the head and as wide as the elytral base, parallel and rounded at the sides, not impressed; elytra subparallel, moder- ately transverse, the suture impressed at base and nearly one-half longer than the prothorax, the apices evidently but not deeply sinuate externally; abdomen small, much narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel; four basal joints of the hind tarsi equal ; mesosternum extending a little behind the middle of the slightly separated coxae, its finely aciculate apex rather well separated from the small and equilatero-triangular metasternal projection. Length 1.5 mm.; width 0.45 mm. Idaho (Cceur d'Alene). This species is also aberrant in its long and slender antennas, short and broad prothorax and apparently less developed cephalic carinae; the type seems to be somewhat immature; the sixth ventral plate is small and narrowly rounded. Dimetrota resplendens n. sp. — Rather stout, moderately convex, strongly shining, the micro-reticulation everywhere evident but very feeble, the punctures minute, not asperate and rather sparse, well separated on the elytra; color piceous, the elytra slightly paler, the abdomen blackish, the legs pale; head slightly wider than long, the eyes moderate, convex, at fully their own length from the base, the tempora subparallel, less prominent, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae long and stout, gradually distinctly incrassate, the second joint slightly longer than the third, both elongate, the fourth longer than wide, the outer joints slightly wider than long, the last pointed, barely as long as the two preceding; prothorax large, rather transverse, much wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, STAPHYLINID^E. 105 with strongly rounded sides, the basal impression minute and subobsolete; elytra moderately short, the suture strongly impressed basally and a third longer than the prothorax, the apices not at all sinuate laterally; abdomen narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel and straight at the sides, polished, finely and sparsely punctulate; hind tarsi gradually and feebly tapering throughout, the first joint a little longer than the second; middle coxse rather widely separated by the broadly convex depressed ridge, the mesosternal point narrowly truncate, extending to their middle and well separated from the broadly and obtusely angulate metasternal projection. Length 2.6 mm.; width 0.73 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands, — Keen. Very readily distinguishable by the shining surface and the long, strongly incrassate antennse. The single specimen is rather im- mature and has no distinct sexual marks. Dimetrota novella n. sp. — Much smaller, rather stout and shining, the sculpture very fine, moderately close, transverse in wavy broken lines on the abdomen; color piceous, the elytra paler but infumate near the scutellum, the head and abdomen blackish, the latter slightly pale basally and at apex, the legs very pale; head wider than long, oval, the eyes very large, convex, at barely half their length from the base, the tempora converging and arcuate; neck slender, about a third as wide as the head, the carinse distinct, entire; antennse long, rather slender, gradually and very moderately incrassate, the second and third joints slender, equal, the outer slightly wider than long, the last rapidly pointed at tip, longer than the two preceding; prothorax moder- ately transverse, much wider than the head and evidently narrower than the elytra, parallel, with evenly and moderately arcuate sides, the median line very finely impressed, more strongly basally; elytra moderately short, with feebly diverging sides, the suture narrowly impressed at base, a third longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate; abdomen broad, slightly narrower than the elytra, parallel, with feebly arcuate sides, very slightly more narrowed apically, the first five tergites equal, finely, rather closely punctate, sparsely toward tip, polished; basal joint of the hind tarsi shorter than the second. Length 2.1 mm.; width 0.58 mm. New York (Willets Point, Long Island). This species is evidently aberrant and not a true Dimetrota,, though the hypomera are similarly horizontal and warped, a small portion only being visible laterally. Dimetrota sentiens n. sp. — More parallel, slightly convex and shining, the sculpture nearly as in the preceding, the type evidently immature, pale piceous throughout; head much larger, wider than long, the eyes and tempora similar, the carinae distinct, entire; antennse very long, extending to the tips of the elytra, gradually and very moderately incrassate distally, the third joint a little longer than the second, both very elongate, the remaining joints to the seventh more or less evidently longer than wide, eight to ten almost as long as wide, the last as in the preceding though barely longer than the two preceding; prothorax larger, similar in form though more convex, distinctly wider than the head and barely perceptibly narrower than the elytra, the io6 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. latter short and strongly transverse, the suture only just visibly longer than the prothorax, rather broadly impressed except apically; abdomen parallel and straight at the sides, not narrowed apically, narrower than the elytra, finely, somewhat closely punctulate almost throughout; basal joint of the hind tarsi much shorter than the second. Length 1.9 mm.; width 0.55 mm. Kansas (Onaga), — Warren Knaus. Evidently congeneric with novella but differing in the much larger head and prothorax, shorter elytra and still longer antennee; these species must be at least subgenerically separated from Dimetrota at some time in the future. Dalotia n. subgen. In this subgenus of Dimetrota, the hypomera are similarly hori- zontal and warped and the middle coxse are rather widely separated, the mesosternal process broad and circularly rounded at tip, ex- tending nearly to apical third of the coxae and but slightly removed from the unusually elongate and apically rounded metasternum. The hind tarsi are rather slender, with the first four joints equal. Dimetrota (Dalotia) pectorina n. sp. — Stout, subparallel, slightly convex, somewhat shining, the micro-reticulation rather feeble, finely transverse in wavy lines on the abdomen, the punctures minute, not close though close- set and asperulate on the elytra; color piceous, the elytra but little paler, the head and abdomen black; head small, orbicular, but little wider than long, the eyes moderate, at nearly their own length from the base, the tempora arcuately converging behind them, the base rounded, the neck slender, less than a third as wide as the head, the carinse fine, not quite entire; antennae rather short, very stout and somewhat strongly incrassate, the second joint but little longer than the third, which is one-half longer than wide, evenly and feebly obconic and not constricted at base, the outer joints rather strongly transverse, compact, the last as long as the two preceding ; prothorax fully one-half wider than long, nearly as wide as the elytra and very much wider than the head, parallel, with somewhat strongly arcuate sides and truncate apex, the median line rather broadly impressed, gradually more strongly from before the middle to the base ; elytra moderately transverse, the suture a third longer than the prothorax, the apices not sinuate; abdomen rather short and broad but narrower than the elytra, parallel, with very feebly arcuate sides, the first five tergites equal, the sixth (cf) truncate at tip, with a small rounded flattened tooth at each side, separated from the broad medial truncature by a small deep sinus and with a minute sinus at the middle of the truncature, flanked at each side by a very minute obtuse^ tooth. Length 1.9 mm.; width 0.5 mm. California (Sta. Cruz Mts.). Recognizable by the small and basally rounded head, rather short, thick antenna? and unusually complex male sexual characters. STAPHYLINID^E. 107 Dimetrota (Dalotia) crucialis n. sp. — Nearly as in the preceding in coloration and sculpture but a little stouter, the head notably larger and rather more transverse, the eyes at a little less than their own length from the base, much more prominent than the short and rounded tempora, the carinae similar; antennae black, paler basally, a little longer and still heavier, the joints five to eleven stouter, more parallel and less gradually increasing in width, the first almost as long as the next two combined, the latter mutually equal in length; prothorax similar in form, very distinctly, though less greatly, exceeding the head in width, slightly narrower than the elytra, the impression shallow, broad, oblong and subequal from before the middle to the base; elytra less abbreviated, parallel, the suture almost one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen almost similar though still broader, almost as wide as the elytra, the sixth tergite (d") similar, except that the median part of the apex, instead of being almost transverse, is here broadly sinuate and the small prominences bordering the minute median sinus, are broader, very feeble and obsolete, not discoverable except through knowledge of their existence in the preceding species; sterna nearly similar, except that the metasternal projection is much more acutely rounded at tip. Length i .8 mm. ; width 0.56 mm. California (Sta. Cruz Mts.). There can be but little doubt of the distinctness of these two species, though both inhabit the same locality; crucialis has a larger head, stouter and more parallel antennae, larger elytra, much more acute metasternal projection and a generally stouter form of body. Sableta n. gen. The body is here rather stout, fusoid and of pallid coloration, the middle coxae well separated, the mesosternal process short and very broad, not extending to the middle of the coxae and of peculiar form, being parabolic in outline and broadly rounded at tip, sepa- rated from the long and slender metasternum, which is narrowly blunt at apex, by a very short and narrowly convex, undepressed interval. The hind tarsi are well developed, with the first four joints equal, the claws very slender, long and straight, curved slightly only at apex. Sableta infulata n. sp. — Very moderately convex, shining, minutely and rather sparsely punctulate, not asperate, pale testaceous in color, the head and antenna? not materially darker, the elytra a little darker but with a broad and very pale basal margin, which is interrupted only at the base of the suture, the abdomen with a blackish band occupying the fourth tergite, the tip also blackish; head small, transverse, rounded at base, the eyes large, convex, the tempora rapidly arcuato-convergent, the carinae strong and almost entire; antennae moderately long, gradually feebly incrassate, the elongate second and third joints equal, the outer joints slightly transverse, the last io8 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. pointed and notably longer than the two preceding; prothorax rather trans- verse, truncate anteriorly, rounded basally, parallel, the sides nearly straight, rounding apically, the basal angles obtuse but not blunt, much wider than the head and about as wide as the elytral base, unimpressed; elytra rather short, strongly transverse, not sinuate at apex, the suture only very slightly longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, gradually and very evidently narrowed apically, the sixth tergite (cf) with four short apical teeth, the two medial continued obliquely forward in strong carinae, which include a flat depressed asperulate surface that is truncate at apex nearly at the apices of the teeth, the surface obliquely sloping laterally from the carinae and separated at apex from the larger lateral teeth at each side by a deep sinuosity, which is about as wide as the median interval. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.45 mm. Mississippi (Vicksburg). The coloration and remarkable sternal and sexual characters will distinguish this species at once. It is unfortunately represented at present by a single specimen. Canastota n. subgen. The coloration throughout this group of species is also pallid. The coxae are moderately separated, the mesosternal process passing behind their middle, prolonged, becoming parallel, with its rather wide and truncate apex separated from the rounded apex of the pronounced metasternal projection, by an extremely short interval. The hind tarsi are long, the first three joints decreasing slowly in length and the claws are very slender, only feebly arcuate. The type is the following: Sableta (Canastota) canadensis n. sp. — Rather stout, pale testaceous, the head and fourth tergite black or nearly so, the elytra more flavate, very in- definitely infumate postero-externally; surface slightly shining, the fine punctures rather close-set and asperulate throughout and conspicuously close and strong on the abdomen; head rather transverse, truncate at base, the eyes strongly convex, at about three-fourths of their length from the base, the tempora much less prominent and rapidly arcuato-converging, the carinse entire and unusually elevated; antennae very pale, rather short, rapidly and strongly incrassate, the second joint a little longer but thinner than the first and evidently longer than the third, the outer joints very strongly transverse, the last not longer than the two preceding; prothorax convex, much wider than the head and not quite as wide as the elytra, rather transverse, the parallel sides feebly arcuate but rounding anteriorly before the middle; elytra moderately transverse, the apices deeply sinuate externally, the suture nearly a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, the straight sides gradually and feebly converging from base to apex, the fifth tergite (cf) with a minute but strong median tubercle near the apex, the sixth with a rather large flat triangular tooth at each side of the apex, STAPHYLINID/E. 109 the latter between the teeth moderately sinuate and armed with four obtuse and slightly swollen, approximate and equidistant teeth. Length 2.1 mm.; width 0.63 mm. Canada (Toronto). To be known readily by the rather short, strongly and gradually incrassate antennae, coloration, sinuate elytral apices and by the pronounced male sexual characters. The cephalic carinse are very high and keel-like, much stronger than in any other species that can now be recalled. Sableta (Canastota) flaveola Mels.- — Somewhat similar but more parallel and more pubescent, the prothorax wider and more transverse, fully as wide as the elytra and with the disk infumate centrally, the elytra larger and almost one-half longer than the prothorax, the long mesosternal process still broader and rounded at tip, the metasternal projection much more broadly rounded and separated from the process by the same extremely short interval, not more than half as long as the subapical width of the meso- sternum. The tubercle of the fifth tergite (cf) is extremely minute and barely visible, and the four teeth of the apical sinus of the sixth, shorter and broadly rounded, with the two median relatively more widely separated, the lateral flat teeth much reduced. Length 1.9 mm.; width 0.62 mm. Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). The specimens which I took in the suburbs of Philadelphia, agree in every particular with Melsheimer's description. The elytra are blacker than in canadensis postero-externally and are also blackish along the suture basally. The antennae are rather rapidly and very strongly incrassate and thick distally. Sableta (Canastota) beatula n. sp. — Moderately stout and convex, rather shining, pale testaceous, the elytra more flavate, scarcely visibly infumate latero-apically, the pronotum feebly infumate apically at the middle; head and a large subapical abdominal cloud piceous-black, the legs pale; punctures fine, rather close, not so asperate as in flaveola; head wider than long, the eyes rather prominent, at about two-thirds their length from the base; an- tennae pale, gradually incrassate and moderately so for the present subgenus, the third joint shorter and more obconic than the second, the fourth trans- verse; prothorax transverse, parallel and only feebly arcuate at the sides, very strongly rounded at base, not quite as wide as the elytral base; elytra large, parallel, only slightly shorter than wide, the suture nearly one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen but little narrower than the elytra, very feebly tapering, the fifth tergite (c?) with a large flattened median tubercle near the apical margin, the remainder of the surface marked by numerous longitudinal folds or feeble carinse which are nearly as long as the segment, the sixth concealed in the type. Length 1.4 mm.; width 0.4 mm. Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). Allied to flaveola but diffeiing in its less dilated form, relatively no MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. less broad and more feebly punctate prothorax, less strongly incras- sate antennae and much larger tubercle of the fifth male tergite. Sableta (Canastota) ornator n. sp. — Less stout, moderately convex, rather shining, pale testaceous, the elytra not differing materially in tint and not infumate, the head and a large subapical abdominal cloud blackish, the legs pale; punctures very fine, not evidently asperate except on the elytra, where they are closer and strongly asperate; head wider than long, the eyes large, prominent, at but little more than half their length from the base, the tempora rapidly converging and arcuate behind them; antennae pale, nearly as in the preceding, short, gradually strongly incrassate, with very transverse subapical joints; prothorax strongly transverse, broadly rounded at base but subtruncate medially, parallel and strongly rounded at the sides, much wider than the head and as wide as the elytral base, with a small and rounded, very feeble impression at some distance from the basal margin; elytra rather transverse, subparallel, the apices broadly and feebly sinuate externally, the suture fully two-fifths longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, gradually and evenly but feebly tapering through- out, the fifth tergite (d71) unmodified, the sixth truncate at tip and with four small, short, rather acute and similar teeth, the two medial only a little more widely separated than either from the lateral, the latter slightly longer and feebly hollowed on their inner slope. Length 1.5 mm.; width 0.^4 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). To be easily known by its rather narrow form and by the male sexual characters. Sableta (Canastota) longiclava n. sp.— Parallel, moderately convex, shining, pale testaceous, the elytra paler and more silvery-flavate; head and a large subapical abdominal cloud dark piceous, the legs pale; punctures fine, well spaced, not strongly asperate and well separated even on the elytra; head wider than long, parallel at the sides, the eyes large, at much less than their own length from the base; antennae moderately short, slender and pale testaceous basally, the outer seven joints forming an abruptly very thick and parallel-sided club, fuscous in color, the last joint pointed and fully as long as the preceding two, the preceding six joints short and very strongly transverse; prothorax moderately transverse, the sides strongly rounded, gradually a little more converging anteriorly, the base conspicuously rounded, much wider than the head and fully as wide as the elytra, the median line broadly impressed from behind the middle almost to the apex; elytra well developed, subparallel, the suture fully a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel to the tip of the fifth tergite, which (cf) is not quite as long as the fourth and with numerous coarse longitudinal rugae, the sixth somewhat as in the preceding, except that the four teeth are stouter, the two median almost twice as widely separated as either from the lateral and the general surface of the tergite more uneven; the first three tergites are very strongly impressed at base. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.45 mm. Rhode Island (Boston Neck). Readily distinguishable by its more parallel form, male sexual characters and antennal structure. STAPHYLINID.E. 1 1 1 Sableta (Canastota) phrenetica n. sp. — Rather large, stout, parallel, convex, strongly shining, pale testaceous, the elytra more flavate, only very indefi- nitely and feebly infumate apically, the head and a small transverse subapical abdominal cloud piceous-black ; punctures fine, not very close, stronger and asperulate on the elytra, where the pubescence is rather long and distinct; head rather large, much wider than long, parallel at the sides, the eyes convex, at slightly less than their own length from the base; antennae rather long and heavy, very gradually incrassate and thick distally, fusco-testaceous, paler basally, the basal joint very much longer and thicker than the second, the latter scarcely longer than the third, the fourth moderately, the subapical joints strongly, transverse, the last large, pointed, longer than the two pre- ceding; prothorax large, convex, transverse, distinctly wider than the head, fully as wide as the elytral base, subparallel and moderately rounded at the sides, somewhat more rounded and narrowed anteriorly, with a feeble rounded impression at base; elytra rather transverse, with feebly diverging sides, the suture nearly a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen a little nar- rower than the elytra, parallel, with the thick margins abruptly obsolete on the fifth tergite, which is not quite as long as the fourth; sixth segmental plates abruptly a good deal narrower than the fifth; sexual characters not evident, the sixth ventral plate narrowly rounded at apex and the sixth tergite sinuato-truncate in the type. Length 2.0 mm.; width 0.65 mm. British Columbia (Metlakatla), — Keen. A very distinct species in its rather large size, stout form, longer antennae, which are however similarly very thick and gradually incrassate, rather large head and other characters. Sableta (Canastota) flaviventris n. sp. — Larger, strongly shining, the punc- tures very fine, not dense, very minute and comparatively sparse on the abdomen; color pale testaceous, the head piceous, the elytra rather more flavate, infumate postero-externally and along the suture basally, the ab- domen wholly pale but with all the segments rather darker basally than apically; head slightly transverse, more parallel, the eyes large, at much less than their own length from the base, the tempora at first equally prominent, then broadly rounded, the carinae very fine and far from entire; antennae longer than usual, gradually strongly incrassate, the first three joints equal in length, the first but little thicker, the outer joints distinctly transverse though much less so than in the flaveola type, the last long, cylindric, rapidly pointed at tip and longer than the two preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and very little narrower than the elytra, parallel, with feebly arcuate sides, more rounding at apex, the basal impression rather large but very feeble; elytra moderately transverse, the suture a third longer than the prothorax, the apices rather broadly but dis- tinctly sinuate externally; abdomen at base not quite as wide as the elytra, the straight sides feebly converging from base to the apex of the fifth segment; tarsi slender, nearly as in canadensis. Length 2.7 mm.; width 0.68 mm. Texas (Dallas), — Wickham. This species is decidedly aberrant when compared with the pre- ii2 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. ceding, for not only is the characteristic abdominal coloration of the subgenus wholly wanting, but the cephalic carinse and antennae are also unconformable. The mesosternal process is narrowed to apical third of the less separated coxae, its apex much narrower than usual and separated from the equilatero-triangular metasternal projection by a much less abbreviated interval. The type is a female. Anatheta n. subgen. The body is here almost parallel, with a great development of the prothorax, of which the hypomera are horizontal but warped, in such a way that a small part near the coxae is visible from a lateral viewpoint, as in the preceding divisions of this group. The sterna are concealed in my two unique types, but the hind tarsi in the first are long, the basal joint elongate, though evidently shorter than the second. The two specie? which are placed under this name are of peculiar appearance; the first may be regarded as the type. Sableta (Anatheta) planulicollis n. sp. — Subparallel, unusually depressed, dull in lustre, the minute sculpture dense and the fine punctures close, the latter strong, asperate and close-set on the more shining abdomen, where the reticulation is moderately coarse and somewhat transversely wavy; color testaceous, the head blackish, the elytra very faintly more flavate, the ab- domen blackish, with the apex and the fine apices of the first three tergites pale, the legs pale; pubescence abundant, pale, moderately short but coarse; head large, slightly transverse, subquadrate, parallel, the eyes at their own length from the base or more, the parallel and feebly arcuate tempora behind them equally prominent, the carinae fine, not quite entire; antennae pale, only the first six joints remaining in the type, the second much longer than the third; prothorax very moderately transverse, distinctly wider than the head and only just visibly narrower than the elytra, parallel, the sides only very slightly arcuate, rounding at apex, the obtuse basal angles slightly blunt, the surface unimpressed; elytra not much abbreviated, parallel, not sinuate at the apices, infumate toward the scutellum but not externally, the suture a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel, the fifth tergite pale except basally and much longer than the fourth. Length 2.5 mm.; width 0.58 mm. Kansas (Meade), — Knaus. The distinctive features of this species are the rather depressed and parallel form, coloration and dull lustre, as described above. The type seems to be a female. Sableta (Anatheta) curata n. sp. — Nearly parallel, more convex, slightly shining, the fine punctures scarcely distinct anteriorly, dense and asperate on the elytra, numerous but feeble on the abdomen, where the micro-reticu- STAPHYLINIDZE. 113 lation is unusually coarse and irregular; color piceous-black, the elytra piceous-brown, the abdomen pale at apex, the legs very pale throughout; head nearly as long as wide, somewhat oval or feebly swollen basally, the eyes rather small and not prominent, the carinae distinct and entire; antennae black, slightly pale basally, rather long, gradually and moderately incrassate, the basal joint longer and much stouter than the second, oval, the latter a little longer than the third, the outer joints compact, moderately transverse, the last subcylindric, rapidly obtusely pointed at tip and almost as long as the three preceding; prothorax very large, parallel, with very evenly and rather strongly arcuate sides, moderately transverse, much wider than the head and a little wider than any part of the elytra, the latter rather transverse, with feebly diverging sides, the apices not evidently sinuate externally, the suture distinctly shorter than the prothorax; abdomen at base as wide as the elytra, arcuately narrowing apically; hind tarsi very slender, filiform, the four basal joints equal. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.38 mm. Virginia (Fredericksburg) . This species is not congeneric with the preceding, but I will associate the two together for the present, instead of proposing another generic term. Taxicerella n. subgen. The minute type of this subgenus resembles Taxicera in the structure of the antennae, but has the middle coxae much less approx- imate, the mesosternal process not acute and aciculate at apex but obtuse and subtruncate, the metasternum behind the coxse not transverse and virtually straight as in Taxicera deplanata Grav., but prolonged anteriorly and sharply angulate. The hind tarsi are rather short, the first four joints equal. It is evidently allied in reality not to Taxicera, but to Sableta and Canastota. Sableta (Taxicerella) remissa n. sp. — Subparallel, moderately convex, rather shining, the micro-reticulation distinct, coarse but feeble on the abdomen, the punctures fine, well spaced, the vestiture rather coarse but inconspicuous; color dark piceo-testaceous throughout, the abdomen somewhat clouded except at apex and toward base; head quadrate, well developed, but little wider than long, the eyes convex and rather prominent, at about their own length from the base, the tempora straight and parallel and not so laterally prominent, the carinae fine, only visible basally; antennae short, gradually and rapidly, strongly incrassate, the basal joint much longer and thicker than the second, which is about twice as long as wide and subconstricted basally, as long as the third and fourth combined, the former but little longer than wide, obconic, the latter strongly transverse, the outer joints compact, very transverse, the last longer than the two preceding, the bristling sparse setae distinct throughout; prothorax strongly transverse, slightly widest apically but with the sides subevenly and moderately arcuate throughout, the median line finely and feebly impressed, evidently wider than the head and about as wide T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. I, Sept. 1910. H4 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. as the elytral base; elytra rather transverse, the suture impressed, much longer than the prothorax, the apices not definitely sinuate; abdomen rather short, perfectly parallel, narrower than the elytra, the tergites equal or nearly so. Length i.o mm.; width 0.23 mm. Pennsylvania (Phila- delphia). The minute size, general resemblance of the body to Canastota and of the antennae to Taxicera, with the peculiar sternal structure, will render the identification of this species quite certain. Although differing from the preceding in general appearance to a considerable degree and also in some of its structural characters, as well as inhabiting a widely different zoological region, the fol- lowing species is placed provisionally in the same subgenus: Sableta (Taxicerella) immunis n. sp. — Much larger, more elongate, parallel and convex, rather shining, pale testaceous, the head but little darker, the elytra feebly and broadly infumate postero-externally, the abdomen with a large and indefinite subapical cloud, the legs pale; micro-reticulation evident, coarser but almost completely obsolete on the abdomen, the punctures throughout fine and moderately close, sparse on the abdomen, the vestiture evident but not dense; head slightly wider than long, parallel and arcuate at the sides, the eyes at more than their own length from the base, the carinse longer than in remissa; antennae moderately short, dusky, pale basally, the second joint elongate, longer than the third, which is fully twice as long as wide and gradually slender basally, but not as long as the next two, the fourth but slightly transverse, the remaining joints gradually strongly in- crassate, the tenth much less transverse than in remissa, nearly twice as wide as long, the last oval, barely as long as the two preceding; prothorax convex, but slightly transverse, about a third wider than long, parallel, with] broadly arcuate sides, distinctly wider than the head and only a little narrower than the elytral base, not impressed; elytra only moderately abbreviated, with very feebly diverging sides, the apices externally broadly and very feebly sinuate, the suture fully a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, slightly narrowing apically, the sixth tergite (c?) at apex with a median sinuate lobe, the sides of which are feebly and obtusely dentiform but flat and separated at each side from a more slen- der though not longer lateral process, by a narrow and deep sinus, scarcely more than half as wide as the lobe. Length 1.6 mm.; width 0.38 mm. California (Sta. Cruz Mts.). The sternal characters are nearly as in remissa but with the coxae rather less separated. Pseudota n. gen. The hypomera in this genus are horizontal and warped as in Dimetrota and the preceding groups, but otherwise the general habitus of the body and sternal structure do not differ from those STAPHYLINID.E. 115 so common among the smaller groups of Atheta. In the first species or type, described below, the mesosternum extends but little behind the middle of the coxae, which are moderately separated, its apex somewhat notably broad and circularly rounded, not very free, and separated from the narrowly rounded tip of the rather narrowly prolonged metasternum, by a moderate interval, which is unde- pressed and somewhat broadly convex; the hind tarsi are rather long and slender, with the first four joints equal. Pseudota dissensa n. sp. — Stout, moderately convex, feebly shining, finely and rather closely, asperulately punctate, moderately closely so on the abdomen, where the reticulation is somewhat transverse in arrangement; pubescence distinct; color dark piceous, the elytra rather pale brownish - flavate, feebly infumate suturally toward base and postero-externally, the abdomen rufo-piceous, indefinitely black subposteriorly, the legs pale; head but little wider than long, rounded at the sides, the eyes moderately large, the carinse subentire; antennae not very short, slender basally but thence rapidly very strongly incrassate, the second joint much shorter than the first and slightly longer than the more obconic third, four to nine short, very strongly transverse, rapidly increasing in size, the tenth much longer than the ninth, less transverse, the last pointed from behind the middle to the tip and as long as the three preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, dis- tinctly wider than the head and but little narrower than the elytra, parallel, with feebly arcuate sides, which are more rounded at apex, the basal impression very small, transverse and obsolescent; elytra large, moderately transverse, subparallel, the apices very feebly and broadly sinuato-truncate laterally, the suture about one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen at base nearly as wide as the elytra, the sides thence very feebly arcuate and converging posteriorly, the first five tergites short, equal, the sixth (d") transversely truncate and simply crenate. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.56 mm. Pennsyl- vania (Philadelphia). Readily identifiable by the rather stout form, very incrassate antennae, with large terminal joints, long tarsi and other characters. The antennae do not fit Dimetrota at all well, for otherwise it might be regarded as an aberrant member of that genus. Pseudota miscella n. sp. — Rather stout and shining, very finely punctate, closely on the elytra, rather closely on the abdomen though sparsely at apex; coloration nearly as in the preceding, the elytra not evidently infumate, the legs very pale; head rather transverse, the eyes well developed, at less than their own length from the base, the tempora less prominent and arcuate, the carinae fine, far from entire; antenna? black, the first joint not quite as long as the next two, the second but little longer than the third, both short and about one-half longer than wide, the joints thence increasing rapidly, very stout distally though only moderately transverse, the tenth not longer than the ninth, the last as long as the preceding two; prothorax well developed, n6 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. distinctly wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytra, moder- ately transverse, slightly widest at base, the sides thence feebly converging and slightly arcuate, the median line feebly impressed from before the middle to the base; elytra subparallel, rather transverse, the apices not at all sinuate externally, the suture fully a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen rather short and broad, almost as wide as the elytra, parallel, the first five tergites subequal, the sixth (c?) broadly sinuate at apex, the middle of the sinus abruptly a little more deeply sinuate, the oblique sides each feebly bilobate, the lateral teeth slightly prolonged but not acute. Length 1.9 mm.; width 0.58 mm. New Jersey. This species is not allied closely to dissensa, the antennae, though strongly incrassate, being very different, as also are the male sexual characters. The form of the prothorax would seem to betray a relationship with Acrotona, but the hypomera are horizontal and partially visible from the sides. Pseudota sitiens n. sp. — More slender, moderately convex, testaceous, the elytra a little more flavate, the head blackish, the abdomen black, slightly pale at tip, the two basal segments dark testaceous, the legs pale; surface rather shining, the fine punctures not very dense, asperulate on the elytra, the abdomen finely, sparsely punctulate, the reticulation rather coarse but feeble, irregular; head orbicular, nearly as long as wide, rounded at the sides, the eyes at less than their own length from the base, the carinse fine and far from entire; antennae short and stout, the second and third joints very moderately elongate, the latter slightly the shorter and obconic, the outer joints rapidly very stout and transverse, the last six or seven together parallel at the sides, the ninth and tenth similar, the last conoidal, a little longer than the two preceding; prothorax nearly twice as wide as long, parallel, the sides rather strongly and evenly arcuate, the basal impression minute and subobsolete, much wider than the head and very little narrower than the elytra, the latter rather transverse, parallel, the suture fully a third longer than the prothorax, the apices rather deeply sinuate laterally; abdomen rather long, only slightly narrower than the elytra, perfectly parallel and with straight sides, the fifth tergite not quite as long as the fourth. Length 1.6- 1.8 mm.; width 0.4-0.5 mm. Iowa (Cedar Rapids), — Brendel. The sternal and tarsal characters are nearly as in dissensa, the hind tarsi merely a little shorter. Sexual characters are not ap- parent in the type specimens. Pseudota praesaga n. sp. — Rather stout and slightly shining, the micro- reticulation everywhere strong, rather coarse and without arrangement on the abdomen, the punctures fine, not dense, well separated though somewhat asperulate on the elytra; color black, the elytra piceo-flavate, infumate slightly at the scutellum and very indefinitely postero-externally, the legs pale piceo-flavate; head rather strongly transverse, parallel, the eyes convex and prominent, at but little less than their own length from the base, the tempora arcuate and equally prominent, the cannae fine but entire; antennae STAPHYLINID.E. 117 black, barely piceous basally, short, the second joint very moderately elon- gate, longer than the strongly obconic third, the outer seven joints forming a stout and subfusoid mass, apparently slightly widest at the eighth joint, the joints strongly transverse, the ninth and tenth mutually similar, the last a little longer than the two preceding; prothorax convex, moderately transverse, parallel, with evenly and evidently arcuate sides, distinctly wider than the head and almost as wide as the elytra, not obviously impressed ; elytra only slightly abbreviated, the suture nearly one-half longer than the prothorax, the apices moderately and rather broadly sinuate externally; abdomen rather short, a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, with very feebly arcuate sides, the first five tergites equal, the sixth (d") much nar- rower, truncate and with four short teeth, the two medial very broadly rounded, slightly tumescent and separated by a feeble sinus, each separated from the slightly narrower but not much longer, dorsally somewhat concave, lateral teeth, by a small sinus, which is scarcely more than half as wide as the medial sinus. Length 1.7-1.9 mm.; width 0.48-0.6 mm. California (San Mateo), — Baker. The sterna are nearly as in dissensa, except that the mesosternal apex is more acute, and the tarsi are nearly similar. A specimen in my collection from Calaveras Co., does not appear to differ. Pseudota irrupta n. sp. — Subparallel, moderately convex, rather shining, the reticulation distinct, somewhat transversely wavy onjmost of the abdomen, the punctures fine, asperulate, not very dense; color piceous, the abdomen piceo-testaceous, wdth an indefinite subapical blackish cloud, the legs pale; head nearly as in the preceding but not quite so transverse and with less prominent eyes, the carinse very feeble and far from entire; antennse black, paler basally, short, gradually strongly incrassate to the tip, the second joint slightly more elongate than in prcesaga, a little longer than the third, the outer joints strongly transverse, the ninth and tenth mutually similar, the last barely as long as the two preceding; prothorax nearly as in the preced- ing in outline but larger and with the median line impressed finely throughout, a little more strongly basally, similarly proportioned with regard to the head and elytra, the latter a little more abbreviated, the suture about a third longer than the prothorax, the apices not evidently sinuate externally; ab- domen finely, rather sparsely punctulate, perfectly parallel, with nearly straight sides, narrower than the elytra, the tergites equal; hind tarsi with the four basal joints moderately elongate and equal. Length (extended) 2.0 mm.; width 0.55 mm. British Columbia (Metlakatla), — Keen. A single rather immature specimen, apparently female. The sternal characters are nearly as in the preceding. Pseudota nescia n. sp. — Subparallel, moderately convex, rather shining, the micro-reticulation evident, rather coarse and irregular on the abdomen, the punctures fine, well separated, slightly asperate on the elytra; color black, the elytra dark piceous-brown, the legs pale brown; head almost as long as wide, parallel, the eyes rather convex, at about their own length from n8 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. the base, the tempora nearly straight and slightly less prominent, the carinae entire; antennae black, slightly pale basally, the second joint twice as long as wide, nearly as long as the first, much longer than the strongly obconic third, the outer joints gradually incrassate and very stout to the tip, strongly transverse, the ninth and tenth mutually similar, the last as long as the two preceding though only a little longer than wide, sharply ogival; prothorax unusually small and rather strongly transverse, parallel and feebly arcuate at the sides, rounding at apex, distinctly wider than the head and very ob- viously narrower than the elytra, very obsoletely impressed along the median line; elytra large, parallel, almost as long as wide, the apices barely at all sin- uate laterally, the suture almost two-thirds longer than the prothorax; abdomen distinctly narrower than the elytra, slightly narrowed apically, the tergites subequal, only moderately short, the sixth (cf) rectilinearly trun- cate at tip, with four very minute and feeble teeth, the two medial separated by almost twice the lateral intervals. Length 1.8 mm.; width 0.48 mm. Queen Charlotte Islands, — Keen. The sterna and tarsi are of the usual type in the genus, the meso- sternal process narrowly and circularly rounded at tip. This species is very distinct in its smaller and rather transverse prothorax and relatively longer elytra. Pseudota pimalis n. sp. — More slender, rather shining, piceous, the head darker, the elytra a little paler, piceous-brown, the abdomen black, the legs very pale; punctures very fine, not dense, close and asperulate on the elytra; head slightly wider than long, the eyes at two-thirds their length from the base, the tempora at first parallel and equally prominent, then broadly rounded to the base, the carinee fine, attaining the apex; antennae short, blackish, pale basally, the outer six or seven joints forming a parallell-sided club, less stout than in the other species, the second joint as long as the first but less stout, only very little longer than the more basally constricted third joint, the outer joints distinctly transverse, the last gradually pointed and as long as the two preceding; prothorax rather strongly transverse, much wider than the head and as wide as the elytral base, slightly widest at base, the sides thence very feebly converging and broadly arcuate to the apex, the median line very faintly impressed basally; elytra rather short and transverse, with feebly diverging sides, infumate about the scutellum, the apices feebly oblique and subsinuate laterally, the suture about a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen rather long, a little narrower than the elytra, parallel, finely, sparsely punctate; hind tarsi slender, with the four basal joints equal. Length 1.6- 1.9 mm.; width 0.35-0.38 mm. Arizona (Tucson). This species is aberrant in its shorter and broadly parabolic metasternal projection, the mesosternal process extending nearly to apical fourth of the distinctly separated coxae, its apex becoming subparallel, moderately wide and circularly rounded at tip, the usual interval much depressed. I took two specimens in the sub- urbs, and subsequently received three from the same locality STAPHYLINID^:. 119 collected by Prof. Wickham; male sexual characters are not ap- parent. Clusiota n. gen. This name is suggested for a minute species, with remarkably modified basal joints of the antennae. The sterna are not clearly observable, but the coxae are well separated, the interval between the sternal apices cavernous and the metasternal projection large and angulate. The hind tarsi are slender, the two basal joints equal and each distinctly shorter than either the third or fourth. The cephalic carinae are very fine but completely entire. In its size, horizontal and warped hypomera and some other features, it is allied to Datomicra. Clusiota claviventris n. sp. — Slender, somewhat shining, black, the elytra and abdomen except posteriorly, dark rufo-piceous, the legs slender, blackish- piceous; micro-reticulation everywhere distinct, rather coarse but feeble on the abdomen; punctures fine, not dense, the pubescence rather short but coarse, not close; head large, quadrate, barely at all wider than long, the eyes convex .and prominent, at fully their own length fronVthe base, the tem- pora equally prominent, parallel and rounded; antennae black throughout, moderate in length, slightly incrassate, the outer joints evidently transverse, the last as long as the two preceding, the basal joint large, compressed and obtriangular, its apex broadly, subobliquely truncate, the short and very stout, basally much narrowed second joint attached near the outer limit of the apex of the first, the third slightly shorter than the second, about a third longer than wide, slightly less stout but still more narrowed to its very slender base, the fourth subquadrate; prothorax only slightly transverse, just visibly wider than the head and much narrower than the elyta, widest and with broadly rounded sides at about apical third ; elytra large, with straight and slightly diverging sides, only slightly abbreviated, the apices not sinuate laterally, about one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen at base much narrower than the elytra, inflated, less punctate, more convex and more polished apically. Length 1.5 mm.; width 0.28 mm. British Columbia (Glenora) , — Wickham. The single type is probably a male, as the sixth tergite is simply and moderately sinuate at the middle and the large sixth ventral plate broadly subtrapezoidal; so it is impossible to state to what degree the singular antennal and abdominal characters may be due to sex. Datomicra Rey. This name is here applied to a considerable series of minute species, characterized especially, as in zosterce, by horizontal and warped hypomera and approximate middle coxae, with the mesoster- 120 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. nal process extending slightly behind the middle of the coxae, its finely aciculate apex considerably removed from the short and broadly obtuse or rounded metasternal projection, the intervening acute ridge much depressed. The hind tarsi are slender, with the four basal joints about equal. The antennae more nearly resemble those of Dimetrota, though shorter as a rule, and are always much more slender than in Sableta or its attached subgenera. A minute European species before me, identified as Datomicra celata Er., has sternal characters greatly differing from those of zosterce, the coxae being rather widely separated, the mesosternum rather obtusely tipped, the metasternal projection angulate and the interval be- tween the sternal apices broadly convex and not much depressed. Some species here described as Datomicra are still more heteroge- neous; but subgeneric modifications seem to be unending in the Aleo- charinae. Datomicra decolorata n. sp. — Slender, parallel, subopaque, pale piceo- flavate, the pronotum more rufous, the abdomen infumate distally, the legs pale; punctures dense and asperate, numerous but very fine on the more shining abdomen; head rather small, wider than long, the prominent eyes at nearly their own length from the base, the tempora less prominent and grad- ually arcuato-converging to the base, the carinae fine, subentire; antennae pale piceous, rather long, the second joint about as long as the first, longer than the third, the outer joints distinctly incrassate and transverse, the eleventh gradually pointed and fully as long as the two preceding; prothorax trans- verse, parallel and very feebly arcuate at the sides, rounding and narrowing anteriorly, much wider than the head and fully as wide as the elytra base, not very definitely impressed, the median line minutely and feebly striolate, becoming more impressed at the base; elytra moderately transverse, with very feebly diverging sides, the suture nearly a fourth longer than the pro- thorax; abdomen much narrower than the elytra, long, parallel, the sixth tergite (c?) with the three intervals about equal, the two median teeth small, prolonged anteriorly for a very short distance in feeble ridges, the lateral un- usually long and straight. Length 1.6 mm; width 0.28 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). The pallid coloration seems to be a normal character in this species, judging from its constancy through an ample series of examples; it may be known by this character and, from the fol- lowing three forms, by the prothorax being fully as wide as the elytral base. Datomicra inopia n. sp. — Slender and moderately convex but more fusoid, alutaceous, finely, closely and asperately punctate, the head and abdomen more shining and less strongly sculptured; color piceous-black, the elytra STAPHYLINID^E. 121 dark brown, the head and abdomen deeper black, the legs pale; head relatively rather large, the eyes prominent and at much less than their own length from the base; antennae nearly as in dccolorata but rather more slender, rather long, dark in color and very feebly incrassate, the fourth joint fully as long as wide, the outer joints only slightly trans- verse; prothorax very moderately transverse, parallel and subevenly rounded at the sides, scarcely a third wider than the head and a little narrower than the elytral base, the median line very finely and feebly impressed throughout; elytra relatively a little larger than in the preceding but other- wise nearly similar, the suture rather more than a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen slightly narrower than the elytra, feebly and evenly though evidently tapering throughout, the fifth tergite longer but scarcely less punctate than the fourth, the sixth (6") with the two median teeth smaller and not longitudinally tumid, the lateral much shorter than in the preceding, the middle interval a little wider than the lateral. Length 1.5 mm.; width 0.32 mm. Xew York (Catskill Mts.). This species is not at all close to the preceding in its structural characters or coloration, particularly in the larger head and in the prothorax and abdomen. Datomicra schematica n. sp. — Moderately stout, fusoid, rather dull, the small dense punctures very strongly asperate throughout, sparse on the more shining abdomen; color piceous-black, the elytra rather pale brown, the legs pale; head wider than long, the eyes rather large and convex, at less than their own length from the base, the arcuate tempora less prominent, the carinae entire; antennae piceous-black, moderately long, gradually and per- ceptibly incrassate, the second and third joints elongate and similar, gradu- ally narrowed basally, the former distinctly the longer, the outer joints dis- tinctly transverse, the last longer than the two preceding; prothorax rather transverse, parallel and moderately arcuate at the sides, much wider than the head and only just visibly narrower than the elytral base, the median line feebly impressed ; elytra rather transverse, truncate, the suture scarcely a fourth longer than the prothorax; abdomen at base but little narrower than the elytra, thence gradually though very slightly narrowed to the tip, the sixth tergite (cf ) with a rather long and slender process at each side of the apex and two intermediate teeth, which are somewhat slender and feebly inclined upward, each separated from the lateral process slightly less than from each other. Length 1.3-1.4 mm.; width 0.28 mm. Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). This species and the two preceding differ from zostera in their much more asperate sculpture and more pronounced male sexual characters. The following species, from southern California, re- sembles zostercB more closely, but differs in its much smaller antennae: Datomicra pomonae n. sp. — Deep black throughout, the elytra not evi- dently paler, the legs nearly black; surface much more shining than in the preceding, the reticulation everywhere distinct, the punctures, however, 122 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA. minute, not dens? and scarcely at all asperulate; head nearly as long as wide, the eyes rather small, at more than their own length from the base, the tempora parallel, feebly arcuate and as prominent as the eyes, the carinae feeble but about entire; antennae rather short, gradually incrassate, the outer joints nearly twice as wide as long, the second as usual longer than the third, the last obtuse, not longer than the two preceding; prothorax rather convex, scarcely one-half wider than long, parallel, with rounded sides and rounded base, much wider than the head and perceptibly narrower than the elytral base, the median line very obsoletely impressed basally; elytra large, slightly abbreviated, with feebly diverging sides, the suture impressed basally and fully one-half longer than the prothorax; abdomen much nar- rower than the elytra, parallel, not narrowed apically. Length 1.4 mm.; width 0.3 mm. California (Pomona, Los Angeles Co.), — Fall. At least subgenerically distinct from the preceding. The types are females. Datomicra diffidens n. sp. — Slender, rather convex, strongly shining, black, the elytra and legs dark piceous; punctures minute, not very close- set, slightly asperate only on the elytra; head much wider than long, rounded at the sides, the eyes large, at about half their length from the base, the carince entire; antennae piceous, of the usual structure and rather short, unusually slender, the outer joints but slightly transverse, the last barely as long as the two preceding, pointed; prothorax very moderately trans- verse, subparallel, with strongly rounded sides, much wider than the head and only just visibly narrower than the elytral base, the apex very slightly narrower than the base, the surface not impressed along the median line but with a small rounded basal pit; elytra only moderately transverse, parallel, the suture a third longer than the prothorax; abdomen rather long, parallel, almost imperceptibly narrowed at apex, narrower than the elytra. Length 1.38 mm.; width 0.28 mm. New York (Catskill Mts.). Distinguishable readily by the lustre, form of the prothorax and the slender antennae. The type seems to be a female. Datomicra vacans n. sp. — More minute, black, the elytra and legs blackish- piceous, not notably shining, the punctures very close-set and strongly as- perate throughout, less close but even more asperate on the more shining abdomen; head slightly wider than long, convex, impressed along the median line, parallel, the eyes at nearly their own length from the base, the carinae entire; antennae rather short, moderately incrassate, of normal basal struc- ture, the outer joints about two-thirds wider than long on the compressed side and barely one-half wider than long on the narrow side, the last as long as the two preceding; prothorax moderately transverse, parallel and moder- ately arcuate at the sides, only a little wider than the head and slightly narrower than the elytra, the median line distinctly impressed throughout; elytra short and transverse, truncate, the suture scarcely a fifth longer than the prothorax; abdomen narrower than the elytra, the sides just visibly converging from base to apex, the fifth tergite (