Oi I! m D RETURN TO LIBRARY OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY WOODS HOLE, MASS. LOANED BY AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA BY THOS. L. CASEY VII 1916 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY LANCASTER, PA. CONTENTS PAGE I — Further Studies in the Cicindelidae I II — Some Random Studies among the Clavicornia. . 35 I—FURTHER STUDIES IN THE CICINDELID^ One of the more difficult problems confronting the taxonomist is the determination of relationship between the various groups of Coleoptera which are higher than the genus, and the manifold dif- ferences of opinion correspond with the uncertainties involved. Relationships formerly unsuspected, as for instance those affiliating many of the groups of the former Clavicornia with widely separated families of Caraboidea, Serricornia and Heteromera, have become generally recognized and have caused in several cases radical re- arrangements of the series of families. Another point to be noted is the general tendency to increase the number of family groups, as well as the number of subfamilies constituting the older families. In the Carabidae, as an example, groups which were given tribal designation by LeConte and Horn are now considered to be rather subfamilies than tribes, the latter term being used, very conven- iently in most instances, to designate subordinate groups in such large complexes as the Harpalinae. In view of these facts, the reduction of the long established and habitally isolated Cicindelidae to the status of a subfamily of Carabidae, seems inconsistent. In the opinion of the writer the Cicindelidae should remain a distinct family group in the great superfamily or suborder Caraboidea, which will include, besides, many other groups of family weight, represented at the present time by subordinate groups, such for example as those based upon Omophron and Pseudomorpha, as well as Amphizoa and others already recognized as constituting families. This leads naturally to a consideration of the meaning of the word species. There is a marked and seemingly increasing tend- ency, among a large and influential body of systematists, to enhance the value of the species, to such a degree in fact that in many cases what is termed a species is really a subgenus. This is not obligatory and, in most cases, positively contradicts the actual truth of nature as it is revealed to more careful observers. Since under the term species, with such artificially exalted scope, it is necessary to have T. L. Casey, Mem. Col. VII. Oct. 1916. 2 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA a retinue of subordinate forms, given various designations, such as subspecies, varieties and aberrations, the very convenient binomial nomenclature of Linne stands in grave danger of destruction. It should be added, furthermore, that when the species is made thus composite there is no definite limitation to the forms that may be included under a single specific name, giving rise to purely arbitrary and more or less inharmonious aggregates of greater or less extent according to personal whim or fancy. It would be far better and more in concordance with reality, to limit the word species to those forms which constantly exhibit the same peculiarities of structure and habitus, and which do not produce fertile hybrids with related forms, or, in the present state of knowledge, which appear to be in- capable of so interbreeding. For example, in the genus Omus forms have been assigned subordinate rank when the male sexual apparatus is so constituted as in all probability to prevent even the act of copulation, and, if this be the case, there could be no better proof of complete specific isolation. After an experience of a third of a century in collecting large series of many species, the writer can state with complete conviction that, aside from polymorphism and certain occasional accidental deformities, there is, as a rule, no such structural variation among the individuals of a species as is maintained by some of the present schools of systematists. There is before me, for example, as I write, a series of 275 specimens of Saprinus lugens taken in Arizona, and, except in size and a slight spreading or retraction of the suffused punctuation, there is no asexual variation that would be noticed anywhere in the series. In regard to the prevailing ideas of vari- ation let us take the surface sculpture in Pterostichns cristatus Duf. In iridescent forms, such as Loxandrus, the iridescence is easily observed to be due to a set of very close-set transverse incised lines producing a diffraction grating, such as is used by physicists for producing a spectral image.* A species not having this iridescence has sculpture of an entirely different kind, the fine lines on the sur- * The most remarkable natural diffraction grating known to me is that engraved upon the elytra of the Phalacrid genus Litolibrus Shp. All the species have remarkably strong opalescence and the brilliant spot on the hemispherical elytra of obesus is a pure and perfect though short spectrum, with all the colors evident from red to violet. This grating is entirely unresolvable under a three-fourths inch objective and the parallel lines are probably fully as fine and close as in the celebrated Rowland diffraction grating. CICINDELID.E 3 face simply forming a reticulation; it is very unlikely therefore that a form having pronounced iridescence should be system- atically subordinate to a form having no iridescence, and the assignment of such subordinate rank is consequently an error in most cases. This sometimes occurs, however, as shown by Mequignon in treating the so-called subordinate forms of cristatus (Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr., 1914, p. 79) and, although unknown to me in actuality, there is no doubt in my mind that cantabricus Schauf., and pyrenceus Chd., are distinct species, not only as between them- selves, but in regard to typical cristatus, and also that phceopus, Chd., is a distinct species and not a subspecies. Another case in point, and I have chosen these illustrations merely because of convenient reference, let us view Plate i, Bull. Ent. Soc. Fr., 1915. The figures on this plate are drawn carefully by a disinterested artist and no doubt constitute a faithful portrayal of the facts; according to various authors they represent a species, trisignata, fig. i, and a variety of that species known as subsuturalis, figs. 2 to 4. Mr. Clermont tells us that fig. 2 is an intermediate between fig. 4, the least marked form, and fig. i, the true trisignata. So far as I am able to perceive there is no connection whatever between the form represented by figs. 2 to 4, which are mutually perfectly similar, excepting a slight and direct increase or decrease of the markings, and that represented by fig. i. Fig. 2 is in no way intermediate between fig. 4 and fig. I, and in fact I am utterly unable to trace the chief features of fig. i in fig. 2, even allowing for every degree of gradually retracted or undeveloped markings. In short it is demonstrated from these figures that there are two perfectly distinct species involved, trisignata and subsuturalis, for, although fig. i represents the female and figs. 2 to 4 the male, I know of no instance in Cicindela where male and female markings differ systematically to any manifest extent. If species are to be estimated by such indefinable criteria as this, one can scarcely wonder at the many subordinate categories which are found nec- essary to express distinct taxonomic entities, or that the binomial nomenclature of Linne should thereby stand in such real danger of annihilation. There is no valid reason whatever, or known evidence, for not considering subsuturalis to be a species, and there is nothing whatever gained by the hypothetical assumption that 4 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA it is related varietally; but, on the other hand, we have instead an unnecessary complication of nomenclature. Both of these forms breed true, they never intermingle and they have nothing in common in their color patterns, except a fancied resemblance due to super- ficial comparative study. This case of trisignata and subsuturalis is certainly not parallel to that of our dor sails in its maculate and immaculate stages; in the latter species the variations are due plainly to a mere advancing or contraction of the normal markings. I announced obliviosa as a subspecies of latesignata more as a concession to the assumption of early authors, that, because it was found apparently in company with latesignata, it must be a dimorphic form of that species. But there is no direct evidence of this known to me and, if obliviosa cannot be proved to be a dimorphic form of latesignata, it is un- questionably a distinct species. The markings are conspicuously different and are constant in each case. One source of confusion is that the word variation is generally misunderstood and the differences due to environment so attributed. These latter divergencies do not by any means indicate variation in the proper meaning of that word, but the beginnings of separate species, at first as slightly different taxonomic forms and finally as true species. Such forms unless very distinct, as in the case of many Omus and Brennus modifications, can be designated as sub- species for convenience, when it is thought advisable to record them by name; it is not necessary to invent lesser categories in the present lack of full knowledge of the subject. The estimation of actual taxonomic weight of these related forms is of course a matter of individual judgment. In some of the cases above mentioned the specific status should be self-evident and other cases may be decided provisionally, with more or less precision, by any one accustomed to view the processes of nature, in any field, with moderate intelli- gence and discrimination. Finally, there is a certain school of systematists, especially de- veloped in Germany at present, that seems to have a very peculiar conception of the meaning and scope of the word synonym. If this particular school persists in its singularly erroneous notions concerning the meaning of this word, including as it does geographic modifications, which, as intimated above, are in ClCINDELID/E 5 many cases known to be at least subspecific in degree of struc- tural and habital divergence from the assumed typical form, it is not by any means furthering, but, on the contrary greatly retarding, the acquisition, by definite record, of knowledge which may ulti- mately prove very useful in solving some of the mysteries of evo- lution.* Amblycheila Say There are two rather distinctly circumscribed groups in this genus, represented by cylindriformis Say and baroni Rivers, but, until more of the species are known, it would be better not to attempt the definition of subgenera. Their habits are nocturnal, which accounts for the present scarcity of material in collections. If the various forms were fully known we should probably have an extended series of species and subspecies available for study. The following is described at present as a subspecies but may have higher value: Amblycheila baroni ssp. enodis nov. — Form very elongate and rather slender, deep black throughout, the integuments with alutaceous lustre; head almost as wide as the prothorax, rather longer than wide, smooth, with the anterior impressions moderately deep, the eyes rather convex, at nearly twice their length from the base; antennae long and slender; prothorax somewhat wider than long, the broadly rounded sides oblique behind about apical two-fifths, feebly sinuate before the obtuse and slightly rounded basal angles; base arcuate, strongly beaded, three- fourths as wide as the apex, which is feebly arcuate, somewhat angulate at the middle; surface smooth, convex, finely striate along the middle, with a few moderate punctures at each side in line parallel with the margin, one of which at least, near the middle, bears a long seta; side margins very finely reflexo-beaded; scutellum broad, confined to the peduncle; elytra two-fifths wider than the prothorax, oblong-oval, more than three-fourths longer than wide, smooth, with small sparse asperulate punctures, less sparse and continuing to the apex laterally, the carina at the summit of the flanks fine and short, scarcely traceable behind the middle, the other carinse wholly obsolete; legs long and slender. Length (d71) 20. o mm.; width 6.8 mm. Arizona (Garces, Huachuca Mts., Cochise Co.). The male type was received from Mr. Knaus; it represents a form allied to longipes Csy., but differing in its more slender form, ab- breviation of the lateral carina of the elytra, absence of the shorter * At some time during last year a document ostensibly criticizing my treatment of the Cicindelidse, but characterized chiefly by misrepresentation and bad manners, was extensively distributed by W. Horn of Berlin. The above general remarks con- stitute my only available answer to this strangely captious Hassgesang. 6 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA subbasal carina so distinct in that subspecies, smaller elytral punc- tures, which are in no part serial in arrangement, and in the rather elevated suture. From baroni Rivers, the type of which was taken on the Gila River, it differs in its much more elongate form, more elongate and less posteriorly narrowed elytra, the punctures of which are very much smaller, and in the more oblique sides of the prothorax. It differs from piccolominii Reiche, according to the description, in its much smaller size, more slender form, alutaceous surface and absence of coarse elytral punctures and of the inner carinules. Longipes also differs from piccolominii in its smaller size and opaque surface, but seems to resemble it in the coarse elytral punctures and the three inwardly decreasing carinae. These three species, or possibly in part subspecies, constitute the second subgeneric group of Amblycheila. Schwarzi W. Horn, belongs to the cylindriformis section of the genus, as also does piccolominii Rche. Omus Esch. There are some facts relating to Omus that remind us of Brennus. Both genera are very abundantly represented in, and confined to, the true Pacific coast fauna; both are nocturnal in habits and almost uniformly deep black in color. Both are comparatively recent geologically, which accounts for the local segregation of the numer- ous individuals into more or less slightly differentiated taxonomic elements. Some of these local developments have become specific in status, others must be viewed as having less value at present. Many of the latter category are doomed to early extinction, while others, thus still more isolated, will progress to the role of distinct species in conformity with the past history of these genera. It is singular, it may be said in passing, how large a proportion of the Coleoptera of the Pacific regions are black; even the few Scarabae- idse are mostly black; the great Eleodes, Coniontis and Blapstinus cohorts are of course black, as well as the larger part of the Cara- bidae. This lugubrious nature of the fauna is due to nocturnal or secluded habits, rendered necessary by peculiarities of climate, the hot dry dusty days of the long summer not being well fitted to support light loving and generally more highly colored types, in spite of the bright sunshine, while the fogs and coolness of the night result in adequate amounts of moisture. ClCINDELID^: 7 In recent months I have received large and important accessions of material in Omus from Mr. Nunenmacher and Mrs. Charles Fuchs, collected in many parts of California and Oregon, re- sulting in very substantial increase of the known species and sub- species, particularly in the horni group.* In distributing these new forms, the subgeneric and group divisions of my general revision (Mem. Col., V, pp. 1-2) are adhered to, excepting that group VII of Omus proper is divided to form two groups, having lewis and horni respectively as type forms. The nature of the elytral sculp- ture is so radically different as to demand this division, the usually very coarse punctures of the horni group always being accompanied each by a sharp anterior granule, which is entirely obsolete in the Icevis group. The latter group is very isolated in the general series, but the horni group has marked affiliation with sequoiarum and related forms, so that it is difficult at times to assign species properly. The best general differential feature resides probably in the sculpture of the pronotum, there always being a distinct vermiculate rugulosity throughout in the sequoiarum group, sometimes almost as strong as in the sea-coast calif ornicus group, which sculpture becomes either wholly obsolete or very feebly marked in the numerous allies of horni. Possibly vandykei should form another group, in which case the total number of groups would be nine. Subgenus Megomus Csy. Omus dejeani Rche., the type of this subgenus, differs very strongly in habitus from the multitudinous forms of Omus proper, as typi- fied by californicus. No modifications of the dejeani type have been announced hitherto, but some feebly defined subordinates exist, of which I note the two following: Omus dejeani ssp. robustus nov. — -Form very stout, deep black, without metallic lustre; head and prothorax nearly as in dejeani, the elytra relatively shorter, less oval or with more marked humeri and simi- * Mrs. Fuchs was kind enough to allow me to purchase the set of Omus in the col- lection of her late husband, including the original type of Omus ambiguus Schpp. In comparing this type with my assumed representative of the species, I find complete concordance, which is very gratifying. I now have three examples of that species. The type of 0. intermedius Leng, which I had been given to understand was in the Fuchs collection, could not be found; several different forms figured under that name, none however distinguished in any way as a type. 8 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA larly punctate, the punctures becoming gradually feebler and sparser internally, but with the large sparse fovese less diffuse and more sharply marked; anterior tarsi (9 ) short, stout, with many spiniform hairs, the second joint barely two-fifths longer than wide. Male unknown. Length (excluding mandibles) 19.0-20.5 mm.; width 7.6-8.0 mm. Washington State (Seattle). Differs from dejeani as above stated ; the surface lustre in dejeani is almost invariably piceo-subcupreous, but there is no trace of this in the subsidiary form, where the elytra also are broader and more shouldered. Omus dejeani ssp. foveatus nov. — Form narrower than in dejeani and rather smaller in size, the head and prothorax especially being notably smaller; surface lustre and general sculpture similar, except that the elytral fovese are somewhat larger and deeper and the general punctures deep, more sharply defined and much less close-set; the elongate-oval form of the elytra, with obsolete humeri, is almost similar; anterior tarsi ( 9 ) much more slender than in the preceding but not evidently more so than in dejeani. Male not much more slender than the female. Length 18.0-18.7 mm.; width 6.8-7.3 mm. Oregon (Bull Run, Clackamas Co.). In dejeani the male is decidedly smaller and less stout than the female and the head and prothorax relatively much larger than in foveatus, being similar in this respect to robustus. Dejeani is moder- ately abundant from northern California apparently to Alaska; at least one example before me is labeled with the latter locality. Subgenus Omus in sp. Group I (audouini) Since my last revision of this group a rather striking character distinguishing Omus parvulus as a species has come to light. The basal joint of the antennae in both sexes is smaller and shorter than in any of the allied species and, on its posterior face, there is a large and nebulously denned bright testaceous area; this latter feature sometimes occurs in audouini however, in less definite degree and is also described in vandykei. There are numerous new forms in this group as follows: Omus audouini ssp. brevicornis nov. — Form rather slender, strongly convex, rather shining; head and prothorax as in audouini, except that the rugulosity of the former is rather less pronounced and the labral lobe more broadly and subevenly rounded; antennae notably shorter and even more slender; elytra almost exactly as in audouini throughout, except that they are less elongate; anterior tarsi somewhat more broadly ClCINDELID^ 9 dilated; copulatory spicule more abruptly bent downward, the apical part more elongate, the posterior outline without the obtuse angulation usually evident in audouini. Female unknown. Length 13.5 mm.; width 5.0 mm. California (Humboldt Co.). Readily distinguishable from audouini by the shorter and very slender antennae, smaller size, shorter form and by the structure of the male sexual spicule. Omus audouini ssp. aequicornis nov. — Male much smaller and more abbreviated than in audouini; head and prothorax nearly similar, the eyes smaller and more convex, the antennae much shorter, nearly as in brevicornis but less slender; labral lobe short, broadly truncate; elytra shorter and less convex than in audouini, the rather irregular punctures not so close, shallower and less well denned, the interspaces more alu- taceous and with distinct fine sparse punctulation; anterior tarsi nearly similar; intromittent spicule gradually curved downward, the narrowed apical part much longer and more slender, much less abruptly deflexed than in brevicornis. Female notably larger than the male, even more obviously so than in audouini, the antennae almost exactly as in the male, the head and prothorax relatively stouter than in that sex. Length (cf) 12. o, ( 9 ) 14.0 mm., width (cf ) 4.6, ( 9 ) 4-9 mm. Oregon (Josephine Co.). A small and delicate form, strictly of the audouini type, but there is a surprising divergence of structure in the copulatory spicule, even among these obviously related subspecies. Omus audouini ssp. tacomae nov.- — Body elongate, less ventricose than in audouini; head, prothorax, labrum and antennas nearly similar, but the sculpture of the head throughout is much deeper, the punctures at the middle of the front distinctly coarse, deep and more close-set; elytra narrower and relatively more elongate than in audouini, oval, the punc- tures larger and closer, subconfluent, the general surface rather more alutaceous; supplementary coriaceous abdominal segment of the female more deeply emarginate than in that species. Male unknown. Length 14.7 mm.; width 5.3 mm. Washington State (Tacoma). The type is piceous, with rufous tarsi, evidently because of im- maturity, though there is no distortion in drying. The species parvulus Csy., belongs immediately after audouini in a systematic arrangement. Omus audouini ssp. delicatulus nov. — Body slightly smaller, narrower and less ventricose than in audouini and with a very feeble subviolaceous hue on the shining elytra; head moderately rugulose, the two impressions distinct, the front finely, sparsely punctate medially; labrum very broadly rounded and but feebly advanced medially; antennae extending onto the base of the elytra, slender, the fifth joint three times as long as wide; prothorax as in audouini, alutaceous, very feebly rugulose; elytra fully io MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA three-fourths longer than wide, oblong, the sides more rounding at base though broadly; margin very fine; punctures rather coarse, impressed, well separated, the scattered foveae large but not very deep; anterior tarsi with the basal joint longer and narrower than the second, which is a fourth wider than long. Length (c?) 12.7 mm.; width 4.5 mm. Oregon (locality unrecorded). Differs from audouini, or any of its closely related forms, in the narrower and more elongate, somewhat metallic elytra, which are less deeply sculptured. Omus audouini ssp. distans nov. — Female smaller and more slender than in audouini; head subequal in width to the prothorax, shining, rugose, nearly smooth and with sparse punctures at the middle of the front, the impressions deep; labral lobe broadly advanced, truncate at apex; antennae rather short and slender; prothorax nearly as long as wide, finely rugulose, generally as in audouini; elytra oblong, two-thirds longer than wide, widest near the middle, thence feebly narrowing to the rounded, evident humeri, gradually ogival apically; punctures small, impressed, everywhere very remote, the fovese numerous, very deep and conspicuous; surface shining, though alutaceous; tarsi long and slender. Length (9) 14.6 mm.; width 5.25 mm. Washington State (Seattle). Differs from audouini in its smaller size and narrower form and from that, or any of its subspecies, in the very sparse elytral sculp- ture and very deep conspicuous foveae. Ambiguus Schpp., is a species of the audouini group, stouter in all its forms than audouini and with notably thicker antennae; solidulus Csy., may be considered a subspecies, distinguished by the shallower elytral sculpture, broader and more conspicuous lateral lobe, more pubescent upper surface of the anterior male tarsi and slightly less ventricose outline. The following is another subspecies: Omus ambiguus ssp. humeralis nov.— Body rather short, stout and strongly ventricose, moderately convex and shining; front nearly smooth medially, with a few minute and remote punctures; labral lobe large, rounded and prominent; antennae moderate in length, rather stout; prothorax nearly as in ambiguus; elytra much shorter and of very dif- ferent outline and sculpture, being broader at base, with much more evident humeri, the punctures irregular, being moderate in size and notably sparse generally on the disk, becoming rapidly coarse, deep and very dense postero-externally. Male not known. Length 14.8 mm.; width 5.75 mm. California (Humboldt Co.). I am by no means certain that this form should have a subordinate status, as its facies is so different from that of either ambiguus or solidulus, owing to the short shouldered elytra, having very pe- culiar sculpture as stated above. CICINDELIM; 1 1 Omus thoracicus n. sp. — Form moderately ventricose, rather strongly convex, moderately shining; head barely perceptibly narrower than the prothorax, rugose, the front smooth medially, with small sparse punctures; labral lobe broadly rounded and but slightly prominent; antennae slender, moderate in length; prothorax peculiar, only very little wider than long, the slightly rounded sides very moderately oblique posteriorly and, near the anterior angles, feebly sinuate, the reflexed edge not attaining the base; surface more strongly and uniformly vermiculato-rugulose than in the other species of this group, resembling the sequoiarum group in that respect; elytra elongate-oval, wholly devoid of humeri, the punctures large but shallow, contiguous but irregularly crumpled in outline; male tarsi of the audouini type. Female unknown. Length 14.0 mm.; width 5.6 mm. Oregon (Klamath Co.). This species has a very distinct appearance, owing to the ex- ceptional form and sculpture of the prothorax and the irregularly crumpled shallow elytral punctures. The following species and its several subordinate forms are dis- tinguishable from audouini by the longer, slender antennae and smoother prothorax, the lateral parts of the disk of which are less rapidly declivous; the rapidly declivous side surface is very dis- tinctive of audouini and its subspecies : Omus shastanicus n. sp. — Male but slightly ventricose, somewhat slender, dull in lustre, the elytra more shining; head moderate, very dis- tinctly narrower than the prothorax, the vertex finely and feebly rugulose, the middle of the front finely and rather closely punctate; four supra- orbital setae very long, the eyes strongly convex; labral lobe broadly rounded; antennae slender; prothorax distinctly wider than long, the sides broadly, evenly rounded, oblique basally, the margin attaining the fine basal furrow; surface nearly smooth, feebly rugulose anteriorly and basally; elytra elongate-oval, without trace of humeri, strongly, subevenly and moderately closely punctate; anterior tarsi of the audouini type. Female broader and more ventricose than the male but otherwise nearly similar, the surface lustre rather less dull, the antennae but little shorter. Length 14.0-14.7 mm.; width 5.4-5.7 mm. California (Shasta Co.). To be known readily by the moderate head, semi-opaque surface, nearly smooth pronotum and almost regularly and rather deeply punctured elytra. Omus shastanicus ssp. cephalicus nov. — Body larger and more elongate than in shastanicus, moderately stout, dull in lustre; head larger, finely and feebly rugulose, the front finely punctate, the impressions shallower; labral lobe prominent and transversely truncate medially; antennas slender and rather long; eyes larger but less convex; prothorax similar in form but larger and more opaque, with obsolescent fine vermiculate 12 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA lines; elytra nearly similar but more convex, the rather coarse deep punctures more close-set, generally contiguous externally; coriaceous genital segment (9) more deeply emarginate, the diverging corneous processes behind it larger. Male unknown. Length 16.5 mm.; width 6.3 mm. California (Shasta Co.). The female type presents a distinctly different appearance from the female of shastanicus, having much heavier anterior parts and the truncate labrum, larger eyes and still longer antennae are suf- ficiently distinctive. Omus shastanicus ssp. tenuiculus nov. — Much smaller and more slender than shastanicus, with smaller and smoother head, the rugulosity almost obsolete and the anterior punctures minute and remote; labral lobe prominent and evenly rounded; antennae notably long and slender; eyes similar; prothorax smaller though distinctly wider than the head, similar in general form and in the nearly smooth opaculate surface, but more nearly as long as wide and differing in having its widest section much nearer the apex; elytra much narrower, elongate-oval, the humeri simi- larly very broadly rounded; punctures relatively even coarser, deep, well separated; interstices not punctulate and rather shining; anterior tarsi (cf) less dilated, the third joint much smaller and subquadrate. Female unknown. Length 13.0 mm.; width 4.8 mm. California (Shasta Co.). This form is so distinct in its small anterior parts, especially small head and in the outline of the prothorax, form of the male tarsi, small size, slender form and in other ways, that its full specific status is more than probable, but I leave it as stated provisionally. Group II (californicus) I was rather surprised to find three very distinct new forms in this group, in the material from Mr. Fuchs' collection, and, also included, was an additional example of mitnus Csy.; near sculptilis and the closely related mimus the following distinct form should be placed : Omus semilucens n. sp. — Male even narrower and more elongate than in mimus, the elytra very shining; head slightly narrower than the pro- thorax, very coarsely and deeply rugose, the impressions large, rather deep, the front medially rugose, not punctate; labrum truncate, feebly bisinuate; antennae rather long, moderately slender; prothorax relatively rather large, wider than long, the sides rounded from apex to base, more converging basally; surface coarsely, deeply, vermicularly rugose; elytra nearly twice as long as wide, only a fourth wider than the prothorax, the sides evenly, very broadly rounded, not more rounding at the humeri; punctures moderate though deep, widely separated throughout, the foveae not large but very deep and conspicuous; basal joint of the anterior tarsi not quite as long as wide, the second nearly one-half wider than long. Length (c^1) 14.5 mm.; width 5.1 mm. California (San Francisco Co.). CICINDELID.E 13 Distinguishable at once from californicus by the much more elongate elytra, gradually narrowed basally and without humeri, and, from sculp tilis (mimus), by the very much sparser elytral sculpture. Omus semilucens ssp. diminuens nov. — Male smaller and slightly more ventricose than in semilucens, the hind body less elongate; lustre rather shining; head scarcely narrower than the prothorax, less coarsely but deeply rugose, the labrum not truncate but with the broad median lobe distinctly produced, with its apex narrowly truncate; antennae rather long, slender; prothorax formed and sculptured as in the preceding but relatively smaller and somewhat less transverse; elytra similarly elongate- oval, widest at the middle and without evident humeri, but only about three-fourths longer than wide and two-fifths wider than the prothorax; punctures still smaller and feebler, widely separated, the fovese small, few in number, not deep and not very conspicuous; anterior tarsi with the three basal joints equal in length, the second not a fourth wider than long. Length (cf ) 13.0 mm. ; width 4.8 mm. California (Leona Heights, Alameda Co.). Differs from semilucens in the more lobate labrum, more ventricose and shorter hind body, finer elytral punctures, less distinct fovese and much less transverse second joint of the anterior male tarsi. Omus californicus ssp. latipennis nov. — Strongly ventricose, the elytra somewhat shining; head much narrower than the prothorax, very coarsely and strongly rugose throughout, the impressions small; labral lobe broadly rounded but distinctly advanced; antennae rather long and slender; pro- thorax obtrapezoidal, the sides converging from apex to base and evenly, feebly arcuate; margin fine, prominent only basally; surface very deeply, vermicularly rugose, rather less deeply along the middle; elytra not one- half longer than wide and nearly two-thirds wider than the prothorax, gradually ogival behind, the sides rapidly rounded at base, the shoulders very pronounced; surface with very moderate, well separated punctures, the foveae small and not very conspicuous; hind tarsi much longer than the tibiae. Length (9) 16.5 mm.; width 6.5 mm. California (Leona Heights, Alameda Co.). The elytra are very much broader than in the female of cali- fornicus, less convex, with less coarse and rather more separated punctures and much more pronounced humeri. Omus sculptilis ssp. opacipennis nov. — Body unusually depressed, with the elytra subopaque, ventricose; head only slightly narrower than the prothorax, coarsely rugose, not punctate medially on the front, the labral lobe broadly, evenly rounded and distinctly advanced; antennae notably long; prothorax wider than long, the sides parallel and but feebly arcuate before the middle, then rounding and converging, becoming straight to the base, the margins reflexed basally; surface strongly vermiculato- 14 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA rugose, with the transverse subapical line deep and conspicuous; elytra oblong-oval, rather flat above, evenly ogival in nearly apical half, the sides thence very feebly converging to the rapid and strong humeral arcuation; punctures rather small, only feebly impressed, well separated, a little coarser and subconfluent laterally; hind tarsi longer than the tibiae. Length ( 9 ) 17-5 mm. ; width 6.3 mm. California (St. Helena, Napa Co.) There can be no doubt that this must figure as a distinct subspecies of sculptilis, a female of which from Folker's Ranch, Sonoma Co., was also included in the Fuchs collection. The antennae in the type of opacipennis are longer than in the female of sculptilis, among other differences. Group IV (intermedius} This group in my previous revision of Omus was designated parvicolUs, but I find so many evidences, more or less positive, that the intermedius of Leng is a form allied to the one described by me under the name parvicolUs, that the propriety of using intermedius as the group name becomes rather obvious. The parvicolUs section of the intermedius group differs from the essentially more northern blaisdelli section, in the narrower bodily outline and relatively smaller anterior parts, as well as in the much finer and sparser elytral punctures. Not being sure that any one of the forms now constituting the parvicolUs or blaisdelli sections is really identical with intermedius, I have maintained them all as distinct from the latter, especially as Mr. Leng himself was unable to identify it in my collection. The type may possibly be lost. Omus parvicollis ssp. ovipennis nov. — Smaller and more abbreviated than parvicolUs and with sparser elytral punctures. Male elongate, convex, rather smooth, alutaceous; head slightly narrower than the prothorax, strongly rugose, finely so on the front, which is not in the • least punctate medially; labrum with a very broad and evenly rounded median lobe, which does not project evidently beyond the small lateral lobes; antennae long, moderately slender; prothorax barely visibly wider than long, the sides subparallel anteriorly, thence arcuate gradually and converging posteriorly, the fine side margins rather strongly, subequally reflexed throughout, uniting with the basal bead; surface broadly convex, opaque, finely creased, more deeply so laterally, the transverse impressions moderate and equal, the median stria distinct; elytra very nearly twice as long as wide, widest at the middle, evenly oval and without humeri; surface convex, finely and sparsely punctate, a little less sparsely toward the sides; anterior tarsi with the basal joint somewhat longer than wide, much longer than the second, which is a third wider than long. Length ClCINDELID^; 15 (cf ) 16.0 mm.; width 5.4 mm. California (Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras Co.),— Blaisdell. Readily distinguishable from parvicollis, or any other of the more southern forms of the group, by its smaller size, less elongate form, still more finely punctured elytra and less evident sparse feeble fovece; its more northern habitat, as a close ally of parvicollis, is to be noted. Group V (lecontei} It seemed probable at first that the following species might be the one described by W. Horn under the name fiichsi, but it differs in many ways as will appear: Omus lacertus n. sp. — Female very stout for the lecontei group, the head and pronotum especially developed as in some of the Sierra forms, moderately shining; head large though distinctly narrower than the pro- thorax, strongly, rather coarsely rugose, the middle of the front nearly smooth and with only infinitesimal and remote punctulation; labrum medially produced and quadrilobate, the median sinuate part projecting beyond the small adjoining lobes; antennae rather long and stout; pro- thorax transverse, fully a third wider than long, widest near apical third, but with the sides very evenly arcuate, strongly converging behind, the reflexed lateral margins strong throughout, more rapidly oblique at base, which it virtually attains; surface moderately and almost evenly convex, deeply, vernacularly rugose, the anterior sulcus fine and deep, the subbasal feeble, not quite attaining the sides, the median stria deep and conspicuous between the transverse impressions; elytra oblong-oval, two-thirds longer than wide, two-fifths wider than the prothorax, widest at about the middle, gradually ogival thence posteriorly, subparallel anteriorly to the gradually rounded and not very definite humeri; punctures rather small, somewhat aciculate in form, widely separated throughout, the foveae moderate and in two somewhat definite series; hind tarsi but little longer than the tibise. Length (9) 18.5 mm.; width 6.7 mm. California (Carmel, Monterey Co.), — Fuchs. In comparing this with the female of fuchsi, as described by W. Horn, a number of irreconcilable differences become apparent. For example, it is said that the pronotum is flattened, the median stria almost obsolete, the elytral humeri broad and distinct, the greatest elytral width well before the middle — as in lecontei — and the antennae rather short and slender in fuchsi. No one of these characters can be observed in the type of lacertus. 16 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA Group VI (sequoiarum) The following is one of the more distinct and isolated forms of the subgenus: Omus laticollis n. sp. — Body (9 ) elongate, subparallel, rather shining; head distinctly narrower than the prothorax, strongly rugose and shining throughout, without frontal punctures, the labral lobe prominent, broadly rounded; antennae moderate in length, rather thick; prothorax strongly transverse, only slightly narrower than the widest part of the elytra, obtrapezoidal. with subevenly rounded sides from apex to base, the lateral margin attaining the base; surface strongly and evenly vermiculato- rugose throughout; elytra about twice as long as wide, the sides parallel and almost straight, rounding at base, gradually arcuate and converging posteriorly; lateral margin distinctly reflexed basally; punctures rather coarse, deep, evenly close-set and cribrate, each attended by a minute anterior granule; larger sparse fovese distinct; legs slender. Male slightly more ventricose than the female but more slender, with much less trans- verse prothorax and rather feebler anterior rugulosity, the antennae long and slender; elytra twice as long as wide, elongate-oval, with arcuate sides and less obvious humeri, the sculpture nearly similar; anterior tarsi with the first three joints subequal in size, the first narrowed basally as usual. Length (