STAPHYLINIDZ. 787 
PHILONTHUS (p. 395). 
1(a). Philonthus rufiventris. 
Rufo-testaceus, capite, prothorace pectore cum coxis antennisque nigris, his articulis duobus ultimis ferrugineis ; 
prothorace serie dorsali bipunctato. 
Long. 10 millim. 
Hab. Mexico, Amecameca in Morelos (/ége). 
This is a very peculiar insect not allied to any other Philonthus except P. abnormalis, 
from which it differs greatly in colour, and in the absence of the posterior puncture on 
the thorax. Superficially it resembles Belonuchus formosus, differing, however, by the 
hind body being entirely black. The thorax has two punctures near the front margin, 
the anterior one being placed close to the margin, and the second about one fifth of the 
length of the thorax behind it: there is no other species known agreeing with P. ruji- 
ventris in this respect, and in Erichson’s system it would form a distinct group; the 
thoracic seta is placed at a distance from the margin as in Belonuchus. The antenne 
are moderately long, but little thicker externally, the penultimate joints scarcely trans- 
verse. Head with a few large punctures near the sides. ‘Thorax elongate, shining black ; 
with two punctures near the front on each side of the middle, and outside these two others 
similarly placed, and with a puncture or two between these and the marginal impressions. 
Scutellum black, finely punctate. Hlytra tawny-yellow, slightly longer than the thorax, 
rather closely and coarsely punctate. Hind body moderately closely and finely punctate ; 
terminal styles fuscous except at the base. 
A single female; it has the front and hind femora without spines. 
3 (a). Philonthus prescottianus. 
Niger, capite prothoraceque violaceis, elytris violaceo-eneis ; parce punctatus. 
Long. 12 millim. 
Hab. Mexico, Amecameca in Morelos, Salazar (Hoge). 
Similar to P. palmatus, but readily distinguishable by the extremely distant punctua- 
tion of the hind body. Rather broad; antenne not thicker externally, the penultimate 
joint about as long as broad. ‘Thorax rather short and broad, not so long as wide, 
feebly sinuate at the sides, the hind angles distinct but very obtuse. Scutellum black, 
very sparingly punctured. Elytra shining, sparingly punctured, of a beautiful golden or 
brassy hue tinctured with violet. Hind body intensely black, shining, very sparingly 
punctate and pubescent. The tarsi are slender, reddish, with the basal joint darker. 
The female has the front tarsi slightly dilated; the male is unknown. 
I have named this species in honour of the distinguished author of the History of 
the Conquest of Mexico. 
12 (a). Philonthus semiruber. 
Philonthus semiruber, Horn, Trans. Am. Ent. Soc. xi. p. 187''. 
Hab. Nortu America, California!, Arizona '!.—Mexico, Villa Lerdo in Durango (Hége). 
5 HH 2 
