MALACODERMATA. 311 
MALTHASTER (to follow the genus Malthodes, p. 106). 
Caput porrectum, postice valde angustatum. Antenne filiformes, graciles haud serrate. Palpi maxillares articulo 
ultimo interne dilatato, cultriformi; labiales breves, articulo ultimo subtriangulari. Mandibule inermes, 
eequaliter curvate. Prothorax lateribus deflexis, antice et postice subconstrictus. lytra mollia, corporis 
longitudine, haud conspicue punctata, Pedes sat longi, graciles; tarsi longi; ungues simplices. Mas, 
abdominis segmento sexto ventrali fisso. 
The insect for which I propose this new genus is like Malthinus in general appearance 
and in the form of the head. It differs, however, from that genus in the dilated palpi 
and fully-developed elytra, as well as the sexual character of the divided sixth segment 
of the abdomen. In this latter character it agrees with Silis and Discodon; but, as far 
as I can see, the claws are quite simple. The thorax is similar in the sexes, with the 
side margins very depressed ; there is a small callosity on each side in front, and the 
posterior part of the disc behind has a subtubercular nodosity. 
1. Malthaster suturalis. 
Elongatus, sublinearis, sordide-testaceus ; antennis, palpis, occipite, thoracis maculis duabus, sutura preesertim 
ad basin, tibiis tarsisque, infuscatis. Long. 6 millim. g §. 
Hab. Panama, Volcan de Chiriqui 8000 feet (Champion). 
The head is contracted behind, asin Malthinus ; the mouth, the mandibles, the under- 
side of the head, and the epistoma are yellow; the palpi, especially at their apices, are dark 
fuscous. Theantenne are about three quarters of the length of the body, with elongate 
thin joints, which are pilose ; the second joint is much longer than in Sits or Discodon, 
being two thirds of the length of the third, the remaining joints subequal, the terminal 
one longer. Thorax elongate, uneven, truncate before and behind, with slightly raised 
margins. Scutellum pale yellow. Elytra apparently very thin and soft, sordid bone- 
colour; the suture dark fuscous, widely so at the base, but the dark band running out 
at the apex. Underside testaceous, the abdomen fuscous except at its apex and 
margins. Legs pale; tibie faintly, tarsi darkly, fuscous. 
About sixteen specimens of this species were found by Mr. Champion in the virgin 
forest at 8000 feet elevation, and apparently at no other part on the Pacific slope of 
the Volcan de Chiriqui; this locality appearing to be comparatively rich in peculiar 
forms of Malacodermata, as well as in other interesting species of Coleoptera. 
PTORTHODIUS (p. 106). 
Ptorthodius mandibularis (p. 107). 
About twelve examples in all were captured by Mr. Champion at elevations of from 
2500 to 4000 feet on the Volean de Chiriqui; these do not differ much, nor can I dis- 
criminate the sexes. 
