PHAYLLUS. 167 
the sides of the thorax are finer and fewer in number, and the striz of the elytra are 
finer towards the suture, the punctures finer and closer together. 
An example from Belize is figured. 
PHAYLLUS. 
Mentum trapeziform, strongly deflexed on each side, longitudinally convex in the middle; last joint of the 
maxillary palpi broad, securiform, that of the labial palpi broad and ovate ; ligula broad, exserted; antenns 
about reaching to the base of the prothorax, widening a little outwardly, the third and fourth joints about 
equal in length, the fifth wider and about as broad as long, the sixth to the tenth transverse and about 
equal, the eleventh the width of, but much longer than, the tenth, and bluntly rounded at the apex ; 
head small, rather narrow, deeply sunk into the prothorax, unarmed and similar in both sexes, the 
epistoma distinctly defined and broadly truncated in front; labrum transverse, visible from above; eyes 
rather large, obliquely transverse, extending beyond the slightly swollen antennary orbits; prothorax 
transverse, narrowly margined, rapidly narrowing anteriorly, the base strongly bisinuate and closely 
embracing the elytra, and with a short shallow longitudinal fovea on each side ; scutellum triangular ; 
elytra the width of the prothorax at the base, gradually narrowing from the base, the humeri prominent 
and formed by the somewhat prominent reflexed margin, regularly punctate-striate, the disc and also that 
of the thorax slightly flattened ; legs slender, smooth, the tibial spurs small, the middle coxe without 
visible trochantin, the first joint of the posterior tarsi much longer than the two following joints united, 
and, if anything, rather longer than the apical joint; prosternum narrow, horizontal, the apex a little 
produced and received by the concave mesosternum ; intercoxal process triangular; epipleure broad, 
extending to the apex of the elytra. Form regularly oval, depressed. 
This genus will include one species only, of small size; it probably represents the 
Hypogena minuta of Dejean’s Catalogue. P. minutus is not uncommon under bark 
throughout our country, and extends southwards to Brazil. Of described genera, 
Phayllus is perhaps most nearly allied to Metulosonia and Peltoides. 
1. Phayllus minutus. (Tab. VII. fig. 21; 21a, labium; 216, maxilla and~ 
maxillary palpus.) 
? Hypogena minuta, De}. Cat. 3rd edit. p. 220°. 
Regularly oval, depressed, reddish testaceous or castaneous, slightly shining. Head finely and rather closely 
punctured, the epistoma well defined posteriorly by a transverse broad impression, the space between the 
eyes slightly raised transversely ; eyes black; prothorax widest at the base, regularly rounded at the 
sides, much narrowed anteriorly, closely, finely, and equally punctured ; elytra regularly punctate-striate, 
the interstices flat, finely, rather closely, and very evidently punctured ; beneath shining, finely and not 
very closely punctured ; legs reddish, sometimes a little darker. 
Length 4-54 millim. (¢ 9.) 
Hab. Mexico (coll. Oberthiir), Jalapa (Hoge); Brrrish Honpuras, R. Hondo, R. 
Sarstoon, Belize (Blancaneaun) ; GuaTEMALA, San Juan in Vera Paz, Cubilguitz, Tamahu, 
Zapote, Pantaleon, El Tumbador (Champion); Nicaracv, Chontales (Janson) ; PANAMA, 
Volean de Chiriqui (Champion).—Cotomsia, Cartagena 1; BRAZIL. 
A somewhat variable species as regards size and colour ; small pallid examples have, 
as might be expected, the elytra more lightly punctate-striate. 
An example of average size from Volcan de Chiriqui is figured. 
