MALLASPIS, _ 11 
The base of the thorax is of similar form to that of all the allied species; but the 
sides, from the lateral spine forward, converge somewhat unevenly to the anterior 
angles, which are close to the neck. In some examples of the female the anterior 
narrowing of the thorax is more abrupt and occurs nearer the front angles. The 
antenne in what appear to be the males have the third and fourth joints more dilated 
and more oblong than in what appear to be the females, in which the third joint and 
following are pf the same subovate form, the third only being conspicuously longer 
than the rest. The colour of the species is extremely variable. 
3. Mallaspis precellens. (Tab. II. fig. 8.) 
Mallaspis precellens, Bates, Trans. Ent. Soc. 1871, p. 376. 
Hab. Panama, Chiriqui (Ridéde). 
The male of this handsome species is brassy in colour, with a golden coppery tinge, 
especially on the antennz and legs. The female is bluish green. 
4, Mallaspis belti. (Tab. Il. fig. 1,5 figg. 2, 3,2.) 
Mallaspis beltii, Bates, Trans. Ent. Soc. 1869, p. 49. 
Mallaspis salvini, Bates, Trans. Ent. Soc. 1869, p. 49 (var.). 
Hab. Nicaragua, Chontales (Belt, Janson), Costa Rica. 
The Costa-Rican examples described as I. salvini differ from the type in being of 
smaller size, and the elytra being relatively shorter; the antenne also in the male are 
metallic in colour. Additional specimens from the same country show that these differ- 
ences are not constant, and indicate only an unstable local variety. The female of the 
typical WM. beléi in Chontales varies greatly in colour, the extreme variety being of 
a dull reddish-golden hue. 
5. Mallaspis longiceps. 
Mallaspis longiceps, White, Cat. Long. Col. B. M. i. p. 52, t. 2. f. 7. 
Hab. Mexico (Sallé, Boucard). 
6. Mallaspis paradoxa. (Tab. II. fig. 6.) 
Mallaspis paradoxa, Bates, Trans. Ent. Soc. 1869, p. 383 ; 1872, p. 168. 
Hab. Nicaragua, Chontales (Belt, Janson) ; Costa Rica (Rogers). 
7. Mallaspis trichostetha, (Tab. II. fig. 7.) 
d aurato-enea, infra et scutello aurato-sericeo-pubescens ; capite minus elongato, confluenter grosse punctato; 
antennis quam corpus triente longioribus, articulis linearibus, tertio quam quartus paulo longiore, 4°--10™ 
fere equalibus, his (4 basi excepto) piceo-opacis ; thorace parvo, spina laterali (valde elongata et acuta) in 
medio sita, lateribus postice usque ad angulos obliquis haud sinuatis, antice denticulatis, angulis anterioribus 
productis ; elytris paulo inequalibus, coriaceis et intricato-rugosis. 
Long. 1 poll. o. 
c 2 
