132 PHYTOPHAGA. 



which are less parallel, more widened at the middle, the antenna? being at the same 

 time thickened and less elongate (although not in every case) ; the elytra are nearly all 

 of a dark metallic-green colour. The species are exclusively Mexican. 



1. Promecosoma abdominale. (Tab. VIII. figg. 1, 2.) 



Promecosoma abdominale, Lefevre, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, 1877, p. 127 . 



Hab. Mexico \ Oaxaca (Hbge, Boucard, coll. SalU), Peras, Durasnal (Boucard, coll. 

 Salle), Guanajuato (Duges, coll. SallS). 



This is a common species in collections, and may be known by the greenish-black 

 thorax in connexion with the narrow elongate shape and fulvous colour of the under- 

 side ; the colour of the elytra varies from green to purplish. The figures represent 

 specimens from Oaxaca (fig. 1) and Jalapa (fig. 2). 



2. Promecosoma dispar. (Tab. VIII. fig. 3.) 



Promecosoma dispar, Lefevre, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, 1877, p. 127. 



Hab. Mexico, Yolos {Boucard, coll. Salle), Guanajuato (Duges, coll Salle). 



I strongly believe that this species is but a variety of the preceding one, the whole 

 difference between the two being the fulvous head and thorax, the latter having, 

 however, the sides narrowly dark green; the apex of the elytra is also in one 

 specimen (the type) fulvous, while in another this colour is absent, the insect showing 

 therefore its tendency to vary as regards colour ; but, in the absence of intermediate 

 forms, it may be as well to keep the two species separate. 



3. Promecosoma scutellare. (Tab. VIII. fig. 4.) 



Promecosoma scutellare, Lefevre, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, 1877, p. 128. 

 Hab. Mexico, Playa Vicente (Salle). 



This is a large species, of a purplish colour above, which in general appearance 

 approaches much nearer the genus Metaxyonycha than most of the other species ; the 

 thorax is broadly transverse ; and the antennae are more elongate and filiform than is 

 usual in this genus. The specimen figured is from Playa Vicente. 



4. Promecosoma nobiHtatum. (Tab. VIII. fig. 5.) 



Promecosoma nobilitatum, Lefevre, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, 1877, p. 128 1 . 

 Hab. Mexico \ Playa Vicente (Salle) ; Guatemala 1 (Salle). 



The largest species of the genus, and, besides this, distinguished from its allies by 

 the red elytral apex, the robust legs, and black tarsi ; in other respects it resembles the 

 preceding species. 



