236 PHYTOPHAGA. 



23. Leptinotarsa Hbatrix. 



Doryphora Hbatrix, Suflr. Stett. ent. Zeit. 1858, p. 348 \ 



Hob. Mexico \ Cordova, Almolonga, Jalapa (SallS, Edge) ; Guatemala 1 , Cerro Zunil, 

 El Reposo, El Tumbador, Volcan de Atitlan, Zapote, Las Mercedes (Champion). 



In comparing this species with L. haldemani I find that the only appreciable differ- 

 ence consists in the more convex and rounded shape of the present one, the rather more 

 transverse and narrower thorax, and the more metallic colour of the upper surface, 

 which is a bright green. The punctuation is as variable as in L. haldemani. I refer 

 the present insect to Suffrian's L. Matrix on account of one of the localities given by 

 him being Guatemala (his other species being referred to Mexico only), and also because 

 the insect agrees in general with his description. 



24. Leptinotarsa chlorizans. 



Doryphora chlorizans, Suflr. Stett. ent. Zeit. 1858, p. 248 \ 



Hah. Mexico, Mazatlan l . 



I merely refer to this and the next species, as I have not seen the types; but I have 

 no doubt that they both represent but slight variations of L. Hbatrix. 



25. Leptinotarsa Htigiosa. 



Doryphora Htigiosa, Suffr. Stett. ent. Zeit. 1858, p. 248 \ 

 Hab. Mexico, Mazatlan x . 



26. Leptinotarsa violacescens. 



Myocoryna violacescens, St&l, Diagn. 1859, p. 317 1 ; Monogr. Chrys. Amer. p. 168 \ 

 Leptinotarsa violacea, Sturm, Cat. 1843, p. 287 2 . 



Hob. Mexico 1 2 , Orizaba, Cordova, Almolonga, Tuxtla (SallS, Edge). 



Except in its general colour, which, as its name implies, is a uniform dark violaceous, 

 this species differs in no respect from L. Hbatrix. It is equally variable in the sculpturing 

 of its upper parts, and is, in my opinion, not specifically distinct. I have before me a 

 specimen named by St&l and another by Sturm from the collections of Mr. Baly and 

 M. Salle respectively. One of these specimens is of a silky opaque colour and extremely 

 finely punctured ; the other (named by St&l) is of a more metallic lustre, and more 

 distinctly punctate, in which it agrees with others before me from Mexico. The more 

 I examine all the specimens the more clear it is to me that no reliance can be placed, 

 in this case, on punctuation or colour for specific distinction, and also, but to a less 

 degree, in shape. I think nothing is gained by considering these uncertain characters 

 specific distinctions. 



