408 . PHYTOPHAGA. 



the above-mentioned structural peculiarities sometimes showing considerable modifica- 

 tion ; in fact the same difficulties are encountered here in separating the genera as the 

 species. The species are often so extremely variable, not only in the colour and pattern of 

 the elytra, but also in structure, that there is no doubt many species have been described 

 which will eventually turn out to be nothing but varieties ; but to settle this point a 

 great number of specimens from the same localities are necessary, and for the sexes to be 

 taken notice of at their place of capture, where opportunity offers. Species of (Edionychis 

 are not confined to the New World only, but have been obtained in India and other places 

 in the east. South America is, however, their metropolis, and nearly 200 species are 

 now known. A good monograph of the genus is much needed. 



t Elytra entirely metallic blue or black, with or without aflavous margin. 



(Species 1 to 17.) 



1. (Edionychis reichei. (Tab. XXIII. fig. 11.) 



(Edionychis reichei, Harold, Col. Hefte, xv. 1876, p. 121 x . 



Hab. Mexico \ Cordova, Orizaba, Oaxaca (Salle), Cerro de Plumas, Oaxaca {Hbge) ; 

 Beitish Hondtjeas, E. Sarstoon (JBlancaneaux) ; Guatemala, Purula, San Geronimo, 

 Zapote (Champion); Costa Eica (Van Patten), Volcan de Irazu (Bogers); Panama, 

 David, Volcan de Chiriqui, Bugaba (Champion). 



Apparently a common species, to judge from the numbers received from Mexico and 

 the State of Panama. The abdomen in (E. reichei is entirely flavous ; the elytra are 

 black (sometimes bluish), shining, and impunctate. 



2. (Edionychis ceracollis. 



Altica ceracollis, Say, Bost. Journ. i. 1835, p. 200 l ; Leconte, Complete Writings of Thomas Say, 



ii. p. 669. 

 (Edionychis luteicollis, Chev. Dej. Cat. 3rd ed. p. 408 2 . 



Hab. Mexico x 2 , Ciudad in Durango (Forrer), Cordova, Tuxtla, Playa Vicente, Sante- 

 comapan (SalU), Cordova, Jalapa (Hoge) ; Beitish Hondueas, E. Hondo, E. Sarstoon 

 (Blancaneauw) ; Guatemala, Capetillo, Duerias, Zapote (Champion). 



In this species the entire underside, the thorax, and the femora are pale fulvous or 

 testaceous, the elytra generally violaceous, sometimes dark metallic blue, and extremely 

 finely punctured ; the tibiae and tarsi as well as the vertex of the head are blackish ; 

 the three lower joints of the antennae are testaceous, either entirely or beneath only ; 

 the anterior angles of the thorax are mucronate in the female, scarcely so in the male 

 insect. Say has referred this species to Disonycha collaris, Fabr., with which it has 

 nothing in common, except the colour. I refer the Guatemalan specimens obtained by 

 Mr. Champion to the present species, but the elytra are more evidently and closely 

 punctured than in those from Mexico, and the underside is sometimes piceous; 



