354 MEMOIRS ON THE COLEOPTERA 



species, zo-lineata and ruficollis, to which the related forms may be 

 attached as subspecies. In some cases, such as reducta, laticauda 

 and perversa, I am of the opinion that they are rather specific in 

 value than subspecific, but have tried to simplify the subject as 

 much as possible by considering them all as subspecific provi- 

 sionally. These remarks also apply in large degree to the crinita 

 section. In regard to the other forms described above, there could 

 be no hesitation in determining the proper taxonomic status. 



Occidentalis is a very remarkable and isolated species, in having 

 the anterior tibiae wholly unaffected sexually. Variolosa seems at 

 present to be in process of segregation into incipient species or 

 subspecies; the forms from the extreme southern part of its range, 

 near Atlantic City, have the diffused vestiture longer and closer, 

 giving a more pruinose appearance and one from Old Orchard, 

 Maine, is much larger than the others; some have no vestige of 

 erect pronotal hairs, while in others these are very evident on parts 

 of the surface; one example has the pronotum and entire under 

 surface black, the legs piceous. In another specimen there is a 

 distinct vestige on the anterior male tibiae of the first tooth of the 

 three characterizing the cavifrons group. Comes is widely different 

 and could not be confused with variolosa in any way, but represents 

 that species on the western slopes of the Appalachian system. 



The intromittent spicule in this genus is radically different from 

 that of Thyce; in oblita, for instance, the two symmetrical, finely 

 and longitudinally divided sections form a parallel rectilinear piece, 

 transversely, feebly convex and moderately bent downward api- 

 cally, the combined apex broadly arcuate horizontally; beneath, 

 the combined halves are deeply concave; there is no locking arrange- 

 ment visible, except the deflexed apex. 



I have seen nothing at all resembling the very small Mexican 

 conspersa Burm., which is of such peculiar organization as to call 

 its generic assignment somewhat into question. 



