COCCINELLID.E AND NOTES 251 



the slightest tendency to spread laterally; but the posterior macu- 

 lation of the elytra is notably variable, the two post-median spots 

 very frequently being united transversely, differing in this way, as 

 well as in the amalgamation of the three scutellar spots, from 

 divergens, in which the tendency is not apparent, at any rate as 

 shown by my extensive material from many regions. 



The third series, consisting of 28 specimens, was also decidedly 

 variable in markings but had, as one of its chief distinguishing 

 features, an irregular transverse laterally attenuated basal fascia, 

 sometimes wanting and frequently disintegrated, but always evincing 

 a tendency to lateral extension in the amalgamated scutellar and 

 post-scutellar spots, except rarely when the latter were wanting. 

 It can be considered a variety of extensa Muls. 



Both of the last two forms are somewhat larger in average size 

 than the first and vary also very much in the development of the 

 discal diverging lines of the pronotum, from wholly wanting rather 

 a rare condition, to very large and breaking through to the pale 

 border also an exceptional development. 



Besides these three dominant forms, there were two uniques, one 

 uteana Csy., and the other a slight variation of 5-signata Kirby. 

 There were no specimens that could be regarded as intermediates 

 uniting the three series mentioned above, and all the crushed and 

 rejected specimens were simple replicas of others and of no material 

 importance. 



To one inspecting these segregated series, which I have carefully 

 preserved intact, while bearing in mind that they were indis- 

 criminately mingled together in the plaque under the name lecontei, 

 of which New Mexican species I could not find a specimen, the 

 opinion becomes unavoidable that Mr. Johnson's conclusions are 

 valueless from the taxonomic viewpoint, though only natural if we 

 consider the special character of his investigation. 



Synonymy and Corrections. 

 STAPHYLINID.E. 



On p. 61 and 62 (Mem. Col., I), for palliola read palleola. 

 On page 51 (1. c.), I2th line from top, for repleta read reperta. 

 On page 83 (1. c.), i6th line from top, for subfusca read suffusca. 

 Atheta (Stethnsa) affluens Csy. (Mem. Col., I, p. 5) may be considered 

 a variety or perhaps less, of irvingi Csy. (1. c.). 



