1 84 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



seen from below slightly curved, distinguish the lucifuge from the 

 lucicole form. The former is typified by the specimen described by 

 Pickard-Cambridge as Tmctiais simplex, and with these our 

 specimens agree in all respects, the colour belonging to the greyish 

 green series with paler spot-like mottlings. 



This species has not previously been recorded from Scotland. 



INSECT A. 



COLEOPTERA. 



6. Quedius mesomelinus, Marsh. A single specimen of this 

 common Staphylinid Beetle, known to the miners as the " Clocker," 

 was brought in for examination, but reported to be present in some 

 numbers. It was observed only on the floor of the incline and on 

 the coal seam. The example submitted differed in no respect from 

 normal specimens. The species is common and widely distributed 

 throughout the country, and is found in moss, fungi, decaying 

 vegetable rubbish, etc. It is reported to occur also in cellars. 



A larva was captured which bore a characteristically Staphylinid 

 appearance, and I have little doubt but that it represented the 

 same species of Quedius. We may, therefore, fairly assume that 

 the beetle is quite at home and breeds in the mine. 



7. Thanasimus formicarius, Linnaeus. A well-known and easily 

 recognised member of the Cleridoe. A single example was 

 captured flying ; and since in Scotland this species usually occurs 

 on logs of Scotch fir, it is hardly surprising to find that it has 

 been introduced into the mine. In the open it has a wide 

 distribution over the whole of Britain. 



Diptera. 



8. Psychoda humeralis, Mg. Several specimens of this "Moth- 

 fly" (Family Psychodidae) were obtained. As these naturally 

 were in bad condition, owing to the necessarily rough methods 

 of capture, it is fortunate for purposes of identification that 

 the species is easily recognised by the distinct neuration of the 

 wings. We do not as yet possess much definite information 

 regarding the life-history and habitat of these distinctive little 

 flies, but the present species has been reared from putrid snails 

 and rotten potatoes, both of which are likely to occur in the 

 galleries. 



