BY ARTHUR M. LEA. 491 



subject to variation; the punctures are more irregular in some; 

 some have the elytra wider and less convex; in several specimens 

 one side is slightly different from the other; the depths of the 

 abdominal sutures are also subject to variation. This species as 

 well as the preceding (which is also slightly variable) is very 

 common; dozens of individuals are often to be seen on old stumps 

 at night. The species are fairly distinct from each other. The 

 present species I take to be one in rapid course of evolution. 

 I have a species belonging to an undescribed genus with which 

 it+< affinity is very obvious. 



Group H. — Tyj)e P. varicosus. 



Elongate-cylindrical, without distinct tubercles on elytra, those 

 on the prothorax almost or entirely obsolete. Eyes rather small, 

 coarsely granulate. Rostrum more or less curved, often almost 

 straight, densely squamose. Scape inserted from behind the 

 middle to one-third from apex, passing muzzle for a considerable 

 distance, or even not reaching apex, and varying sexually; club 

 free or subadnate to funicle. Prothorax not much wider at l^ase 

 than apex, with or without a feeble carina. Scutellum absent. 

 Elytra widest about' the middle, more or less distinctly striate- 

 punctate; 2nd and 4th interstices feebly raised at base and feebly 

 fasciculate; suture at summit of posterior declivity slightly raised 

 and thickened. Large shallow punctures or fovese on the two 

 basal and the apical segments of abdomen. Legs short; femora 

 never passing middle of declivit}^, and seldom reaching so far; 

 tibiae rather strongly compressed, with elongate scales ; third 

 tarsal joint scarcely to moderately bilobed ; claw- joint more or 

 less elongate, widening to apex or parallel-sided, squamose or 

 setose. 



This is the most difficult group of the whole genus, all the 

 species being closel}^ allied; and they are certain to cause trouble 

 to any one wishing to identify them. When captured the scales 

 are frequently covered with earthy material; some of the species 

 are moderately common under logs in dry situations. /-". communis 

 appears to be widely distributed, and of it I ha\e seen thousands. 



