290 Pr. Horn's Notes on the habits of Californian Coleoptera. 



When caught, they exude a greenish, milky juice, having the odor 

 of decaying wood. 



The sexes can be readily distinguished from each other. The male 

 being narrower, and more convex. 



Amphizoa resembles, to a marked extent, the genus Nyctopetus of 

 the Tenebrionidae, so much so, that, without a close examination, it 

 has been pronounced a member of that genus. 



Some discussion has arisen regarding the relationships of this curi- 

 ous insect. Specimens recently sent by me to Paris will undoubtedly 

 elicit more discussion, and the proper status given the insect in rela- 

 tion to families already recognized. Occurs during July and August. 



METRIUS CONTRACTUS Esch. 

 This insect occurs under stones in shady places, or in woods at a 

 considerable elevation. I have specimens from the Coast range, north 

 and south, from Tejon, and from the high Sierras near the head waters 

 of King's and Kern rivers. Promecognathus is found like Metritis, 

 but appears to be confined to the Coast range. 



PSYDRUS PICEUS Lee. 

 Occurs at Fort Crook, California, under pine bark. They emit from 

 the anus, with a slight explosion, a liquid similar to that emitted by 

 the Brachini. I noticed no offensive smell connected with it. The 

 Cychri of California have a similar habit. Their liquid is, however, 

 emitted without explosion, and is very irritating to the eyes should any 

 of it, by accident, come in contact with them. 



ANCHOMMA COSTATUM Lee. 



This insect, until my return from California, remained represented 

 by an unique in the Cabinet of Pr. LeConte. It is found abundantly 

 in Owens Valley under stones, and particularly those under which ants 

 are living. They live in colonies, as many as fifty or even one hun- 

 dred having been found by myself in a single colony. Specimens have 

 occurred also at Tejon, San Felipe and San Piego. It occurs at all 

 seasons of the year. 



NOSODES SERRATA Lee. 



Is found rather commonly in the mountainous regions of north-east- 

 ern California. It may be found in the flat, cottony fungi growing 

 between the bark and wood on old pine stumps. With it may be 

 found Peltis Pippingskwldi Mann, and P. f rate ma Kandall. 



GYASCUTUS OBLITERATUS Lee. 

 From a letter lately received from Pr. Cronkhite, I learn that this 



