296 Dr. Horn's observations on Phodaga alticeps. 



statement that the posterior coxae are contiguous in two of the tribes, 

 (Synchitini and Colydiini). The intercoxal process of the abdomen is 

 well marked, and though not so broad as in Bothriderini, etc., yet 

 separates very plainly the posterior coxae. 



Some observations on PHODAGA ALTICEPS, Lee. 



BY GEO. II. IIOEN, M. D. 



With the exception of Eupompha fissiceps Lee, there is no vesicant 

 in our territories presenting so many curious characters. Between the 

 male and female of Phodaga great differences exist, in the form of the 

 legs and tarsi; the object of the present notice being to give these in 

 detail, as no perfect male has ever been in collections until brought by 

 myself from the deserts of Arizona. Recently specimens have been 

 sent me from Owens Valley, California, by Dr. H. M. Croukhite, to 

 whom I must acknowledge great indebtedness for liberality, and who 

 recognized the insect, though I failed to find it during a year's resi- 

 dence in that region. 



Male. — Head sinuous behind. Vertex elevated. Front channelled 

 longitudinally with two prominent tubercles between the eyes and above 

 insertion of the antennse. Epistoma concave. Antennae short, eleven- 

 jointed, first joint longer, second joint very small, Mandibles toothed 

 s jt.at tip, deeply grooved on outer face. Anterior 

 j\ tibise flattened, sericeous on the inner face. 

 K densely pilose externally, especially toward the 

 apex; tarsi very much compressed, first joint 

 1. Front of male. much larger, contorted, and produced oblique- 



' . 10 e ° ™ a e " It/ inward: spinous beneath; claws deeplv 



3. Anterior tibia and , r ..... r " 



tarsus . cleft, slender, and yellowish in color. Middle 



4. Middle tibia. legs flattened; femora thicker at base; tibiae 

 5 ' Claw. dilated and deeply longitudinally excavated on 



the inner face; tarsi conpressed, longer than the tibiae, first joint 

 equalling second and third together. Posterior legs longer, tibiae and 

 femora slightly arcuate; tarsi compressed, first joint nearly equal to 

 the three succeeding joints; tibial spurs long, slender and acute. 



Female. — Excepting the particulars indicated above in italics there 

 is no difference between the sexes. The anterior tarsi are simple, the 

 middle tibiae not dilated. The frontal tubercles are not present. 



