Coleopterological Notices, VI- 688 



singular modification of the mesosternum, there can be but little 

 doubt that the correct solution of its taxonomy is the erection 

 for it of a distinct genus, and at the same time, the radical varia- 

 tions in this mesosternal structure show bej'ond peradventure 

 that scA^eral distinct species have been confounded, not only in 

 this country but in Europe. 



The material in my cabinet can be resolved into the four fol- 

 lowing well characterized specific forms : — 



Mesosternniu greatly dilated at the sides, extending witli rounded outline 

 more than half way between the coxa; and the elytral humeri, its outer 

 margin V)earirg a close fringe of long fine decumbent hairs ; pronotum con- 

 stantly with a small feeble double tubercle in the middle near the apex. 



(Subgenus I) 1. floralis 



Mesosternum very much less developed laterally, intervening obliquely be- 

 tween the cox?e and epLsternum but only slightly more so than in Anthi- 

 cus, its outer margin not fimbriate ; pronotum constantly devoid of any 

 trace of the subapical tubercle. (Subgenus II) 

 Prothorax more finely and sparsely punctate, feebly and more obtusely con- 

 stricted near the base. 

 Prothorax very narrowly an<l strongly rounded at the sides near the apex. 



2. euodis 

 Prothorax broadly rounded at the sides anteriorly, much more feebly ol> 

 lique and gradually narrowed thence to the subbasal constriction. 



3. scenicus 



Prothorax more strongly and closely punctate, the posterior constriction deep 



and almost rectangular, the basal margin much Avider and more strongly 



expanded 4. rixator 



The American floralis extends without noticeable variation 

 over the entire country, but my material in the second subgenus 

 is not sutHciently extensive to enable me to pronounce any useful 

 opinion as to geographical distribution. This is however an in- 

 teresting subject, and well merits careful attention from those 

 possessing large series. 



1. H. floralis Linn.— Faun. Suec, Xo. 830, 1735 (Meloe); LaFerte: 

 Mon., p. 150; Lee: Proc. Acad., Phila., 1852, p. 98 ( Anthicus); basillaris Say: 

 Joum. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 3, p. 279 (Anthicus). 



Stout, polished, subglabrous, the pubescence of the elytra no- 

 ticeable but extremely short and sparse ; head piceous, the pro- 

 thorax pale rufo-testaceous ; basal third or fourth of the el3-tra 

 pale brownish-flavate, the remainder piceous-black. Length 2.7- 

 3.1 mm.; width 0.9-1.1 mm. 



