172 FAUNA HAWAIIENSIS 



Hawaii. The chief points of variation which we have observed are as follows. Size 

 very variable, the largest examples being three or four times the bulk of the smallest. 

 Form sometimes robust, sometimes narrow and elongate, to some extent the variation 

 being probably due to sex, as it is usual in other species for the ^ to be shorter and 

 wider than the %. In some the elytra become a good deal wider either a little behind 

 the shoulders or still further back, while in some the curve of their sides is very even and 

 forms an almost regular continuation of that of the sides of the prothorax. The surface 

 of the insect is normally shining, others are less so, especially anteriorly, some are rarely 

 quite dull. The rostrum varies in sculpture, sometimes it is finely and by no means 

 closely punctured, sometimes the puncturation is dense and rugose. The antennae, 

 which are slender, are not extremely variable, but they are longer in some examples 

 than in others, and there is no doubt that some have the first joint of the funicle more 

 slender and less short than others. The prothorax varies in width and in sculpture, 

 generally it is finely punctured, sometimes more strongly and closely, sometimes very 

 shining and almost or quite impunctate. The elytra are rarely dull, but frequently 

 instead of being merely seriately punctured, they have the punctures placed in evident 

 striae, and the individual punctures of the rows are often remote, but sometimes close 

 and regular, even in those near to the suture. Small examples from the Kona district 

 are often excessively shining and have the puncturation of the elytra much more sparse 

 and irregular. The eyes which normally are a little convex in a few specimens are 

 hardly so at all. 



We have attempted the division of the species on nearly all these characters and 

 on minute differences in the rostrum, with the result that we have found that either a 

 number of species must be made, with very indefinite distinctions between them, or that 

 the whole series must be considered as one very variable species, which is possibly at 

 the present time in the process of dividing into several, the division as yet being quite 

 incomplete. It is of course possible that extended research into the habits etc. of some 

 of these forms might prove that the views we hold are erroneous, and that there are 

 really several variable species. 



Hab. Hawaii, taken in various localities on both sides of the island from 

 2000 — 5000 ft. 



(46) Oodemas infermim Blackburn. 



Oodemas infernum Blackburn, Ent. Mo. Mag. xvii. p. 199. 



Hab. Hawaii, Kilauea (Blackburn). I think it doubtful whether this is not a 

 form of the preceding species, but as Mr Blackburn in his final consideration of the 

 species (Tr. Dublin Soc. 18S5, p. 187) includes it in those, which have a long first joint 

 to the funiculus, whereas O. multiforme appears to belong to those which have this joint 

 short, I have thought it safer to consider the two distinct. 



