4<^ Observations on Cici)idclidie. [zoe 



From the above propositions, it is to be argued that latisignata 

 has been evolved from tejiuicincta, the latter being naturally and 

 logically the fundamental species, the former only so by the ar- 

 bitrary laws governing the priority of nomenclature. 



Latisignata may be regarded as an incipient species in progress 

 of divergence from a more normal type, and will in all probability 

 in the course of time become isolated and perpetuated. 



At the present time the two forms are to be considered as ident- 

 ical. 



Any collector of these insects cannot fail to note the following- 

 facts while in the field: 



1. That the two forms under consideration form the extremes of 

 a series, in which the intermediate types of elvtral variation are ex- 

 ceedingly abundant and exhaustive. 



2. That the normal tenuicinda in numbers considerably exceed 

 the broad-banded form, the latter being comparatively scarce. 



3. That all of these forms are intimately associated. 



4. That eight-tenths of the couples taken in coitu will represent 

 a cJ* or 6 of one of the extremes, with the opposite sex an inter- 

 mediate. 



From the above can be seen that they interbreed entensively, in- 

 habit the same geographical region, and exist under the same en- 

 vironment and climatic conditions. 



If any one of the forms inhabited a more or less distinct geo- 

 graphical district, so that it would be possible to admit of different 

 climatic influences and environment, without constant interbreeding, 

 the idea of races could be sustained. 



Correctly and philosophically speaking, Cicindcla tcmiicincta is 

 a fundamental species, with a strong tendency towards \ariation. 



Cicindela obliquata Kirby. Occurs upon the borders of the Big 

 Laguna, in Temecula Vallev. 



Cicindela vibex Horn. Ocean beach, near Oceanside. 



Cicindela guttifera 'L^c. According to Schaupp's " Synopsis of 

 the Cicindelidce," this is the form that occurs throughout the 

 county, about all the inland streams and ponds, as well as upon the 

 ocean beach. In i2-guttata the elytral markings are broken into 

 spots. Specimens oi gnttifera taken in Arizona are quite green. 

 This color begins to be perceptible in the specimens collected in the 

 central portion of the county, becoming deeper as we approach the 

 desert region and Colorado valley. 



