OF THE COLEOPTERA LONGICORNIA OF THE UNITED STATES. 29 



Many a one has probably been deterred from entering upon the study of various branches 

 of natural science from the scattered state of the materials, and the consequent difficulty 

 of making a commencement; and unfortunately, the voluminous notes of reference in the 

 possession of those who make special study of peculiar departments are too seldom gi\<:i 

 to the public, because they are supposed to be within the reach of all. The objects, 

 however, to which the naturalist devotes his attention, have become so multifarious, and 

 are divided to such an extent among different hands, that every assistance which can be 

 afforded must have its value. Species mentioned incidentally should be followed 1>\ a 

 reference, and much would be gained if every catalogue were an index. 



The North American forms of the Longicornia seem to have a nearer relation to those 

 of Europe than to those of South America; the same genera being mostly found in both 

 regions, to which some of the northern forms arc almost entirely confined, as Oberea, 

 Rhagium, Pachyta, Strangalia, and Eeptura. The Prionida are most fully represented in 

 the western hemisphere; the genera Elaphidion, Dcsmoccrus, Tetraopes, Dorcaschenn. 

 and others, are strictly North American forms, whilst the extensive European apterous 

 genus, Dorcadion, is perhaps entirely unknown here. Among the genera common to North 

 and South America may be mentioned Mallodon, Callichroma, Eburia, Amniscus, Onci- 

 dercs, Ilippopsis, Amphionycha, and Distenia. 



The number of species found in Massachusetts, according to Dr. Harris' Catalogue, 

 (1835,) is ninety-one, but there arc probably upwards of one hundred now- 

 known to inhabit that state. ......... 100 



Melshcimcr's Catalogue, (180(3,) contains one hundred and twenty names, some of 

 which belong to varieties. The species now known to inhabit Pennsylvania 

 may be set down at . . . . . . . . . . .132 



Species in the United States, .......... 270 



Species in Erancc, ... ......... 180 



Species in England, ........... 1 



Species common to Europe and North America as follow-: ....."> 



Criocephalus rusticus. 

 ll\ lotrupes baiulus. 

 Phymatodes variabilis. 

 ( 1\ tin gazella. 

 Callidium sanguis um ! 

 Monohammus 3utor I 

 Pachyta sexmaculata. 

 Hut as rigid comparisons have not usually been made, and as run- own presumed nonde- 

 script's could not be readily compared with European analogues, it will probably be found 

 that a number of the latter have been redescribed here, under new names, as iii the case 

 of Clytus gazella. Monohammus dentator has been caught alive in England, in 1806, 

 (Tr. Ent. Soc, London, i. 81,) hut the occurrence of a single individual is not Bttfficienl 

 to make the species a native. 



VOL. X. — 8 



