416 Coleopterological Notices. 



convex, finely, densely rugulose and punctate throughout, the punctures and 

 pubescence denser on the more convex intervals. Abdomen somewhat densely 

 punctate, the punctures not greatly coarser toward base, the pubescence un- 

 usually long, dense and conspicuous. 



Mule. — Sexual characters nearly as in elongatulus. 



Length 6.0-6.5 mm. ; width 2.8—3.3 mm. 



California; Arizona. 



It is stated by Horn (Rev. Ten., p. 358) that this species occurs 

 near San Francisco ; LeConte gives San Diego as the locality in 

 his original description. I have never seen it from the former 

 locality, but have specimens from Arizona. I think, therefore, that 

 the species probably belongs exclusively to the San Diego fauna. 



The species is quite distinct from any other here described in its 

 more oblong form, more parallel sides of the prothorax, and more 

 densely punctate, pubescent and rugulose elytral intervals, which 

 are alternately wider and more convex. 



BLAPSTIIVUS Latr. 



This is a rather large and somewhat composite genus, the chief 

 characters, subject to variations which in their several stages may 

 be regarded as of specific value, being the following, omitting for 

 the present any discussion of the minor characters, such as general 

 sculpture, punctuation, outline, magnitude of the eyes or structure 

 of the antennae, which can be well understood by inspecting the 

 table of species given below. 



1 — In regard to the hind wings it should be stated that the usual 

 idea, probably originating with Lacordaire, that some of the species 

 are apterous, is erroneous, all of our species being winged. The 

 wings are, however, extremely varied in development, sometimes 

 consisting of a mere slender cellular or membranous plate, less than 

 one-half as long as the prothorax, and in ether cases being fully as 

 long as the elytra, with every intermediate form. In no case do 

 they seem to be large enough, however, to give more than a labored 

 and feeble flight. 



In the investigation of a genus such as IJlapstinus, which becomes 

 in some parts very monotonous in the uniformity of specific type, 

 it is fortunate that w(! have so diversified an auxiliary character as 

 that afforded by the wings, and, as the individuals are generally 

 numerous, one at least can be spared for dissection in many doubt- 

 ful cases. In employing this character, however, it is undoubtedly 



