136 Bulletin 'Wisconsin Natural History Society. [Vol. 8, No. 3. 



Islands, Ashland Co., Wis., July 4-1 1, 1907. Holotype Cat. no. 

 24972 Milwaukee Public Museum. 



The species can at once be distinguished from all others by its 

 black color, as indicated by the name, which renders it unique 

 among Chalcophorce. In Major Casey's recent monograph 

 ( Studies in the American Buprestidce, by Thos. L. Casey, Proc. 

 Wash. Acad., Vol. XI, no. 2, pp. 47-178, 1909) melanotum would 

 go under a sub-head ( B) in the table of Chalcophorce (p. 79) be- 

 low brez icoilis. 



While describing melanotum as a distinct species I do not feel 

 satisfied that this identity can be maintained. The specimen shows 

 relation to brei icoilis in too many respects. Aside of the color, 

 the differences are slight and may be summarized as follows : fron- 

 tal depression narrower, deeper, eyes more prominent, lateral 

 impressions of prothorax feeble, presternum with straight sides 

 and sulci (as in virginica), abdominal sulcus distinctly defined 

 and with elevated smooth edges. 



I believe that a series of melanotum will prove that this is only 

 a northern melanic variety of brevicollis. As such I had sent it 

 to Mr. Casey for examination, with the result here quoted: " — As 

 to the black Chalcophora, it is wholly unknown to me." Some 

 months previous Mr. Case}' had determined whatever other 

 Buprestidas the Museum collections contained. It is through his 

 courtesy that I am enabled to describe this "unique." which I felt 

 should not be buried "blushing unseen" in the confines of a cabinet. 



( )nly two other species of Chalcophora have thus far been 

 taken in Wisconsin: C.lacustris Lee. from Bayfield (Wickham) 

 and Apostle Islands, Ashland Co., July 4-1 1, 1907 ( Brues) ; and 

 C.fortis Lee, labeled Wis. 



Milwaukee Public Museum, 



June 4, 19 10. 



