^8 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



The Ptinidse is a family of limited extent, whose habits 

 seem to be very similar wherever members of it are found. 

 In California I have observed the following : 



MELANDRYID^. 



DiRCiEA RiVERSii Lec. — Larva feeds in decaying trees of 

 Madrona, Arbutus Menziesii. In trees in position the insect 

 is found in the primary forks of the roots, and in prostrate 

 logs among the more seasoned fibers of the wood. 



PTINID^. 



Ptinus interruptus Lec. — Black fungus of the laurel, 

 Umbellularia Californica. 



Ptinus quadrimaculatus Melsh. — Decayed Ceanothus 

 thyrsiflorus. 



Hedobia granosa Lec. — Dead branches of Umbellularia 

 Californica. 



Hadobregmus gibbicollis Lec. — Decaying wood of Myrica 

 Californica and dead willow. 



Vrilletta convexa. Lec. — Dead Quercus agrifolia. 



Ptilinus basalis Lec. — Dead twigs of Umbellularia Cali- 

 fornica. 



SiNOXYLON DECEIVE Lec. — Any dead tree or unpainted 

 wood, very partial to wine casks and oak barrels. Tlie dep- 

 redations are done by the beetle while boring for a suitable 

 place to deposit its eggs. Its burrow is straight across the 

 grain of the wood, reaching the interior of the cask, causing 

 waste and deterioration of the contents. Hot solution of 

 alum applied to the outside of the casks will prevent bor- 

 ing. 



PoLYCAON Stoutii Lec.— Dead and dried willow. 



