BEETLES OF THE GENUS MYOCHROUS — BLAKE 9 



genera of the Eumolpinae, not known to Kelly, have been discovered 

 and some additional remarks are necessary for a more adequate 

 characterization. 



"Abdominal segments II to VII each with a pair of elongate, ven- 

 tral, ambulatory processes, each process obviously longer than its 

 diameter at base and bearing stout setae on its inner surface, one of 

 the setae at apex of process much longer than any of the others. Lat- 

 eral anal lobes with the posterior surface sclerotized, flat and broad, 

 each lobe divided by a transverse groove into two parts, the anterior 

 (or ventral) part shorter than posterior part. Dorsal anal lobe en- 

 larged, with the posterior surface flat, semicircular in outline. Dorsal 

 and dorsolateral surfaces of mesothorax, metathorax, and abdominal 

 segments I to VII with abundant, fine, elongate asperities. Posterior 

 dorsal fold on abdominal segments I to VII with two pairs of slender 

 setae. Dorsal surface of abdominal segments VIII and IX with 

 approximately the same number of setae as on the corresponding areas 

 of the anterior segments. 



"Description based upon the following material : Myochrous denti- 

 collis (Say), Wellington, Kans., E. G. Kelly collector, Webster No. 

 6551 ; Monarch, Mo., June 1925, H. E. Eoberts collector. None of the 

 larvae in this material is in good condition. Myochrous sp.. Las Cruces, 

 N. Mex., September 20, 1943, at roots of sweetpotato. 



"Larvae of Myochrous are most closely related to those of Glypto- 

 scelis in so far as is known at present. The more readily discernible 

 characters for separating larvae of the two genera are found at the 

 posterior end of the body. Larvae of Glyptoscelis have the anterior 

 (or ventral) part of each lateral anal lobe approximately twice as 

 long as the posterior part and the dorsal surface of abdominal seg- 

 ments VIII and IX with many more setae than the corresponding 

 areas of the anterior segments. Larvae of Chrysochus^ while not as 

 closely related to those of Myochrous as are those of Glyptoscelis^ re- 

 semble larvae of Myochrous particularly in the presence of elongate 

 ambulatory processes. Larvae of Chrysochus have many setae on the 

 dorsal surface of the abdominal segments and the dorsal anal lobe is 

 not flattened posteriorly." (W. H. Anderson.) 



In general, the natural habitat of most of the species seems to be 

 along marshy shores where they undoubtedly live in reeds and grasses. 

 Even as adults they spend much time below the surface. Museum 

 specimens are often caked with dried mud that clings to the scales 

 and is difficult to remove without scraping off the scales. The beetles 

 are active and strong fliers, however, as they have been collected on 

 airplane flights. P. A. Glick,^° in his experiments in collecting insects 



'" Distribution of insects, spiders, and mites in the air. U. S. Dept. A^r. Techn. Bull. 

 C73, p. 69, 1939. 



