310 GEO. H. HORN. 



velopmeiit. This* line wliich here extends less obliquely forward 

 limits an area in front, which is coarsely sculptured, from an abruptly 

 depressed area posterior to it, which is comparatively smooth, and 

 with a surface similar to that of the abdomen. The posterior femora 

 when at rest fill the depression. 



The elytral sculpture is peculiar in that it consists of well marked 

 costse alternating in elevation, separated by deep grooves. The elytra 

 clasp the body at the sides, so that more than the epipleural edge is 

 visible from beneath. 



P. COStatllS Lee. — Rather broadly oval, more acute posteriorly, moderately 

 convex, piceoiis or brownish, subopaque, very sparsely pubescent. Antenuse and 

 palpi pale testaceous. Head densely punctulate and opaque, with scabrous as- 

 pect Thorax more than twice as wide as long, sides arcuately narrowed from 

 base to apex, base arcuate at middle, slightly sinuate each side, apex emarginate; 

 lateral margin slightly explanate and slightly reflexed, disc convex, median line 

 rather deeply sulcate, limited each side by a vague costa, a vague oval depression 

 at base each side of sulcus, exterior to whicOi are two very vague, oblique costae, 

 near the margin a more distinctly elevated costa parallel with the margin, the 

 surfa(;e closely punctate and scabrous. Elytra deeply sulcate, and with rather 

 coarse punctures closely placed, the intervals acutely subcostiform, the alternate 

 intervals 2-4-6-8 more strongly elevated. Body beneath in color as above. 

 Mesosternal plate coarsely cribrate, the margins smoother. Metasternum coarsely 

 punctate, cribrate; behind the mesosternum and at the sides, a small depressed 

 area along the posterior margin much smoother. Legs rufo-testaceous. Length 

 .05— .07 inch.: 1.25—1.75 mm. (PI. ix, figs. 14 and 15) 



This is one of the smallest members of the tribe. Its as|)ect is 

 rather that of a C'olydiidie than an ally of Cercyon from the style of 

 elytral sculpture. In some specimens the alterimtion of the elytral 

 intervals in elevation is very well marked in their entire extent, 

 while in others it is evident near the apex only. The thoracic sculp- 

 ture is more vague than is represented in the figure, but is. variable 

 in distinctness. 



Occurs in the District of Colund)ia and Tennessee. 



CRYPTOI»L,E|TKlTM Muls. 



Prosternum elevated in fV<mt of the coxie, forming a rather large 

 pentagonal area, extending between ami rather widely separating 

 the coxse, the apex notched to receive the point of the mesosternum. 

 Mesostei'iium forming a broad pentagonal plate widely separating 

 the coxie and closely united with a broad process of the metasternum. 

 Metasternal episterna in great part concealed in front by the elytra. 

 Epipleurse scarcely distinct. Tibiae rather broad and thin, the spurs 



