ON OEOTRUPES. 317 



Cnemotrupes Jekel. 



In this subu'enus tlie middle tarsi are normal in both sexes. The 

 joints are more or less cylindrical, and much longer than broad; the 

 first three joints equal the longest spur of the same tibia. The claws 

 are less thickened than in the preceding group, and not abruptly re- 

 curved upon the tarsal joints.* 



The species of temperate and intertropical America form two groups, 

 best defined by the form of the anterior coxa) and the sinuosity of the 

 posterior thoracic margin. 



Those of our own country are again divided into two sub-groups. 

 In the first the spine of the anterior tibia of the male is short and ro- 

 bust, not equaling half the length of the external apical tooth. In 

 the second group the spine is slender as in the female, nearly equaling 

 the length of the external apical tooth. To the first division belong 

 Blackl>iirni! Fab. and conicolUs Jekel. 



The former is our smallest species, and varies considerably in every 

 particular, though at all times preserving the characters of the subge- 

 nus and group to which it belongs. A form occurs, rather abundantl}', 

 in which the thorax is much more convex longitudinally and trans- 

 versely, the elytra are also rather more convex. It has considerable re- 

 semblance to a small bronzed miaropJtaijiis ; as a variety I would pro- 

 pose the name Jt-hfld. The elytra are also more deeply striate and 

 punctured than in the typical form. It cannot be regarded as a dis- 

 tinct species, numerous individuals show a variation towards the origi- 

 nal type. 



ConiroUis Jekel has not been seen by me. It appears distinct from 

 Bl(ir]:J)in-n!i. Its name suggests the only important ditlerence between 

 it and the preceding species. In order that it may be recognized if 

 found, the original description is inserted : — 



'• CoNicoij.is Jekel. Ovatus, supra peiiPd-brunnens, infra subviolacen-piceus, 

 ei)ipleuris angustis violaceis ; antennis rufis clava fulva; clypeo seiiii-oireulari 

 niarginato tuberculo obtuso ; thorace longiore et angustiore, subconico, lateri- 

 btis hand rotuiidato nee ampliato, dorso obsolete laxe— lateribus evidenter sat 

 dense — punotato, anm foveola parum irapressa puiictulata; scutello transverso 

 subtriangulari ; elytris mox ultra medium subparallelis, apice latius subtrun- 



* Care should be used in the determination of the specific names of females. 

 The comparative length of the sj)ur and tarsal joints, though readily perceived, 

 may at times cause erroneous results, aa from various accidental circumstances 

 the spur may be broken, or the tarsus itself may be thicker than usual. It is 

 therefore better to consider, at the same time, the relative breadth and length 

 of the joints. 



