48 GEO. H. HORN. M. D, 



AHECHANTIS, nov. gen. 



The above generic name is proposed for our species of Atliyreus, of 

 which there are three, differing from that genus by the scutellum 

 being broad, triangular with the sides rounded, and not depressed 

 below the level of the elytra. The very narrow linear and depressed 

 scutellum is seen only in Athyrexis and Stenospidius in the group 

 Geotrupini, while the form of scutellum of our species is very similar 

 to that seen in the Geotrupes or Bolhoceras. 



When viewed from the front (or lower side x, 



when the legs are extended) the middle and \***v \ V 

 hind tibiae present two distinct forms of apex, -^\ ^ 

 viz : — \ st- 



outer apical angle deeply eraarginate (fig. 1) ferruginous. 



foBsatus. 

 Outer apical angle truncate, (fig. 2) serratus. 



A. ferruginous, Beauv. (Scaraboeus) Ins. Af. et. Araer. p. 90, pi. 2, fig. 3 ; Klug 

 (Athyreus), Abh. Berl. Ac. \Si^ ; furcieollis, Cast. Hist. Nat. II, p. 104. 



Brownish or ferruginous, not shining. Viewed from above the 

 head ( S ) is flat, anteriorly truncate or feebly emarginate, sides of 

 front straight, genae produced at a right angle, with the outer angle 

 also right. The head of the female is furnished with an obtuse tuber- 

 cle. The sides of the thorax are gradually rounded from base to apex 

 and not serrate. Length .75 inch j 19 mm. 



Southern States. 



A. fossatus, Hald. {Athyreus) Proc. Acad. 1853, 362. 



Similar to ferruginous in color but more shining. The head of the 

 male is strongly bisinuate in front ; the sides of the thorax are gradu- 

 ally rounded from base to apex but sinuate and finely serrate near the 

 anterior angle. The thorax is suddenly elevated in front, the anterior 

 angles of the elevation acute and project outward, on each side a deep 

 groove or fossa limited exteriorly by an obtuse tooth-like elevation. 

 In ferrvgincus the thoracic ornamentation is similar but the angles of 

 the median prominence are turned upwards and the lateral fossae less 

 deep. Length .75 inch; 19 mm. 



Texas. Only males are known. 

 A. serratus, Lee. (Athyreus) Proc. Acad. 1854, 80. 



Differs from both the preceding species in the form of the middle 

 and hind tibiae as well as by having the thorax strongly serrate. The 

 elytra are smoother, the striae less distinct and scarcely punctured. 

 In both sexes the head resembles the form seen in the female of fer- 



