400 BULLETIN" IS 2, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 



and in his remarks Bierig states that the species was identified by 

 Kambousek as Paederomimus sp. Bierig believes, however, that it is 

 a true Philonthus (s. str.) and describes it as such. Although most 

 generic characters are not mentioned in the description, the figure 

 raises doubts as to the generic assignment. It appears possible that 

 the species really belongs in either PouederomAmus or Belonuchus^ but 

 further examination of the types is necessary for a decision. Since I 

 have no other source of information I list this as a doubtful Philonthus 

 and give the original description in full. The characters given seem 

 to be sufficient to carry it through the key to sihmficus. Since that 

 species is likewise not now before me, I am unable to point out distinc- 

 tions, if any do exist. 



Fourteen species are recognized from the West Indies, but one of 

 these is left undescribed for lack of material. I have examined over 650 

 examples from the West Indies. 



KEY TO WEST INDIAN SPECIES OF PHILONTHUS 



1. Pronofal series with three puuclures 2 



Pronotal series with more than three punctures 3 



2. Elytra very distinctly and coarsely punctate " 



Elytra rather finely and somewhat indistinctly punctate 1. hepaticus 



3. Pronotal series with four punctures 4 



Pronotal series with more than four punctures 11 



4. Head with row of four punctures between eyes 5 



Head without four punctures in row between eyes 10 



5. Apex of elytra testaceous 9. flavolimbatus 



Apex of elytra at most very narrowly testaceous or indistinctly rufescent 6 



6. I'ronotum rufous or at least rufescent, not much narrowed in front 7 



Pronotum black (when mature), distinctly narrowed in front 9 



7. Head elongate and distinctly broader posteriorly 2. thermarum 



Head not elongate and not broader posteriorly 8 



8. Elytra densely and moderately finely punctate, apical margin and suture 



testaceous 5. discoideus 



Elytra not densely and rather coarsely punctate, margins not testaceous. 



3. ventralis 



9. Punctures of abdomen very fine and dense; elytra unicolorous. 



7. longicornis 



Punctures of abdomen not fine or dense; elytra generally marked with 



rufous 8. varians 



10. Punctures of elytra indistinct ; abdomen sparsely punctate throughout. 



4. audanti 



Punctures of elytra small but distinct; abdomen more densely punctate 



posteriorly 6. figulus 



11. Sides of pronotum parallel or narrowed in front 14. havaniensis 



Pronotum narrowed posteriorly 12 



12. Elytra shining bronze-green 13 



Elytra rufous or rufopiceous 14 



"A species known only from qunrnntine Interceptions keys to this point l)ut Is left 

 nndoscriI)oil becauae of uncerltiinty as to ils true habitat. It is believed to have originated 

 In Cuba. 



