78 '"^EW GOLDEN BEETLE FROM COSTA BICA—LINELL. vol. xviii. 



whole under-surface aud the legs, of a pinkish brown with silvery reflec- 

 tions; all sutures shining cupreous, A line on inner margin of tibite 

 and all the tarsi, rich purplish blue. Mesosterual process very long, 

 conical. 



Size. — Length, 30 mm.; width, IC mm. 



Type. — A single specimen in the National Museum collection. 



Boucard, who has monographed the genus Fhisiotis, has also studied 

 these insects in nature during his travels in Central America. In 

 regard to the habits of the golden and silvery species, he states that 

 they feed in concealment during the d;iy on the leaves of trees, especially 

 young oaks. Just before sunset they take wing for a short time. Their 

 period of life is very brief, and their habitat is extremely restricted. 

 How difficult it is for collectors to obtain them may be better under- 

 stood by citing his own words, narrating one of his visits to these 

 regions. He says: "I was in Costa Kica in the proper season aud at 

 the exact locality where these insects are found, but was not able to get 

 more than three specimens, although I offered a high i^rice for them to 

 the natives and did myself all that possibly could be done. Everyone 

 in the country knew what I meant, when I asked for golden and oilvery 

 beetles, but they did not procure any." 



