29 



Fabr.), brings to my recollection some observations made by 

 DeGecr, Kirby and others, on a kindred genns, Mcloe, which 

 has been thought to be parasitic in the larva state, on certain 

 flies QSi/rphidce^ and bees (^Andrence') . Kirby observes that it is 

 to be wished some skilful person would search for this larva by 

 dio-o-inp; round the roots of the ranunculus, and other acrid 

 plants on which the Meloe is found, that by discovering its 

 larva this mystery might be cleared up. I have found M. an- 

 gusticollis in great abundance on Ranunculus hdbosus, and 

 intend to look for the larva. From the affinities of this genus 

 with Oantharis, I am led to question the accuracy of the state- 

 ment that the larva is parasitic, knowing as I do that the larva 

 of Cantharis is subterraneous at the roots of plants. 



No true Clirysomela of Fabricius or Say appears to answer 

 the description of your large, yellow, black-striped one ; hence 

 I tliink it probable it will prove to be the Dorypliora decem- 

 lineata Say, which is said to have the thorax liturate (not 

 litterata as in Say), and each elytron quinquelineate with black. 

 You will easily determine it to be a Dorypliora by the short- 

 ness and breadth of the last joint of the maxillary palpi, as 

 well as the projection of the sternum between the intermediate 

 legs, whence the name of the genus. It is not found in this 

 State. 



After closely examining the Creotrupes in my collection, 1 

 find we may muster between us five species. I found among 

 your duplicates one which, from the whitish powder covering 

 the abdomen and legs, I suspect to be among the relics of your 

 box of bran, put up in Carolina ; please inform me if this be 

 the case. The male of this species is black, the elytra with a 

 purplish bronze, the thorax with a greenish lustre ; the inter- 

 mediate tarsi large and strong, terminated by two very large, 

 falciform, incurved nails ; the anterior tibias with the last or 

 terminal tooth very small, but with a process extending for- 

 ward, and terminated within by an incurved short tooth ; the 

 spine which covers the inner emargination very short. Spines 



