CRYPTOCEPHALUS IN AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO 69 



punctate spot at each side. Punctation dual, smaller punctures often 

 sparse, larger punctures varying widely in size, from minute to large 

 and coarse, usually densest and coarsest anteriorly and at sides, most 

 dense at lateral spot. 



Elytra: Dull creamy yellow to orange, striae and dark markings 

 reddish to dark brown and distinct to (usually) vague, dark markings 

 consisting of round to elongate spots. Markings of each elytron as 

 follows: one near apex of first interval (vague to absent) ; one at basal 

 fourth of third interval (distinct to vague) ; one at a]icx of fifth interval 

 (distinct to vague) ; one at apex of seventh interval (distinct and ex- 

 panded to vague, reduced) ; one on humerus (nearly always distinct) ; 

 one at middle of eighth interval (distinct to very feebly indicated). 

 With eight rows of punctures and a series behind humerus, fifth row 

 usually confused, sixth row always confused, sometimes joining fifth 

 row; punctures a little larger, denser thaii usual, not or slightl}'- finer 

 apicaily ; inner and outer rows distinct apically, usually clearly meeting. 



Prosternum: Anterior margin in male produced ventrally into a 

 distinct, broad lobe, middle of prosternum with a stout, sharp, 

 ventrally dhected spine, anterior margin in female as that in male, 

 but middle of prosternum lacldng a spine. 



Length: 3.8 to 4.3 mm. 



Discussion. — A single specimen from Chihuahua, Mexico, deter- 

 mined by Monros as. C. taeniata Suffrian is very similar to merus and 

 raises the possibility that the two may be synonymous. 



Distribution.— Nine specimens have been examined from Texas 

 and Arizona. 



Cryptocephalus mucoreus Leconte 



Figures 20, 131 

 Cryptocephalus mucoreus Leconte, 1859a, p. 23. 



Pronotum: With fine, silvery pubescence; black throughout; punc- 

 tation dual, larger punctures moderate, dense. 



Elytra: With fine, silvery pubescence. Each elytron black, following 

 parts orange to red; basal fourth and side to or (infrequently) past 

 middle; apex; basal marking, rarely almost attaining apical spot; 

 posterior margin of basal marking concave. With nine rows of punc- 

 tures, sixth and seventh rows sometimes confused, punctures rather 

 small and indistinct, obscured by roughened surface; inner and outer 

 rows generally distinct at apex and usually meeting. 



Prosternum: Anterior margin in male with a large, sharp, downward 

 and posteriorly directed spine; anterior margin in female simple or 

 with a feeble, longitudinal, median carina. 



Length: 4.2 to 5.5 mm. 



