On the Pselaphidce of Australia, by the 

 Rev. R. L. King, B.A. 



[Read 3rd November, 1862.] 



Although the family whicli is to be the subject of this paper 

 may be almost regarded as cosmopolitan, the total nvimber of 

 species known is not great. It may, however, well be believed 

 that, owing to the small size of at least all the known species, as 

 well as to certain peculiarities in their habits, many more exist 

 than have hitherto been described. Indeed, when it is remem- 

 bered that of the new species, seventeen in number, recorded in 

 this paper, all but one were found within the limits of a single 

 square mile, we are warranted in expecting that other localities 

 which may not have yielded any species hitherto, will, when 

 carefully scrutinized, be found to be equally prolific. 



The favourite abodes of these miniTte Coleoptera are the 

 nests of certain ants, and the under-sides of stones and pieces of 

 wood lying on the ground. I have not yet succeeded in finding 

 them in the nests of ants : but others have. Under stones, &c., 

 they are in this neighbourhood, from July to October, rather 

 abundant. I have captured a few of an evening flying, and 

 many more on the top of fences just preparing to fly. On a 

 thundery evening, about sunset, they are very active and 

 numerous. 



I have only to add that half of the new species described in 

 this paper were found in and about my own small garden, stable, 

 and wood-yard ; and the rest (with the exception of Tmesiphorus 

 Macleayii) within a mile of the house. 



TABLE OF GENERA. 



A. — Antenna), eleven-jointed — 



a. antonnge, approximating at their bases. 



«'. two hooks to the tai'sus. 



a", last joint of max. palp, lateral Narcocles. 



h". „ ,, terminal triangular . . Tinesiphoruf:. 



c". „ ,, ,, fusiform .... Ti/rm. 



b' . one hook to the tarsus Psclaphii.i, 



b. antenna), distant at their bases. 



a', two tiirsal hooks (unequal) Batrisus. 



b' . a single hook Bryaxis. 



B. — Antenna:), a single joint Articerm. 



