^i^^iV J GouDiE, Coleoptera of N .-W . Victoria. 75 



entomologists concerning this curious habit, and it has been 

 suggested that the ants utiHze the beetles as " artillery " to 

 repel intruders ! It would seem more probable, however, that 

 the beetles exercise this faculty as a means of self-defence 

 against the ants themselves. Masters' Catalogue records 

 45 species of Arthropterus, and Mr. Lea has described two 

 more, one of which, A. neglcctus, has been taken at Birchip. 

 My specimens have all been secured while flying indoors to the 

 light during summer evenings. 



Arthropterus neglectus. Lea, loc. cit., p. 177. 



1618. A. subcylindricns. Macl. 



1621. A. waterhousei, Macl. 



SCYDM^NID^. 



The small beetles comprised in this group might at first 

 sight be mistaken for PselaphidcC, which they resemble in size, 

 colour, and habits. On a closer inspection, however, it will 

 be seen that the body is completely covered by the elytra, 

 and the tarsi (feet) composed of five joints. The family is one 

 of limited extent in Australia, 2C) species being knovv^n. of 

 which 12 species have only recently been described by that 

 able and untiring entomologist, Mr. A. M. Lea. These were 

 all recorded as being found in the nests of various species of 

 ants. I have met with but two species in the area under 

 review. 



1631. Scydmcenus optaius. Sharp. 



A single specimen of this apparently rare species was found 

 in the nest of a small black ant at Sea Lake. 



1635 Hcterognathus carinatus. King. 



Frequently taken in nests of Iridomyrmex nitidus. It is 

 widely distributed, being lecorded from New South Wales and 

 Western Australia. 



The Tasmanian Devil in Victoria. — The interesting 

 problem as to whether the Tasmanian Devil. Sarcophilus 

 ursimts, still exists in a wild state in Victoria is now being 

 seriously considered. Up to the present time it has only been 

 known to occur in Tasmania, where, like the Marsujnal Wolf, 

 or " Tiger," it is only found in the wildest and roughest parts 

 of the country. That it once existed, not only in \'ictoria, 

 but in other parts of Australia, is proved by the discovery at 

 various times of its fossil remains. In Victoria quite perfect 

 skulls and portions of the lower jaws have been found at 



