■'"'-ol Govx)\¥., Coleoptcra of Noyih-Westeyn Victoria. 31 



These small and rare beetles are seldom taken in the open, 

 most of my specimens having been cut out of the wood of a 

 tree locally known as the " dogwood." In early November 

 this tree is covered with a profusion of beautiful white blossoms, 

 on which insects of many kinds come to feed. 



2718. Ciiris aurifcra, L. and G. 

 2^2^. C. corusca, Waterh. 

 2730. C. viridicyanea, Fairm. 



The species of Curis arc much sought after by collectors on 

 account of their beauty and scarcity. C. aiirifera, about half 

 an inch long, is blue and gold ; C. corusca, a larger species, is 

 brilliant metallic green, with coppery reflections ; and C. viridi- 

 cyanea has the prothorax blue, the elytra of a vivid deep green. 

 I have taken it on tht; foliage of the Ouondong, Fiisaiiiis 

 acitmiiiatiis, in November. 



2738. J nlodimor pJia hakewellii, White. 



A fine species, one of the giants of the group, measuring 

 2^ inches in length. The head is green, prothora.x red, the 

 deeply-pitted and ribbed elytra yellow. I have never met 

 with it in the district, but Mr. H. W. Davey, F.E.S., informed 

 me that he had seen specimens from Lake Tyrrell. 



Genus STIGMODERA. 



" Sub-genus B. — Themognatha : elytra striate, tarsal hooks 



lobed or toothed at base." 

 2838. Thcnw^natha (Stigmodcra) heros, Gehin. 



This is another of out largest species, some examples l)eing 

 2;^ inches long by an inch broad. It varies from light to dark 

 reddish-brown, with strong costai on the elytra ; the under 

 side is dull metallic bronzy-green. Some seasons they appear 

 in considerable numbers, then for two or three years none will 

 be seen. It is a fine sight to see perhaps a score of these big 

 beetles soaring majestically around, the loud, musical hum of 

 their wings being audible at a distance of 50 yards. They are 

 often killed by a large blue " robber fly," Phellus glaucits, 

 which catches them on the wing, and drives its dagger-like 

 prol)oscis deep into the soft integument between the prothorax 

 and elytra. It then flies easily with its load, which is much 

 heavier than itself, to the nearest post or tree, and proceeds to 

 suck its victim dry. 



2889. T. parryi, Hope, fusca, Snd., parvicollis, Snd., major, 

 Waterh., picea, Kerr. 

 This is a much rarer beetle than hcros. It is met witli on 

 low bushes in cultivation {)addocks. Fresh specimens have 

 considerable pubescence about the head and prothorax. It is 

 an inch and a half in length, and of a dark brown rolotu". 



