202 COLEOPTERA 



conspicuous than in S. optatus. Thorax convex, transverse ; side 

 margins wide, and slightly hollowed inwardly ; it is widest behind the 

 middle, narrowed anteriorly, with prominent front angles, and slightly 

 narrowed behind, posterior angles nearly rectangular ; the base is 

 rounded at the middle, where it is closely applied to the elytra, and from 

 thence outwardly sinuous ; the disc has many minute tubercles disposed 

 over its surface, an indistinct dorsal sulcus, a row of small punctures 

 along the base, and two large punctiform impressions behind the 

 middle. The elytra are convex, rather smooth and shining, base 

 sinuate, shoulders rectangular, the sides are gradually rounded, and 

 narrowed near the apex ; each elytron bears eight rows of punctures, 

 those nearest the suture small, the outer coarse, but the sculpture 

 becomes irregular and obsolete near the humeral angle ; the interstices 

 are alternately fuscous and castaneous ; their surface, as well as the 

 sides of the prothorax, bear many setae. Legs pilose. 



Length, 2 lines. 



My unique example was found at Tairua ; it is more nearly related 

 to the typical species than 6". hystrix., which is more broadly oval, and 

 smaller. Considerable care will be required in discriminating between 

 the exponents of this genus. 



361. S. hystrix, Sharp; Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., July, 1876. S. 

 breviter-ovalis, convexus, piceus, antennis pedibusque rufis, setis elongatis 

 erectis adspersus ; tibiis sine setis exsertis. 



Long. Corp., 3^ mm. 



At first sight this insect seems to be exactly similar to S. optatus, 

 except that it is much shorter in form ; on examination, however, some 

 very important differences are seen. The ninth joint of the antennl^ is 

 here scarcely more than half as broad as the tenth, the eyes are much 

 smaller, the last joint of the maxillary palpi is broader, and the tibice are 

 without erect set£e. I think, if the surface were denuded, it would be 

 seen that the punctures on the elytra of S. hystrix are much coarser 

 than in ,S. optatus ; for on a denuded spot I perceive one or two very 

 coarse punctures. 



A single individual has been sent to me by Captain Broun, from 

 Tairua. 



Epistranus. 



Sharp ; Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., July, 1876. 



Corpus transversim convexum, rugosum, prothorace magno, basi ad 

 elytra baud applicata. G?//// in thoracem receptum. Antenna: ii-articu- 

 latse, clava biarticulata. Prothorax lateribus subtus valde excavatis. 

 Tarsi subtus setosi, articulo basali quam secundus longiore. Tibim 

 extus dense ciliatae, pro tarsorum receptione subimpresste. Coxce pos- 

 teriores sat distantes. Al)donien breve. 



The extraordinary little creature for which I propose this name has, 

 so far as I know, no near described ally; but it displays in some respects 

 an affinity with the Tarphii, and it should, I think, be classed in their 



