88 MR. bold's entomological notes for 1855, 



VI. — Entomological Notes, for 1855, imth a Record of Coleop- 

 terous Insects new to the Fauna^ and additional localities for some 

 of the rarer Species of our Catalogue. By Thomas Jno. Bold. 



[Read, at the Anniversary Meeting of the Club, May 15, 1856. ] 



The year 1855 was, in this district, a most unproductive one for 

 Insects. This I would, in a great measure, attribute to atmos- 

 pheric influences : the previous winter was a long and rigorous 

 one, the thermometer often merging upon zero, whilst the spring 

 was most harsh and ungenial; the cold continuing up to the 

 latter end of June, when we had a few hot days, to be followed 

 in July by torrents of rain. The latter end of August and Sep- 

 tember were fortunately fine, and it was during these months 

 that the principal additions to our Fauna were made. 



In Coleopterous Insects, or Beetles, a great scarcity appeared 

 to obtain during the early part of the season ; this was the most 

 perceptible amongst the great groups of Geodepliaga and Curcu- 

 lionidce. During the year some very interesting additions have 

 been made to our Catalogue. 



1. Hydroporus novemlineatus, Steph. Taken in great plenty, 



by Dr. Power, in Eothley Lake, in August. I took it 

 also in Prestwick Car, but sparingly, at the Club's Field 

 Meeting there, in September. 



2. Hydroporus melanarius, Sturm. I have three specimens of 



this very rare species, from Prestwick Car. I believe 

 that another pair, taken in Scotland, are all that have 

 occurred to the British Fauna. 



3. Hydroporus nigrita, Fab. Not uncommon, but rather local. 



I have taken it at Gosforth, Long-Benton, and Boldon 

 Flats. It appears to prefer a well, or a runner therefrom. 



4. Hydroporus melanoceplinlus, Gy\l. = elongatuhis, Wollaston. 



I have several specimens of this distinct species, which as 

 yet has only been found at Prestwick Car. 



5. Hydroporus vittula, Erich. Taken in some plenty, at Boldon 



Flats, Gosforth, and other places, within the district; 

 generally in August and September. It is much like 

 angustatus, with which it is often confounded, but its 

 larger size will readily distinguish it. 



