69 



On the head most of the scales are green, but there is a large 

 black patch on the middle of the base. On the prothorax the black 

 scales usually cover the larger amount of surface, the yreen ones 

 forming four stripes — two discal, and a wider one en each side. 

 On the elytra the green scales vary considerably on individuals and 

 not alike on both elytra, they are mostly in very irregular trans- 

 verse or oblique stripes (many of which are more or less conjoined), 

 with numerous spots scattered about, and they may cover more or 

 less than half of the surface. On the legs scales are green, but mixed 

 with uuiiierous greyish s-etse. 



539. .MERIMNETES AUSTRALIS Boi. 



I have examined a specimen purporting to be the type of this 

 species. The label (on paper simila to other paper in the Belgian 

 Museum attached to Boisduval's type specimens) on it is « 7hy- 

 lacites (struck out) Psomeles australis mihi, h. in Nov. Holland. D. 

 Latreille. » 



In the voyage of the Astrolabe there are ten weevils named 

 australis by Boisduval. Of these the descriptions of Prostomus 

 (p. 345), Gastrodus{p. 394), Anthonomus (p. 417). Baridius (p. 427) 

 and Cry.ptorhynchus (p. 431) are sufficient to indicate that this 

 species is not referred to. Otiorhynchus (p. 398), l.aemosaccus (1) 

 (p. 426) and Lixus (2) (p. 404), are from New Guinea. Myllocerus 

 (p. 367) is described as having green clothing, and probably is a 

 Myllocerus. This leaves but /.agos^o^xus < p. 348) which in Master's 

 Catalogue is placed in Dermatodes (4432), and appears to be the 

 species. 



The type is a female in comparatively good condition, but has 

 been mounted on card after having been pinned, and the under 

 surface and parts of the legs are clogged with gum ; all the essential 

 features, however, are distinctly visible. 



The species is one which is very common in Tasmania and may 

 often be taken on the native musk (Olearia), and tea-tree {Lepto- 

 spermum). 



As with Perperus inelancholicus I have considered it advisable to 

 redescribe the species, as the original description is quite worthless. 



$. Black; antennfe and tarsi of a dull red. Densely clothed with 

 soft round scales. Upper surface with suberect whitish setae, more 

 noticeable on the alternate interstices of elytra than elsewhere; fine 

 whitish setse on the under surface and appendages. 



(1) Wrongly referred to as Australian by Pascoe, and in Masters Catalogue 

 (5318) given as from Tasmania. 



(2) 1 have seen the type of Lixus australis, and it is a true Lixus. 



