Mi ceTtain South African Lamellicorns. 95 



burrowing into flowers in search of food. The widely 

 gaping jaws may probably terrify some enemies, but 

 tliey certainly afford by no means despicable weapons of 

 defence against such foes as may presume to come to close 

 quarters. 



This suggestion meets with support from the fact that 

 Lepitrix lineata, Fab., a pretty species that I found 

 abundantly on the flowers of Mcscmhryanthcmum at Simon's 

 Town, has long thin hind-legs not provided with teeth, but, 

 unlike Hetcrochelus and Dichelus, this insect is very active, 

 taking to its wings almost as readily as a bee. 



Dr. Dixey did not notice this beetle on Mesembry- 

 anthemum, but not far off found five specimens in spathes 

 of the " Cape Lily," i. e. common white arum (Eichardia 

 africana = Calla f&ihioinca), three in one spathe and two in 

 another. He says that they did not attempt to fly. 

 Possibly the fact that they were to some extent enclosed 

 in the arum, whereas those on Mescmlryanthemum were 

 exposed, may explain this notable difference of habit. 



In conclusion 1 have to thank Messrs. C. J. Gahan and 

 G. J. Arrow, of the British Museum Staff, for their great 

 kindness in naming my South African Coleojjtcra. 



