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New Species of Exotic Insects. 
them would appear to be in a circle, that the supposed affinity in 
the last species to the first may not be violated. 
These three cases may appear preposterous ; but let us take into 
consideration the number of different arrangements proposed for 
this tribe of animals, and we must conclude that it is far from 
a difficult matter to be deceived in cases of affinity and analogy. 
My aim in making these remarks is to gain information, for I 
have one good reason for believing them incorrect, and that is, 
that I know others better informed than myself do not agree with 
me in opinion ; I shall therefore have the benefit of their views if 
the matter be discussed. 
Four of the insects here described are remarkable for their re- 
semblance to species of distinct groups ; the first ( Bclus testaceus ) 
is one of the Curculionidce, and belongs to Schonherr’s section 
Orthoceri ; yet in its elongate form, and pointed elytra, it would 
appear to be a species of the genus Lixus, which genus belongs, 
as is well known, to a different section. 
The insect described under the name of Leptosomus acuminatus 
is another instance of the same nature ; here we have one of the 
true Curculionidce representing the Brentidce. 
Our next insect is the Allelidca Ctenostomoides. This little beetle 
is evidently allied to the genus Dasytes ; it nevertheless so closely 
resembles in form, colouring, and sculpture, a species of the genus 
Ctenostoma, among the Cicindelidce, that at first sight I thought it 
might be one of that genus. 
The last is perhaps one of the most remarkable instances. This 
is one of the Chalcididce, in which the thorax is produced posteriorly 
into two processes, like the elytra of a Coleopterous insect (and they 
appear to answer the same purpose) ; and so strong is the case of 
analogy, that when viewed only from above, the insect might be 
mistaken for a species of the genus Mordella. 
Now it may be said that it is nothing remarkable, supposing the 
same end to be gained, that the same means should be used ; it it 
be fitted in one instance it would also be fitted in another. Ne- 
vertheless it is worthy of observation in many points of view. By 
observing these facts we often perceive that two individuals of 
distinct groups have habits in some respects similar, and the result 
is, that there is also a similarity in their form, sculpture, and colour, 
— here there is a step towards the discovery of the uses of these 
characters.* 
* Why should species of one group possess nearly the same habits as those of 
another, when in this respect they differ from the generality of the species of their 
own section 1 
