196 
Mr. W. Sells’s Observations upon 
Order HYMENOPTERA. 
Genus Thoracantha, Latr. 
Thoracantha Latreillii. (PI. XVII. fig. 3.) 
T. atro-caerulea, antennis piceis, ad apicem testaceis, decem- 
articulatis ; pedibus pallide testaceis : thorace postice pro- 
ducto et in duas prolationes diviso (elytra Coleopterorum 
fingentes) ad apicem abdominis extensas : capite et thorace 
antico sulculis notatis, his sulculis similibus segmentis cyclo- 
rum circa centrum unicum prope basin antennarum. 
Long. corp. 1| lin. 
The insect here described appears to be identical with one 
figured in Guerin’s Iconographie du Regne Animal, but as there 
is as yet no description, it appeared desirable that so remark- 
able an insect should be better known ; I therefore lay before 
the Society an outline drawing, and exhibit a specimen. It is of 
course described under Guerin’s name, but should the species be 
distinct (for I think there can be no doubt as to the genus) I 
would propose the specific name of Coleoptcroides, since this in- 
sect so remarkably resembles one of that tribe ; viewed from 
above it resembles a species of Mordella. It has literally elytra 
or wing-cases, although they are not analogous to the members so 
called in Coleopterous insects. 
From Bahia. 
Plate XVII. Fig. 3. The insect seen from above ; 3 a, ditto seen sideways ; 
3 b, front of head and thorax ; 3 d, fore-wing ; 3 e, antenna. 
XXXVI. Observations upon the Chigoe, or Pulex Pene- 
trans. By W. Sells, Esq. 
[Read 1st May, 1837.] 
Most persons who have been resident for any length of time in 
Jamaica, especially in the interior of the island, have experienced 
the attacks of this tiny tormenter, and can tell what it is to have 
a Chigoe. In the first instance of its occurrence, the newly arrived 
emigrant, being without previous experience, is at a loss how to 
account for a slight itching, or sort of tickling sensation, in one or 
other of his toes, and which he instinctively seeks to alleviate by 
rubbing the part smartly — this he repeats again and again, but 
alas ! to no good purpose. At length, the itching increases to posi- 
