TIMBEEMAN BEETLE. 



99 



Timberman Beetle. Astynomns adilis, L. ; Acanthocinus (Bdilisy S. 



This very remarkably "long-horned" beetle may perhaps deserve 

 a slight notice again this year, as, although in almost all instances 

 mentioned, the specimens reported were probably 

 from imported timber, yet it is becoming a little 

 more observed than was formerly the case. 



The only specimen which I have as yet 

 received, which might in all probability be 

 considered of British origin, was a fine male 

 beetle, with the antenna (which are often in- 

 jured consequently on the fighting propensities 

 of the insects) in beautiful order. This was 

 captured on August 12th, 1895, on the farm at 

 Kiunaird, Strathpefier, Koss-shire, N.B., and 

 reached me alive, so as to give me an oppor- 

 tunity of studying its very graceful appearance 

 as it walked gently about bearing its delicate 

 horns, about half a foot in expanse from tip to 

 tip, lightly arched at right angles to its body, of 

 about three-quarters of an inch in length. 



The second specimen was sent me on Sep- 

 tember 2nd, 1897, and was caught in a coalmine 

 two and a half miles from the bottom of the 

 shaft, and sent me from near Morpeth, Nor- 

 thumberland. In this case I suggested that in 

 all probability it had been imported in timber 

 used for workings in the mine, and my corre- 

 spondent replied: — "Your suggestion that the 

 beetle came from the north of Europe is quite correct, as the wood 

 (Fir) used in the mine is brought from Norway." — (W. W.) 



In the past season Mr. H. L. Leonard, writing on September 21st 

 from Preston, Hull, forwarded me the third specimen, which I have 

 received, with the remark accompanying : — " My wife caught the 

 enclosed insect on the table the other day ; no one whom I know can 

 tell me what it is. . . . Will you kindly tell me its name, and 

 also if it is uncommon ? " 



There was no entomological diflBculty in identifying the specimen as 

 being a (so-called) Timberman Beetle, Astynomns cEdilis, L. ; and in 

 reply to my letter Mr. Leonard wrote further on September 23rci : — 

 " I think I did not tell you that a Hull merchant found one of the 

 same variety of beetles in his office last week. It would probably be 

 a male, as the horns were fully an inch longer than my specimen. 



ASTYNOMUS ^DILIS, 



slightly larger than life ; 

 line showing nat. length. 



