29 



white pubescence is so arranged as to leave four large black 

 spots whence the species derives its name. These markings 

 are oftei; variable and lacking." 



Little need be added to the description save that the 

 four spots on which the name is based are more often 

 absent than present, and when present, always inconspicuous 

 in Mysore. 



The species was taken in the field in seeds of lablab in 

 open pods. Multiplication continues in the store, but it ap- 

 pears to require a greater degree of moisture in the seeds so 

 that the infestation tends to diminish rather than increase in 

 the store. The life history does not differ in material particu- 

 lars, from those of the species already described. 



An unidentified species, (Fig. 18). — ^This form multi- 

 plies in the store in seeds of lablab. It is much more common 

 than B. quadrimaculatus. The beetle is smaller being never 

 longer than 2' 25 mm. The markings on the elytra are some- 

 what similar to those in quadrimaculatus but the colour 



Fia. 18. — ^An anidentified species. 



is dull grey. The limbs of the X are, however, less 

 curved and more like those of the alphabet. The 

 portion enclosed by each limb varies from black to brown. 

 The limbs themselves are light brownish-grey and this is the 

 ground colour of the elytra. In very dark forms the elytra 

 may be tipped with black, but usually, there are only a few 

 scattered spots. The prothorax is much curved, the margin 

 has a slight rounded prominence. There is a faint double 

 ridge along the median line and a large black spot in the 

 middle. The antennae are serrate. The terminal segments 

 excepting the last are usually dark. The coxse of the last 

 pair of legs is black. The pygidium has also a large black 

 marking. The range in variation is as great in this form as in 

 others and the markings may be well defined and very con- 

 spicuous or more or less absent. 



