2-42 CLAVicoKNTA. [Meligethes. 



species, distinguished by having simple claws not toothed at the base ; 

 Odontogethes, which has the claws broader and strongly toothed at the 

 base, containing the single European species 0. hehes, Er. {M. olivaceus, 

 Stnrm) ; and Acanthogethes, which has the claws as in the preceding 

 genus, but has the forehead deeply excised in a semicircle, and the 

 anterior tibite strongly toothed, whereas in 0. hehes the anterior tibiae 

 are very finely toothed, as in M. I'uftjJes, &c., and the anterior margin of 

 the forehead is straight; this sub-genus contains our 31. solidus,Kxig., 

 M. brevis, Sturm {pictus, Rye), and three other species. 



The species of the genus Meligethes occur on flowers ; they seem to 

 be especially attached to Crucifenv, Laliafce, and Compositiv, and to the 

 genus Putentilla of the Rosacece ; they are, however, found on many 

 other plants. 



The British species maybe divided as follows : in all cases, however, 

 a careful comparison of the detailed^ descriptions is necessary : — 



I. Tarsal claws simple. (Meligeihes, i. sp.) 



i. Anterior tibijB very finely toothed, rather more dis- 

 tinctly towards apex. 



1. Colour black, with at most very slight traces of 



metallic lustre. 



A. Legs light. 



a. Species large, black, oval, or broad oblong; 

 punctuation and cross stiiation of elytra form- 

 ing wavy lines ; club of auteunfe dark. 



a*. Sides of thorax considerably contracted 

 towards apex ; thorax very finely and in- 

 distinctly punctured M. ETJFIPES, Gj/ll. 



h*. Sides of thorax only slightly contracted 

 towards apex ; punctuation of thorax fine 

 but distinct M. lumbaris, Sturm. 



b. Species smaller, rather narrow-oblong; punc- 

 tuatiou and cross striation of elytra not form- 

 ing wavy lines ; antenna) entirely light . . M. rULViPES, Bris, 



B. Logs dark ; at moat anterior tibise somewhat 



lighter. 

 a. Elytra unevenly and rugosely punctured with 

 strong transverse striation between punctures ; 



length under 2 mm M. SITBRTTGOSUS, Gj/U. 



h. Elytra evenly punctured with cross reticula- 

 tion between punctures ; length at least 2 mm. 

 a*. Punctuation weak ; cross reticulation be- 

 tween punctures delicate, present on both 



thorax and elytra M. COEACINUS, Sturm. 



b*. Punctuation rather strong; cross reticu- 

 lation between punctures rather coarse and 

 uneven, present on elytra only M. CORTINtTS, 7?r. 



2. Colour greenish or greenish-blue, sometimes pur- 



ple, with strong metallic lustre. 

 A. Punctuation close, and comparatively weak . . M. iENEUS, F. 

 li. Punctuation more diffuse, and rather strong . M. vhudescens, F. 

 ii. Anterior tibirc very finely toothed from a little below 

 base to beyond middle, with two or more conspicuously 

 stronger teeth at or close to apex. 



