( xvik ) 
specimens of 4. inquinatus, we find a difference in the dis- 
position of the elytral spots :— 
(1) In melanostictus the anterior internal group (or spot) 
is situate at the junction of the anterior third with the 
remainder of the elytra. In inquinatus this group is evidently 
much nearer the base, at the junction of the anterior fowrih 
with the rest of the elytra. 
(2) The anterior internal spot in melanostictus consists of 
a square or oblong (always rectangular) spot in the third 
interstice, with frequently a similar spot, joined to it, in the 
fourth interstice, but never any spot or mark in the second 
interstice. In inquinatus this group consists of two irregularly 
shaped united spots in the third and fourth interstices and, 
usually, one in the second interstice. 
(3) In inquinatus there is a tendency for the posterior 
group of spots to become united in an arched manner, and 
with a streak from the side to form an annulus, which, with 
the one of the opposite side and the dark suture between, 
sometimes gives rise to a grotesque resemblance to a face. 
In melanostictus there is never any trace of such annulus. 
By far the most important point of difference between the 
two species lies in the condition of the lozenge-shaped meta- 
sternal plate of the male, but the distinction is confined to 
that sex. In male melanostictus this plate is extremely finely 
punctured, and completely destitute of hair. In male inqui- 
natus, which alone among this group of the genus possesses 
this character, the metasternal plate is thickly and deeply 
punctured, and distinctly hairy. 
On submitting my own specimens, and those of Mr. Chappell, 
of the (so called) Aphodius melanostictus to a careful examina- 
tion, and more especially after examining a number of 
males and comparing them with males of inquinatus and of 
melanostictus, I find that they most distinctly agree with the 
former in having the metasternal plate densely punctured 
and hairy; therefore, taking this character together with the 
fact that specimens having their character of elytral marking 
have been already described by Mulsant as varieties of inqui- 
natus, I feel justified in asserting that the British specimens 
of so-called Aphodius melanostictus are but varietal forms— 
PROG. ENT. SOC. LOND., I1., 1888. D 
