80 Mr. J. O. Westwood on the 
that in these osculant genera, of whose habits nothing is known, 
we meet with a combination of characters which set all our 
divisions at nought. Looking at the structure of the maxillz, we 
should expect the same habits as we find in Melolontha, but there 
is no molary plate for masticating leaves in the mandibles. 
The following opposed characters of the T’rogide, Melolon- 
ihide, and Mechidius, will, I think, clearly prove that the genus 
in question belongs to the Melovlonthide, and not to the Trogide. 
TROGIDE. 
Labrum distinct, trans- 
verse ovate. 
Mandibles without a mo- 
lary plate, or strong 
oblique 1idges beneath. 
Maxille with the outer 
lobe membranous, ci- 
liated; inner lobe 
toothed and horny. 
Anterior tibiz not notch- 
ed. 
Podex covered. 
Longitudinal veins of 
wings at unequal dis- 
tances apart. 
Mecuipivs. 
Supposed labrum bilobed. 
Mandibles without a mola- 
ry plate, but with a few 
strong oblique ridges 
beneath. 
Maxille with outer lobe 
horny, toothed ; inner 
lobe small, membra- 
nous. 
Anterior tibiz notched. 
Podex uncovered. 
Longitudinal veins of 
wings at nearly equal 
distances apart. 
Mer LoLontTuip&. 
Labrum distinct, bilobed. 
Mandibles with a molary 
plate, but without strong 
oblique ridges beneath. 
Maxille with outer lobe 
horny, toothed. 
Anterior tibia notched. 
Podex uncovered. 
Longitudinal veins of wings 
at nearly equal distances 
apart. 
It further appears to me that the nearest approach to this genus 
is made by some of the numerous small Aphodius-like Melolon- 
thide of New Holland. 
(Since the above was written, I have found that Latreille states, 
“Je soupconne que les Mechidies, a raison de la forme et de 
lechancrure du labre et de quelques autres caractéres, avoisinent 
les Mélolonthes.”’) 
Sp. 1. Mcechidius Kirbianus, W. 
M. oblongus, obscurus, scaber, subcinereus; elytris punctis 
papillatis seriatim ordinatis seriebus plurimis; thoracis an- 
gulis posticis vix obtusangulis, lateribus rotundatis, dorso 
utrinque tri-impresso. 
Long. corp. lin. ? 
Habitat in Nova Hollandia. 
In Mus. Britann. 
Syn. Trox spurius, Kirby, loc. cit. Mac L. &c. (Mech. spur.) 
In size this species is nearly similar to M. Macleayanus, but 
