248 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM VoL. 113 
Brotocy: There is no information available on the biology of this 
species at present. 
Discussion: The two specimens (the type and a female from Co- 
lumbus, Texas) seen in this study are easily distinguished from the 
rest of the species in this group, and are therefore considered repre- 
sentatives of a distinct species at this time. The pattern of the pro- 
thoracic punctation in S. rhodopus is similar to that of S. posticus 
Dietz, but the scales of the prothorax and elytra of the latter species 
are mostly brown or yellow, rather than white, and the rostra of both 
sexes are more strongly curved than in S. rhodopus. (Numerous 
smaller differences may be seen upon comparison of specimens of the 
two species.) 
DistrispuTiIon: The only exact locality record (Columbus, Texas) 
indicates that S. rhodopus should be found on the Gulf coastal plain 
in Texas. 
SMICRONYX QUADRIFER GROUP 
DescripTI0ONn: Body oblong ovate, fairly stout. Rostra of both 
sexes moderately curved, rather stout. Prothorax moderately to 
strongly rounded at sides, narrowed and constricted before apex; 
disk convex, closely and coarsely punctate, setiform scales stout, 
strongly arched. Elytra at least slightly wider behind middle than 
at base; declivities distinct; setiform scales stout, usually conspicuous. 
Median lobe of male genitalia fairly short, not widened at its apex; 
lightly sclerotized dorsally (figs. 67-69). 
Discussion: The species of the S. quadrifer group are similar to 
those of the S. cinereus group in regard to general body shape and 
proportions, stoutness of the rostrum, shape of the genitalia, and 
prothoracic punctation. However, the rostrum is usually not medi- 
ally carinate in the S. guadrifer group, as it is in the S. cinereus group, 
and the setiform scales of the S. quadrifer group are much stouter 
and more conspicuous than in the S. cinereus group 
Map 4 gives the distribution of this group. 
Key to the Species of the Smicronyx quadrifer Group 
1. A nearly quadrate patch of dark scales present near middle (and divided by 
sutural line) of elytra. . . . ... . . §. quadrifer Casey (p. 253) 
No central patch of dark scales mrenent Onielyttra;. 2 sare 5 unctaaoee ee! 
2. Scales of elytra brown except for a conspicuous irregular median patch of 
white scales near middle of elytra . . S.albonotatus, new species (p. 251) 
No median patch of white scales on elytra. . . . +o 
3. Rostrum gibbous and very coarsely punctate at ase poronienes pave all 
scales white or a complete median vitta of white scales. . ...... 4 
Rostrum not gibbous, closely but not coarsely punctate at base; white scales 
of prothorax condensed into patches at sides and forming a short median 
vitta at base. . ....... =.=... . S.Iutulentus Dietz (p. 249) 
