SMICRONYX WEEVILS—ANDERSON 2oF 
Brotoay: The only information available on the biology of this 
species is this host-plant record: “On Helianthus sp.,”’ Dallas, Tex., 
Sept. 22 (USNM). 
Discussion: The differences between this species and a similar 
species, S. intricatus Dietz are discussed on p. 255. 
Dietz (1894) stated that S. lepidus is similar to S. instabilis Casey, 
except for the very robust rostrum of S. lepidus. However, it is 
difficult for the writer to agree with that statement because the pro- 
thorax is much more strongly rounded and more closely punctate, 
the setiform scales much stouter, and the elytra more convex in S. 
lepidus than in S. instabilis Casey. The one specimen (a female) 
from which the genitalia were dissected proved to have greatly reduced 
hind wings. Whether or not this condition is true of all individuals 
in the species (rendering them flightless) cannot, of course, be deter- 
mined without the collection and dissection of many more specimens. 
Disrrinution: The known range of S. lemdus (based on only a 
few records) extends from the central lowlands province in Texas 
westward to the Colorado Plateau. The following specimens were 
examined: 
New Mexico: sANDOVAL co.: Jemez Mountains, Aug. 9 (CAS). SAN MIGUEL 
co.: Las Vegas, Aug. 15 (USNM). 
TEXAS: DALLAS CO.: Dallas, Sept. 22 (USNM). 
Total specimens examined: 3. 
SMICRONYX PROFUSUS GROUP 
Description: Body elongate ovate, rather stout (fig. 20). Rostra 
of both sexes slightly curved; narrower, smooth and shining before 
the antennal insertions in the female (fig. 22). Sides of prothorax 
subparallel behind the point, near the apex, at which prothorax sud- 
denly narrows; disk of prothorax evenly but not closely covered with 
small rounded punctures (fig. 20). Elytra slightly wider behind 
middle than at base, declivities distinct (fig. 20). Median lobe of 
male genitalia rather short, lightly sclerotized dorsally, not widened 
toward apex as in the cinereus group (compare figs. 20, 50). 
Discussion: Smicronyx profusus Casey strongly resembles the 
species of the S. cinereus group in respect to general body shape and 
proportions, rostrum of the male (stout and carinate), and genitalia of 
both sexes. However, the rostrum of the female is never tapered and 
smooth before the antennal insertions in the species of the S. cinereus 
group (as is true of S. profusus); and the punctures of the prothorax 
are sparser and more rounded in S. profusus than in species of the S. 
cinereus group. Because of the differences mentioned, it seems dif- 
ficult to include S. profusus among the species of the S. cinereus group 
and therefore S. profusus stands apart from them as a separate “group.” 
Map 5 gives the distribution of this group. 
