•i06 Description of a Isew Genus of Triehopterygidce, 



XLT. — Description of a New Genus of Trichopterygid^e, 

 lately discovered in the United States. 



By the Rev. A. Matthews, M.A. 



{Communicated by Dr. John L. Le Conte.) 



Read March 25, 1S67. 



The insect which forms the subject of the present memoir, is 

 one of the most remarkable of an order replete with curious 

 forms. In many Sections or Families of Coleoptera certain 

 species exist so monstrous in their variation from the normal 

 type as to render recognition extremely difficult. By the 

 exertion of Dr. E. Brendel and Mr. Hike, such a form has 

 now been added to the Trichopterygidcej and I feel much grati- 

 fied in being permitted, through the kindness of Dr. Le Conte, 

 to make known in its native country the discovery of this 

 wonderful animal. 



It appears, from the information I have received, to have been 

 an the first instance captured by Dr. Brendel in Florida, and 

 subsequently by Mr. Ulke in New York, and also at Washington 

 (D. C.) in the nests and among the eggs of Formica.* Of its 

 life- history this is all which seems to be known at the present 

 •time; though it is to be hoped that these entomologists and 

 their colleagues in America will carry their investigations 

 somewhat further, and that eventually a more perfect know- 

 ledge may be obtained of its habits and transformations. I am 

 now only able to speak of it in the last and most perfect stage 

 of its existence, as an imago ; but, previously to giving a 



* Mr. Ulke has kindly furnished me with specimens of the workers of the ant in 

 the nest of which the extraordinary genus here described occurs. It is a species of 

 Formica, 2 mm. long, of a pale testaceous color, and having the abdomen nearly 

 circular and moderately convex ; the upper surface is shining, very finely and 

 sparsely punctulate, slightly pubescent, and with a few long hairs. It seems to me 

 to be identical with the species with which I have found Ceophyllus monilis, and is 

 widely diffused through the Atlantic District. Lec. 



