THE GENUS CERCYON. 59 



C. analis they are very closely and evidently punctured : this last 

 is a very good and constant character. Common. 



C. granarius, Er. — This species appears to be a great puzzle 

 to collectors. It is a comparatively recent split from C. lugubris, 

 from which it is said to differ in having the second joint of the 

 maxillary palpi more dilated, and in the punctuation of the elytra. 

 It is probably mixed with the former species in collections, and 

 not rare. It is a question whether it is at most more than a 

 variety of C. lugubris. 



C. analis, Payk., is almost exactly like C. lugubris in general 

 size and shape, but, as has already been pointed out, it may 

 be at once distinguished by having the interstices of the elytra 

 closely and distinctly punctured. It is very common. 



Megastemum boletophagum, Marsh., which at first sight bears a 

 strong superficial resemblance to the species of the last group of 

 the Cercyons, may be told by its smooth elytra and oval shape ; 

 by its colour, which is reddish with no distinct patch of a lighter 

 shade at the apex of the elytra; and also by having the sides 

 of the elytra tucked in, as it were, so that the edge is not seen. 

 It is very common in fungi, but may also be found on the edge 

 of water and in damp places everywhere. 



Cryptopleurum atomarium, F., is one of the most distinct species 

 of the group. It is very broad and round, although the apices 

 of the elytra are somewhat pointed, and may be at once told by 

 its opaque, dull appearance, which is caused by its very strong 

 striation, and by the deep punctuation of the whole of its upper 

 surface. It is very abundant in dung and in all refuse. 



I am much indebted to Dr. Power for many hints regarding 

 the species, and also for localities. In future papers I hope to be 

 able to give similar hints with regard to other of the more 

 minute and obscure genera. 



The School House, Lincoln, Jan. 17, 1884. 



NOTES ON THE PAST SEASON IN COS. DERRY AND 



DONEGAL. 



By W. Howard Campbell. 



I cannot say, with most of your correspondents, that the 



past season has been a bad one as regards Macro-lepidoptera. 



Although many common species were much scarcer than usual, 



