West-Indian Coiylopliiclo) and Trlchopterjgiiloe. 335 



It is also remarkable that, notwithstanding the constant 

 intercourse between these islands and Europe, only two 

 European sjiecies are found in this large collection, both of 

 wliicii liad previously been taken on the American continent. 

 The Trichoptcrygidre form about three fourths of the whole 

 collection, and, as it always happens when any fresh locality 

 lias been entomologically explored, the genus Tricliopteryx 

 contributes the usual amount of species, which it is very 

 difficult to distinguish, but quite impossible to associate with 

 each other. Indeed, this genus is the bane and vexation of 

 describers, presenting as it does among its various compo- 

 nents, when examined under a high magnifying-power, 

 many unmistakable specific distinctions, persistent through 

 a large series of individuals, but in a great measure unappre- 

 ciablc to casual observation. From my own experience, 

 extending over a period of more than half a century, I feel 

 convinced tliat there arc few, if any, genera of Coleoptera 

 more numerous in species than Trichopteryx, and not one 

 represented by such myriads of individuals ; they abound in 

 every region of the world and in every conceivable locality 

 except water, and even there are represented by the closely 

 allied family of Hydroscaphida?. Indeed, the study of TricJio- 

 pteryx as a genus suggests to the mind an impression similar 

 to that produced by observing on a moonless night a portion of 

 the Via Lactea through a powerful telescope, for the further 

 you penetrate into space the more bewildering is the multitude 

 of stars brought into view. Thus, whenever the fauna of 

 any fresh tract of country becomes explored, the species of 

 Trichopteryx must go on indefinitely increasing in number. 

 And it is to be feared that this fact, together with the minute 

 size of the animals themselves, has much effect in deterring 

 entomologists from the pursuit of this most interesting class 

 of Coleoptera. But instead of altogether relinquishing the 

 study in despair, it would be better to regard Trichopteryx as 

 many regard Ilomalota — I mean as a genus of which a general 

 knowledge is all that is really necessary, and, leaving the 

 more obscure species to monographic describers, content them- 

 selves with the recognition of such as are more conspicuous. 

 Thus in part ignoring Trichopteryx^ they will find among the 

 other genera of the same family abundant material for a 

 study of the most interesting and absorbing nature, totally 

 devoid of difficulty or confusion, embracing objects of very 

 great beauty and engrossing interest, both from their perfect 

 organization and curious habits of life. 



I have been led to these remarks by the scepticism with 

 which many regard the species of Trichopteryx. Col. Motsch- 



