20 On the genera Phyllobius, Polydrosus and Metallites. 
9. Polydrosus cervinus, Linn., Marsh., Gyll., Germ., Steph., 
: Schénh. 
— melanotus, Kirb. MSS., Steph. 
Cure. melanotus of Kirby, according to his collection, is a small 
green variety of this insect, with the legs black and the tarsi dull 
piceous ; the scales on the upper surface are abraded. 
This is a common and well-known insect, and found abun- 
dantly on the young shoots of the oak and birch in woods during 
the months of May and June. 
Genus Mertauites, Schinh., Germ., Latr. 
** Gen. Char.—Antenne somewhat short and stout ; the scape 
clavate, slightly curved, overhanging the eyes ; the basal joints of 
the funiculus rather long obconic, the rest nodose; the club ob- 
long-ovate, acuminate. Rostrum short, narrower than the head, 
somewhat flat above, parallelopiped. Eyes small, rounded, rather 
prominent. Thorax either subtransverse or oblong, the base and 
apex truncated, moderately rounded at the sides, a little narrow- 
est in front. Elytra oblong, suboval, their base when united 
subemarginate, the shoulders either obtusely angular or slightly 
rounded; a little convex above. Legs nearly equal; thighs 
toothed or simple. 
* Obs.—Body oblong, scaly, furnished with wings; of small 
size. Allied to the genus Polydrosus, but differing in the struc- 
ture of the rostrum and antenne.”—Eztracted from Schonherr. 
This genus was established by Schénherr, and subsequently 
adopted by Germar and Latreille; at present it contains eight 
European species, one of which inhabits this country. I possess 
foreign specimens of Metallites mollis of Germ., and M. atoma- 
rius of Oliv., presented to me by Dr. Germar. 
_ These insects differ from those of the genus Polydrosus in 
haying the antenne and its articulations considerably - shorter, 
more robust, and of a dissimilar form ; the eyes smaller, and the 
thorax elongate. 
1. Metallites marginatus, Steph. 
— ambiguus, Schonh. 
Birch Wood was for some years the only known locality for this 
insect, where it is found abundantly on the juniper and other 
plants in May and June; but the zeal and industry of Mr. S. 
Stevens discovered it in Windsor Forest and Black Park near 
Uxbridge, on the young shoots of the birch, oak, &c. 
