338 COLEOPTERA 



two to four gradually decrease, the latter sometimes hollowed, fifth long 

 and slender, claws moderate. Body generally pubescent. 



614. P. SpeciOSUS, n.s. This species somewhat resembles the 

 European P. fur in general outline ; the body is convex, of a dark red 

 colour, and clothed with bright yellowish red and white hairs. 



The antenna are red, stout, and finely pubescent. The head is 

 coarsely sculptured, with prominent eyes. Prothorax punctate, convex, 

 longer than broad, narrowed and rounded anteriorly, constricted and 

 depressed behind ; it is partially covered with bright orange coloured 

 hairs, which are disposed in dense longitudinal rows, and there are some 

 patches of white pubescence, one in front and one near each side. 

 Scutelhtm large, covered with white pubescence. The elytra are oblong, 

 considerably broader than the thorax, with obtuse shoulders and apices ; 

 each bears seven or eight punctured striae, some being rendered quite 

 indistinct by their clothing ; the sides in front are densely, behind rather 

 sparsely pubescent, the disc is nude, and therefore conspicuous ; each 

 elytron is variegated with a curved line near the shoulder, and a trans- 

 verse one behind, formed of white hairs, the rest of their pubescence 

 being similar in colour to that of the thorax. 



The structure of the legs differs but little from that of P. fur. 



Length, i line. 



I obtained ten individuals near Auckland, and sent most of them to 

 Britain to be described. I found one at Tairua, and two near Whangarei 

 Harbour. It is the only species of this group I have found in New 

 Zealand, though White described three species which, I am inclined to 

 think, belong to Cyphon. The European P. fur has been introduced. 

 I found one in the body of an Elater sent me by Mr. Meinertzhagen of 

 Napier. 



615. P. SUturaliS, White; Voy. Er. Terr., Ins., p. 8. Pitchy- 

 brown ; closely punctured, with shortish hairs ; the suture with a pinkish 

 hue ; legs pale yellow. 



Length, 2\ lines. 



New Zealand (on flowers of Leptospermum). 



6 1 6. P. murinus, White; Voy. Er. Terr., Ins., p. 8. Very deep 

 brown, with many irregular patches of longish hairs. 



Length, z\ lines. 



Port Nicholson (Captain Parry). 



617. P. pilQSUS, WJiite; Voy. Er. Terr.> Ins., p. 8. Elytra 

 nearly parallel ; light ash colour, with short yellowish hairs ; thorax 

 behind as wide as the elytra. 



Length, ij line. 



Port Nicholson. 



NOTE. These three meagre descriptions will, I fear, be of little 

 service to those who cannot refer to the typical specimens in the British 

 Museum. 



