The Attageni were considered by Latreille to be so different 

 from the Megatomae, that in his Genera Crustaceorum they 

 were placed in separate families, the former being included in 

 a division of the Dermestes, the latter amongst the Byrrhii. 

 As we must proceed cautiously with regard to affinities, I 

 shall at present only remark, that A. t7-ifasciatus bears a great 

 resemblance to the Anthreni. In addition to the differences 

 pointed out when the genus Megatoma was lately illustrated, 

 it may be observed that the remarkably long terminal joint of 

 the antennee in the males of this genus is a peculiar character, 

 and that even in the females it is longer than the ante-penul- 

 timate. The upper lip, which is rounder, also conceals the 

 mandibles, which are very differently formed. The maxillae 

 are very much elongated, and the inequality in the 2nd and 

 3rd joints of their palpi, as well as the great length of the ter- 

 minal one, are valuable marks of distinction ; but the most 

 interesting difference, although previously unnoticed, is the 

 minuteness of the basal joint of the tarsi, which in some is 

 nearly obsolete. 



There are only two British species of Attageni; and in 

 such small genera as the present, whenever it is in my power 

 I shall describe the species, which will render references to 

 other works not absolutely necessary. 



1. A. Pellio Linn. Faun. Suec. n. 411. — Don. Brit. Ins. 7. 



pi. '231./. 3.— bipunctatus DeG. 



Piceous black, shining, minutely punctured and covered 

 with decumbent pubescence. Thorax with a spot at each pos- 

 terior angle, one upon the lobe, and two upon the back of 

 the elytra, villose white. Antennae (excepting the club) and 

 the legs dull castaneous. 



This is a common insect in old houses, attacking the dried 

 skins of animals, old books, paper, and wood. It is the larva 

 probably of this species which will destroy collections of in- 

 sects, if neglected for many years. 



2. A. trifasciatus Oliv. — Curtis Brit. Ent. pi. 247. 



There are specimens of this pretty insect in the British 

 Museum, but Mr. Samouelle is unable to give me any infor- 

 mation relating to them, beyond their being placed there by 

 Dr. Leach. 



The plant represented is Stachys palustris (Marsh Wound- 

 wort), together with a small tuber, as I understand no correct 

 figure of it has hitherto been given ; and it is rendered inter- 

 esting from Joseph Houlton, Esq. having proved that the root 

 by cultivation becomes edible, for which discovery the Society 

 of Arts presented him with their Silver Medal. 



