268 Transactions. —Zoology. 
so numerous, whilst he may often search in vain for more than one or two 
of the more valuable kinds. This is to be regretted, as, unless several of a 
kind are placed at the disposal of the more skilled European entomologists, 
they are unwilling to undertake the task of describing them. I have taken 
one specimen of a species at Auckland, which I have never met with else- 
where, and another at the Island of Motuihi; the first is a beautiful 
beetle. Of another species, seven lines long, somewhat cylindrical, and of 
a dull black colour, I have secured about a dozen specimens. Of Cilibe I 
have two species, generally found under stones and logs, whilst Canterbury 
affords three at least for observation, one of them being much larger than 
any which occur here. Prioscelide may be found in rotten wood throughout 
the Province ; but I only know of two species; the finest is Prioscelida 
tenebrionides, which varies in colour from black to red. 
I have lately captured four specimens of an insect belonging to this 
class, which is the most handsome I have met with ; it is of a bright black 
colour with innumerable silvery lines in irregular patches all over its body. 
Of Mordella I have taken six species ; the most conspicuous being Mor- 
della antartica; the smallest, but most abundant, species may be found on 
the blossoms of Ti-tree scrub in swampy places. These are troublesome 
beetles to capture, but more so to mount. 
I must now notice Cherodes trachyscelides (group Diaperide ), which is — 
found in considerable numbers on the sea-beach, amongst kelp, when em- 
bedded in the sand. When I first met with this insect, I at once thought I 
had discovered a new species belonging to Pericoptus, and went to some 
trouble in order to ascertain its habits, which might afford a clue to the dis- 
covery of those of Pericoptus. Cherodes burrows into the sand the moment it 
is disturbed by the collector. It varies in colour, from pale white to brown 
but I believe the difference in colour will not affect the number of species. On 
a subsequent occasion I discovered a nearly allied species, much smaller in 
size, and far less common than that already adverted to, specimens of which 
have been transmitted to London. Chwrodes trachyscelides may also be found 
on the western shore of the Province ; but I am not aware of its occurrence 
further South. 
‘ RiayYNcoPHoRA. : 
The Curculionida, embracing seventeen families in Britain, affords a 
large number of indigenous species for observation, many of them being 
very curious insects. The largest specimen I have taken was found near 
the summit of Mount Eden, amongst loose scorie, where I did not expect 
to find it. Two individuals of a rather smaller but finer beetle, I cut out 
_ of a tree at Stokes’ Point; but I have never met with others of the same 
kinds. Both of these comparatively bulky beetles, however, are vastly in- 
