180 

 heads to red heads is nearly 2:1. Most series of specimens 



show one or the other color; some bear both colors. The 



difference in color does not appear to correlate with 



geographic range or any other characteristics which would 



allow separation of the two. 



Occasionally a specimen was studied in which the 

 elytral epipleural fold appeared black. These could be 

 confused with other species (I. scriptus and I. palliatus) . 

 Characters used in the key will allow adequate separation of 

 these species (see Remarks section under I. scriptus) . 



The subhumeral spot is rarely separated from the 

 scutellar spot. In these specimens, the other color 

 characteristics will serve to distinguish them (see Remarks 

 section under I. scriptus) . 



Type . The lectotype (here designated) of Ischyrus 

 proximus Lacordaire label data: "/ Mexico/ Type proximus 

 Ch./ [blue paper] TYPE/ [red] LECTOTYPE Ischyrus proximus 

 Lacordaire des .P .E. Skelley/" [CUMZ, studied]. Sex 

 apparently male, not dissected. 



Specimens examined . The lectotype and 78 specimens, 

 representing 46 collection records, were studied (see 

 Appendix C for specific data) . 



Distribution . Widespread from Mexico to Panama and 

 Bolivia (Fig. 112) . 



Etymology . proximus: Latin = nearest. Maybe 

 Lacordaire named it "proximus" because of its similarity to 

 other species. 



