151 



middle of basal segment of abdomen gently concave in male, 

 convex in female. Tibia- curved and at apex inflated, front 

 pair flattened at apex and with a strong inner hook. Length, 

 4-6 mm. 



Hab. — Tasmania: Nnbeena (at roots of plants close to 

 seabeach. A.' M. Lea). 



The pale-brown markings of the upper surface are never 

 strongly defined, and consist of small spots on the elytra and 

 traces of three stripes (confined to the base) on the prothorax ; 

 but they are often absent. The golden gloss may be almost 

 general, confined to a few scattered scales, or absent. Scales, 

 except at the sides of metasternum and abdomen, are almost 

 absent from the under surface. The elytral punctures on the 

 basal half can be traced before abrasion. The prothorax is 

 withoiit traces of granules. 



Readily distinguished from other species of Timareta by 

 the regular and clearly-defined prothoracic punctures, which 

 can be seen to a certain extent (unless the specimens are 

 greasy) even before abrasion. The metallic or rosy gloss 

 which many of the scales have is also a distinctive feature, 

 but in this they agree to a certain extent with 'pilosa 

 (Blackb.), which, however, has very different hind tibiae in 

 the male. The eyes are less conspicuous than in subterranea, 

 the scape is longer, thinner, and more curved. Specimens 

 tend to get greasy with age, and when greasy the metallic 

 gloss is often lost. 



This species and the three following ones are so closely 

 allied, and their clothing is so variable, that before abrasion 

 it is difficult to point out any very satisfactory distinguishing 

 features : after abrasion, however, they are fairly easily dis- 

 tinguished by the punctures, etc., of the prothorax. To ren- 

 der this clearer I give a table of the species, including with 

 them subterranea from King Island. They are all to be taken 

 in abundance at the roots of beach-growing plants. 



Prothorax without traces of granules. 

 Prothorax with clearly defined punctures 



of moderate size pvncticolUs. 



Prothorax with moderate punctures 



scattered amongst very small ones ... intermixta. 

 Prothorax at least with traces of granules. 



Median line distinct Swanseaensis. 



Median line absent or almost so. 



With a smoky spot in middle of base 



of head inconstans. 



Without such a spot subterranea. 



Timareta intermixta, n. sp. 

 Eyes small and prominent. Scrobes very distinct from 

 above. Antennae apparently slightly passing base of pro- 



