55 



Lamitema, n. g. 



Rostrum somewhat shorter than prothorax and not very 

 thin, rather feebly curved. First joint of funicle longer and 

 stouter than second, which is short and not much longer than 

 third ; club ovate. Pectoral canal distinct but not very deep 

 in front, where it is bounded by thin walls, absent beyond 

 coxae. Other characters as in preceding genus. 



The femoral teeth though large are narrower than in the 

 preceding genus and the rostrum is somewhat stouter, but in 

 all other generic characters it agrees with it, except in the 

 pectoral canal ; in the species described below it is fairly deep 

 only in front of the coxae, and absent behind, instead of being 

 bounded by the remarkable flanges so noticeable in suturalis. 

 At first sight the two species certainly appear congeneric, 

 and even the clothing is somewhat similar. 



In Pascoe's table of the Zygopides the genus would be 

 placed with Osphilia and Metialma. The pectoral canal will 

 distinguish it from Metialma.^ Osphilia is very briefly com- 

 pared with Metialma, but as its head is figured as being almost 

 entirely occupied by the eyes, and Pascoe makes no mention 

 of a pectoral canal, it appears best to refer it to a new 

 genus rather than to risk placing it in one from which it is 

 probably distinct. 



Lamitema decipiens, n. sp. 



Black: antennae and tarsi reddish, rest of legs obscurely 

 or not at all diluted with red. Upper-surface with indis- 

 tinct dark depressed setae, and a number of spots of yellowish- 

 white or ochreous setae ; clothing of under-surface mostly 

 white, but denser and yellower on sides of three apical seg- 

 ments than elsewhere. 



Head with small dense punctures. Rostrum about the 

 length of front tibiae, shining ; with small punctures in front, 

 becoming more distinct on sides and towards base ; basal half 

 with two shallow grooves on each side. Prothorax not much 

 wider than long, sides moderately rounded ; with dense and 

 clearly-defined, but rather small punctures. Elytra not much 

 longer than wide, base trisinuate, sides nowhere parallel, 

 suture depressed towards base ; narrowly striate, with fairly 

 distinct punctures in striae : interstices with rather dense 

 punctures. Under surface densely punctate. Femora with 

 large acutely-triangular teeth, those of the front pair largest. 

 Length, 3-3J mm. 



(7) Pascoe describes the rostrum of Metialma as being cylin- 

 drical at the base, but in four species of the genus before me 

 (including the typical one, ncevea) this does not appear to be the 

 case. 



