129 



much the same shape, third-ninth equal in length but slightly 

 diminishing in width, tenth distinctly longer than ninth. 

 Prothorax rather widely transverse, much wider at apex than 

 at base, a conspicuous pointed process from middle of apex, 

 each side near apex with a large subtriangular excavation, 

 overhanging each of which is a conspicuous pointed process; 

 punctures small and sparse. Elytra parallel-sided, very little 

 wider than apex of prothorax, finely wrinkled and shagreened. 

 Second joint of front tarsi concealing third from above, with 

 a conspicuous black curved rim. Length, 3f mm. 



Hab. — North-western Australia: Fortescue River (W. D. 

 Dodd). Type (unique), I. 7563. 



Readily distinguished from all others of the genus by the 

 three remarkable processes on the prothorax ; it is one of the 

 very few species whose (apparent) second joint of antennae 

 is not distorted in the male. The spots at the base of the head 

 are distinct on the type, but are so close to the base' that they 

 may be concealed on some specimens. 



Laius apicicollis, n. sp. 

 PI. xiii., figs. 9, 31. 

 $ . Flavous ; the elytra reddish-flavous, with the 

 shoulders and a somewhat curved subapical patch on each 

 metallic-purple; medio-basal portion of head, medio-apioal 

 portion of prothorax, metasternum, middle tarsi, hind tibiae 

 and tarsi, and tips of femora and antennae (basal joints 

 excepted) more or less black. With numerous erect blackish 

 hairs, and sparse, fine, whitish pubescence. 



Head largely and irregularly excavated at the base, with 

 a conspicuous black semidouble tubercle in the middle; with 

 minute scattered punctures. Antennae rather short, first 

 joint as long as the three following combined, second-seventh 

 of much the same shape, the second very little longer than 

 third, eighth produced to one side at apex, ninth and tenth 

 curved backwards. Prothorax moderately transverse, sides 

 rather strongly rounded, middle of apex suddenly depressed, 

 with from the edge of the depression a conspicuous semi- 

 double elevation; with small, scattered punctures. Elytra not 

 much wider than prothorax; surface wrinkled and with very 

 fine punctures. Second joint of front tarsi concealing third 

 from above, with a conspicuous black outer rim. Length, 

 5 mm. 



Hab. — North-western Australia: Fortescue River (W. D. 

 Dodd). Type (unique), I. 7562. 



Readily distinguished from all other described species 

 of the genus by the remarkable base of head and apex of 

 prothorax ; its nearest ally is armicollis,. but that species has 



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