2S4 Coleopterological Xofices, V. 



there is the least doubt, a name long established in connection with 

 certain species should not be changed, but in a case of this kind, 

 where there can be no doubt whatever, the sooner we overcome 

 our conservatism and adopt what is manifestly proper and right, 

 the easier it will be for the generations of systematists who are to 

 come into the world during the next few hundreds or thousands of 

 years. It is our duty to lay as immovable a foundation as possible 

 in the nomenclature of all sciences. The time, be it greater or less, 

 during which we have become accustomed to a certain status or 

 condition, will count as a mere nothing in future ages. 



Aleocharides. 



Antenna? 11 -jointed ; tarsi 5-5-5-joiuted. 



MASEOCHARA Sharp. 



Of this interesting genus we have four species. First, a large 

 form with red elytra, which is without much doubt semivelutina 

 Solsky ; second, a similar species, having the base of the prothorax 

 equally rounded with the sides, but with the elytra black, described 

 by LeConte under the name vaJida (= californica Csy.). Third, 

 a rather smaller and notably more slender species with black elytra, 

 having the basal angles of the prothorax distinct, recently made 

 known by Dr. Sharp under the name opacella, and fourth, the fol- 

 lowing very small species allied to gracilis Shp, 



M. pillierula n. sp. — Black, each elytron feebly suffused with rufo- 

 piceous toward — but not attaining — the suture ; legs throughout and antennae 

 toward base dark rufo-piceous ; integuments alutaceous, the elytra rather 

 more shining, the abdomen strongly sliining ; head and pronotum feebly and 

 sparsely punctate, the elytra more closely and a little more distinctly, the 

 abdomen rather strongly but not densely, the impressed basal areas impuuc- 

 tate ; pubescence rather long, coarse and plentiful, conspicuous, though much 

 less so on the abdomen. Head orbicular, rather longer than wide, the eyes 

 at fully their own length from the base; antennas fully as long as the head 

 and prothorax, feebly incrassate, second and third joints equal, tenth one- 

 half wider than long. Prothorax one-fourth to one-third wider than long ; 

 sides parallel, broadly, evenly arcuate ; basal angles obtuse but very distinct, 



founded upon undescribed species may have been more recently accepted, but 

 this would scarcely be a case in point, since the adoption of them took place 

 long after the binomial system was firmly established. To establish a system 

 is quite another matter, and requires the rigorous fulfillment of certain condi- 

 tions. 



