BY A. SIDNEY OLLIFF. 
1513 
SILPHID^. 
Anisotoma (Illig.)- 
Anisotoma Tasmania:, sp.n. 
Ovate, rather short, reddish testaceous, shining ; elytra with 
nine moderately distinct and uniformly punctured striae. 
Head broadly transverse. Antennae reddish testaceous, last 
five joints forming a distinct club, of which the penultimate and 
ante-penultimate are slightly the broadest. Prothorax trans- 
verse, moderately convex, exceedingly finely punctured. Scutellum 
small, pointed behind. Elytra more than twice as long as the 
prothorax, mth regular and distinctly punctured striae, which, 
if anything, are more strongly impressed posteriorly, the interstices 
broad, finely and diflfusely punctured. Legs very robust, reddish 
testaceous ; femora broad, the posterior ones elongate. Length 
2 J mm. 
Port Frederick, Tasmania ; by sweeping at dusk. 
A single species pertaining, without doubt, to this interesting 
genus, which is lai’gely represented in Europe and North America, 
but is new to the Southern hemisphere, was captured by means 
of the sweeping net in January. Owing to their retiring habits 
these insects are easily overlooked, so that it is more than probable 
that other species remain to be discovered. In Europe experienced 
collectors have found that the best way of obtaining them is by 
sweeping amongst low-growing herbage at dusk, or just before a 
thunder storm, when the sky is heavily overcast. 
