NORTH OF MEXICO. 



333 



P. nitidus, Leo., New Species, p. 118. 

 Black, shining. The punctures of the elytra arc smaller than in the preceding species. 



This species is the largest as well as the least convex of the genus. 



Length .65-1.02 inch. 



Occurs in Florida. Hare in cabinets. The largest specimen I have seen is in the 

 collection of Mr. F. G. Sanborn, of Boston. 



N YCTOB A TBS, Guerin. 

 Nyotobates, Guerin, Mag. Zool. Ins. 1834; Melasomes, p. 88. 

 Notwithstanding the fact, that four species have been until the present recognised in 



catalogues, it is impossible to define but two. 



N. pensylvaniea, DeUeer, (Tenebrio) Mem. V., p. 52, pi. 18, fig. 10; dirysopt, llerbst, (TJpis) Col. 7, 286; 

 sublir.vis, Beauv., (Tenebrio) Inseotes, pi. 81, fig. 4; inermis, Mann., Bull. Mosc. 1843, p. 284. 



The species of this genus have almost entirely the form of Upis, but may be readily 

 known by the epipleuree extending entirely to the apex of the elytra, although becoming 

 very narrow. 



In the above synonymical list I have united our common eastern species and that from 

 California. There are absolutely no differences between them that cannot be shown to be 

 merely individual variations. The mentum in both has the disc or central portion rhom- 

 boidal, broader in front and slightly emarginate. The anterior angles, though rounded, 

 are distinct. The surface is coarsely punctured. The thorax is usually nearly square or 

 slightly narrowing in front. The elytra have faint striae of fine punctures. 



Length .80-.90 inch. 



Occurs in every region of our country between the Atlantic and Pacific, from the 

 Northern and Middle States westward to California, where it occurs more abundantly in 

 moderately elevated regions, or where the climate is not hot. 



N. barbftta, Eaoob, (Tenebrio) N. Beitrag. 168, tab. 7, fig. 1; glabra, Herbst., (Upis) Col. 8, 32, tab. 119, fig. 

 8; intermedia, Hald., Btansb. Bxped, 37(1. 



This species differs from the preceding in having the under surface of the mentum 

 rather densely clothed with hair. The disc of the mentum is also more rounded, and the 

 anterior angles arc; very obtuse and rounded. The thorax is usually broader than long, 

 always broader than the preceding species, and the sides in front more strongly rounded. 

 The punctured stria; of the elytra are also more defined, and their surfaces smoother and 

 at times glabrous or shining. The specimen called intermedia by Haldeman, differs only 

 in having the elytral punctures much less defined. 



Length. .66-.80 inch. 



This species occurs more especially in the Southern and Gulf States, where it is not 

 rare; it is very rarely met witli in the Northern States. 



AMERI. PHILOSO. SOO. — VOL. XIV. — 84 



