1856.] Entomological Papers. 539 



posed of rounded joints, the elytra are of the typical structure, etc. 

 In the latter respect, as well as with regard to the various series of 

 punctures upon head, thorax, and elytra it resembles the former ; 

 the punctures of the elytra are, however, less distinct. Joints 1-6 

 of the antennae are yellowish, the club being dark and finely pubes- 

 cent. The maxill. palpi have joints 2 and 4 subcylindric, but the 

 intermediate one thickened towards the tip. 



I have frequently in the month of June taken the pupae of this 

 species on the banks of the Colombo lake and hatched them at 

 home. I found them about one inch under ground, and often as far 

 as 12 feet from the edge of the water, but still in muddy places. 

 The imago is very active, perhaps more so than any other species 

 of the g. 



General Remarks on certain Scydmami described below. 



In the first number of these papers I have described a winged 

 species of (Edichirus, a g. supposed to be without organs of flight ; 

 and above I have given publicity to the more important discovery 

 of wings in the single g. which forms the family of the Georyssi, 

 also hitherto supposed to be apterous ; I am now about to an- 

 nounce to some and confirm to others the existence of these 

 organs in the family of the Scydmaenidae, a fact, although incom- 

 plete, of more importance than either of the former, considering the 

 extent of the family and the difference of opinion which appears to 

 exist on the subject amongst the most eminent entomological 

 authorities. It is this importance which induces me to euter more 

 fully on the subject. 



I am not acquainted with the famous monograph of the family 

 of the Scydmaenidae by Dr. Schaum ; however, from the manner in 

 which it is quoted by Lacordaire in his g. d. Col. I should infer 

 that these two celebrated authors agree in all the vital points. In 

 Lacordaire's diagnosis of the family these insects are described as 

 having (with the exception of the American g. Brathinus, of which 

 Lacordaire is not quite sure that it belongs to the family) the elytra 

 soldered together and being destitute of wings. Now, it is scarcely 

 credible that on a point so easily ascertained as this any difference 



4 a 2 



