TJIICONDYLA. 



275 



regard to T. aptera and the ant Camponotus gigcts) on this view is 

 not clear, but in any case it is improbable that the resemblance 

 between the Hymenopteron and the beetle was so close as in the 

 instance observed by myself, for the movements of the ant referred 

 to by Mr. Eidley bear a general likeness to those of the digging 

 wasps, but are less rapid and abrupt, at any rate when the insects 

 are undisturbed. The colour of the ant, moreover, is dark brown, 

 instead of being metallic blue." 



The whole question is very interesting, but our knowledge of 

 these scarce genera is very limited at present. 1 cannot find that 

 anything is known of the life-history of Tricondyla and Derocrania. 

 The genus Tricondyla proper, as at present constituted, contains 

 a dozen species, of which nine occur in the Indian region, three 

 being confined to Ceylon. The range of the genus extends from 

 the Philippine Islands to Hong Kong and New Guinea. The 

 Indian species may be separated as follows : — 



Key to the Species. 



I. Pronotum with the sides parallel as far as 



the apical constriction ; upper surface 

 never quite glabrous, and usually dis- 

 tinctly striolate transversely. 



i. Sculpture not transverse, shagreened. 



1. Labrum and legs black , 



2. Labrum and legs in part red 



ii. Sculpture more or less distinctly trans- 



verse, rugose. 



1. Elytra longer and rather broader in 



the middle ; sculpture more rugose, 

 plain to apex , , 



2. Elytra shorter and rather narrower in 



the middle ; sculpture less rugose, 

 much finer at apex . , 



II. Pronotum with the sides more or less 



widened and rounded, and more or less 

 convergent before the apical constriction ; 

 upper surface glabrous (with at most 

 extremely fine traces of striae). 



i. Sculpture of elytra shallower and less 



close, as a rule almost wanting on the 

 posterior portion, which is more shining 

 than the anterior 



ii. Sculpture of elytra deeper and closer, 



giving the upper surface a duller 

 appearance. 

 ] . Sculpture of elytra distinctly finer 

 behind. 



A. Pronotum abruptly narrowed be- 



fore the anterior constriction .... 



B. Pronotum gradually narrowed be- 



fore the anterior constriction .... 



coriacea, Chevr., p. 276. 

 nigripalpis, W. Horn, 



[p. 276. 



granulifera, Mots., p. 277 

 gounelli, W. Horn, p. 278. 



macrodera, Chaud,, p. 278. 



[com«V,Schm.-Goeb.,p.279. 

 cyanea, Dej., yar. annuli- 

 [p. 280. 

 tubercidata, Chaud., 

 x 2 



