84 



MR. C. J. C. POOL OX 



seven species, representing the four genera Cis, Ennearthron, 

 Octotemnus, and Rhopalodontus. 



At first one experiences some difficulty in naming specimens 

 owing to the confusion of species and the presence of many im- 

 perfect or immature examples in the older collections available 

 for study and comparison. 



Oolour variation is a constant source of difficulty owing to the 

 fact that it might be due either to simple aberration or to different 

 degrees of maturity of the specimens. 



The colour of the clabs of the antennas, sometimes mentioned 

 as a guide to the identification of species closely related, must 

 not be accepted as a reliable character without allowance for 

 variation. I have studied great numbers of living specimens, 

 from emergence from the pupa to undoubted maturity, and the 

 results of my investigations enable me to say in which of 

 the species this character is regular, or the reverse. 



Any uncertainty or difficulty relating to immaturity may be 

 avoided by breeding and keeping the insects alive for several 

 months. 



The breeding-process is very simple, and consists of gathering 

 infested fungi, which may be kept in carefully labelled tins or 

 jars in a cool situation, where the insects may develop under 

 healthy conditions. A little damp blotting-paper or peat will 

 supply all the necessary moisture, care being taken that sufficient 

 ventilation is provided to prevent mildew. 



Most of the species are long-lived, and may be found in the 

 larval or adult state at any sea.son. Pupation appears to be 

 unusual in winter, but sometimes occurs in sheltered situations. 



In the formation of the following table of the genus Cis, for 

 which I claim little more than the merits of simplicity, I have 

 to some extent grouped the species, as I have found them con- 

 founded in collections. For instance, the series of C. micans in 

 the National Collection at one time consisted of four different 

 species, viz. : — 0. micans, C. setiger, C. boleti (small and imma- 

 ture), and C. hispidus (immature). 



The general characters of shape and size will enable the student 

 without figures or reference-collections to decide to which of the 

 five groups his specimens belong before attempting the more 

 difficult task of specific identification. 



Table of Genera and Species. 

 Genus Cis Latreille. 



Antennas 10-joiiited. Anterior coxae transverse, round-oval; 

 tibias not (or very rarely) dilated at apex. 



Group 1. — Form short. Almost glabrous. L. l|-lf mm. 



C. lineatocribratus Mell. Elytra strongly punctured in rows. 

 Never black. Clubs of antennas always pale. 



