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268 so numerous, whilst he may often search in vain for more than one or two of the more valuable kinds. This is to be regretted, as, unless several of a kind are placed at the disposal of the more skilled European entomologists, they are unwilling to undertake the task of describing them. I have taken one specimen of a species at Auckland, which I have never met with elsewhere, and another at the Island of Motuihi; the first is a beautiful beetle. Of another species, seven lines long, somewhat cylindrical, and of a dull black colour, I have secured about a dozen specimens. Of Cilibe I have two species, generally found under stones and logs, whilst Canterbury affords three at least for observation, one of them being much larger than any which occur here. Prioscelidæ may be found in rotten wood throughout the Province; but I only know of two species; the finest is Prioscelida tenebrionides, which varies in colour from black to red.

I have lately captured four specimens of an insect belonging to this class, which is the most handsome I have met with; it is of a bright black colour with innumerable silvery lines in irregular patches all over its body.

Of Mordella I have taken six species; the most conspicuous being Mordella antartica: the smallest, but most abundant, species may be found on the blossoms of Ti-tree scrub in swampy places. These are troublesome beetles to capture, but more so to mount.

I must now notice Chærodes trachyscelides (group Diaperidæ), which is found in considerable numbers on the sea-beach, amongst kelp, when embedded in the sand. When I first met with this insect, I at once thought I had discovered a new species belonging to Pericoptus, and went to some trouble in order to ascertain its habits, which might afford a clue to the discovery of those of Pericoptus. Chærodes burrows into the sand the moment it is disturbed by the collector. It varies in colour, from pale white to brown but I believe the difference in colour will not affect the number of species. On a subsequent occasion I discovered a nearly allied species, much smaller in size, and far less common than that already adverted to, specimens of which have been transmitted to London. Chærodes trachyscelides may also be found on the western shore of the Province; but I am not aware of its occurrence further South.

The Curculionidæ, embracing seventeen families in Britain, affords a large number of indigenous species for observation, many of them being very curious insects. The largest specimen I have taken was found near the summit of Mount Eden, amongst loose scoriæ where I did not expect to find it. Two individuals of a rather smaller but finer beetle, I cut out of a tree at Stokes' Point; but I have never met with others of the same kinds. Both of these comparatively bulky beetles, however, are vastly