Lucanides.

Lissotes acmenus, n. sp.

♂ Head and thorax black, shining; abdomen shining-brown Head finely and obscurely punctured, most densely on the vertex; the hind angles prominent. That portion of the side margin that encroaches on the eye is more prominent than in helmsi. Prothorax transverse, wider than the elytra, finely and distantly punctured; not so broad in proportion to its length as in helmsi; with a fine medial line and three punctiform impressions, one in the middle of the medial line, the other two midway between that point and the side margin. Its shape is similar to that of helmsi, but the base is more markedly sinuate. Elytra short and broad, shining, each with four obscure costæ, which are more finely punctate than the intervals between them. The margins of the thorax and elytra and the four hind tibiæ externally are clothed with short golden setæ, indistinct traces of which are sometimes seen on the elytral costæ. The mandibles are exactly similar to those of smaller specimens of helmsi. Length, including mandibles, 20–25 mm.

The female will probably be very similar to the same sex of helmsi.

This fine beetle is very closely allied to both helmsi and œmulus; indeed, Dr. Sharp considers that it is identical with the former species. It is sufficiently easily distinguished by its bright appearance, narrower form, and the smaller size of fully developed individuals. I am indebted to Mr. G. Howes, Invercargill, for a good series of males.

As a first step towards a revision of the catalogue, I would suggest the following synonyms as extremely probable:—

Cicindela dunedinensis, Castelnau = C. wakefieldi, Bates.

Mecodema crenaticolle, Redtenbacher = M. lineatum, Broun.

Dryocora howittii, Pascoli = Adelostella punctatum, Broun.