On Lepidiota Gracilipes, Sharp

In describing this insect [Col. Hefte XV. p. 78) I pointed out that it should probably form a distinct genus, and I said that »the prosternal process approaches that of Lepidiota.” This latter statement requires some explanation, for on examination it appears that this insect has no prosternal process while in Lepidiota there is a well developed process. In Lachnosterna there is said to be no prosternal process, and therefore it would appear that the L. gracilipes might be placed in that genus. In Lachnosterna however, the hind portion of the presternum stretches out, or grows out, more or less slightly backwards towards the mesosternum, and when there is a prosternal process, (which is the case in several Eastern species of the genus) it takes the form of a slender dependent free projection placed at some distance behind the front coxae. In the ordinary Lepidiotae the presternum is very short behind the coxae, and the prosternal process grows out in close contact with this part of the legs. In Lepidiota gracilipes the prosternum is very short behind the coxae, and assumes in the middle a slightly protuberant form quite close to the coxae; on account therefore of this, the rudimentary prominence may be said to approach that of Lepidiota. The insect however will no doubt form a distinct genus, to which the Anacylonycha squamipennis Burm. will probably belong, for Burmeister’s description (Handbuch IV, 2, p. 315) seems to shew that it is closely allied to Lepidiota gracilipes. A specimen of this species, captured at Grabak (Sumatra) in May 1877, has been brought home by the Sumatra-Expedition.