Closely allied to the above is _Ochrocydus huttoni_, which may be at once known by its smaller size and plain elytra; it is very much scarcer than _P. reticularis_, but may occasionally be cut out of dead manuka trees in company with its larva. Group RHYNCOPHORA. Family CURCULIONIDÆ. _Oreda notata_ (Plate II., fig. 4, 4a larva). This weevil is not often noticed in the open, but may be found in great abundance in the dead stems of fuchsia, mahoe, and other soft-wooded shrubs, whose trunks are frequently noticed pierced with numerous cylindrical holes. The larva also inhabits these burrows, devouring large quantities of the wood; it is provided with a large head and powerful pair of mandibles, but, in common with all other weevil larvæ, does not possess legs of any description, the insect being absolutely helpless when removed from its home in the wood. The pupa might also be found in similar situations, but I have not yet observed it. The perfect insect may be cut out of the trees throughout the year, and is occasionally taken amongst herbage during the summer. Family CURCULIONIDÆ. _Psepholax coronatus_ (Plate II., fig. 5 [F], 5a [M]). This curious species is found abundantly in the stems of {32}dead currant trees (_Aristotelia racemosa_), in which it excavates numerous cylindrical burrows like the last species, which it closely resembles when in the larval state. The sexes are widely different, the elytra of the male being furnished with the characteristic coronet of spines, which is entirely wanting in the female. Numerous other members of this genus may be taken in company with the present insect, and should be carefully examined, as a correct determination of the males and females of the several species is sadly wanted. Digging beetles out of the wood is good employment for the entomologist in winter, when he will find that a day spent in this manner will frequently produce as rich a harvest as one in the height of summer. Before finally leaving the Coleoptera, I should like to direct the attention of my readers to the immense number of interesting weevils found in New Zealand. Chief among these is the remarkable _Lasiorhynchus barbicornis_, a large insect furnished with a gigantic rostrum, which will at once distinguish it from any of the rest. Other genera contain numerous beetles, which may be found in various kinds of dead timber in company with their larvæ, and are worthy of a more minute investigation than has at present been given them. {33}CHAPTER IV The Hymenoptera.