is indeed a better fit when considering just the dorsal (head-pronotum-elytral) color patterns which appear consistent with the "Arizona form of L. analis" shown in Madge (1967: Fig 25). However, a more reliable means of distinction (see my note below) for separating L. analis vs pulchellus cannot be resolved by this image alone.

together with the UoA Carabid poeple of D. Maddison's group by the end of the month. I haven't mailed out any specimen to have them on hand for comparison to their collection and maybe to rephotograph some with a better macro lense. But I do not intend to keep them and will send them to you (P. Messer) afterwards.

so much Margarethe for wanting to contribute to my North American Carabid reference collection which you know is relatively lacking in southwestern fauna. Additional specimens will certainly help in my future attempts to identify carabid images from that region. I do know David Maddison and his intense devotion to original excellent carabid research. He is always very busy and will be hard to track down to get specimens identified but hopefully his coworkers will be more accessible. Good luck, Peter

I'm sure about the genus - I put the species to get some feed-back from the experts.

coloration of Lebia pulchellus except that the typical forms I've seen have elytra with dark basal spot transversely extended across most of base. I would be curious if you are seeing a gradient of basal banding for this species in your area? Unfortunately, image resolution does not show the most important diagnostic structural features unique to L. pulchellus: distinct pubescence on both forehead AND third antenna segment. Can you confirm this combination?

P.S. Save any extras for a possible trade. I don't have this species in my carabid reference collection. Thanks.

the one individual that I found, but I still have it - alive. So it may be difficult for me to see details like the pubescence. I would rather not attempt to pin it - my smallest pins are No 2. Let me know how I should preserve it and I'll send it. I was aware of the slightly different pattern from the type. I'll keep an eye out for more specimen to compare. I'll also look at the samples in the UoA collection when I get a chance.

can be safely mailed while still flexible (freshly killed and unpinned) by wrapping it in a small wad of alcohol-dampened paper towel along with pencilled paper slip stating locality & date. One or more such wads can be placed in small plastic vial, mailed in a small cardboard box via USPS - 'priority' works well. In return I will email you or post the correct species identification for this specimen and others if you wish. I have the definitive key to all Nearctic Lebia, but other Arizona carabid groups are not so well represented in the literature so I make no promise for successful identification in every case. Thank you Margarthe for contributing to my North American carabid reference collection. - Peter

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