NOTES ON THE AMAR^i 21 



Perhaps the species of no other genus are so liable to mistakes similar to the 

 above, as those of Amara. Not only are they very similar in their general aspect, 

 but each species is subject to considerable variety in colour. Being influenced by 

 these considerations, and believing it highly probable that some species might 

 have escaped detection through the general similarity of the whole, during the last 

 season I undertook a complete revision of those species which I could meet with 

 in this neighbourhood, the results of which I beg to lay before the reader. Another 

 motive for writing this paper, is the conviction, that many beneficial results would 

 accrue from placing within the reach of every entomologist, a good description of 

 the species belonging to difficult groups, such as the one under consideration ; and 

 I feel persuaded, that many will purchase the Naturalist, who are not able to pro- 

 cure the expensive volumes of Stephens and other authors. 

 Genus Amara, Bonelli, &c. 

 Pal.* external, maxillary, and labial, with the two last joints equal, the 

 terminal oval, truncate, the third clavate : labr. quadrate, slightly emarginate : 

 mand. short, denticulated at the base : merit, emarginate with a bifid lobe : ant. 

 linear, the three first joints and base of the fourth naked, the latter not much shorter 

 than the third ; hd. ovate ; thx. broad, anteriorly narrowed, posteriorly as broad as 

 the elytra, to which throughout its width it is closely applied ; body depressed ; 

 elyt. slightly emarginate at the tip; second striae abbreviated, in some cases absent; 

 wings ample ; anterior tar. of the males with three dilated joints. 



The species hybernate beneath stones, grass, mosses, &c, and on hot days in 

 spring and summer may frequently be seen basking in the sun. 

 Species 1. Amara acuminata, Sturm. 

 Syn. — Amara serata, Kirby, MSS. — Steph. Mandibulata, pi. vii., fig. 6. — 



Carabus acuminatus, Paykue. 

 Sp. Char. — Hd. smooth, impunctate ; thx. short, with an abbreviated dorsal 

 channel, and on each side at the base, with two fovese ; the inner deep, 

 impunctate, the outer minute and near the angles ; elyt. striated, the striae 

 impunctate, with a continuous series of impressions on the margin ; pal. 

 and legs black ; tar. reddish ; ant. dusky, the three basal joints rufescent, 

 slightly tinged with dusky at the tips. Colour above, variable ; generally 

 coppery. Length 5 — 6 lines. 

 This species is far from uncommon on Woolston Moss, near Warrington. Also 

 taken, according to Mr. Stephens, at Hertford ; near London ; Reche chalk pits, 

 Cambridgeshire; Barham, Suffolk; Arbrook, Scotland; and Ashdown Copse, 

 Wilts. 



* I have used the folio -ing abbreviations : — Pal. for palpi ; labr. labrum ; mand. mandibles ; 

 ment. mentum ; hd. head; thx. thorax; elyt. elytra; fern, femora; tib. tibias ; tar. tarsi ; ant. 

 antenna? ; and cil. for cilia?. 



