1912. J 183 



till lie has tested his superficial discriininatioiis by the examination of 

 the more recondite parts. I may mention that besides my own collec- 

 tion, I have had the advantage of examining those of Cambridge 

 "University, of Mr. Champion, and of Commander Walker. 



1. — Ophonus brevicoUis,J)ej. This species may be distinguished 

 by its short, broad thorax, with sharply marked rectangular hind 

 angles, by the pimctuation of the thorax being very scanty on the disc, 

 and by the fact that the punctuation on the elytra tends to become 

 diminished, and though somewhat coarse is frequently sub-obsolete. The 

 sedeagus has a blunt short tip, the apex being minutely ciirved, but 

 without actual raised margin. 



This is, apparently, in this covintry, the most abundant species, 

 and it is the most unattractive in appearance. It varies considerably. 

 Length, 6-8 mm. Coloiir of body above generally fusco-piceous, head 

 and thorax occasionally dilute piceous so as to be almost rufescent. 

 The thorax does not exceed If mm. in length in the largest examples. 

 The most striking variation is to be found in the punctuation of the 

 elytra, which in many specimens becomes so scanty, as to distinguish 

 this species from all our others. Serial punctures on the 3rd and 6th 

 interstices are usually absent, but one, two, or three may be present on 

 each ; more frequently on the 5th than on the 3rd. The sedeagus 

 shows slight variation in length and a little in thickness and curvature. 



0. brevicoUis is probably widely and generally distributed in 

 England, as I have specimens before me from Cornwall, the Isle of 

 Wight, and Dumfries- shire, &c. 



As regards synonymy, the less said the better. I believe it to be 

 the brevicoUis of Dejean, and the cribellum (Stephens) of Dawson. 

 Mr. Champion has examined the Stephens collection, and as a result 

 I feel that we ought not to take that name into consideration. Dejean 

 thought this species might be foramimdosus, Marsham, and I should 

 apply that name to it, were it not that Dawson states that he has 

 examined the type of Carabus foraininulosus, and that it is not this 

 species. 



2. — Oplwnus rufibarbis, Fabr. This is the largest form of the 

 group, the length varying from 8 to 10 mm. The thorax is always 

 longer than it is in brevicoUis, and its pimctuation is greater ; the 

 hind angles are perfectly rectangular and well marked, and there is no 

 trace of a basal margin. The oedeagus is altogether larger than it is 

 in brevicoUis, and is more contorted, with a considerably broader apical 

 portion. 



