1865. 277 



very parallel long elytra, generally cylindrical shape, slender antenna), 

 and thin, light coloured, tarsi and tibiee. When in good condition its 

 surface is very smooth, with three light lines on the thorax, and the 

 suture and alternate interstices also pale. Its ground colour also varies 

 from ashy-brown to ochreous or greenish-grey ; varieties occur in which 

 the light stripes are absent, or very indistinct ; and sometimes darker 

 specimens arc to be found, with a light spot at the scutellum and 

 shoulders.* 



S. HispiDULUs, Germar. The elliptic form, flattened eyes, strong 

 and remote punctuation, and short, stiff grey bristles of this insect, 

 readily separate it from all our other species. It is almost as abundant 

 as the preceding ; and, when quite fresh, is very prettily marked, its 

 thorax having a slightly metallic reflection, and its elytra being varie- 

 gated with small patches of brown or black. f 



S. MELiLOTi, "Walton. Allied to S. humeralis and S. lineatns ; 

 differing from the former, which it most resembles in size and shape, in 

 its darker colour, less strongly grooved head and rostrum, more finely 

 punctured thorax, and longer elytra ; which are, moreover, suddenly 

 contracted at the apex. From Jineatus it may be known by its larger 

 size, more robust and less parallel elytra, narrower head, less prominent 

 eyes, darker colour, and less distinctly punctured striae. The freshest 

 specimens are but scantily clothed with ashy-brown scales, variegated 

 with indistinct and rather lighter coloured markings. 



It seems to be very uncommon, and occurs on the Trifolium offici- 

 nale, a straggling, bushy, yellow flowered trefoil, in Yorkshire, and at 

 Chai'lton Sandpits, in June and July. Eecently it has been taken on 

 the same plant in Hammersmith Marshes by Messrs. S. & J. Stevens, 

 and myself. 



S. HUMEEALis, Stephens. This pretty species is common in the 

 south of England, especially on the chalk. It abounds in vetches at 

 Mickleham, and is found freely in sandpits near Croydon; unlike most 

 of its congeners, it occurs on oak, birch, and hazel, and M. von Heyden 

 has taken it in Germany on willow. 



It has but a slight resemblance to any of our other species, owing 



* S. cylindricollis, Schon., taken in Europe, as far north os Paris, is like lineatus, but is sligiitly 

 smaller, witli its eyes less prominent, its thorax less dilated at the sides, almost cylindrical, and its elytra 

 contracted at the apex. In colour it is yellowish-grey, variegated with white and brown spots. 



t iS. tibiellut, SchiJn., found in temperate Europe, is (according to M. AUard) generally confounded 

 with hUpidulug, frvm which it differs in its unilorm dark gi-ey colour and smaller size, and In having 

 its thorax wider and more roumlcd at the sides. The tibia' and tarsi are redder, and not so hairy, and 

 the femora only darkened in the middle, and that in a less degree. The bristles, also, are closer and 

 more numerous. 



