SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH PSOCID^. 21 



many interesting problems for solution. The extra-European 

 species, particularly those from the tropics, have sometimes 

 very peculiar and wonderful forms and proportions, and a 

 rich .store of variable colour. 



Of .the forty-four described English species, the half are 

 either synonyms or only the other sex. When closely 

 collected a considerably larger number of species will un- 

 doubtedly be pointed out. 



I. Ocelli wanting. 



A. Wings wanting. 



Genus Atropos, Leach. 



Eyes slightly prominent ; ocelli wanting ; antennse with 



about fifteen joints, the two basal joints more robust ; thorax 



flat ; wings wanting ; posterior thighs much thickened; tarsi 



tri-articulate. 



The repeatedly expressed opinion, that these creatures are 

 only larvae, is refuted by Nitzsch's observations that the 

 internal sexual organs are fully developed. 



1. A. pulsatoria, L., Steph. 111. 128, 1. 



Pale yellowish ; head darker, mouth reddish, eyes yel- 

 lowish. 



Length | — £ lin. 



Sab. Common in old books and neglected cases of 

 insects. 



This species is known by the name of the death-watch, 

 but the sounds proceed from the larvae of Anobium, 



B. In place of anterior wings two short leathery 

 scales. 

 Genus Clothilla, Westwood. 

 Eyes slightly prominent; ocelli wanting; antennas con- 



