238 STAPHYLiNiD/E. [Quedius. 



At roots of grass, in mos«, under stones, &c., in damp and marshy places ; common 

 and generally distributed throughout the greater part of the kingdom ; the black variety 

 has occurred at Southend, Rusper near Horsham, and otlier places. 



In Dr. Sharp's collection there is a variety with the elytra considerably 

 longer than in the type and rather more brightly coloured ; it has occurred 

 at Strood, Deal, and Lymington. 



Section IV. (Sub-Gen. Sauridus, Muls. et Eey.) 



The species belonging to this section are most of them moderate-sized 

 dark pitchy brown insects ; Q. ^;iCij;»es, hoAvever, in size and colour some- 

 what resembles Q. molochinus, from which it may be distinguished by its 

 more brightly coloured elytra and lighter legs ; Q. nigriceps is easily 

 known by its general colour ; the three species Q. fumatus (= pelt at us), 

 7nauroriifus, and umhrinus are often confused, but may be separated with- 

 out much difficulty by the sculpture of the elytra ; Q. scintillans is the 

 smallest species, and is usually classed with Q. hoops and Q. auricomus 

 at the end of the genus ; apart, however, from the size of the eyes and 

 other differences of sculpture, pubescence, &c., it may at once be known 

 l)y the two large pores set transversely between the eyes at some distance 

 from the juxta-ocular punctures. The section may be divided as follows :^ 



I. First joint of posterior tarsi elongate, evidently longer 



than the last ; antennae with all the joints longer 



than broad ; species larger with red or reddish elytra. 



i. Thorax black ; elytra red Q. picipes, Mann. 



ii. Thorax with sides broadly red, or entirely red ; elytra 

 _ _ - pitchy brown with sides lighter, brownish red, or red. Q. NIGEICEPS, K)\ 



II. First joint of posterior tarsi at most very slightly longer 



than last, and usually only as long or even shorter ; 



species as a rule smaller* with the whole upper surface 



pitch-black or pitch-brown, the elytra being sometimes 



lighter. 



i. Forehead with no large punctures between eyes except 



the usual two near boi-der of eyes ; anteunae more or 



less elongate. 



1. Elytra dull with the intervals of the punctures 



shagreened ; shape more fusiform ; thorax broader 



and more rounded at base, more narrowed iu front Q. PUMATUS, Steph. 



2. Elytra shining with the intervals of the punctures 



smooth ; shape less fusiform and more parallel ; 

 thorax less narrowed in front. 



A. Elytra finely and more or less thickly punctured Q. MAUEORUFUS, Grav. 



B. Elytra more or less strongly and coarsely punc- 



tured. 



a. Thorax and elytra pitchy black or brownish, 



coucolorous Q. UMBRINUS, Er. 



b. Thorax with sides often obscurely reddish ; 



elytra with margins and a humeral patch 



yellowish red Q. suturalis, Kies. 



* Q. jiicipes is a larger species than any of the others; large speciiueasof Q. pettalus, 

 however, otten ec^ual the smaller spi'cimeus j.' j ; i • ■ . i .. 



