aquatic Coleoptera from Ceylon. 351 



I have examined Walker's type, and possess also a 

 type of Motschoulsky's ; so that the nomenclature is 

 certain, although Motschoulsky states that his insect 

 has no mesosternal carina. 



Philydrus ahnormalis, sp. nov. 



Niger, supra piceus, limbo dilutiore ; antennis palpisque testaceis, 

 pedibus sordide rufis ; obsolete punctatus ; palpis elongatis ut in 

 genere Helocharidi constructis. Long. 3 — 4 mm. 



Palpi very long, the pseudobasal joint slightly curved, as in 

 Helochares, and the terminal joint also articulated as in Helo- 

 chares, to bend inwards, not outwards, as is the case in the normal 

 Philydri. Antennas yellow, the club slightly more obscure, not 

 setose, the intermediate joints are consolidated, though the position 

 of the sutures may still be detected. Head narrow, black, rather 

 closely and finely punctate. Thorax closely and subobsoletely 

 punctate. Elytra still more obsoletely punctured, with very dis- 

 tinct sutural strise, not quite attaining the base. Legs quite 

 slender, pitchy-red ; tarsi yellowish. Mesosternum with a lamina 

 which is scarcely more than a strongly raised longitudinal keel. 



The structure of the palpi will no doubt justify this 

 insect being separated from Philydrus, but I do not think 

 it necessary to propose a new genus for it at present. 



Colombo, 17th April, 1882. Three specimens. 



Helochares taprohanicus, sp. nov. 



Nigerrimus, nitidus, dense punctatus, antennarum basi tarsis 

 palpisque rufis, his elongatis, articulo basali fuscescente. Long. 

 7 mm. 



Palpi quite 2^ mm. long, the second true joint infuscate before 

 the extremity, the third joint also a little darker in the middle, 

 terminal joint much shorter than the third joint. Antennae with 

 the club fuscescent, the terminal joint quite twice as long as the 

 preceding one. The upper surface is moderately closely, rather 

 finely punctate, very shining, the two series of punctures on the 

 elytra rather fine and not very distinct. Mentum deeply curvately 

 rugose, in front with a deep emargination. Mesosternum with a 

 small elevation on the middle. Claws moderately large. 



Colombo, in April. Five specimens. 



There is a group of species of Helochares occurring in 

 the tropics of Old and New Worlds with very long palpi, 



