Australian and Tasmanian Malacodermidae. 227 



the elytra varies in extent and although usually is not 

 always sharply defined. 



Helcogaster sulciceps, n. sp. 



Q . Flavous ; scutellum, elytra (slioulders and part of the sides 

 behind them excepted), metasternum, abdomen and from six to 

 eight terminal joints of antennae black or blackish ; apical joints of 

 tarsi slightly infuscate. 



Head with three longitudinal impressions between eyes and at 

 base ; with a distinct median tubercle. Antennae scarcely passing 

 middle coxae, some of the joints feebly transverse. Prothorax about 

 as long as the width at apex, which is considerably wider than base ; 

 sti'ongly impressed at base. Elytra impunctate. Basal joint of 

 front tarsi comparatively short, with a black inner rim. 



Length to apex of elytra 2, of abdomen 3 mm. 



Hah. N. S. Wales (type in Macleay Museum). 



Almost in the exact middle of the head is a raised 

 tubercle, seen from the sides this appears as a flattened 

 ridge, but which is produced acutely backwards ; immedi- 

 ately behind the tubercle is a comparatively shallow 

 impression which is continuous to the base, its sides 

 bounded by obtuse ridges ; between each of these and the 

 eye is a deep, curved, wide impression, which is continued 

 to just in front of the eye. From behind the head appears 

 flat, with a distinctly elevated median tubercle, which is 

 flat topped and slightly produced on each side. In some 

 lights and from certain directions the head appears to have 

 five impressions instead of three, but this appearance is 

 deceptive. The pale markings at the sides occupy about 

 one-third of the length of the elytra, but although very 

 distinct at the shoulders are not sharply defined behind. 

 The elytra are much as in some of the varieties of varius, 

 but the head and legs are differently coloured and the 

 sculpture of the head is very different to that of any other 

 species here recorded. C. laesifrons (which is possibly a 

 Helcogaster) may be allied but its head is differently 

 sculptured and its abdomen has the terminal segments 

 pale. 



Helcogaster simpliciceps, n. sp. 



^ . Beddish-flavous ; scutellum, elytra (a large patch on each 

 shoulder excepted), metasternum, abdomen, parts of four hind coxae, 



