the British Species of Heterocerus. 169 



would present some peculiarities, were there one among my spe- 

 cimens. Judging from the descriptions, and from a single male 

 specimen o^ H, fossor which I have had an opportunity of exa- 

 mining, the two insects are very closely allied and might possibly 

 be the same; but when specimens of the same sex are compared, 

 I think it will be found that the insect here described will prove 

 distinct — that the true H. fnssor will differ from my insect in 

 having the thorax less contracted in front, and the elytra rather 

 broader and less truly parallel. The legs moreover in H.fossor 

 are paler. If these suspicions prove to be well founded, I pro- 

 pose that the name H. rectus be applied to the present species.* 



I have reason to believe my specimens of this insect are from 

 North Wales. 



• H. ■parallelus differs from my insect in being rather larger, in having the legs, 

 antennae and sides of the thorax pale j its thorax, moreover, is more rounded at 

 the sides. 



