1 1 Analytical Notices of Books. 



curately discriminated : the essential differences between closely approxi- 

 mating species are pointed out : and the subject is, in short, investigated 

 in all its branches with a precision, and to an extent which can scarcely 

 be surpassed. 



British Entomology, or Illuslrations and Descriptions of the Genera 

 of Insects found in Great Britain and Ireland. By John Curtis, 

 F.L.S. Vol. V. [Nos. XLix— Lx.] 



In the fifth volume of his illustrations of the genera of our native In- 

 sects, Mr. Curtis has fully maintained the high character for beauty and 

 correctness of delineation which we have held to be deservedly due to 

 the four which have preceded it. He liar, also been no less successful in 

 furnishing to the entomological student at least an equal share of novel 

 information as to the objects of his pursuits with that contained in his 

 earlier volumes. Of the forty-eight insects which occupy the plates 

 before us, six only have been previously figured in British works ; and 

 no less than twenty-four, one half of the whole number, have been for 

 the first time represented. Many of these are new as regards the spe- 

 cies, and one of them presents a form which had not before been noticed 

 by entomological writers. 



This new form belongs to the family of Staphylinidce, and is limited, 

 so far as our present knowledge extends, to a single species, probably 

 the Evcesthetus (cneopiceus of Mr. Kirby's manuscripts. Mr. Curtis ap- 

 plies to it the name of Syntomium. It is nearly allied in form to the 

 genus Proteinus, Latr., but is distinguished by its shorter elytra, which 

 leave seven segments of the abdomen uncovered, as well as by its very 

 differently formed palpi. Of the other Coleopterous genera, Pterosti- 

 chus, Colymbetes, Heterocerus, Berosus, Micropeplus, and Telephorus, 

 are illustrated by figures and descriptions of new species ; and a third 

 British species of Berosus is characterized, which had not previously been 

 described. Of Dromius, Clytus, and Orchesia, the species selected 

 for representation are new to this country. The only Neuropterous insect 

 figured is also new : it is the Hemerobius fimbriatus. The seven Hy^ 

 menopterous genera illustrated are extremely prolific in novelty ; no less 



