This genus is distinguished from Blaps not only by differ- 

 ences in the trophi, but the elytra are separated, having short 

 wings or rudiments beneath them, and the anterior tarsi are 

 dilated in the males, as in the Carabidae. Latreille observes 

 that the larvae are similar to those of Tenebrio. 



The following are British species of the genus Helops. 



1. H. caraboides Panz. 24. 3. — Sturm's Deut. Faun. 2. pi. 50. 



— dermestoides ///. — striatus Oliv. P — Spartii Marsh. 



p. 481. 



Rather larger than No. 2 ; elongate-ovate, piceous bronzed, 



thickly punctured. Thorax broadest at the base. Elytra 



with 8 punctured striae on each. Antennae and tarsi subfer- 



ruginous. 



This insect may be found, I believe, during the whole year 

 in most parts of England, at the roots of trees, under grass, 

 and upon the broom. 



2. H. pallidus Curt. Brit. Ent. pi. 298. mas. 



At first sight this insect looks like an immature specimen 

 of H. caraboides ; but independent of the colour, the thorax is 

 differently formed. This fine species, which is new to Britain 

 and appears to be undescribed, was discovered the end of last 

 September by Mr. H. Walker and his brother at Barmouth, 

 North Wales. Several specimens were found at the roots of 

 grass close to the sea. 



3. H. lanipes Linn. Mant. 1. 533. — Fab. — Panz. 50. 2. 

 Twice as large as No. 1 ; elongated, very glossy, brown 



with a brassy tinge. Head and thorax thickly punctured. 

 Elytra with 8 deeply punctured striae on each, the interstices 

 slightly punctured. 



Supposed to have been taken under the bark of trees in 

 Devon by the late Mr. Cranch, in June. 



4. H. caeruleus Fab. — chalybeus Rossis Oliv. — violaceus 



Marsh, p. 4^80.— Sain. pi. 4./ 4. 



As large or larger than the last, and similar in form, but 

 generally more robust. Deep blue with a violet tinge. Head 

 and thorax thickly and strongly punctured. Elytra punc- 

 tured, with 8 strongly punctured striae and an abbreviated one 

 next the scutellum on each. Antennas and legs blackish ; 

 tarsi brown, fulvous beneath. 



Found in decayed trees, and under bark ; also in houses 

 and sandy situations at Norwich and other places, in April, 

 May, June and July. 



The plant is Statice Armeria (Common Thrift). 



