Opilus is distinguished from Tillus by the more elongated 

 and simple joints of the antennae, the last being dilated ; by 

 the hatchet-shaped terminal joint of all the palpi, by the ob- 

 scure basal joint of the tarsi, &c. 



Two species only have been found in Britain, and one of 

 them has never before been either described or figured. 



1. O. mollis Linn. — Panz. 5. 5. — Don. 12. 411. 1. — Sam. 



pi. 12./ 1. 



Larger than the following species. Brown and villose ; head 

 and thorax thickly punctured, elytra with several coarsely 

 punctured striae, with a large ochreous, somewhat triangular 

 spot at the base, an interrupted fascia in the middle, and the 

 apex of the same colour. Antennae and legs ochreous, in- 

 clining to ferruginous ; the apex of the thighs brown. 



The larvae of this insect live in wood, especially in dry de- 

 cayed willow trees, in which also the perfect beetles are some- 

 times found, as well as under the bark, from November to 

 May, and in woods and hedges in June and July. Latreille 

 says they are found likewise in houses, living upon the larvae 

 of other insects. O. mollis is not uncommon in the neigh- 

 bourhood of London, particularly near Darent Wood. 



2. O. fasciatus Wilk.— Curtis Brit. Ent. pi. 270. 



Two specimens of this rare insect were taken (I think in 

 Kent) many years since by Mr. Shillingford, and the drawing 

 was made soon after their capture. 



The plant represented is Bartsia Odontites (Red Bartsia.) 



