52 Descriptions of Brilish Species of the Genus Euplectus. 



and broader than other species, with the elytra and abdomen 

 fully as broad, or even slightly broader than in E. 7ianus ; the 

 thorax rather smaller, and the head considerably less than in that 

 insect. Head short, considerably narrower than the thorax, with 

 two distinct fovese behind, and a transverse groove in front ; the 

 eye very prominent, and the head rather suddenly contracted be- 

 hind them ; the penultimate and ante-penultimate joints of the 

 antennee rather larger than usual. Thorax about equal in length 

 and width, strongly dilated rather anterior to the middle, and 

 suddenly contracted near the front ; with a moderate sized fovea 

 behind, an oblong impression in front of this, and a longitudinal 

 groove at some little distance from the lateral margin, extending 

 from the anterior margin, and opening behind into the posterior 

 lateral fovea ; the surface is most indistinctly punctured, as is 

 likewise that of the elytra. These latter are about twice as long 

 and twice as broad as the thorax, rather convex, and gradually 

 contracted towards the shoulders; the sutural stria is by no means 

 strong, the mesial stria extends rather less than half-way along 

 the elytra, and is deep and broad, especially at the base, and be- 

 tween this and the little foveola which forms the commencement 

 of the sutural stria is a small oblong foveola. The middle tibia 

 in the male has a large tooth-like process on the inner side about 

 mid-way between the base and apex, the corresponding tibia is 

 simple in the female. 



This species seems to be very rare or local ; I have seen but 

 three specimens, a beautifully set male and female taken by Mr. 

 Dossetor in the neighbourhood of London, and a male specimen 

 in the collection of Mr. Stephens, from which the above descrip- 

 tion is taken. 



It is remarkable that Gyllenhal should have overlooked the 

 posterior lateral foveae to the thorax of this insect, as well as the 

 lateral longitudinal groove and the small discoidal groove, if this 

 really be his Psel. glabriculus, as is generally supposed. 



With regard to the above notes, I wish to state that I did not 

 undertake to give an account of the British Euplecti because I 

 was full of matter and had ample material, but because I was full 

 of difficulties, and was anxious to point them out: it was neces- 

 sary that I should examine the group with the view of determining 

 the species for insertion in my catalogue, and in this work, I ex- 

 perienced much difficulty from the circumstance that the diffe- 

 rential characters are often not pointed out: this want I have 

 endeavoured to supply. 



