When the Aphodii were illustrated in 1824, I was not aware 
that Major Gyllenlial had included the first two of my divi- 
sions in his genus Psammodius; and the Baron Dejean consi- 
ders the 3rd to belong to the same group; but it certainly re- 
cedes very far from the type. 
The mandible which I have figured does not agree with 
Gyllenhafs description, but it is probable that one is dentated 
and the other simple; and in dissecting the only specimen I 
could obtain, I was unable to find any other than the one re- 
presented. 
The most important distinctions that separate Psammodius 
from Aphodius are, the more corneous mandibles, the shorter 
3rd joint of the maxillary, and the more dilated terminal one 
of all the palpi. The joints of the antennae are very dissimi- 
lar, and the lamellae of the club are less produced ; the tibiae 
are more dilated, and the four posterior are scarcely or not at 
all serrated. 
Nearly all the species are partial to sandy districts ; and the 
following are natives of Britain. 
1. P. sulcicollis 2//., Curtis Brit . But, pi. 258. 
Taken at Swansea, in May, by Mr. Millard ; also I believe 
near Mildenhall, in Suffolk, by Mr. Joseph Sparshall, in Oct. 
2. P. asper Fab., Panz. 47. 13. 
Taken at Swansea, South Wales. 
3. P. Sabuleti Fab., Sturm , tab. 15, f. A, B. 
Taken at Swansea and Crickhowel, on the river Usk, 
Brecknockshire. 
4. P. porcatus Fab., Panz . 28. 13. 
Taken the middle of March, at Fulham, amongst dung, by 
Mr. C. J. Thompson; also in Norfolk, by Mr. Brightwell, in 
September, in decayed cucumbers. 
5. P. caesus Fab., Panz. 35. 2. 
Taken at Pentire-point, north -of- Corn wall; Dr. Leach. 
The plant is Vicia lathyroides (Strangle Tare). 
