444 COLYDIIDA. 
of some use as a clue to the classification of the family until a complete revision can 
‘be made. 
Although the thirteen groups here defined are fairly natural, yet it is very difficult 
to arrange them in tabular form, because several characters seem of almost equal 
importance, and all are subject to much gradation. On the whole, the insertion of the 
antenne is the one that best divides the family into two main groups, viz. one in 
‘which the antenne are in repose quite concealed from above, and another in which the 
basal joint is left exposed in front when the antenne are retracted. The value of this 
character as a means of division is, however, very much diminished by the existence of 
certain forms in which the antenne are not retracted at all, while there are others in 
which the basal joint is neither completely concealed nor conspicuous when the antenne 
are withdrawn, 
For these reasons the following table will be found less satisfactory than the student 
would wish. 
As regards the groups adopted, some of them merge into one another, so that it is 
not at present possible to say what may ultimately prove to be the best means of 
limiting them. This is specially the case with the Synchitine, the Colydiine, and the 
Tarphiine. 
1. Antenne inserted at the sides of the head under the edge of the epistome, 
by which, however, the basal joint is but little concealed. 
Hind coxe approximate; prosternum feebly ciliate behind. . . . . Nematidiine. 
Hind coxe approximate; prosternum with membranous border . . . Gempylodine. 
Hind coxze widely separated . . . . Pycnomerine. 
2. Antenne inserted at the sides of the head ; the basal joint placed under the 
edge of the epistome, by which it is more or less completely concealed 
from above. 
Antenne densely clothed with scales or hairs, broad, not distinctly 
clavate . . .... wee ee ee ww wee ) ~Rhagoderine. 
Antenne clavate, inserted near the eyes ; basal joint of tarsus scarcely 
longer than the second ; anterior coxal cavities usually open. . . Synchitine. 
Antenne clavate, inserted near the eyes; basal joint of tarsus much 
longer than the second ; anterior coxal cavities closed ; tibie a little 
thicker at the tip . . . . . 2 se ew we . . Colydiine. 
Antenne clavate ; hind cox more or less widely separated, the 4 process 
between them usually truncate; flanks of prosternum more or less 
hollow for protection of the antennal club in repose. . . . . . Tarphiine. 
Antenne clavate, inserted far from the large, finely facetted eyes. . . Acropine. 
3. Antenne less widely separated from one another ; basal joint exposed even 
in the state of retraction. 
Tarsi 4-jointed ; terminal joint of maxillary palpus not minute; second 
joint of antenna inserted more or less distinctly at the back of the 
first joint. 
