114 LONGICORNIA. 
AMPHICN ABIA. 
Amphicneia, Bates, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 3, xvii. p. 82 (1866). 
AEsylacris, Thomson, Physis, 11. p. 143 (1868) ? 
Thad originally placed this genus in the group Onciderini, n near Dorcasta, on the ground 
of its elongated and robust claw-joints. But the form of the antennal scape, shortness of 
the muzzle, and the large convex eyes are characters foreign to that group, and betray 
an affinity to the Ataxiini. The shape of the thorax and facies of the insect, however, 
are very different from the Ataxiini; and I place the genus here only provisionally. The 
notch on the outside edge of the middle tibie is not distinct as in Dorcasta. ‘The genus 
is peculiar to Tropical America, some half a dozen species being known. 
1. Amphicneia brevivittis. (Tab. IX. fig. 17.) 
Amphicneia brevivittis, Bates, Trans. Ent. Soc. 1872, p. 202°. 
Hab. Nicaracua, Chontales (Belt) 1. 
9. Amphicnzia crustulata. (Tab. IX. fig. 16.) 
Amphicneia crustulata, Bates, loc. cit. p. 235°. 
Hab. Nicaragua, Chontales (Belt 1). 
ASYNGENES. 
Corpus parvum, cylindricum, nitidum, longe pilosum. Caput inter antennas depressum, antice brevissimum, 
fronte convexiuscula ; oculi magni, grossissime granulati. Antenne corpore longiores, robuste, longe 
(precipue infra) pilose; scapo brevi, mox a basi intus dilatato; articulo tertio dimidio breviore quam 
quartus, ceteris a quinto longitudine tertio subequalibus. Thorax cylindricus, supra convexus, utrinque 
spina brevi acuta armatus. Elytra cylindrica, apice rotundata, parum punctata. Prosternum antice breve, 
inter pedes arcuatum, apice dilatatum. Mesosternum arcuatum ; acetabula extus fere clausa. Pedes 
breves, robusti; femora gradatim clavata ; tibie intermedi extus conspicue sinuate ; tarsi articulis 1°-3™ 
brevissimis, conjunctim haud longioribus quam quartus, hoc gradatim modice incrassato, unguiculis semi- 
divaricatis. 
The position of this genus of minute Lamiade is extremely difficult to allot on the 
system of Lacordaire. ‘The undecided form of the tarsal claws, which is midway between 
his “ crochets divergents ” and “‘ crochets divariqués,” is the first perplexing feature ; and 
the difficulty is not easily overcome by taking the signs of affinity presented by the other 
structural characters. -By its general form and clothing the genus would seem to find 
its natural place near Eupogonius, from which, however, the notched middle tibie and 
shortened third antennal joint effectually remove it. In these points it most resembles 
the genus Amphicneia ; and it is next to this that I propose to leave it. The antenne 
are almost exactly similar; but the spined thorax and less parallel tarsal claws sufficiently 
distinguish it. One species only is known, remarkable for its shining brassy colour. 
