SNOUT=BEETLES AND RELATIVES. 



RHIPIPHORID^E 



Sec p. 381. "A small family of wedge-shaped beetles 

 resembling the Mordellidae in general appearance. . . . 

 The adults occur on flowers and are much less common 

 than the Mordcllids. The larvae that are known are 

 parasitic, some in the nests of wasps and others on cock- 

 roaches" (Blatchley). See Rhipiphorus flavipennis on 

 Plate LXXXV. 



RHYNCHOPHORA 



This suborder, or series, has never been very popular. 

 Furthermore, the taxonomy is difficult (possibly one of the 

 main reasons for the unpopularity), and these two facts 

 are sufficient excuse for giving short treatment here. 

 Measurements of length are from the front margin of the 

 eye or head (not the tip of the beak) to the hindmost part 

 of the body. In giving the key to families, which is pre- 

 sented here in a slightly modified form, Blatchley and 

 Leng say: " In using this key the student must remember 

 that while the beak in many Curculionidas is so long, 

 slender, and curved downwards as to permit of immediately 

 placing them in their family position, there are other 

 species, especially in the Otiorhynchinas, whose broader 

 beaks would suggest their belonging to the Scolytidas or 

 Anthribidas. In such cases, if the antennas are elbowed, 

 he must find the serrate [saw-toothed] tibiae that character- 

 ize the Scolytidas, or if straight, the flexible palpi that 

 characterize the Anthribidas; otherwise the specimen 

 does not belong to those families." 



1. Beak rarely absent, usually longer than broad; tibiae 

 never with a series of teeth externally 2. 



Beak absent or extremely short and broad; tibiae with a 

 series of teeth externally or, if these are wanting, with a 

 prominent curved spine at apex; antennas short, but little 

 longer than the head, always elbowed and with a compact 

 club; palpi rigid; body short, more or less cylindrical, 

 rarely oval SCOLYTID/E (p. 404). 



2. Antennae straight, without a distinct club, though with 

 the outer joints often more or less thickened; beak present, 



393 



