12 



The vertex (Fig. 1, vx) is the portion included between the eyes, and 

 extends forward to the point where the head commences to descend to the 

 face ; the extreme anterior point is sometimes called the fastigiwn. The 

 variations in the form and surface of tlie vertex afford important genenc and 

 specific characters. In a few instances it ascends anterioi-ly, is sometimes 

 horizontal, but is generally more or less deflexed ; is advanced and pointed or 

 triangular in front {Tryxatis^ Opomala, Stenobothrus, Tragocejjhala)] is ob- 

 tusely rounded and blunt without carvings [Boojjedon)] is narrow and sligiitly 

 furrowed (^Caloptenus) ; and is broad and even transverse, that is, broader 

 than long. Sometimes the margins are raised so as to inclose a foveola, or 

 shallow cell, between the eyes, which is called the median foveola or central 

 foveola of the vertex. The shape and character of this foveola appear to be 

 constant in the species, and even in some genera, hence its importance; but 

 caution is to be observed in comparing dried specimens, especially dried 

 alcoholic specimens, with descriptions taken from living specimens, and the 

 reverse, as the shrinking often causes considerable variation from what it is 

 when living. The lateral foveola are two small cells situated on the margin 

 of the vertex, one on eacli side near the front border of the eye, sometimes 

 on the upper surface near the edge; in other species immediately below the 

 margin on the deflexed j^ortion. These arc sometimes linear {^Stenobothrus, 

 PI.," Fig. 9), sometimes very small and triangular {CEdipodu), or quadran- 

 gular (PI., Fig. 17rt), but in many genera are wholly absent. 



The face ( fades) is the deflexed portion in front extending downward 

 from the antennae to the transverse suture, which separates it from the clypeus; 

 it is generally traversed, up and down, by three carince, or keels, more or less 

 distinct; the median carina or fivntal casta is the one extending down the 

 middle from the fastigium, and in which tluj middle ocellus is placed (this 

 ocellus is shown in Ph, Fig 17, as a round dot between the antennae). 

 This carina is generally more or less sulcate or channeled ; when the channel 



and under toward the breast, thereby lengthening the back part of the occiput, this 

 definition will not be found so much at variance with the use oi' these terms in other 

 orders. I would refer to the figure of Necroijhorus amerieamis, in the " Clas.sificatiou 

 of the Coleo[)tera of North America," by Dr. LeConte, page xvii. Here the occiput 

 includes all that part of the skull behind the eyes, and the vertex that between the 

 eyes. While Burmeister (Manual of Entomology, vol. 1, PL 3, Fig. 11), in Uarabus 

 glahrcdus, places the vertex entirely behind the eyes, and calls the portion between the 

 (■yes the "sinciput," limiting the occiput (Fig. 12) to a narrow ring around the neck. 



* As there is but one plate, which is placed at the end of tliis work, it will be re- 

 ferred to simply as PI., without number ; and Fig., without the addition PI., always 

 refers to tlu^ woodcuts. 



