COLEOPTBRA. 449 



Notwithstanding the number of tarsial joints, this genus seems to 

 approach that of Cucujus and even certain Brenti, with a short pro- 

 boscis in both sexes. The habits of these Insects are the same as 

 those of the Xylophagi*. 



FAMILY IV. 



CLAVICORNES. 



I" the fourth family of the pentamerous Coleoptera, as in the 

 third, we find four palpi, and elytra covering the superior surface 

 of the abdomen, or its greater portion ; but it differs in the antennae, 

 which are almost always thicker at the extremity, that even fre- 

 quently forms a perfoliaceous or solid club ; they are longer than the 

 maxillary palpi, and their base is exposed, or barely covered. The 

 legs are not natatory, and the joints of the tarsi, at least those of the 

 posterior ones, are usually entire. 



In their larva state, at least, they feed on animal matters. 

 We will divide this family into two sections : the common charac- 

 ters of the first of which are, antennae always composed of eleven 

 joints, longer than the head, not forming from the third a fusiform 

 or nearly cylindrical club, and their second joint not dilated in the 

 form of an auricle ; last joint of the tarsi, as well as its hooks, of 

 a moderate length, or small. 



These Clavicornes are terrestrial, while those of our second 

 section are aquatic or shore Insects, thus leading to the Palpicornes, 

 most of which inhabit water, and whose antennae never consist of 

 more than nine joints. 



The first section will comprise several small tribes. The first, 

 that of the PALPATORES, in a natural series, should be placed near 

 the Pselaphii and Brachelytraf. Their antennae, which are, at 

 least, as long as the head and thorax, slightly enlarge towards the 

 extremity, or are nearly filiform ; their two first joints are longer 

 than the following ones. The head is distinguished from the 

 thorax by an ovoid strangulation. 



The maxillary palpi project, are long and inflated at the extre- 

 mity. The abdomen is large, oval or ovoid, and embraced laterally 

 by the elytra. The legs are elongated, thighs clavate, and tarsial 

 joints entire. 



* Rhysode* exaratus, Dalra., Analect. Entom., p. 93. This species has lately 

 been discovered by M. Le*on Dufour in the Pyrenees. 



f An approximation which appears to us to result from the organs of manduca- 

 tion and the habits. 



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