THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



A NEW ARRANGEMENT OF THE COLEOPTERA. 



BY WM. HAMPTON PATTON, HARTFORD, CONN. 



Coleoptera may be described as Mandibulars Insects, with the fore- 

 wings horny and the two basal abdominal joints invisible on the venter. 



A reduction in the number of abdominal joints at the tip and in the 

 number of joints in the tarsi indicates advancement in rank among Cole- 

 optera. Likewise, a specialization of the antennae to clavicorn or lamelli- 

 corn indicates advancement, as well as does the degradation of the larva. 

 The Lampyridse are the lowest in rank, shown by their lax structure. The 

 Heteromera and Phytophaga show high development in the specialization 

 of their tarsi. The Rhynchophora are especially aberrant, and there is 

 evidence of advanced type shown in the low development of the apodous 

 larvae, greatly specialized prosterna and concealed ventral segments. A 

 few Heteromera, the Buprestinae and the Lamiinae resemble them in their 

 larvae. The larvae of Bruchidae are similar to those of Brenthns and 

 Anthribus in their minute legs. The Weevils may be placed ahead of 

 the other Coleoptera, although the Chafers are nearly as high. 



The Cicindelidae present a character not elsewhere found in the 

 Dolichogastres, i. e., a dilation of the metapleura. A similar, but more 

 extended, dilation is characteristic of the Rhynchophora and Phytophaga. 



The arrangement below is verified in the preceding paragraphs. 



SYNOPSIS OF COLEOPTERA, TWO SERIES. 



Dolichogastres. — Six or more ventrals visible (exc. Elateridae and 

 Buprestidae). 



= Metapleura not widened (exc. Cicindelidae). Pentamerous (Normo- 



pleura). 

 First visible ventral entire. Series Serricornia (Malacodermes, Ster- 



noxi). Series Monilicortiia (Brachyelytra). 

 First visible ventral divided by the coxae. Series Filicomia (Adephaga). 



Brachygastres. — Only five ventrals usually visible. 



= Metapleura not widened. Six ventrals in many families (Normopleura). 

 Heteromercus. Series Heteromera. First visible ventral not divided 



by coxae. Antennae various. 

 Pentamerous. 



Series Clavicornia (Philhydrida, Necrophaga). 



Series Pectinicomia. Series Lamclliconiia. 



