BY ARTHUR M. LEA, 451 



can be no possible doubt. It is only reasonable to expect that in 

 a large genus there should occur species having some structural 

 variance with the majority of species contained in that genus. 

 Genera (and even subfamilies in the Curculionidce) are too often 

 separated (and sometimes very widely) on account of minute 

 structural diflferences, the homogeneity of the whole being entirely 

 overlooked. The C ryptorliynchidcB appear to form a great network 

 of genera, in which it is possible to trace the connection between 

 any given two; here and there, however, a genus, such as Proto- 

 jmlus, stands out prominently, whose relationships are not very 

 apparent. 



I have regarded it as necessary in every instance (where I have 

 been at liberty to do so) to decapitate at least one specimen; by 

 this many advantages are secured. The antennte may be fixed 

 in any position; the relative lengths of the funicular joints, and 

 the point of insertion of the scape, can be readily and accurately 

 designated. It can be seen at once whether the scape passes the 

 apex of the rostrum or not, also its relative length as compared 

 with the funicle. On the prothorax the shape of the ocular lobe 

 is easily seen, as is also its ciliation. 



I propose to use a few terms in a strictly limited sense, as 

 follows : — 



Muzzle. — That part of the rostrum anterior to the antenna?; 

 only used when the antennte are inserted close to the apex. 



Ocular fovea. — A fovea nearly always present, situated between 

 the eyes; sometimes it is very indistinct and is often obscured by 

 scales. It appears to be analogous to the clypeal suture of other 

 families. 



Ciliation. — The fringe of the ocular lobes. It is very rarely 

 absent though frequently obscure, and can occasional!}' be usefully 

 employed. 



Constriction (of the prothorax) — This word appears to be 

 loosely used by various authors. I use it to denote an appearance 

 (common to many species) as if the sides of the prothorax close 



