REVISION OF ELEODIINI BLAISDELL. 435 - 



Emhaphion is gradual and complete, apparently constituting a 

 perfect evolutionary series. 



In Metahlapylis with iilgrina as the central form the valvular 

 apices are short, rounded at tip, convex above and somewhat concave 

 beneath, membrano-chitinous, scarcely divergent or produced. 



In Steneleodes with gigantea as typical the apex of each valve is 

 broad, flattened, rounded at tip, convex above and concave beneath, 

 strongly chitinized, and distinctly divergent and moderately produced. 



Taking marginata as typical of Discogenia, the valvular apex is 

 moderately broad, slightly tlattened, rounded at tip, convex above 

 and concave beneath, strongly chitinized, divergent and excurved, 

 strongly produced. 



In Emhaphion the general characters are similar to the latter, but 

 the strongly produced and excurved apex is more laminate and more 

 strongly defined from the dorsal plate of the valve. 



The other segmental characters are distinctive in each subgenus 

 and render the characters just enumerated as valuable differential 

 criteria. 



An examination and analysis of the plates which form an im- 

 portant part of this paper, will elucidate what has been stated above 

 and also demonstrate that the species preserve a wonderful com- 

 munity of subgeneric genital structure. 



The species constituting Group A may be differentiated as follows : 



Smaller species, scarcely robust, more or less shining, snbasperately sculptured; 

 elytra distinctly gradually narrowed posteriorly, apex quite acute. Males 

 armed ; females mutic mnroinntn. 



Larger species, ratlier robust, more or less opaque, asperately sculptured ; elytra 

 moderately narrowed posteriorly, apex obtuse. Both sexes more or less 

 armed svahricula. 



The single species constituting Group B can be recognized from the 

 group characters; the most noticeable characteristic of pJanipoinis 

 is the depressed elytra. 



The following synopsis is probably the most practical one that 

 can be formulated from the specific genital characters for any sub- 

 generic section of the genus Eleodes^ and is constructed from the 

 female characters alone: 

 Appendages rudimentary and without setjie. 



External margin of the dorsal plate continuous with that of the apex, not 

 angulate, not excavated dorsally at base of apex. Appendages puncti- 



form morfjinaia. 



External margin interrupted, angulate; apical margin of the dorsal plate de- 

 fined by a deep excavation at base of apex ; appendages larger__.s'r'f/?>r/r/?/'/. 

 Appendages mammilliform, with pencil of set;T^ at tip plonipcnnis. 



The males apparently have no constant specific differences ; at least 

 I have not been able to differentiate any. 



