H. C. FALL. 105 



rated by a lamina of variable width (except in Dasyeerus), open 

 behind in Holoparamecus and Dasyeerus, closed in the two larger 

 tribes. In Lathridius the prosternum fails to reach the posterior 

 margin, allowing the epimera to coalesce on the median line. In 

 Metophthalmus the flanks are grooved near the margin for the 

 reception of the outer joints of the antennae. 



Mesosternum short, the side pieces generally distinct. 



Metasternum longer than the mesosternum, sometimes longer, 

 sometimes shorter than the first ventral segment ; simply punctate 

 and with or without a longer or shorter fine impressed median line 

 in Holoparamecus and Corticariini ; variously foveate and sulcate in 

 most Lathridiini, quite often with deep post-coxal pits with plicate 

 or wrinkled margins. 



Abdomen consisting of five or six segments, the first (except in 

 Dasyeerus) as long as the two or three following united ; segments 

 2-5 subequal, the last sometimes a little longer; the sixth when 

 present generally much smaller. Segments free, except in Adistem ia, 

 where the first is connate with the metasternum, the suture being 

 entirely obliterated between the coxae. 



Front coxae conical, prominent, more commonly distinctly sepa- 

 rated, but contiguous or subcontiguous in Dasyceras, Adistemia and 

 many of the Corticariini. 



Middle coxae rounded and less prominent (except Dasyeerus), dis- 

 tinctly separated except in Adistemia. 



Hind coxae transverse, not prominent, more or less widely sepa- 

 rated, their cavities nearly or quite reaching the side margin. In 

 Dasyeerus, however, the coxae are nearly in contact at their inner 

 angles, while in Adistemia they are small, a little prominent, their 

 cavities falling far short of attaining the epipleurae. 



Legs moderate ; trochanters usually small, but very long in 

 Belonia ; femora robust or slender; tibiae straight or slightly arcu- 

 ate, quite uniformly somewhat slender, and gradually wider apically, 

 except in Dasyeerus, where they are widest at or a little before the 

 middle; the apex without spurs; tarsi 3-jointed, the first two joints 

 comparatively short, but differing in relative proportions, the last 

 joint usually about equal to the two preceding combined ; claws 

 simple. 



External sexual marks are not infrequent and affect most com- 

 monly the legs and abdominal apex. 



The early stages of these insects are practically unknown, and 



TRANS. AM. ENT. SOC. XXVI. (14) NOVEMBER, 1899. 



