AMEBIC AN COLEOPTERA. 1G7 



Looking at the two families from this point of view we see in 

 Khysodidae a prothoracie structure, with feet that are suggestive of 

 Carabidae {Cfivina, etc.) ; mouth rather peculiar, somewhat resembling 

 Catagenus, but more related to Omma and Prlacma ; coxal arrange- 

 ments similar to Cucujidae; ventral segments combining Adephagous 

 aad Clavicornious characters. 



In Glinidium moreover a form of eye confined to the upper surface 

 of the head, which reminds us of Pseudomorphidae. 



In Cupesidae. we observe varied forms of antennae; somewhat per- 

 foliate, {Omnia, Priaona); nearly filiform {Capes sp.), or feebly ser- 

 rate {Capes sp.); gular sutures, (which are constant in great series of 

 other Coleoptera) varying almost according to species; (Tr. Am. Ent. 

 Soc, 187 t, p 88). We also observe an arrangement of coxae, and 

 prothoracie side pieces unknown in the Serricorn series; the former 

 resembling nothing else, the latter feebly indicative of the higher de- 

 velopment of the Rhysodidae and Carabidje. 



I have already suggested (Class. Coleopt. North Am. 279), similar 

 views concerning the relations of the Spondylidae, as a fragmentary 

 survival of ancient forms, with our existing Cerambycidae and other 

 families. After a careful study of Trictenotoma, I am disposed to see 

 in it also a survival of a series which in former ages represented the 

 objects that we now know as Tenebrionidae, with a strong resemblance 

 to Prion idae and Lucanidae, and perhaps a slight tendency towards 

 Cucujidae. 



Without dilating upon the subject at the present time, I may 

 here observe that the immediate relations of Trictenotoma is with 

 the Heteromerous series, in which it forms a family distinguished 

 from Tenebrionidae by the front coxae being transverse and the coxal 

 cavities angulated externally and open behind. The tarsi which are 

 nearly similar to Epltragas, and the antennae which resemble in type 

 those of many Tenebrionidae, though differing in modification from 

 any tribe of that family, confirm this view. The sensitive surface is 

 confined to the last three joints, the ninth and tenth being triangular, 

 produced inwards, with the apical surface alone sensitive and velvety ; 

 the eleventh joint is oval, somewhat acute at tip, and covered entirely 

 with sensitive surface. These sensitive surfaces are subdivided into 

 two by a transverse line, well marked on the ninth and tenth, but 

 feeble on the eleventh. The other joints are entirely without sensitive 

 pores, but the eighth is thickened and elevated at the distal end ; the 

 first joint is as long as the three following and stouter. Now this 

 restriction of sensitive surface to the distal end of the outer joints 



