AMERICAN COLEOPTERA. 123 



it in the Carabiriae. It will be observed in glancing over the series of 

 tribal and genera that there are three well marked types, Fterostichus, 

 Lehia and Harpalus, closely related among themselves around which 

 we may group other types either more or less intermediate between the 

 three or related to them as a centre and from thence diverging with 

 no definite affinity. It is therefore impossible to construct any linear 

 arrangement which will exhibit all the evident relationship without at 

 the same time interrupting other equally evident afiinities. 



The tribes which follow are so placed that those which seem to exhibit 

 the closest relationship with the Carabinae are at the beginning with those 

 following which seem to lead to the true Harpaline type. 



Those with the two supra-orbital setae will be considered first and for 

 convenience of reference will be called by the following name. 



Harpaline bisetos^. 



This section contains by far the larger number of tribes and genera 

 and presents many difficulties in its study. Many of the characters used 

 in the table are the common property of science others are new or have 

 been brought into greater prominence for the first time here. To those 

 acquainted with the literature of the subject no special references are 

 needed. 



As in the Carabinae it appears to have escaped notice that a number 

 of genera have the posterior coxae separated and the metasternum and 

 abdomen meeting. This is an important character and its use is attended 

 with good results. 



The internal elytral plica by its presence serves to separate a number 

 of tribes. The object of this structure is to afford a means of >support 

 to the edge of the abdomen and at the origin of the plica posteriorly 

 the last ventral segment is firmly held when in repose. It will be 

 observed that in those genera with a plica the upper edges of the 

 ventral segments are vertical, those without the plica have the edge 

 inflexed. As a rule the pliciferous genera are terrestrial and are at best 

 feeble flyers, the majority of the others are easy flyers and less terrestrial 

 in their habits. This however is merely a general statement with many 

 exceptions on both sides. 



The tribe P a n a g ae i n i is placed at the head in the belief that some 

 of its members will show a closer relationship with the Clivinse than has 

 yet been indicated. 



The table which follows is the result of a study not only of the 

 genera of our fauna but of all which were accessible, the cabinets of 

 the Academy of Natural Sciences, supplemented by that of our own 



