32 Introduction 



MORDELLOIDEA 



It is with great hesitation that I propose the interpolation at this 

 point of a series composed of those famiUes possessing heteromerous 

 tarsi and comparatively soft integuments. If, however, the elongate 

 body, 6-segmented abdomen, elytra poorly co-adapted to the body and 

 pubescent, claws with appendage, have any phylogenetic meaning their 

 combination in Cephaloidse must indicate that family as one of the 

 most primitive ones, while the larvae of Mordellidse and Oedemeridse 

 seem to tell a similar story. I have already mentioned the conclusion 

 of Sharp and Muir from study of genitalia, liz : that such fainilies must 

 be separated from the Tenebrionidse ; and I can see no better place 

 for them than one following (on account of their more derivative tarsi) 

 the other soft beetles. The publication of Dr. Boviiig's larval studies may, 

 however, supply more information. In some of the famiUes here included 

 the modification of some structures seems to have been very great, as in 

 the overlapping elytra of Meloe for example; and these modifications, 

 Uke others that have been noticed, are correlated with parasitic habits. 

 An extraordinary multiphcity of specific differences also, as usual, mark 

 some of the higher genera, Uke Anthicus; but in spite of such difficulties 

 I hope this union of famiUes into a series or possibly two series if Meloidse 

 requires greater separation may prove correct. 



STERNOXIA or ELATEROIDEA 



This series seems to have met with considerable approval. I had 

 at first separated Buprestidse on account of their distinctive larval 

 characters, but the Rhaeboscelis larva discovered by Weiss and Nicolay 

 is intermediate and perhaps Cebrionidse should also be withdrawn for 

 similar reason. The prolongation of the prosternum seems, however, 

 to warrant keeping the series intact. 



MACRODACTYLIA or DRYOPOIDEA 



This series seems to be naturally defined by the extraordinary devel- 

 opment of the claws. Its elements are not greatly disputed, but forms 

 like Placonycha can only be placed with certainty by knowing the larva. 



