INTRODUCTION. XX ix 



I. Coleoptera (g-onuina) having- the luouth parts iionnal, rarely 

 atrophied, but never departing Iruni the ordinary type. Palpi 

 always flexible, maxillary usually 4-jointed, labial 3-jointed. 

 Gular sutures double at least before and behind. Proslernuni 

 not cut off behind by the epiniera (except in some Colydiidaj and 

 in Cossyphus) ; prosternal sutures distinct. 



II. Rhynchophora having the head mure or less prolonged into 

 a l)eak: the palpi rigid (except in Rhinoniaceriiioe and Anth- 

 ribida^), without distinct palpariun) ; maxillary 4-jointed, labial 

 3-jointed : laljrum absent, except in Ilhinomaceridte and Anth- 

 ribidae. Gular sutures confluent on the median line. Prostcrnuni 

 cutoff behind by the epiniera; prosternal sutures wanting. Epi- 

 pleura) of elytra wanting, except in Ilhynchitidai and Attelabidie. 



COLEOPTERA (gonuinn). 



These indicate the following great complexes: — 



I. Ilinrl tarsi witli the same number of jojnts at least as the others (except 



in a few Clavicorns, e.g.) Isomek.'v. 



II. Front and middle tarsi 5-, hind tarsi 4-jointed. Hetekomeka. 



ISOMERA. 



The following series may be recognized, though we are yet 

 unable to define accurately the second and third. 



A. Fourth and fifth tarsal joints not connate : 



First three ventral segments connate ; 1st dividi^d by the hind coxal 



cavities, so that the sides are separated from the very small medial 



part. Adephaga. 



First ventral segnnuit visible for its entire breadth (except in lihys- 



sodidK) ; 



Antennje davate or capitate, very rarely serrate. Clavicoknia. 



Antennae serrate, very rarely clavate, ol" capitate. Seruicokma. 



Antennae with a lamellate club, the opposing surfaces with a veiy 



delicate sensitive structure ; legs fossorial. 'Lamellicoknia. 



B. Fourth and fifth tarsal joints anchylosed ; the former very small ; 



antennie filiform, rarely serrate, or feebly thickened externally. 



rUYTOPUAGA. 



