CARABIDAE. 5 



Legs slender, formed for running; anterior and middle 

 coxie globular, posterior dilated internally, not attaining the 

 sides of the body (except in Trachypachini); tarsi o-jointed. 



One of the most numerous families of Coleoptera, and gene- 

 rally predaceous in character, although some species of Amara, 

 Zabrus,. and Harpalus also use vegetable food. The larva of 

 Omophron labiatam is sometimes destructive to young corn in 

 our Southern States. 



Numerous efforts have been made to indicate a rational dis- 

 'tribution of the genera, and the attempts counnenced by Latreille 

 and Bonelli, successively improved by the suggestions of Dejean, 

 p]riehson, Schiodte, Lacordaire, Le Conte, and Schaura, have 

 been recently revised by Dr. Horn, and assumed a more satisfac- 

 tory form. 



Following, then, the suggestions of the last author, the whole 

 family may be divided into three series, which may be termed 

 sub-families. 



Middle coxal cavities not entirely inclosed by the sterna, tlie epimeron of 

 the mesosternum reaching the coxa. ("ARABiNiE. 



Middle coxal cavities entirely inclosed by the sterna, the epimeron not 

 reaching the coxa. 

 Head without antenna! grooves beneath, and supra-orbital distinct setJB. 

 Ambulatorial set» of abdomen usually well developed. HAKPALiNiE. 

 Head with distinct, usually long, antennal grooves beneath, -and with- 

 out distinct supra-orbital setas. Ambulatorial setae of abdomen feeble 

 or wanting. Pseudomorphi.\;e. 



Sub-Family I.— CARABINAE. 



Middle coxal cavities not entirely inclosed by the sterna; the 

 intervening space occupied by the mesosternal epimera. Head 

 with one or two supra-orbital setigerous punctures. Sides of 

 protliorax usually with two setigerous punctures. Anterior tibite 

 (hither entire, obliquely grooved, or emarginate ; the spurs are 

 either both apical, or the inner one is more or less distant from 

 the extremity. 



In this sub-family are contained nearly all the anomalous forms 

 of Carabidae. They consequently nuvy be arranged in several 

 tribes, among which are to be found the osculating points with 

 the preceding and following families, as well as the direct lines 

 of affinity with the second and third sub-families. No general 



