114 COLEOPTERA OF NORTH AMERICA. 



Metasternum rather large, with epirnera and episterna 

 distinct, frequentl}^ with a depression at the antero-external 

 angle, for the reception of the middle knees, and distinct 

 curved lines, for the reception of the middle legs, wanting 

 only in the Hippodamise. 



Elytra convex with distinct epipleurye, not truncate at tip ; 

 epipleuras frequently foveate for the reception of 



Abdomen with five free ventral segments, and sometimes 

 (HypQraspis) with six or seven; 1st longer, with distinct 

 curved coxal lines. 



Front coxj© transverse, separate; middle coxae rounded, 

 not prominent; hind coxse transverse, widely separated. 



Leo-s short; front tibiae sometimes toothed (Brachiacan- 

 tha); tarsi o-jointed, 1st and 2d joints dilated spongy be- 

 neath, claws appeudiculate, cleft, or more rarely (Anisosticta, 

 Na?niia) simple. 



Sexual characters not very obvious, in some groups ap- 

 parent in the last ventral segments. 



Body usually rounded convex, rarely oblong, head deeply 

 immersed in the prothorax, which is strongly emarginate 

 in front; the species are usually glabrous, but in certain 

 genera (Scymnus, Epilachna, Coccidula) are pubescent. 



Without possessing characters of sufficient importance to 

 warrant their recci)tion as sub-families, tlie CoecinelHdie may be 

 divided into two series: — 



Mandibles simple or bifid at tip. C. genuini. 



Mandibles with several teeth at tip. C. phytophagi. 



Series I. — Coccinelltd^ genuini. 



The bulk of the species, which live cxchisively upon Aphides, 

 constitute this series, and may be divided, so far as represented 

 in our fauna, into the following groups: — 



Front coxal cavities closed. 



Front coxal cavities open ; body pubescent. VI. Cocciddl^. 



2. Base of antennse exposed. 



Base of antennce covered by a frontal plate. HI. Chilocori. 



3. Motasternal and ventral coxal lines distinct. •*• 

 Metasternal and ventral coxal lines obsolete. I. Hippodami^. 



4. Body glabrous. '*' 

 Body pubescent. V. Scymni. 



.5. Body loosely articulated, not very contractile. II. Coccinell.e. 



Body compact, strongly retractile. IV. Hypekaspes. 



