494 COLEOPTERA OF NORTH AMERICA. 



Phytobius is represented in the Atlantic region by P. velatus, 

 which occurs also in Europe ; Coelogaster is at present confined 

 to the Atlantic region; the other two genera are represented on 

 both sides of the continent. 



Tribe XX.— BARIXI. 



An important type of Curculionidae, containing numerous 

 geneva and groups, of which only a few are represented in our 

 fauna. It is in this tribe that the nearest approach to Calandridte 

 and Cossonidae is made, in form and general appearance, though 

 the family characters are quite different. 



The following characters will enable them to be distinguished 

 from the other tribes in which the front coxfB are separate. 



Beak not received closely upon the sternum, which, however, 

 is sometimes broadly sulcate in front of the anterior coxai ; when 

 this groove docs not exist, there are sometimes seen (Madams) 

 two short approximate ridges, limited inwards by an impressed 

 line, which iuay be regarded as the last remnant of the pectoral 

 groove. In other cases (Baris striata) even these lines disap- 

 pear, and the merest trace of a concavity remains in the apical 

 constriction of the prothorax, which in all the species is not 

 emarginate beneath, and is destitute of postocular lobes. In 

 many others even this slight concavity or flattening is wanting, 

 and the apical part of the prothorax is altogether cylindrical 

 above and beneath. The meso- and metastenium are closely 

 united, and the suture between them is frequently obliterated. 

 The side pieces of the mesothorax are so extended outwards and 

 upwards, that they intervene strongly between the base of the 

 prothorax and the elytra. The sides of the latter, therefore, 

 become obliquely truncated, giving a form not observed in any of 

 the preceding tribes. The other characters are somewhat vari- 

 able. The pygidium is sometimes exposed, sometimes covered. 

 The claws are simple, and either divergent, connate, or even 

 (Barilepton, Eisonyx) single. 



The genera in our fauna represent two groups: — 



Pygidium exposed, usually vertical ; fifth ventral segment in the latter 

 case truncate or subemarginate. Barides. 



Pygidium oblique or liorizontal, not fully exposed ; fifth ventral segment 

 rounded at tip. Ce.ntkiki. 



