1C2 COLEOPTERA OF NORTH AMERICA. 



Sub-Family II.— CEROPHYTLDAE. 



This sub-family consists of a very small number of species, 

 found under bark, in which the labruni is indistinct, the antennae 

 closely approximated, but not inserted in grooves contracting the 

 front, as in the preceding sub-family. The middle coxa? have no 

 visible trochantin ; the prosternum is lobed in front, the sides are 

 parallel, and the prolongation behind the coxae is quite short; 

 the lateral margin of the thorax is obsolete in front. The side 

 pieces of the mesosternum in the first tribe are very transverse, 

 in the second less so ; the epimera attain both the coxae and 

 mesosternum, the episterna being cut off from the coxal cavity. 

 The tarsi are rather short, densely pubescent beneath, and the 

 claws are serrate. 



The two genera each represent a separate tribe : — 



Hind coxse flat, without plates. Cerophttini. 



Hind coxae with the usual plates. Perotiiopini. 



Tribe I.— CEROPHYTINI. 



Two species of Cerophytum, one European, the other C. pulsa- 

 tor Hald., from the Middle States, are contained in this tribe. 

 The antennae are very approximate, situated each side of an ele- 

 vation, which causes the front to become gibbous ; the mandibles 

 are small, and retracted; the last joint of the palpi is dilated, 

 with curved margins; the mouth is protected beneath by the 

 lobe of the prosternum ; the hind coxae are entirely flat, and the 

 trochanters are nearly as long as the thighs ; the tarsi are some- 

 what broad, and the fourth joint is prolonged beneath into a short 

 lobe ; the claws pectinate, with the tip simple. 



The species is very rare, and produces a slight leaping motion 

 by the hind legs moving suddenly upon the edge of the elytra. 

 The antennae of the male are pectinate, of the female merely ser- 

 rate. On account of the flat hind coxae this genus is considered 

 as a separate family by Lacordaire. 



Tribe II.— PEROTHOPISfl. 



Perolhops mucidus, from the Atlantic States, and P. Witticki 

 Lee, from California, constitute this tribe, which differs from the 



