72 THE OKDEB OF COLEOPTERA. 



Cri/ptolnum, Maun., is most readily recognized by its strongly genicu- 

 late or elbowed antenute,, the first joint being nearly as long as the three 

 following oues united. This character, together with their oblong heads, 

 and reddish coloration, give them a resemblance, as we have above re- 

 marked, to Xantholinus, in a former section; and this affinity is in- 

 creased by the bilobed labrum which occurs exceptionally' in this and 

 the following genus. But in Cryptobium the siDecies are usually larger, 

 and the autennjiB longer and more strongly elbowed, in addition to the 

 clavate i^alpi. Pwderus, Grav., is at once recognized by the variegated 

 colors as stated in the table. The species are few in number, but one 

 of them, the P. Uttorarius, Grav., is common and widely distributed, 

 being usually found under stones in wet places. The other genera have 

 but three or four known species each. StiHcus, Latr., is distinguished 

 by its head narrowed behind, and the ovoid thorax narrowed in front, 

 so that the two parts are united by a mere point, giving to them the 

 aspect of small ants. Palaminus testaceiis, Erichs., not quite two-tenths 

 of an inch in length, and of a pale yellow color, is not uncommon. They 

 attract attention by their very slender shape and their vermicular or 

 snake-like motions. 



Sub-family STEXIDES. 



This sub-family is composed almost wholly of the genus Stenus of La- 

 treille, a word meaning narroic, and expressive of their slender form. 

 The species are less than a quarter of an inch in length, of a grayish- 

 black color, and are at once distinguished from all other Staphylinidse 

 by their large portuberant eyes, which cause the head to be considerably 

 wider than the thorax. The antennte are small and widened at the tips ; 

 the maxillary palpi long and club-shaped, with their first joint unusually 

 elongated ; and the ligula or tongue is capable of being remarkably ex- 

 tended. The species, are usually found running on mud, or in other wet 

 situations. About two dozen species are enumerated in Dr. Leconte's 

 catalogue — closely resembling each other and distinguished chiefiy by 

 the sculpture of the surface. The 8. colon, Say, is distinguished by a 

 yellow semilunar spot on the middle of each elytron. 



Sub-family ALEOCHAEIDES. 



This subfamily contains a numerous assemblage of small, or very 

 small species, rarely attaining a quarter of an inch in length, and often 

 being less than half that length, and ordinarily of obscure black or 

 brownish colors. Their distinguishing characters are sufficiently stated 

 in the table under the letters B B and F. The antennse are short, rather 

 robust, usuallj- a little thickened at the end, and are inserted upon the 

 front at the inner margin of the eyes. Their habits are A^arious, some 

 being found under stones or fallen lea^'es, some in the fungi on trees, 



