14 GEODEPHAGA — CARABIDAE. 



the f<)Ilo^^'ing seven, A\'liicli are equal to each other ; first 

 two joints less hairy than the rest, but never quite bare ; 

 paraglossae completely soldered to ligula ; thorax more or 

 less heart-sliaped ; epimera of mesothorax not toucliing 

 middle coxae ; first three joints of anterior tarsi slightly 

 dilated in male. Bracliinidcs. 



Tliese insects have the power of squirting from the 

 neighbourhood of the anus a corrosive fluid, which is 

 exceedingly volatile, and on contact with the air is trans- 

 formed into a bluish-white vapour. 



II, Abdomen with only six ventral segments visible 

 in both sexes. 



1. Apical joint of maxillary palpi at least as large 

 as the penultimate. 



A A, Elytra truncate at the apex.* 

 Anterior tarsi generally simple in both sexes, sometimes 

 dilated in male. Lehiides. 



IB JB, Elytra rounded at the apex. 

 Anterior tarsi (aiid sometimes also intermediate tarsi) 

 dilated in male. Harj)alides. 



2. Apical joint of maxillary palpi very small. 

 Tarsi threadlike or with first joint very large in male. 



Bemhidiidcs. 



ELAPHBIT>BS. 



A, Prosternum witli a considerable process l)e]iiiid, by 



wliich a great part of the mesosternum is covered ; 



labrum prominent and roundetl ; paraglossae scarcely 



longer tlian ligula. 



Mentum with a very short double-tooth in its einargina- 

 tion ; forehead with a very deep furrow on each side near 

 tlie eye, and between these from five to seven shallower 

 furrows ; eyes large and prominent ; thorax transverse ; 

 elytra parallel-sided, with eight lines of punctures, space 

 l)etwei'n tlu; sutural and first of the Literal lines broad and 

 polislied. Notio2>hilus, Dumer. 



li. Prosternum not prolonged beyond tlie anterior coxae ; 

 lal)rum transverse, straight in front ; paraglossae much 

 longer than the ligula. 



* In Masoreus tlicy are almost rounded, 



