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 flcult cases affords an Important determination character between closely 

 allied genera. - The lip-feelers or lip-palpi ( palpi labiales) are attached 

 to a solid foundation, palplger, and are as a rule 3- jointed, exceptionately 

 2- or (as in Aleochara) 4-jointed. Their distal joint can sometimes assume 

 singular shapes, it can be feebly hatchet- shaped (as in Staphylinus , subgenus 

 Ocypus ) or semilunar (as in Oxyporus) . 



On ventral side of the head in many Staphylinids is found a more or 

 less distinct carina (Fig. k) which begins at posterior margin of the head, 

 runs over sides of head (temples and genae) and most often reaches to the 

 mouth- corners, where, in the sharp outer margin of this it vanishes, ■"here 

 this carina is entire, the temples and genae are called margined; but oc- 

 casionally it is upwardly evanescent and only visible posteriorly; temples 

 and genae are then called incompletely margined. These conditions are often 

 of characteristic significance in regard to the Aleocharini species. 



B. The breast-part (thorax) is the intermediate of the principal parts 

 of the body. Its three rings: pro-, mesa- sind metathorax bear the organs 

 of locomotion: wings and legs. 'Vith its anterior ring it is attached to 

 the head, with the posterior one to the abdomen. Concerning its individual 

 parts the following is to be noted: 



a. The fore-breast (prothorax), in which the foremost pair of legs is 

 seated, is covered by the upper back ( pro no turn ) or the breast shield (often 

 called'thorax") , the differing form ajid impressions of which often render 

 good specific characters. Anteriorly its fore-ntargin occupies and covers 

 more or less the posterior part of the head or neck, and is therefore often 



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