634 Mr. D. Sharp and Mr. F. Muir on the Comparative 
in Staphylinidae, and assume different functions in the 
various divisions. The question of a relationship of the 
series with Byrrhoidea cannot be properly considered in 
the absence of a decision as to the relations of Staphylin- 
idae and Silphidae, alluded to above. 
5. Malacodermoidea.—Though the simpler forms of this 
series approach the Byrrhoid structure, yet we have not 
found any form that really connects the two. In the low 
Malacoderms the median lobe is insignificant in size com- 
pared with the lateral lobes, but the large development 
of the latter is on the basal parts, and the great distal 
development of these parts as found in Byrrhoidea does 
not occur in the Malacoderm forms we have examined, so 
that the relations of the parts appear to be different. In 
higher Malacodermidae the median lobe may be greatly 
developed, and the parts become so complex that a careful 
analysis is requisite for their comprehension. Under these 
circumstances we are not prepared to say more than that 
we shall not be surprised if a more thorough investigation 
should reveal annectants to the Byrrhoidea. As regards 
the Melyridae we have remarked in the taxonomical 
section that it presents special difficulties. 
6. Tenebrionoidea.—As regards this series we have said 
in taxonomy the little that we are prepared to advance as 
to the phylogeny of the series. The difficulties arising 
from the orientation of some of the forms, alluded to under 
Taxonomy, is considerable. When lateral lobes, or when 
tegmen, are ventrally placed, are we justified in con- 
sidering them homologous as regards origin with similar 
structures dorsally placed ? The answer to such a question 
if it concerned the chrodtic tube would certainly be a 
negative one; but as regards the genital tube a positive 
answer cannot be given till the remakable cases of tortion 
and distortion that occur have received a more thorough 
consideration. 
7. Scarabacoidea.—This is a very distinct series, except 
that by means of Trogidae and certain Lucanidae it 
approaches the Byrrhoidea, to which therefore it may be 
linked. The Lucanidae appears to be a group of frag- 
ments, and, small as it is, offers a remarkable contrast to 
the huge family Scarabaeidae. 
8. Phytophagoidea—Under this series we have united 
all the great divisions of Rhynchophora as well as the 
Chrysomelidae and the Cerambycidae or Longicorns. We 
