312 MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



triangular, and bifid at the tips, with a large internal incision covered 

 by membrane; the maxillary palpi are terminated by a large hatchet- 

 shaped joint {fig. 36. 17. — 36. 15. represents the labrum, and 36. 18. 

 the labium) ; the eyes oblong, or kidney-shaped ; the legs rather 

 long, and formed for running ; the penultimate joint of the tarsi, at 

 least in the posterior pair {^fig- 36. 19.), is generally entire, or 

 but slightly bilobed ; the body is arched above, of a solid consistence, 

 and generally of an oval or oblong form ; the sexes present but little 

 external variation. In the males of some species, however, the 

 anterior tarsi are dilated. 



These insects are generally much more active in their motions, 

 and more gaily coloured than the following families ; they are fre- 

 quently found upon flowers, or under the bark of trees, where also 

 their larvae reside, and which are of a cylindrical form, smooth and 

 glossy, with short legs, very much resembling those of the Tenebrio- 

 nidae. That of Helops cteruleus has been described and figured by 

 Mr. Waterhouse {Trans. Ent. Soc. v. i. t. iv. f. 3., and my figure 36. 

 20.) : it is found in the same situation as the larvae of the Cistelidae, 

 and is of a yellowish white colour, elongate and cylindrical form, with 

 the segments of nearly equal size ; the antennae very short, and 

 3-jointed ; the legs very short ; the penultimate segment is rugose, 

 and the terminal one short, and armed with two diverging erect and 

 acute spines (fig. 36. 25.). The parts of the mouth (fig. 36. 21. 

 labrum, 36. 22. mandibles, 36. 23. maxilla, and 36. 24. labium) are 

 very similar to those of the larva of Cistela ceramboides. Mr. C. 

 J. Paget has recorded the injury committed by the larva of Helops 

 violaceus in a window frame, where a colony had taken up their 

 abode (JVat. Hist. Yarmouth, Append.). 



There is but a single genus found in this country, viz. Helops Fahr. 

 the species of which are considerably diversified in their general ap- 

 pearance. Amongst the numerous exotic genera, of which this family 

 is chiefly composed, the genera Sphaeniscus K. from Brazil, and Adelium 

 /iT. confined to New Holland, are especially interesting; — the former 

 from its striking analogy with some of the species of Erotylidae, and 

 the latter from its strong resemblance to some of the Carabidge, 

 whence the species have received the names of Ad. Calosomoides, 

 Caraboides, Licinoides, kc. Sphterotus and Cnodalon in like 

 manner resemble some of the Chrysomelidae. 



