354< MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



their removal to the Necrophaga, notwithstanding the modifications 

 in the form of the tarsi.* 



By most entomologists, the Scolytidae have been confounded 

 with the Bostrichidae (Apate, Sec). Latreille, however, and more 

 recently Dr. Erichson-j-, have traced their limits with more precision. 

 I have made some observations upon the analogical relation of 

 these two groups in a memoir read before the Linna?an Society in 

 1837. 



The genera Tomicus and Platypus, it is true, disagree in some 

 material respects from the typical characters of the family, although 

 the solid club of the antennae, the shortness of the maxillary palpi, 

 and obsolete upper lip, are eminently characteristic of the present 

 family. Platypus is a very anomalous genus, evidently forming the 

 passage to some other group (Jiff' 42. 15. Platypus cylindrus; 4-2. IG. 

 mandible; 42.17. maxilla; 42.18. labium; 42. 19. antenna; 42.20. 

 fore leg of ditto). 



Dr. Ratzeburg has been so fortunate as to observe the transform- 

 ations of Platypus cylindrus. It inhabits the oak, and its larva 

 {Jiff. 42. 21. natural size ; 42. 22. ditto magnified ; 42. 23. head of ditto ; 

 42. 24. extremity of its body), as might be presumed, materially 

 differs from the other larvae of this family. Its head is large, its 

 body short and straight, not being curved towards the extremity, 

 where it is somewhat obliquely truncate ; the sides of the body are 

 furnished with several rows of tubercles; the pupa {Jrff. 4^2. 25.) is 

 elongated, with the intermediate coxae very large. 



The insects of this family appear to be subject to the attacks of 

 numerous parasites ; M. L. Dufour having detected great numbers 

 of minute Ascarides in the entrails of Tomicus typographus, as well 

 as numbers of small mites on its external surface; and Mr. Spence 



* Mr. Kirby (uho does not appear to be aware of tbe great variation existing 

 between tbe Bostricbida^ and Scolytida:') bas proposed tbe establisbment of a section 

 under tbe name Xylotrypa, for tbe reception of Anobiura, Bostrichus, Cis, Apate, 

 Scolytus, and other wood-feeding beetles, wbich, with Phrenapates and Sinodcndron 

 are supposed to form a passage between the Lucanida; and the weevils. 



+ Dr. Erichson employs the term BostrichidEe for the family, calling Latreille's 

 genus Tomicus Bostrichus. Geoffrey, however, who proposed the latter name, 

 gave the Dermestes capucinus Linn, as the type Latreille's nomenclature ought, 

 therefore, to l)e adopted. IMr. Kirby has expressed a similar opinion. 



