Mr. J.8. Baly on the Classification of the Kumolpide. 145 
Thorax usually narrower than the elytra, occasionally equal in width, 
or even broader, convex or subcylindrical, in the latter case with the 
lateral margin frequently obsolete. Scutellum always distinct. Elytra 
usually broader than the thorax, humeral callus rarely prominent, 
inflexed border generally oblique, sometimes horizontal, upper surface 
punctate-striate or irregularly punctured. Legs moderate in length or 
elongate, the anterior pair being generally rather longer and stouter 
than the others; anterior coxe subglobular or (Huryope) transverse, 
separated by a distinct prosternum; thighs more less incrassate, some- 
times armed with a tooth beneath; tibie usually simple, occasionally 
notched at their apex, rarely armed with a spine on their outer or inner 
edges; third joints of tarsi always bifid; claws appendiculated, toothed 
or bifid. Prosternum elongate-oblong or wedge-shaped, sémetimes 
transverse ; mesosternum variable in shape, its surface oblique, the apex 
being always directed backwards. 
The great majority are of brilliant metallic colours, the few non- 
metallic species being usually of a dull or sombre hue. They are for 
the most part of moderate or small size, a few only ranking with 
Doryphora and the larger Phytophaga. They are principally in- 
habitants of the warmer parts of the globe, diminishing both in 
number and beauty in colder latitudes. South America may perhaps 
be considered their great metropolis; I shall not here, however, 
enter into their geographical distribution, preferring to make short 
remarks on this subject under each subfamily or genus. 
Little or nothing is known of their habits; but Mr. Bates, who 
has brought a large collection of these insects (now in my posses- 
sion) from the Amazons, has kindly favoured me with some notes 
on the species collected by himself, which I insert entire in his own 
words. 
«The Eumolpide of the equatorial parts of South America form 
a very conspicuous part of the insect fauna of those countries, not 
only from the number of their species and diversity of their forms, 
but from the great abundance in which they appear—in other words, 
the number of their individuals. In this latter respect they are 
exceeded (in the order Coleoptera) only by the Curculionids and the 
Gallerucide. The exposed situations in which they are found, 
namely, on the leaves of trees, and the brightness of their colours, 
also contribute to make them prominent objects in a woodland 
ramble. It is worthy of remark, that the closely allied subfamily 
Chrysomelide is far inferior in numbers of individuals and species 
and diversity of forms in the forests of the Amazons to the Kumol- 
pide, whilst in Europe the reverse is the case. Thus the Chryso- 
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