64 — SERRICORNIA, | Sternoxt. 
nearly always serrate ; posterior angles of thorax not produced ; abdomen 
with the first and second ventral segments connate ; anterior trochanters 
large and free; surface more often metallic than in the succeeding 
families, often very brilliant. 
Throscide. Antenne inserted on the front, received in grooves 
beneath ; eleven-jointed, sometimes serrate, sometimes, as in our single 
genus, with a serrate, three-jointed club ; prosternum with an anterior 
rounded lobe protecting the mouth; first and second abdominal seg- 
ments not connate, though closely connected ; posterior angles of thorax 
more or less produced ; prothorax firmly articulated with the mesuthorax ; 
anterior trochanters not marked ; front coxal eavities closed behind by 
the mesosternum ; insects small, not brightly coloured or conspicuous, 
without the power of leaping when placed on their back. 
Eucnemidez. Distinguished from the preceding by having the 
prothorax somewhat loosely articulated with the mesothorax, and the 
fact that its members have the power of leaping when placed on their 
back at all events slightly developed ; closely allied to the Elateride, 
but separated by having the antenna inserted at the inner margin of the 
eyes and the labrum concealed ; the species are larger and more con- 
spicuous than in the Throscidz. 
Blateride. Antenne pectinate, serrate, or somewhat filiform, in- 
serted immediately before eyes; labrum visible and free; prothorax 
very loosely articulated with the mesothorax, so that the power of leap- 
ing when the insects are placed on their backs is strongly developed in 
by far the majority of cases ; thorax with the posterior angles more or 
less produced ; front coxal cavities open behind, but entirely prosternal ; 
anterior trochanters not conspicuous ; abdomen composed of five ventral 
segments, which are free, or apparently free, the front two being some- 
times closely connected, but not connate; legs comparatively short, 
retractile ; size and colour very variable; in many cases, however, the 
species are large, and often brilliantly metallic. 
MALACODERMATA. 
Dascillidz. Antenne filiform, very rarely serrate, not thickened 
at apex; labrum distinct ; anterior coxal cavities open behind ; posterior 
coxe immoveable, receiving the femora; elytra not striated, covering 
the abdomen; abdomen composed of five ventral segments. 
Lycide. Antennx often pectinate, always more or less serrate ; 
trochanters not applied to femora, but in a line with them; anterior 
coxe long, with distinct trochantins; abdomen consisting of seven 
ventral segments, which are simple in both sexes ; intermediate cox 
clistinct ; claws simple. 
Lampyridew. Very closely allied to the preceding, but with the 
