470 CLASSIFICATION OP THE RHTNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 



the 1st and 2d very large connate, 3d and 4tli very short, sutures 

 straight : lateral prolongation very narrow : groove on the inner 

 side of elytra narrow, gradually broader behind, fold extending 

 nearly to the suture (somewhat as in Brenthidffi). 



This family is represented by Apion, a genus containing a large 

 number of small species of p3'riform body, and altogether peculiar 

 and of easily recognized appearance. 80 far as I have examined 

 them they have well developed wings, though Lacordaire mentions 

 that the body is apterous. This family is related to the Erirhine 

 tribe of true Curculionidtfi. 



BELID^. 



The Australian genus Belus, and the South American Horaal- 

 ocerus, on examination present so many differences that I have 

 separated them to form a new family, which must be placed in 

 the present series. In fact, with a form of body greatly resem- 

 bling Lixus of the true Curculionidae, they have the dorsal abdom- 

 inal segments of Apion ; the ventral segments are, however, equal 

 or nearly so ; the lateral prolongation is very narrow, and although 

 the edge is acute, the lateral fold on the inner face of the elytra 

 extends only in the middle tliird, and is nearly confluent with the 

 margin at its front end. The antennae are slender, 11-jointed, 

 straight, and the scape is moderate!}' long. The tibiae are slender, 

 truncate at tip, and the hind pair have two small but distinct 

 spurs as in normal Coleoptera. 



In the $ of Belus the apex of the elytra is prolonged as in 

 manj'^ species of Lixus ; and this family seems related to the Cle- 

 oniiie tribe of Curculionidae as Apion is to the Erirhine. A 

 slight trace of epipleura rna}' be observed at the front part of the 

 elytral side margin, thus showing also a relationship with the 

 llhynchitidae of the first series, in which, as 1 have above men- 

 tioned there is a feeble fold on the inner face of the elytra about 

 the middle, but (juite distant from the margin. 



