CLA-SSIFrCATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 391 



and the Rh3'nchiticl<'B to the Belidse,- the last family in the third 

 series of Rhj'nchophora. 



Tiie habits of the species of this series are peculiar, and quite 

 different from those of the next series, and indicate as is wisely 

 observed by Lacordaire,* for the care of their progen}^ an industry 

 which appears here for the first time in the family. I cannot de- 

 scribe the results of this instinctive or intelligent industry better 

 than by condensing the account of the author just cited, referable 

 however to European species. 



1. Rhinomaceridffi. The European species deposits the eggs 

 in the male flowers of Pimis maritimus, the development of which 

 is thus prevented. I may be allowed to observe that this synthetic 

 genus, the nearest approach in the Rhynchophora to the lower 



■ Hetei'omera, and therefore the representative of old forms, clings 

 to an old and S3'nthetic type of vegetation. 



2. Rhynchitidae. Some of the species of Rhynchites roll leaves 

 in the manner of the next family. Others deposit their eggs in 

 young fruit, the kernel of which is eaten b}' the larva ; others again 

 place the eggs in the undeveloped buds of trees, which are thus 

 destro3'ed. 



3. AttelabidiB. In the spring the females roll up the leaves of 

 trees, and deposit in each- an egg. After emerging from the egg 

 the young larviie eat the inside la^-er of the case which covers them, 

 which thej^ probably leave at a later period, when their growth is 

 complete, to perfect their metamorphosis under ground. 



These three families are of small extent, and but little need be 

 said regarding their classification. 



EHINOMACERIDJE. 



This famil}^ is represented in our fiuma b}' two species, one on 

 each slope of the continent, and is easily recognized by the de- 

 pressed, curved and acute mandibles, and distinct labrum. The 

 pygidium is covered by the el3'tra, which are punctured without 

 any appearance of striae. On the inner face there is no trace of 

 a lateral fold : the epipleuroe are indistinct. 



ATTELABIDtE. 



Four species of Attelabus on the Atlantic slope are the only 

 representatives thus far known in our fauna. The beak is stouter 



*Gen. Col. vi, 543. 



