634 Mr. D. Sharp and Mr. F. Muir on the Comparative 



in Staphylinidae, and assume different functions in the 

 various divisions. The question of a relationship of the 

 series with Byrrhoidea cannot be properly considered in 

 the absence of a decision as to the relations of Staphylin- 

 idae and Silphidae, alluded to above, 



5. MalacocUrinoidca. — Though the simpler forms of this 

 series approach the Byrrhoid structure, yet we have not 

 found any form that really connects the two. In the low 

 Malacoderms the median lobe is insignificant in size com- 

 pared with the lateral lobes, but the large development 

 of the latter is on the basal parts, and the great distal 

 development of these parts as found in Byrrhoidea does 

 not occur in the Malacoderm forms we have examined, so 

 that the relations of the parts appear to be different. In 

 higher Malacodermidae the median lobe may be greatly 

 developed, and the parts become so complex that a careful 

 analysis is requisite for their comprehension. Under these 

 circumstances we are not prepared to say more than that 

 we shall not be surprised if a more thorough investigation 

 should reveal annectants to the Byrrhoidea. As regards 

 the Melyridae we have remarked in the taxonomical 

 section that it presents special difficulties. 



6. Tenehrionoidea. — As regards this series we have said 

 in taxonomy the little that we are prepared to advance as 

 to the phylogeny of the series. The difficulties arising 

 from the orientation of some of the forms, alluded to under 

 Taxonomy, is considerable. When lateral lobes, or when 

 tegmen, are ventrally placed, are we justified in con- 

 sidering them homologous as regards origin with similar 

 structures dorsally placed ? The answer to such a question 

 if it concerned the chrootic tube would certainly be a 

 negative one ; but as regards the genital tube a positive 

 answer cannot be given till the remakable cases of tortion 

 and distortion that occur have received a more thorough 

 consideration. 



7. Scarabaeoidea. — This is a very distinct series, except 

 that by means of Trogidae and certain Lucanidae it 

 approaches the Byrrhoidea, to which therefore it may be 

 linked. The Lucanidae appears to be a group of frag- 

 ments, and, sniall as it is, offers a remarkable contrast to 

 the huge family Scarabaeidae. 



8. Phytophagoidea. — Under this series we have united 

 all the great divisions of Rhynchophora as well as the 

 Chrysomelidae and the Cerambycidae or Longicorns. We 



