72 THE ORDER OF COLEOPTERA. 



Cryptolmon, Mann., is most readily recognized by its strongly genicu- 

 late or elbowed antenutie, the first joint being nearly as long as the three 

 following ones united. This character, together with their oblong heads, 

 and reddish coloration, give them a resemblance, as we have above re- 

 marked, to Xautholiuus, in a former section; and this aftinity is in- 

 creased by the bilobed labrum which occurs exceptionallj' in this and 

 the following genus. But in Cryptobium the species are usually larger, 

 and the antenn.ie longer and more strongly elbowed, in addition to the 

 clavate palpi. Pwderus, Grav., is at once recognized by the variegated 

 colors as stated in the table. The species are few in number, but one 

 of them, the P. Utforarius^ Grav., is common and widely distributed, 

 being usually found under stones in wet places. The other genera have 

 but three or four known species each. Stilicus, Latr., is distinguished 

 by its head narrowed behind, and the ovoid thorax narrowed in front, 

 so that the two parts are united by a mere point, giving to them the 

 aspect of small ants. Palaminus testaceus, Erichs., not quite two-tenths 

 of an inch in length, and of a pale yellow color, is not uncommon. They 

 attract attention by their very slender sha^je and their vermicular or 

 snake-like motions. 



Sub-family STEmDES. 



This sub-family is composed almost wholly of the genus Stcutis of La- 

 treille, a word meaning narroiv, and expressive of their slender form. 

 The species are less than a quarter of an inch in length, of a grayish- 

 black color, and are at once distinguished from all other Staph ylinidaj 

 by their large j^ortuberant eyes, which cause the head to be considerably 

 wider than the thorax. The antennae are small and widened at the tips ; 

 the maxillary palpi long and club-shaped, with their first joint unusually 

 elongated ; and the ligula or tongue is capable of being remarkably ex- 

 tended. The species are usually found running on mud, or in other wet 

 situations. About two dozen species are enumerated in Dr. Lecoute's 

 catalogue — closely resembling each other and distinguished chiefly by 

 the sculpture of the surface. The S. colon, Say, is distinguished by a 

 yellow semilunar spot on the middle of each elytron. 



Sub-family ALEOCHAEEDES. 



This subfamily contains a numerous assemblage of small, or very 

 small species, rarely attaining a quarter of an inch in length, and often 

 being less than half that length, and ordinarily of obscure black or 

 brownish colors. Their distinguishing characters are sufficiently stated 

 in the table under the letters B B and F. The antenmie are short, rather 

 robust, usually a little thickened at the end, and are inserted ui)on the 

 front at' the inner margin of the eyes. Their habits are various, some 

 being found under stones or fallen leaves, some in the fungi on trees, 



