132 NATURAL HISTORY OF 



MORMOLYCE PHYLLODES. 



PLATE III. Fig. 3. 



Hagenbach, Novum Coleop. Genus Dejean, Spec. Gen. t. v. 



part ii. p. 714. — Latreille, Regne Anim. t. iv. p. 400. 



This insect is so peculiar in its form and structure, 

 that it is difficult to determine what place it ought 

 to occupy in a systematic arrangement. It posses- 

 ses little in common with the genera associated with 

 it by the continental naturalists, except the elon- 

 gation of the third joint of the antennae. In its flat 

 and dilated elytra, it bears considerable resemblance 

 to certain neuropterous species of the genus mantis, 

 which are remarkable for their likeness to the with- 

 ered leaves of trees. It is this circumstance that 

 has suggested the above specific name, which is ex- 

 pressive of resemblance to a leaf. The head and 

 thorax are narrow and elongated, and the latter has 

 a dilated portion on each side which is scolloped on 

 the outer edge. The abdomen is likewise rather 

 narrow, and the portion of the elytra which covers 

 it is somewhat convex, reticulated, and marked 

 with a double series of rather large impressions ; 

 the portion of the elytra projecting beyond the ab- 

 domen is very broad and flat, and is somewhat 

 waved on the surface. The tibiae are crooked, and 

 the anterior pair have a deep notch near the apex. 

 The general colour of the insect is blackish brown, 



