76 EXPLANATION OF PLATE 46". 



Figs. 1 and 2 belong to the family of Curculionidse, of 

 which the Diamond beetle is a familiar example. 

 They were discovered by Mr.Wm. Anstice in nodules 

 of Iron stone from the Coal formation of Coalbrook 

 Dale. 



Fig. 1 nearly resembles some of the South American 

 types of Curculio, but the antennae are longer and 

 stronger than is usual in living species. Only the 

 back of the head is visible, with faint indications of 

 the place of the eyes ; the Rostrum is not apparent, 

 it probably descends into the Iron stone beneath, 

 and this position will explain the appearance and 

 place of the Antennee. 



The Elytra seem to have been connate towards 

 their lower extremity, but their line of junction is 

 visible towards the Thorax. The substance of the 

 Elytra and Thorax, and of portions of the legs is 

 replaced by white Iron ore, having the lustre of 

 Satin. 



Mr. Curtis conceives that the tufted appearance 

 of the legs may have been caused by fungi formed 

 after death, as often happens in tropical climates. 

 The enlargement of the Femur of the hindmost leg 

 in our fossil is a character peculiar to the Curcu- 

 lionidee.* (Original.) 



Fig. 2. Mr. Samouelle considers this extinct fossil spe- 

 cies to approach most nearly to the Brachycerus 

 apterus of Africa.f (Original.) 



* Until more perfect data are found, on which generic characters 

 can be established, I propose to designate this Insect by the pro- 

 visional name of Curculioides Ansticii. 



f The animal lies on its back with the left side raised upwards, 

 and exhibiting a portion of the exterior surface of the left Elytron. 



At a. b. are the remains of antennae, and near the base of «, ap- 



