THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 283 
Series 1. HAPLOGASTRA. 
Abdomen alike in both sexes; dorsal segments seven, 
coriaceous, with the exception of the 7th, which forms the 
pygidiam, and which is small and corneous; ventral 
segments not prolonged upwards into a sharp edge; elytra 
without lateral fold on the inner surface; epipleure usually 
distinct; antennz straight, 11-jointed; ungues usually bifid 
or toothed, rarely (Rhinomacer) simple ; front cox conical, 
prominent; prosternum very short in front of the coxe; the 
beak varies in length and thickness, but not according to 
sex, so far as I know; the front coxe are contiguous, except 
in one genus of Rhynchitide (Pterocolus); the ventral 
sutures of the abdomen are straight; the mandibles and 
tibia vary in form, and furnish convenient characters for 
division into families :— 
A. Ventral segments nearly equal in length; 
epipleural indistinct; tibial spurs small; 
claws simple (always ?). Mandibles simple, 
flat; labrum distinct. = - - - R#HINOMACERID2. 
B. Ventral segments diminishing in length; 
epipleure distinct; labrum wanting ; 
claws bifid, or appendiculate. 
Mandibles flat, toothed on each side; tibial 
spurs small. - - - - RHYNCHITIDS. 
Mandibles stout, pincer-shaped ; tibial spurs 
large. - - - - - ATTELABIDE. 
The aflinities of this series are in an ascending direction 
with the rostrated Heteromera (Oedemeride and Pythide): 
this is indicated by the softer tissues in Rhinomaceride, 
and certain Rhynchitide, and also by the presence of a 
labrum in the former. In a descending direction the Attela- 
bidz lead to the true Curculionide, and the Rhynchitide to 
the Belide, the last family in the third series of Rhyn- 
chophora. The 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 progeny, an industry which appears here for 
the first time in the family. I cannot describe the results 
‘of this instinctive or intelligent industry better than by 
* Gen. Col. vi. 543. 
