142 CLAVICORNIA. [Conjlop1u<l: 



In the Annals and Magazine of Natural History (February, 1887, 

 p. 116), Mr. Matthews discusses the question of the position of the 

 family ; as it is one concerning which there has been, and still is, much, 

 doubt, it may be well to quote his words : "In our present systematic 

 arrangement the true Corylophida3 seem to occupy a very false position. 

 From the peculiar formation of their antennae, and from their large, 

 elongate, and either free or prominent anterior coxse, as well as from the 

 general arrangement of the parts of the external skeleton of their under- 

 side, it is impossible to overlook their close affinity to the Silphidae. It 

 therefore appears to me that the most natural arrangement would be to 

 place the Corylophidae immediately before the Silphidae. Many genera 

 present an external appearance so like the Anisotomina that it is difficult 

 at first to determine whether they do or do not belong to that tribe. In 

 Peltinus and some others the prosternum is reduced to the smallest 

 possible dimensions, as it is in Aijathidium, and leaves the coxal cavities 

 open on both sides. Thus by placing the Corylophidae before the 

 Silphidae, in proximity to the Anisotomina, a much greater harmony of 

 form and anatomy "would be attained than by keeping them in their 

 present position or by removing them elsewhere. In the foregoing 

 remarks I refer only to the true Corylophida3. Those species which I 

 propose to call Pseudocorylophidae I would retain in the position they 

 now occupy near the Coccinellidae." There are six European genera 

 contained in the family, of which four are represented in Britain ; 

 Arthrolips, Woll., and Moronillits, Lfuv. (Glcvosoma, Woll.) are of more 

 southern distribution. 



I. Thorax emarginate at apex ; head exposed ; antennae 



9-jointed OBTHOPEUTJS, Steph. 



II. Thorax semicircular, with apex rouuded ; head concealed. 

 i. Upper surface glabrous ; posterior angles of thorax 



slightly prolonged ; antenna? 10-joiuted COBYLOPHD3, Steph. 



ii. Upper surface pubescent. 



1. Posterior angles of thorax much prolonged ; anteunao 



10-jointed SEKICODEEUS, Steph. 



2. Posterior angles of thorax right angles, not pro- 

 longed ; antennas 11-jointed SACIUM, Le Contc. 



ORTHOPERUS, Stephens. 



The genus Ortlioperua is made up of very minute orbicular insects, 

 which, in comparison with the other members of the family, are some- 

 what depressed ; it is distinguished from the other Corylophidae by its 

 exserted head and emarginate apex of thorax, and also by the long 

 incurved anterior tibiae, and 9-jointed geniculate antenme, of which the 

 fifth joint is generally much larger than the sixth. In the last European 

 catalogue nine species are enumerated, of which three only have until 

 recently been supposed to be found in Britain. Mr. Matthews, however, 

 in the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine for 1885, vol. xxii., p. 107, 



