478 M- straus-durckiieim's 



situated above the first ischium, occupying the space between 

 its posterior angle and the posterior aliferous apophysis. In 

 the interior of the mesothorax are two parts, resembhng, in 

 form, the bell of a trumpet. These, which are in fact merely 

 the tendons of certain muscles, are called the cupulcs of the 

 wings. The first, {grande cupule tie Vaile^ is situated at the 

 anterior part of the first ischium, and receives the anterior 

 extensor muscle of the wing ; — the second, {petite cupule de 

 Vaile,) is placed at the posterior part of the jo?ece costale, and 

 receives the posterior extensor muscle of the wing. 



The upper part of the metathorax is formed by a large very 

 convex piece, {clt/peus,^) which is however, in reality, formed 

 of seven parts ; one only of which is distinct in the Melo- 

 lonthce ; and in most of the Coleoptera their sutures are scarcely 

 visible. In the other oi'ders they are not to be traced. In this 

 insect the chjpeus, which occupies all the upper part of the 

 metathorax, is nearly a trapezium, of which the larger parallel 

 side is foremost, emarginate in the middle, forming, in part, a 

 large opening closed by a thin transparent membrane, {la toile.) 

 The upper surface of the clypeus is marked by a deep channel, 

 {gouttiere medlane,) throughout its whole length ; its anterior 

 margin, on each side of its emargination, forms a very pro- 

 jecting tubercle ; in front of which, forming the antero-lateral 

 angle of the clypeus, is the axillifere. The diaphragme is a 

 large trapezoidal piece, curving obliquely downwards, and 

 partly separating the mesothorax from the metathorax ; at each 

 of its anterior angles is a small rounded piece analogous to 

 the clavicle of the mesothorax, — hence this may be termed the 

 posterior clavicle. Two triangular pieces, placed one on each 

 side of the clypeus, near the posterior angles, are the posterior 

 scapulars. 



The name tergum, or p)i^ce tergale, may be given to a large 

 triangular plate, which descends from the posterior margin of 

 the clypeus and of the scapulars into the interior of the body, 

 to furnish an attachment to many muscles, and also to separate 

 the abdomen from the metathorax. The wings are articulated 

 to the metathorax by means of five parts analogous to the 



K This name cannot with propriety be applied to this part, having been given 

 by Fabricius to a totally different part. M. Straus is too much disposed to over- 

 look what has been done by others. 



