COLEOPTERA. 
449 
Notwithstanding the number of tarsial joints, this genus seems to 
approach that of Cucujus and even certain Brenti, with a short pro- 
boscis in both sexes. Tiie habits of these Insects are the same as 
those of the Xylophagi *, 
FAMILY IV. 
CLAVICORNES. 
I^^ the fourth family of the pentamerous Coleoptera, as in the 
third, we find four palpi, and elytra covering the superior surface 
of the abdomen, or its greater portion ; but it differs in the antennae, 
which are almost always thicker at the extremity, that even fre- 
quently forms a perfoliaceous or solid club ; they are longer than the 
maxillary palpi, and their base is exjjosed, or barely covered. The 
legs are not natatory, and the joints of the tarsi, at least those of the 
posterior ones, are usually entire. 
In their larva state, at least, they feed on animal matters. 
We will divide this family into two sections : the common charac- 
ters of the first of which are, antennee always composed of eleven 
joints, longer than the head, not forming from the third a fusiform 
or nearly cylindrical club, and their second joint not dilated in the 
form of an auricle ; last joint of the tarsi, as well as its hooks, of 
a moderate length, or small. 
These Clavicornes are terrestrial, while those of our second 
section are aquatic or shore Insects, thus leading to the Palpicornes, 
most of which inhabit water, and whose antennse never consist of 
more than nine joints. 
The first section will comprise several small tribes. The first, 
that of the Palpatores, in a natural series, should be placed near 
the Pselaphii and Brachelytraf. Their antennae, which are, at 
least, as long as the head and thorax, slightly enlarge towards the 
extremity, or are nearly filiform; their two first joints are longer 
than the following ones. The head is distinguished from the 
thorax by an ovoid strangulation. 
The maxillary palpi project, arc long and inflated at the extre- 
mity. The abdomen is large, oval or ovoid, and embraced laterally 
by the elytra. The legs are elongated, thighs clavatc, and tarsial 
joints entire. 
* Hhysotles exara/ns, Ualin., Analeot. Eiitom., p. 9.3. Tliis species has lately 
])eeu (li.scovere(l by M. L(^on Diifour ia the Pyrenees. 
-f- All aiiproxiniatiou which appears to ns to result from the orcrans of inauihica- 
tion anil the habits. 
VOE. m. 
(’. G 
