3.")8 REV. H. S. GORHAM ON THE CLASSIFICATION [Apr. 5, 



3. On the Classification of the Coleoptera of the Subfamily 

 Languriides. By the Rev. H. S. Gorham, F.Z.S. &c. 



[EeceiTed March 26, 1887.] 

 Family Erotylid^. 

 Subfamily Languriides. 



While working out the Languriidse of Messrs. Godman and 

 Salvin's collection for the ' Biologia Centrali-Americana,' I have had 

 to examine a great portion of the species and proposed genera in my 

 own and other collections from all parts of the world, with a view to 

 ascertain whether any characters existed by which their classification 

 conld be placed on a natural basis. The genera, and in most cases 

 the subfamilies, which exist in the New World are distinct from tbose 

 of the Old. It was to be supposed « priori that the Lanyurice 

 would not be an exception, yet, as is well known, the species from 

 both regions often bear a very close resemblance, and at first sight 

 might naturally be presumed to belong to the same genera. Mr. 

 Crotch proposed a few genera in his descriptive Catalogue ; but that 

 work was so much hurried that his diagnoses are too short ; they 

 hardly amount to more than the indication of what, with his true 

 entomological instinct, be saw would prove the types of new genera. 

 Nevertheless, a close examination of the species enables me to state 

 that these genera are, in most cases at least, well founded, but that 

 other and greater combination of characters are needed for their 

 proper definition. At the same time I find tbat many more genera 

 must be made if we are to treat this group as the progress of biolo- 

 gical science requires, and to express the affinities and differences of 

 the minor groups into which it can be subdivided by a binomial 

 nomenclature. 



In order to make certain of the position of the group, I have dis- 

 sected a considerable number, and considered the structure of the 

 various parts of the body in comparison with those of the Erotylidse, 

 Phytophaga, and various Clavicorn Coleoptera; and I come to the con- 

 clusion that they can nowhere be better placed than as a suljfamily of 

 the ErotylidfE. Dr. Sharp, at my request, made a careful dissection 

 of one of the largest species, and he has pointed out to me that the 

 statement of M. Chapuis in the ' Genera des Coleopteres' (although I 

 do not know if he is responsible for it), that the metathoracic episterna 

 and epimera are without apparent distinction, is incorrect ; these 

 stiuctural plates of the pleurae are quite apparent, though not to be 

 easily seen, and only as small points, until the elytra are removed and 

 the side exposed. The epimera will then be found in close proximity 

 with, and lying above, the episterna, but rather more dorsal in 

 position, and nearly or quite covered by the elytral epipleurae. 

 Lacordaire did not include tbe Langiirice in the Monograph of the 

 Eiotylides ; but any one who will read bis general remarks will see 

 that he was not of MacLeay's opinion, that these insects had any 



