DiS MANDIBULATA. — COLEOPTERA. 



eye of the naturalist the mass or volume of an object is a matter of 

 little consequence. The wisdom of the Creator never appears 

 with more effect than in the structure of those minute beings, which 

 seem to conceal themselves from observation ; and Almighty Power 

 is never more strikingly exhibited than in the concentration of 

 organs in such an atom. In giving life to this atom, and con- 

 structing in dimensions so minute so many organs susceptible of 

 different sensations, my admiration of the Supreme Intelligence 

 is much more heightened than by the contemplation of the structure 

 of the most gigantic animals. 1 ' And unenvied must be the mind of 

 him who can contemplate such wonders, and reflect upon the pro- 

 digious numbers of created beings which enliven the face of the 

 globe, at least a quarter of a million distinct species, each of which is 

 endowed with its own peculiar instincts, feelings, and propensities, 

 without being excited to meditate upon their First Great Cause ! 

 From Trichopteryx, and in fact from all the remaining genera of 

 this family, the minute tenth joint of the antenna?, the central one 

 of the club, at once separates it, exclusively of its other characters : 

 the species are all exceedingly minute, and appear to be unknown 

 to the continental entomologists. 



Sp. 1. punctula. Suboblongo-ovata, nigra nitida, subpubescens, obsoletissime 



punctulata, antennis pedibusque pallidis. (Long. corp. \ lin.) 

 At. punctula. Steph. Catal. 83. No. 889. 



Somewhat elongate-ovate, shining black, slightly pubescent, and very obsoletely 

 punctulate ; with the antenna and legs very pale. 



The very minute size of this species, coupled with its deep glossy colours and 

 pale legs, distinguish it from its congeners ; the following is the only one re- 

 sembling it in bulk ; but that insect is of a paler hue above and smaller. 



Taken near London, and I believe in Cambridgeshire. 



Sp. 2. minutissima. Ovata, nigro-fusca, tenue pubescens, punctulata, elytris 

 dilutioribus, antennis pedibusque ochraceo-pallidis. (Long. corp. £ lin.) 



At. minutissima. Kirby MS.— Steph. Catal. 83. No. 890. 



Rather less than the preceding: ovate, fuscous-black, very slightly pubescent, 

 the elytra rather paler or reddish-brown. 



Differs from the foregoing in its more ovate form, paler hue, and smaller size. 



Found near London, in Norfolk, Bristol, &c. 



Sp. 3. perpusilla. Suboblongo-ovata, atra, nitida, elytris postice piceis, antennis 



testaceis, pedihus piceis. (Long. corp. ^ lin.) 

 De. perpusilla. Marsham. — At. perpusilla. Steph. Catal. 83. No. 891. 



