NEMOGNATHA. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Antennae longer than the thorax, with the first 

 and third joints nearly equal, the second a little 

 shorter, terminal one fusiform, abruptly termi- 

 nated by a short point; palpi filiform; maxillae 

 very much elongated, filiform, curved ; elytra 

 elongate, linear ; tarsi with entire joints. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



This genus was formed by Illiger for the re- 

 ception of such species of the Linnaean genus 

 Meloe, as are distinguished by the remarkable 

 and striking character of elongated maxillae. 

 Fabricius included them in his genus Zonitis. 

 The maxillae of these insects have the closest 

 analogy with the spiral trunk of the Lepidop- 

 tera, and every point of comparison induces the 

 supposition that this organ is applied to the same 

 uses. The species are found on flowers. 



PLATE VII. 



