390 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 
onidz in the Jekelian system. It appears therefore that this pe- 
culiarity of structure is of much more importance than was 
supposed by Dr. Horn, and that it must in reality be the defining 
character for the division of the Rhynchophora into primary series, - 
of more than family value. I therefore prepared a series of dis- 
sections of each of the well recognized Rhynchophorous types within 
my reach, and have come to the conclusion that they may be ar- 
ranged in three sets, each of which has a corresponding value to 
the individual series of normal Coleoptera (e.g. Adephaga, Clavi- 
cornia, Lamellicornia, etc.) ; and upon subordinate characters 
(some of which have been already employed in the classifications 
above mentioned, though in an empirical manner) into families a8 
follows. i ! 
SERIES 1. HAPLOGASTRA. 
Abdomen alike in both sexes; dorsal segments 7, coriaceous, 
with the exception of the 7th which forms the pygidium, and 
which is small and corneous ; ventral segments not prolonged up- 
wards into a sharp edge; elytra without lateral fold on the inner 
surface, epipleure usually distinct, antenns straight, 11-jointed. 
ngues usually bifid or toothed, rarely (Rhinomacer) simple; 
Front cox conical, prominent, prosternum very short in front of 
the coxe. The beak varies in length and thickness, but not ac 
cording to sex, so far as I know: the front cox are contiguous, 
except in one genus of Rhynchitide (Pterocolus); the ventral 
sutures of the abdomen are straight. The mandibles and a 
vary in form, and furnish convenient characters for division into 
families :— 
A. Ventral segments nearly equal in length; epipleural indistinct; er 
spurs small; claws simple (always ?). Mandibles simple, flat; 18 
ee 
B. Ventral segments diminishing in length; epipleure distinct; 14 
wanting; claws bifid, or appendiculate 
Mandibles flat, toothed on each side; tibial spurs small 
RHYNCHITDÆ. 
Mandibles stout, pincer shaped, tibial spurs large ATTELABIDE: 
The affinities of this series are in an ascending direction with 
the rostrated Heteromera (Oedemeride and Pythidæ) ; this et 
dicated by the softer tissues in Rhinomaceridæ, and certain Boy 
chitidæ, and also by the presence of a labrum in the forme a 
a descending direction the Attelabide lead to the true Curculionid®, - 
