INTRODUCTION. 



99 



been used in separating species. The pronotum is usually 

 broader than long, with the surface more or less convex; a trans- 

 verse depression anterior to the basal margin, bounded on each 

 side by a short longitudinal impression (see fig. 88), has classifiea- 

 tory value. In the genus Liprus, Motsch., the prothorax is 

 greatly constricted behind (see fig. 49), its shape recalling that of 

 the genus Lema, F., belonging to the subfamily ChjoceriNjE of 

 Chrysomelidje. The anterior lateral angles are often thickened, 

 each bearing a fine seta, and are sometimes slightly expanded and 

 sometimes obliquely truncate. Jn a great number of cases the 

 posterior lateral angles also are provided each with a fine seta (see 

 figs. 120, 12ei). The scutellum is small but always visible, triangular 

 or ovate in shape and not very variable. The elytra are never 

 short or reduced, as occurs in some Galeliucin^ ; they may be 



Fig. 35. — Profile outline of. a, Hi/phasoma suhmetallica, Jac. ; 

 b, Orthaeu viridijjennis, J ac. 



parallel-sided, with the apex rounded or pointed ; sometimes 

 they are strongly convex, and the degree of convexity may be 

 taken advantage of in separating genera; their surface is often 

 confusedly punctate, and in many genera the punctures are 

 arranged in longitudinal' rows or striae ; the interstices are smooth 

 and the surface never tubereulate or rough. In most HalticinyH 

 the hind ivings are present under the elytra; their absence is 

 exceptional, and in no genus known from British India has the 

 wingless condition yet been noticed. 



The underside in this subfamily offers many characters which 

 are useful for comparative study, and hence have been frequently 

 used in determining relationships, The episternum generally 

 assumes a quadrangular form, being broader than long and 

 delimiting the anterior edge of the front coxal cavity ; this 

 character is employed in doubtful cases to differentiate between 



h2 



