47 



mouthpart character states are similar to those of Diphyllostomatidae, but Pleocomidae 

 share more derived character states with Geotrupidae (d"Hotman & Scholtz 1990b; Nel & 

 Scholtz 1990: Scholtz 1990). Analysis of hind wing articulation and wing base characters 

 indicates that Pleocomidae are the sister group of Bolboceratidae (Browne & Scholtz 

 1995). 



Geotrupidae 



Introduction 



The Geotrupidae are a large widespread family which comprises three subfamilies: 

 Geotrupinae. Lethrinae and Taurocerastinae (Frickius and Taurocerastes). The wingless 

 Lethrinae were not examined here. 



Hind Wing Articulation Description 



First Axillary (Fig.73) 



Head - Dorsal surface normal size: convex. Antero-dorsal margin oriented moderately 

 postero-distad: normal width: weakly deplanate. Antero-proximal margin very strongly 

 enlarged ventrally. Postero-proximal margin weakly enlarged proximally. FSc2 base 

 normal width. Apex oriented postero-distad: moderately narrow. Anterior surface broad; 

 very long: not waisted medially. FSc] very weak: slender: fused to the proximal margin 

 of the ventrad projection. Dorsal and ventral surfaces convex. Apex acute. Ventral 

 projection tapers from base to apex: short but of average width; deeply concave; oriented 

 disto-ventrad and curved posteriad. Dorsal surface concave. Ventral surface convex. Apex 

 narrow but truncate. Concavity located in the preapical area; surrounded by three unequally 

 strong ridges. Distal embayment oriented dorsad; narrow. FSc2 oriented strongly dorsad 

 and weakly distad; deltoid: very convex: broad. Dorsal surface convex. Ventral surface 

 convex. Apex narrowly truncate. Dorsal margin not enlarged. Head and neck dorsal surface 

 strongly curved proximad. 



Neck normal width and length; weakly oriented antero-distad: broadly articulated with 

 2 Ax; continuous with tail. Proximal margin moderately curved ventrad. Distal margin 

 sinuate. Distal embayment very weakly concave; narrow. 



Tail - Dorsal view: Proximal arch normal size: not extended posteriad and only very 

 weakly so proximad: straight. Dorsal surface weakly concave. Antero-proximal margin 

 convex. Postero-proximal margin straight. Articulation with PRR strong along the entire 

 length of the proximal arch: strong: long but narrow: weakly recurved. Antero-dorsal 

 surface concave. Postero-dorsal surface weakly concave. Posterior margin straight. Distal 

 arch normal size: weakly extended posteriad. Apex very weakly curved ventrad and 

 posteriad; aciculate. Distal margin straight. - Ventral view: Proximal arch with a broad 

 ridge. Posterior margin with a prominent but narrow ridge. Distal arch with a slender ridge. 



Second Axillar}' (Fig. 74) 



Radial Fulcalare weakly sclerotized; slender. 



