150 



INTRODUCTION. 



The BupriESTiDiE are very widely distributed, but are very 

 scarce in temperate climates, and all the large and more brilliant 

 forms are confined to the hottest tropical countries. They are 

 slow on their feet, but extremely active on the wing, and either 

 fly off or drop into the herbage beneath instantaneously, on the 

 slightest approach of danger. 



The chief authority on the group is M. Kerremans, who has done 

 much valuable work during the past few years. The following is 

 the classification of the family which he adopts (Wytsman's 

 " Genera Insectorum ") ; it is almost entirely based on Lacordaire's 

 more detailed and less concise classification (Gen. Coleopt. 

 iv, pp. 10-89). 



I. Median coxal cavity formed entirely by the 



meso.ternum (except in certain South 

 African species of Julodis and Ambly sterna). 



1. Antenna! pores scattered over the two faces 



of the serrate joints *. 



i. Posterior coxae slightly dilated on their 



inner side, their posterior margin trans- 

 verse and slightly sinuate ; scutellum 

 invisible ; antennal pores hidden by silky 

 pubescence JuLODiNiE. 



ii. Posterior coxae distinctly dilated on their 



inner side, their posterior margin oblique ; 



antennal pores bare THRiNCOPYGiNiE. 



2. Antennal pores concentrated in a depression 



or fovea on the serrate joints. 



i. Lateral pieces of the metathorax narrow . Polycestinjs. 



ii. Lateral pieces of the metathorax very 



broad ScmzopiNiE. 



II. Median coxal cavity formed laterally by the 



mesosternum and at its posterior part by the 

 metasternum. 

 i. Lateral pieces of the mesosternum elongate 

 (except in Belionota). 



1. Antennal pores scattered over the two 



faces of the serrate joints. 



A. Scutellum invisible CHRYSOCHROiNiE. 



B. Scutellum visible Chalcophorin^. 



2. Antennal pores concentrated in a depres- 



sion or fovea on the serrate joints. 

 A. Front not narrowed at the insertion of 

 the antennae ; eyes not very close 

 together, sometimes distant on the 

 vertex. 



a. Scutellum broad and acuminate be- 

 hind ; mentum large, triangular ; 

 poriferous foveas terminal Sphenopterinje. 



* They are also presenr, at any rate in many cases, on the basal cylindrical 

 joints as well. 



