133 
NATURAL HISTORY OF 
MORMOLYCE PHYLLODES. 
PLATE III. Fig. 5. 
lfagenlacli , Novum Coleap. Genus. — Dejean , Spec. Gen. t. v. 
part ii. p. 714* — Latreillt , Regne Anim. t. iv. p. 400. 
This insect is so peculiar in its form and structure, 
that it is difficult to determine what place it ought 
to occupy in a systematic arrangement. It posses- 
ses little in common with the genera associated with 
it by the continental naturalists, except the elon- 
gation of the third joint of the antennae. In its flat 
and dilated elytra, it bears considerable resemblance 
to certain neuropterous species of the genus mantis , 
which are remarkable for their likeness to the with- 
ered leaves of trees. It is this circumstance that 
has suggested the above specific name, which is ex- 
pressive of resemblance to a leaf. The head and 
thorax are narrow and elongated, and the latter has 
a dilated portion on each side which is scolloped on 
the outer edge. The abdomen is likewise rather 
narrow, and the portion of the elytra which covers 
it is somewdiat convex, reticulated, and marked 
with a double series of rather large impressions ; 
the portion of the elytra projecting beyond the ab- 
domen is very broad and flat, and is somewhat 
waved on the surface. The tibise are crooked, and 
the anterior pair have a deep notch near the apex. 
The general colour of the insect is blackish brown, 
