38 
INSECTA SAUNDERSIANA. 
have been described, distributed by Sehonherr in nearly 30 genera: they, 
like the Cerambycidae and Prionidae, vary so much in generic forms, each 
containing but few species, that, subdivisions being once introduced, it is 
difficult to determine where to stay; therefore I have been compelled to 
establish a proportionally great number of genera for insects which could 
not enter into the groups already formed, as in the actual state of the 
science I could neither unnaturally join them to those groups nor describe 
them doubtingly as species of Anthribus. If we consider that more than 
300 new species exist in the different collections with which I am ac¬ 
quainted, without reckoning the 200 undescribed in my own cabinet, there 
are probably not fewer than 1000 species in the whole of the entomological 
collections, whence the number of genera established will scarcely seem to 
be exaggerated. 
Though not satisfied with the artificial system of Sehonherr, founded 
principally upon the form of the antennal groove and eyes, I provisionally 
group the genera and species according to this classification, intending to 
discuss the natural position of the new genera under their respective 
descriptions. 
Genus PTYCHODERES, Sch. 
Sehonherr placed in the 2nd Stirps of his genus Phlceotragus three 
American species having no other resemblance to his type Phi. Heros , F., 
and his other African species, than the form of the antennal groove, since 
in all their remaining characters they differ much more from them than 
from the Ptychoderi , from which, in a natural (as well as a geographical) 
distribution, they should not be so far removed. On the contrary, I find 
that none of the genera of Anthribidse with which I am acquainted have so 
many affinities with the Ptychoderi as these American species. Never¬ 
theless, my opinion is that the Phlceotragi themselves would be better placed 
near this genus, if we give to the shape of the antennal groove a secondary 
value. Indeed, if we consider this character, we find that in the Ptychoderi 
themselves, as well as in other genera of this family, it varies from the 
most strongly indicated and deep prolongation beneath to the shallowest 
and most obsolete impression. The more I have studied this character 
the more I find it impossible to regard it as of primary value in a natural 
arrangement of the group. I have indeed prepared a new distribution, 
which, not being yet entirely terminated, I propose to publish in the 
‘ Fabricia Entomologica,’ and which, moreover, would not find its place 
