314 
LE CONTE.—LONGICORN COLEOPTERA 
Having now laid the ground work of a classification, we may proceed to investigate 
the relations existing between the different groups which have thus been obtained. 
The Lamia* meet the Ceramhyci in several points, Dorcadion tending towards 
Clytus, while Saperda unites with Necydalis; some tropical forms tend towards 
Doi'cacerus. 
The Prioni meet the Ceramhyci in two points. Pyrodes approaches Megaderus and 
Tragosoma, Asemum : they then lead to the Lamellicornia in Lucanus. The Leptura 
branch of the Ceramhyci is related to the PhijtopJiaga by Acmceops, which approaches 
Donacia. Piodes is a very anomalous form which seems closely allied to the Prioni, 
but I am inclined to believe it more nearly related to Megamerus Kingii, (McLeay) 
among the Phylophaga, which is said to have the same coriaceous structure as the 
Prionus and Piodes. On the other side, this branch is closely connected with the 
Ceramhyci by Necydalis, so that no character can be used to separate them, excepting 
the conical coxae. The Spondylns branch is related to the typical Ceramhyci, through 
Asemum and Callidium: this form attains its highest development in Hypocephalus, 
which is another isolated form connected only with the contents of its own group. 
The very peculiar appearance of the Spondylidoe might lead many to consider it as 
of equal value with that which is observed in the Lamia or Prioni, separating them 
by their short and robust legs, with dilated and dentated anterior tibiae. Now, 
although these species differ in this respect from the typical Ceramhyci, yet on 
comparing several together, great differences are found in these same organs. 
Hypocephalus has only a few large teeth on the tibiae, Spondylis huprestoides a fine 
serration, while Scaphinus {Prionusmuticus, Fabr., Spondylis spharicollis, Lee.) has a 
large expansion at the end of each tibia. The antennae of Spondylis are at the base 
of the mandibles as in Prionus, but on examining the Callidia a gradual transition 
will be found between this position and the one assumed in the typical Ceramhyci. 
The relations ju.st pointed out, as far as they can be exhibited on a plane surface, are 
shown in the following diagram. 
•Tins group is to be considered as the highest form of the Longicorn beetles; since with perfection of 
organisation, it is entirely free from all complicated relations. Its affinities are only with other Longicornia, and 
with only one section of them ; and this isolation must always be a property of the highest division of any group, 
no matter what its extent may be, since the highest form is that in which some typical idea attains its maximum 
of development. We find in every group a highest form, in which, to use a physical symbol, the branch 
terminates, and in every case the comparative value of this branch may bo ascertained by tracing its connection 
with others; that which soonest assumes a distinct form will bo the highest. 
