72 
THE ORDER OP COLEOPTERA. 
Gryptobium, Mann., is most readily recognized by its strongly genicu- 
late or elbowed antennae, the first joint being nearly as long as the three 
following ODes united. This character, together with their oblong heads, 
and reddish coloration, give them a resemblance, as we have above re- 
marked, to Xautholiuus, in a former section; and this affinity is in- 
creased by the bilobed labrum which occurs exceptionally in this and 
the following genus. But in Cryptobium the species are usually larger, 
and the antennae longer and more strongly elbowed, in addition to the 
clavate palpi. Pcederus, Grav., is at once recognized by the variegated 
colors as stated in the table. The species are few in number, but oue 
of them, the P. littorarius, Grav., is common and widely distributed, 
being usually found under stones in wet places. The other genera have 
but three or four known species each. Milieus, Latr., is distinguished 
by its head narrowed behind, and the ovoid thorax narrowed in front, 
so that the two parts are united by a mere point, giving to them the 
aspect of small ants. Palaminus testaceus, Erichs., not quite two-tenths 
of an inch in length, and of a pale yellow color, is not uncommon. They 
attract attention by their very sleuder shape and their vermicular or 
suake-like motions. 
Sub family STEXIDES. 
This sub-family is composed almost wholly of the genus Stenus of La- 
treille, a word meaning narrow, and expressive of their slender form. 
The species are less than a quarter of an inch in length, of a grayish- 
black color, and are at once distinguished from all other Staphylinidai 
by their large portuberant eyes, which cause the head to be considerably 
wider than the thorax. The antenna; are small and widened at the tips ; 
the maxillary palpi long and club-shaped, with their first joint unusually 
elongated ; and the ligula or tongue is capable of being remarkably ex- 
tended. The species are usually found running on mud, or in other wet 
situations. About two dozen species are enumerated in Dr. Leconte’s 
catalogue — closely resembling each other and distinguished chiefly by 
the sculpture of tlifl surface. The 8. colon, Say, is distinguished by a 
yellow semilunar spot on the middle of each elytrou. 
Sub-family ALEOCHARIEES. 
This sub family contains a numerous assemblage of small, or very 
small species, rarely attaining a quarter of an inch in length, and often 
being less than half that length, and ordinarily of obscure black or 
brownish colors. Their distinguishing characters are sufficiently stated 
in the table under the letters B B and F. The antennae are short, rather 
robust, usually a little thickened at the end, and are inserted upon the 
front at the inner margin of the eyes. Their habits are various, some 
being found under stones or fallen leaves, some iu the fungi ou trees, 
