SNOUT-BEETLES OR WEEVILS. 
133 
cult of application. We have therefore followed the more popular class- 
ification of Latreille and Schcenherr, so far as respects this primary 
division. 
Section 1. Brevirostres. Rostrum short and broad, never much longer 
than the head ; scrobes extending to the end of the rostrum, and the an- 
tenna) inserted at or near their extremities. Anterior coxa) contiguous. 
Elytra covering the whole of the abdomen. 
Section 2. Longirostres. Rostrum usually much longer than the 
head, narrow and cylindrical ; scobes very rarely reaching the end of 
the rostrum, and the antenna) usually iuserted at a greater or less dis- 
tance from its extremity, generally near the middle, and sometimes at 
its base.J Coxa) and elytra various. 
The Longirostres, which are much the most numerous, are divided by 
Lacordaire, into two sub-sections accordingly as the anterior coxa) 
touch each other, or stand more or less apart. The former he names 
Syntnerides, meaning thighs contiguous ; and the latter Apostasimerides, 
(which we have contracted to Apomerides ), meaning thighs separate. 
The word scrobc, used in describing the Curculiouidte, is the name 
given to the channel on each side of the rostrum for the reception of the 
antenna). The term occular lobes refers to the form of the anterior and 
lateral margins of the thorax, which, in this case, curve forwards so as 
to touch or partly cover the eyes. Scape is the same as pedicel, and is 
the name of the elongated first joint of the antennae. The rostral canal 
is the name of the groove in the prosternum of some species for the re- 
ception of the rostrum when it is bent under the breast in repose. 
It is necessary to bear in mind that as the CurculionidiB are, for tlie 
most part, small insects when compared with the Coleoptera in general, 
the terms large and small, when applied to particular groups or spe- 
cies, have a modified significance. A curculio half an inch or upwards 
in length, is comparatively large ; one a quarter of an inch, is medium ; 
and one an eighth of an inch or less, is small or very small. 
The following tables exhibit the principal groups or sub-families into 
which this extensive family has been divided : 
Section 1. Brevirostres. 
A. Antenna straight; eyes round ITHYCEltlDES. 
A A. Antenna) slightly elbowed; eyes oblong, narrowed interiorly. .CLEON IDES. 
A A A. Antenme strongly elbowed. 
B. Eyes large, depressed, transverse, pointed at the lower extremity. Prothorax 
with ocular lobes; scrobes directed inferiorly LEPTOPSIDES. 
B 11. Eyes round or oval. 
D. Protliorax without ocular lobes; eyes generally moderate — sometimes 
round, sometimes oval. 
