The classification of the rhynchophorous Coleoptera

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HELD AT PHILADELPHIA 2

PROMOTING USEFUL KNOWLEDGE

Wolke evin
DECEMBER 1876.

No. 96.

OVA Mina

PHILADELPHIA: Dry yay
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY
BY M’CALLA & STAVELY.

1876.

THE CLASSIFICATION

OF THE,

RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.*

BY

JOHN L. LECONTE,. M.D.

[Reprinted from the AMERICAN NATURALIST for July, 1874.]

At the meeting of the Academy held in Washington, Jan.,
1867, I had the honor to offer some remarkst+ upon the system-
atic value of the great complex of Coleopterous insects known
as Rhynchophora.

It was my intention, as then stated, to follow the memoir just
mentioned with another, in which the classification of the Rhyn-
chophora and separation into families should be discussed, in the
hope of developing a more satisfactory system of arrangement
than had been thus far obtained.

Circumstances have prevented me from following this par-
ticular line of investigation to a definite result, until within a
short time, though it has frequently occupied my attention for
brief intervals. The time, however, has not been altogether
lost, for I found that, with each return to the investigation, I
obtained an additional, though small insight into the constitution
of this complex, which has been the subject of repeated efforts
by the most laborious and successful students of entomology in
Europe.

* Read before the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, April 21, 1874.
t Am. Jour. Science and Arts, xliv, July, 1867.
(385)

886 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

The bases of the classification of the Rhy nchophora which
have been proposed are briefly these:

I. Schonherr* treated the great mass of iene insects (exclu-
ding only the Scolytidz), as constituting a single family, divi-
ded as follows : —

A. Antenne not geniculate; antennal grooves wanting ; ORTHOCERI.
Bruchides, Anthribides, Camarotides, Attelabides, Rhinomacerides,
Ithycerides, Apionides, Rhamphides, Brenthides, Cylades, Ulocer-
ides, Oxyrhynchides.

B. Antenne geniculate; grooves almost always distinct; GONATOCERI.

a. Rostrum short, deformed, antennz subterminal ;

Brachyrhynchi.
* Antennal grooves extending below the eyes; Brachycerides, Enti-
mides, Pachyrhynchides, Brachyderides, Cleonides, Molytides,
Byrsopides (the last with the rostrum received in aprosternal exca-
vation),
** Antennal grooves directed towards the eye;
Phyllobiides, Cyclomides, Otiorhynchides.

b. Beak cylindrical, slender, antenne inserted far behind the tip:
Erirhinides, Cholides, Cryptorhynchides, Cionides, Rhynch-
ophorides, Conoderides, Cossonides, Dryophthorides.

Mecorhynchi.

In the gradual progress of the work this last legion, the Meco-
rhynchi, were divided into Synmerides, having the front cox
contiguous, and Apostasimerides, having them distant.

The distinctions between the tribes above mentioned were
founded mostly on insignificant and evanescent modifications in
the form of the beak and antenne; so that with the immense
mass of genera and species described, it became quite impossible
to determine either from the work itself.

II. Although the faults found with this artificial system were
neither few nor vaguely expressed, yet it was not until the prog-
ress (1863) of his admirable work on the Genera of Coleoptera
by my deceased friend Prof. Lacordaire required this immense
labor to be done over again, that any attempt was made at a new
arrangement; the system of Lacordaire was essentially this :

The series was divided into six families ; Curculionide, Bruchi-
dee, Anthribide, Brenthidz, Uloceride and Scolytide. Of these
the Bruchidz were recognized as having scarcely any relations

* Genera et Species Curculionidum, Paris, 1833-1844.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 387

with the other families, and pertaining rather to the Chrysomel-
ids, with which they have since been associated by most authors.

The Bruchide and Anthribide were characterized by having a
distinct labrum; the Scolytidse by the compressed and dentate
tibize, while the Brenthidz were separated rather by form than
by any distinct structural character.

The Curculionidz were then divided according to the size of
the mentum, into ‘

I. Mentum closing the buccal space, and concealing the maxille
ADELOGNATHI.
Eyes rounded, prothoracic lobes indistinct, . . Cyclophthalmes.
Eyes large, depressed, transverse, narrowed below, prothoracic lobes
well marked, Siar Yee ee te Oxyophthalmes.
II. Mentum smaller, maxille visible . . . . . . PHANEROGNATHI.
A. Front cox contiguous or nearly so, . . . _ Synmerides.
a. Pygidium covered by the elytra; claws not appendiculate.
Metasternum short; episterna narrow;
Gular peduncle wanting:
Gular peduncle distinct:
Metasternum long; episterna rather wide:
Antenne geniculate:
Antenne straight.
>. Pygidium exposed, or claws appendiculate :
Ventral segments not angulated at the sides:

os s¢ angulated :
B. Front cox separated by the prosternum, which is frequently
channelled for the reception of the beak, . <Apostasimerides.

a. Oral organs normal. Club of antenne annulated; 3d
joint of tarsi bilobed.
Mesothoracic epimera not ascending:
&e ce ascending. ~
b. Oral organs abnormal; Ist joint of antennal club usually
very large, corneous, 3d joint of tarsi rarely bilobed.
Pygidium exposed.
$s covered by elytra.

Each of these divisions contains several tribes differentiated
by characters of smaller importance, and not unfrequently in-
definite.

Ill. The next attempt at a general classification was made by
Mr. H. Jekel.* This excellent author recognized with great
clearness, and defined with tolerable precision, the following eight

* Annales Ent. Soc. France, 1864, p. 537. Ins. Saundersiana, 155 sqq., 1860.

388 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

principal types among the Rhynchophora: Bruchides, Anthri-
bides, Attelabides, Cureculionides, Calandrides, Cossonides, Sco-
lytides and Brenthides. The last cited memoir is occupied chiefly
with a further development of the classification of the largest of
these, the Curculionides proper, and in it he proceeds to separate
as sub-families* Brachycerides, Byrsopides and Amycterides,
epigeal forms in which the tarsi are not dilated, and not furnished
with brush-like hairs beneath. Having thus isolated them the
great mass remaining is divided into

Body dissimilar in form #, 2, narrowering ... . PLATYGNES.
Béak similar in both sexes 2). 4. we Ss Honorhines.
BRAK CISSTUMUAT OV Ie tel Goats, etl ee eletel ole beer sitaln Heterorhines.

Body nearly or quite of the same form ¢ 2:

Pygidium covered by the elytra, body pollinose or pubescent

IsoGYNES.
Pygidium exposed or covered; body squamose, etc. METRIOGYNES.
PYLON COVEFEMs 62) s— F.50 ow eat ste ta Nery waste Cryptopyges.
IBV CGI EXPOSEM Wael. oy anes n as! Ponies Gymnopyges.

The principal types contained in each of these three grand
divisions are then characterized in a very clear manner; but for
a proper understanding of this system, a vast improvement on
all that preceded, the reader must refer to the original memoir. |
In developing the arrangement of the tribes represented in our
fauna, I shall be largely indebted to the views expressed in this
most valuable memoir of Mr. Jekel.

There remain to be mentioned two faunal contributions to the
history of this subject:

1. A series of remarks by Mr. Suffrian,f in which the German
species of several genera, not before carefully studied, are more
fully elucidated, and various criticisms upon Schonherr’s system
made.{ ‘The necessity of a more careful study of the tibiz and
tarsi, almost neglected by Schonherr is insisted on, and an arrange-
ment of the German genera in groups upon these characters is
given.

2. That most admirable work of Prof. C. G. Thomson,$ to

* Mr. Jekel gives to the anomalous groups this subordinate position, rather, as he
says “pour ne pas heurter les idées généralement admises,” than in accordance with
his own views, which would lead him to regard them as I haye done, as genuine
families.

+ Bermerkungen iiber einige deutsche Riisselkifer: Stettin, Ent. Zeitsch. i-ix.

t See specially op. cit., 1847, 157.

§ Skandinaviens Coleoptera, vii, Lund, 1865.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 389

which no entomologist ever refers without finding original ma-
terial by which he can profit; a remarkable instance of the good
results to be obtained by a careful and intelligent study of a very
limited fauna. The Rhynchophorous series is divided as follows:

Segments of the abdomen immovable, 2d and 3d nearly equal
IsOTOMA.
Bruchide, Anthribide (including Urodon), Rhinomaceride, Atte-
labide.
Abdomen with the Ist and 2d segments connate, the remaining three
movable, the 2d usually much longer than the 8d . ANISOTOMA.
Apionidz, Curculionide, Cossonide (including Calandra), Tomicide.

From a survey of the different schemes of arrangement which
have been thus briefly reviewed, it is evident that while the prin-
cipal types of the Rhynchophorous series, and the main divisions

of the great family Curculionide have been clearly perceived, the

attempts to define these important forms have failed in a greater
or less degree, on account of the want of proper subordination in
the characters made use of: all of them natural, all of them im-
portant, though in a less degree than supposed by the expounder
of each particular system.

To supplement the memoirs above referred to, there came in
more recent times the beginning of a systematic study of our
species of Curculionidee by Dr. George H. Horn, a careful and con-
scientious study of the Calandridz and Cossonidz and of some
Mecorhynch genera of the United States.* In the introductory
remarks he observes :-—

‘‘One character is mentioned in the following pages that ap-
pears to have escaped notice. In most if not all of the genera of
Mecorhynques, the males have eight and the females seven dorsal
abdominal segments. The Calandrides and Cossonides appear not
to possess this character, as also all the Brachyrhynques which I
have had time to examine.”

The value of this original observation of Dr. Horn is very great,
but the limitation which he has placed upon it, though correct as
regards the Calandride and Cossonide types, is erroneous as regards
the Brachyrhynes, which have the abdominal sexual characters
precisely as in the genera in which he first observed them. So too
have the Brenthidee, and all the anomalous sub-families of Cureuli-

* Contributions to a Knowledge of the Curculionide of the United States. Proc.
Am. Philosophical Soc. 1873, 407.

390 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

onide in the Jekelian system. It appears therefore that this pe-
culiarity of structure is of much more importance than was
supposed by Dr. Horn, and that it must in reality be the defining
character for the division of the Rhynchophora into primary series,
of more than family value. I therefore prepared a series of dis-
sections of each of the well recognized Rhynchophorous types within
my reach, and have come to the conclusion that they may be ar-
ranged in three sets, each of which has a corresponding value to
the individual series of normal Coleoptera (e.g., Adephaga, Clavi-
cornia, Lamellicornia, etc.) ; and upon subordinate characters
(some of which have been already employed in the classifications
above mentioned, though in an empirical manner) into families as
follows.
Series I. HAPLOGASTRA.

Abdomen alike in both sexes; dorsal segments 7, coriaceous,
with the exception of the 7th which forms the pygidium, and
which is small and corneous; ventral segments not prolonged up-
wards into a sharp edge; elytra without lateral fold on the inner
surface, epipleurz usually distinct, antenne straight, 11-jointed.
Ungues usually bifid or toothed, rarely (Rhinomacer) simple ;
‘Front, coxz conical, prominent, prosternum very short in front of
the coxee. The beak varies in length and thickness, but not ac-
cording to sex, so far as I know: the front coxe are contiguous,
except in one genus of Rhynchitidze (Pterocolus) ; the ventral
sutures of the abdomen are straight. The mandibles and tibize
vary in form, and furnish convenient characters for division into
families : —

A. Ventral segments nearly equal in length; epipleural indistinct; tibial
spurs small; claws simple So ?). Mandibles simple, flat; lab-
rum distinct Sawer eae - « ». « RHINOMACERIDA.

B. Ventral segments diminishing in agin epipleurz distinct; labrum
wanting; claws bifid, or appendiculate

Mandibles flat, toothed on each side; tibial spurs small

; RHYNCHITIDA.
Mandibles stout, pincer shaped, tibial spurs large ATTELABID 4.

The affinities of this series are in an ascending direction with
the rostrated Heteromera (Oedemeridz and Pythide) ; this is in-
dicated by the softer tissues in Rhinomaceride, and certain Rhyn-
chitidze, and also by the presence of a labrum in the former. In
a descending direction the Attelabidee lead to the true Curculionide,

.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 391

and the Rhynchitide to the Belidees the last family in the third
series of Rhynchophora.

The habits of the species of this series are peculiar, and quite
different from those of the next series, and indicate as is wisely
observed by Lacordaire,* for the care of their progeny, an industry
which appears here for the first time in the family. I cannot de-
scribe the results of this instinctive or intelligent industry better
than by condensing the account of the author just cited, referable
however to European species.

1. Rhinomaceridze. The European species deposits the eggs
in the male flowers of Pinus maritimus, the development of which

is thus prevented. I may be allowed to observe that this synthetic

genus, the nearest approach in the Rhynchophora to the lower
Heteromera, and therefore the representative of old forms, clings
to an old and synthetic type of vegetation.

2. Rhynchitidz. Some of the species of Rhynchites roll leaves
in the manner of the next family. Others deposit their eggs in
young fruit, the kernel of which is eaten by the larva; others again
place the eggs in the undeveloped buds of trees, which are thus
destroyed.

3. Attelabidz. In the spring the females roll up the leaves of
trees, and deposit in each an egg. After emerging from the egg
the young larve eat the inside layer of the case which covers them,
which they probably leave at a later period, when their growth is
complete, to perfect their metamorphosis under ground.

These three families are of small extent, and but little need be
said regarding their classification.

RHINOMACERIDZE.

This family is represented in our fauna by two species, one on
each slope of the continent, and is easily recognized by the de-
pressed, curved and acute mandibles, and distinct labrum. The
pygidium is covered by the elytra, which are punctured without
any appearance of striz. On the inner face there is no trace of
a lateral fold: the epipleure are indistinct.

ATTELABID.

Four species of Attelabus on the Atlantic slope are the only
representatives thus far known in our fauna. The beak is stouter

*Gen. Col. vi, 543.

392 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

than in the preceding famHy, and the mandibles thicker and
stronger. The epipleurz are quite distinct, and there is no trace
of a lateral fold on the inner face of the elytra. The pygidium
is not covered by the elytra, and is impressed along its upper
margin for the reception of the apical edge of the elytra.* The
tibiz are armed with large spurs.

RHYNCHITIDZ.

The peculiar form of the mandibles requires the separation of
these genera as a distinct family. The teeth on the inner side are
well developed as usual, but in addition, the apex is prolonged out-
wards into an acute process, behind which is another large tooth. +

The front coxe, are usually contiguous, large and conical, in one
genus (Pterocolus) widely separated. The pygidium is either ex-
posed (Rhynchites, Pterocolus) or covered by the elytra (Eugnamp-
tus, Auletes). The epipleure are narrow, but distinct, and on the
inner face of the elytra remote from the margin may be seen a
short straight fold, the homologue of the well defined fold which
limits the lateral groove for the reception of the side margin of the
ventral segments observed in all the following families.

Series II. ALLOGASTRA.

Abdomen dissimilar in the two sexes; dorsal segments 1-6
coriaceous or membranous, 7th large, corneous, undivided in ¢,
divided into two in #; ventral segments prolonged upwards
forming a sharp edge, fitting into a corresponding groove on the
inner face of the elytra, which are without epipleuree.

The beak and oral organs vary greatly in form, as do also the

antenna, the tarsi, the ungues, and the position of the cox; the

1st and 2d ventral segments are most frequently connate, and the

3d is always shorter than the 2d; the 5th is longer than the 4th.
The following families seem to be indicated by the material I

have examined :—

A. Antenne with a solid annulated club:

a. Tarsi narrow: -
Gular margin very prominent; mentum retracted; ‘

* Compare in this relation the curious notch in the front part of the pygidium of
Anthribide, for the reception of the sutural angles of the elytra.

7 This character was first observed by Thomson, who observes (Sk. Col. vii, 28)
concerning his tribe Rhynchitina, ‘“‘mandibule depresse, extus excisz, intus dentate.”

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 3893

Prosternum not excavated; . ... . AMYCTERIDZ.
IIOStEIMUMEXCaVvated's Sour 12. 3 BYRSOPID#.
Gular margin not prominent, mentum large, concealing the
mandibles, which are not scarred at tip BRACHYCERID&.

b. Tarsi dilated, usually with a brush of hair beneath :
Mandibles with deciduous tip, leavinga scar OvTilioRHYNCHID&.
Mandibles simple, usually pincer-shaped. . CURCULIONID2&.
B. Antenne with 11 separate joints. ; : : BRENTHID&.

Concerning Amycteridz and Brachyceridze, but little need be
said. They are very peculiar and easily recognized forms, not
represented in our fauna.

The first is Australian; the antenne are slender, and genicu-
lated ; the beak short and stout, deeply emarginate at tip, alike in
both sexes ; the buccal opening is very large, and the cavity is filled
almost completely by the mandibles, which are convex, hairy on the
greater part of the front surface, deflexed, deeply concave beneath ;
the gular margin is thickened and prominent, so that a deep cavity
is seen between the gula and the mandibles, in which the mentum
and oral organs are concealed from view ; the eyes are small and
nearly round in some, narrowed beneath in others. The front
cox are contiguous, the prosternum very short; the elytra are
connate and extend far over the flanks, so that the side pieces both
of the meso- and metathorax are concealed. The dorsal segments
of the abdomen are membranous, except the last which is very
large, corneous, and convexymore so in ¢ than in 9, in the former
it is truncate behind, exposing a semicircular 8th segment, from
under which protrudes (Psalidura) a very powerful and complex
genital armature, consisting of a large pair of forceps, conical ob-
tuse, punctured and hairy, under which and seen only from below
is a pair of transverse, thin, polished, corneous plates, also meeting
on the median line ; between them and the forceps is a large deep
cavity. The ventral segments are scarcely less singular; the Ist
and 2d segments large, flat, connate, united by a sinuate suture;
3d and 4th very short, separated by deeply excavated straight
sutures, 5th much larger, in ¢ very deeply and semicircularly ex-
cavated, almost to the base, with a tuft of stiff bristles each side
at the front edge of the excavation ; in the 9 this segment is flat,
and meets the last dorsal at tip in the usual manner; on the sides
the lateral upward extension of the 5th ventral is very large, but
the spiracle is visible; the extension of the 4th and 3d seoments

9

«

394 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

are much smaller, and imbricated upon the 5th and 4th respec-
tively ; the side margin of the 1st and 2d is very narrow, and the
side pieces of the metasternum ‘are scarcely visible. The elytra
are connate, with the lateral groove of the inner face narrow and
sharply defined, becoming broader and indefinite at the posterior
fourth ; on the inner face are seen eight rows of punctures, cor-
responding to ridges of tubercles on the back. The tarsi are
4-jointed, narrow, or at least the 3d joint not wider than the
others, deeply grooved beneath; the tibiz are truncate, without
spurs, the front pair a little incurved at tip in both sexes. Claws
simple, not contiguous.

The genera of this family are stated by Mr. Jekel,* to differ by
the form of the eyes, some being Cyclophthalmes, others Oxyoph-
thalmes ; also in the antennal grooves, some being Obliquiscrobes,
others Lateriscrobes. The vestiture of the under surface of the
tarsi varies in different genera; in Psalidura they are spongy seri-
ceous beneath, in others ciliate or spinous.

In other genera, the sexual characters are less remarkable than
in Psalidura, and will be found to consist chiefly in the division
of the last dorsal segment into two, as in the other families of the
series.

The Brachyceride are restricted to Africa and the neighboring
parts of Europe and Asia. They are stout insects, with ventri-
cose elytra, suddenly deflexed behind, and extending far upon the
flanks, like the first tribes of Tenebrionids, which they also re-
semble in the large mentum, flat, filling the whole of the buccal
cavity. The beak is short and stout, thicker at the extremity,
alike in both sexes; the antennal grooves are wanting (Episus) ;
or deep and directed downwards, almost confluent in the gular re-
gion (Brachycerus, Microcerus). The antenne are short, straight
or feebly geniculate, scape forming less than } the length; joints
of the funiculus 7, rather short, club solid, obconical, truncate
or subacuminate at tip. Eyes rounded or transverse and acumi-
nate at the lower end. Mandibles stout, short, more prominent
in Brachycerus, where they have the lower margin more produced
into a cutting edge: the front surface is rough and somewhat an-
cular, but without any trace of the rounded scar seen in Otiorhyn-
chide. The scutellum’is scarcely visible; the elytra, as above
mentioned, are. ventricose, irregularly tuberculate or costate, very

* Ann. Ent. Soc. France, 1864, 544.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 395

much extended on the flanks, so as to cover the side pieces of the
meso- and metathorax; greatly deflexed behind. The lateral
groove of the inner face is deep and narrow, becoming wider and
obsolete behind. ‘The dorsal segments are membranous, except
the last, which is corneous, and divided in a into two as in Cur-
culionide. The ventral segments are separated by deep sutures,
of which the Ist is sinuate; the 3d and 4th segments are shorter
than the others: the lateral extension upwards is narrow; and
but slightly wider behind. The front coxe are contiguous, prom-
inent and subconical, the tibize are not dilated, the spurs are small,
fixed, projecting inwards, the tarsi 4-jointed, narrow, setose and
feebly concave beneath (Brachycerus) ; pubescent, concave and
emarginate beneath (Microcerus) ; claws large, simple, distant.

BYRSOPIDZ.

The third of the anomalous families has a more general distri-_
bution, and is represented in our fauna by the genus Thecesternus,
which forms a separate tribe, distinguished from the other tribes
by the prosternal groove for the reception of the beak not ex-
tended as far as the front coxe.

These insects are epigeal, rough and dull colored, with the elytra
widely embracing the flanks, but not strongly deflexed behind,
concealing the side pieces of the ‘trunk. The beak is very short,
not thickened at tip, nor emarginate at the middle; the antennal
grooves descend perpendicularly and form a gular constriction :
the antenne are unusually short, imperfectly geniculate, the scape
as long as the lst and 2d joints of the funiculus; the club elon-
gate oval, pointed, distinctly annulated. Eyes transverse, pointed
beneath.* |Mandibles stout, short, front surface curved and
roughly punctured; mentum very small, not placed on a gular
peduncle; maxillze exposed. Prothorax widely lobed in front at
the sides, so as to conceal the eyes, when the head is deflexed ;
deeply excavated beneath for the reception of the beak, cavity
closed behind in Thecesternus by a triangular plate of the pro-
sternum, but by the front coxe in the other genera; cox small,
globose, contiguous. Elytra connate, widely extended on the
flanks, declivous behind, rough; lateral groove of inner face
narrow, and well defined; scutellum not visible; humeri in The-

* Jekel, 1. c. 1864, 543, describes the group as being ddelognathes cyclophthalmes: La-
cordaire (Gen. Col. vi, 293 sqq.) places them in Phanerognathes, and describes the
eyes as acuminate below, in which he is correct.

396 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

cesternus prolonged forwards, so as to extend along the sides of
the prothorax. Dorsal segments membranous, last. one large,
corneous, divided into two in ¢: ventral segments unequal, Ist,
and 2d very large, more closely connected, sutare arcuated: 3d

and 4th short, sutures deep, 5th as long as the two preceding ; :

lateral extension moderately wide, wider behind, pygidium artic-
ulating with both 4th and 5th ventrals. Legs slender, tibize trun-
cate, spurs small, tarsi 4—jointed, narrow, setose beneath.

Several species of Thecesternus are found in the interiorégions
of the continent, from Ilinois-to Utah, under dried buffalo exere-
ment, and similar objects.

OTIORHYNCHID&.

In a large number of genera* of Rhynchophora, at the front part
of the mandibles, may be seen a round or oval depression, having
the appearance of a scar, and which served, during the pupa stage,
and for the early part of the imago life, as an attachment for a
deciduous piece, of a conical and usually slender form. Many
times specimens had occurred in which one or both of these pieces
were still adherent, and the explanations thereof were varied and
incorrect (AT he opinion of Lacordaire seems to be quite satisfac-
tory, that they are probably of service in enabling the insect to
cut its way out from the nest or cell in which the transformation
takes place.

While recognizing the frequent occurrence of this singular
structure, altogether without parallel among other insects, it does
not seem to have occurred to Lacordaire, that we have here a
character of great importance for systematic purpose, and that
. after removing the large mass of such genera, the normal series of
Curculionids would be much more amenable to classification. In
fact I think it may be shown that the confusion and indefiniteness
of the first part of the classification of Lacordaire is mainly owing
to the intercalation of genera with scarred mandibles and those
with simple mandibles. I have therefore placed the former as a
separate family, having the following general characters.

The body affects two forms; in the apterous species the elytra
are connate and convex with the humeri rounded; in the winged
species they are more oblong, with the humeri more or less prom-

* Lacordaire, Gen. Col. vi, 5 (note).
{ Miiller, Germar’s Mag. iii, 424.
(452)

' CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 493

inent. The beak is alike in both sexes, usually short and broad,
sometimes longer and thickened or dilated at tip, which is emargi-
nate; the antennal grooves are either (1) on the upper surface of
the beak (Otiorhynchus), in which case they are short, and not
‘bent downwards; (2) longer, lateral, and directed towards the
eyes or (3) long or short, directed obliquely below the eyes ; they
always extend nearly to the apex. The mandibles are short and
thick, pincer-shaped, with an apical scar, which varies somewhat
in diffefent genera, to which was attached a deciduous piece also
of variable form; very long and falcate (Phyllobius, etc.), long
and straight (Trigonoscuta), or short and obtuse. The mentum
is large, and fills the buccal space, except in Eudiagogus, where
it is small, leaving the maxilla exposed. The antennz are ge-
niculate, with the scape usually very long; the club is pubescent
and annulated. The eyes are usually rounded, but in several
genera transverse and pointed below ; in the latter case, but also
’in some of the round-eyed genera, the front margin of the pro-
thorax is dilated forming post-ocular lobes; these lobes are some-
times very feeble and sometimes indicated only by a marginal row
of long hairs (vibrissw of Lacordaire). The front cox are con-
tiguous in our genera. The trunk is short, even in he winged
species, the epimera of the mesothorax project below the elytra to
a greater or less extent ; the episterna of the metathorax are either
covered by the elytra, and indistinct, or narrow and very dis-
tinct. The hind coxe are usually widely separated, the ventral
segments are 5 (in one specimen of Nocheles but 4 are visible) ;
the Ist and 2d larger, connate, 3d and 4th shorter, 5th a little
longer. The lateral extension of the ventral segments is tolerably
wide, broader behind; the dorsal segments are membranous, the
last is corneous, divided in @ as usual, but the terminal portion
apparently more retractile than in genuine Curculionide. The
legs are moderate, tibiz variable in form, tarsi spongy beneath,
usually dilated, though sometimes (Ophryastes) very slightly SO,
and in Rhigopsis only sparsely ciliate.

The tribes of this family so far as represented in our fauna may’
be naturally grouped as follows :—
A. Side pieces of metathorax concealed, or indistinct; elytra connate:

Antennal grooves short, on the upper face of the beak; or lateral and

directed towards the eyes, eyes rounded, or nearly so, prothorax
NOGIODEU ck eats) Jo) Wadia ts erie eis se tele ree ee O TIO Rev OEIiiE Ee

\

454 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

Antennal grooves lateral, directed below the eyes, which are rounded,
prothorax Not LOPEGs (s/s) estes) cea sae Lene ee EDR ACEDY DERTNIG
Directed below the eyes, which are sometimes. transverse, prothorax
more or less lobed:
Humeri rounded. Be Ege Spe or APT LEPTOPSINI.
TAMMeTM AN MIAtCE Ce) Mot 0 Ses ass ee test wy Noman RUHIGOPSINI.
B. Side pieces of metathorax narrow, distinct:
a. Elytra connate, humeri rounded:
Eyes rounded, prothorax not or scarcely lobed. DyYSLOBINI.
Eyes transverse, prothorax lobed. .. . OPHRYASTINI.
b. Elytra free, humeri distinct, wings perfect ;
I. Mentum large, beak short, flat;
Antennal grooves very short, not oblique (eyes usually
rounded and prothorax not lobed); outer stria of

Aid holo Hast Aru) A ed seme hae PHYLLOBINI.
Antennal grooves longer, oblique, outer stria of elytra
imperfect. atte ee oni ys ect es TANYMECINI.

II. Mentum large, beak ratherlong. . . EVOTInNI. -

III. Mentum small, gula prominent; beak short, antennal
grooves oblique, deep; eyes transverse, prothorax
LODE INMLON Gc jy) fem dn neh PRs EUDIAGOGINI.
It will be seen after a short inspection of the characters above
mentioned for the definition of the respective tribes, that the gen-
eral arratiement in this family parallels in a remarkable manner
that which I have developed in the Tenebrionidz,* and which has
been adopted by Dr Horn in his excellent monograph of that fam-
ily, as represented in our fauna.f There is, namely, a higher se-
ries, characterized by large mentum and absence of wings, dis-
tinguished in the former case (Asididee) by the ventral segments
entirely corneous, { in the latter (A) by the indistinct side pieces
of the metathorax. Then comes a second series, composed of two
principal subseries, Blapsidze in the former instance, with elytra
widely extended on the flanks, and Tenebrionidz with narrow epi-
pleurze, the first always apterous, the second mostly winged; in
the present family we have (B—a) apterous, and (B-b) winged,
and in the last, as in the genuine Tenebrionide, additional degra-
dational characters in the oral organs, which, in the isolated genus
Enudiagogus, have the same general form as in the short beaked
species of the next family.
It is also worthy of remark that while the European species are

* Class. Col. N. America.

7 Trans. Am. Phil. Soc., xiv, 253. sqq.

t The only instance in the Tenebrionide of this character, occurring outside of the
Asidide series, is ina small group, Calcar, etc , otherwise allied to Tenebrionini.

;
:
;

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 4955

very numerous, the representation in North America is but small,
and that the highest form, Otiorhynchus, exists on this continent
only as a few species imported with and parasitic on fruit trees, in
the Atlantic States.

On examining closely the part of ‘the head adjacent to the eyes,
a small oblique suture will be seen extending downwards from the
anterior inferior part; if this fissure is entirely closed, the eye is
round, as in the majority of the genera; if it is open the eye be-
comes more or less pointed at that part, and finally assumes the
transverse, acuminate form observed in Ophryastes, etc. My at-
tention was first directed to this peculiarity, by observing that in
the few species of Otiorhynchus now domiciled in the United.
States, there are quite perceptible differences in the form of the
eyes, which are more rounded in O. arcticus, and more pointed in
O. ligneus. In Agraphus this fissure is more distinct, and the
eye is accordingly more pointed.

The groups of Otiorhynchini are distinguished by the tarsal
ungues and antenne, as follows:

Ungues separate ;

Antenne long and slender, . . . . . . Otiorhynchi.
Avtenne thicker, . 2 ..! . 3. %. wi, Trachypemoet.
nasces connate an base.) tae -plsi. is) sanep Leritelicg,

The tribe Brachyderini as here limited is by no means that de-
fined by Lacordaire under the same name. I have removed from
it various groups having the humeri distinct, which will be found
below and under Tanymecini; Sitones and its allies,do not even
belong to this family, but will be found among the first Curculion-
idee, where the simple mandibles and small mentum entitle them
to be placed. ;

- Thus diminished, the tribe, as represented in our fauna, indicates
but two groups, distinguished by the form of the beak :

Beak longer than the head, feebly auriculate, antennal grooves com-
mencing on the upper surface; support of deciduous piece very
prominent, eyes coarsely granulated, somewhat pointed below.

\ AMOMPHI.

Beak scarcely longer than the head, not auriculate, support of decid-
uous piece very prominent; eyes finely granulated, subemarginate
DTeAVOMM Greg so tratya eels 7 fate et ver e's re Mshy Sel acad Stele May aul ee OREO NCVER

The first group is represented by a single undescribed species
from Colorado ; the accessory mandibular pieces are short, pyram-
idal, obtuse, and slightly curved.

456 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

The second group is represented by two species on the: Atlantic
slope, belonging to Epicaerus and Graphorinus ; the body is pyri-
form and robust; the accessory mandibular pieces are not. pre-
served in any of my specimens, but the process which supports
them is longer and more prominent than in any other group.

With the tribe Leptopsini, and the anomalous Rhigopsis de-
scribed below, the series having the side pieces of the metathorax
indistinct or invisible is concluded. They differ essentially by
the outline of the front margin of the prothorax being sinuous
when viewed laterally, so as to form a broad lobe for the protec-
tion of the eyes, when the head is deflexed ; and correlative with
this the tip of the prosternum is broadly and feebly emarginate.
The eyes are more or less transverse and pointed below, though
nearly round in Phyxelis. The beak is moderate or rather long,
sometimes wider at tip, and auriculate (Hylobius? torpidus Lee.
and Tyloderes? gemmatus Lec.,) very much as in Otiorbynchus.
The antennal grooves are visible from above, but descend obliquely,
towards the inferior angle of the eye, which however they do not
reach. Panscopus and Phyxelis represent this tribe in the At-
lantic States, and also a species which I refer to Strangaliodes ;
the Pacifie representatives are the two species above named, each
indicating.a new genus. Ihave aremarkable Q specimen of H.? .
torpidus, having but 4 ventral segments, one of the two short seg-
ments being wanting.

The second great division of the Otiorhynchide, in which the
side pieces of the metasternum are well defined, though always
narrow, may be separated into two principal types, according to
the form of the beak.

In the first, the beak is moderate, or rather long, more or less
thickened, with the antennal grooves (as in all the preceding),
somewhat visible from above, and either directed towards the eyes,
or obliquely downwards; the prothorax is truncate at base, the
elytra are connate, and the humeri are rounded. ‘The eyes vary
in form, and the prothorax is either lobed or not, according as the
eyes are transverse or rounded.

Apical process of mandibles pyramidal, acute:

Tibiz with a terminal hook, . .. .. . . Dyslobi.
Apical process not prominent:

Tibiz normal, truncate at tip, . . .' . . . Ophryastes.

Tibise expanded at tip,c! so earls Ga oe DT onoscutec:

In the second type the beak is flat above, usually channelled,

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 457

sometimes finely carinate, not expanded at tip; the antennal
grooves are very narrow, parallel at their origin, and usually sud-
denly deflexed, though sometimes (Phyllobius) very short and
straight. The eyes vary in form and the prothorax is lobed or
not. The prothorax is usually bisinuate at base, with the hind
angles acute, though sometimes truncate. The elytra are usually
free, with prominent humeri, and the wings well developed:
though sometimes they are connate, with rounded shoulders. The
accessory mandibular piece is long and falcate’in both, and the
support at the tip of the mandible is circular and not. prominent ;
characters of great moment when associated with the peculiar feu
of bddy.
Two tribes are indicated by a difference in the outer stria of the
elytra:
Outer stria of elytraentire. . . 2 eyee es | EYE OBLINTE
Outer stria of elytra abbreviated or ater eee . .. TANYMECINI.

The first tribe is represented by Pachneeus, and Phyllobius in
the Atlantic States, and by Scythropus on both slopes of the con-
tinent. Of these Pachneus has the eyes transverse, and the pro- .
thorax lobed at the sides in front, while in the others the eyes are
rounded, and prominent, and the front outline of the prothorax
is straight. The species are all winged, and the humeral angles
are obtuse and well defined. The base of the prothorax is trun-
cate in all the genera except Pachneeus, where it is distinctly bi-
sinuate.

Macrostylus, a Brazilian genus recently found in Texas, is an
anomalous member of this tribe. The antenne are very long and
slender, and the joints of the club seem to be quite separate and
free. It is of very small size, and has the elytra connate and the
humeral angles not prominent; the beak’is not channelled, but
otherwise resembles the beak of other members of the tribe. The
claws are connate almost to the tip, as in Phyllobius, etc., while
they are separate in Pachneeus. There are thus three groups in-
dicated.

Prothorax lobed in front; claws separate: . . . Pachnei.
Prothorax not lobed; claws connate:
Humeri prominent, elytrafree: . . ... . - Phyllobii.
Humeri not prominent, elytra connate: . . . Macrostyles.

The Tanymecini resemble in form the Phyllobiini, but are readily
distinguished by the outermost stria of the elytra being confluent

458 | CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

with the next about 3 from the base, or abbreviated at that point,
or interrupted, the continuation commencing behind the middle
and extending to the tip. The prothorax is bisinuate at base
(Compsa, Brachystylus and Bra¢hythysus), truncate or feebly
rounded in Tanymecus, Aphrastus, and the genera with connate
elytra. The eyes are rounded and the prothorax not lobed in all
of our genera. ;
Four groups are indicated in our fauna.

Elytra connate, humeri not prominent, . . . . Symmathetes.
Elytra not connate, humeri angulated ;
Clawesticonnabe; A) a. hc a sie, (tore Pastis
Claws separate ;
Prothorax truncate at base, .. . . . . Tanymeci.
Prothorax bisinuate at base, . . . . . . Cyphi.

Next to this tribe come the Entimini, large and brilliant insects
of South America; the rostrum is stout, not so broad as in the
last two tribes, deeply emarginate at tip, perpendicular on the
sides, thickened below at the tip, with the antennal grooves deep
and oblique; the apical scar of the mandibles is very large, cir-
cular and not prominent. The eyes are pointed below, and the

prothoracie lobes large. The prothorax is comparatively small, -

and bisinuate at base; the elytra at base very broad, with prom-
inent humeri, gradually narrowed and acute behind; the outer-
most stria is entire. The edge of the elytra and the ventral
sutures are densely fringed with short hair; the claws are not
connate.

Two insects presenting anomalous characters remain to be con-
sidered, each indicating a separate tribe.

The first is found abundantly in Oregon; the beak is two and
a half times as long as the head, moderately slender, dilated and
auriculate at tip, which is deeply emarginate; the grooves are
visible from above, short, broad and deep, prolonged very indis-
tinctly in an oblique direction; the apical scar of the mandibles
is large and circular, but not prominent. The eyes are nearly
round, and not prominent. The antenne are slender, and not
different inform from those of Otiorhynchus. The prothorax is
rather small, a little narrowed in front, not lobed, truncate behind.
Elytra wider at base than the prothorax, humeral angles obtuse
distinct, feebly rounded at the sides, obliquely narrowed behind ;
scutellum distinct. First ventral segments feebly sinuate, the
others straight; side pieces of metasternum distinct. Legs slen-

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 459

der, tibize feebly mucronate at tip; tarsi dilated, brush-like be-
neath, claws separate.

This species is from 10—11™™ -4—-45 inch long, black, densely
clothed with small cinereous scales, with lateral and dorsal vittee of
the prothorax, and scutellum pale yellow ; the prothorax is sparsely
punctured, and the elytra very feebly striate. I have named the
genus Evotus. It is the Otiorhynchus? naso Lec. (Pac. R. R.
Expl. and Surveys, p. 56).

The second of the anomalous forms above mentioned is a small,
roughly. tuberculate insect of the southern part of California,
found under bark of yucca. It resembles in appearance the Euro-
pean Rhytirhinus, and shows unmistakable Byrsopide affinities.
The mentum is, however, similar to that of the other Adelognaths
of the present family, and the apical scar of the mandibles is dis-
tinct, flat and subtriangular, though without the central elevation
usually seen. The tarsi are less dilated than usual, and sparsely
ciliate beneath; the 3d joint is emarginate rather than bilobed,
the claws separate. The rostrum is moderate in length, thick,
irrecular, not emarginate at tip, prominent above the eyes; the
antennal grooves are deep and descend obliquely below the eyes
which are pointed below, oblique and transverse. The scape of
the antennz extends nearly to the eyes; the funiculus is longer
than the scape, 7-jointed as usual, with the 1st and 2d joints a lit-
tle longer ; club oval, pointed and annulated as usual. Prothorax
strongly lobed behind the eyes, feebly emarginate beneath, broadly
flattened (but not excavated) in front of the cox. The side
pieces of the metathorax are not distinct, the 1st and 2d ventral
segments are large, connate by asinuated suture ; 3d and 4th short,
5th longer than the 3d and 4th united, with a broad impression
each side near the margin.

The species is of small size (5°5"™™") brown, covered with a dirt
colored crust, very roughly reticulate above, with large deep pits ;
the humeral angles are sharp and prominent; there is a large tu-
bercle on each elytron about + from the tip, and another smaller one
near the tip. I have named this singular insect Rhigopsis effracta.

The last tribe having an apical scar to the mandibles is Eudiag-
ogini, represented by two species in the southern Atlantic States.
The form resembles somewhat the Tanymecini, but is rather
stouter and more convex; the color is black adorned with narrow
stripes and bands of metallic scales. .

460 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

The beak is short and stout, channelled above, feebly emarginate
at tip, with the antennal grooves narrow and deep, running ob-
liquely below the eyes, which are transverse and pointed below.
The mandibular scar is small and triangular, not prominent. I
have not seen the deciduous piece, but suppose it to be small, short
and pyramidal. The mentum is retracted leaving a deep cavity,
from the hind margin of which projects the gula in a small emar-
ginate prominence, much like the mentum-tooth in certain Cara-
bide. The prothorax is broadly rounded at base, with the hind
angles nearly rectangular; the postocular lobes are large, and the
front margin of the prosternum is nearly squarely truncate, so as,
to make a rounded right angle with the outline of the postocular
lobe. The front coxe are contiguous, the side pieces of the meta-
thorax narrow, distinct; the ventral segments 1st, 2d and 5th long,
3d and 4th short; 1st and 2d sutures feebly sinuate, but in reverse
directions. Legs moderate, tibiz with a small terminal spur at
the inner side ; tarsi with 3d joint broadly bilobed, claws approx-
imate, but not connate. ; fe

A singularly isolated type, seeming to have no relations with
any other in our fauna.

CURCULIONIDE.

After thus separating the families above defined, there remains
a vast complex of genera having the sexual characters of this
series, the antenne geniculate (with rare exceptions), the club
always oval pointed and annulated, uniformly pubescent; the
mandibles without deciduous piece, usually 3-toothed at tip, which
is perpendicular. The mentum is always small or moderate in size,
not concealing the maxillze, and inserted upon a more or less elon-
gated gular peduncle. The beak varies in form, as will be pointed’
out under the respective tribes; the antennal grooves rarely ex-
tend to the front extremity of the beak (as in all the members
of Otiorhynchide), but commence at a greater or less distance
from the tip (except in Sitonini). The front cox are either
contiguous or separated; the side pieces of the metathorax are
always distinct: the pygidium is either covered by the elytra, or
exposed.

The following principal divisions may be established :

A. Antennal grooves extending to the base of the mandibles, gular pe-
duncle broad,;not emarginate; (Brachyrhyncht).

~

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 461

ae short, broad, gular margin not prominent, eyes round.

SITONINI,

Beak short, very thick, buccal cavity deep. . . . . BATHYRINI.

Beak moderately long, gular margin prominent, peduncle and men-
UE TECTACLCM. 6... epihiat ack Crt Wee feih bn 6 ALOPHINI.

. Antennal grooves not Stenting to the base of the mandibles ;

Gular peduncle broad truncate, mandibles emarginate at tip (antennz
not geniculate, claws toothed); . . . . . . . . ITHYCERINI.

B. Gular peduncle long: (Mecorhynchi).

bh. by

A careful analysis of the tribes composing the last division
(Mecorhynchi) would extend this memoir to an unsuitable length
for my present purpose, and must be reserved for the concluding
part of my work on classification,* now in preparation. A few
remarks upon the other four tribes, which might even be regarded
as subfamilies, will however not be out of place. The types are
well known with the exception of the second, Bathyrini, founded
upon a very remarkable species from Arizona and Texas, which
resembles somewhat a Cratoparis, of the family Anthribide; a
resemblance increased by the hind angles of the prothorax in g
being expanded and flattened, so as to be as wide as the base of
the elytra. The beak is not longer than the head, deeply con-
stricted at base beneath, then suddenly expanded so as to be as
broad as long, very thick, strongly channelled and deeply ematr-
ginate above. The antennal grooves are deep, extending to
the base of the mandibles and flexed below the eyes, which are
pointed below; the scape of the antenne extends as far as the
eye; the Ist joint of the funiculus is 4 as long as the scape; the
2d is about } as long as the 1st; the 3d—7th nearly equal in
length, gradually a little thicker ; club pubescent, oval, annulated
as usual. The buccal cavity is very deep, and square. The gular
peduncle is not visible, and the mentum small, narrow, and deep
in the cavity ; the mandibles are strong, their base very broad and
transverse, the tip (so far as I can see) feebly emarginate. The
prothorax is lobed behind the eyes, and the prosternum deeply,
almost. semicircularly, emarginate in front. The front coxz are
contiguous; the side pieces of the metasternum narrow ; the sides
of the elytra narrowly emarginate behind the humeri, scutellum
transverse, wider behind; the,sutures of the ventral segments are
straight, and the segments less unequal than usual, the 3d and 4th

* Classification of the Coleoptera of N. America. Smithsonian. Institution Miscell.

- Publications. 8vo.

Bathyrd duce

462 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

together being longer than the others separately. The legs are
short, the tibiz truncate, feebly mucronate at tip, and with broad
distinct corbeilles ; the tarsi are broadly dilated, 3d joint deeply bi-
lobed as usual; claws separate. I have named this genus Bathyris.

B. dispar; oblong oval, black, thickly covered with large dirty
brown scales, varied on the elytra with patches of paler cinereous,
and with scattered darker scales; of these the most conspicuous
is a lateral transverse spot in front of the middle; a larger indis-
tinct apical blotch is marked with an oblique brownish line; the
stria are represented by ten rows of quadrate punctures ; the outer
one not abbreviated nor confluent ; scutellum transverse, cinereous
scaly. Length 4-—6™™

Arizona, Dr. Webb; Texas, Dr. Horn. The specimen from
Arizona has the thorax at base as wide as the elytra, the hind an-
gles being expanded, flattened and acute, with the side margin
acute ; the sides in front of the angles are straight and oblique.

Four specimens from Texas, which I considered as females, have
the prothorax rounded on the sides, narrower in front, scarcely
subsinuate at base, which is not as wide as the elytra, with the
hind angles not prominent, but slightly rounded. The general
form is therefore as in Eudiagogus. I have seen a nearly allied
species from the Argentine Republic.

The Sitonini contain small species greatly resembling in form
Tanymecus of the family Otiorhynchide, but differing entirely by
the mentum being small, and the maxillsze exposed; the gular pe-
duncle is short and broad, but quite distinct, and is truncate at
the front margin. ‘The mandibles are emarginate at tip, and have
no apical scar for the attachment of the deciduous piece which is
characteristic of the preceding family. The beak is short, broad,
flat and channelled above, emarginate at tip; the antennal grooves
extend to the base of the mandibles; they are deep and well de-
fined, and flexed obliquely downwards below the eyes; the eyes
are rounded; the front margin of the prothorax is not lobed, and
not emarginate beneath. The front coxe are contiguous, the side
pieces of the metathorax are narrow and separate; the ventral
segments less unequal than usual, the suture between the lst and
2d sinuated. ‘The tibiz are truncate at tip, the tarsi dilated and
brushlike beneath, the claws separate and simple. ‘The elytra at
base are much wider than the prothorax, with the humeri oblique
and prominent ; wings developed in all of our species.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 463

The tribe Alophini retains a remnant of a form seén otherwise
only in the preceding family; the elytra are convex, with the
humeri not prominent and the prothorax is comparatively small.
The prominence of the gular margin easily distinguishes it from
all other tribes. The tibize are slightly mucronate at the inner
angle of the tip, and the terminal surface is well defined, not lat-
eral. The apical margin of the mandibles is curved, sharp and
prominent, thus making the outer face broad and flat, with a well
defined margin. Liophleus inquinatus Mann, from Alaska, be-
longs to this tribe, and seems scarcely different from Alophus,
except by the shorter and stouter funiculus. Lepidophorus lin-
eaticollis on the other hand has an entirely different oral structure,
and is apparently allied to Phytonomus, etc.

Ithycerus is a completely isolated form, having no relation with
other genera. As pointed out by Dr. Horn,* the remark of Prof.
Lacordaire, that the has 6 ventral segments, is an erroneous
interpretation of the very convex last dorsal segment, which can
be seen from beneath.

BRENTHID&.

The species of this family are remarkable for the very elongate
form, and by the great sexual differences which sometimes occur in
the mouth organs. In our own Eupsalis minutia for instance, the
beak of the male is broad, short and flat, with large prominent
mandibles, while in the female the beak is long and slénder, with
very small mandibles. But two genera occur in our fauna; Eup-
salis on the Atlantic slope from Canada to Texas, and Brenthus
in Lower California.

The mouth is not constructed on the same plan as that of the
long beaked Curculionide ; the gular peduncle is wanting, and the
inentum varies in form according to the shape of the buccal open-
ing, which it nearly fills, thus concealing the maxille. The family
is also easily known by the antennz being 11-jointed, not clavate
nor geniculate, nearly moniliform in Eupsalis, somewhat com-
pressed and broader externally in Brenthus.

The eyes are rounded, the lenses are covered with a perfectly
smooth membrane, and are consequently not granulated, the front
coxee are separated by the prosternum; the metasternum is long,
and the side pieces are distinct and very narrow. The lst and 2d

* Proc. Am. Phil. Soc. 1873, 447.

464 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

ventral segments are very long, and closely connate; 3d and 4th
short, 5th as long as the two preceding united. The tibiz are
truncate at tip, the front ones feebly unguiculate, and with the

inner margin of the tip concave-; tarsi dilated, brushlike beneath, _
dd joint-bilobed in our genera, 4th joint long, claws simple separ-_ .

ate; the tarsi are less dilated in some exotic genera.

The dorsal segments are arranged exactly as in. true Curculion-
idz ; they are all membranous except the last, which is corneous
and convex in 9, divided in ¢ : the sides of the ventral segments
are only narrowly prolonged upwards, and are imbricated ; the last
spiracle is large and uncovered. The elytra have on the inner
side the usual lateral fold, but instead of becoming obsolete near
the tip, it diverges strongly from the margin and is continued
quite to the suture, fitting to the lateral edge of the last ventral.
segments, thus showing an approach to the peculiar modification
afterwards seen in Scolytidee.

Some of the most curious characters in the Rhynchophorous se-
ries occur in this family. Among them I may instance Taph-
roderus distortus Westwood, from Natal, remarkable by the
enormous development of the left mandible; and Calodromus
Mellyi Guerin, from India, in which the Ist joint of the hind tarsi
is as long as the whole body.

.

Series III. HETEROGASTRA.

Ihave named this series from the fact, that although the abdom-
inal segments are alike in both sexes, and the ventrals also pro-
longed upwards at the sides, fitting into a groove on the inner face
of the elytra, as in the Allogastrous series, yet the best characters
for the separation of the families are to be found in the particular
modification of the arrangement of the last ventral segments.

Nothing distinctive can be predicated of the series as a whole,
except the similar pygidium in both sexes, and the prolongation
upwards of the ventral segments to fit in the elytral groove.

The families may be thus distinguished :

A. Pygidium vertical or declivous:
a. Antenne geniculate, clubbed; labrum wanting:
Last spiracle covered etc. (sub-families etc.) . CALANDRID#.
b. Antenne straight; labrum distinct: :
Last spiracle not covered by ventral segments ; pygidium deeply
notched to receive sutural apex of elytra. . . , ANTHRIBID2S.

es

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 465

mas Pygidium horizontal; smaller:
a. Antenne geniculate, clubbed :
Terminal edge of last ventral acute, surrounding the last dorsal;
tibize generally compressed and serrate. . . ScoLyTmwaz.
- b. Antenne straight: ‘
Ventral segments very unequal, seine with annulated club.
\ APIONIDZ.
Ventral segments nearly equal; antennez with a separate joints.
BELIDZ.

CALANDRIDZ.

Elytra with the usual fold on the inner face near the side very
strongly developed; diverging behind, and becoming gradually
effaced.

Ventral segments 3d and 4th shorter, Ist and 2d connate; lat-
eral prolongations broad, imbricated ; the sharp edge for reception
in the elytral groove only developed on the 1st and 2d segments.
Dorsal segments coriaceous, pygidium large, triangular, rounded
at tip, declivous, alike in both sexes, though smaller in the third
sub-family ; last spiracle covered by prolongation of ventral seg-
ments.

An excellent synopsis of the United States species of this
family has been published by Dr. G. H. Horn.*

According to differences in the form of ‘the mouth, the indig-
enous genera may be divided as follows:

A. Pygidium exposed:

: Gularpedunclelonew iy. sve.) se ees « 9s, (CALANDRIDAT
B. Pygidium covered by elytra:

Gular peduncle broad, mentum concealed, .. . RHINID&.

Gular peduncle moderate, mouth normal, . . . . Cossonrpm.

The mouth in this sub-family is formed upon a peculiar type not
seen in the genuine Curculionide ; the gular peduncle is extremely
long and narrow, leaving the maxillz visible in the buccal fissures ;
the mentum is small, sometimes concave, and the palpi not usually
visible. The mandibles are convex on their outer face and
strongly toothed at tip as in many Curculionide. The beak is
long, curved and cylindrical, the antennz inserted at a distance
from the mouth, geniculate, with a large club which is corneous
and smooth at base, spongy and pubescent over the rest of the
surface. The eyes are transverse and finely granulated. The

*Proc. Am, Phil. Society, 1873.

466 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

front coxe are widely distant. The side pieces of the metasternum ;
are large, and those of mesosternum also large, ascending ob-
liquely. The hind cox are oval, and widely separated, the tibize
are slender, sinuate, strongly unguiculate at tip, with the articular
surface lateral ; tarsi usually dilated, and brushlike beneath, some-
times narrow and not scopiferous; last joint rather long, claws
simple, separate.
: RHINIDZ.

Again a different modification of mouth is seen in this sub-family.
The gular peduncle becomes a broad short plate projecting for-
wards, forming the floor of the mouth, within which the mentum is
concealed. The mandibles are smooth and very convex on the in-
ner face, while the outer face is rough and flattened, and the teeth
project outwards. The beak is long and slender.- The antennz
are geniculate, the club is smooth and corneous at base, spongy
and pubescent for the rest of the surface. The eyes are large
and coarsely granulated, and meet on the under surface of the
head. The front coxe are very narrowly separated, the under sur-
face of the body, and the dorsal segments are as in Calandride,
except that the pygidium is covered by the elytra. Tibiz slender,
strongly hooked at tip, tarsi narrow, 3d joint bilobed,-ciliate at
the sides, not pubescent: 4th joint long, claws simple, separate.

A small black species of Rhina has been found by Mr. G. R.
Crotch, in the trunks of Yucca in the Mohave Desert of California ;
otherwise the genus occurs generally in tropical America.

CossonIDz.

With the same arrangement of abdominal segments above de-
scribed, these insects have an oral structure similar to that of the
Hylobiini in the true Curculionids. The gular peduncle is moder-
ately long, the mentum distinct, and palpi large. The mandibles
are normal in form, convex externally, toothed as usual at tip.
The beak is moderate, or (Rhyncolus) short and stout. The eyes
transverse, moderately finely granulated. The antenne genicu-
late, rather stout, club oval annulated, pubescent. Front coxze
separate, tibize hooked at tip, tarsi narrow, 3d joint not dilated.
Pygidium covered by the elytra, smaller than in the two preceding
sub-families.

SCOLYTIDZ.

The members of this family, which contains some of the most

destructive enemies of forest trees, may be easily recognized by

~ CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 467

the peculiar arrangement of the last ventral sezement, which is
prolonged upwards along the whole lateral and apical margin, so
that the pygidium is confined entirely to the dorsal surface, and,
as it were, surrounded by this sharp edge.: .

The mouth is normal in form, the gular peduncle emarginate,
the mentum moderate in size, prominent, buccal fissures broad,
maxille exposed. Mandibles stout, curved, convex on the outer
face, toothed on the inner side. Beak short, or almost wanting,
antenne short, geniculate, elub usually solid, annulated on one or
both sides, base usually smooth and corneous for a greater or less
extent ; rarely (Phlicotribus) the clubis lamellated. Eyes usually
large and transverse.

Front coxze usually contiguous and subconical, hind coxe large,
not widely separated ; tibize compressed, usually serrate on the
outer edge, terminal spur large ; tarsi sub-pentamerous, not spongy
beneath, 3d joint sometimes narrow, sometimes dilated; 4th joint
usually rudimentary, sometimes (Platypus) quite distinct, last joint
long, claws simple, separate, strong.

The ventral segments are not very unequal in length, and the
suture between the 1st and 2d is straight and well marked, the 5tb
is frequently the longest ; the intercoxal process of the 1st is usu
ally acute.

The dorsal segments are membranous, the pygidium is small
and horizontal, covered by the elytra: the last spiracle is visible ;
the lateral upward prolongations of the ventral segments are well
marked, and furnished with a sharp edge, continued even to the
tip of the 5th segment. The lateral fold of the elytra is conse-
quently well marked, the groove narrow and deep, gradually ob-
literated, but not wider toward the tip.

Two sub-families are indicated, Platypodide and Scolytidz, the
1st with the basal joint of the tarsi very long, and the 4th dis-
tinct; the latter with the 1st joint shorter than the others united,
and the 4th joint less developed.*

The synonymy of our species will probably present much diffi-
culty, and the number is by no means that indicated by the names

* On p. 369, of vol. vii of the Genera des Coléopteres, Lacordaire has established a
tribe Eutomides, which differs from all the others in having the flanks of the prothorax
separate from the pronotum by a distinct edge; and the mass of the antennz com-
posed of 7 lamellate joints. These characters are so foreign to the Rhynchophora, that
I cannot help suspecting that these insects have been misplaced. I sought for speci-
mens in all of the large European collections which I visited, but without success.

468 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

in the catalogues. The only connected series of descriptions is
contained in the synopsis by Dr. Zimmermann, with an appendix
by myself,* in which differential characters are given for the defi-
nition and distinction of each species. Many of the same have
been described by Mr. Eichoff,t with diagnoses only, and no com-
parative or differential characters. For their identification, there-
fore, comparison of specimens will be necessary, Or the completion
of the promised monograph of ne family from the hands of that
author must be awaited.

ANTHRIBID ZA.

In this family of the Rhynchophora there is as near an approach
to the normal Coleoptera as is observed in Rliinomaceridie, the
first family herein defined.

The beak is short or moderate, depressed above, with the an-
tenne inserted in fovee or short grooves which are usually lateral,
rarely (Choragus, etc.) on the upper face; the antennz are not
geniculate, with 11 distinct joints, rarely (Hormiscus) but 10:
the scape is not elongated. The labrum is quite distinct; the
mouth is normal in str ucture, the gular peduncle large and deeply
emarginate, with the mentum and ligula received in the emargi-
nation, the maxillze are exposed and have two distinct lobes,
a character unknown in the preceding families, except in some
Platypodid ; mandibles flattened, curved and acute at tip, toothed
onthe inner side. Eyes large, rather finely granulated, rounded
or emarginate. The front cox are contiguous or narrowly sep-
arated, rounded ; the pronotum is sharply margined behind, and
the margin is frequently distant from the base, curved forwards at
the sides. The side pieces of the metasternum are distinct. The
ventral segments are nearly equal, and rather closely connected,
except the 5th which is free: the lateral prolongations are rather
wide, not imbricated, and the sharp edge is well marked. The
dorsal segments are membranous, except the pygidium which is
rather large, deflexed and only partly covered by the elytra; the
last spiracle is large and visible when the elytron is raised; the
base of the pygidium is very deeply notched (so that the uncoy-
ered part appears slightly emarginate), and the sutural edge of
the elytra (which is grooved for its whole extent) is bent down

* Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., ii, 141, Sept., 1868.
{ Berliner Ent. Zeitschrift, 1868 et sqq.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA. 469

and slightly prolonged at tip so as to fit into this excavation. The
lateral fold of the inner surface of the elytra is well marked for
the middle third, but is distant from the side, and gradually ob-
literated behind, following along the 2d line ‘of punctures from
the side. The tibiz are slender, truncate at tip, with feebly de-
veloped spurs, never mucronate ; the tarsi are dilated and brush-
like beneath, the 2d joint usually deeply emarginate, receiving the
3d joint in the emargination : the 3d is usually narrower and shorter
than the 2d and also emarginate: the last joint moderate in length,
claws separate toothed.

As observed by Lacordaire,* when the sexual differences are
well marked the male is larger than the female, and the beak of
the latter is shorter: the reverse being the case in all other fami-
lies of Rhynchophora. There are also sometimes great differ-
ences in the antenne and front legs which are much longer in the
male.

The larvie of some species of Brachytarsus (Anthribus Geoff.)
are parasitic on certain species of Coccus: the only example thus
far ascertained of carnivorous habits among the Rhynchophora.

APIONID&.

In this family the last dorsal segment is horizontal and small as
in the Scolytidze, but the other characters are quite different.

The beak is long and slender, the mouth small, the gular pe-
duncle rather narrow and emarginate, the mandibles feeble, and
acute. The antenne are not geniculate, the scape is somewhat
elongated ; they are inserted on the side of the beak at or above
the middle, and the grooves. are very short; the eyes are rounded,
rather coarsely granulated.

The prothorax is not lobed in front, the coxe are contiguous,
conical and prominent. The side pieces of the metathorax are
distinct, narrow. The tibiz are slender, truncate at tip; hind
pair without spurs; the claws are separate, more or less toothed
at the base.

The dorsal segments are membranous: the last segment (pygi-
dium) is horizontal, rather small and corneous, entirely covered by
the elytra; at the side it meets only the 5th ventral, and the last
spiracle is not apparent: the ventral segments are very unequal,

* 1. c. vii, 480.

470 CLASSIFICATION OF THE RHYNCHOPHOROUS COLEOPTERA.

the 1st and 2d'very large connate, 3d and 4th very short, sutures
straight: lateral prolongation very narrow: groove on the inner
side of elytra narrow, gradually broader behind, fold extending
nearly to the suture (somewhat as in Brenthidze).

This family is represented by Apion, a genus containing a large
number of small species of pyriform body, and altogether peculiar
and of easily recognized appearance. So far as I have examined
them they have well developed wings, though Lacordaire mentions
that the body is apterous. This family is related to the Erirhine
tribe of true Curculionide.

BELIDA.

The Australian genus Belus, and the South American Homal-
ocerus, On examination present so many differences that I have
separated them to form a new family, which must be placed in
the present series. In fact, with a form of body greatly resem-
bling Lixus of the true Curculionidae, they have the dorsal abdom-
inal segments of Apion; the ventral segments are, however, equal
or nearly so; the lateral prolongation is very narrow, and although
the edge is acute, the lateral fold on the inner face of the elytra
extends only in the middle third, and is nearly confluent with the
margin at its front end. The antennez are slender, 11-jointed,
straight, and the scape is moderately long. The tibize are slender,
truncate at tip, and the hind pair have two small but distinct
spurs as in normal Coleoptera. y

In the ¢ of Belus the apex of the elytra is prolonged as in
many species of Lixus; and this family seems related to the Cle-
onine tribe of Curculionids as Apion is to the Erirhine. A
slight trace of epipleura may be observed at the front part of the
elytral side margin, thus showing also a relationship with the
Rhynchitidz of the first series, in which, as 1 have above men-
tioned there is a feeble fold on the inner face of ‘the elytra about
the middle, but quite distant from the margin.

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