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Show «*ao REV< H g G O R H A M O N T H E CLASSIFICATION [Apr. 5, 3. On the Classification of the Coleoptera of the Subfamily Languriides. By the Eev. H. S. G O R H A M , F.Z.S. &c. [Received March 26, 1887.] Family EROTYI_ID.E. Subfamily LANGURIIDES. While working out the Languriidse of Messrs. Godman and Salvin's collection for the ' Biologia Central.-Americana,' I have had to examine a great portion of the species and proposed genera in my own and other collections from all parts of the world, with a view to ascertain whether any characters existed by which their classification could be placed on a natural basis. The genera, and in most cases the subfamilies, which exist in the N e w World are distinct from those of the Old. It was to be supposed a, priori that the Lanyuria would not be an exception, yet, as is well known, the species from both regions often bear a very close resemblance, aud at first sight might naturally be presumed to belong to the same genera. Mr. Crotch proposed a iew genera in his descriptive Catalogue; but that work was so much hurried that his diagnoses are too short; they hardly amount to more than the indication of what, with his true entomological instinct, be saw would prove the types of new genera. Nevertheless, a close examination of the species enables me to state that these genera are, in most cases at least, well founded, but that other and greater combination of characters are needed for their proper definition. At the same time I find that many more genera must be made if we are to treat this group as the progress of biological science requires, and to express the affinities and differences of the minor groups into which it can be subdivided by a binomial nomenclature. In order to make certain of the position of the group, I have dissected a considerable number, and considered the structure of the various parts of the body in comparison with those of the Erotylidae, Phy tophaga, and various Clavicorn Coleoptera; and I come to the conclusion that they can nowhere be better placed than as a subfamily of the Erotylidse. Dr. Sharp, at m y request, made a careful dissection of one of the largest species, and he has pointed out to me that the statement of M . Chapuis in the • Genera des Cole'opteres' (although I do not know if he is responsible for it), that the metathoracic episterna and epimera are without apparent distinction, is incorrect; these structural plates of the pleurse are quite apparent, though not to be easily seen, and only as small points, until the elytra are removed and the side exposed. The epimera will then be found in close proximity with, and lying above, the episterna, but rather more dorsal in position, and nearly or quite covered by the elytral epipleurae. Lacordaire did not include the Languria in the Monograph of the Erotylides ; but any one who will read his general remarks will see that he was not of MacLeay's opinion, that these insects had any |
