Page:Madras journal of literature and science vol 2 new series 1857.djvu/61

 APRIL — JUNE, 1857.] Descriptions of new Ceylon Coleoptera. 51

however, the prominent eyes, cordate thorax — to say nothing of its habitat — remind one very soon of its real connexions, I do not tliink there can be any doubt that this insect forms a new and interesting addition to the Bembidiid^. In fact the question, whether it belongs to this tribe or not depends, in my opinion, mainly upon the inferences drawn feom the structure of the terminal joint of the palpi. It is true that this joint attains in C^hthephilns a degree of development unequalled amongst the Bejibidiid^ ; as, however, this development is not confined to the one particular joint alluded to, but affects the entire organ of which it forms a part, it can hardly be said to be a variation of much importance ; and as, more-over, the general shape (independently of the elongation) and mode of insertion are the same as in the iypical Bembidiid^ I have not hesitated to refer my n. g. to this tribe.

The head is as broad as the thorax and altogether of about the same size, it is strongly triangular from the eyes to the tip of the mandibles, the forehead is impressed with 2 deep longitudinal furrows, the eyes are large, rather oval and prominent, behind them the head is abruptly contracted into a thick neck. The antennae are long and thick reaching nearly to the middle of the body, joints 1 and 11, 2 4 5-10 are subequal amongst themselves, 5-11 oval, 1-4 subcylindric. The labrum is small, rather triangular be- ing narrowed at its base, it is emarginated in front with a slight angle in the middle emargination. The mandibles are long, straight triangular, bent at the tip only, dentated below the middle the one more so than the other. The maxillae are thin and slender gently bent outwards at the base and inwards at the apex the outer lobe corresponding with the inner one in shape and strength. The palpi are robust, both the maxillary and labial ones have joint 4 elongated, thin and acuminated, in fact needle-shaped, firmly implanted in the preceding one not loosely hinged to it. The maxillary ones have joints 3 and 2 robust, the former si^ollen on the inner, the latter on the outer side. In the labial ones, joint 3 is still plumper than in the others, but differs in shape by being incrassated on the outer instead of the inner side, the 2nd joint being at the same time quite small and cylindric. The mentum is large