READING PUBLIC MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Introduction Vll
As the shape of the eye is remarkably constant, this structure
is of value only in separating closely related genera and then
principally on differences of size. In Taricanus and Lachaerus,
the eye is nearly divided, so that the two lobes are connected only
by a fine line of ocelli.
On the under surface very few specializations occur. The pros­
ternum is usually simple; in some species of Lochtnaeocles, of
Charoides, and in Sternycha, 'there is a more or less distinct trans­
verse process medially. Only in this last genus is the metasternum
tuberculated or in any way modified. The fifth sternite is of value
only in distinguishing the sexes, being longer and medially im­
pressed in the female.
The legs decrease slightly in length from the more primitive
genera to those more specialized but this is of little value as a dis­
tinguishing character. Howeyer, many male secondary sexual spe­
cializations on the various segments occur. The procoxae often
are uncate or tuberculate anteriorly; the profemora are frequently
strongly robust, more or less parallel-sided and may be rugose
basally; the metatibiae (rarely also the mesotibiae) are dilated
apically. Sometimes some of these specializations occur also in
the female to a lesser degree.
Size and coloration are remarkably uniform for Cerambycidae.
This constancy of length is true of most species and within genera
differences in length are even less marked-as for the uniformity
of coloration, it is frequently possible to place species to genera
by this feature alone but it is this same characteristic that makes
distinction of the several species of the same genus so difficult.
AFFINITIES
Due to the present unsatisfactory sequence and definitions of
the tribes of the Lamiinae, the relationships of the Onciderini are
not very clearly establishable. However, the following statements
appear evident to the authors: The present tribe displays affinities
to the Saperdini (males) on one hand and the Hipposini on the
other in the form of the front and in other characters, but should
follow, not precede, these two cosmopolitan groups. Its more
highly evolved character is displayed in the compact form of the
body, the specializations of the antennae, highly developed second­
ary sexual structures, the clavate femora, and in the unique feed­
ing habits. The OnocephaZini and Ischiolonchini are very closely
related tribes of minor importance and should be placed close to