Geology and Mineralogy; Considered with Reference to Natural Theology Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836 edition. Excerpt: ...to the Curculionidae. (Original.) Fig. 2. Mr. Samouelle considers this extinct fossil species to approach most nearly to the Brachycerus apterus of Africa. + (Original.) Until more perfect data are found, on which generic characters can be established, I propose to designate this Insect by the provisional name of Curculioides Ansticii.-(-The animal lies on its back with the left side raised upwards, and exhibiting a portion of the exterior surface of the left Elytron. At a. b. are the remains of antennae, and near the base of a, ap Fig. 3. Limulus trilobitoides (nobis) forming the Nucleus of a nodule of Iron ore from Coalbrook Dale. V.I. p. 396. (Original.) parently a fragment of the proboscis; the legs are all imperfect; the thorax is very large, and only its inferior surface is visible, being exposed by the removal of the pectoral portion of the trunk; this surface is covered with irregular indentations, which represent the hollow interior of a series of spinous tubercles, and verrucose projections on the back of the thorax. In the centre of the thorax is a compound depression larger than the rest, indicating the presence of a corresponding projection on the back. Among living Curculionidas irregular tubercles and projections of this kind occur on the thorax of the Brachycerus apterus. The left Elytron only is distinctly visible, embracing with its margin the side of the Abdomen; its outer surface is irregularly and minutely punctate. Two spinous tubercles project from near its posterior extremity, and a corresponding tubercle from the extremity of the right elytron. Similar spines occur on the Elytrons of Brachycerus; and of some Curculionidas of N. Holland. The abdominal rings are very distinct. I shall designate this Insect by the...