ABSTRACT
Pronotum variable in shape, typically quadrate, less commonly elongate, somewhat broader than head, more or less explanate, surface often punctate, pleural region narrow, prosternum short, procoxal cavities open behind; pronotum often with lateral eversible vesicles (Malachiinae). Mesosternum short, transverse, intercoxal process acuminate. Metasternum broad, often with lateral eversible vesicles (Malachiinae). Legs with
trochantin exposed on fore legs; anterior coxae conical, prominent, nearly contiguous; middle coxae conical, prominent, nearly contiguous; hind coxae transverse, contiguous; trochanters moderate, triangular; femora swollen or slender; tibiae slender, apical spurs obscure; tarsal formula 5-5-5, rarely 4-4-4 (Anthriboclerus in the Rhadalinae and Attalomimus, in the Malachiinae, not in North America), some males with 4-5-5 (Troglops, Collops, Trophimus and Temnopsophus in North America); tarsomeres short, not lobed (except Gietellinae, and some Malachiinae, not in North America); claws simple, toothed, or with ungual appendages beneath. Scutellum small, oval, or triangular. Elytra of most species entire, typically elongate, apically rounded, some are truncate, exposing three or more abdominal tergites (some Malachiinae in North America); most with surface rugose punctate; epipleural fold indistinct; epipleura entire. Wing venation with anal region degenerate; wedge-cell open (Forbes 1922); folding pattern with anal lobe free, or absent; area D well developed, not chitinized to nearly chitinized; area H reaching inner margin at a point, or not at all; area B well marked, but varying from not a principal fold to large, dominating folding of wing (Forbes 1926).
