ABSTRACT
Procoxae transverse, projecting, and contiguous, with large, exposed trochantins; their cavities widely open posteriorly and open internally. Mesocoxae usually moderately to very widely separated, rarely subcontiguous. Scutellum very large. Elytra sometimes truncate, exposing one or two abdominal terga (three to four in Nicrophorus); never striate; in Silphinae bearing none to three upraised costae (carinae) on each; a raised area (callus) may occur near the posterior end of the outermost costa; epipleura usually welldeveloped and complete almost to the apex. The elytra of
Nicrophorus usually have broad colored bands (maculae) extending laterally to meet the epipleura. Tibial spurs occasionally enlarged, and tarsal claws sometimes apendiculate. Hindwing provided with a secondary hinge.
