It has been assumed for some time that the adephagous beetles, with the possible exception of the Rhysodidae, constitute a relatively homogeneous group. This assumption is not challenged here; the purpose of the present preliminary study is to examine certain evidence drawn from the wing venation of the most generalized (venationally) available species in an attempt to ascertain possible trends in venation among the various families. The scope of the material examined, as well as the species ultimately selected as being the most generalized in their respective families, are tabulated below
