The fossil ricinuleids are described, and their systematic relationships revised, based on a study of all British and American specimens. Phylogenetic analysis, utilising a new character set, indicates a probable basal dichotomy between the fossil and extant forms. The order is divided into two new suborders: Neoricinulei subordo, nov., for the extant genera, and Palaeoricinulei subordo. nov., for the fossil forms. Two new genera are erected: Amarixys gen. nov. for Curculioides gracilis (Petrunkevitch, 1945) and A. stellaris sp. nov., and Terpsicroton gen. nov. for Poliochera alticeps Pocock, 1911. Three new species are erected in the genus Curculioides: C. mcluckiei sp. nov., C. pococki sp. nov., and C. gigas sp. nov., and one in the genus Poliochera: P. gibbsi, sp. nov.

A brief account of the stratigraphy of the Westphalian (Upper Carboniferous) of the Ayrshire Coalfield is given. Older rocks are found to be overlain by Westphalian strata of differing age in various parts of the coalfield. A correlation of the coal seams known by numerous local names in various areas of the coalfield is shown. The vertical distribution of species of non-marine bivalves is illustrated and the faunas associated with various horizons discussed. The presence of variants of Anthraconaia pulchella Broadhurst at more than one horizon is noted. The lateral distribution of species at given horizons is examined and it is shown that elements of the overall fauna of an horizon may be absent in parts of the coalfield. The occurrence of marine bands in the succession is noted and their distribution discussed. It is suggested that during the Aegiranum Marine Band incursion the northern and north-western parts of the coalfield were nearer a land mass. A new stratigraphical name, the Bogton Marine Band is proposed. The band occurs within the Upper Similis-Pulchra Chronozone.