tri

^ 'if' (/" L-' **

^^5HC.i<i^^

LIBRARY OF

1685- IQ56

THE

ANIMAL KINGDOM

ARRANGED IN CONFORMITY WITH ITS
ORGANIZATION,

BY THE BARON CUVIER,

MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF FRANCE, &c. &c. &c.

SUPPLEMENTARY ADDITIONS TO EACH ORDER,

EDWARD GRIFFITH, F.L.S., A.S.,

CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
OF PHILADELPHIA, &C.

AND OTHERS.

VOLUME THE FOURTEENTH.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR WHITTAKER, TREACHER, AND CO.
AVE-MARIA-LANE.

MDCCCXXXII.

LONDON :
GILBERT & RIVINGTON, PRINTERS,

St. John's-square.

THE

CLASS INSECTA

ARRANGED BY THE

BARON CUVIER,

SUPPLEMENTARY ADDITIONS TO EACH ORDER

EDWARD GRIFFITH, F.L.S., A.S., ^-c.

AND

EDWARD PIDGEON, Esq.

AND NOTICES OF NEW GENERA AND SPECIES
BY

GEORGE GRAY, Esq.

VOLUME THE FIRST.

LONDON :

PRINTED FOR WHITTAKER, TREACHER, AND CO.
AVE-MARIA-LANE.

MDCCCXXXII.

THE

ANIMAL KINGDOM.

THIRD CLASS OF ARTICULATED ANIMALS,

AND PROVIDED WITH ARTICULATED FEET.

The insects (INSECTA)

have articulated feet, a dorsal vessel, which holds the si-
tuation of every vestige of heart, but without any branch for
circulation ;* respire through two principal tracheae, which

* Anatomists are greatly divided with regard to this organ. Many con-
sider it as a genuine heart; others (and such is the opinion of M. Cuvier,
and one which appears to us to have been fully confirmed by the satisfac-
tory researches of M. Marcel de Serres\ entirely deny this position.
According to the last mentioned author, the function of this vessel is the
secretion of fat, which is afterwards elaborated in the adipose tissue which
envelopes it. Lyonet says that it encloses a gummy substance of an
orange colour. Some very recent observations appear to establish the
existence of a few small vessels ; but, besides that this circulation would
be very partial, the insects must always differ greatly in this respect from
the Crustacea, in as much as the blood does not return to the heart. M.
Straus, in reviewing a memoir of M. de Herold on the subject in the
" Bulletin Universel," has given us his own opinion, founded on his own
researches, on the Melolotitha. " The dorsal vessel," he says, " is the
true heart of the insect, being, as in the superior animals, the locomotive
organ of the blood, which, instead of being contained in vessels, is spread
through the general cavity of the body. This heart occupies the entire

VOL. XIV. B

^ CLASS INSECTA.

extend parallel to each other through the whole length of
the body. At intervals they have centres, from which pro-
length of the back part of the abdomen, and terminates anteriorly by a
single artery not ramified, which transports the blood into the head,
where it pours it out and from whence it returns into the abdomen, from
the very efiects of its accumulation in the head, to re-enter the heart. To
this the entire sanguine circulation of the insects is reduced, which have
thus a single artery without branches, and no veins. The alee of the
heart are not muscular, as Herold pretends : they are simple fibrous liga-
ments which keep the dorsal vessel in its place. The heart, that is to
say, the abdominal portion of the vessel, is divided into eight chambers
internally {Melolontha vulgaris), separated from each other by two conver-
gent valvules, which permit the- blood to proceed from behind, in front
of one chamber, into the other as far as the artery which conducts it to
the head, but which opposes its retrograde motion. Each chamber is pro-
vided laterally, in its anterior part, with two apertures, formed like trans-
verse clefts, which communicate with the abdominal cavity, and through
which the blood contained in this cavity can enter the heart. Each of
these apertures is provided internally with a small valvule in the form of a
semi-circle, which is attached on the aperture during the movement of the
systole." From this short description it is easy to conceive, that when
the posterior chamber is dilated, the blood contained in the abdominal
cavity penetrates thither by the two apertures of which we have spoken,
and which are named aurictclo-ventricular. When the chamber con-
tracts, the blood which it contains, not being able to return into the ab-
dominal cavity, pushes the interventricular valvule, passes into the second
chamber, which dilates to receive it, and which receives at the same time
a certain quantity of blood by the proper auriculo-ventricular apertures.
During the movement of the systole of this second chamber, the blood
passes in the same manner into the third, which equally receives some
by the lateral apertures; and it is thus that the blood is pushed from one
chamber into the other as far as the artery. It is these successive con-
tractions of the chambers of the heart, that one discovers through the
skin of the caterpillar.

The heart of the decapode Crustacea, of squillae, limulae, spiders, &c.,
also presents, according to the information which I have received from
this profound observer, similar valvules. It is enclosed in a kind of sac or
pericardium, which, according to him, stands in place of the auricle. These

CLASS INSECTA. 3

ceed a nuntiber of branches which correspond to the external
apertures, or stigmata, for the entrance of air.*

divisions or chambers of the dorsal vessel, are what Lyonet denominates
wings ; and he has also seen the dorsal vessel prolonged as far as the head,
and terminated there in the same manner ; but he did not observe the
apertures and valvules of which M. Straus has spoken. The definition of
the dorsal vessel, given by this naturalist, whatever be the interior compo-
sition of this organ, proves evidently that it is not a genuine heart. These
observations, moreover, do not teach us what the nature of the fluid is,
nor how it is spread through the other parts.of the bodj', so as to minister
to their nutrition ; at all events, it is certain, according to the observations
of Lyonet, that all the parts of the body, communicate with the corpus
adiposum by means of fibrillae. The tracheae throw out branches which
extend even into the extremities of the different appendages of the body.
It is possible that the action of the air may determine the ascension of
the nutritive juices into the interstices, forming a sort of capillary tubes.

* The number of segments of the myriapodes being undetermined, that
of their stigmata is so likewise, and it often exceeds twenty. In the liexa-
pode insects it is often eighteen, nine on each side. This calculation,
however, is rather founded on the larva than the perfect state of the ani-
mal. The caterpillars, the larvse of the coleoptera, and those of a great
number of other insects, have one pair of stigmata on the first segment,
or that to which is attached the first pair of feet ; the second and third
have none, because, as I presume, the development of the wings, which
takes place in these rings, renders useless in this place the presence of re-
spiratory apertures. The fourth ring, and the seven following, are each
provided with a pair; but in the coleoptera in a perfect state, besides the
two anterior stigmata concealed in the cavity of the prothorax or corslet,
and which are not discernible, we find two others situated between the
origin of the elytra and that of the wings : these belong to the mesotho-
rax. There are none at the metathorax, unless we consider the two of
the first abdominal segment as supplementary ones of the thorax, like what
takes place in the hymenoptera with pedicled abdomen, and the diptera,
where these two stigmata, with the semi segment on which they depend,
form a part of the thorax. Thus, in general, all the hexapode insects
have eight pairs of stigmata to the abdomen ; but the last two are fre-
quently obliterated In the crickets, the truxales, and the libellulae, the
sides of the metathorax are each provided with a stigma— those which

B 2

4 CLASS INSECTA.

They all have two antennae, and a head distinct. The
nervous system of the majority of insects (the hexapodes) is
generally composed of a brain formed of two opposite gan-
glia, united at their bases, giving but eight pairs of nerves,
and two solitary nerves, and twelve ganglia,* all inferior.
The first two are situated near the junction of the head with
the thorax, and longitudinally contiguous ; the anterior gives
out nerves to the under lip, and to the parts adjacent. The
second and the two following are proper to each of the first
three segments, or those which in the hexapode insects com-
pose the thorax, Tlie other ganglia belong to the abdomen,
so that the last, or twelfth, corresponds to its seventh ring,
followed immediately by those which compose the several
organs. Each of these ganglia give out nerves to the parts
of their respective segments. The two last, very closely ap-
proaching each other, also give out nerves to the last rings of
the body. The frontal region has three particular ganglia,
designated by Lyonet under the name of frontals, and the
first of which produces, posteriorly, a thick nerve with
swellings : this is the longest of all the nerves, and he names
it recurrent. The first ordinary ganglion, or the suh-oesopha-

M. Marcel de Serres names tremaeres. In these last mentioned insects
as well as in the others with naked wings, or without elytra, the first
two thoracic stigmata are placed above, between the prothorax and meso-
thorax. With the exception of the libellulae, the thorax proper exhibits
no distinct stigmata. I say the thorax proper, because, as we have re-
marked above, the two first of the abdomen are referred by many to the pos-
terior extremity of the thorax. The metathorax of the pentatomata and
Scutellaria exhibits one pair of stigmata underneath. In the aptera,
the second segment, or mesothorax, has none ; but the following segment,
or metathorax, has two pairs, one anterior, and which, being situated near
the articulation of this segment with the preceding, may be deemed to
belong to this last, and the other smaller, and placed very near that of
the first abdominal segment.
* Divers lamellicorneous coleoptera in the perfect stateform an exception.

CLASS INSECTA. O

giarif germinates, according to this author, four pairs of
nerves, and the following, two pairs each ; so that, reckoning
tlie eight pairs of the brain, the ten spinal bridles, which
may be considered as so many pairs of nerves, we have in all
forty-five pairs, independently of the two solitary nerves, or
from a dozen to fourteen more than are in the human body.
The two nervous cords, which, by their union, form the
ganglia, are tubular, and composed of two tunics, the ex-
terior of which presents tracheae. A medullary substance
fills the central canal. The excellent work of M. Herold on
the anatomy of the caterpillar of the large cabbage butterfly,
studied in its progressive growth, to its transformation into
the chrysalis, shews us that the nervous system and that of
the digestive organs undergo remarkable changes ; that the
nervous cords are in their origin longer and more separated,
an observation which favours the opinion of one of the
greatest zootomists of our age, Dr. Serres, on the origin and
development of the nervous system. We have explained
in the generalities common to the three classes of articulated
animals with articulated feet, the various sentiments of phy-
siologists on the seat of the senses of hearing and of smell. We
shall confine ourselves to adding, that, with regard to the
first, the small nervous ganglia situated on the forehead, of
w^hich we have spoken, seem to confirm the opinion of those,
such as Scarpa, who place the seat of this sense near the
origin of the antennas. In some lepidoptera, I have observed
two small holes situated near the eyes, and which, perhaps,
are auditory conduits. If, in many insects, especially those
which have filiform or setaceous and long antennae, these or-
gans answer the purpose of tact, it appears difficult to give
a reason for the extraordinary development which they ac-
quire in certain families, and more particularly in the males, if
Ave do not admit that they are then the seat of smell. Per-
haps, also, in relation to taste, the palpi play in some cases, as

6 CLASS INSECTA.

when they are very much dilated at their extremity, the
principal part. The tongue may also have something to do
with this function.

A preparatory or buccal apparatus, the intestinal canal,
the biliary vessels, also named hepatic, those which are
called salivary, but which are less general, those free or
floatins; vessels which have received tbe denomination of ex-
cremental, the epiploon, or corpus adiposum, and probably
also the dorsal vessel, may be said to constitute the digestive
system. It is singularly modified according to the diversity
of aliments, or it forms a great number of peculiar types,
which we shall describe in treating of the families of this
class. We shall at present only say a word respecting the
buccal apparatus, and the principal divisions of the intestinal
canal, beginning with the last. In those insects, such as the
carnassial coleoptera, in which it is more complicated, we
may distinguish in it the pharynx, the sesophagus, the crop,
the gizzard, the stomach, or chylific ventricle, and some in-
testines, which are divided into the slender intestine, the thick
intestine, or coecum, and the rectum. In the insects in
which the tongue, properly so called, is attached to the an-
terior or internal face of the lip, or where it is not disengaged,
the pharynx is situated on this same face, which is generally
the case. We shall also add, that, with respect to the biliary
vessels, a naturalist to whom we are indebted for the first
valuable observations on the respiratory organs of the my-
gale, M. Gaede, professor of natural history at Liege, does
not consider these vessels as secretory, according to the com-
mon opinion ; but his notion does not seem to be sufficiently
well founded, and the observations of M. Leon Dufour even
appear to destroy it.*

* This last mentioned naturalist, whom I shall often have occasion to
quote, has explained in the most minute manner every thing which has

CLASS INSECTA, 7

A few insects, and always without wings, such as the
myriapodes or millepedes^ approximate to many Crustacea
cither in the quantity of rings of the body and of their feet,
or in some traits of analogy in the conformation of the parts
of the mouth ; but all the others have constantly but six
feet ; and their body, the number of segments in Avhich
never exceeds a dozen, is always divided into three principal
portions, the head, the trunk, and the abdomen. Among
these last, some have no wings, and preserve during life the
form which they had when born, merely growing and changing
their skin.* In this respect they have some relation to the
animals of the preceding classes. The other insects with six
feet are almost all winged ; but the wings, and frequently
even the feet, do not appear at first, aiid are not developed
until after a series of changes, more or less remarkable,
called metamorphoses, and which we shall shortly describe.

The headf is the seat of the antennae, the eyes, and the
mouth. The composition and form of the antennae vary
much more than in the Crustacea, and are often more deve-
loped in the males than in the females.

The eyes are either complicated or smooth : the former,
according to the researches of Baron Cuvier, Marcel de Serres,
and others, are formed, first, of a cornea divided into a mul-

reference to the digestive system of insects, in a series of excellent memoirs,
which have contributed to enrich the annals of natural sciences. M. Vic-
tor Audouinhas given a well-executed recapitulation of them in his article
Insects, in the '* Dictionnaire Classique d'Histoire Naturelle."

* These are what I name homotenes, (alike to the end,) or the ametoholia
of Dr. Leach.

f Its surface is divided into many regions, which are named the nose^
the forehead, the vertex or lop, and the cheeks. The French term used
for the nose (chaperon) being equivocal, M. Latreille, has changed it to
epistoma or sub-mouth ; this part serves for the insertion of the labrum or
upper lip.

N.B. Nose is the term given by Mr. Kirby — Ed.

8 CLASS INSECTA.

titude of small facets, by so much the more convex as the
insect is more carnassial, clothed at its external face with a
substance not very fluid, opake, variously coloured, but in
general black, or of a sombre violet ; secondly, of a choroid,
fixed both in its extent and by its edges to the cornea, co-
vered with a black varnish, exhibiting a multitude of air-
vessels proceeding from tolerably thick trunks of tracheae si-
tuated in the head, and whose branches form around the eye
a circular trachea. This is wanting, as well as the choroid,
in divers lucifugous insects. Thirdly, of nerves, which ori-
ginate from a thick trunk, proceeding immediately from the
brain, expanding afterwards into the form of an inverted
cone, the base of which is on the side of the cornea, while its
radii or threads, traversing the choroid and the covering of
the cornea, end each of them at one of its facets. There is
neither crystalline nor vitreous humour.

Many insects besides the compound, or complicated eyes,
have simple ones, or such as have the cornea altogether
of a piece. These are usually three in number, and disposed
in a triangular form on the top of the head. In most of the
apterous insects, and of the larva of those which are winged,
they supply the place of other eyes, and are often united in a
group. If we may judge by those of the arachnida, they
must serve the purposes of vision.

The mouth of insects with six feet is in general composed
of six principal pieces, four of which are lateral, disposed in
pairs, and move transversely. The other two, opposite to each
other, in a contrary direction to that of the preceding, fill
the vacancies comprised between them. One is situated
above the upper pair, and the other below the lower. In
the grinding insects, or such as feed on solid substances, the
four lateral pieces perform the office of jaws, and the other
two are considered as lips : but, as we have already observed,
the two upper jaws have been distinguished by the peculiar

CLASS INSECTA.

denomination of mandibles ; the two others alone have pre-
served that of jaws. They have, moreover, one or two arti-
culated threads, which are called palpi or antennulcB^ a cha-
racter which, in this class, the mandibles never exhibit.
Their extremity is often terminated by two divisions or
lobes, the exterior of which is named, in the orthoptera (in
French), galHe {galea, Fabr.). We have already mentioned
that the upper lip is termed lahrum ; the other, or the lip
properly so called {labium) is composed of two parts. The
more solid and under part is the chin {mentum) ; the upper,
which very frequently has two palpi, is the tongue {lin-
gua)*

In the sucking insects, or those which take nothing but
fluid aliment, these divers organs of manducation present
themselves under two sorts of general modifications. In the
first the mandibles and jaws are replaced by small laminae,
formed like blades or lancets, composing, by their union, a
sort of sucker, which is received into a sheath, the substitute
for a lip, either cylindrical or conical, and articulated in the

* See what we have said on this subject, in the generalities which pre-
cede the particular account of each class. The lower lip appears to us to be
but a particular modification of the second jaws of the decapode Crusta-
cea combined with their tongue. The changes which these parts gra-
dually undergo in the Crustacea, the arachnida and the myriapoda, would
lead us to believe it ; on this hypothesis, the six thoracic feet would be the
analogues of the jaw-feet, and this has been already recognized in relation
to the Crustacea of the genus aptis. Then the first five segments of the
abdomen in the hexapod insects, would represent those to which in the
decapode Crustacea, are attached the feet, properly so called, or the third
and fourth following ones of the amphipod and isopod Crustacea. All
the researches which have been published on the thorax of insects, though
otherwise very useful and laudable, will necessarily undergo essential
alterations, when naturalists come to compare this part of the body in
the three classes of articulated animals with articulated feet. Nomen-
clature is very far from being fixed in this particular.

10 CLASS INSECTA.

form of a beak (rostrum), or membranous or fleshy, unarti-
culated, and terminated by two lips (the proboscis). The
labrum is triangular, vaulted, and covers the base of the
sucker. In the second kind of organization, the labrum and
mandibles are almost obliterated and extremely small. The
lip is no longer a free body, and is distinguished only by
the presence of two palpi, of which it is the support. The
jaws have acquired an extraordinary length, and transformed
into two tubular threads, which, uniting at their edges, form
a sort of proboscis, which rolls into a spiral form, and is
usually named tovgiie ; but which, to avoid all equivoque,
it would be preferable to call spiral proboscis or tongue
(spirignatha)* Its interior exhibits three canals, the middle
one of which is the conduit of the nutritive juices. At the
basis of each of these threads is a palpus, usually very small,
and but little apparent.

The myriapodes, or millipedes, are the only insects whose
mouth shews a different type of organization, which I shall
describe when I come to treat of them.

The trunkf of insects, or that intermediate part of their
body to which the feet are attached, is generally designated
by the Latin name of thorax, which has been rendered into

* Kirby calls it antlia. — Ed.

-j- This denomination is here synonymous with that of thorax. I am of
opinion, however, that to avoid all embarrassment, we should ajiply the
first term only to the apterous insects of Linnaeus, which have more than
six feet, and in which these organs are attached to segments proper to
them ; that is, in which the head is distinct from the trunk. With regard
to the Crustacea in which these parts of the body are confounded, the
thorax should take the name of thoracida, and that of cephalothorax
in the arachnida ; animals which exhibit the same character, but in which
the trunk or thorax is more simple, and provided with less numerous
appendages. The entomostracea even approximate, in this respect, to
these latter animals ; but as they belong to another class, the term thora-
cida should be preserved for them — that of thorax should be exclusively
reserved for the hexapod insects.

CLASS INSECTA.

11

ovir language (French) by that of corselet {corslet). It is
composed of three segments, which at first were not well dis-
tinguished, and whose relative proportions vary. Sometimes,
as in the coleoptera, the anterior one, by much the largest,
separated from the following by an articulation, mobile, and
alone discovered, appears at the first glance to compose of
itself the whole trunk, and bears the name of thorax or cors-
let. Sometimes, as in the hymenoptera, the lepidoptera, &c.
much shorter than the succeeding one, it has the form of a
collar, and constitutes, with the other two, a common body
attaching to the abdomen by a pedicle, or intimately united
with it in all its hinder breadth, and this is again called
thorax. These distinctions, established on this particular,
were insufficient and often ambiguous, seeing that they did
not rest on a ternary division which I have strictly an-
nounced in the first edition of this work as a character pro-
per to the hexapod insects, Mr. Kirby having already em-
ployed the denomination of metathorax, to distinguish the
hinder thorax,* those oi prothorax and mesothorax, the ter-

* This segment ought not to be restrained in the hymenoptera, to this
superior division of the thorax, very short and transverse, on the sides
of which the second wings are inserted ; it is formed, besides, of that
thoracic portion which extends hindwards, as far as the origin of the ab-
domen, and this is what evidently proves the position of the last two
stigmata of the trunk, since they are placed on the sides of this extremity,
behind the wings and above the last two feet. I am even of opinion, that
this observation should apply to all winged insects. Their metathorax
will be divided, at least in the upper part, into two portions or demi-seg-
ments, the one bearing in the tetroptera, the second wings, and without
stigmata, and the other being provided with them. This last sometimes
appears to depend on the abdomen, as in almost all the insects, with the
exception of the hymenoptera, with pedicled abdomen, the rhipiptera,
and the diptera j sometimes it is incorporated with the trunk or thorax,
and closes it behind, as in these last insects : it is on this account, that I
have named the second division of the metathorax, the mediary segment ;

12 CLASS INSECTA.

nary division being once established, naturally presented
themselves to the mind, and it was the celebrated Professor
Nitzch who first adopted them. Some naturalists have since
given the name of collar (collare) to the prothorax or anterior
segment, which bears the first two feet. Desirous of preserv-
ing the denomination of corslet, but at the same time of re-
straining its application within just limits, we shall use it in
all cases where this segment considerably surpasses the others
in size, or where the latter are united with the abdomen, and
appear to constitute an integrant part of it. This is peculiar
to the coleoptera, the orthoptera, and to many hemiptera.
When the prothorax, being short, forms with the follow-
ing segments a common and visible mass, the trunk thus
composed of three united segments, shall preserve the deno-
mination of thorax. We shall continue to call the lower
surface of the trunk, the breast dividing it according to the
segments into three areas, the fore-breast, the middle-breast,
and the hind-breast. The medial line shall be the sternum,
which again we shall divide into three parts, the fore-
sternum, the middle-sternum, and the hind-sternum.

The teguments of the thoracic segments, as well as those
of the abdominal segments, are generally divided into two
rings or semi-rings, one dorsal or upper, the other lower, and
united laterally by means of a soft and flexible membrane,
which is in fact nothing but a portion of the same teguments,

thus all the segments of the thorax will have each one pan- of stigmata,
but of which those of themetathorax are not very visible, or are obliterated in
the hymenoptera or diptera, and the two posterior or metathoracic ones,
are situated on the segment which comes immediately after that which
bears the second wings. In the orthoptera, the hymenoptera, the lepi-
doptera, and the diptera, the two anterior or prothoracic, are placed
between the prothorax and the mesothorax. The abdomen will be com-
posed of nine complete segments, the last three of which compose the
organs of generation.

CLASS INSECTA, 13

but less solid in many insects, especially in the coleoptera.
We discover at the junction of these rings a small space more
firm than they, or of the same consistence, and each having a
stigma, so that the sides of the abdomen present a longitudi-
nal series of small pieces, where each segment is, as it were,
divided into four. Other pieces, equally corneous, occupy
the lower sides of the mesothorax and the metathorax, and
immediately under the origin of the elytra and the wings,
which are themselves supported on another piece disposed
longitudinally. The relations of these parts, the size and
form of the first articulation of the haunches, the manner in
which they articulate w^ith the semi-ring on which they de-
pend, the varying extent and direction of these semi-rings,
and the thorax, considered under this point of view, present a
combination of characters peculiarly advantageous for classi-
fication. Some naturalists, Knoch in particular, had already
employed them, but without any fixed principle, and with
arbitrary denominations. A necessary preliminary would
have been carefully to study the composition of the thorax,
and to pursue it comparatively into all the orders of this
class. The late Lachat, at my suggestion, had com-
menced this labour. His friend, M. Victor Audouin, has
pursued these researches, and has presented to the Academy
of Sciences a memoir on the subject, which has obtained its
suffrages. But it is also known by the general sketch given
of it by Baron Cuvier in his Report,* and by the extract

* " An exposition of the parts of the thorax, and a fixed nomenclature
expressly created for them," says the Baron in his Report, " should natu-
rally be placed at the head of the work. The trunk of the insect may
always be divided into three rings, each of which bears a pair of feet,
and which M. Audouin names, according to their position, prothorax,
mesothorax, and metathorax. Beside these feet, the mesothorax
bears the first pair of wings, and the metathorax the second ; each of
these three segments is composed of four parts : one lower, two lateral,

14 CLASS INSECTA.

which the author gives in the article Insects of the ." Dic-
tionnaire Classique d'Histoire Naturelle." Before adopting

(the three forming the breast,) and one upper which forms the back ; the
lower one takes the name of sternum. The lateral part or side, is divided
into three principal pieces : one which attaches to the sternum, and is
called episteitiuniy another placed behind this last, and to which the
haunch is articulated, is named ephneros. A small moveable piece, which
serves for the union of the latter with the haunch, hitherto unknown, is
named trochantin, from its opposition to the trochanter ; the third piece
of the side, which is the mesothorax and metathorax, placed in front of
the episternum and under the wing, is called hypopteron ; sometimes there
is, moreover, around the stigma a small corneous piece, named per'itreme.
The upper part of each segment, which the author names tergum, is di-
vided into four pieces, named according to their position in each ring —
prcescutum, scutum, scutellum, and post-scutellum. The first is often, and
the fourth almost always, concealed in the interior. Naturalists have
generally distinguished only the scutellum of the metothorax, which is
often remarkable for its size and configuration, but its analogue may be
found in the three segments ; thus the trunk of insects may be divided
into twenty three principal pieces, and if the hypoptera be reckoned, the
number of these pieces may extend to forty-three, more or less visible in
the interior. One portion of these pieces, moreover, gives out, internally,
divers productions which also merit names, in consequence of their im-
portance and uses. Thus from the lower part of the sternum of each
segment arises within a vertical apophysis, sometimes figured like a y, and
which M, Audouin names entothorax. It furnishes attachments to the
muscles, and protects the medullary cord. Its analogue is found in the
head, and sometimes in the first rings of the abdomen. Other internal
prominences result from the elongation of the neighbouring external
pieces, united by a sort of synoptosis. M. Audouin names them apodc-
viata. Some give an attachment to the muscle, others to the wings.
Finally, there are some more small moveable pieces, either internally
between the muscles, or at the base of the wings, which the author names
epidemata. We have said that the principal pieces, or their vestiges, are
always found, but it by no means follows, that they are always separate ;
many among them are even always united in certain genera and certain
orders, and are only distinguished by the traces of sutures " — — M. Audouin
has since changed, in his article of Insects, in the " Dictionnaire Classique

CLASS INSECTA. 15

this nomenclature, and making a general application of it,
we must wait until his researches, and the figures which are
to accompany them, shall be published. In practice, the de-
nominations already introduced may suffice. In relation to
this subject, justice as well as friendship compels us to call
the attention of naturalists to the labours of M. Chabrier,
ancient superior officer of artillery, respecting the flight of
insects. They form a part of the Memoirs of the Museum of
Natural History, and also constitute a separate work. The
figures are on a very large scale, like those of a memoir of
Jurine the Father, on the wings of the hymenoptera, a work
of the most patient research, as well as the preceding.

As insects inhabit every where, they are provided with all
sorts of organs of motion, with wings and feet, which in
many species answer the purposes of fins and oars. The
wings are membranous, dry, and elastic pieces, usually trans-
parent, and attached to the sides of the back of the thorax.
The first, when there are four, or when there is but one
pair, are placed on the sides of the second segment, and the
second on those of the following, or of the metathorax. They

des Sciences Naturelles," the denomiuation hypopteron, to that of parop-
tere. That of the enthorax will change also, under some circumstances,
and should be called entocephalon, (relative to the head) and entogaster (in
relation to the abdomen. He remarks that the head of insects is composed
of many segments. We have also observed that the bill of the cricket
representing the lower lip, is not attached to the head, but to the mem-
brane which unites it with the thorax. Thus, the two medullary chords
form underneath the mouth two contiguous ganglions. On this principle
let us consider the first segment of the body of the scolopendra, that
which supports the two hooks, as a division of the analogous head. It
appears that Knoch has distinguished the epimeros under the denomina-
tions of scajnilcB and parapleura, the hind chest by that of acetabulum,
•whilst the middle chest is the per istcethium. The first articulation of the
four posterior haunches forms, in most of the coleoptera, a transverse
lamina, articulated in the flank, and that is, as it appears to me, the piece,
he calls nicenum.

16 CLASS INSECTA.

are composed of two membranes applied one over the other,
and traversed in various directions by nervures more or less
numerous, which are so many tracheal tubes, and form
sometimes a net-work, sometimes simple veins. A celebrated
naturalist, the elder Jurine, has made an advantageous use, for
the purposes of classification, of the disposition and crossing
of these nervures. The dragon-flies, bees, wasps, butterflies,
&c., have four wings; but those of the butterflies are co-
vered with small scales, which, at first view, resemble dust,
and give them the colours with which they are adorned.
They may be easily removed with the finger, and the portion
of the Aving which has lost them is transparent. Through
the microscope we can see that these scales, of figures very
various, are implanted by means of a pedicle, and disposed in
a graduated series, like tiles upon a roof. In front of the
upper wings of these insects, are two species of epaulettes
{pterygodes), which are prolonged behind along a portion of
the back, on which they are attached. In certain insects the
wings remain straight, or fold back upon themselves. In
others they are doubled or folded longitudinally, like a fan.
Sometimes they are horizontal, sometimes inclined. In many
they cross on the back, being separate elsewhere.* The in-
sects with two wings, of the order of diptera, have under
the wings two small moveable threads, terminated like a
club or bat, and which according to the most common-f-

* The insect is supposed to be in a state of rest. The rapidity of the
vibrations of these organs appears to me to be one of the principal causes
of the humming noise made by divers animals of this class. The explica-
tions which have been given of it are far from satisfactory.

t Appendages, in my opinion, of the tracheae of the first abdominal
segment, and corresponding to that space, pierced by a small hole adjacent
to the anterior side of an aperture with a membranous and internal dia-
phragm, which is seen on each side at the same segment, in many crickets,
or crydia. — See my Memoir on the Articulated Appendages of Insects,
in the Collection of Memoirs of the Museum of Nat. Hist.

CLASS INSECTA. 17

opinion seem to replace the two wings which are wanting.
They are named balancers ; other insects with two wings,
and some of the most extraordinary, have also two balancers,
but situated at the anterior extremity of the thorax, and
which we shall name, to distinguish them from the other,
prehalancers. Above the balancers, is a small membranous
scale, formed of two pieces united by one of the edges, and
resembling the two lids of a bivalve shell ; this is the wing-
let. Some aquatic coleoptera have these below their elytra,
and inserted at the base of the latter.

Many insects, such as the May-bugs, cantharides, &c.,
have, instead of the two upper or anterior wings, two kinds
of scales, more or less thick, and more or less solid. They
are opake, open and shut, and the wings are folded trans-
versely under them in a state of repose. These sort of cases
have received the denomination of elytra.* The insects
which are provided with these, are called coleoptera^ or
insects with cases ; these pieces are never wanting in this
order, but it is not always so with the wings. In other
insects, the extremity of these scales is altogether membra-
nous like the wings ; they are then named half cases, or
hemelTjtra.

The shield is a piece usually triangular, situated on the
back of the mesothorax, between the attachments of the
elytra, or the wings ; it is sometimes very large, and then
covers the greater part of the upper portion of the abdomen.
Divers hymenoptera have behind it, on the metathorax, a
small space which is named hinder shield, or false shield.

* See, for their chemical composition, a memoir, already cited, of
M. Odier, inserted in the Collection of Memoirs of the Society of Natural
History in Paris, and the article Insects in the fore-mentioned " Diet.
Classique d'Hist. Nat."

VOL. XIV. C

18 CLASS INSECTA.

The limbs are composed of a haunch with two articula-
tions, of a thigh, of a leg, with a single articulation, and of
a toe which is usually named tarsus, and which is divided
into several phalanges. The number of its articulations
varies, from three to five, which depends much on the
changes which the first and the last but one undergo in their
proportion. Although their calculation may sometimes
embarrass, and this numerical series is not always in rela-
tion with the natural order, it nevertheless furnishes a good
character for the distinction of genera. The last articula-
tion is commonly terminated by two crotchets or hooks. The
form of the tarsi is subject to some modifications, according
to the habits of insects. Those of the aquatic species are
usually flatted, much ciliated or provided with small hairs,
and in the form of oars.*

The abdomen, which forms the third and last part of the
body, is confounded with the corslet, in the myriapods — but
it is distinct from it in all other insects, or those which have
but six feet. It encloses the viscera, the sexual organs, and
presents from nine to ten segments, some of which, how-
ever, are often concealed, or very much abridged. The
parts of generation are situated at its posterior extremity,
and issue through the anus. The iuli and libellulae alone
form an exception to this. The last rings of the abdomen
form, in many females, an oviduct, which is retractile, or
always projecting, more or less complicated, and serving
the purpose of an auger. It is replaced by a sting in most
of the females of the hymenoptera. The fecundating

* Mr. Kirby, in his Monograph of English Bees, denominates the two
anterior tarsi, hands. The first articulation is the palm. In conjunction
with Mr. Spence he has published the Elements of Entomology in a very
detailed and complete style.

CLASS INSECTA. 19

organ of the male is almost always accompanied by hooks
or pincers.* The two sexes generally couple but once,
and this copulation even suffices, in some genera, for the
fecundation of many successive generations. The female
soon lays,-f* and deposits her eggs in the manner most
favourable to their preservation, so that the young on
coming forth, find suitable aliment within their reach ;
sometimes she provisions them herself. These maternal
cares frequently excite our surprise, and more particu-
larly unveil to us the " instinct of insects." In very numer-
ous societies of several of these insects, such as the ants,
the termites, the wasps, the bees, &c., the individuals
composing the major part of the population, and which by
their labours and vigilance maintain these societies, have
been considered as neuters, or devoid of sex. They have
also been designated as workers and mules. It is known at
present that they are females whose sexual organs or ovaria,
have not received a perfect elaboration, and which may be-
come fruitful, if an amelioration in their nourishment shall
develope these same organs at a certain period of their
youth.

The eggs sometimes open in the womb of the mother : she

* Genitalia mascula senet ; penis, canalis excretoriiis, vesiculae seminales,
vasa deferentia, testes; prehensores et semen— Prehemores sunt organa
figurii varia quibuscum mas in coitu feminae, anum corripit. Femina?,
genitalia sunt; ovarium, receptaculum sua basi formatum, et oviductus.
Vide (Siquid amplioris desideratur) M. Dufour, Annales des Sciences Nat. —
et dissertatio Latine Scripta, Dom. Hegetschweiler. Zurich, 1820.

f M. Audouin supposes that, in the case of a great number of insects
the eggs are fecundated, on their passage, in a pouch situated near the
anus ; but this opinion requires confirmation from experiment. M. Leon
Dufour, one of those naturalists who has most particularly studied the ana-
tomy of these animals, does not adopt it.

(< 2

20 CLASS INSrCTA.

is then viviparous. The number of annual generations of
a species, depends on the duration of each of them ; most
frequently there is but one or two in the year. A species,
cceteris paribus.^ is so much the more common, as the gene-
rations succeed each other with more rapidity, and the
female is more fruitful.

A female butterfly, after copulation, lays her eggs, from
which spring, not butterflies, but animals with a very elon-
gated body, divided into rings, with a head provided with
jaws, and several small eyes, having very short feet, six of
which are scaly and pointed, placed in front, the others
variable in number, membranous and attached to the final
rings. These animals, known under the name of caterpil-
lars, live for a certain time in this state, and change their
skin many times. Finally, there arrives a period when from
this skin of the caterpillar issues a being totally diff*erent, of
an oblong form, without distinct limbs, and which soon ceases
to move, remaining a long time apparently dead and dried
up, under the denomination of chrysalis. When we ex-
amine it pretty closely, we discover, in relief^ on the external
surface of this chrysalis, certain lineaments which represent
all the parts of the butterfly, but in proportions different
from those which these parts will one day possess. After a
period more or less long, the skin of the chrysalis opens, and
the butterfly comes forth, humid, soft, with short and flaccid
wings. But in a few moments it dries, its wings grow, be-
come strong, and it is in a state to fly. It has six long feet,
antennae, a spiral proboscis, and complicated eyes ; in a word,
it resembles in nothing the caterpillar from which it has
sprung, for it has been verified that the changes of state are
nothing else but successive developments of the parts con-
tained one in the other.

All this is what is termed the metamorphoses of insects.

CLASS INSECTA. 21

Their first slate is named larva ; the second, 7iympha ; the
third, perfect state {imago). It is only in this last that
they are capable of reproduction.

All insects do not pass through these three states. Those
which have no wings leave the egg with the form which they
are always to preserve.* These are called insects without
metamorphosis. Among those which have wings, a great
number undergo no other change than this acquisition. Their
larva resembles the perfect state, with the exception only of
the wings, which are wholly wanting. The 7iymph does not
differ from the larva but in the rudiments of wings, which
in the last change are developed to place the insect ia its
perfect state. Such is the case with bugs, locusts, &c.
Finally, with the rest of the winged insects in which the
metamorphosis is complete, the first state is a larva, formed
like a caterpillar or worm, the second, a motionless nympha,
in which, however, all the parts of the perfect insect exist,
but in a contracted state.

These parts are free, although closely approximating to
each other, and fixed against the body, in the nymphae of
the coleoptera, the neuroptera, the hymenoptera, &c. ; but
they are not so in those of the lepidoptera and of many in-
sects with two wings. An elastic skin, or one of a consistence
tolerably firm, is moulded over the body and its external
parts, or forms for it, as it were, a sort of case.

That of the nymphas, or chrysalids of the lepidoptera, con-
sisting only of a simple pellicle, applied on the external
organs, following all their contours, and forming for each of
them so many special moulds, like the envelope of a mummy,
enables us directly to recognize and distinguish them, {pupa
obtecta, Lin.) But those flies, &c. formed of the dried skin

* The Jlea, the females of the mutilla, and the tvorking ants, with a
very few other insects, excepted.

Q2 CLASS INSECTA.

of the larva, has only the appearance of a small egg-shell.
It is a sort of capsula or case in which the animal is enclosed.
{Pupa coarctata, Lin.)

Many larvae, before they pass into the nymph state, pre-
pare for themselves with silk, which they draw from within,
or with other materials which they combine together, a shell
in which they enclose themselves. The perfect insect issues
from the nymph, through a cleft or division made on the
back of the corslet. In the nymphse of flies one of the ex-
tremities is detached, coming off like a cap for the passage of
the insect.

The larvae and the nymphse of insects, which undergo but a
semi-metamorphosis, differ from these insects in a perfect
state only with relation to the wings. The other external
organs are identical. But in the complete metamorphosis,
the form of the body of the larva has no invariable relation
with that which these insects are destined to possess in this
perfect state. It is usually more elongated ; the head is
often very different both in its consistence and figure ; it has
only the rudiments of antennas, or wants them altogether,
and never exhibits the complicated eyes.

In the organs of manducation there is still greater dis-
parity, as may be seen by comparing the mouth of a cater-
pillar with that of a butterfly, the mouth of the larva of a
fly with that of the completely developed insect.

Many of these larvae have no feet ; others, such as the
caterpillar, have many, but which, with the exception of the
first six, are all membranous, and have no claws at the end.
Some insects, as the ephemera, exhibit in their metamor-
phosis a singular exception to the rest. When arrived at the
perfect state, they are again stripped of their wings.

The insects which compose our first three orders preserve
during their existence the form which they had at birth. In
the myriapods, however, we perceive a faint sketch of a meta-

CLASS INSECTA. 23

niorphosis. They have at first but six feet, or even none at
all, according to M. Savi ; the others, like the segments
on which they depend, are developed with age.

There are few vegetable substances which are sheltered
from the voracity of insects ; and as those which are neces-
sary and useful to our wants are no more spared than the
others, they do us infinite mischief, particularly in such years
as are favourable to their multiplication. Their destruction
depends much upon our knowledge of their habits, and much
upon our vigilance. There are some of them omnivorous,
and of this number are the termites, ants, &c. whose ravages
are but too well known. Many of those which are carnassial,
and the species which live either on cadaverous, or excremen-
titious substances, may be considered as a benefit from the
hand of the Author of Nature, and as compensating in some
measure for the lossess and inconveniences we experience
from the others. Some insects are employed in medicine, in
the arts, and in domestic economy.

They have also many enemies. The fish destroy a great
quantity of the aquatic species. Birds, bats, lizards, &c.
deliver us from a portion of those which inhabit the earth
and the air. The majority of insects endeavour to escape by
running or flying from the dangers which menace their exist-
ence ; but there are some which employ for the same pur-
pose peculiar stratagems, or the arms with which nature has
supplied them.

When these animals are arrival at their final transforma-
tion, and in full possession and enjoyment of all their faculties,
they hasten to propagate their race, and when this object is
accomplished they soon cease to exist. Accordingly in our
climates, each of the three fine seasons of the year present us
with several species peculiar to itself. It appears, however,
that the females and the neuter individuals of those which
live in societies enjoy a longer career. Many individuals.

24 CLASS INSECTA.

born in Autumn, ei?cape the rigours of winter and re-appear
in the spring of the following year.

The species of insects, like those of vegetables, are circum-
scribed within geographical limits. Those, for example, of
the New World, with the exception of a small number,
which are all northern, are essentially peculiar to that quar-
ter of the globe. It also produces many particular genera.
The ancient continent possesses some in its turn which are
unknown in the other. The insects of the south of Europe,
of North Africa, and of the western and southern countries
of Asia, have many mutual relations. The same is true of
those of the Moluccas, and the most eastern islands, those of
the South Sea included. Many northern species are to be
found in the mountains of the south. Those of Africa differ
much from those of the opposite countries of America. The
insects of South Asia, proceeding eastward from the
Indus or the Sind, as far as the confines of China, have
strong traits of inter-resemblance. The intertropical regions,
covered with immense forests, whose trees are watered with a
superabundant dew, are by far the most rich in insects. In this
point of view, those of Brazil and Guiana are the most
favoured.

All the general methods relative to insects are essentially
reducible to three. Swammerdam has taken the metamor-
phoses as the basis of his system. Linnaeus established his
on the presence and absence of wings, their number, their
consistence, their superposition, the nature of their surface,
and the existence or absence of a sting. Fabi'icius, in his
plan, only employed the parts of the mouth. The Crustacea
and arachnida, in all these distributions, form a part of the
insects, and they even occupy the last place in that of Linne,
which has generally been adopted. Brisson, however, sepa-
rated them ; and his class of crustacea, which he places before
that of the insects, contains all of these animals which have

CLASS INSECTA. 25

more than six feet, that is the Crustacea and arachnida of M.
de Lamark, or the insects apiropodes of M. Savigny. Al-
though this order was more natural than that of Linne, it
was not followed, and it is only in recent times, that anatomi-
cal observations, and the rigorous exactitude of the applica-
tions which have been made of them, have brought us back to
the natural method.*

I divide this class into twelve orders, the first three of
which, composed of insects without wings, not changing
essentially their forms and habits, subject only either to
simple moultings, or a mere outline of metamorphosis which
increases the number of feet and rings of the body, corres-
pond to the order of Arachnides antennistes of M. de La-
mark. The organ of vision in these animals is usually only
an assemblage, more or less extensive, of smooth eyes, formed
like small grains. The following orders compose the class of
insects of the same naturalist. From its natural relations,
that of the suckers, which contains but a single genus, the
flea, ought to terminate the class. But as I place at the
head the insects which have no wings, this order, for regula-
rity of method, should succeed immediately to that of the
parasites.

Some English naturalists have established, on the consi-
deration of the wings, certain new orders. But I do not see
the necessity of admitting them, with the exception, however,
of the stresiptera (twisted or crossed wings), the denomina-
tion of which appears to me to be vicious, and which I shall
call rhipiptera (fan-wings).

* Cuvier, Tab. Elem. de I'Hist. Nat. des Anim., and Lecons d'Anat.
Comparee; Lamark, Systenie des Anim, sans Vertebres; Latreille, Precis
des Caract. Gener. des Insects, et Gener. Crust, et Insectorum. For
more details consult the excellent Introduction to Entomology, by
Messrs. Kirby and Spfince, p. 312.

^6 CLASS INSECTA.

The first order, the Myriapods, has more than six feet,
(twenty-four and upwards,) disposed through the whole
length of the body on a series of rings, each of which have
one or two pairs, and the first of which, and in many the
second too, seem to constitute part of the mouth. They are
apterous.

The second order, the Thysanura, has six feet, and the
abdomen furnished on the sides with mobile pieces in the
form of false feet, or terminated by appendages proper for
leaping.

The third order, the Parasites, (Parasita,) has six
feet, wants wings, has for visual organs smooth eyes ; their
mouth is, in a great degree, internal, and consists only in a
muzzle enclosing a retractile sucker, or in a cleft situated
between two lips, with two crochet-formed mandibles.

The fourth order, The Suckers, (Suctoria,) have six
feet, want wings ;* their mouth is composed of a sucker en-
closed in a cylindrical sheath of two articulated pieces.

The fifth order, the Coleoptera, has six feet, four wings,
of which the two upper are case-formed, mandibles and jaws
for mastication ; the lower wings folded, simply across, and
the crustaceous cases always horizontal. They undergo a
complete metamorphosis.

The sixth order, the ORTHOPTERA,t has six feet ; four
wings, of which the upper two are case formed ; mandibles
and jaws for mastication (covered at the extremity by a

• They undergo metamorphoses, and acqviire locomotive organs which
they did not possess at their birth. This character is common to the fol-
lowing orders, but in the insects under consideration the metamorphosis
developes another sort of locomotive organs, the wings.

-f- De Geer had established this order, and given it the name of dermoj)-
tera, which Olivier has changed, not much to the purpose, into that of
orthoptera. We preserve, however, this last, because French naturalists
have generally adopted it.

CLASS INSECTA. ^7

galea) ; the lower wings folded in two directions, or simply
in their length, and the cases usually coriaceous, and most
frequently crossed at their internal edge : they undergo
merely a semi-metamorphosis.

The seventh order, the Hemtptera, has six feet ; four
wings, of which the upper two are in the form of crusta-
ceous cases, with the extremity membranous, or similar to
the lower, but larger and stronger : the mandibles and
jaws are replaced by hairs, forming a sucker, enclosed in a
sheath of a single piece, articulated, cylindrical or conical,
and formed like a beak.

The eighth order, the Neuroptera, has six feet ; four
membranous and naked wings ; mandibles and jaws for
mastication ; their wings are finely reticulated, and the
lower are usually of the size of the upper, or more extended
in one of their diameters.

The ninth order, the Hymenoptera, has six feet ; four
membranous and naked wings ; mandibles and jaws for
mastication ; the lower wings smaller than the upper ; the
abdomen of the females almost always terminated by an
auger, or a sting.

The tenth order, the Lepidoptera, has six feet*, four
membranous wings, covered with small coloured scales, re-
sembling dust or powder. A corneous piece like an epau-
lette thrown backwards^ inserted in front of each upper
wing; the jaws replaced by two tubular threads, united and
composing a kind of spiral tongue.*

The eleventh order, the Rhipiptera, has six feet; two

• Spiritrompe. — See the generalities of the class. The thorax of the
lepidoptera has more analogy with that of the heiiroptera than with that
of the hymenoptera, the segment which I have named medial appearing
to constitute part of the abdomen, while in those last, and the diptera,
it is incorporated with the tliorax.

28 CLASS INSECTA.

membranous Avings, and folded like a fan ; two mobile,
crustaceous bodies, formed like small elytra, situated at the
extremity of the thorax,* and for organs of mastication,
simple jaws, in the form of bristles, with two palpi.

The twelfth order, the Diptera, has six feet ; two mem-
branous and extended wings, accompanied in almost all of
them, by two mobile bodies, formed like balancers, situated
behind them ; and for organs of manducation, a sucker,
composed of a variable number of bristles or hairs, enclosed
in an inarticulated sheath, most frequently formed like a
proboscis, and terminated by two lips.

* Formed, as we would presume, by pieces analogous to the epaulette
' pterygodes of the lepidoptera.

SUPPLEMENT

INSECTS IN GENERAL.

Of all the classes of the Animal Kingdom, that of which
we are now to attempt a general and brief sketch, is, by uni-
versal acknowledgment, allowed to be the most various and
extensive. In diversity of conformation it surpasses every
other, and does not yield even to botany in the number of
species. Those which are known amount to upwards of
twenty thousand, and there can be little doubt that numbers
have escaped observation, and have never been described.
It is possible, notwithstanding the zeal with which entomo-
logy has been recently cultivated, that this may be the case
to some extent, even with species indigenous in Europe ; and
with respect to exotics, we may well believe that our cata-
logues are far from being complete. Travellers have gene-
rally contented themselves with collecting, on some isolated
portions of the globe, such species as were remarkable either
for the singularity of their forms, or the beauty of their
colours.

These animals are many of them so minute, that their
forms are not to be lecognized but by the aid of the micro-

30 SUPPLEMENT ON

scope. Magnitude and extension are, however, but of little
consequence in the eye of the philosopher. If we may be
allowed to make any distinction between His works, which
are all wonderful, we would say, that the wisdom of the
Supreme Being never is more manifest than in the conforma-
tion of organic beings which are not to be scanned by our
feeble senses. In such, there appears to be a concentration
of divine wisdom and power. Infinity exists in small as
well as in great things, and the insignificance of an atom,
the imparting to it, under such minute dimensions, so many
organs, capable of a variety of sensations, is a greater
marvel than the production of those colossal animals on
which we look with terror and astonishment. But vulgar
prejudice, which always despises minuteness, and idolizes
magnitude, for a long period retarded the study of these in-
teresting animals ; they were considered as of little import
in the scale of creation, and totally unworthy of any fixed
attention.

It is impossible to repeat too frequently, that mankind are
the fools of their senses as to great and small. Even philo-
sophers themselves, who are, or ought to be, best aware
that these are but comparative terms, that they are merely
simple relations, often yield unconsciously to the impressions
that magnitude is calculated to produce on our external
senses : — " Wherefore,"" says one of the most philosophical
observers of nature, " should we fear to bestow too much
praise on the works of the Supreme Being ? A machine is
the more admirable, and does the greater honour to its in-
ventor, in proportion as it is simple in relation to its destined
object, though complex as to the number and variety of its
parts. The union and concurrence of so many different
and necessary pieces to the production of one given end, im-
press us with a high idea of the genius of the mechanist.
He who has formed those animated machines which we term

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 31

insects, has assuredly admitted no unnecessary parts into
their composition. Notwithstanding their minuteness, they
cannot fail to excite our admiration in a much greater
degree than larger animals, when we consider that there are
many more component parts in their body, than in the enor-
mous living masses of the elephant or the whale. In the pro-
duction of the butterfly, and of every insect which undergoes
a true metamorphosis, the equivalent at least of two animals
is produced."

The prodigious variety of forms in the insect world,
through all its numerous tribes, presents a grand and most
interesting spectable to the eye of reflection — what diversity
in the general figure of the body, in the structure of the
organs of locomotion, manducation and generation, and of all
the external parts ! There are doubtless, however, many
wonders concealed from our inspection in the insect frame,
by the difficulty of examining its internal conformation.
Much, notwithstanding, has been discovered, which exhibits
the most surprising mechanism, and is calculated to excite
our curiosity, and stimulate our zeal in the study of those
wonderful little beings. M. Latreille conjectures, and per-
haps with probability, that a completer knowledge of the
anatomy of insects might lead us to the solution of many
problems relative to the anatomy of the human body.

But even though the study of an organization, so singular
and varied as that of insects, should be deemed to possess but
little interest for the general reader, still there are many
other phenomena connected with these animals, that cannot
fail to engage observation and rivet attention. Among these
are the surprising transformations of their early age ; their
stratagems, address, skill and industry, in pursuing their
prey, or procuring their food of whatever kind ; the ingeni-
ous resources which they employ for defence against their
enemies ; all the marvels connected with their reproduction,

32 SUPPLEMENT ON

and especially those operations to which our ignorance has
given the name of instinctive, but which, whatever be their
cause, are so superior in precision and completeness of result,
to those originated by human reason ; their attentive cares
for the preservation of the species ; and, finally, the destruc-
tive action which numbers of them exercise on our properties
or ourselves, and the important advantages which we derive
from so many others.

If time and space permitted us, we might enlarge on the
advantages which man has derived, and may yet derive, from
the study of the insect tribes. We might notice that the
idea of many of the most useful and necessary arts, have been
owing even to a superficial observation of this class of ani-
mals, and their curious operations. We might remark, that
many superstitious and vulgar prejudices have been dissipated
by an extended knowledge of their species and peculiarities,
and that our notions on natviral science have been rectified by
the same cause. The last mentioned particular is well
deserving of attention. Before Redi, Malpighi, Swammer-
dam, and Reaumur had pursued their invaluable researches
on the animals in question, many operations of nature in
general, were most grossly misunderstood. The absurd
theory, for instance, of equivocal generation^ from which
other absurdities were questionless derived, was overturned
by the attention given to this part of insect physiology by
the illustrious observers just cited. There can be little doubt
that the opinion of the ancients, that insects sprung from the
corruption of material substances, retarded, for a long time,
the progress of entomological science. When it was believed
that they were thus produced, it naturally followed that the
most curious part of their history, all that appertaining to a
perpetuation of their species, must be neglected and un-
known. The case was similar respecting the transformations
of insects, as long as it was supposed that they were any

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 33

thing but simple developments. It is, therefore, most absurd
to think, tliat to have correct notions on a subject like the
present, can be matter of indifference to a philosopher. It is
the nature of error to propagate itself, as it is of truth to
conduct to the discovery of truth ; for one error may be said,
without any exaggeration, to be connected with a multitude
of others, and the same relation to exist among all important
truths.

As soon as it was recognized that sexual intercourse was
necessary to the re-production of insects, the general law of
nature, which is applicable to other animals, was, of course,
applied to them. However, without a careful and consecu-
tive study of the subject, who would have imagined the
possibility of their multiplying without the repetition of the
fecundating act for a series of generations ? Is it not a new
and most interesting phenomenon in animal physiology, to
find that the insects to which we have just alluded (the
aphides) are viviparous in the fine season, and oviparous at
the approach of winter. Nor are these the only insects
that should teach us the presumption of limiting nature
within the narrow circle of our knowledge or conceptions.
From the Mppohoscus we learn, that it is possible for the
young of some animals, at the instant of their birth, to be
nearly as large as the mother.

As the appearance of different species of insects, on the
return of fine weather, has a direct relation with the tempera-
ture of the air, they may be considered, in some sort, as
natural thermometers. Some require but a moderate degree
of heat for their development, others one much more consi-
derable. Some insects may even answer the purpose of
barometers. Thus, we may expect storm or rain when we
behold the bees returning to their hives with unusual haste ;
when the ants conceal their larvae, or their nymps ; or the
butterflies do not soar to their usual elevation. Such pheno-

VOL. XIV. D

34 SUPPLEMENT ON

mena have not escaped the observation of the great poet of
agriculture —

" Sspius et tectis penetralibus extulit ova,
Angustum ybnKJca terens iter.

And again, of the bees, he says —

" Nee vero a stabulis pluvia impendente, recedunt
Longius aut credant ccelo adventantibus Euris ;
Sed circum tutse sub maenibus urbis aquantur,
Excursusque breves tentant.

But it becomes the less necessary to dwell on the pleasure
and profit derivable from this delightful study, as they have
been already amply demonstrated by far abler pens than
ours; and, as the prej udices which have existed against it,
have been considerably dissipated by the zeal and ability of
its votaries. For those who cultivate it, it proves an inex-
haustible source of instruction, a pleasure of perpetual recur-
rence, which may be indulged in to an extreme, without the
chance of satiety, or the 'possibility of remorse. Its happy
influence can withdraw us from the storms of passion, and
console us under the accidents of life, and the reverses of
fortune. It elevates the soul above sordid cares and sensual
gratifications, to the contemplation of divine power and wis-
dom, and the lofty calm of philosophical religion. But it
may not be unnecessary to remark, that it is not by a super-
ficial study of this, or any other department of the works of
nature, that such happy effects can be produced. Those
whose exclusive object is amusement, and who take up a work
on entomology as they would a romance, will be certain to
meet both disappointment and disgust. The pleasure expe-.
rienced from this, as well as every other science, is the result
of the zeal and assiduity with wliich it is cultivated ; and it

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 36

is, or ought to be, unnecessary to add, that the improvement
of the mind entirely depends upon them. Yet these remarks
are not, perhaps, wholly superfluous in an age which pro-
fesses to convert the acquisition of knowledge into sport, to
make men wise without the trouble of thinking, and learned
without the toil of study.

In this general sketch of insects, we propose to confine our
observations as much as possible to what is common to the
class, without a repetition of the text, while we reserve what
is peculiar to each order for the succcessive supplementary
remarks on each. We shall commence with some physiolo-
gical reflections, which seem necessary to be premised for the
purpose of determining the rank to which insects are entitled
in the animal creation.

It is perfectly known, that the general laws by which
inert bodies seem solely regulated, are counteracted or modi-
fied in those which possess life. The phenomena resulting
from this sort of struggle, evidently depend on so many
apparatus of organs, or instruments, with which such bodies
are especially provided, for this very purpose. This charac-
ter of the constitution of all living beings, which enables them
to resist the constant action of natural laws, continually tend-
ing to their destruction, and the re-union of their component
parts with the common mass of the elements, has been termed
mtal power, or life. This is a conventional term, by which
is expressed a series of actions, very different from each
other, though generally concurring to one and the same end
— the preservation of the individual, or of the race.

Physiologists have given the term of functions to each of
the principal actions of life, performed by systems of organs,
or series of instruments, often altogether different from each
other in their structure and mechanism, but productive of
the same effect.

The vital functions are all referable to two grand series of

36

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phenomena. The first is produced by those organs which
endow the beings that possess them with two faculties ;
namely, that of growing, or being developed by the incorpo-
ration of foreign substances, which, for a time, participate in
the vital action ; and that of reproducing or engendering
individuals similar to themselves. The second series consists
in the means accorded to living beings of changing place at
will, either Avholly or in part, and those by which they can
perceive or feel the action which other bodies, by their quali-
ties, can exercise upon them. These are the four grand
functions of nutrition, generation, locomotion, and sensa-
tion.

Nutrition and generation take place in certain organized
beings, independently of the other two functions. This is a
more simple mode of existence, but the beings who so exist,
possessing fewer faculties, must of necessity remain, and be
developed in the same place where their germs were depo-
sited.

The faculties of motion and sensation never exist in the
same isolated way in any living beings, because they must be
nourished and reproduced. Bodies thus organized, are more
complicated, for they unite the two kinds of life. It is by
the organs which give rise to the faculties of motion and sen-
sation, and perform those functions in such a variety of
modes, that animals are distinguished from vegetables, which
cannot change place, and which, as far as we can discover,
have no vestige of sensation.

It may be further observed, that these organs of motion
and sensation, have modified the other two functions. An
animal with the power of changing place altogether, or in
part, and by its own proper motion, must, if the medium
which it inhabits be not liquid, or if other beings do not
provide it with nourishment, proceed in search of its food,
introduce it into an interior cavity, so organized as to distri-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 37

bute the nutritious fluids which it contains, into all parts of
the body. It must, also, by the aid of certain instruments,
for the purpose of denoting the qualities of bodies, attract
or repel, approach or avoid, certain substances. How the
generative functions have been modified by the organs of
motion and sensation, it is only necessary to allude to.

The consequences of these truths, properly followed up,
will assist us in developing the elements of the natural classi-
fication of animals. Havina; once established that the exis-
tence of the organs of motion and sensation is the charac-
teristic distinction of animals, it is certain, that the more that
these faculties are developed in animals, the more are the
latter removed froin vegetables, and vice versa.

The degree of this development is easily observed. If
we find animals endowed with the faculty of reproducing
themselves by germs or slips, of being dried up, and preserv-
ing the characters of life through the influence of moisture,
light, or other natural agents ; being able to exist only in
a liquid medium ; often fixed upon a point of space in the
very midst of their aliment, which many of them absorb
through external pores ; shewing but few vestiges of any
thing like motion — such animals assuredly exhibit the nearest
possible relation to plants. They have neither distinct
nerves, nor organs of sense, with the exception of passive
feeling; no alimentary or digestive tube, no articulated
appendages for motion, no distinct organs of respiration.
These are the zoophytes, the last class of animated nature.

We next find animals condemned for the most part to live
in water, whose motions are slow, and often hardly percep-
tible. They are, therefore, destitute of several of the organs,
of sense, though possessing nerves. They have no articulated
limbs. Their mode of generation sometimes resembles that
of plants. Sometimes there is a triple complication of dis-
tinct individual sex ; sometimes the sexes are united in one
and the same being — such are the molhisca.

38 SUPPLEMENT ON

The living creatures next in the scale, cannot be considered
much more perfect than the last. They are either inhabi-
tants of the water, or some constantly obscure and humid
medium, and are destitute of almost all the organs of the
senses. Their body, it is true, is divided into rings, which
facilitate locomotion, but it is unfurnished with those articu-
lated appendages which constitute limbs. Their nerves are
well distinguished and knotty, and from each of the knots or
ganglia, radiations of threads proceed towards the organs.
The sexes are united. These are the worms.

The beings which belong to the two following classes, have
the trunck formed of distinct and articulated levers, and are
furnished with limbs of lateral appendages destined for
various motions, according to their mode of existence. Those
which live in the water have organs appropriate to that
medium, being provided with gills : these are the Crustacea.
In the others, the air penetrates into the various parts of the
body, through apertures conducting into aeriferous tubes,
named tracheae : these are the Insects. They are far more
animalized, if we may be allowed the phrase, that is, farther
removed from the vegetable existence, than any of the pre-
ceding classes. They are endowed with sight, hearing, smell,
taste, and touch. They enjoy all the various modes of
motion on the water, on the earth, and through the air. In
the organs destined for nutrition and generation, they are
fully on a par with animals of a more elevated order.

It would be beside our purpose to trace these physiological
relations any higher. We have said sufficient to shew the ele-
vated rank which the insects should hold in the classification
of the animal kingdom. They should certainly be placed im-
mediately after the lowest of the vertebralia, over even which,
they may be said to possess more advantages than one.

From the observations of the Baron it follows, that the
Crustacea, and the aranekla, diff'er from the insects proper.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 39

and especially from those which are winged, in having a
complete system of circulation, and a different mode of respi-
ration. From these motives, in his lessons on comparative
anatomy, he formed a particular class of the Crustacea, and
subsequently admitted that of the arachnida into the " Regne
Animal," comprising however, in this last, those species only
which have no antennae. The insects are, accordingly, dis-
tinguished from the Crustacea, by M. Latreille, by the
absence of peculiar circulating vessels, and by their tracheae ;
from the arachnida, by having two antennae, by the tracheae
forming two parallel cords through the whole length of the
body, with centre of branches, like verticillas at certain inter-
vals, and by the stigmata not being limited to a particular
space.

We shall now add to the text a few brief remarks on the
structure of insects in general.

There are three principal regions of the body to be consi-
dered in insects : the head, the corslet, or thorax, and the
abdomen, or belly.

The head is constantly articulated with the thorax, but
the mode of articulation varies according to the orders, fami-
lies, and genera. All the true insects have the head articu-
lated, and mobile on the trunk, and furnished with antennae.

The mouth is a very important portion of the conformation.
Its parts differ not only in the different orders, but by slight
modifications in all the genera, and more than probaby, in
all the species. On these modifications, some entomologists
who have studied them deeply, have established both orders
and genera.

It cannot be expected that we should enlarge much on the
anatomy of this part. It will be sufficient to say that with
regard to it, all insects may be referred to two grand divi-
sions : the species with free mandibles and jaws, disposed
isolatedly in mobile parts ; these are the masticating or grind-

40 SUPPLEMENT ON

ing insects, and belong to the orders, coleoptera, orthoptera,
neuroptera, hymenoptera, and most of the apterous families-
But we find that in the hymenoptera, especially in some
particular families, the jaws became elongated and flatted,
and form with the assistance of the under lip a sort of tube
and tongue, which imparts to these insects the double faculty
of masticating their food, and imbibing it by a kind of
suction.

By the suctorial insects properly so termed, no aliments
can be swallowed but such as are in a liquid state. But the
organs which produce this suction are greatly diversified in
the different orders. In the hemiptera, this organ is an arti-
culated beak, a kind of tube composed of many pieces which
diminish in thickness from base to point, and in the interior
of which are contained fine and sharp bristles, usually three
in number.

In others, as in the lepidoptera, the mouth consists in a
peculiar instrument, usually rolled back spirally, to which the
name of spiral tongue ox proboscis is given. This tongue forms
a canal composed of two semi-sheaths, which correspond to the
jaws of other insects, but exceedingl}'^ elongated. At the base
of these the palpi are found, often well supplied with hairs, and
also all the rudimen:s of the other parts of the mouth. For
a further description of this tongue or antlia, as Mr. Kirby
more properly terms it, must be reserved for the proper place ;
here we can afford but a hurried glance over insect confor-
mation.

In the diptera, the tongue sometimes forms a fleshy pro-
boscis terminated by two lips, which perform the office of a
cupping-glass, at the centre of which is the orifice of the
alimentary canal. The genera in which this kind of instru-
ment is observed, are forced to take their aliment, such as
they find it on the surface of bodies, or to liquefy it so as to
be able to swallow it. In otliers, this instrument is what

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 41

entomologists generally have called a sucker. This is a sort
of proboscis not widened at its free extremity, and containing
bristles, which are vulnerary insti'uraents used by the insect,
to pierce the skin of organized beings, on whose fluids it
subsists.

The appendages to the head of almost all insects called the
antennae, ai'e extremely curious and very various in their
structure in the different orders and genera, and even in the
different sexes of the same species. Their use or office may
be said to be still unknown to us.

The word antenna, which in Latin signifies the yard of a
ship's mast, was adopted probably from an idea that these
organs were useful to insects in flying or directing their
flight, a notion long since exploded. Aristotle, with a better
analogy calls them xf^a?, or horns, which word has been com-
pounded with others, by some of the modern naturalists to
form their generic names.

Insects with reference to their antennae are divided prima-
rily into dicerous, or such as have two* antennae, and acerous,
or such as have none.

With regard to their situation, the antenna? are generally
inserted above the eyes in the upper surface of the head,
but sometimes they are between the eyes, in the canthus of
the eyes, or under the eyes, and sometimes they are on the
rostrum. They are also more or less remote from each other
at the base, and are sometimes united there. They are also
various as to length, some being larger than the whole insect,
and others shorter even than the head. Some are perfectly
straight, and others pliant, but without an angle, while others
have an angle or elbow more or less acute ; some curve out-

* Some of the species of the genus otiocenis, seem to have four antennae,
and some six ; but Kirby and Spence consider the supernumaries as mere
appendages, and not as true antennae.

42 SUPPLEMENT ON

wards, others inwards, downwards, upwards — some are bent
back on the body, while others bend forward — some are con-
voluted spirally, and others are stiff and inflexible.

In some the antennae when the insect reposes are hidden
under the head or trunk, and in others they are never con-
cealed.

The termination of these antennae is also very various : this
termination is sometimes a minute joint, a bristle, a capillary
joint, a short point or sinew, a kind of hook, a claw ; some-
times it is thicker at the point forming a knot, and sometimes
it is divided into laminae, which the insect can open and
shut.

Some antennae are feathered or hairy in various forms, as
on both or one side in Avhorls, plumose, or flowing and ciliate,
or straight and stiffs.

Kirby and Spence name no less than thirty-two varieties of
general figure and size in these organs. The figures of the
several genera will display these varieties, and we insert here
some greatly magnified figures of the antennae found in three
species of lepidopterous insects, to display their more minute
details. Fig. 1, represents the antennae of Pap. lo. 2. The
same with a portion of its hairy exterior coat removed.
3. The knot or capitulum laid open, displaying the appear-
ance of vessels like the pith of elder. 4. A transverse section
of a portion of the antennae. 5. The tubular insertion, and
6, the same more magnified.

Fig. 7^ shews a front view of the head of Bomhyx Caja,
magnified by the lucernal microscope, with one of the antennae
removed. 8. Is part of the antennae seen vertically covered
with an imbrication of white scales or feathers, under which
the pectens issue on each side. 9- Is one of the antennae
entire, with its pectens, and a part of the imbrication of white
scales or feathers removed at a to shew the articulations. 10.
Is the extremity of the antennae more magnified. 11. Is the

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 43

seat of the antennae above the eye. 12, Shews the extremity
of one pecten greatly magnified ; and 13, the bristle thereof, at
the termination more magnified. 14. Is the antennae of
Bombyx antiqua, separated and greatly magnified ; and 15,
is a separate pecten.

The substance of these organs seems regulated in some
degree by the nature of the integument of each insect being
softer or harder ; accordingly they are not spoken of as vas-
cular, nervous, or porous ; there is, however, every reason to
conclude that they are so : though the vessels are too minute
for detection, we know that they consist in general of move-
able tubular joints, varying greatly in number in the
genera.

With respect to the uses to which insects apply their
antennae, naturalists are absolutely in the dark ; some have
considered them as organs of scent, others of hearing, but
the majority have referred them to the sense of touch.

It is obvious that insects enjoy the sense of smell, and that
in all probability in a very high degree, for we cannot other-
wise account for many of the species so easily finding their
proper food. One great office of the existence of a very large
portion of insects, is evidently the more speedily to pro-
mote the dissolution of dead organic matter ; accordingly,
we find them rapidly attracted by putrescent matter, either
as a nidus for their eggs, on which their almost countless
larvae feed ; or as food for themselves when in the perfect
state ; and that this attraction is effected by the medium of
this sense, may appear the more unquestionably, from the
curious circumstance of the common flesh-fly frequently
depositing its eggs in flowers, which possess a strong smell
like carrion, strapelia hirsuta, by which the fly is deceived.
There seems, however, no ground whatever for supposing
that the antennae are connected with this faculty, beyond the

4'i SUPPLE BIENT ON

mere analogy of these organs being frequently placed in the
local situation of the nose of other animals.

Experiments have indeed satisfactorily proved that insects
possess the faculty of hearing; but others have as clearly
shewn that it is not through the instrumentality of the an-
tennaj that they enjoy it, and with regard both to this and
the last mentioned faculty, it may be observed, that insects
destitute of antenna? naturally, or deprived of them by acci-
dent, or design, seem to possess both their smell and hearing
unimpaired.

That the antennse are organs of tact seems more probable
than the preceding hypothesis ; but even this conjecture, in
its ordinary mode of acceptation, is subject to material objec-
tions. The majority of insects in walking certainly carry
the antennas in a forward direction, and seem to feel every
new object they approach by their means ; but there are
other insects which seem with great care to lay their antenna;
backward, as if to avoid their coming in contact with any
thing they may meet in their advance, and this, notwith-
standing the antennas in those same species are much elon-
gated, and very flexible. The shortness of the antennas in
some species, and their total absence in others, militate also
against the presumption in favour of touch.

It seems probable, on the whole, that tact is one of the
functions of these antennae ; but it is equally so from the
manner especially in which bees, and the social insects, em-
ploy these organs in the very inexplicable communications,
which take place among the individuals of those social crea-
tures to which we shall have occasion to refer more at large
hereafter, that the antennae are the medium of some faculty
beyond that of touch, undiscovered by us, and perhaps with-
out affinity, or even analogy in mankind. We know that
the bat when blinded, for instance, can avoid every ob-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 45

ject artfully put in the way of its flight ; and it seems
probable that the extended membrane with which the
head of this animal is furnished, may be the means of con-
veying to the senses some communication from surrounding
objects by the elasticity of the air. But this is mere conjec-
ture, however probable, and we are unable to apply this
modus operandi to our own faculties ; there may however, be
something similar to this in insects ; they appear to us to see
with opaque eyes, and they may smell, hear, and feel, with-
out the aid of particular organs appropriated to each of
these faculties, or their antennae may serve them in a way
unknown to us in the enjoyment of most or all of their senses.
When we consider the extent and almost universality of
antennae among insects, we may at least fairly conclude that
in some way or other, or probably in many, they are essen-
tial to the enjoyment of their existence.

The eyes of insects are widely different from those of the
other classes of the Animal Kingdom. They are divisible
into simple and compound eyes ; the former are very large,
and the whole surface is reticulated, with a minute tubercle
or lens between each reticulation ; the latter, like the eyes of
the vertebrata, form but one tubercle or lens of the entire
eye.

All the coleoptera, and the diurnal lepidoptera, have two
compound eyes only, but these are sometimes divided across,
and appear as if double, as in the gyrini. The orthoptera,
hemiptera, hymetioptera, neuroptera, and diptera, have, with
a few exceptions, two compound with three simple eyes placed
between them. The exceptions comprehend the ephemera,
some species of the phrygania, which have only two very
large simple eyes. The hemerobia, and the antlions, more-
over, have not simple eyes : no winged insect therefore is de-
prived of compound eyes.

46 SUPPLEMENT ON

The larvae of those insects whose metamorphosis is incom-
plete, have their eyes the same as in the imago state ; but
those whose metamorphosis is complete have only simple
eyes, which vary in number in the several species. Cater-
pillars, for example, have six on each side, while the larvae of
bees, the saw-flies, &c., have only two : many of the last men-
tioned kind of larvae, are entirely destitute of eyes.

The simple eyes of insects are in general too small for
dissection, the wonders therefore of their organization are
beyond our reach ; these wonders can hardly however be sup-
posed to surpass, even should they equal, those which the
microscope displays to us in the compound eyes of these
curious animals : the structure of these has been fully
examined, and is tolerably well understood, though the mode
in which the image is formed on the organ is by no means so
intelligible to us, as in the case of the larger and vertebrated
animals.

The structure indeed of the compound eyes of insects
is so diiFerent from that of the eyes of other animals, even
those not far removed in many respects from the moUusca,
that we might have had reason to doubt whether these eyes
were indeed the organs of sight ; but experiment as well as
analogy will determine that they are : thus, if the large hemis-
pherical eyes of the dragon-fly be covered with any opaque
matter, the insect will strike itself forcibly against the first
object in its way ; and if the'compound eyes of the wasp be in
like manner rendered impervious to the light, the insect will
mount immediately in a vertical direction into the air, re-
gardless of any object in its way ; and if the simple eyes of
the same wasp be afterwards covered the animal will remain
motionless, or at least will not attempt flight. It seems,
therefore, by this experiment, in addition to the general ob-
servation, that all winged insects have compound eyes either

INSECTS IN GENERAL. ¥J

alone or with others, as if the former were essential to the
use of wings, but unimportant to the animal while using its
legs only for motion.

It is hardly possible to convey a sufficiently intelligible
description of these compound eyes, without the aid of figures
drawn with the assistance of a powerful microscope, with
which we shall endeavour to illustrate the subject. Fig. 1,
represents the head of Papilio Uticce, with the spiral tongue
in situ (to which organ we shall refer more at large when
treating of the lepidoptera in particular), with the left palpi
removed from the side of the tongue ; this is drawn from the
reflected image in the lucernal microscope magnified thirty-
four times in diameter, and is intended generally to display
the outline of the head, and particularly the straight filiform
hairs or ciliae, with which the whole hemisphere of the eye
is beset at right angles with its surface, and which act pro-
bably as eye-lashes to defend the lenses.

The eye itself presents under the microscope a vast num-
ber of apparently hexagonal facets or lenses slightly convex,
and separated from each other by slight ridges, forming
as many sockets, from which proceed the eye-lashes ; the
lenses are, in fact, circular, and their sockets appear in some
lights hexagonal, but this hexangular appearance seems to
be occasioned by the intersections of the edges of the lenses.
Fig. 2, shews one of these lenses magnified two hundred
thousand times in surface Fig. 3, represents the sockets
and the circles, and Fig. 4, the mode in which the circular
lenses display an hexagonal surface.

These facets or lenses, and their sockets, form altogether
a hard elastic membrane, which is of itself very transparent,
and constitutes the exterior coat or cornea of the eye ; each
facet may be considered a distinct cornea, or the whole of
them may be said to form one aggregate cornea. They are
convex on the outer surface and concave within, but thicker

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in the middle than at the edge, and what is very extraordi-
nary, these lenses form the only apparently transparent part
of this complicated organ. The number of lenses varies con-
siderably in the different genera : seventeen tliousand, three
hundred and twenty-five have been counted in the eye of
a butterfly, but they are said to be much more numerous
in the beetle of Mr. Mac Leay's genus Dynastes. Leeu-
weenhoeck counted almost twelve thousand in the eye of the
dragon-fly. In the genus Xenops, however, these lenses do
not exceed fifty ; they vary in magnitude in the different
genera, and sometimes in the same eyes.

Immediately behind the transparent lens and its socket,
is an opaque plaster, varnish or tunick, which varies consi-
derably in colour in the different species, and which fre-
quently forms in the eye itself dark spots and configura-
tions. This plaster covers the entire concave surface of the
whole aggregate cornea, and consequently the inner surface
of each particular lens, without leaving the slightest aper-
ture for the passage of light ; how therefore the image of the
object, after being refracted through the lenses, passes this
apparently opaque substance, remains to be explained : at
present, it seems most probable that we are deceived as
to the real opacity of this tunick.

The object of the configurations formed by the differ-
ent colours, and probably l)y tlie different degrees of opacity
and transparency in the tunick of the eye, is not ascertained,
though it seems not improbable that it may be intended to
absorb a portion of the rays of light, and thereby diminish
the too great sensibility of the optic nerves : if this be so,
it is not perhaps the only instance in which Nature seems
to have had recourse to especial means to remedy her own
luxuriance. Fig. 5, shews the aggregate cornea of the eye
4 of Phaboinhyx luhricepeda^ with the coloured tunick alto-
gether i-emoved, and Fig. 6, the genei-al appearance of the

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 49

eye, of the same with the tunick and the configurations
formed there upon. Fig. 7? represents a portion of the
same more magnified. Fig. 8, the eye of Pha. Geom. Grossu-
Zariaia, with its peculiar configuration. Figs. 9 and 10, shew
the different forms of these configurations, found in the two
eyes of the same individual insect in the Pha. homhyx Caja,
and Fig. 11, the peculiarity in this respect of Pha. homhyx
Crntegata.

From behind this coloured plaster or tunick, correspond-
ing with the socket at each lens, proceed a compact bundle
of fibres : these form a case with its base applied to the
socket of the lens, and seem to be of a nervous character ; " if
so," says the Baron in his Comparative Anatomy, " we may
consider each of them as a retina to its particular facet or
lens ; but we have still to explain how the light can act on
such a retina behind an opake tunick." Fig. 12, shews one
of these fasciculi, or conical bundle of nerves, a little re-
moved from its lens, and Fig. 13, a series of several of them
more magnified, with the lenses in situ : the fasciculi may be
observed at their points to come in contact with a membrane
running parallel with the lenses.

This membrane is extremely fine, and penetrated with
very minute air-vessels, which produce branches still more
minute, passing between the pyramidal fasciculi to the cor-
nea ; it is called by Cuvier, from analogy, the choroid.

Behind this membrane, is a thin expansion of the optic
nerve, which is a true nervous chord, perfectly similar to the
retina of animals with red blood. It appears that the
filaments which form the pyramidal fasciculus or retina to each
lens, are produced from this nervous chord, after having
pierced the choroid by a multitude of almost imperceptible
pores. Fig. 14, displays, entire, one of the component
parts of these compound eyes ; a, the lens in its socket ; 6, fe,

VOL. XIV. E

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the socket itself ; c, c, the tunick ; tZ, the pyramidal fasci-
culus ; e, the membrane, called by Cuvier the choroid ; /,
bundle of fibres, which is drawn in this and the other figures,
larger than in its due proportion, the better to display its
construction ; g, the nervous chord communicating directly
with h, a lobe of the brain.

To these figures we have added : Fig. 15. The head of a
moth with the plumage removed, shewing the cranium horny
and granulated, the configurations on the eyes ; and Fig. 16,
a vertical section of the same to display the general appear-
ance : «, o, the pyramidal fasciculi as attached to the cornea,
forming a point where they come in contact with 6, h, the
choroid membrane passing through the same, and proceed-
ing in the shape of nervous chords or fibres to c, c, the lobe
of the brain.

What are here delineated may be called the grosser parts
of this wonderful organ, for besides these, we have these
vessels incident to its existence, passing from the first gan-
glion called the brain, in various directions, through which
the air is conveyed, a fluid which seems indispensable to the
energy and application of the whole organ. The utmost
powers of the microscope with difficulty disclose to us the
largest of these airducts, but their almost infinitely minute
ramifications elude all human powers of investigation. Much
may be demonstrated to our senses, but much is at the same
time left to imagination.

How little is it that we discover of the grand economy of
organized beings ! a very small portion only of its grosser
forms. The more minute and curious details defy our most
laborious research, and act silently and unseen, save only
to their omnipotent mechanic. Limited faculties soon arrest
our progress, even in physical science, but the very entrance
to metaphysical knowledge is hermetically closed against us ;
our utmost researches cannot ascertain, nay, even the most

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 51

vivid imagination cannot conceive the means by which per-
ception is produced. We imperfectly puzzle out, how the
grosser parts of organs are disposed inter-relatively, but this
is all we can do ; for matter, however arranged or modified,
cannot produce intellect, cannot of itself create that per-
ception, which the organ excites ; or even should we adopt the
absurd creed of the materialists, and admit that matter may
be so organised as of itself to perceive and think, do we in
the slightest degree diminish the difficulty before us, or gain
one atom of knowledge on the subject ?

There are, moreover, on the head of insects divers regions,
whose development, colours, depressions, and other peculiari-
ties have given characteristic distinctions to the naturalist.
It will be sufficient here to name them. The occiput, which
is articulated with the corslet, sometimes by a single condyle,
sometimes by two, is sometimes truncated, rounded, flatted,
depressed, prolonged into a sort of neck, &c. The vertex or
summit of the head ; the front (fro7is), the cheeks {gencB),
between the eyes and mouth ; the chin {mentum), on which
the under lip is articulated, &c.

The corslet, or thorax, is that part of the trunk situated
between the head and the abdomen. It has been quite suffi-
ciently described in the text for all general purposes. From
the description there, it is easy to judge that the form and
extent of its various parts, must differ greatly in the diffe-
rent orders. Thus, the mesothorax is but little developed in
the coleoptera and orthoptera, which have certain elytra of
but little usage in flight. In the cigalae, the epimeros is pro-
longed under the first ring of the abdomen, to form the great
concave plate which covers the instrument of song in these
insects. The four regions of the back are more sensible in
the lepidoptera, hymenoptera, and diptera. The episternum
is most developed in the libellulse, in the coleoptera, or the
metathorax.

E 2

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The abdomen, the third region of the trunk in insects, has
been sufficiently described. It is sometimes articulated with
the metathorax, in the hinder region, by a broad surface.
Sometimes, on the contrary, the articulation is reduced to a
stalk, or pedicle, as in wasps, &c. The free extremity of the
abdomen is most generally pierced by the anus. The last
ring varies considerably in form : it is often conformed, so
as to favour the approximation of the sexes, to facilitate the
exclusion of the eggs, or their introduction into such sub-
stances as are proper to receive them. In this last instance, it
forms what Mr. Kirby has denominated the ovipositor. It
is frequently organized, so as to become a weapon offensive
or defensive. A variety of instruments, destined to peculiar
uses, often constitute a part of this region of the trunk. We
may add, that in each of the rings of the belly, the under,
upper, and lateral regions are distinguished, as to their form,
structure, spots, and movements, which furnish very good
characters, not only for genera, but even for species, and
difference of sex.

The wings consist of pieces, articulated on the mesothorax
and metathorax, in the interior of which are placed very power-
ful muscles, by which all the variations in their movements are
produced. They are, in truth, light, but solid oars, formed
by membranes, and sustained by radii or strings, variously
disposed, to give them the necessary degree of suppleness,
resistance, and mobility.

No insect is born truly winged, and some, which we term
apterous, never have wings. Some have but two, and then
they are named dipterous. Those with four wings are termed
tetrapterotis. But these distinctions have already been suffi-
ciently pointed out.

Respecting the articulation, the composition, the shape,
the clothing, the colours, and divers other peculiarities of
the wings of insects, much might be written. But the neces-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 53

sity of constant reference for the purposes of illustration, to
the orders, genera, and species, render the subject improper
to be dwelt on here, to say nothing of the imperious obliga-
tion of confining this general essay within narrow bounds.
We shall, therefore, dismiss all further consideration of the
external forms of insects, and proceed to a review of their
principal functions.

We have already insisted on the elevated rank to which
insects are entitled in the classification of the living world.
Under the relation of animality^ they certainly, as we have
said, stand next to the vertebrated animals, being provided
with an articulated body, supported by articulated limbs,
and being capable of all the various species of motion. Tn
proportion to their mass, they exhibit both strength and
activity in a most astonishing degree. They are endowed
equally with the faculty of perceiving with strength, and at
a distance, by means of the organs of the senses, the qualities
of bodies, and better, perhaps, than we can appreciate them
ourselves. The organs of respiration, in insects, are placed
in immediate contact with the fluids, to render them proper
for the excitation of life : a circumstance which compensates
for the defect of circulation, and probably supplies its place
with greater energy, so that the organs of nutrition and
generation are not less energetic, nor less perfect, than those
of the Crustacea, the annelides, the moUusca, and the zoo-
phytes.

Motions, in insects, though greatly varied, are performed
without a correspondent complication of structure. As the
parts of their body are, in general, very symmetrical, we find
at one side, what is observed at the other, so that the study
of one half of their body gives the idea of the correspondent
part. In the trunk, the head and its annexes alone are
capable of much motion. The three regions of the thorax
are all moved by the limbs, without themselves contributing

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much to the movement. The rings of the abdomen are, in
general, articulated on each other in the same manner, so
that the muscles on one segment, are pretty nearly the same
on the preceding, and on the following.

As most of the articulations are performed in ginglyraus,
two muscles are sufficient to produce them — an extensor, in
general the smaller, and a jflector or abductor, much more
voluminous. These muscles are always placed in the cavity
of the articulations, so that all the corneous pieces of the limbs,
for example, are cases for the muscles.

There is this difficulty in the study of the muscles of
insects, that they are truly circumscribed, and distinct only
at their insertion, or the termination of their fibres on a solid
tendon, or articulated prolongation of the piece which they
are intended to move. As the insects are destitute of vessels
and cellular tissue, these fibres are not united together, and
when separated from their insertion, or fixed point of attach-
ment, they remain floating like tufts, which renders their
study very difficult. In the soft insects, as the grasshoppers,
in the orthoptera, in the diptera, but especially in larvae, and
caterpillars, this study is much more easy. Lyonnet, in his
excellent treatise on the anatomy of the caterpillar of the
cossus, has given capital figures of these organs of motion.
Swammerdam has also furnished us with very exact descrip-
tions and drawings of the muscles. More ample details on
this subject than we can afford to give, will be found in the
admirable work of Messrs. Kirby and Spence. The Barony's
" Comparative Anatomy" may also be consulted with advan-
tage, though the magnifiers used at the time of its publica-
tion (1805) were insufficient to detect the ultimate fibre, an
achievement since performed by M. Bauer, with improved
glasses.

Insects are evidently endowed with a nervous system, and
this system is absolutely the same as that of the Crustacea

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 55

and annelides. It consists in a nervous marrow, tolerably
homogeneous, most usually composed of twelve ganglia,
placed in lineal succession through the length of the body,
from the head to the opposite extremity of the trunk. From
these ganglia constantly proceed two nerves^ which go to
join the succeeding ganglion, and moreover other nerves,
variable in number, which proceed, radiating, to join the
surrounding organs, and whose thickness, or elongation, is
proportionate to the development of these organs, or their
distance from the ganglion. The principal ganglia are
generally thus disposed ; the first, which has been considered
as a brain, is situated in the head above the mouth and
the origin of the alimentary conduits. Besides the threads
which it furnishes to the different parts of the mouth, and
which it is not necessary to examine here, it sends some of
the thickest to the eyes and the antennfe, and two hindwards,
which connect the first ganglion to the succeeding. These
two threads constantly embrace the oesophagus, and thus
form a sort of collar, through which the aliments must pass.
The series of the other ganglia remains then under the intes-
tines and in the lower parts of the body. There are three in
the breast ; one for the prothorax, which gives out the nerves
of the fore feet ; one for the raesothorax, which furnishes the
nerves of the upper wings, or of the elytrae, and those of the
middle feet : finally, in the metathorax, the correspondent
ganglion, which is the fourth of the series, furnishes the
nerves of the lower wings and of the hinder feet. Kach of
them give out two threads, which establish the series of the
ganglia. In the abdomen, this series has as many ganglia
as there are rings, and these ganglia furnish the nerves of the
muscles, and those which accompany the tracheae, the geni-
tal, digestive, and secretory viscera.

The larvae have the nerves differently arranged ; neverthe-
less, they are absolutely the same as those which shall be

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manifested in the perfect insect, with this difference, that the
ganglia are remote from, or approach each other according
as the larva, being short, produces an elongated insect, or
vice versa. The antlion is an example of the first, and the
scarabeus of the second.

There cannot be the least doubt that the parts of which
we now treat are the instruments by which the insect per-
ceives its sensations, and that these nervous threads transmit
into the organs the sensibility with which they are endowed,
thus connecting together all the parts of the body. Positive
experiment would have demonstrated this, even if it were not
evident from analogy. We shall now proceed to examine
the modes in which insects perceive their sensations, omitting
all mention of the eye, which has been already sufficiently
treated of.

All naturalists are persuaded that insects are possessed of
the faculty of perceiving sounds, or vibrations of the air,
since many insects produce them under such circumstances
of their lives, as render it important that they should reci-
procally manifest their existence to each other. The various
sounds produced by insects, and which it is quite unneces-
sary to enumerate here, were undoubtedly destined to be
perceived by some specific organ. That insects hear, even
in the larva state, is proved by some observations of Bonnet,
though that naturalist denied them this faculty. The sound
of his voice, and the ringing of a small bell, evidently affected
some caterpillars, which Bonnet referred to their sense of
touch. Flies will move their legs at distinct sounds, and the
social insects evidently intercommunicate by peculiar noises.
Some orthoptera and hemiptera, whose males are vocal, afford
the best proof of the existence of this sense. The females
have been observed to attend to their call, and a tolerably
loud sound will stop their chirping. But the seat of this
sense yet remains undiscovered ; " perhaps," says M. Dumeril,

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 57

" because, from analogy its existence has been always sought
for somewhere about the head." It is but justice, however,
to remark that Mr. Spence (we believe) has advanced strong
probabilities in favour of the antennce being the auditory
organ, notwithstanding what we have already cited in treat-
ing of those appendages.

" As to the organ of smell, when we reflect on the nature
of this perception," says M. Dumeril, " we are surprised
that physiologists have desired, by no very judicious ana-
logy, to find towards the head of insects the instrument in-
tended to arrest odours, and appreciate their qualities. Mam-
mifera, birds, and reptiles, are organized like man in relation
to the olfactory sense, as they all respire by lungs, and the
air which penetrates into their body for this purpose, can
travel but by one road, which is the double entrance of the
nostrils. It is on this forced passage, and on the very orifice,
that the trial of the nature of this air must be made, to ad-
vertise the animal of the danger of admitting it, or the neces-
sity of expelling it.

" Odours, in fact, have the greatest analogy with tastes.
They consist materially of the particles of bodies held in
suspension, some in gases, some in other fluids. The elastic
fluids continually dissolve bodies at their surface, by which
means, they are charged with some atoms of their constituent
parts, and they retain them thus suspended in a sort of solu-
tion, disposed however, to abandon them when they shall
have a greater tendency to unite with other substances.
Under some circumstances, very volatile substances, and
often in consequence very odorous, assume momentarily the
form of vapours, or impermanent gases, which possess most
of the properties of the air, or of the elastic fluids with
which they mingle. It is in this point of view, and as gasei-
fied corpuscles, or aeriform fluids, that the operation of
odours ouirht to be studied."

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" Necessarily transmitted by the air, which is their only
vehicle, odours have a tendency to penetrate along with it
into the body of the animal ; arrested in their passage in a
sort of custom-house, (bureau de douane,) where they are
to be promptly visited and analyzed, they are put in contact
with a humid surface, with which they have some affinity.
They immediately combine with it ; but at the same time
they touch, and give notice of their presence to the nerves
distributed over these same parts which report to the brain,
of which they are the elongation, the chemical or physical
action, in a word, the sort of sensation which they denote, or
which perhaps they have experienced,"

" Smells, therefore, like all other physical sensations, are a
sort of touch in which the body, whatever be its nature, comes
to the organ, and transports itself on the only part of the
animal where its action can manifest all its properties. In
the final analysis, all our sensations are thus reducible, either
to a passive taction, i. e. to the action of being touched, or
to an active tact, which gives us the faculty of carrying our
bodies or some parts thereof to the surface of objects, for the
purpose of ascertaining their qualities."

" By this admirable arrangement we experience the action
of the majority of bodies. It is thus that light, an impon-
derable fluid, which is so variously modified on the surface
of objects, transmits their image into the eye by being ap-
plied exactly on the nerve of the retina ; that the matter of
heat or caloric, is placed in equilibrium with our bodies,
is applied to, or withdrawn from them, thus manifesting its
presence or absence ; that the vibrations communicated to
bodies are transmitted either directly by contact, or by the
intervention of air or gases, to a small quantity of air con-
tained in one of our organs, with which they unite in perfect
harmony to enable us to appreciate sounds and produce hear-
ing; that, in fine, the substances which are susceptible of

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 59

being dissolved in liquids, first manifest their qualities on
that part of the animal where it was most required that they
should be appreciated, before coming into the interior of his
economy, for taste is one of the qualities of food."

" In the final analysis, all the organs of sense are consti-
tuted by physical or chemical apparatus, true criterions to
which the nerves lead to produce, on the instant, a complete
idea of the sensation."

M. Dumeril, after these physiological observations, which
he owns to be necessary for explaining the mode in which
the sensation of odours is produced in insects, goes on to cite
the facts which prove that they do possess this sensation.
His observations are interesting.

" It appears that the object of Nature, in endowing with
existence this innumerable quantity of destructive beings,
was to employ them in clearing away the remains of organ-
ized beings deprived of life — thus restoring them sooner to
the mass of their component elements, to produce others, and
preserve unbroken the eternal circle of creation and destruc-
tion.

" For this purpose she has bestowed on the being designed
for such operations, tastes, and a mode of life analogous to
the functions vhich they were called upon to fulfil ; and in
this instance, as in all her works, to produce the necessary
degree of perfection, she has gifted these animals with a
sense altogether fitted to the manner of their existence.

" It is through the medium which they inhabit, that insects
are advertised of the presence of such bodies as may serve
for their nutriment. The air, surcharged with odorant ema-
nations, which are continually escaping from it, carries into
the respiratory organ all the molecules which it holds in sus-
pension ; it thus becomes the invisible guide of the animal,
which is seeking to supply its own wants.

"The early observers of nature did not study with suit-

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able attention the mode of decomposition in organized beings.
Beholding the almost sudden appearance of destructive
insects, and of larvae, or as they termed them, worms,
in carcasses, they regarded them as the product of cor-
ruption. It is not two centuries since Redi proved, by
conclusive experiments, that the worms were deposited there
by flies and other winged insects, and that the latter were
attracted by what was named instinct, on the bodies in a
state of decomposition. This is what is now observed every
day.

" It is thus that we behold insects arriving from all quar-
ters, on the residue of aliments, which have been submitted
to the digestive action. They raise these substances, per-
forate them, cause them to present a greater surface to humi-
dity, to dryness, to dissolution, by dispersing or extending
them over a greater space — such is the occupation of numer-
ous species, that seem principally summoned to the attack
and destruction of organic animal matter deprived of life.

" To these insects the organ of smell has been denied, but
they have been supposed to be gifted with a sight so pierc-
ing as to supply the place of it. This opinion, however,
has been combated, and an opposite one supported with
success from experience and observation,

" Certain flowers have a fetid and cadaverous odour, so
striking, that at the time when they are full-blown, a great
number of insects are observed to seek them, insects which
ordinarily live in animal substances in a putrid state. It is
thus that the spathes of the snake-root, the coroUae of the varie-
gated stapelia, are often covered or filled with sylphs, beetles,
the meat-fly, and other insects, which come not only in the
hope of finding their food, but even for the purpose of depo-
siting their eggs. Is it possible to resist this evidence, and
not to perceive that, at first, these insects have been deceived
by their organs of vision ; that, afterwards, those of smell

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 6l

have produced not only the voluntary motion of the insects
towards the place where the odorant molecules were floating,
but that, moreover, deceived by this illusory sensation, the
insect has been induced to deposit its eggs on a substance
which its smell alone had indicated as proper for their recep-
tion ?

" Do we not observe bees, wasps, sphinxes, butterflies, and
all insects which live on the juices of vegetables, or nectar of
flowers, arrive in great numbers towards the plant which
produces them, as soon as they begin to flow, or the petals
are opened ?

" Perfectly vain is it to attempt to explain this attraction,
this movement, by the visual sensation of the insect; for, in
spite of all the care of florists in covering their tulips, in
spite of those of the grocer, whose honey is concealed in
proper vessels, the insect comes, attracted by the odour, and
tries all efforts to get at the place from which it directly
emanates.

" The insects then, possess the sense of smelling. But in
what part of their body is the organ of this perception ? It
is probable that this sensation is produced in them as in all
other animals, through the respiratory organ. But, in in-
sects, respiration takes place through numerous orifices,
which correspond to the majority of the rings of the body,
except at the head. These apertures are named stigmata,
all of which lead to the tracheae, or vessels with elastic
parietes, always filled with the circumambient air, which
doubtless arrives there, charged with odorant particles, as
happens to other animals. But does the gas thus penetrate
into the net-work of the air-vessels, or does it deposit these
molecules at the very entrance of the stigmata ? This is not
easy to decide, as wo do not ourselves experience this sort of
sensation ; for certainly, we should have no idea of the admi-
rable function of the pituitary membrane of animals, if we

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did not ourselves evidently experience the sensation of odours,
and if, under certain appreciable circumstances, we were not
deprived of the faculty of smell."

Thus far M. Dumeril. The opinion which he advocates
originated with Baster, was adopted by Leckmann, and has
received the sanction of that very high authority the Baron
Cuvier himself. Notwithstanding, however, the ingenuity
and plausibility of this theory, Mr. Spence thinks with
apparent reason that the arguments against it are more
weighty than those in its favour. The correspondence
between that part of the head in insects called the nose, and
the same part in mammalia, is obvious. Moreover, the close
connection between the senses of smell and taste, and the
proximity of their organs in all animals where the organ of
the former can be clearly ascertained, affords a strong ana-
logy in favour of the seat of this sensation being in the head
of insects. The argument of Leckmann that because an in-
sect is smaller than what it feeds upon, it is a matter of indif-
ference whether it smells with its head or tail, is surely, to say
the least of it, somewhat absurd. A. flying insect, as Mr.
Spence well remarks, would be more readily directed to the
object of its pursuit by smelling with the former than the
latter, and a feeding insect would be better guided thus in
the choice of its food. Besides, to assert that smell is the
necessary concomitant of the apertures of respiration, is to
go beyond what our knowledge of insects will justify. Their
other organs of sense are so different in their structure, and
often in their mode of being impressed, that there may be
an analogous difference in the organ of which we are speak-
ing, and it is possible that insects may smell without inspiring
the air. Moreover the same judicious writer observes that
we do not smell with our mouths though we breathe vvith
them : thus proving that olfaction and respiration do not in-
variably accompany each other.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. C)3

Facts, as well as analogy, are also in opposition to the
theory that insects smell with their spiracles. Bees shew an
especial dislike to the smell of the oil of turpentine. M. P.
Huber, anxious to ascertain the seat of smell in these insects,
tried the application of this drug with a hair-pencil, and also
of oil of marjoram to the abdomen, the head, the trunk, the
eyes, and the antennae, without effect. " But when he pointed
the pencil near the cavity of the mouth, above the insertion
of the proboscis'"' the little animal exhibited the most extra-
ordinary agitation. Messrs. Kirby and Spence seem to think
that the precise organs of smell are discoverable, on dissec-
tion, in the common burying beetle, and consist in a pair of
circular pulpy cushions found under the nose and the rhina-
rium, or nostril piece. These cushions are covered by a
transversely striated membrane. Analogous parts are to be
found in other insects. By what channel scents act upon
this organ, whether transmitted through the pores of the
part representing the nostrils, or received by the mouth,
the learned authors just cited do not determine, though they
rather incline to the former opinion.

Whatever controversy may have existed respecting hear-
ing and smell, we believe that the sense of taste has never
been denied to insects. For a long time it was supposed to
reside in the palpi, because these parts of the mouth are con-
tinually in motion, and applied in all points to the food in
proportion as it is divided and bruised by the mandibles and
jaws. Observers were led to this notion, because in a great
number of species the extremity of the palpi swells, is
softened, and becomes, as it were, vesicular. It was in con-
sequence of this peculiarity that some physiologists declared
their opinion that the organ of smell might reside in this
part. The palpi, however, do not exist in a great number
of insects, or at least, are so short as to be utterly inapplic-
able to this purpose. It is more natural to presume that

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savours are perceived by insects, as by most animals, in the
interior of the digestive canal, and principally at its origin
in the mouth. In short, as it is very clearly proved that in-
sects have a tongue, so it is most natural to believe that it is
the principal organ of taste. In fact, very distinct nerves
repair towards this part. Lyonnet has represented them very
well in his Anatomical History of the Caterpillar of the
Cossus.

Touch, in all probability, is that sense which in insects is
the least developed. Not that these animals are deprived of
parts proper to be placed in contact with the different parts
of the surface of bodies ; but these parts are generally
covered with a hard, and often corneous skin, which prevents
such an immediate application as is necessary for the full
appreciation of the tangible properties of bodies. Not that
we are to suppose them altogether destitute of this sense in
the hardest parts of their bodies. They must feel sufficiently
through the covering of their limbs for all the purposes of
motion. The idea of temperature more or less elevated, of
softness or solidity, of bulk, or length, breadth or thickness,
cannot well be acqviired by the insect through the medium of
touch. The organs supposed to be designed for this use in
insects are, first of all, the antennae. These are generally al-
lowed to be organs of touch. When elongated and composed
of a great number of articulations, they appear to be ten-
tacula, employed by the insect and put continually in motion
to explore its path and discover and avoid obstacles. This
is observable in sphex, ichneumon, chrysis, and a great num-
ber of insects besides. But in others these antennae are com-
posed of a single hair, or some short rings, as in flies, &c.,
and though doubtless possessed of this sense, cannot be of
any great use as an organ of tact.

In the next place, the palpi are considered as organs of
touch. They were considered by Bonsdorf as olfactory in-

INSECTS IN GENERAL,

65

struments, and Knoch imagined that the maxillary palpi
were employed in smell, and the labial in taste. But the
opinion that they were designed for touch has been embraced
by very high authorities, and above all by the Baron him-
self, M. Dumeril, indeed, observes that the palpi, though
very mobile in the masticating insects, are rudimental or
altogether nullified in the suctorial, and their form altogether
chang-ed.

It would appear that the tarsi are very useful organs of
touch in many insects, and the best calculated to give them
an idea of the nature of bodies. In the majority they have
a broad spongy surface, which in flies, &c. applies with
great facility to the superficies of an object. In other insects
they are considerably elongated, and composed of very mo-
bile articulations. In many apterous insects these tarsi are
obviously the instruments which they employ to explore the
solidity and natvire of the bodies on which they are about to
transport themselves.

Let us noAv bestow a little attention on the nutritive func-
tion in these interesting animals. We have already seen that
insects admit of two general divisions founded on the mode in
which they take their food, whether by suction or mastication.
Like other animated beings they derive the elements of their
nutrition from organized bodies, or from substances which
have already been borrowed by other living beings from
brute or inorganic nature. But the modes of alimentation
are extremely varied as we shall now briefly explain.

The kind of food taken by insects varies greatly in one and
the same species, at different epochas of its existence. One
species is carnassial, or lives on the juices of animals in its
first state, and subsequently becomes herbivorous. Another,
on the contrary, is first nourished on the debris of vegetables,
and afterwards cannot live except on the fluid or solid parts
of animal bodies. Some, during a period of their existence,

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66 SUPPLEMENT ON

can absorb or suck their aliment in a liquid form, and, con-
sequently, without mastication ; while, under other circum-
stances, the parts of their mouth having changed form, they
will attack nothing but solids. This is not the place to quote
numerous examples of such modifications ; sufficient will be
exhibited in the course of this work ; but we must mention a
few of the more remarkable.

The hydrophili, which in their first state the French call
vers assassins, which attack and suck the tadpoles of reptiles,
small fish, moUusca, and which, in their final form, feed
only on aquatic plants, and the half-decomposed leaves of
vegetables which fall into the water, furnish us with a clear
example of a zoophagus animal becoming phytophagus. It
is the same with the anthreni, the telephori, &c. On the
other hand, the larvae of the antlion suck their prey without
masticating it, and the perfect insect has a mouth perfectly
organized for bruising its aliments. In opposition to this,
we find the caterpillars of lepidoptera, as, for instance, the
silkworm, gnaw and chew the leaves, while butterflies,
bombyces, &c. can only suck the nectar of the flowers with
their spiral tongue. These differences of habits and confor-
mation in the parts of the mouth are always connected with
important modifications in the other digestive organs.

Each insect knows perfectly well the aliments which are
proper for the ureservation of its life, and for the growth
of its body. It knows how to seek and procure them.
There are many, indeed the greater number, which have no
occasion to seek their food at any distance. All insects are
endowed with an instinct which leads them to deposit their
eggs, or the germs of their progeny, where they can easily
procure nourishment, or to provide for their subsistence.
Notwithstanding the change of food, which we have just
remarked, yet insects in the perfect state, notwithstanding
that they live so differently from their larvae, know perfectly

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 67

well the substances where the latter will find proper nourish-
ment, and deposit their eggs accordingly. Thus the lepi-
doptera, which live usually on the honey which they extract
from flowers, never fail to lay their eggs on or near the plants
which are fitted for the support of their caterpillars. The
gnats are, in effect at least, perfectly well aware that their
larvae must live and be nourished in the water, and there-
fore they place their eggs upon its surface. It is the same
with many other insects, as the ephemera, libellulinae, &c.

Among the insects which live in a social state there are
some, which (as the bees) are obliged to choose a dwelling
mutually to assist each other in procuring the necessary food,
and to accumulate a certain quantity of it to serve as provi-
sion for the winter. Others, like the ants, unite and labour
in common to seek food, not so much for themselves as for
their larvae, which are incapable of providing for them-
selves.

Many insects can subsist only on one species of food, and
never vary in their taste. Such are a great number of cater-
pillars, which live on certain leaves, without being able to
touch any others. They die immediately if a supply of these
leaves should be wanting.

There are insects which eat often, and have need of almost
perpetual nutriment. They cannot fast for any length of
time without serious injury. These are the herbaceous
tribes. Others can remain a long while without taking food,
which is the case with carnassial insects, and such as subsist
on living prey. This is a remarkable analogy between the
present and the preceding classes.

Some insects live on the leaves of trees. This is the case
with the larvae of almost all the lepidoptera, and with those
of many coleoptera, hymenoptera, &c. Others subsist only
on the juice of the leaves and the stalks, as the cigalce, the

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68 SUPPLEMENT ON

tettigonice gallinsectcE, puceroiis, &c. There are some
which live on excrescences of plants and trees named galls,
and subsist on these galls. Such are the cynips, &c.

For other insects, all these kinds of food seem too gross ;
they require an aliment of a sweeter and more delicate de-
scription, which they find on flowers. The glands of many
flowers furnish this honeyed kind of liquid, which modern
botanists have decorated with the name of nectar. Every
one knows that of this nectar the bees compose the substance
of honey, after it has undergone a final preparation in their
bodies. Ants seek with avidity the saccharine liquid which
is ejected by the pucerons, through two peculiar apertures in
the abdomen.

Fruits of all descriptions constitute the food of other
races. The destruction occasioned by their larvae in our
orchard and garden fruits, is rather too well known. A
species of weevil lives in nuts. More precious fruits, such as
olives, and also different grains, serve as aliments to caterpil-
lars and larvae of different species. Green peas, the seeds of
thistle and burdock, beans, acorns, and chestnuts, and an im-
mense variety of other grains, serve as food for those little
animals.

The insects which feed upon the different species of corn,
we know pretty well, to our cost. Many commit great ra-
vages in our barns and store-houses. Such are the calan-
dra granaria, hrucMis granarms^ and two species of tinea
{granella and hordei). The larvae of melolonthae attack
plants after another fashion. They gnaw the roots, and thus
cause them to perish when they are young. Those of some
cecydomyicE and oseines, live in the interior of the stems of
young cereal plants, principally of barley, and often thus de-
stroy the hopes of agriculture. The larvae of many insects,
and principally those of the coleoptera of the family of capri-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. ()9

c^orniis, gnaw the interior of the trunks of trees : they pierce
the wood or sap, mince it, reduce it into saw-dust, and then
eat the particles.

Those of the tipidce, which live under ground, swallow
earth, afterwards rejecting all in it that is unfit for nutriment.
They prefer the unctuous earth, or soil produced by animal
or vegetable decomposition. An immense number of insects
live on the excrements of animals ; on dead flesh of all kinds ;
on our butcher's meat, as is well known, Avhere flies deposit
their eggs, which soon produce voracious larvae. The meat
which is gnawed by these larvae rapidly corrupts, which is
owing to a kind of fermentation which they occasion, and
wliich accelerates tlie progress of decomposition. The dried
flesh of animals is also attacked by insects, but of genera very
different from those that feed on fresh and soft meat. They
are usually coleopterous larvae, and sometimes perfect insects
of the same order. They are pretty well known to the
amateurs of natural history who make collections of dried
specimens. It is scarcely necessary to notice the ravages
committed in clothing, furs, &c. by moths and other lepidop-
terous insects.

Other insects subsist upon the living animal, deriving sus-
tenance both from its fluids and the substance of its flesh.
There is especially a singular larva of the genus oestrus, which
lives on the back and under the skin of horned cattle, where
it produces tumours and subsists upon the pus secreted from
the wound which it has made. Larvae of the same g-enus live
in the stomach of horses, round the pylorus, and sometimes in
the intestines. It is there alone that they find tlieir subsist-
ence, and their superabundance occasionally proves fatal to
these animals. Other oestri are lodged in the frontal sinuses
of sheep, where they grow and derive their nutriment from
the mucus of the nose.

Even jnan himself is very far from being exempt from the

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daring and troublesome inroads of insect invaders. His self-
created rank as lord of the creation affords him no protection
from their insolent attacks. They pay no respect to his
aristocracy; and the godlike glance, at which the higher
animals are said (with what truth, God knows) to quail,
cannot scare their formidable minuteness. They invade his
dominions without fear, conquer, and colonize. Their ex-
pulsion is always difficult, sometimes impossible ; and to
prevent their irruptions, often calls forth his most strenuous
efforts, his utmost skill, and his unwearied vigilance. But
he may console himself with the reflection that all other
animals suffer in a similar manner — that insects themselves
are the prey of other insects, which feed upon their sub-
stance, imbibe the streamlets of their life, and occupy
the interior cavities of their body, thus illustrating, even
in infinite littleness, the inscrutable law of perpetual de-
struction, and perpetual reproduction.

Though the aliments of insects are, for the most part, in a
liquid form — though the majority of species are sustained
by the juices or fluids of plants and animals, and thus find
both food and drink together, yet some are seen to eat and
drink at separate times. The fondness of locusts for drink-
ing, was not unknown to the ancients. They seem to seek,
with their antennas, the drops of dew which hang upon the
leaves, and when they have found them, drink them up im-
mediately. Bees, ants, and other insects, exhibit a similar
taste.

Of the organs of nutrition, and their various modifications,
enough will be found in the subsequent portions of the text,
&c., in treating of the different orders and families. We
shall only add a word, on the mode in which nutrition pro-
bably takes place. There is no doubt of its being performed
through the agency of the aliments, which furnish to the
different organs not only the means of reparation, but of

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 71

growth, and of the fulfilment of their functions. But what
is the mode of this absorption ? This is a question not yet
completely answered. M. Cuvier has detailed the reasons
which lead us to believe that this absorption, in insects, is
operated by a kind of imbibition, because they are destitute
of circulatory organs, or of lymphatic, arterial, and venous
vessels. It is true that he arrives at this conclusion from
negative indications ; but his reasonings are so strengthened
by analogy, that they acquire the force of proofs.

It is certain that no blood-vessels are to be observed in
insects. One vessel, indeed, is known, which is a sort of
canal, predominating along the middle part of the back in all
its regions (see text). This is very visible in the caterpillars,
especially in those which have a smooth body, as the cossus.
In this there may be discerned a kind of alternate motion of
systole, and diastole, or of dilatation and contraction, which
appears to pass from the head to the tail ; but neither
branches nor roots have been observed, which carry thither
any fluid, or proceed from it.

On the other hand, when we know in what manner respira-
tion is performed in insects, we do not find so great a
necessity, as in other animals, for the presence of a central
agent of circulation, or of canals to convey the fluids towards
the place where the air should come especially in contact
with them. Animals endowed with circulation, with arterial
and venous vessels, which come from the heart and repair
thither, have, in consequence of this very circumstance, con-
glomerated glands, destined for the performance of secretions,
such as the liver, the pancreas, the parotid and salivary
glands, &c. But in species deprived of a circulating system,
the case is very different. There are no glands designed for
any such functions. The secretory organs are composed of
numerous and distinct filaments, which are immersed in the
midst of the nutritive fluid, from which they are to borrow

72 SUPPLEMENT ON

their materials, on which to operate each in its own peculiar
mode, for the performance of the secretions.

Such is the mode in which, in the actual state of anatomical
and physiological science, we must suppose that nutrition
takes place in insects. It is by the porosity of the intestinal
tube, that the materials most proper for alimentation are
separated from the indigested mass. Their division is such
that they then form a sort of vapour, the molecules of which
are, probably, absorbed in the form of gas, which would then
be contained by the numerous trachae with which the intesti-
nal tube is covered.

There are other secretions, however, which take place in
insects, but the mode of this separation of humours is very
little known. We know, for example, that the acid produced
by the ants, and which is analogous to that of vinegar, is dis-
gorged by the insects ; that many other animals of the same
class, eject or disgorge, at will, certain matters, either foetid
or hurtful, at the moment when they believe themselves in
danger.

The secretions of insects, according to Mr. Kirby, are as
follow : — sill: ; saliva ; varnish, or gum ; jelly ; oils ; milk ;
honey ; wax ; poisons and acids ; odorous Jluids or vapours,
and luminous matter. We must dismiss the consideration of
these very briefly here, reserving for the future portions of
the work, a more detailed account of them. Many insects
discharge from their mouth a fluid resembling the saliva of
larger animals. The use of this seems, generally, to be to
dilute the food. Several flesh-eating, and herbivorous coleop-
tera, under the influence of fear, emit a coloured acrid fluid
from the mouth. This does not appear to be secreted by the
usual salivary vessels, nor must we suppose that every fluid
ejected from the mouth of insects is saliva. The eggs of
many insects, when excluded from the oviduct, are covered
with a sort of varnish or gum, that they may adhere to the

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 7'3

substances on which the larvae are to feed, A kind of jelly,
or gluten, serves as a bed for the eggs of some insects, which
are committed to the water. Oily substances are secreted by
some insects, but their precise nature has not been ascertained,
nor whether peculiar organs are appropriated to their secre-
tion. The larva of the chrysomela popuU, and some other
insects, emit a milky fluid from different parts of their
bodies. Of silk, honey, and wax we must defer any notice,
only remarking that the latter production is not peculiar to
bees, and that, in many other insects, it is a general transuda-
tion from the body ; it also appears to form a constituent
part of some insects that do not secrete it. A poisonous
fluid, producing very unpleasant effects, is secreted by many
of these animals. The acid of ants is a very curious pheno-
menon, as will be seen in the proper place. An acid has
been obtained from silkworms, called bombic acid.

The powerful scents emitted by insects, whether agreeable
or otherwise, are numerous beyond measure. Some are pecu-
liar to certain parts of the body, some exhaled from the
whole. Sometimes their vehicle is a fluid secretion, and some-
times gaseous effluvia : of phosphoric secretions, we shall speak
in treating of the glow-worm.

Fat is found in great abundance in insects in the larva
state, and more or less in the imago. In the former, it occu-
pies the whole of the interior, except the space required for
the muscles and internal organs, which it surrounds. It is
contained in numerous floating membranes, which sometimes
appear like small globules, and sometimes like a thick muci-
lage. Its colour is white, but sometimes yellow or green.

That insects perspire, appears more than probable. A
quantity of fluid escapes from them in the pupa state, which
has been proved by experiment. The want of a urinary dis-
charge renders it probable that the imago also perspires. But

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the fact is proved in the case of bees in summer, which when
crowded together, perspire most profusely.

The tracheae, or air-vessels, by which insects respire, have
been already mentioned. The larvae have them as well as
the perfect insect, but a very remarkable change in these, as
well as in the other parts of the body, takes place at the
period of transmutation. Some aquatic insects in particular,
respire in a manner totally different, in their three states of
larva, nymph, and imago.

We see in a great number of diptera, while they are yet
in the larvae state, the orifices of the tracheae diversely grouped
towards the final rings of the body. In the larvae of the
stratiomys, for instance, is remarked a kind of aigrette,
formed of barbed hairs. In the centre of this aigrette, the
respiratory organ is observable. In the larvae and nymphs
of the dragon -flies or libellulae, the mode of respiration is
peculiarly singular. The water penetrates into their rectum
by a sort of inspiration : it seems probable that it leaves there
the oxygen gas, which is combined with it. In the thickness
of the parietes of this intestine, are seen a great number of
tracheae, which represent five great leaves or nervures of leaves,
composed of small tracheae, which repair into four principal
trunks, two of which, still thicker, are subdivided in all the
parts of the body. This mode of respiration in the larvae of
which we are speaking, is rendered sensible to the eye, by
letting them stop a few minutes in a coloured water, and then
putting them into other water very limpid. At each move-
ment of respiration the coloured water issues from the anus
after having washed the tunics of the intestines ; moreover,
the animal employs this mode of respiration to facilitate its
conveyance or movement in the water, availing itself of the
resistance which the jet proceeding from the anus receives
upon the liquid mass. The body of the insect thus resting

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 7^

behind, advances on the opposite point, where the head is.
In the larvae of ephemerae, in those of phryganae, gnats, &c.,
genuine gills appear to exist, which are always in motion
when the animal respires. This is a kind of anomaly in
insects, which merits particular attention, especially in the
ephemera, if, as Swammerdam has imagined, these insects
have the power of fecundating the eggs, after they are sepa-
rated from the body of the mother ; this, as we have already
seen, constitutes a marked analogy between the fish and some
batracian reptiles.

From these anatomical researches, it follows, that as the
insects have neither heart nor vessels, it is not the blood which
proceeds to seek the air, but the air which visits every part
where the fluids exist ; the result however is the same,
and the two functions are performed, just as two numbers
may be multiplied indifferently by each other, and will pro-
duce the same quotient.

It has been proved that oxygen is necessary to the respi-
ration of insects ; that this gas is absorbed, that the carbonic
acid is disengaged, and that the matter of caloric is deve-
loped in this animal operation.

Though it seems probable that the temperature of insects
may be pretty nearly the same as that of the atmosphere,
yet it must be confessed that we are not positively acquainted
with this temperature, for two reasons, first, because it is
very difficult to observe and estimate it, and secondly, be-
cause the body of the insect is soon placed in equilibrium with
the matters which surround it; nevertheless, it has been
observed, that insects which live in a social state, and more
particularly, in our climates, ants and bees, when they are
assembled, develope a temperature almost equal to, if not
higher than that of man. A thermometer, placed in winter
in the centre of a hive, remains there, constantly elevated
from 28? to 30° of Reaumur, and when these insects are

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excited, their respiration becomes more active, and they sud-
denly develope a temperature, which rises to two or three
degrees above that which they had at first exhibited.

We shall here speak respecting the voice of insects, al-
though in reality the sounds produced by these animals can-
not always be attributed to the air which proceeds from their
bodies. When we come to speak of the hummmg of bees,
we shall notice some interesting facts on that subject. Most
of the noises produced by insects are owing to rapid vibra-
tions, communicated either to neighbouring bodies, or to
certain parts so conformed, as to represent cords or mem-
branes ; accordingly it has been said in speaking of insects
— Animalia muta, nisi alio proprio instrumento, sonora.
Some of them move the head against the corslet, or the
latter over the elytra, and thus produce a sound ; others
cause the rings of the abdomen to vibrate against the free
extremity of the elytra ; some are provided with a pencil of
stiff hairs, which operate like a brush rubbing against a solid
body — this is the case with the blcqis ; others strike with
force the wood which they are gnawing, with some part of the
head. The male cigala lias a sort of drum or concave scale,
under which rolls a cylinder furnished with projecting cords.
These last, as well as the males of locusts, crickets, &c.,
cause some parts of their elytra to resound by crossing them
rapidly, or agitating them with the legs, as the cords of
certain instruments resound under the bow which is drawn
over them. This is a very interesting subject, and one
which we shall treat with more detail in the sequel.

It now remains for us to speak a word on the most impor-
tant function of these animals : that by which they reproduce
their like, and the species are preserved.

All insects proceed from other individuals absolutely simi-
lar to themselves, and from which they are separated at first
in the form of eggs : that is to say, the germ has been depo-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 77

sited with a certain quantity of nutriment, suited to its early
age, in a membranous shell of more or less solidity ; the
configuration of these eggs, and the manner in which they
are laid and disposed are most admirable, considered in refe-
rence to the future wants of the animal ; some are soft, and
the shell of others sometimes exhibits an extraordinary degree
of solidity. Some are agglomerated, pasted together, united
by common or distinct pedicles ; they are of various shapes,
spherical, oval, cylindrical, flat, depressed, compressed,
prismatic, angular, &c. Some are enveloped with protecting
substances, proper to keep off the animals that might devour
them. These matters consist sometimes of odours, sometimes
bristling points, sometimes tight and impenetrable coverings.
The female also employs, to protect her progeny, many artful
stratagems, even to covering them with her own body, which
dries up and guards them like a buckler, as is exemplified
in the cochineal insects. The colour of these effffs varies
very much according to the species, and the time elapsed
from their deposition, because in the latter case, the deve-
loped germ communicates its tints to the membranes which
enfold it. Some of these eggs exclude in the body of the
mother ; this is the case with those of the pucerons at certain
periods of the year, with those of the blue meat-fly, of the
hippoboscus, and in fine, with all the insects which on that
account are termed ovoviparous.

The sexes are most usually distinct and separated, that is
to say existent in different individuals ; some are male and
others female. The number of individuals of both sexes,
is in general pretty nearly alike ; nevertheless, there are
some, which from infancy, are doomed never to have the
sexual organs completely developed. When this anomaly
occurs, it is the females which are deprived of the (at least
apparent) sexual organs ; they are then called neuters or
mules. This phenomenon is observable in some genera of

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hymenoptera, principally in ants, wasps, bees, and in some
neuroptera or hemiptera, as the termites and pucerons. It
is seldom that insects of one and the same species live in
pairs, or in a state of monogamy. The necessity of fecun-
dation alone brings them together for a very short time ;
shortly after this function is performed the male perishes,
but the female survives until after the eggs have been laid.
It would seem that the early age of the insect is employed
in the elaboration of those juices alone, which are to serve
for the work of generation : for as soon as these animals have
assumed their final form, and have obtained the faculty of
giving or receiving the fluid which transmits life, they
couple, lay, and die. The males are in general smaller than
the females, they are more elegantly formed, more brilliant
and better coloured. The forms of the antennae, of the
wings, and especially of the extremity of the abdomen, where
the sexual organs and the instruments destined to place the
eggs in situations most favourable to their development,
often exhibit notable differences.

Thus the males of ants, of the cochineal insects, of puce-
rons, and of some herbivorous coleoptera, are exceedingly
small if compared with the females. The antennae of bom-
byces, of rhipiptera, and others, are much more developed in
the males. The wings of some male insects have scarcely
any relations with those of the females. Some females are
even altogether without wings.

In the majority of insects, the sexual organs are placed at
the extremity of the abdomen. They most usually cause an
external projection in the males, and sometimes in the
females. In some species however, the female organs are
differently disposed from those of the male.

The noises produced by some insects are manifestations of
the desire of reproduction, and guides of one sex to the other.
The phosphoric emissions of others during the obscurity of

INSECTS m GENERAL. 79

night, answer the same purpose. Many exhale peculiar
odours, by which they are discovered at a distance by the
opposite sex.

The configuration of the male and female organs varies
too much, not only in the orders, but also in the genera, and
even in the species, to enable us to prevent any general
notion of it. We shall merely mention that the spermatic
vessels are very numerous in the males, and very much
inflated at certain times. These vessels, which are twelve
or fifteen times the length of the body, are folded and
re-folded on themselves, so as to occupy a considerable por-
tion of the cavity of the abdomen. They lead to a common
reservoir, or vesiculae seminales, which have been compared
to prostates, to epididymes, to vasa deferentia, &c.

Instruments are often found in the females which facilitate
the laying of the eggs, or the various modes in which they
ought to be deposited. These are the ovipositors (Kirby).
The vulva opens into the cloaca ; thither the oviducts lead.
These are very elongated canals ; like the spermatic vessels,
but much more bulky. The eggs are distinguished there,
and so much the more developed, as they are nearer the com-
mon canal which leads into the cloaca.

It is most frequently in this common canal that they re-
ceive the glue or viscous humour, which serves to fix or
suspend them, by pedicles sometimes very elongated, as may
be observed in the eggs of hemerobias. There are insects
which lay all their eggs at once, like two bunches of grapes,
which is the case with the ephemera ; but in general, these
eggs pass successively one by one, through the orifice of the
cloaca. The ovipositors have various forms, of knives, sabres,
saws, gimlets, probes, &c.

In this, as in the proper place, we shall briefly notice the
general phenomena of insect metamorphoses. The metamor-
phoses of insects were imperfectly known by the ancients.

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We see from many passages of Aristotle, that he knew that
several insects, and he particularly names butterflies and bees,
come from caterpillars, or worms. But these transforma-
tions have only been thoroughly known since the researches
of Swammerdam, of Redi, and of Goedaert, and the repro-
duction of insects pi'operly explained.

Besides the notable mutations in form which insects un-
dergo, in the three states which follow their departure from
the eggs, they often change their skin, or epidermis, and this
epidermis is often altogether of another appearance than that
which succeeds it, which imparts quite a different aspect to
the insect. This happens to the caterpillar of the silkworm.
When it issues from the egg this caterpillar is hairy ; in its
subsequent moultings the body is quite smooth, but its tint
varies considerably. It is the same with a great number of
other larvae.

Fabricius, in his Entomological Philosophy, has devoted
an entire section to the modifications of the metamorphosis in
insects. Since his time, the science has made great progress,
and is most deeply indebted to the distinguished author of
that portion of the " Regne Animal,'' on which we are now
enlarging, M. Latreille.

The larva, or caterpillar state, may be considered as the
infancy of the insect. The larvae, whose forms are only pro-
visional, and whose existence is merely transitory, have re-
ceived this name from the peculiarity which indicates that
they have but a borrowed figure. The Latin word larva
signified the mask worn by tragedians or comedians, in the
representation of characters on the stage.

The larvae vary in general structure, in manners, and
habits, in the different orders. It is, however, under this
form, that the insect acquires almost all its growth. For
the nymph, to all appearance, and most certainly the perfect
insect, increase no more in volume.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 81

In proportion as the larvae increase, they change their skin.
This may be termed their moulting, and one envelope is often
succeeded by another of a totally different colour. The time
of moulting is a serious crisis for the larvae, and its periods
are hastened or retarded, according to the elevation or de-
pression of temperature, the abundance or deficiency of nutri-
ment. In the larva state, insects are engaged only in their
preservation and growth.

The nymphs, or pupae, to which other names have been
given, according to the differences which the species of the
various orders, established in the insect class, present in their
forms, are individuals passing from the larva state to that of
the perfect insect or imago. Under this form, the animal's
growth usually ceases. It may still sometimes take nutri-
ment, but it participates much of the form which it is to
assume in the sequel. It exhibits as it were the outline, or
rough sketch with all its parts, but most generally crowded
together, and as it were, swaddled up. Those pupae which
can feed themselves, are, as might be supposed, more or less
agile, and pretty nearly conformed in the same manner as
the perfect insect. The majority resemble the larvae, with
this difference, that they very frequently exhibit the rudi-
ments of wings. Such is the case with all the orthoptera,
and in particular with the locusts. It is also the case with
all the hemiptera, as the cigalae, &c. Similar dispositions
are observable in some neuroptera, as the ephemera, and the
libellulae ; but in that order there are other species, such as
the antlions, the hemerobiae, Sec, which proceed from nymphs
altogether different from the larvae.

It is chiefly according to the modifications which insects
undergo at the period when they assume this form of nymphs,
that the various modes of their metamorphoses have received
their different denominations. Some of these denominations
are any thing but happy, yet still it is not perhaps very

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82 SUPPLEMENT ON

adviseable to change them for others. We have already had
occasion more than once to notice the confusion which refor-
mers in nomenclature have created.

Fabricius has given the name of complete metamorphosis
to a case in which, in point of fact, the insect undergoes not
the slightest change of form, except, perhaps, in the number
of feet, and the development of the sexual organs. The
majority of the true aptera are in this predicament. They
moult, but do not change their forms, and may with pro-
priety be termed immutable insects. This is the case with
the arachnida, which, however, are now no longer classed
with insects, with the scolopendrse, the pediculi, the podura,
&c. Others, such as the iuli, wood-lice, &c. acquire some ad-
ditional limbs. Among all these insects the three separate
states of larva, nymph or pupa, and imago do not exist. It
is proper, however, to observe that many apterous insects
undergo real transformations.

It is to the semi-metamorphosis that Fabricius refers the
series of chanopes which insects undersro whose forms remain
pretty nearly the same, or, in other words, whose larvse do
not differ from the nymphs, except in size and dimensions of
parts, or in the absence, the rudiments, or the complete de-
velopment of the wings. These insects preserve in their
three states the same habits and mode of subsistence. The
orthoptera, hemiptera, and some neuroptera are, as we have
already hinted, in this predicament, the insect preserving the
form of the species during its entire existence, though the
pupa and larva are distinct.

The third mode of metamorphosis is that exhibited by the
insects which, as the coleoptera and most part of the hyme-
noptera, proceed from larvae, which are more or less active,
according as they are destined to feed themselves, as they are
nourished in advance, or daily by their parents until the
period when, after divers moultings which the growth of their

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 83

body required, they pass into that state termed by Fabricius
incomplete nymph. This is when the larva at its last moult-
ing changes form suddenly, and allows the perfect insect to
appear, but at first in a state of extreme softness. It gra-
dually assumes greater solidity, and the animal appears with
all its members, with its six feet, with its wings, but bent,
folded back upon themselves, and in a state of almost abso-
lute paralysis. From this sort of nymph state the insect does
not issue, but by losing the external coating of skin which
retained all its parts in a state of forced immobility. With
some slight modifications this is the predicament of the flea
among the aptera, and many larvae of the tipulse among the
diptera, as well as certain neuroptera, such as the antlions,
hemerobiae, &c.

The fourth principal mode of transformation is exhibited
by the butterflies and other lepidoptera whose caterpillars are
changed into chrysalids. This is the sort of nymph which
Fabricius names ohtected, and which is also iermedipupa and
aurelia. At the moment in which the insect quits for the
last time the skin of the caterpillar, it appears under quite
another form than that which it is to assume in the sequel. It
is an undivided body, variable in form, most usually conical
towards one of its extremities, and presenting on one of the
faces of the opposite extremity some prominent traits which
mark some parts of the perfect insect, particularly the an-
tennae, the feet, and wings, but very closely contracted
together. Some of these nymphs or chrysalids, which are
almost always condemned to an immoveable state, undergo
this change in the open air and naked. Such are the chrysa-
lids of the diurnal butterflies. Others come from caterpillars
which are sheltered in a cocoon of silk, which they spin
around their body, or like the tineae, or some pyrales, they
undergo transformation in the case itself which they inhabited.
In fine, some chrysalids when about to assume their last

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form advance out of their shell by the assistance of the stiff
points with which the segments of their bodies are furnished.

The fifth and last mode of metamorphosis is exhibited by
the pupa of the majority of two-winged insects. This is the
sort of nymph which Fabricius terms coarcta. The larvae
of these insects, which are very improperly called the worms
of flies, are indeed devoid of feet. They move, however, by
the aid of some peculiar organs, and with more or less agi-
lity. Most of them are developed in very humid situations, or
substances, and even in liquids. They change their skin several
times, but at their last moulting they totally lose their primi-
tive forms. Their body grows shorter, contracts itself so as to
present the appearance of an egg-shell, or elongated ball, the
envelope of which, at first soft and whitish, afterwards grows
hard and brown, leaving externally to be distinguished no
trace, no lineament, no appearance of any kind of the insect
which it contains. It is, in fact, a sort of corneous shell in-
dependent of the animal which it protects. When it is
opened, an insect is found in the nymph state, analogous to
that of the coleoptera in the contraction of its members.
When this pupa has acquired a sufficient degree of consist-
ence, it begins to work upon the walls of its prison, which
tear constantly and circularly so as to allow the body of the
insect to be disclosed, which comes forth quite moist, and the
wings but little developed. These, however, soon become
sufficiently extended to sustain the insect in the atmospheric
air, in which its new mode of locomotion is to be exerted.

Such are the principal metamorphoses of insects. There
are some which participate in many of the modes of transfor-
mation we have now described. The study of this period
of insects is certainly one of the most curious and interesting
that can engage the attention of the naturalist. In some
species in particular, the change of the nymph into the per-
fect insect takes place with the most extreme rapidity, and

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 85

the observer can either accelerate or retard this operation, so
as to see it performed at will under his immediate inspection,
in the duration of a minute. Interestincf, however, as this
subject is, we must dismiss it for the present, reserving any
minuter details thereon for the supplements to the separate
orders of this class.

A subject of perhaps not less interest is the determination
of the climates which are proper to the different races of in-
sects, or, in other words, their geographical distribution.
Such distribution is in close relation with the nutrition of
these animals ; for since the Author of Nature has extended
living beings over every point of the surface of the globe,
capable of sustaining them, and since these beings vary with
climate, it must happen that the alimentary substances by
which they are sustained, must also differ according to the
places in which they pass their lives, and be subjected, like
the animals themselves, to the same geographical circum-
scription.

Independently of this consideration, the temperature which
is suitable to the development of one species, is not always
equally proper for that of another. Thus the extent of the
covmtries occupied by certain species, has its necessary limits,
beyond which they cannot pass, at least suddenly, without
ceasing to exist.

Another consequence follows from these principles : where
the empire of Flora ends, there likewise terminates the do-
main of Zoology. The animals which feed on vegetables,
could not exist in regions of complete sterility, and those
which are carnivorous would be equally deprived of their
prey.

From observation we find that the countries most abound-
ing in animals with articulated feet, and especially in in-
sects, are those whose vegetation is the richest and the most
speedily renewed. Such are the effects of a powerful and

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permanent heat, of moderate humidity, and of the variety of
the soil. The more, on the contrary, that we approach the
boundary where begins the reign of everlasting ice and
snows, whether we proceed towards the poles, or ascend to
the heights of lofty mountains, where the diminution of ca-
loric produces similar phenomena, the greater is the decrease
of plants and of insects. Thus Otho Fabricius, who has
published a good Fauna of Greenland, enumerates but 468
species of animals altogether, and the number of those of
insects, including, according to the Linnsean system, the
Crustacea and arachnida, amounts only to 110. The cata-
logue of this naturalist may perhaps be not complete ; but
even so, we are justified in believing that the number of in-
sects in that country must be extremely limited. But when
we come to the desolate domains of eternal winter, life totally
disappears, and the productive force of nature is at an end.
The plains in the neighbourhood of the poles, the very
elevated regions of the mountains of the temperate and
torid zones, covered with perpetual snow, exhibit, in this
respect, the same state of inertia. These mountains, consi-
dered with regard to the animals and vegetables which are
peculiar to them, form gradually, and by superposition,
particular climates, whose temperature and productions are
similar to those of the plains of the most northern countries.
Thus we find that the Alps are the habitation of many species
of insects which are again to be found only in the north of
Europe. The prionus depsarius, which had long been sup-
posed to belong to no other country but Sweden, has been
discovered in the mountains of Switzerland M. Latreille
has found at Cantal the lycus 7ninutus, which used to be
considered peculiar to the most northern provinces of Eu-
rope. The butterfly named Apollo by Linnaeus, very com-
mon in the fields and gardens of Upsal, as well as in other
parts of Sweden, is found in France only on mountains

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 87

of more than three or four thousand feet above the level of
the sea.

Similar observations might be made with regard to otlier
insects, which in southern countries, such as the south of
France, Italy, or Spain, establish their domicile on alpine or
sub-alpine mountains, while in higher latitudes they rise but
little above the level of the soil. These animals find in both
situations a similar temperature and similar food. The ele-
vation above the sea, and the mean temperature of the
places Avhere insects are taken, Avill always be carefully noted
by the enlightened entomologist.

Thus, as well as geographers, naturalists have divided the
surface of the earth into different climates. The former have
taken as their bases the progressive differences in the longest
duration of the natural day ; but the latter have founded
their divisions on the mean temperature of the regions proper
to animals and vegetables. In the entomological philosophy
of Fabricius, the acceptation of the word climate is general,
and embraces the entire of the habitations of insects, or
rather, of all animals with articulated feet. He divides the
climates into eight stations, or into as many particular sub-
climates. These are termed the Indian, Egyptian, the Austral,
the Mediterranean, the Boreal, the Oriental, the Occidental,
and the Alpine. But it is not difficult, as M. Latreille ob-
serves, to see, from the enumeration of the countries which
he refers to each of them, that these divisions are not always
established on positive proofs, and that if the principle on
which they are founded be pushed to its full extent, wliich
principle is the mean temperature, some of them must be
suppressed. The sub-climate which he calls mediterranean,
comprehends the countries adjacent to the Mediterranean
sea, along with Media and Armenia. The boreal, or
northern, extends from Paris to Lapland. The oriental
consists of the north of Asia, of Siberia, and the cold or

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mountainous districts of Syria. Tiie occidental contains
Canada, the United States, Japan, and China.

This simple view is sufficient to prove that these divisions
are very arbitrary. Many of these countries may have, and
in fact have, an identical mean temperature : they cannot,
however, be considered as possessing the same climate. But
independently of these divisions being of comparatively little
use to science, since of some places where the temperature is
the same, the animals are different, it is impossible, in the
present state of our knowledge, to obtain a solid basis for
these divisions of climate. The different elevations of the
soil above the level of the sea, its mineralogical composition,
the varying quantity of its waters, the changes produced on
temperature by the extent, height, and direction of the moun-
tains, by the magnitude of forests, and even by the influence
of neighbouring climates, occasion uncertainty and confusion
in our calculations from the difficulty of appreciating the
just effect of such causes, either singly or combined.

M. Latreille would consider climates under another point
of view. This is presented by the genera of arachnida and
insects which are exclusively proper to certain determined
spaces of the surface of the earth. With the imperfection
of catalogues, especially in foreign species, it would be diffi-
cult to pursue a different plan. Even the entomology of
Europe cannot be considered in this point of view as any
thing but very remote from perfection. Many, even scien-
tific travellers, may be reproached with having neglected
the precise indication of the places where they have found
the objects with which cabinets of natural history are en-
riched. Their inattention, therefore, to the physical and
mineralogical characters of the soil in such situations, can
excite little surprise : yet such particulars constitute an es-
sential part of the history of animals. The licmi, papilio
cleopatra^ some lamice, &c. are only found in calcareous

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 89

soils. The pimelia bipunctata has been observed to move to
no great distance from the sea-coast. They are numerous
near Marseilles, where M. Latreille made this observation.
Other species of the same genus are found in the interior
of some countries, such as Barbary, Syria, and Egypt ;
but in places where the soil is impregnated with saline par-
ticles, or abounds in plants of the genus salsola. Thus
they always inhabit localities similar to that of the first-
mentioned species. The insects of those countries which
border on the Mediterranean, the Caspian, and the Black
Seas, exhibit very great inter-relations, and remain for the
most part on the ground, or on plants of no great height.
Those countries seem to be the chief habitat of certain coleop-
tera : and though the Cape of Good Hope is so far distant
from them, many of its insects exhibit family traits with
the others. These facts prove that many characters of affi-
nity exist between the soils and vegetable productions of
those widely distant regions.

The entire, or nearly so, of arachnida and insects which
inhabit countries whose temperature and soil are the same,
but which are widely distant, is composed in general of
different species, and this even when those countries are
under the same parallel of latitude. All the insects and arach-
nida brought from the most eastern parts of Asia, such as
China, are distinct from those of Europe and Africa, what-
ever may be the latitudes and temperatures of those Asiatic
countries. The majority of these same animals also differ
specifically when the countries which they inhabit, identical
in soil and temperature, are separated from each other (the
difference of latitude making no difference) by natural
barriers, interrupting the communication of these animals, or
rendering it very difficult, such as seas, very high mountain-
chains, or vast deserts. Thus we find that the arachnida
and insects, and even many other animals, of America and

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New Holland cannot be confounded with those of the ancient
world of the same classes. The insects of the United States,
though often very nearly approximating to ours, are yet
removed from them by some characters. The insects of
New Granada and Peru, countries neighbouring to Guiana,
and alike equinoxial, yet differ in a great measure from
those of the latter, because those regions are separated by
the barrier of the Cordilleras. A sim.ilar sudden change is
observable in passing from Piedmont into France by the
defile of Tende. These rules may admit of some exceptions
with regard to aquatic species. On the other hand, we find
insects whose habitat is very much extended. The papilio
cardui, so common with us, and even in Sweden, is to be
found at the Cape of Good Hope, and a species nearly re-
lated to it in New Holland. The sphinx nerion and the
sphinx celerio are found in France and in the Isle of France,
the former seeming to be their northern, and the latter their
southern boundary. The dytiscus griseiis, which inhabits
the waters of Provence and Piedmont, is no stranger in
Bengal.

'Many genera of insects, and particularly those which feed
on vegetables, are spread over a great number of points of
the principal divisions of the globe. Some others are exclu-
sively peculiar to a certain extent of country, whether in the
Old or New World.

Many species in their native country exclusively affect
certain localities, either in low situations, or in those which
are elevated, and at an equally constant lieight. Some Alpine
butterflies are continually confined to the regions of perpetual
snow. In ascending mountains, when we come to a height
where the temperature, vegetation and soil are the same as
those of a much more northern country, we discover there
many species which are peculiar to the latter, and which
would be sought for in vain in the plains and vallies which

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 91

are at the foot of those monntains. If, in the same country,
the temperature of its low-lying situations, or even of those
upon a level with the horizon, be modified by certain local
circumstances, we may observe a corresponding modification
in the species of insects there to be found. For instance,
if the mean temperature is lowered, the species are the same
as those to be found a little more northwards ; if raised, we
shall find the same species as exist a little more to the south.

M. Latreille would divide the old and new continents into
zones, extended successively in the direction of the meridians,
and the breadth of which is measured by a portion of a
circle, parallel to the equator. The species proper to one of
these zones disappear gradually, and give place to those of
the following zone, so that from interval to interval, the
dominant, or even the entire of the species^ shall cease to be
the same. These changes he compares to the series of hori-
zons discovered by the traveller in proportion as he recedes
from the point whence he originally set out.

Sweden has many insects peculiar to itself, some of which
are located in its most northern provinces, as in Lapland.
In the southern, as in Scania, are found, though in small
number, many insects of Germany. France, even towards
the forty-fourth and forty-fifth degrees of latitude, has many
which are to be found in the former countries. But it would
appear that the Rhine and its eastern mountains form, with
regard to some other species, a frontier which they have not
passed. The first of those which are proper to the warm
countries of western Europe begin to shew themselves to-
wards the lower course of the Seine, precisely at the point
where the vine begins to flourish in the open plain without
the assistance of any local circumstances. This is still more
remarkable at Fontainbleau, and in the neighbourhood of
Orleans.

But these insects are only the forerunners of those which

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are peculiar to the truly southern countries. The domain of
the latter is recognized by the appearance of certain species
of Cigala mantes^ termes, <SfC., but especially by the pre-
sence of the European scorpion, and the ateuchus sacer.
The culture of the olive — the spontaneous growth of the
arbutus, speak still more sensibly to the observation. This
change becomes extremely remarkable on proceeding from
Paris to Marseilles, about the territory of Montelimart. The
shores of the Mediterranean are something warmer ; there we
find the MygalcB, the Cebriones, the Onitis, the Scarites, SfC.
appearing for the first time. If we pursue our way into
Spain, and visit the beautiful districts of the eastern part of
that country, where the orange and the palm-tree flourish in
the open plains, we are saluted by a new order of arachnida
and insects, intermingled with some already observed in the
south of France. We find there nemoptera, and various
other insects analogous to those of Barbary and the Levant,
Having examined these species, the entomology of the Atlan-
tic countries of Africa, or of those which are situated on the
Mediterranean, as far as Atlas, will not occasion much sur-
prise. There we also discover certain genera of insects
which are peculiarly predominant in the countries comprised
between the tropics, such as the graphiptera, S^c.

Respecting the insects of the south-east of Europe, our
knowledge is yet somewhat imperfect. It may, however, be
observed, that the papilio chrysippus of Linnaeus, which is
common in Egypt and the East Indies, is also found in the
kingdom of Naples. Most of the Egyptian species are
strangers to Europe. Its southern extremity, bordering on
Nubia, presents several individuals of the Midas, which
like the hucephalus antenor, and gigas, inhabit only the
hottest climates of the old continent approximating to the
equinoctial line. From the banks of the Senegal and on-
ward, in the interior countries more to the south, we no

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 93

longer find any European insect. It is from those burning
regions that the largest species of the genus Goliath of La-,
marck proceeds ; the others come from South America and
Java. The colony of the Cape of Good Hope, especially,
abounds in species of the genus Atithia and Braehycera. In
the same quarter of the globe, are found numerous lepidoptera,
which constitute peculiar sections.

All the successions of species take place gradually from
west to east, and vice versa. Many of those which are found
in Normandy and Britanny, are also to be met with in the
southern parts of England. The departments situated on
the left bank of the Rhine to the north, are in this respect
similar to the neighbouring provinces of Germany, but only
as to a small portion of species. Some insects of the Levant
appear to have travelled westward, and established them-
selves in the neighbourhood of Vienna and throughout the
Austrian territory ; such are the cantharis orientalis^ &c.
M. Latreille is of opinion, that the insects of Asia Minor,
Syria, Persia, &c., though closely allied to those of the south
of Europe, are nevertheless, for the most part, specifically dis-
tinct. He also thinks similarly respecting those of southern
Russia, and of the Crimea. The arachnida and insects of
the coast of Coromandel, of Bengal, of southern China, and
even of Thibet, exhibit very great inter-relations, but they
are absolutely distinct from those of Europe, though
for the most part they may be classed in the same
genera, and in some of the African genera. No genera
which nature appears to have peculiarly allocated in the
southern and western parts of the ancient continent, such
as the graphipfera, &c., are to be found there ; some
species of braehycera, according to Fabricius, are to be found
in the East Indies ; but this assertion M. Latreille does not
appear to consider as well-founded. The genus anthia is

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found in Bengal, and is replaced in New Holland by that of
helluo.

The island of Madagascar approximates in some respects,
as to the natural families of insects, to Africa, but its species
are very distinct, and even many of them have no analogues.
The isles of France and Bourbon, also present vestiges of
similar affinities ; the insects of these colonies seem in gene-
ral to partake more of the character of those of the East
Indies. Their number is very limited.

Although the entomology of New Holland forms a special
type, it is nevertheless composed in a great measure of species
analogous to those of the moluccas and south-eastern India.
New Holland is to be sure less abundant in its insect popu-
lation, being, at least in the parts with which we are ac-
quainted, more dry and less wooded, and analogous to that
of the Cape of Good Hope. The genus of the Mylabris, the
species of which are so abundant in the south of Europe, in
Africa, and in Asia, does not appear to proceed beyond the
Isle of Timor. New Holland, would seem, in this respect
to have traits of similitude with America. There we find
certain of the passalus, a genus whose species peculiarly inha-
bit the New World. It is probable, that considered under
the relation of generic groups, the productions of the western
hemisphere have more affinity with those of the east of Asia
than with ours. We know, for instance, that the pouched
animals are confined to the eastern extremities of the old
continent. Many similar examples might be alleged, and
the class Crustacea furnishes not a few.

The insects of New Zealand, of New Caledonia, and pro-
bably those of the neighbouring islands, have much affinity
with the insects of New Holland. It may be presumed
that the same holds good of some other Archipelagoes of the
great Austral Ocean. Those islands, composed for the most
part of aggregations of polyparia, form a chain which unites

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 95

them on the west to the preceding islands, and have possibly
received from them their productions. A similar communi-
cation, in consequence of the want of similar means, cannot
exist from the coast of America. Thus many of these islands
though American in their geographical position, may yet be
considered Asiatic, as to the animal and vegetable produc-
tions.

The New Continent presents a similar progressive march,
in the changes of species relative to the notable differences of
latitude and longitude. M. Bosc found in Carolina many
species not to be found in Pennsylvania, and still less in the
province of New York. In Georgia, some species of lepi-
doptera are found, whose principal habitat is the West
Indies. The banks of the Missouri, about twenty degrees
west of Philadelphia, are the habitation of many peculiar
species. Other changes of this kind have been observed in
Louisiana. The entomology of the Antilles, with a few ex-
ceptions, forms an absolute contrast to that of the United
States. The isle of Trinity, in ten degrees of north latitude,
has some equatorial species, as for instance, butterflies of
those divisions named menalaus, teucer^ &c., which are not
to be seen in St. Domingo. In the former island are also
found quadrupeds unknown in the latter. There are species
in Brazil, which are likewise to be found in Cayenne ; but it
has also a multitude of others peculiar to itself.

Nevertheless, in comparing the parallels of the Old and
New World, under the relation of temperature suitable to
the different species of insects, we shall find that these paral-
lels do not correspond in this respect. The southern insects
of the western hemisphere are not found so high as in ours.
With us, they commence to appear between 48° and 49**
N. L. ; there, they scarcely appear higher than 43**. When
we reflect on the physical constitution of America, and
consider that its soil is very much watered, considerably

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mountainous, covered with large forests, and that its atmos-
phere is extremely humid, we may easily conceive that cer-
tain genera of insects of the old continent, such as anthia,
pemeliae, &c., which frequent dry grounds, sandy and very
warm situations, could not live in the unctuous, moist, and
umbrageous soil of the New World. Accordingly in propor-
tion, we find much fewer of the carnivorous coleoptera in
America, than in the older quarters of the globe. The size,
too, of such insects there, is often less than with us. The
scorpions of Cayenne, and of the other equinoxial countries
of America, are hardly larger than that one of the South of
Europe, which is named occitanus. They are far from
equalling the size of the African scorpion, which is as large
as our river crab. But, with regard to the species which
feed on vegetables, America does not yield to any country,
even the most fertile of the ancient continent. This is parti-
cularly true of lepidoptera, in general, of scarabeidce, of
chrysomelina, cerambycince, &c., and particularly wasps,
ants, orthoptera, and araneidcB ; nevertheless. Southern
China, and the Moluccas, appear to preserve a sort of supe-
riority in giving birth to such lepidoptera as the jiopilio
priamus, the hoinhyx atlas, &c., whose dimensions surpass
those of the American lepidoptera. A remarkable fact is, that
Europe, Africa, and Western Asia, have scarcely any insects
of the genns phasma, or spectrum, and that the species found
there are small, while the Moluccas, and South America,
present us with some of a remarkable size. The habitual
atmospheric humidity of the new continent, its narrow and
elongated form, the vast extent of ocean with which it is
surrounded on all parts, and the nature of its soil, furnish a
sufficient explanation of the discordance which is observed
between its climates, and those of our hemisphere, considered
under the same parallels. The New World is to the Ancient
Continent, what England is to a great part of Europe.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 97

Normandy, and Britanny, compared to the provinces of
France, situated to the east, exhibit similar approximations.

M. Latreille, has, as we before hinted, given a new and
ingenious division of the earth, into climates or zones, the
limits of which circumscribe in an approximating manner,
the places of habitation exclusively proper to the different
races of these animals. These geographical sections are
founded on the following observations :— first, the northern
extremities of Greenland and Spitzbergen appear to be, in
our hemisphere, the final limit of vegetation. It is arrested,
towards the south pole, at the Land of Sandwich, the 7ie phis
ultra of geographical discoveries in the Austral hemisphere.
The eighty-fourth degree of north latitude, and the sixtieth of
south latitude, will thus form the two extremities of that part
of our globe, which serves as a habitat for plants and in-
sects. Second, the entomology of the new continent, begin-
ning at least with the north of the United States, and pro-
ceeding southwards, differs even as to species, from the
entomology of the old continent. Third, that portion of
Greenland, with the zoology of which we have been made
acquainted by Otho Fabricius, presents many insects, and
even other animals, which may be found again in the most
northern and western extremities of Europe. We may thus
consider Greenland as forming to the north, and under this
point of view, the limit of the two worlds. Fourth, the in-
sects of eastern Asia, proceeding from the countries whose
longitude is about 62 degrees more east than the meri-
dian of Paris, the insects of New Holland, those of that
part of Africa which extends from Atlas and the tropic of
Cancer, to the southern extremity of that peninsula, differ
from the animals of the same class which inhabit the other
countries of the old continent. Fifth, a space of latitude
measured by the arch of a circle of 12 degrees, produces,
abstracting some local variations, a sensible change in the

VOL. xiv. H

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mass of species ; it is even almost total, if this aixh be
doubled, or consist of 24 degrees, as from the north of
Sweden to the north of Spain.

Resting on these observations and some others less general,
M. Latreille separates, to the west, the two hemispheres, by a
meridian which, proceeding from Greenland, and following a
mean direction between the Canary Islands, those of Cape
Verd, Madeira, and the most advanced point to the east of
South America, Cape St. Roch, ends near Sandwich Land.
Its longitude is 34 degrees west of the meridian of Paris,
Another meridian more east by 62 degrees than that of that
city, detaches the oriental part of Asia from its western coun-
tries, from Europe, and from Africa. The difference of lon-
gitude of these two meridians is thus 96 degrees. A third
more eastern, and of the same quantity, will determine the
limits of the Old World and the New to the eastward, tra-
versing the great ocean.

The other 144 degrees will complete the circle of the
equator, and will be in longitude, the extent of the grand
zone proper to the insects of America. M. Latreille divides
it by means of a fourth meridian into two equal portions,
having each ^2 degrees in longitude.

These four great zones will be arctic, or antarctic, accord-
ing to their situation within, or beyond the equinoxial line.
M. Latreille divides each of them into climates to which he
gives twelve degrees of latitude. That which is comprised be-
tween 84 north latitude, and 72 degrees, is called the tropical.
Then, continuing the duodecimal division, come the following
climates : the sub-polar, superior, intermediate, sur-tropical,
tropical, equatorial. The antarctic zones, divided in the
same manner, have two climates less, the polar, and suh-j)olar,
since they terminate at the 60th degree of south latitude.
These zones considered in each hemisphere are distinguished
by M. Latreille, into occidental and oriental.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 99

Such is an outline of the system of M. Latreille, from
which he conceives that geography may derive sound
advantages. It may thereby be determined to which of the
two hemispheres naturally belong many islands situated on
their limits. Such considerations, he also thinks, may be
useful to mineralogists and geologists. We see, for instance,
that the insects,, and even the plants of those countries by
which the basin of the Mediterranean is circumscribed, and
also those of the Black and Caspian Seas, singularly re-
semble each other as to the genera and families in which
those productions are grouped. Such relations seem to fa-
vour the opinion of naturalists, that the latest uncovered
countries have been those which were formerly bathed by
the waters of the ocean.

The increasing progression of the intensity and duration
of caloric, has a very great influence on the volume and the
development of the mucous tissue of insects and arachnida.
The more, in general, that we advance towards the equi-
noxial regions, the more we find of species remarkable for
their size, for the inequalities and prominences of their
bodies, and for the variety of their colours. The increase of
light tends to convert yellow into red and orange. The
diurnal butterflies of our mountains have usually the ground
of their wings white, or of a brown more or less deep. Such
observations, properly followed up, would greatly assist in
the distinction of species and varieties.

Having considered the general structure, the functions,
and the geographical distribution of insects, we shall indulge
in a few remarks on that most interesting of all subjects, the
character of their intellectual faculties. In this point of
view, although the labours of insects appear to announce a
degree of industry of which the superior classes of animals
presents us with few examples, yet there can be no compari-
son between them and the latter as to extent of intellect.

H 2

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We cannot possibly attribute to them such combinations of
ideas, and such judgment, as a more perfect, or, at least, a
more complicated organization allows to other animals. The
insects seem to possess, when born, all the knowledge which
their destination requires, and which is composed of a certain
number of ideas relative to their wants and the employment
of their organs. The circle of their actions is traced out :
they cannot pass beyond it. This natural disposition, which
fits them for exercising, in a determined and constant manner,
all that is necessary for the preservation of their lives and
the propagation of their race, is what is usually termed in-
stinct. They can have no better guide. Too transitory on
the scene of nature, they have neither time to deliberate nor
to profit by the lessons of experience. Their races would
soon become extinct, if there were no better agent employed in
their preservation than the acquired knowledge of experience.
The bee is scarcely more than born when it begins to apply
itself to labour, and to exhibit the talents of the most accom-
plished artist, to execute in the most exact and regular propor-
tions, without any model, and without the least hesitation, a
work which pre-supposes calculations of the higher geometry,
and which a skilful mechanician could not perform but after
long trials, and with instruments of which the bee is de-
prived. Even were this insect provided with them, it would be
impossible for it to construct, beforehand, its alveoli in suitable
proportions to the number of the future population, which it
cannot foresee, and to give to those which are destined to con-
tain the male and female eggs the requisite size for those in-
dividuals not yet in existence. But Nature has been the pre-
ceptor of the bee, and has formed her a geometrician. We even
see among men certain individuals bom with happy dispositions
for the mechanical arts, and excelling in them without having
had the advantage of a master. The most just and inge-
nious ideas, which are, in general, the result of meditation.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 101

study, and instruction, present themselves spontaneously to
such minds, without effort, and in the liveliest manner. The
most perfect instinct of insects is clearly analogous to this
accidental gift of nature, converted into a necessary and per-
severing habit, and perpetuated from generation to gene-
ration.

To the habitual and stimulating causes which call this
faculty into action, such as the impression excited on the
senses by external objects, hunger, and the desire of repro-
duction, we must add, a predominating sentiment, that of the
preservation of posterity. Wherefore does the neuter bee,
which can have no feeling of maternity, from the time she is
placed from the moment of her birth, in a new hive, imme-
diately set to work on the construction of its radii ? If this
was merely for her own proper subsistence would it be neces-
sary that she devote herself to such long and painful labours ?
and wherefore should she suffer herself to die of hunger when
deprived of the queen which is to propagate her race ? What
can stimulate her to such minute, such attentive cares?
Why do the females of insects, which live in a solitary and
isolated manner, deposit their eggs with studious care pre-
viously to terminating their own existence ? Doubtless all this
is the result of an internal impulse, or maternal sentiment,
which they are compelled to obey.

The earlier naturalists, inspired with a sort of respect for
the industrious society of bees, and also considering its utility,
accorded to it the first place in their methodical classifications
of insects. But on this point internal organization is the
essential character which ought to guide us. The possession
of an instinct more or less extended would be an indication of
order but little to be depended on. Among the bees them-
selves several species are to be found, which although very
much approximating in organization to the common bee, yet
living in a solitary manner, are much inferior on the score qf

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instinct. The perfection, therefore, of this quality seems to
be an appendage to the organization of the animal and not
the result. The beaver, though more industrious than the
carnivorous mammalia, is yet much below them as to organi-
zation. But, in truth, all the attempts which have been
made to discover or conjecture the cause of instinct have
been utterly vain and unsatisfactory. To notice the many
absurd and even unintelligible theories which have been ad-
vanced by otherwise clever men on this subject, would be to
waste the time and weary the patience of our readers. It is
sufficient to observe that they are all mere assumptions, with-
out a shadow of proof, or like that one which refers the in-
stincts of insects to their sensations, little better than identi-
cal propositions. As to the doctrine that instinct is the result
of the immediate inspiration of the Deity, that is sufficiently
refuted by the fact that it is sometimes found to be at fault.
That it is identical with reason is a proposition equally im-
tenable, for it is exercised with the same facility and perfec-
tion by the insect just disclosed from the pupa as by the
oldest. But the opinion of Mr. Spence on this subject so
completely coincides with our own, and is expressed so much
better than we could hope to express it, that we shall give it
in his own language.

" Instinct then is not the result of a plastic nature; of a
system of machinery ; of diseased bodily action ; of models
impressed upon the brain ; nor of organic shootings-out : — it
is not the effect of the habitual determination for ages of the
nervous fluid to certain organs ; nor is it either the impulse
of the Deity or reason. Without pretending to give a logi-
cal definition of it, which while we are ignorant of the essence
of reason is impossible, we may call the instincts of animals
those unknown faculties implanted in their constitution by
the Creator, by which, independent of instruction, observa-
tion, or experience, and without a knowledge of the end in

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 103

view, they are impelled to tlie performance of certain actions
tending to the well-being of the individual and the preserva-
tion of the species ; and with this description, which is, in
fact, merely a confession of ignorance, we must, in the pre-
sent state of metaphysical science, content ourselves.

" I here say nothing of that supposed connection of the in-
stinct of animals with their sensations, which has been intro-
duced into many definitions of this mysterious power, for two
reasons. In the first place, this definition merely sets the
world upon the tortoise ; for what do we know more than
before about the nature of instinct when we have called it,
with Brown, a predisposition to certain actions when certain
sensations exist, or with Tucker have ascribed it to the ope-
ration of the senses, or that internal feeling called appetite ?
But secondly, this connection of instinct with bodily sensa-
tion, though probable enough in some instances, is by no
means generally evident. We may explain in this way the
instincts connected with hunger, and the sexual passion, and
some other particular facts, such as the laying of the eggs of
the flesh-fly in the flowers of Stapelia hirsuta instead of in
carrion, their proper nidus, and those of the common house-
fly in snuff* instead of dung ; for in these instances the smell
seems so clearly the guide that it leads into error. But what
connection between sensation and instinct do we see in the
conduct of the working bees which fabricate some of the cells
in a comb larger than others expressly to contain the eggs
and future grubs of drones, though those eggs are not laid
by themselves, and are still in the ovaries of the queen ? So
we may plausibly enough conjecture that the fury with which,
in ordinary circumstances, at a certain period of the year the
working bees are inspired towards the drones, is the eff'ect of
some disagreeable smell or emanation proceeding from them
at that particular time ; but how can we explain on similar
grounds the fact that in a hive deprived of a queen no mas-

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sacre of the drones takes place ? Lastly, to omit a hundred
other instances, as njany of them will be subsequently ad-
verted to, if we may, with some shew of reason, suppose
that it is the sensation of heat which causes bees to swarm ;
yet what possible conception can we form of its being bodily
sensation that leads bees to send out scouts in search of a hive
suitable for the new colony, several days before swarming.''''

We confess that nothing appears to us to be more conclusive
and satisfactory than the above observations.

There are some very material peculiarities which distin-
guish the instincts of insects from those of other animals.
These are reduced by Mr. Spence under the heads of e.xqu'i-
siteness, number, and extraordinary development. The in-
stincts of other animals are for the most part of a very simple
kind, having reference to the selection of food, propagation,
defence of themselves and their young, and expression of their
feelings by vocal sounds. Some of the larger animals have
more developed instincts, which extend to laying up food for
Avinter, and constructing habitations for the young, &c.

Insects have all these instincts, but many of them exhibit
an exquisiteness of instinct unknown to other animals. No
animal, of the preceding classes, catches its prey with such
exquisite contrivance as the spider. No carnivorous beast
digs a pit-fall for its intended victim, concealing itself below
until the prey is caught, like the ant-lion. It is only neces-
sary to hint at the dwellings of bees, ants, &c. in this place.
Even the exquisite construction of some birds'-nests, and the
buildings of the beavers, are not to be compared with them.

A very remarkable character in the instinct of insects, is
its accommodation to circumstances. In the larger animals,
the modifications of instinct are but slight. When a birds**-
nest is removed, though it may remain close by the tree, it
never thinks of replacing it, but sets about constructing
another. But insects often exhibit the most ingenious re-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 105

sources in certain circumstances. We sometimes find a
honey-comb of a form altogether peculiar, with differently
shaped cells, and differently placed, and all adapted to some
new circumstance, which did not modify the construction
of the other combs. This is a matter of great surprise, and
nothing similar is observable in the phenomena of instinct in
other animals. The examples of this accommodation to cir-
cumstances are very numerous among the insect tribes, but
we must defer any detail of them, until we come to speak of
the orders separately. We shall find occasion to give many
curious instances of this, when vre come to treat of bees in
particular.

This peculiarity of adaptation to circumstances, looks, on
first consideration, more like reason than instinct. On this
point, the observations of Mr. Spence are peculiarly excel-
lent. He remarks, in the first place, that these variations are
limited in extent. Insects have a certain number of re-
sources, but cannot increase them. Bees, for instance, cement
their combs to the top of the hive, when they are becoming
heavy, with mitys instead of wax, and there is no reason to
doubt that they did the same in the time of Aristotle and
Pliny. They also occasionally vary their procedures, secur-
ing the combs with wax, or with propolis, only added to the
upper range of cells, or arranged in braces and ties to the
adjoining combs. But they never employ other methods of
strengthening the combs, which might yet be considered ob-
vious enough. They do not use mud, for instance, instead
of wax or propolis, or mortar instead of mitys. Any instance
of this description, would be decidedly in favour of the
hypothesis of reason. But, considering that bees are confined
to the same limits in this respect that they were two thousand
years ago, and since the new-born perform all their opera-
tions as scientifically as the old, Mr. Spence justly considers

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the actions of which we are speaking, as merely variations of
instinct.

Besides, no degree of reason, that can with any probability
be attributed to these insects, could be adequate to the pro-
duction of such complicated labours. If considered to be the
result of reason, they must pre-suppose most various and
extensive knowledge. A man could not perform such opera-
tions in a year, even with the best natural mechanical genius,
and a competent knowledge of geometry, without which he
could not perform it at all. It is not possible, therefore, that
such problems could be solved by animals, perhaps not two
days old, which supposition is involved in according to them
the principle of reason.

The greater number of instincts, in the animals we are con-
sidering, is another distinctive mark, worthy of attention. In
the higher animals, this number is considerably limited.
Insects, on the contrary, possessing all the instincts which are
to be found in superior animals, have, at the same time,
many in addition to those. The bees, for instance, have one
instinct of sending out scouts, before they swarm, in search
of a proper place of settlement. Another, of following the
queen wherever she goes. A third, of cleansing their new
abode from all dirt, &c. &c. But we cannot afford to do
more in this place, than hint at this most interesting subject,
reserving its details for a future occasion. Mr. Spence has
enumerated thirty distinct instincts in the nurses among the
working bees, and the number might be very considerably
increased.

The extraordinary development of instinct in insects, is
another remarkable circumstance. In the larger animals the
development of some insects depends upon age, and the state
of the organs. To this, the different instincts exhibited by
insects under their different metamorphoses are quite analo-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 107

gous. But a development of instinct, not dependent on such
causes, but on external circumstances, with individuals of the
same species and structure, is a singular plienomenon in the
insect world. Thus as we have already mentioned, the work-
ing bees destroy the drones every autumn, but do not do so
when they have lost their queen. They are certain to be
destroyed without mercy, if there is a properly impregnated
queen ; but if she be lost, or her impregnation retarded, the
drones are equally sure to live out the winter. In a hive where
this is the case, not a single drone perishes, though they are
massacred with unrelenting ferocity in all the neighbouring
hives. To this last proceeding there can be no doubt that
the workers are impelled by an imperious instinct. But how
account for the change ? Surely it cannot be attributed to
reason, to a foresight equal at least to human, and a degree
of self-command superior. This would, indeed, be going too
far. Such conduct can be only accounted for by the deve-
lopment of a new instinct, suited to the occasion, or at all
events, by the extinction of the old. But a new and peculiar
instinct is unquestionably developed in some positive ope-
rations subsequent to the loss of a queen. But to these we
can only now advert.

The question that remains to be noticed, is whether insects
are guided solely by instinct, and have no share whatever of
reason. Mr. Spence is inclined to think that they have no
inconsiderable portion of the latter.

To larger animals, few philosophers deny some share of
reason. But it is not so generally accorded to insects. This
arises, in all probability, from the opinion that instinct and
reason co-exist in an inverse ratio in animals. This is true,
in some instances, and particularly of man, in whom instinct
is weak, and reason pre eminent. But it is far from being
invariably the case. Many animals whose instincts are not

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particularly acute, are far from possessing a supply of reason
to atone for the deficiency.

With most of the actions of insects, which are determinate
and perfect, and performed Avithout instruction and expe-
rience, reason has evidently no connection. A young bee,
as we have before observed, builds as skilfully as the oldest ;
it has no knowledge of the design of any of its operations, or
of the effects which will follow. It is thus destitute of the
materials of reasoning. In the deviations of instinct which
we have noticed, we cannot suppose insects to be influenced
by reason. " They are" still limited in number," says Mr
Spence, " and involve acts far too complex and recondite to
spring from any process of ratiocination in an animal whose
term of life does not exceed two years.*" But the same gen-
tleman thinks, that reason may have a part " in inducing
some of these last-mentioned actions, though the actions
themselves are purely instinctive." This distinction is illus-
trated by a case cited from Huber, in which some bees bent
a comb at right angles, to escape a slip of glass ; the conse-
quent variation in the form of the cells, are referred to instinct,
by Mr. S. He then goes on to say, " Yet the original deter-
mination to avoid the glass, seems, as Huber himself ob-
serves, to indicate something more than instinct, since glass
is not a substance against which nature can be supposed to
have forewarned bees, there being nothing in hollow trees,
their natural abode, at all resembling it in substance or polish ;
and what was most striking in their operations was, that
they did not wait until they had reached the surface of the
glass before changing the direction of the comb, but adopted
this variation at a considerable distance, as though they
foresaw the inconveniences which might result from another
mode of construction. However difficult it may be to form
a clear conception of this union of instinct and reason in the
same operation, or to define precisely the limits of each,

INSECTS IN GENE UAL. 109

instances of these mixed actions are sufficiently common
among animals to leave little doubt of the fact. It is instinct
which leads a greyhound to pursue a hare, but it must be
reason that directs an old greyhound to trust the more fa-
tiguing part of the chase to the younger, and to place him-
self so as to meet the hare in her doubles."

With due submission, the two cases are not exactly analo-
gous, unless it can be proved that the bees which took the
above-mentioned method, were old bees, and had availed
themselves, like the greyhound, of the lights of observation
and experience. This is not stated to have been the fact.
Besides it is questionable, whether the duration of a bee"'s
life, would admit of the degree of experience necessary, even
for a calculation like this.

It must, however, be confessed, that this question is in-
volved in no common difficulty. It is altogether a question
to be decided by facts, the number and authenticity of which
must materially affect its negative or affirmative. The cor-
rectness of the observations made, must be taken into consi-
deration, and not less so, the possibility of systematic preju-
dices in the observer. It is impossible, within our present
limits, to do it justice ; there are, however, many very strong
facts brought forward by Mr. Spence, in favour of his view
of the question. Two of these we shall find room for here.

" A bee which Huber watched, while soldering the angles
of a cell with propolis, detached a thread of this material
with which she entered the cell. Instinct would have taught
her to separate it of the exact length required ; but after
applying it to the angle of the cell, she found it too long,
and cut off a portion so as to fit it to her purpose."

The second instance is cited from Dr. Darwin, who in-
forms us " that, walking one day in his garden, he perceived a
wasp upon the gravel-walk, with a large fly nearly as big
as itself, which it had caught. Kneeling down, he distinctly

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saw it cut off the head and abdomen, and then taking up with
its feet the trunk or middle portion of the body, to which
the wings remained attached, fly away ; but a breeze of wind
acting upon the wings of the fly turned round the wasp with
its burthen, and impeded its progress. Upon this it ahghted
again upon the gravel walk, sawed off first one wing and
then the other, and having thus removed the cause of its
embarrassment, flew off" with its booty. Could any process
of ratiocination be more perfect ? ' Something acts upon the
wings of this fly and impedes my flight ; if I wish to reach
my nest quickly, I must get rid of them — to effect which
the shortest way will be to alight again and cut them off.''
These reflections or others of similar import, must be sup-
posed to have passed through the mind of the wasp, or its
actions are altogether inexplicable. Instinct might have
taught it to cut off the wings of all flies, previously to flying
away with them ; but here it first attempted to fly with the
wings on — was impeded by a certain cause — discovered what
this cause was, and alighted to remove it. The chain of
evidence seems perfect in proof, that nothing but reason
could have been its prompter.""

To these latter observations nothing can be replied, but
that their value entirely depends on the exact truth of the
fact brought forward to support them. Now, though we
would not willingly impeach the high authority on which it
rests, it must be remembered that Dr. Darwin was an advo-
cate of the hypothesis, that all the actions of insects are
referable to a reasoning faculty.

One of the strongest points in favour of Mr. Spence, is the
fact so well ascertained by a number of proofs, that insects
receive and communicate information, which we can hardly
suppose could be done if they were wholly devoid of reason.
Dr. Franklin relates a story to this effect which is very re-
markable. ' Having placed a pot containing treacle in a

INSECTS IN GENERAL. Ill

closet infested with ants, these insects found their way into
it, and were feasting very heartily when he discovered them.
He then shook them out, and suspended the pot by a string
from the ceiling. By chance one ant remained, which, after
eating its fill, with some difficulty found its way up the
string, and thence reaching the ceiling, escaped by the wall
to its nest. In less than half an hour, a great company of
ants sallied out of their hole, climbed the ceiling, crept along
the string into the pot, and began to eat again. This they
continued until the treacle was all consumed, one swarm
running up the string, while another passed down. It seems
indisputable that the one ant had in this instance conveyed
news of the booty to his comrades, who would not otherwise
have at once directed their steps in a body to the only
accessible route."

Now we confess, that this does not appear to us so very
indisputable. Is it not possible that the ants, which are cer-
tainly not destitute of the sense of smelling, might have been
attracted by the smell of the treacle .''

The last story we shall quote on this subject for the amuse-
ment of our readers, is from the same valuable work of
Messrs. Kirby and Spence.

"" A German artist, a man of strict veracity, states, that in
his journey through Italy, he was an eye-witness to the fol-
lowing occurrence. He observed a species of scarabaeus,
( Ateiichus pilularius ? ) busily employed in making for the
reception of its egg, a pellet of dung, which when finished, it
rolled to the summit of a small hillock, and repeatedly suf-
fered to tumble down its side, apparently for the sake of
consolidating it by the earth, which each time adhered to it.
During this process the pellet unluckily fell into an adjoining
hole, out of which all the efforts of the beetle to extricate it
were in vain. After several ineffectual trials the insect re-
paired to an adjoining heap of dung, and soon returned with

112 SUPPLEMENT ON

three of his companions. All four now applied their united
strength to the pellet, and at length succeeded in pushing it
out ; which being done the three assistant beetles left the
spot, and returned to their own quarters/'

That insects possess memory, seems quite certain. Bees
after hours of wandering return to their own particular hives,
which they clearly distinguish from all others in the same
neighbourhood. This fact is well expressed by INIr. Rogers,
in his poem of the " Pleasures of Memory,"" though he is
mistaken in supposing the bee to be reconducted to its hive
by the scent of the various flowers which it has visited, for
bees fly straight to their hives from great distances.

" Hark ! the bee winds her small but mellow horn,
Blithe to salute the sunny smile of morn.
O'er thymy downs she bends her busy course,
And many a stream allures her to its source.
'Tis noon, 'tis night. That eye so finely wrought.
Beyond the search of sense, the soar of thought,
Now vainly asks the scenes she left behind ;
Its orb so full, its vision so confined !
Who guides the patient pilgrim to her cell ?
Who bids her soul with conscious triumph swell ?
With conscious truth retrace the mazy clue
Of varied scents that charmed her as she flew ?
Hail ! Memory, hail ! thy universal reign
Guards the least link of Being's glorious chain."

In concluding this imperfect survey of the intellectual
faculties of insects, we may sum up by saying, tliat the great
majority of their actions are guided by a principle of instinct,
toally distinct from reason ; that however, they seem capable,
though to a very limited extent, of forming judgments from
their immediate perceptions, and of acting thereupon. At
least that they perform actions which will hardly admit of
any other solution than this. We may also conclude that

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 113

they have some mode of inter-communication with each
other, and that they possess memory seems fully certain.
We may repeat, however, that the subject is surrounded
with difficulties and obscurities, which, we fear, will not be
speedily removed and dissipated. We cannot, in a case of
this kind, be too cautious in the admission of anecdotes, or
too strict in the investigation of facts on which to found our
theories.

We often find insects assembled in great numbers in one
and the same place : but if their individual preservation is
the sole motive of these re-unions — if they are only attracted
to a particular spot by the abundance of aliments which they
find there, common to them all, or a shelter where they may
be less exposed to the intemperature of the weather, or the
attacks of their enemies, such accidental assemblages cannot
be considered in the light of societies, properly so called.
Certain caterpillars, which have been designated under the
title of common, processionary, &c. already in approximation
when in the egg state, weave in concert a web, which, like a
hammock, or tent, serves as a habitation for them until their
final metamorphosis. But such labours have reference solely
to their own proper existence. They are occupied only with
themselves. They have no family to bring up, no pains or
cares respecting generations yet unborn. " There reigns
among them," says Bonnet, " the most perfect equality ;
there is no distinction of sex, and almost no distinction of
size. They all resemble, all have the same share in the
labours. All compose, properly speaking, but one family,
issuing from the same mother." This temporary association
is dissolved the moment the caterpillars pass into the chrysa-
lis state. All becomes inertness, and absolute isolation.

It is not thus with the perfect societies of insects, and
which alone properly deserve the name. They are eminently
distinguished from the preceding, not only by reason of the

VOL. XIV. I

114 SUPPLEMENT ON

remarkable differences observed in the external forms of the
individuals which compose them, but still more by the insti-
tutions by which they are governed. Their principal end
is the education of the young, and even those which, under
the form of nymphae, have no further need of nourishment,
find active and vigilant sentinels to prevent or avert the dan-
gers by which they may be threatened.

At the period when this education is finished, these associ-
ations present us with three sorts of perfect individuals in the
full enjoyment of all their faculties, males, females, and in-
dividuals of the latter sex, but unfit for reproduction. These
last have been designated as neuters, mules, workers, and
even soldiers, as among the termites. The denomination of
workers is frequently equivocal, since the females, in some
species, are equally industrious. Neuter appears to be
preferable.

These societies are either temporary or continuous. When
temporary, they owe their origin to a female, who, without
assistants, abandoned to her own resources, lays the founda-
tions of the colony, and soon finds auxiliaries in the neuters
which she begins to bring into the world. Such are the soci-
eties of wasps and humble bees. But those which are conti-
nuous, have neuters at all periods. Sometime these neuters,
as among the ants and bees, are charged exclusively with all
the labours and cares of the family. Sometimes they have
no other functions than to watch for the defence of the com-
munity, and perhaps for the preservation of the germs of the
race, as among the termites.

The countries situated between the tropics are those where
nature has most energy, and where these assemblages of
insects are most multiplied and most formidable. The action
exercised on animal and vegetable substances by insects,
which live in an isolated or solitary state, is usually slow,
and its effects are not sensible but in the course of a time.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 115

and sometimes one of sufficient length. But when these
animals are assembled in the same place in large bodies,
when they form, like the termites and ants, innumerable
legions, soon, in spite of their littleness, they will devour and
cause to disappear all the organized bodies which they find
deprived of life. The end of the Author of Nature in esta-
blishing such societies of insects, appears to have been to
augment the energy of this active and re-active force, which
maintains equilibrium among beings, and which, by continual
creations and destructions, perpetually regenerates organized
matter on the surface of our globe. If the regions neigh-
bouring to the equator develope more numerous productions,
the number of destructive agents, by a just compensation, is
also much more considerable there. Millions of ants and
termites work incessantly, in purging the surface of the soil
from carcasses by which the air would be speedily corrupted,
and so great are their voracity and thei.' numbers, that often
in a single day, these armies of insect- vultures devour the
flesh of a colossal quadruped. In their turn they become
the food of an infinity of birds, reptiles, quadrupeds, not to
mention the enemies opposed to them, by the class of animals
to which they themselves belong.

The females of the social insects are distinguished by their
prodigious fecundity. Reaumer estimates at twelve millions,
the number of eggs laid by the domestic bee in spring, within
the space of twenty days. But this fecundity is much in-
ferior to that of the termites of the same sex. At the time
of laying, their belly is so distended by the number of eggs
with which it is filled, that this part is then, according to
Smeathman, five hundred or two thousand times more bulky
than the rest of the body. Its volume is twenty or thirty
thousand times larger than that of the belly of the neuter.
In fine, the number of eggs which the fem.ale can lay in the
space of one day, amounts to eighty thousand. Now, this

I 2

116 SUPPLEMENT ON

exceeding fecundity of insects which live in society, seems to
establish the necessity of a third division of individuals, such
as the neuters, which shall possess the affections of maternity,
without the reproductive faculty.

All these insects, with the exception of the termites, are of
the number of those which undergo complete metamorphoses,
and their larvae, unlike the caterpillars, are quite unable, from
feebleness, absence of feet, and the extreme smallness of the
mouth to provide for themselves. Besides, they would seek
in vain to procure their food, which consists in vegetable or
animal matter, which has undergone preparatively a digestive
process. In this state of things almost daily assistance is
necessary for them. This the mothers, had they been alone,
could by no possibility have afforded. They never could
have found strength or time to collect magazines of provisions
for so numerous a family, nor could the provisions have been
preserved in a proper state, up to the time that they were
wanted. If the existence of the mothers were prolonged
beyond the time of the disclosing of the young, and the
bringing up and the education of the latter were entrusted to
them, their difficulties would still increase. They could not
find every day the quantity of aliments required, especially
in rainy weather, and even supposing that they could procure
them, how could they distribute them to each individual
larva ? How could they watch over, and preserve them from
the infinite number of perils by which they are menaced ?
It is very different with solitary insects. Their family, few
in number, isolated, concealed, and occupying but a small
space, can easily be withdrawn from the investigations of its
enemies. But insects, united in great numbers in the same
nest, have more unfavourable risks to run. The careful
attention of the ants to their progeny affords an apt illustra-
tion of this point.

The preservation therefore of such animals, and the pros-

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 117

pei'ity of their community, could only be assured by the
establishment of a particular and numerous order of indivi-
duals, who should supply the functions of mothers, and who
should possess nothing of the character but its sentiments
and affections. Nature in forming, in this instance, neuter
individuals, was obliged to depart from her usual laws, to
ensure the subsistence of her work, and her foresight has
modified her resources according to the circumstances in
which the beings were to be placed. For example, she has
followed a different plan with regard to the termites, the
young individuals of which have not this feeble infancy,
and differ from those which are adult only by a smaller
size, the absence or shortness of the wings, and some other
peculiarities of no great importance. Then the neuters,
justly called soldiers, have a large head, strong jaws, which
act like pincers, and they scarcely compose more than the
hundredth part of the population. They simply act the
part of videts and defenders. The other individuals, up to
the moment in which their organs are entirely developed, re-
main exclusively charged with all the internal works. Still
delicate and without defence, they have only need to be pre-
served from the strong impression of the heat, and from the
attacks of such enemies as might introduce themselves into
their habitation. In working imder cover, and in subter-
ranean galleries, they avoid the first of these dangers, and
the armed neuters preserve them against the second, while the
society is maintained by this reciprocity of service. An
activity common to all the members of the society, is thus the
distinguishing characteristic of the termites, which are one of
the most terrible agents of destruction in the equatorial coun-
tries. As they work only in their infancy, and are at this
age deprived of wings, or only possess the rudiments of them,
they then very much resemble ants in their habits. But their
numbers being far greater, they construct vaster and more

118 SUPPLEMENT ON

solid habitations, and as their wants are greater, their de-
structive force is more powerful. Their invasions are less
easily opposed, as they operate in darkness, and thus escape
the notice of man and his vengeance.

The historian of these insects, Smeathman, was not ac-
quainted with their nymphse. The individuals which he
seemed to consider as such are the neuters, which defend the
habitation, and the individuals which he calls workers, are
only the termites in their first age, or in the larva state.
These insects do not undergo their last metamorphosis at the
same period. The individuals less advanced collect the fe-
males which have been fecundated, and take care of the eggs.
The termites form then, under all relations, a society quite
distinct from those of the ants, wasps, humble-bees, and bees,
insects, all of which undergo a perfect metamorphosis. These
last-mentioned societies, according to the consideration of the
organs of locomotion, are established upon three models.

In one, such as that of the ants, the neuters are deprived
of wings, and for the completion of their labours have no
other instruments than the parts of the mouth.

All the individuals of the other societies have wings, but
the wasps are not better provided than the ants in regard of
the means for the execution of their work. It is not so with
the humble-bees and bees. The legs and tarsi of their hinder
limbs have a peculiar form, which allows them to collect the
pollen of flowers. These insects also have organs solely des-
tined to elaborate and secrete the honey and the wax. As
well as among the wasps, the female constitutes an integral
part of the society, as long as it subsists. The females of
wasps and humble-bees even commence the establishment,
and are foundresses and queens at the same time.

These organic differences have a great influence on the in-
stinct of these insects, for the perfection of their work is
proportioned to their means.

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 119

Being destitute of wings, the neuter ants live on the
ground, or establish themselves in the clefts of walls and
trees, at but a small elevation above the soil. Those which
construct habitations employ a considerable time in bringing
together the materials which are to compose it. All their
works are of a rustic and very simple construction. The
wasps, humble-bees, and bees, to which the organs of flight
afford a facility of removing rapidly and to great distances
from their dwellings, and to return thither with equal cele-
rity, after having collected the materials of their choice, are
the most favoured in their works. Their productions are
known, and are the objects of our admiration. But the fol-
lowing observation seems to have escaped the historians of
these animals. Of all the substances which it is possible for
them to employ, those which they prefer are the most proper
for the construction of an edifice which, suspended in the air,
should be, in a given volume, the best arranged for the num-
ber of the population, the least weighty, and the most solid
in relation to the duration of the society. Thus the nests of
wasps consist of a sort of pasteboard or very thick paper,
in the construction of which the ligneous substance predomi-
nates. The bee knows how to gather and prepare a resinous
substance, capable, from its ductility, of being reduced into
very slender laminae, of being fashioned at the will of tiie
animal, namely, wax, a substance equally light and resisting,
of which the bee is the sole fabricator. The entrance of the
pieces which compose the edifice is sometimes vertical, some-
times horizontal, but always at the under part, which places
its inhabitants in shelter from the rain, even when the solid
walls do not protect them.

The bee is, of all these insects, the one whose instinct is
the most perfect, the only one whose habits are not at all
carnivorous, and whose existence is one of the blessings of
nature. The others are born for destruction; she, on the

120 SUPPLEMENT ON

contrary, appears to have been made to secure the fecunda-
tion of vegetables, by transporting from one to the other the
pollen of their flowers, which the winds alone could not as
certainly have propagated. She alone has a brush and bas-
ket to collect this pollen, a species of syphon to draw in the
honey, and special internal organs where it is received, ela-
borated, and converted into wax. The radii which she con-
structs are disposed upon a vertical plane, and furnished on
both sides with alveoli ; while those of the wasps are always
horizontal, and present but a single range of cells. The so-
ciety of wasps is temporary ; that of bees, whose regime is
monarchical, is durable, and only ceases from accidental cir-
cumstances. Our domestic bee can live in every climate : it
can brave the wintry breath of Siberia, and the heats of the
torrid zone.

The societies of which we have been speaking hitherto are
all composed of individuals of the same species; but two
sorts of ants, commonly called the red and the sanguine, pre-
sent us, in this respect, with a very singular fact, for the
observation of which we are indebted to the younger Huber.
The societies of these insects are mixed. There are found
amongst them, besides the three sorts of ordinary individuals,
some neuters proceeding from one or even from two other
species of ants, carried away from their habitations in the
larva or nymph state. The neuters of the reddish species
compose a population of warriors, from which circumstance
they are termed Amazons and Legionaries by M. Huber. To-
wards the moment in which the heat of the day begins to
decline, if the weather be favourable, and regularly at the
same hour, at least for many consecutive days, these ants
quit their nests, advance in a serried column, more or less
numerous according to the population, proceed towards the
ant-hill which they intend to invade, enter in spite of the
resistance of the proprietors, seize with their jaws tlie larva?

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 1^1

or nymphs of the neuter ants in the habitation, and transport
them, still pursuing the same order, to their own proper do-
micile. Other neuter ants of the conquered species, born
among these warriors, and formerly kidnapped in their
larva state, take care of the newly-imported larvse, as well
as of the posterity of their ravishers.

We might enter here into many further details concerning
the societies of insects, only that our limits forbid it, and
that they will come with more propriety vmder some future
heads. What we have done in this way was necessary to
render our general observations intelligible. From every
thing respecting such societies, this consequence may be de-
duced— the laws which govern the societies of insects, those
even which appear to us the most anomalous, constitute a sys-
tem combined with the most profound wisdom, and established
from the beginning, not resulting from accident. Such a
consideration should elevate our thoughts with a religious
respect towards that Eternal Intelligence, which, in giving
existence to so many various beings, has thought proper to
perpetuate their generations by means sure and invariable in
their operation, concealed from our feeble reason, but ever to
be regarded with the most intense admiration.

Notwithstanding that we have, perhaps, transgressed the
limits to which the character of our Work necessarily confines
us, in this introductory essay, we yet feci that much of the
greatest interest has been left unnoticed, and that the sketch
is, upon the whole, meagre, feeble and imperfect. But the
candid reader will overlook this, when he considers the vast-
ness of the subject, even in the most general way of viewing it,
and the impossibility of entering at large into details, which
might yet be deemed indispensably necessary, to illustrate
our observations. If Messrs. Kirby and Spence have given
to their magnificent work, in four large volumes, the modest
title of an Introduction, how was it possible for us to com-

122 SUPPLEMENT ON

prise within our scanty limits, all the general points of inte-
rest with which the science of entomology is so eminently
pregnant. If we have given such a view as may prove suffi-
cient for the comprehension of the ensuing scientific details
of our respected author, and if, though at the humblest
distance, we have contributed, not to improve the science,
but to spread a taste for a pursuit so highly calculated to
expand and elevate the mind, and impress it with the truest
principles of philosophical religion, we have attained our
object and are satisfied. We shall now in imitation of Messrs.
Kirby and Spence, terminate this feeble sketch with the same
quotation with which they have closed their Introduction :

" Happy, if full of days — but happier far.
If, ere we yet discern life's evening star.
Sick of the service of a world that feeds
Its patient drudges with dry chafFand weeds,
We can escape from custom's idiot sway
To serve the Sovereign we were born t'' obey.
Then sweet to muse upon his skill display'd
(Infinite skill) in all that he has made !
To trace, in Nature's most minute design.
The signature and stamp of power divine —
Contrivance intricate, expressed with ease.
Where unassisted sight no beauty sees ;
The shapely limb, and lubricated joint,
Within the small dimensions of a point ;
Muscle and nerve miraculously spun.
His mighty work, who speaks and it is done,
Th' invisible in things, scarce seen reveal'd.
To whom an atom is an ample field ;
To wonder at a thousand insect forms.
These hatch'd, and those resuscitated worms.
New life ordained and brighter scenes to share,
Once prone on earth, now buoyant upon air,
Whose shape would make them, had they bulk and size.
More hideous foes than fancy can devise ;

INSECTS IN GENERAL. 123

With helmet-heads and dragon scales adorn'd,

The mighty myriads, now securely scorn'd.

Would mock the majesty of man's high birth.

Despise his bulwarks and unpeople earth :

Then with a glance of fancy to survey.

Far as the faculty can stretch away,

Ten thousand rivers pour'd at his command,

From urns that never fail through every land ;

These like a deluge with impetuous force.

Those winding modestly a silent course;

The cloud-surmounting Alps, the fruitful vales ;

Seas on which every nation spreads her sails ;

The sun, a world whence other worlds drink light ;

The crescent moon, the diadem of night;

Stars countless, each in his appointed place.
Fast anchor'd in the deep abyss of space — •
At such a sight to catch the poet's flame.
And with a rapture like his own exclaim :

These are Thy glorious works, thou Source of Good,

How dimly seen, how faintly understood !

Thine, and upheld by thy paternal care.

This universal frame, thus wondrous fair.

Thy power divine, and bounty beyond thought.

Adored and prais'd in all that thou hast wrought,

Absorb'd in that immensity I see,

I shrink abash'd, and yet aspire to thee;

Instruct me, guide me to that heavenly day.

Thy words, more clearly than thy works display.

That while thy truths my grosser thoughts refine,

I may resemble thee, and call thee mine."

Cow PER.

1^24 CLASS INSJXTA.

THE FIRST ORDER OF INSECTS.

The Mybiapods' (Myuiapoda — Mitosata, Fab.),

Vulgarly named millipedes, are the only animals of this
class, which have more than six feet in their perfect state,
and whose abdomen is not distinct from the trunk. Their
body, deprived of wings, is composed of a considerable series
of rings, most frequently equal, each of them, with the ex-
ception of the first, having two pairs of feet, most usually
terminated by a single crotchet : whether these rings be undi-
vided, or divided into two half segments, each has a pair of
these organs, and one of them only exhibits two stigmata.*

The myriapods, for the most part, resemble small serpents,
or nereides, having feet very much approximated to each
other, in the entire length of the body ; the form of these
organs extends even to the parts of the mouth. The mandi-
bles are biarticulated, and immediately followed by a piece

* The rings of the body of insects have in general two stigmata. If we
consider under this point of view the rings of the body of the scolopen-
drae, particularly of the large species, those which have twenty-one pairs
of feet, we shall see that they are alternately provided with, or deprived
of, two stigmata ; and thus, comparatively to those last animals, these are
really only semi-rings. Each complete segment has two pairs of feet, one
of which is supernumerary, since we find, in other insects, that the rings
provided with feet have but two feet.

ORDER MYRIAPODA. 125

formed like a lip, quadrified, with articulated divisions, or
resembling little feet, and which by its situation, corresponds
to the largest of the Crustacea. Then come two pairs of
little feet, of which the second, in the form of large crotchets,
in many species, appear to replace the four jaws, or at least
the two, as well as the lower lip of insects ; these may be
considered as species of buccal feet. The antennae, two in
number, are short, a little thicker towards the end, or almost
filiform, with seven articulations in some species, a great
number in others, and setaceous ; their eyes are usually
formed of an union of smooth eyes, and if, in others, they
have a cornea with facets, these lenses are, nevertheless,
proportionally larger, rounder, and more distinct than
those of the eyes of insects. Their stigmata are often very
small, and their quantity, in proportion to that of the rings,
is usually more considerable than in other insects, in which,
at the most, it amounts to no more than eighteen or twenty.
The number of these rings and that of the feet, augment
with age, a character, which strongly distinguishes the
myriapods from other insects, the latter being always born
with the number of segments proper to them, and all their
feet being developed at once, either at the period of birth
or when they pass into the nymph state. M. Savi, the son,
professor of Mineralogy at Pisa, who has made a peculiar
study of the iuli, has observed, that when they issue from
the egg, they are devoid of these organs : these animals,
therefore, undergo a true metamorphosis. In some, the
male sexual organs are always placed after the seventh pair
of feet, on the sixth or seventh segment of the body, and
those of the female, near the origin of the second feet ; in
the others, these sorts of organs are situated in the usual
place, near the posterior extremity of the body. The posi-
tion of the masculine parts of the first, compared with that
which they have in the Crustacea and arachnida, would seem

126 CLASS INSECTA.

to indicate the separation of the trunk and abdomen. With
regard to the other myriapods in which the sexual organs
are posterior, we remark that in an analogous portion of the
body of certain species ( Scolopendra morsitans), an inver-
sion takes place in the successive order of the stigmata,
which would seem to announce the same distinction.

The myriapods live and grow a longer time than the other
insects, and according to M. Savi, two years, at least, are
necessary to some of them, (the iuli,) for the genital organs
to become apparent.

From this assemblage of facts, we may conclude, that these
animals, on the one side, approximate to the Crustacea and
arachnida, and on the other, to the insects ; but considered
with regard to the presence, form, and direction ot the tra-
cheae, they certainly appertain to the last class.

We shall divide them into two families, perfectly distinct,
both by reason of their organization and habits, and com-
posing, in Linnaeus, two generic sections.

The first family of the Mykiapods, that of

The Chilognatha, Latr., or the genus of the Iuli of
Linnaeus,

Has the body generally crustaceous, and often cylindrical;
the antennae a little thicker towards the end, or almost of
an equal thickness, and composed of seven articulations;
two thick mandibles without palpi, very distinctly divided
into two portions, by a medial articulation, with imbricated
teeth, and implanted in a concavity of its upper extremity ;
a sort of lip (lanquet), situated immediately below them,
covering them, crustaceous, plane, divided at its exterior
surface, by longitudinal sutures and emarginations, into
four principal areas, tuburculated at the upper edge, and
of which the two intermediate ones are more narrow and
short, situated at the upper extremity of another area, serv-

ORDER MYRIAPODA. 127

ing them as a common basis ; the feet very short, and ter-
minated by a single crotchet ; four feet situated immediately
under the preceding piece, of the form of those which
follow, but approximating more to their basis, with the
radical articulation proportionately longer, and the majority
of the others attached in double pairs to a single ring. The
male genital organs are situated immediately after the
seventh pair of feet, and those of the other sex behind the
second. The stigmata are placed alternately, outside the
origin of each pair of feet, and very small.

The chilognatha walk very slowly, or slide along, as it
were, and roll themselves up into a spiral or ball. The
first segment of the body (and in some the following one)
is the largest, and presents the form of a corslet or small
buckle. It is seldom until the fourth in some, and the fifth
or sixth in others, that the duplicature of the pairs of feet
commences ; the first two or four feet are even entirely free
as far as their origin, when they adhere to their respective
segments, only by a medial or sternal line. The last two or
three rings are apodal ; on each side of the body is seen a
series of pores, which have been taken for stigmata, but
which, according M. Savi, are destined for the issue of a
sort of acid liquor, and of a disagreeable odour, which seems
to serve as a defence against enemies. The apertures proper
to respiration, the discovery of which is owing to him, are
placed on the sternal piece of each segment, and commu-
nicate interiorly, with a double series of pneumatic pouches,
arranged like chaplets all along the body, and from which
proceed the tracheal branches, which spread themselves over
the other organs. According to the observation of M. Straus,
the pouches or vesicular tracheal, are not connected one with
the other in the ordinary way by a principal trachea.

In the environs of Pisa, where M. Savi collected the fore-
going observations, the season of reproduction with the com-

128 CLASS INSFXTA.

mon iulus commences towards the end of December, and
finishes towards the middle of May. The copulative organs
of the male are placed, in this species, under the sixth seg-
ment, but they are not apparent, as genital parts, until the
individual has attained about a third of its ordinary size.
Until then, this place is occupied by a pair of feet, the
fifteenth, and which always exists in the females. In them,
the orifice of the sexual parts, is placed between the first and
second segment. In certain glomeris and female iuli, I have
observed behind the origin of the second pair of feet, two
small convex nipples, which appear to characterize the sex.
That of the males also consists of two nipples, but each ter-
minated by a scaly crochet. In copulation, these insects are
upright, and apply face to face, the anterior extremities of
the body, entwining below. The body of individuals just
born, is kidney-formed, perfectly smooth, and without appen-
dages. Eighteen days after, it undergoes a first moulting,
and they then assume the form of the adults. But, still,
they have only twenty-two segments, and the total number
of their feet is twenty-six pairs. M. Savi appears to contra-
dict the assertion of De Geer, who says that he counted but
three pairs, and eight rings in the young individuals. But
is it very certain the moulting of which M. Savi speaks is
really the first ? and should we not, on the contrary, presume
that these young individuals do not pass suddenly from a
state in which they exhibit no locomotive appendage, to that
in which they have twenty-six pairs of feet ? or that, in a
word, some other changes of the skin, but which may have
escaped M. Savi, have taken place, and have successively
developed this number of feet ^ Do not the observations of
Reaumur, the Swedish naturalist, confirm these gradual
transitions ? Be this, however, as it may, according to M.
Savi, the first eighteen pairs of feet only serve for locomo-
tion. At the second moulting, the animal has thirty-six

ORDER MYRIAPODA. 129

pair, and at the third forty-three. The body then, is com-"
posed of thirty segments. Finally, in the adult state, the
male has thirty-nine, and the female sixty-four. Two years
after, they moult again, and it is only then, that the organs
of generation appear. From the birth, which takes place in
March to November, the time in which M. Savi ceased his
observations, these changes of the skin are renewed from
month to month very nearly. In what the insect casts off,
we can discover even the membrane which lines the alimen-
tary canal, and the tracheae. The organs of the mouth are
the only parts which M. Savi could not find.

These insects feed either on animal or vegetable substances,
but in a state of death and decomposition, and they lay in
the earth a great number of eggs.

They form in Linnaeus, but one genus —

The Iuli (Iulus, L.),

Which we divide as follows : —

Some have the body crustaceous, without appendages to
the end, and the antennae swelled towards the summit.

The Glomeris (Glomeris, Latr.),

Similar to wood-lice, oval, and rolling themselves up in a
ball.

Their body, convex above, and concave underneath, has,
along each of its lower sides, a range of small scales, analo-
gous to the lateral divisions of the trilobites. It is com-
posed, without reckoning the head, of but twelve segments or
tablets, the first of which, more narrow, forms a sort of
collar, in a transverse semi-circle. The following segment
and the last are the largest of all. The number of feet in
the females is thirty-four, and thirty-two in the males, their

VOL. XIV. K

130 CLASS INSECTA.

sexual organs replacing the pair which is wanting. These
animals are terrestrial and live under stones, in mountainous
places.*

The luLi, proper (Iulus, Linn),

Which have the body cylindrical, and very long, rolling
themselves spirally, and without any projection, or trenchant
edge on the sides of the rings.

The largest species live on the ground, particularly in
sandy places and woods, and shed a disagreeable odour.
The smallest feed on fruits, roots, or the leaves of pot-herbs.
Some others are found under the bark of trees, in moss, &c.

The very large lulus (/. Maximus, Lin.), Marcg. Bras.
p. 255. Proper to South America, and is about seven inches
long.

The lulus of the sands (/. Sahulosus, Lin.), SchefF.
Elem. Entom. Ixxiii. I.fasciatus. De G. Insect. YII. xxxvi.
9, 10. Leach, Zool. Misc. cxxxiii. About sixteen lines in
length, of a blackish brown, with two reddish lines along the
back ; fifty-four segments, of which the last but one is ter-
minated by a strong point, hairy and corneous at the end.
In Europe.

The terrestrial lulus (/. terrestris, Linn.), Geoff. Insect.
II. xxii. 5. About one-fourth smaller, bluish ash, inter-
sected with clear yellowish, forty-two to forty-seven segments.
With the preceding.-f"

" lulus Ovalis, Lin. Gronov. Zooph. pi. xvii. 4, 5. — Oniscus Zonatus
Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. IX. xxiii. — Glomeris Marginata, Leach, Zool.
Misc. cxxxii. — Oniscus Pustufatus, Fab. Panz. ibid. xxii.

f See the two before-cited memoirs of M. Savi. and the Zool. Misc. of
Dr. Leach, vol. 5. with respect to these two species and some other Eng-
lish ones. Add, lulus Indus, Lin. De G. VII. xliii. 7 ; Seb. Mus. II.
xxiv. 4, 5; Seb. Mus. I. Ixxxi. 5 .: Schroet. Abhandl. I. iii. 7.

ORDER MYRIAPODA. 131

The Polydesmi (Polydesmus, Latr.),

Similar to tiie luli in the linear form of their body, and
the habit of rolling themselves spirally, but having the seg-
ments compressed on the lower sides, with a crest-formed
projection above.

They are found on stones, and most frequently in humid
places.*

The species, which have apparent eyes, form the genus
Craspedosome, of Dr. Leach.f

The others have the body membranous, very soft, and
terminated by pencils of small scales. Their antennae are of
the same thickness. Such are.

The Polyxeni (Polyxenus, Latr.),

Which comprehend as yet but one species, classed with
the Scolopendra (Sc. lagura, L.), by Linnaeus, GeofFroy,
and Fabricius.

It is the lulus with pencilled tail of De Geer, Insect. VII.
xxxvi. 1, 2, 3; Zool. Misc. cxxxv. B. Poly.venus lagurus.
This insect is very small, oblong, with aigrettes of small scales
on the sides, and a white pencil at the posterior extremity of the
body. It has twelve pairs of feet, placed on as many semi-rings.

It sojourns in the clefts of walls, and under the bark of
old trees.

The second family of the Myrapods,

The Chiloi'oda (Chilopoda, Latr.), or the genus of the

ScoLOPENDRiE (Scolopendra), of Liuna^us,
Have the antennae more slender towards their extremity,

" The lulus ComplanatiiSy (Zool. Misc. cxxxv. A. j) depressiis, stigma,
tiidentatus of Fabricius ; his scolopendra ? dorsalis clypeata.

+ The species, unknown before the researches of Dr. Leach, appear pe-
culiar to Great Britain.— See the plate cxxxiv. of his Zoological Miscel-
lany, Vol. III.

K 2

I3':i CLASS INSECTA.

of fourteen articulations and upwards ; a mouth composed
of two mandibles, provided with a small appendage, in the
form of a palpus, presenting in their centre the appearance of
a synostosis, and terminated like the bowl of a spoon in-
dented on the edges ; one quadrifid lip,* the two lateral divi-
sions of which are larger, annulated transversely, similar to
the membranous feet of caterpillars ; two palpi, or little feet
united at their base, unguiculated at the end ; and a second
lip-f- formed by a second pair of feet, dilated and joined at
their origin, and terminated by a strong crotchet, mobile,
and pierced under its extremity with a hole, for the issue of
a poisonous fluid.

The body is depressed and membranous. Each of its rings
is covered with a coriaceous and cartilaginous plate, and has,
for the most part, but one pair of feet. In this case, how-
ever, they are but semi-rings. The last pair is usually
tlirown backwards, and elongated in the form of a tail. The

* A piece analogous to the lower lip of the chylognatha, representing,
in my opinion, the tongue of the Crustacea, but also fit to perform the
office of jaws. This is what M. Savigny names first auxiliary lip.

f The second auxiliary lip of M. Savigny. It is not joined with the
head, but with the anterior extremity of the first semi-segment. The two
feet with crotchets form, by their union and dilatation of their first articu-
lation, a plate in the form of a chin and lip. The same semi segment bears
the two first common feet. In the scolopendrae proper of Dr. Leach, the
first two stigmata are situated on the third semi segment. The second
and the following, will compose the first complete ring, and then the first
two stigmata will be placed, as in the other insects, in a space correspond-
ing to the prothorax. This second auxiliary lip may thus represent the
lower lip of the grinding hexapode insects; but here the pharynx is si-
tuated in front of this lip, whereas, in the myriapods, it is placed in front
of the first auxiliaty lip. It is from these relations, and many others fur-
nished by the entomostracea and arachnida, that I consider the feet of
the hexapod insects as the analogues of the six jaw-feet of the decapode
Crustacea.

ORDER MYRIAPODA. 133

organs of respiration are composed either wholly or in part
of tubular tracheae.

These animals run very fast, are carnassial, avoid light,
and conceal themselves imder stones, old beams of wood,
bark of trees, in earth, dung, &c. The inhabitants of
warm climates dread them greatly, the species which are
found there being very large, and their poison probably more
active. The scolopendra morsitans is designated in the
Antilles, by the epithet maleficent. Some are known to
possess a phosphoric property.

The sexual organs are interior, and situated at the posterior
extremity of the body, as in the majority of the following
insects. The stigmata are more sensible than in the pre-
ceding family, and are either lateral or dorsal.

This family, which in the method of Dr. Leach forms his
order sygnatha, may, according to these last mentioned cha-
racters, the nature of the respiratory organs, and the feet, be
thus divided. Some have but fifteen pairs of feet,* and their
body seen above, exhibits fewer segments than below —

The Scutigera (Scutigera, Lam. Cermatla, II.),

Which have the body covered with eight plates in the form
of shields, under each of which M. Marcel de Serres, has
observed two pneumatic pouches, or vesicular tracheae, re-
ceiving the air, and communicating with the lateral and lower
tubular tracheae. The under part of the body is divided
into fifteen semi-rings, having each a pair of feet terminated
by a very long tarsus, narrow, and very much articulated.
The last pairs are more elongated. The eyes are large, and
with facets.

The}' have slender and tolerably long antennae. The two

* Dr. Leach counts two pair more, because he comprehends in this
number the palpi, and crotchet-formed feet of ihe head.

134 CLASS INSECTA.

palpi are salient, and furnished with small spines. The
body is shorter than in the other genera of the same family,
with the articulations of the feet proportionally longer.

The scutigera, which, according to these characters, form
the passage from the preceding family to this, are very agile
and often lose a portion of the feet when taken hold of.

The species of our country conceals itself between the
beams or rafters of the scaffold-work of houses.*

The Lithobii (Lithobius, Leach),

Which have the stigmata lateral, the body divided, both
above and underneath into an equal number of segments,
each having a pair of feet. The upper plates are alternately
longer and shorter, as far as the posterior extremity.

The forked Lithobius {Scolopendra forficata, Lin.),
Fab. De G. Geoff. Hist, des insect. II. xxii. 3. Panz. Faun,
insect. Germ. L. xiii. Leach, Zool. Misc. cxxxvii.-f-

The others have at least twenty-one pairs of feet, and the
segments are, as well above as below, of equal size, and the
same number.

The Scolopendra proper (Scolopendra, Linn.),

Are those, which reckoning from the two feet coming imme-
diately after the two crotchets forming the external lip,
exhibit only twenty-one pairs, and the antennas of which have
seventeen articulations. They compose the genera Scolo-

• The scoloptendra ivith twenty-eight feet, of Geoffroy, which appears
to differ from the S. Coleoptrata of Panzer, Faun. Insect. Germ. L. xii., and
from that of Linnaeus j lulus Ara7ieoides, Pall. Spic. Zool. IX. iv. 16.;
Scolopendra Longicornis, Fab. of Tranquebor. — See also Leach "Zool.
Misc., Cerinatia Livida, cxxxvi., and the 14th vol. of the Linnaean Trans-
actions.

f L. Variegatus LcevUabrum, Leach, Trans. Linn. Soc. XL— See also the
third vol. of his Zoological Miscellany.

ORDER MYRIAPODA. 135

pendra, and Crytops of Dr. Leach. The eyes are distmct,
eight in number, four on each side, in the first, and that
which comprehends the largest species ; they amount to
nothing, or are scarcely visible in the second.

The most southern departments of France, and of other
countries of the South of Europe, present us with one species
{Scolopendra, cingulata, Latr. Sc. Morsitans, Vill. Entom.
tom. IV. xi. 17, 18,) almost as large sometimes as the ordi-
nary species of the Antilles, but having the body more
flatted.*

The crytops have their antennae more grained than the
scolopendrae, and the two hinder feet more slender. Dr.
Leach mentions two species found in the neighbourhood of
London. -f-

In the scolopendrae composing the genus Geophilus of
the same writer, the number of feet is above forty-two, and
often very considerable. The antennae have but fourteen
articulations, and their extremity is less slender. The body
is proportionally more narrow and long. The eyes are not
very distinct. Some species are electrical. |

• Scolopendra Morsitans, Linn. De G. Insect.VII. xliii. 1. — See, for the
other Species, the third volume of the Zoological Miscellany, by Dr.
Leach. The Scolopendra Gignntea of Linnaeus (Brown, lam. xlii. 4.), and
other large species, but incompletely described.

f Crytops Hortensis, "Loo], Misc. cxxxix. ejusd. ibid.; Crytops La-
vignii.

J S. Electrka, Lin. Frisch. Insect. XL viii. 1.; S. occidentalis, Linn.
List, ibid, vi. S. Phosphorea, Lin. Fallen from the sky on a vessel, at
one hundred miles distant from land. See the third volume of the Zool.
Miscell., Dr. Leach's GeojMlus viaritimus, CXL. 1, 2. — G. longicornis.
Tab. ead. 3, 6, and some other species.

SUPPLEMENT

ORDER MYRIAPODA

The characters of this order have been amply detailed in
the text, and our supplementary notice of it must be slight
indeed. There is little of any interest to be found, at least
in a popular point of view, in the insects which compose it.

The myriapods live and grow for a longer time than the
other animals of this class, as has been mentioned in the text.
They can scarcely be considered as undergoing metamor-
phosis, unless we regard the development of additional feet
and rings, in proportion to age, as such. This is what M.
Latreille calls " ehauchee,"" or a mere imperfect sketch of
transformation. The myriapods may thus be considered as
forming a passage from the insects to the Crustacea. In ex-
ternal forms they approximate to the latter, but their inter-
nal organization, the only proper basis of methodical divi-
sions, associates them to the former. It is just thus that the
trachean arachnida resemble in exterior the pulmonary
arachnida, but are nevertheless closer to the insects in all the
relations of internal structure.

SUPPLEMENT TO ORDER MYRIAPODA. 1^7

The myriapods make their habitation in the earth under
the different bodies placed upon its surface, under the bark
of trees, moss, and between the leaves of some vegetables
cultivated in our gardens, and are greatly attached to con-
cealment and obscurity.

Certain very singular fossil animals, the analogues of
which have not been discovered, and many of which form
the mineralogical composition of the strata in which they
have been found, appear to belong to races totally annihi-
lated by the ancient revolutions of the globe : the trilobites
seem to fill vip the void between the myriapoda and the
Crustacea.

We shall content ourselves here with a slight notice of the
genus luLUs, in the family ckilognatha of this order. The
body is composed of a great number of short rings, of a
hard smooth substance, somewhat calcareous. The number
of these rings varies according to the species. With the
exception of two or three at eacli extremity, they are equal,
and each of them have, underneath, two pairs of feet, con-
tiguous or closely approximating at their origin. The head
of the iuli is of the same breadth as the body, flat under-
neath, convex and rounded above in the hinder part, a little
more narrow and almost squared afterwards from the eyes.
The anterior edge is emarginated in the middle. The eyes
are buried in the surface of the head. They are oval, level,
and formed of small grains of an irregularly hexagonal
figure. Near their internal side are inserted the two an-
tennae, which are but little longer than the head, rather
thick, and with seven articulations. The mouth is composed
of two large mandibles, and a crustaceous piece or sort of
under lip, covering transversely the under part of the head.
The mandibles have some relations with those of the wood-
lice, and a structure altogether peculiar, to which nothing
analogous is found out of the order myriapoda. They are

138 CLASS INSECTA.

composed of a scaly stem, at the extremity of which is an
articulation equally scaly, and surmounted by a piece in
which are implanted transversely some small corneous parts,
which are trenchant, and may be considered as so many
teeth. The back of each mandible is, moreover, emboxed
externally in a scaly capsule, which is large, articulated at
its base, angular, and formed, as it were, of two levels, the
extremity of each of which is emarginated.

The under lip, which M. Savigny considers as two pair
of jaws united, is divided by many sutures or imprinted
lines. Below and in the middle is seen a piece, the edges of
which are angular, above which two narrow pieces rise paral-
lely contiguous at their internal edge, and the extremity of
which is obtusely edged. On each side, in the direction of
the preceding, rises a scaly piece of the same figure as the
two middle ones, but larger, somewhat widened, and rounded
on the external side at the top. Towards its internal angle
are two tubercles, which might be taken for two palpi. The
general piece is flat, and resembles, being very slender, a
membranous leaf.

The first two rings of the body do not form an entire
circle. They are open below. Also, the first two pair of
feet have a peculiar membranous support which fills the in-
tervals. These first two feet, and even the second, seem to
be attached immediately under the mouth, and are thus ana-
logous to the jaw-feet of the Crustacea. The first ring is
very open, and may be considered as a sort of corslet, being
plate-formed, and longer than each of the others. The third,
though nearly forming an entire round, is nevertheless open,
and has but a single pair of feet, inverted like the preced-
ing. The fourth segment is more closed, but has only a
single pair of feet. It is only at the fifth that the duplica-
tion of feet commences. Thus, supposing that the first seg-
ment, which may be considered the corslet, has no feet, the

SUPPLEMENT TO ORDER MYRIAPODA. 139

first pair of these organs of motion will correspond to the
second segment, the second to the third, the third to the
fourth, fourth to the fifth, fifth to the sixth. The duplica-
tion afterwards is continued Avithout interruption in the
females, but in the males there is but a single pair at the
seventh segment, in consequence of the situation of the
sexual organs in that part. These first segments thus appear
to represent the trunk of other insects.

The determination of the species of iuli, having been es-
tablished on the number of feet, it was natural to expect
some error in the specific characters, as authors in general
believed that each ring had two pair of feet. The two last
rings are totally without them. The penult has the middle
of its hinder edge advanced into a point, it partly receives
the terminal segment, which is composed of two valves
rounded at the internal edge, applied against each other,
and opening in a passage for the excrements and eggs.

The feet are very small, disposed in two series closely
approximating in a horizontal direction at their base, and
subsequently forming a crotchet ; they are composed of six
small articulations, and have a conical and corneous point.

The iuli, notwithstanding the great number of their feet,
are by no means agile, on the contrary they walk very slowly
and seem to glide along like earth-worms. They cause
their feet to act, one after the other, in slow and regular
succession. Each range forms a sort of undulation ; they
move at the same time their antennse, appearing to employ
them to feel the ground ; and the body on which they are
walking. In a state of repose, these insects have their body
rolled up in a circular or spiral figure, the head being in the
middle : they might be taken for little serpents.

The iuli are found under stones, bark of trees, moss, &c.
They ai"e generally fond of places somewhat humid and ob-
scure. There is a southern species, however, which is rather

110 CLASS INSECTA.

large, and remains in the open air, being found in great
quantities in calcareous soils. Degeer has observed an iulus
gnawing the larva of a fly, and partly eating it. It would
therefore seem probable that these insects are of a carnivor-
ous nature ; nevertheless, the most common opinion is, that
they feed on earth. Several species, but very small ones,
also gnaw fruits, the leaves of potage plants, and especially
those which fall to the ground and are decomposing.

The iuli are oviparous. On opening the gravid females,
the ovaries are found to be full of white eggs, tolerably
bulky. Degeer found on the young, at the moment in which
they were disclosed, only six feet, which were attached in
pairs to the first three rings. The total number of rings at
this time, is but seven or eight ; but, in four days time, four
other pairs of feet, and some additional rings at the posterior
extremity shoot forth. The antennae, which at first had but
four apparent articulations, now have six. The naturalist
just mentioned did not observe any vestige of spoils near
these insects, but it seems probable, notwitstanding, that they
change their skin to acquire the development of these new
parts. The exactitude of the researches of Degeer, can
hardly permit us to doubt of the truth of this observation.
The young iuli may then be considered as undergoing a
metamorphosis, since the number of their organs of motion,
and of the segments of the body, increases with age^ and
doubtless by the means of successive moultings.

This genus is very numerous in species, and one belonging
to America is very remarkable for its size (Tuhts maxi-
rmis).

The family of the Chilopoda are distinguished from the
preceding, not only by the characters given in the text, but
by the swiftness of their movements. They are carnivorous,
and conceal themselves under stones, old beams, the bark of
trees, in the earth, in dunghills, &c. They feed on living

SUPPLEMENT TO ORDER MYRIAPODA. 141

insects, which they prick with the crotchets of their second
lip, just as the araneida do with the talons of their man-
dibles, and distil into the wound a very active poison, active
at least in its operation on those little animals, for they
perish instantly on its application. According to the ingenious
notion of M. Savigny, the mandibles of the araneida repre-
sent the second pair of the auxiliary jaws of the crustacea.
Now, in the chilopoda, the second lip also corresponds to
those same jaw-feet, and answers similar purposes.

The inhabitants of warm climates are much afraid of these
insects, the species found there being very large, and their
poison, in all probability more active. There is one, even in
the southern provinces of France, the bite of which some-
times occasions very serious accidents.

The ScoLOPENDu.E, are the only insects of this family
worth detaining the attention of the reader in this place.
They vary considerably in their dimensions. The largest of
those found in Europe, are little more than two inches long.
Those of India, are as much as eight. They are sometimes
termed millipedes. They will bite, or rather pinch with
considerable force. They live in the earth, in old rotten
wood, under stones, and in other humid places ; they feed
on earth-worms and living insects. Some species of them
emit a phosphoric light.

These insects for a long time have been reputed venomous,
because when they are seized, they separate their crotchets
with which they attempt to bite, and in the place where they
have bitten, a painful inflammation ensues ; but according
to the report of travellers, though the pain occasioned by
the bite of the large scolopendrae of India, is much more
violent than that produced by the sting of the scorpion, yet
the consequences are not fatal. Leeuwenhoek, who has
examined the crotchets of these insects, has found near their
point an aperture, communicating with a cavity, which ex-

142 CLASS INSECTA.

tends as far as their extremities, this he conceives to be the
issue for the acrid fluid which the scolopendrjB introduces
into the wound, and which causes the severe pain which is
felt after the bite. This aperture constitutes a relation be-
tween these insects and the araneida.

The scolopendrse are very lively, and run with great agility.
M. Veiss compares the gait of the forked scolopendra, which
is one of the genus Lithobium of M. Latreille, to that of an
Helix, and supposes that the mechanism of their movements
takes place in nearly the same manner. According to him,
there is this difference, that the scolopendra, instead of walk-
ing, moves in succession a great number of feet. One set of
these feet operate in the line of position, while the others are
raised up ; the latter are quickly put to the ground, while the
last ones of each division are raised. All these various move-
ments, which follow the body, from the head to the hinder
extremity, produce kinds of undulations. The insect varies
its movements and their degree of force according to neces-
sity ; each foot resting on the line in which it walks, trans-
ports, in the same way as do the muscles of the snail, the
body, to the distance in which the limb can act.

The ancients believed that the scolopendrae were repro-
duced in the same way as the tape-worms. But though this
opinion is inadmissible, it is no less certain that the mode of
generation in those insects yet remains a mystery. The
sexual organs would seem to be situated at the extremity of
the body. It is known that those insects moult and quit their
skin, in nearly the same manner that the wood-lice do.
Several species are found in foreign countries.

ORDER THYSANOURA. 143

THE SECOND ORDER OF INSECTS.

The THYSANOURA

comprehends the apterous insects, borne solely on six feet,
without metamorphosis, and having, moreover, either on the
sides, or at the extremity of the abdomen, peculiar organs of
locomotion.

The first family of the Thysanoura, that of

The Lepismen.e, Lat.

has the antennae in the Torm of bristles, and divided from
their origin into a great number of small articulations ; palpi
very distinct, and projecting at the mouth ; the abdomen
provided on each side, underneath, with a range of mobile ap-
pendages, in the form of false feet, and terminated by articu-
lated bristles, three of which are most remarkable, and the
body is always furnished with shining scales.
It comprehends but a single genus of Linnaeus —

Lepisma.

Their body is elongated, and covered with small scales,
often silvery and brilliant, which circumstance has caused the
most common species to be compared to a little fish. The

144 CLASS INSECTA.

antennae are in the form of bristles, and usually very long.
The mouth is composed of a lip (labrum), of two mandibles,
almost membranous, of two jaws with two divisions, with a
palpus of from five to six articulations, and a lip with four
sections, and bearing two palpi with four articulations. The
thorax is of three pieces ; the abdomen, which is contracted
by little and little towards its posterior extremity, has,
along each side of the belly, a range of small appendages
supported on a short articulation, and terminating in silken
points. The last are the longest. From the anus issues a
sort of scaly stylet, compressed, and consisting of two pieces.
Then come the three articulated bristles, which are prolonged
beyond the body. The feet are short, and often have very
large haunches, strongly compressed, and in the form of
scales.

Many species conceal themselves in the clefts of window-
frames which are seldom opened, or always closed ; under
planks which are somewhat moist ; in presses, &c. Others
live retired under stones.

These insects run very fast : some of them leap by means
of the threads of their tail.

Two subgenera have been formed of them —

Machilts, Lat., Petrobius, Leach,

whose eyes are very much composed, almost contiguous, and
occupy the major portion of the head. They have the body
convex, and arched above, and the abdomen terminated by
small threads, proper for leaping, and of which the middle
one, placed above the other two, is by far the longest.

The maxillary palpi are very large, and in the form of
small feet ; the thorax is contracted centrally, and its first
segment is smaller than the second, and vaulted.

These insects leap remarkably well, and frequent stony

ORDER THYSANOURA. 145

and covered places. All the kno"\\Ti species belong to Eu-
rope. *

LepismAj Lin.^ Forhicina, Geoff. Leach,

which have the eyes very small, very much separated, and
composed of but a small number of grains ; the body flatted,
and terminated by three threads of the same length, inserted
on the same line, but employed in leaping.

Their haunches are very large. INIost part of the species
are found in the interior of houses.

The Sugar Lepisme {L. Saccharina, Lin.), Forbicini,
Plate, Geoff. Insect. IL xx. 3. Schoeff. Elem. Entom. Ixxv.,
four lines long, of a silvery and somewhat leaden colour,
without spots; is, as is said, originally of America, but has
become common in our houses.

With it, and in the same places, is often found the Baiided
Lepisme (Vitfata, Fabr.), Avhich has the body ashen, punc-
tuated with four stripes of the latter colour along the back
of the abdomen. Other species are to be found under
stones.

The second family of the Thysaxoura is that of the

PoDURELL.E, Lat.,

whose antennae consist of four pieces, and the mouth presents
no distinct and prominent palpi. The abdomen is termi-
nated by a forked tail, which, in a state of repose, is applied
under the belly. It is employed in leaping. In Linnaeus
this family constitutes but a single genus —

PODURA.

These insects are very small, very soft, and elongated, with
the head oval, and the two ej^es composed each of eight

* Lepisma polupoda, Lin.; L. Saccharina, Vill. Entom. Lin. IV. xi, 1.;
Roein. Gen. Insect, xxix. 1,; Forbicine Cylindrique, Geoff.; Lepisma The-
zeana. Fab. ; PetroUus Maritirmis, Leach. Zoolog. Miscellan. CXLV.

VOL. XIV. L

146

CLASS INSECTA.

small grains. Their feet have only four distinct articulations.
The tail is soft, flexible, and composed of a lower piece,
mobile at the base, at the extremity of which two stems are
articulated, susceptible of approximation, separation, or
crossings, and which constitute the teeth of the fork. These
insects can erect their tail, push it with force against the
plane of their position, as if they let go a spring, and thus
elevate themselves into the air, and leap in the same manner
that fleas do, but to a less height. They usually fall down
on their backs, the tail being extended behind. The middle
of their belly presents a raised portion, which is oval, and
divided by a fissure.

Some remain on trees, on plants, under the bark, or under
stones ; others on the surface of dormant waters, and some-
times even on the snow during the thaw. Many unite in
numerous societies on the ground, or on sandy paths, and
resemble at a distance a small heap of gunpowder. The
multiplication of some species appears to take place in
winter.

The PoDURA proper (Podura, Lat.),
have the antennae of the same thickness, and without rings or
small articulations at the final piece. Their body is almost
linear or cylindrical, with the trunk distinctly articulated,
and the abdomen narrow and oblong.*

Smynthurus, Latreille,
have the antennae more slender towards their extremity, and
terminated by an annulated piece, or composed of small arti«

* Podura Arborea, Lin.; De Geer. Insect VII ii. 1 — 7. ; P. Alvalis,
Lin. De G. ibid. 8—10. ; P. Aquaiica, Lin. De G. ibid. ii. IV.; P. Plum-
bea, Lin. De Geer, ibid. iii. 1—4.; P. Ambulam, Lin De G. ibid. 5, 6;
P. Aquatica Grisea, De G. ibid. ii. 18, 21.

The Podurae vaga, villosa, cincfa, annulata, pusilla,Ugnorum,fimetaria of
Fabricius.

ORDER THYSANOURA. 147

culations. The trunk and abdomen are united in a globular
or oval mass.*

N.B. There is so little which can be added on this order,
taken separately, that we shall proceed with the translation
of the text, and reserve our supplementary observations to
the end of the two following orders.

* Podura atra, Lin. De Geer. Hid. iii 7—14. ; podurcs viridis, polypoda,
mhutia, signata of Fabricius.

lluS CLASS INSECTA.

THE THIRD ORDER OF INSECTS.

The Parasita, Lat., Anoplura, Leach,

Thus named from their habits, (see lower down,) have b\it six
feet, and are apterous, like the thysanoura ; but their abdomen
has no articulated and mobile appendages. For organs of sight
they have but four or two small simple eyes. Their mouth
is in a great measure interior, and presents externally either
a muzzle or mammella, enclosing a retractile sucker, or two
membranous and approximating lips, with two mandibles
crotchet-formed. They form, in Linnaeus, only the genus of

The Lice, (Pediculus,) Lin.

Their body is flatted, almost transparent, divided into
twelve or eleven distinct segments, of which three are for the
trunk, each having a pair of feet. The first of these seg-
ments often forms a sort of corslet. The stigmata are very
distinct. The antennae are short, of the same thickness, com-
posed of five articulations, and often inserted in an emargi-
nation. Each side of the head presents one or two simple
eyes. The feet are short, and terminated by a very strong
claw, or by two crochets directed one towards the other.
These animals thus crook themselves easily, either to the
hairs of quadrupeds, or the feathers of birds, the blood of
which they suck, and on the body of which they pass their
lives and multiply. They attach their eggs to these cuta-
neous appendages. Their generations are numerous and
succeed each other with great rapidity. Some particular
causes, which are unknown to us, favour them in an extra-
ordinary manner, and this is exemplified in regard to man,
in the pediculary malady, or phtiriasis, and even in our

ORDER PARASITA. 149

infancy. These insects constantly live on the same quadru-
peds, and the same birds, or at all events, on animals of
those classes, which have analogous characters and habits.
One bird frequently breeds two sorts. Their motion, in
general, is rather slow.

Some ( Pediculea, Leach,J such as,

The Lice proper, Pediculus, T>eg.

Have for mouth a very small nipple, tubular, situated at the
anterior extremity of the head, in the form of a muzzle, and
inclosing in the state of inaction, a sucker. Their tarsi are
composed of an articulation, whose thickness almost equals
that of the leg, terminated by a very strong claw, folding
back on a tooth-formed prominence of the leg, and perform-
ing with this point the office of a pincers. Those which I
have observed, have but two smooth eyes, one on each side.

There are three sorts of them peculiar to man. Their
eggs are known under the name of nits.

In the two following species, the thorax is very distinct
from the abdomen, in its breadth and medial length. They
form the genus pediculus, properly so called of Dr. Leach.

The human body-louse, (P. humanus corporis, De G.
Insect, VII. 1. 7)- Of ^ dirty white without spots, with
the sections of the abdomen less projecting than in the fol-
lowing. It comes solely on the body of man, and breeds to
a terrific extent in the pediculary disease.

The human head-louse (P. humanus capitis, De G. In-
sect, VII. 1. 6). Ash-coloured, with spaces wherein are
situated brown or blackish stigmata; lobes or sections of
the abdomen rounded ; on the head of man and particularly
of children.

The males of this species and the preceding have, at the
posterior extremity of their abdomen, a small scaly and
conical piece, formed like a sting, probably the sexual organ.

The Hottentots, the negroes, and different Simiae, eat lice,

150 CLASS INSECTA.

or are jihtirophagi. Oviedo pretends to have observed that
these vermin, at the elevation of the tropics, abandon the
Spanish sailors that are going to the Indies, and attack them
again at the same point, on their return to Europe. It is
also reported, that in India, however dirty one may be, these
animals are never to be found except in the head.

There was a time when physicians employed the human
louse in suppressions of urine, introducing it into the canal
of the urethra.

Dr. Leach forms a proper genus, phtirus, of the louse of
the pubis (P. pubis, Lin.), Redi. Expt. xix. 1. ; which has
the body rounded and broad, the thorax very short, being
almost confounded with the abdomen, and the four hinder
feet very strong. Its vulgar designation is crab-louse (Mor-
pion, Fr.). It attaches itself to the hairs of certain parts,
and to those of the eyebrows. Its bite is extremely strong.

Consult, for the species which live on man, the excellent
treatise on cutaneous diseases by Dr. Alberti, physician to
the king.

Redi has figured, but rudely, many other species which
are found on various quadrupeds. That which lives on the
pig, has the thorax very narrow, and abdomen very broad.
It is the type of the genus Haematopinus of Dr. Leach.*
The louse of the buffalo, figured by De Geer, presents more
important characters.

The others, {Nirmidea, Leach,) such as the

RiciNus, De Geer — Nirmus, Herm. Leach,

Have the lower mouth, and composed at the exterior of two
lips, and two crotchet -formed mandibles. Their tarsi are
very distinct, articulated, and terminated by two equal
crotchets.

* Zool. Misc. CXLVI. P. Suis, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LI. xvi.
The louse of the stag, Panz. ibid. xv. belongs to the genus Melophagus,
of the order of diptera.

ORDER PARASITA. 151

With the exception of a single species, that of the dog,
all the others are exclusively found on birds. Their head is
generally large, sometimes triangular, sometimes crescented,
and often has angular projections. It differs sometimes in
the two sexes, as well as the antennae. I have observed in
many, two simple eyes, approximating on each side of the
head. According to the observations communicated to me
by M. Savigny, these insects have jaws, with a very small
palpus on each of them, and are ctmcealcd by the under lip
which has also two organs of the same sort. They have,
besides, a species of tongue.

M. Leclerc de Laval, has told me, that he has seen in
their stomach, particles of the feathers of birds, and believes
that this constitutes their only nutriment ; Degeer, how-
ever, assures us, that he found the stomach of the ricinus
fi'ingUlcB filled Avith blood, with which the insect had just
gorged itself. It is also known that these insects cannot
continue to exist any length of time upon dead birds ; they
are then seen to crawl uneasily over the feathers, particu-
larly over those of the head and the neighbourhood of the bill.

Redi has also represented a great number of their species.

Some have the movith situated near the anterior extremity
of the head. The antennse are inserted at the side, far from
the eyes, and are very small.*

In the others the mouth is almost central. The antennse
are situated very near the eyes, and their length equals
almost the half of that of the head.-f-

* Pediculus stervicB hirundinis. Linn. D. G. Insect, VII. iv. 12 ',—pedi-
culus corvi coracis. Linn. D. G. ibiil. 11; — Ricinus fringillcB, (D. G.) ibid.
5, 6, 7 ; — 2^^diculus tinnunculi. Panz. ibid. XVII.

-j- Ricinus gallincBjD. G. ibid. 15; on the hen partridge and pheasant;
— R. emberizoe. D, G. ibid. 9 ; - R. Mergi, D. G. ibid. 13, 14 ; — 11. Canis,
D. G. ibid. 16; — Pediculus pavonis, Panz. ibid., xix. Lat. Hist. Nat. des
Fourm. 589, xii. 5. See again, Panzer pi. xx., xxiv. His pediculus
ardecEy xviii., appears to be the same as the ricinus of the diver of Degeer,
iv. 13.

152 CLASS INSECTA. ^^

A celebrated German naturalist, Dr. Nitzsch, professor
at Halle, has made a very profound study of the organi-
zation, both internal and external of these animals, as is
proved by his memoir on the epizoic insects, inserted in the
entomological magazine of M. Geunar. The genus pedi-
culus properly so called, or that whose species are provided
with a sucker, is ranged by him with the epizoic hemiptera.
The ricini of Degeer, and others, or the nirmi of Hermann,
that is, the species provided with mandibles and jaws, are
referred to the order orthoptera, and designated, collectively,
by the name of mallophagi. Two genera of this division
approach the preceding, inasmuch as these animals also
live on the mammifera : such are the trichodectes and gyro-
pus. In the first, the maxillary palpi are wanting, or indis-
tinct, and the antennae are filiform and of three articulations.
Their species are found on the dog, the badger, the weasel,
the ferret, &c. In the second, the maxillary palpi are appa-
rent, the antennas are thicker towards the end, and have four
articulations ; its mandibles have no teeth, and the labial
palpi are nullified, and the four posterior tarsi have but a
single crotchet at the end. These latter characters distin-
guish it from another genus, having maxillary palpi visible,
antenna with four articulations, and thicker at the end, and
the anterior mouth, as of the liotheum. Here the mandi-
bles are bidenticulated, the labial palpi are distinct, and all
the tarsi are terminated by two crotchets ; the species are
found on divers birds, whereas the gyropi live on the qua-
drupeds vulgarly called guinea-pigs. A fourth and last
genus, that is that of philopterus, whose species are exclu-
sively proper to birds. The antennae have five articulations,
the third of which, in the males, often presents a branch form-
ing a pincers with the first ; these organs are filiform. The
maxillary palpi are invisible. The tarsi have two crotchets
at their extremity, but not divergent like those of the liothea.
Here, moreover, the males have six testicles, three on each

ORDER PARASITA. 153

side, and their four biliary vessels are thickened towards the
middle of their length. Those of the trichodictes and philop -
teri do not exhibit this sort of swelling, and their testicles
are only four in number, two on each side. In these two
genera, besides, there are ten ovaries, five on each side.
In the female liothea, as far as the above-mentioned philo-
sopher was able to observe, there are but six, three on
each side. There is no positive knowledge concerning
the number of those of the female gyropi, nor of that of the
testicles in the males. In all those genera the thorax is
bi-parted, that is to say, the prothorax and mesothorax
compose the apparent trunk ; and its third division, or the
metathorax is united and confounded with the abdomen.
Mr. Kirby was the first, as I believe, who thus designated
this segment ; but M. Nitzsch appears to me to have also
employed the first of the other two denominations. See the
generalities of the class of insects. The limits of this work
interdict us from the exposition of the sub-genera which he has
established. We shall only remark, that that which he has
named goniodes, the fourth of the genus philopterus, is
solely peculiar to the gallinacea. In the collection of me-
moirs which terminates our history of the ants, we have
described in detail a species of ricinus — philoptere.

M. Leon Dufour has formed, of the pediculus melittcB
of Mr. Kirby, already well observed by Degeer, who took it
for the larvae of the meloe proscarabeus, as well as by this
celebrated English entomologist, a new genus, ( Triongu-
lin des andrenettes,) of which he has published and repre-
sented the characters in the thirteenth volume (19, B.) of
the Annals of Natural Science. If this insect was not the
larva of this meloe, as Mr. Kirby thinks, there is no doubt
that it should form in the order of the parasites a proper
sub-genus ; but according to the researches of M. INI. Lepe-
letur and Servile, the opinion of Degeer is confirmed.

154 CLASS INSECTA.

THE FOURTH ORDER OF INSECTS.

The Suctoria De G. — Siphonaptera, Leach,

Which composes the last of the apterous insects, have for
mouth, a sucker of three pieces,* enclosed between two arti-
culated laminse, forming, Avhen united, a proboscis or bill,
either cylindrical or conical, and the basis of which is covered
by two scales. These characters exclusively distinguish this
order from all others, and even from the hemiptera, to which
it approximates the most under these relations, and in which
Fabricius has placed the present insects. The suctoria,
moreover, undergo true metamorphoses, analogous to those
of many insects with two wings, as for instance, the tipu-
laria.

This order is composed but of a single genus, that of

The Fleas (Pulex L.),

Their body is oval, compressed, clothed Avith a skin of
sufficient firmness, and divided into twelve segments, four of

* Roesel represents but two ; but M. M. Kirby and Straus have ob-
served an additional one. According to the latter, the two scales cover-
ing the basis of the bill are palpi.

ORDER SUCTORIA. 155

which comprehend the trunk, which is short, and the others
the abdomen. The head is small, very much compressed,
rounded above, truncated, and ciliated in front. It has, on
each side, a small and rounded eye, behind which is a fosset,
in which a small mobile body is discovered, furnished with
small spines. At the anterior edge, near the origin of the
bill, the pieces are inverted, which are taken for antcnnse,
which are scarcely of the length of the head, and composed
of four articulations almost cylindrical. The sheath or bill
is divided into three articulations. The abdomen is very
large, and each of its rings is divided into two, or formed of
two laminae, one superior and the other inferior. The feet
are strong, particularly the hinder, proper for leaping, spiny,
with large haunches and thighs, and the tarsi composed of
five articulations, the last of which is terminated by two
elongated crotchets. The two anterior feet are almost in-
serted under the head, and the bill is placed between
them.

The male, in copulation, is placed under the female, so
that their heads face each other. The female lays a dozen of
eggs, white, and a little viscous. From them come forth
little larvae Avithout feet, very much elongated, like little
worms, exceedingly lively, rolling themselves in a circle or
spiral, and serpentine in their gait. They are at first white,
and afterwards reddish. Their body is composed of a scaly
head, without eyes, having two very small antennae, and of
thirteen segments, having little tufts of hairs, with two sorts
of crotchets at the end of the last. Their mouth presents
some small moveable pieces, of which these larvae make use
in pushing themselves forward. After having remained a
dozen days under this form, the larvae enclose themselves in
a small silken shell, where they become nymphs, and from
which they issue in the perfect state, at the end of a space of
the same duration.

156 CLASS INSECTA.

Every one knows the common Jlea {piilex irritans), Raes-
Ins. II. ii. iv., which lives upon the blood of man, dog and
cat. Its larva inhabits in ordure, under the nails of filthy
men, in the nests of birds, especially of pigeons, attaching
itself to the neck of their young ones, and sucking them to
such a degree as to become altogether red.

The penetrating Jlea (pul. penetrans), Catesby Carol, III.
X. 3. and of which M. Dumeril has given an excellent figure
in his work entitled " General considerations on the Class of
Insects," and in the Dictionary of Natural Sciences, may pro-
bably form a peculiar genus. Its bill is of the length of the
body. It is known in America, under the name of chigoe.
It introduces itself under the nails of the feet, and under the
skin of the heel, and there very speedily acquires the volume
of a small pea, by the prompt increase of the eggs, which it
carries in a membranous sac under the belly.

The numerous family to which it gives birth, occasion, by
their remaining in the wound, a malignant ulcer, difficult to
be destroyed and sometimes mortal. People are but little ex-
posed to this disagreeable inconvenience, if they are careful
to wash frequently, and especially if they rub the feet with
the leaves of tobacco bruised with roucou, and other acrid
and bitter plants. The negroes are very dexterous in extract-
ing the animal from the part in which it has established
itself.

Divers quadrupeds and birds nourish fleas, which seem to
diffier specifically from the preceding.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE ORDERS,

Thysanoura, Parasita and Suctoria.

Notwithstanding that we have thus grouped these orders
together, in consequence of the scantiness of the materials
which they present for our supplementary observations, we
shall not find a great deal to say in addition to the excel-
lent descriptions in the text.

As to the first, we must pass it over altogether, for we
could say nothing concerning it, except in relation to the
quick movements, and the localities of the animals which
compose it, which have been already mentioned in the text.
We shall pass on, therefore, at once, to the consideration of
those parasitic animals with which, unfortunately, our own
species is but too closely connected.

All LICE live on blood, some on that of man, others on
that of quadrupeds. They suck it with their proboscis,
which is hardly ever perceived, unless it be in action. There
is no quadruped which has not its particular louse, and some

158 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ORDERS

nourish several. Man, as we have already seen, is attacked
by three species.

Swammerdam, who has given us the anatomy of the human
louse, was unable to discover any male among those which
he examined. He always found in them an ovary ; which
occasioned him to suspect that they were hermaphrodites.
But the observations of Leeuwenhock, differ much from
those of that author. He has observed individuals among
these insects provided with all the parts which characterize
the male sex, and he has given the figures of those parts.
The same author has also discovered in those which he re-
gards as males, a recurved sort of sting, situated under the
abdomen, with which, according to him, they can prickle.
He believes that the great itching which they occasion
proceeds from the pricking of this sting, having remarked
that the introduction of their proboscis into the flesh pro-
duces scarcely any sensation, unless perchance that it touch
on any of the nerves. Degeer tells us, that he has seen a
similar sting situated at the end of the abdomen in several
human lice as well those of the body, as of the head. The
individuals, which according to the opinion of Leeuwenhoek
are the males, have, according to Degeer, the end of the ab-
domen rounded, whereas the females, or those which have no
sting, have it emarginated. M. Latreille has also observed,
very distinctly in a great number of individuals, the sting,
or at least the conical and scaly point of which the aforesaid
authors have made mention.

The multiplication of these insects is unfortunately far too
great, but they are not quite so prolific as some have repre-
sented. Experiments have proved that in six days a louse
can lay fifty eggs, and that some will still remain in the
belly. The young ones soon issue from the eggs, (at the end
of six days,) and change their skin several times, after which,
they are in a state to reproduce. This occurs about eighteen

THYSANOURA, PARASITA, SUCTORIA. 159

days after, when they begin to lay in their turn. According
to these observations, and the calculations to which they
have given rise, two female lice may have eighteen thousand
descendants in the course of two months.

Linnagus considered the louse, which remains constantly on
the human head, as a variety of the common louse. It is,
however, from its characters, as described in the text, and also
from its undeviating locality, proved to be a distinct species.
This same great naturalist also informs us, that the largest
lice he ever met with, are to be found in the warm caverns
of Fahlun, in Sweden.

Children, and persons who totally neglect their hair, and
are otherwise of filthy habits, are generally infested by the
head-lice. When powder was fashionable, and preposter-
ously esteemed an embellishment to the hair, it frequently
proved a productive cause of these vermin. Those who left
too long upon their head the dandriff produced by the use of
powder, or who employed adulterated powder for the orna-
ment of their hair, were very liable to the intrusion of these
amiable guests. The other species, which is found on all
parts of the body, excepting those of generation, comes
generally in consequence of the neglect of personal cleanli-
ness, and the not changing the linen and internal garments
sufficiently often. It is from this same species that those
persons suffer who are afflicted with that most dreadful and
disgusting malady phthiriasis. It may be observed that
their appearance, though in fewer numbers, is sometimes in-
dicative of the approach, or even of the crisis of other diseases,
and that where there is no neglect of personal cleanliness.

As for the third species, we believe, that its appearance
is invariably the result of indiscriminate debauchery, ac-
companied of course with personal neglect.

Dirt attracts these insects, and prepares for them a nidus
favourable to the reproduction of their posterity. This is the

160 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ORDERS

vice which must be first eradicated if we are desirous of
being protected from their inroads, or if already attacked
by them, of rendering more efficacious any other means em-
ployed for their destruction.

The remedies employed against these vermin act in two
ways. Some of them, such as oily and fatty substances, or
such as contain azotic gas, close up the stigmata of these
insects, or the apertures destined for the admission of air,
and smother them. Others, such as the seeds of staphis
agria, of larks-spur, tobacco, &c. reduced to a powder, pro-
duce the effect of a violent poison, and exercise their in-
fluence on the general organization of the animals. Mercu-
rial preparations are, of all others, the most certain and
speedy agents of their destruction. They may also be em-
ployed for the extinction of the species which infest our
domestic animals.

It is said that lice, by piercing the skin, often produce
pustules which may be converted into itch or tinea. Their
multiplication, in certain subjects, is carried to such an ex-
tent as to produce the mortal malady which has been already
noticed, namely, morbus pedicularis or phthiriasis. His-
tory has afforded us many examples of this ; Pheretima, men-
tioned by Herodotus ; Sylla, Antiochus Epiphanes, the two
Herods, Maximin, and Philip the Second, perished of this
disease, or something very analogous to it. Mr. Kirby is
prone to think that it has fallen particularly as a judgment
from God on the oppressors of mankind and the persecutors
of religion. But this and all such notions ought to be ad-
mitted with caution, or rather rejected altogether. Until it
is shewn that the disease in question has fallen upon such
persons alone, and on no others, we must discard the idea of
its being an instrument of Divine vengeance. But this is so
far from being the case, that the reverend entomologist him-
self informs us that " this most loathsome of all maladies, or

THYSANOUR.A, PARASITA, SUCTORIA, l6l

one equally disgusting, has been the inheritance of the rich,
the wise, the noble, and the mighty ; and in the list of those
who have fallen victims to it, you will find poets, philoso-
phers, princes, kings, and emperors."""' It would be some-
what hard to believe that among all these there was not one
less bloody than the first, or less profligate than the second
Herod, less oppressive than Maximin, or less bigotted than
Philip. The fact is, diseases of all kinds, like the rain of
heaven, fall upon thejust and the unjust. They follow to be
sure, as a pretty certain consequence, the indulgence in some
vices. Intemperance of all kinds will entail them on the
practiser as a necessary, but a natural punishment. But
the man who unites a sound constitution to a prudent care
of his health, may be at once supremely wicked and remark-
ably healthy. He may cheat and rob, and oppress and mur-
der, but while he avoids the vices which are ruinous to health,
he is more likely to find the reward of his villanies here from
the indignation of mankind than from any heaven-descended
visitation of disease.

Mr. Kirby seems doubtful whether all the cases recorded
as of morbus pedicidaris are referrable to the same specific
cause. He believes there is sufficient reason for thinking
that three different kinds of insects are concerned in the pro-
duction of diseases which have all been confounded under the
name of phthiriasls. Besides those produced by pediculi,
this eminent naturalist refers many cases to the agency of
acari, or mites, and larvce in general.

It has never been proved, in any well authenticated way,
that the species of the genus pediculus burrow beneath the
skin, or are subcutaneous. This remark is equally applica-
ble to man, and the lower animals, as far as we know any-
thing of the habits of the genus in question. For this we
have the highest medical authority, as far as man is con-
cerned. Dr. Mead informs us that " the louse feeds on the

VOL. XIV. M

162 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ORDERS

surface of the skin," and Dr. Willan, in a work on cutane-
ous diseases, states, respecting the body -louse, that ' ' the nits
or eggs, are deposited on the small hairs of the skin, and the
animals are found on the skin, or on the linen, and not under
the cuticle, as some authors have represented."" The same
writer informs us, " that many marvellous stories are related
by Korestus, Schenkius and others, respecting lice bred
under the skin, and discharged in swarms from abscesses,
strumous ulcers, and vesications. The mode in which pedi-
culi are generated being now so well ascertained, no credit
can be given to these accounts," He thinks, however, that
those authors have mistaken some other insects for lice, as
some such animals may sometimes be found in putrid
ulcers.

It appears, therefore, that cases of disease from animals
residing under the cuticle, cannot be referred to pediculi.
The poet Alcman, and Pherecydes Syrius, the philosopher,
are mentioned by Aristotle, as having died of some complaint
of this kind. But it could not have been a true phthiriasis,
as that great philosopher, who attributed it to lice, imagined ;
for he tells us, that " they are produced in the flesh, in
small pustules, like tumours, which have no pus, and from
which, when punctured, they issue." Dr. Heberden, in his
Commentaries, informs us of a similar case, which' he terms
morbus pedicularis, but which could not be so, for the same
reason. He represents the insect as inhabiting tumours,
from which, when opened, they issue. He also tells us, that
in all respects they resemble the common louse, but in being
whiter. But an observer not accurately skilled in entomo-
logy, might, as Mr. Kirby remarks, easily mistake an acarus
for a. pediculus.

Dr. Willan has cited two other cases, which he seems to
think may with propriety be referred to true phthiriasis. In
one of these cases, it is stated that the pediculi so abounded.

THYSANOURA, PARASITA, SUCTORIA. l6S

that two black servants had no other employment than that
of carrying baskets full of these insects, and throwing them
into tlie sea. This, as INIr. Kirby observes, appears to be
somewhat exaggerated and hyperbolical. We shall conclude
this part of the subject, by observing, that phthiriasis must
vary in its types, according to the species of pediculus by
which it is produced.

The facts mentioned in the text, that lice abandon the
Spanish sailors, in a certain degree of latitude when going to
the Indies, and revisit them again on their return, and that
body lice are unknown in India, are observations that have
need of being corroborated by more certain testimonies than
we are yet in possession of. But, if true, there would be
nothing in the fact very surprising. A degree of considei*-
able heat, and a more abundant transpiration, might
prove unfavourable to the propagation of the pedicidi
corporis. As their skin is more tender, the influence of
the air might prove detrimental to them in those burning
climates.

The disgusting fact, mentioned in the text, of these vermin
being eaten, is not confined to the Hottentots, the Negroes
of Western Africa, and the Simiae. It has been observed to
prevail among some of the American tribes, and is not
uncommon even in Europe, as amongst the beggars in
Spain and Portugal. Some authors have pointed out the
courses which should be adopted to protect or free the per-
son from these disgusting insects. The best of all, in ordi-
nary cases, is cleanliness. Of the medical uses to which
these animals have been applied, it is unnecessary to dilate
here. No one, we fancy, of the least degree of intelli-
gence, gives any credit to such remedies at present. It was
imagined that their introduction into the urethra of new-born
infants, troubled with suppression of urine, might, by the
titillation which they caused in that canal, force the sphinc-

M 2

1G4 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ORDERS

ter to relax, and give passage to the urine. Farriers used to
employ the same remedy with horses in similar cases.

The pediculi proper, are confined to men and quadrupeds.
The ricini, or bird-lice, to the feathered race.

It appears that the ancients designated under the name of
ricinus, those acarides, or acari, vulgarly called ticks, which
attach themselves to the skin of dogs, oxen, &c. Degeer
might, therefore, have better employed another denomination
for the present genus, and which preceding naturalists con-
founded with that of lice. Accordingly, Dr. Leach has
adopted, from Herman, the denomination of nirmiis.

It was by no means surprising, that the earlier naturalists
did not distinguish these animals from the lice ; their exter-
nal physiognomy is almost the same, but their organization,
as appears from the text, is different in many essential points.
We shall not repeat that description here, but merely remark
that it is evident from it, that these two genera approximate
in a natural series. From the consideration of their resem-
blances and differences, and from some other facts, furnished
by the trachean arachnida, and the branchiopoda, M^e may
see that nature, in preserving always the same type of general
forms, is pleased to modify, and sometimes rather abruptly,
that of the manducatory apparatus, or that she easily con-
verts organs adapted for grinding, into sucking organs, and
vice versa. Her views in this respect are subordinate
to the model on which the body of the animal is at first
formed. This consideration caused M. Latreille to reject, as
a primary character, the division of insects into two lines —
one composed of the grinding, and the other of the sucking
insects.

The ricini live exclusively on animals of the class Aves.
Degeer, it is true, makes mention of a ricinus found on the
body of a dog; but this species M. Latreille refers to pedi-
culus, and could discover no mandibles on it.

THYSANOURA, PARASITA, SUCTORIA. l65

These insects remain by preference under the wings, about
the axilla, and on the head of birds; they attach them-
selves there very strongly, by means of the two robust and
equal crotchets which terminate their tarsi. They multiply
there sometimes, in such quantities, that the birds grow con-
siderably thinner, and may even die in consequence. Care
should be taken to examine domestic birds, supposed to be
infested by these vermin, and often to clean out the places
in which they are kept, and where they are accustomed to
rest. By such means they may also be protected from a
species of mite, which multiplies prodigiously in such places,
and by which these domestic animals are seriously incom-
moded.

The genus of the ricini is very numerous ; there is na
bird without one or two species, Redi has figured a great
number of them, and though his figures are rude, one may
easily see how many varieties the forms of those insects pre-
sent. Their characters, manners, &c., are, with the excep-
tions already stated, the same as those of the lice. There is
one singularity in the ricinus pavonis, and that is, that the
antennae are forked.

We now arrive at that well known genus, which consti-
tutes the order Suctoria, the Pulex, or fleas. In dividing,
as M. de Lamarck has done, the insects which undergo meta-
morphosis, into two grand sections, those which have mandi-
bles and jaws, and those in which these organs are transformed
into suckers, the order Suctoria seems to be intermediate
between the Hemiptera and the Diptera.

If a certain number of female fleas be shut up in a vessel, at
the time in which they begin to appear, someone among them
will immediately commence to lay. They lay almost a dozen of
eggs ; these eggs are tolerably bulky, ellipsoid, white, and
somewhat clammy. Rcesel pretends that the mother lets them
drop at hazard : but it is probable that she attaches or glues

166 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ORDERS

them to different bodies. When the season is favourable, these
eggs disclose the young at the end of five or six days. On issu-
ing from its envelope, the larvae is white and transparent, but
when a little more aged it becomes reddish — a fact which
might surprise us, did we not know that nature employs so
much sagacity and address in her means of preserving the
posterity of insects : thus the difficulty we experience in finding
this larva in our apartments. No question but that they
are very numerous in such places, and yet, if we examine the
sweepings of our bed-rooms, with ever so much attention,
we rarely succeed in finding a single one. It seems proba-
ble that they remain concealed in the folds of such pieces as
compose our beds, or in some other place which completely
shelters them from our pursuit. It is more easy to find
them in the nests of birds, and especially of pigeons.

These larvae are without feet, though some authors have
thought proper to advance the contrary. They look like
little worms, and are exceedingly lively after changing into
nymphs. Roesel thinks that the individuals which are more
clear in colour are the males, but M. Latreille is of a differ-
ent opinion, as this difference of tint is not observable in the
perfect state, at least as an indication of sex. Eleven or
twelve days after this larva has been enveloped in its tomb,
the nymph is stripped of a pellicle which enveloped its
limbs, becomes the perfect insect, and appears under the
form which it is destined always to preserve. It begins to
leap at the first moment of its new existence. Those larvae
which are born at the close of summer, pass the winter under
the same form.

All the world knows, the fleas are parasitical insects ;
they prefer the delicate skin of women and children to that
of other persons. They nestle in the fur of hares, dogs, and
cats, which are very much tormented by them, especially in

THYSANOURA, PARASITA, SUCTORIA. l6j

summer and antumn. Many birds are annoyed by them,
particularly pigeons, hens, and swallows.

According to the testimony of Ovington, the Hindoos,
conformably with their belief in the metempsychosis, lavish
upon these animals, as well as on all species of vermin which
suck the human blood, the most extravagant cares. An
hospital has been established for them near Surat. Their
sustenance is purchased at the expence of some fool, who is
delivered during the night to the voracity of these animals.

The fleas have afforded materials to the ingenuity of man,
and have been made to produce surprising effects of skill.
A flea of middling size has been seen to draw a silver cannon
supported on two little wheels, weighing eighty times as much
as itself, which was charged with powder and let off, with-
out the insect discovering the slightest symptom of alarm.
MoufFet relates, that another flea drew with facility a gold
chain of the length of a finger, with a padlock shutting with
a key, and which with the animal scarcely weighed a grain
An English artist, according to Hook, constructed an ivory
coach for six horses, holding four persons, having two lackeys
behind, and a coachman on the box, with a dog between his
legs, which was drawn by a single flea ! " What fineness
and delicacy of labour !" cries M, Latreille, •' but why not
devote it to objects of greater utility .f"' This observation,
though under some circumstances just, we cannot give an
unqualified assent to. If every work of man was to be mea-
sured by its direct utility, some of the noblest productions of
art and genius might be undervalued and despised. The
exercise of human ingenuity is in itself laudable, and though
it be employed on an object of no direct utility, it may, and
not unfrequently does, lead to the most useful discoveries
and inventions. The man employed in such a task as we
have described, was at all events improving himself in his
art, and increasing the delicacy of his tact, and the accuracy

168 SUPPLEMENT TO THE ORDERS

of his vision. Better to be so employed than in fabricating
engines of destruction, or mingling in scenes of dissipation,
vice, and folly.

In studying so small an animal as the flea, many subjects
of admiration present themselves to our mind. What prodi-
o-ious force of muscle must not that be which enables this

&

insect to raise itself thirty times its height ! How singular
the structure of that tube with which it sucks our blood !
Nature, with her usual wisdom and foresight, has given this
animal a compressed form, which enables it to insinuate itself
with more facility between the hairs of animals, and conceal
itself there. She has encased its body in a sort of armour,
by enveloping it in a firm and elastic skin, capable of resist-
ing the pressure of our fingergi.

It is not necessary to enter into any detail here, of all the
means which have been prescribed for the destruction of these
troublesome insects. Some recommend the placing in apart-
ments plants of a powerful and penetrating odour, such as
savory, wormwood, &c., or acrid plants, such as persicaria,
or vegetables with glutinous leaves, and branches of the
alder. Others have recourse to a mercurial unguent, to boil-
ing water, into which simply mercury has been put, and
which is scattered throughout the chamber. Some prescribe
the vapour of sulphur. The inhabitants of Dalecarlia, place
in their habitations a hare's skin. These insects take refuge
there, and are then easily destroyed by fire or water.

We often murmur against Nature, and consider fleas and
other vermin as a spot which soils the beautiful picture
which she presents to our eyes. But let us be reasonable,
and admire the wisdom of her designs, in having chosen the
sensation of pain as a sentinel to give us warning of the con-
sequences of our vices, or the irregularity of our habits.
We should conform ourselves to her views. Cleanliness
without fastidiousness should be observed in our dwellings.

THYSANOURA, PARASITA, SUCTORIA. l69

If, towards the end of autumn, and the commencement of
spring, the different articles of furniture that we use, were
exposed to a heat of sufficient strength, the sources of our
inconveniences would be speedily destroyed, and at all events
we should cease to calumniate Nature, even if we had not
sufficient gratitude to study and admire her. But a small
number of the species of the flea is as yet known ; but it is
probable that if the fleas of different animals w^ere examined
with a little more attention, that several others might be
discovered.

170 CLASS INSECTA.

THE FIFTH ORDER OF INSECTS.

Thk Coleopteka, Eleutherata, Fab.,

Have four wings, the upper two crustaceous, in the form of
scales, horizontal, and uniting together, at the internal edge,
in a right line ; mandibles and jaws ; the lower wings merely
folded crosswise, and covered by two others which form a
sort of cases, and which are designated either under that
name or that of elytra.*

They are, of all insects, the most numerous and the best
known. The singular forms, the brilliant and agreeable co-
lours by Avhich some of their species are characterised, the
volume of their body, the more solid consistence of their in-
teguments, which renders their preservation more easy, and
the numerous advantages derived from the study of the
variety of forms in their external organs, have attracted the
particular attention of naturalists to this order. Their head
presents two antennas of different forms, and of which the
number is almost always eleven. They have two eyes with

* See, for the anatomical characters of the insects of this order, the
Annals of Natural Science, vol viii. p. 36', where M. Diifour presents a
summary of them.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. I7I

facets, but no simple eyes. It is true that in some brachely-
tra, two small yellowish points have been observed, which
have been taken for simple eyes, but, in my opinion, without
sufficient examination ; for the forficulas, a genus of the or-
thoptera, the nearest to the coleoptera, exhibit none. The
mouth is composed of a labrum, of two mandibles, most fre-
quently of a scaly consistence ; of two jaws, each having one
or two palpi, and a labium formed of two pieces, the mentum
and the lingua, and accompanied with two palpi, usually in-
serted on this latter piece. Those of the jaws or their exter-
nals, when there are two, have never more than four articu-
lations : those of the labium have generally but three.

The anterior segment of the trunk, or that which is in
front of the wings, and which is usually called the corslet,
has the first pair of feet, and considerably exceeds in extent
the two other segments. The interior membrane presents, on
each side, behind, a stigma, a character which, I believe,
had hitherto escaped notice, but the existence of which was
presumable. The other two segments unite closely with the
base of the abdomen, and their lower part, or the postpectus,
serves as an attachment to another pair of feet. The second,
on which is placed the scutellum, grows narrow in front, and
forms a short pedicle, which is inclosed in the interior cavity
of the first, and serves for a pivot in its movements.

The elytra and the wings originate on the lateral and upper
edges of the posterior trunk. The elytra are crustaceous,
and, in a state of repose, are applied, one against the other, in
a right line along the length of their internal edge, or at the
suture, and always in an horizontal position. Almost always
they conceal the wings, which are broad and folded trans-
versely. Many species are apterous ; but the elytra always
exist. The abdomen is sessile, or united to the trunk in
its greatest breadth. It is composed, at the external part, of
six or seven rings, membranous above, or of a consistence

17'-^ CLASS INSECTA.

less solid below. The number of articulations in the tarsi
varies from three to five. To judge by analogy, the coleop-
tera called monomera, have probably three articulations in
the tarsi ; but the first two are invisible. This section and
that of the dimera, have been suppressed.

The coleoptera undergo a complete metamorphosis. The
larva resembles a worm, having a scaly head, a mouth
analogous, in the number and functions of its parts, to
that of the perfect insect, and usually six feet. Some
species, few in number, are without feet, or have but simple
mammellae.

The mesothorax is always short and narrow, and the
metathorax, often spacious, is furrowed longitudinally in
the middle.

The nymph is inactive, and takes no nutriment. The ha-
bitat, the mode of life, and the other habits of these insects,
either in their first or last stage of existence, vary very con-
siderably,

I divide this order into four sections, according to the
number of articulations in the tarsi.

The first comprehends the penfamera, or those of which
all the tarsi have five articulations ; and it is composed of
six families, of which the first two are distinguished from the
others by the existence of a double excrementitious appa-
ratus. According to M. Dufour, the silpha, a genus of
the fourth family, also exhibits one, but single, or one side
alone.

The first family of the Pentamerous Coleoptera is

The Carnivora, Cuv. (Adephages, Clair.),

with two palpi on each jaw, or six in all. The antennae are
almost always thread or silk- formed, and simple.

The jaws are terminated by a scaly piece, talon-formed, or

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 173

crooked, and the interior part is furnished with hairs or
small spines. The ligula is enchased in an emargination of
the mentum. The two anterior feet are inserted on the sides
of a compressed sternum, and borne on a large rotula. The
posterior two have a very strong trochanter at their origin.
The first articulation is large, and appears to be confounded
with the postpectus, and has the form of a curvilinear
triangle, with the external side excavated.

These insects give chase to others, and devour them.
Many of them have no wings under their elytra. The
anterior tarsi of most part of the males are dilated or en-
larged.

The larvae of this family are also extremely carnivorous.
They have in general a cylindrical, elongated body, com-
posed of twelve rings. The head, which is not comprised in
this number, is large, scaly, armed with two powerful man-
dibles cvu'ved at their points, and presents two short and
conical antennge, two jaws divided into two branches (one
of W'hich is formed by a palpus), a ligula bearing two palpi,
shorter than the preceding, and six small simple eyes on each
side. The first ring is covered by a scaly plate ; the others
are soft, or but little closed. The first three have each a pair
of feet, the extremity of which is curved in front.

These larvae differ according to the genera. Those of the
cincindelae, for example, have the upper part of the head sunk
in the centre in a basket-form, while its lower part is gib-
bous. They have on each side two small simple eggs, much
more bulky and similar to those of the lycosae, or wolf-spiders.
The upper plate of the first segment is large, and in the form
of a semi-circular buckler. The eighth ring has on the back
two mammellae with crotchets. The last has no remarkable
appendages.

In the other larvae of this family which are known to us,

174 CLASS INSECTA.

with the exception of that of the omophronta, the head is less
strong and more equal. The simple eyes are very small and
more similar to each other. The scaly piece of the first ring is
squared and does not edge beyond the body ; the eighth has no
mammellae, and the last is terminated by two conical appen-
dages besides a membranous tube, formed by the elongation of
that part of the body in which the anus is situated. These
appendages are corneous and dentated in the larvae of the
calosomi and the carabi. They are fleshy, articulated, and
longer in those of the harpali and licinae. The body of the
last but one is a little shorter, with the head a little more
bulky. The form of the mandibles of the one and the other
approaches to that which they have in the perfect insect.
The larva of one species of omophron, according to the ob-
servations of M. Desmarest, has a conical form, a large head,
with two very strong mandibles, and presents but two eyes.
The posterior extremity of the body, which is narrowed by
degrees, is terminated by an appendage of four articulations.
I have counted but two in those of the larvae of the licini and
harpali.

This family has always the first stomach short and fleshy ;
a second elongated, and, as it were, hairy at the exterior,
in consequence of the numerous small vessels with which
it is furnished, and an intestine short and narrow. The
hepatic vessels, four in number, are inserted near the
pylorus.

There are terrestrial and aquatic insects of this order.

The terrestrial have feet solely proper for running, the
four hinder ones of which are inserted at equal distances, the
mandibles entirely uncovered : the piece terminating the jaws
is straight underneath and covered only at its extremity, and
most frequently the body is oblong, with the eyes projecting.
All their tracheae are tubular or elastic. Their intestine is

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 175

terminated by a widened cloaca, furnished with two small
sacs Avhich secrete an acrid humour.*
They are divided into two tribes.

* M. Leon Dufour has presented in the Annals of Natural Science,
Vol. viii. p. 36, the following recapitulation of the anatomical charac-
ters of the insects of this division.

" The carabici are hunters and carnivora. The length of their diges-
tive tube does not exceed that of twice the length of their body. The
oesophagus is short. It is followed by a membrano-muscular crop, very
well developed and extremely dilatable. Then comes a gizzard, oval or
rounded, >vith cellular and elastic parieties, armed internally with mo-
bile corneous pieces, proper for trituration, and provided fvith a valvule
at its two orifices. The chylific ventricle which succeeds it is of a soft and
expansible texture, constantly bristling with papillae more or less promi-
nent, and narrowed in the hinder part. The narrow intestine is rather
short. The ccecum has the form of a crop. The rectum is short in both
sexes. The hepatic vessels are but two in number, in the form of an arc
variously folded, and are implanted in four isolated insertions around the
terminations around the chlyific ventricle. The testicles are formed each
by the agglomerated circumvolutions of a single spermatic vessel ; some-
times they are almost naked, sometimes clothed with an adipose bed, of
a sort of tunica vaginalis. The vasa deferentia are often refolded like an
epididymis. The vesicults seminalcs, two in number only, are filiform.
The ejaculatiorius is short, the penis narrow and elongated, and the
armatura copulatrix more or less complicated. The ovaries have but from
seven to twelve ovigerous sheaths to each, multilocular and united in a
cone-formed bundle. The oviduct is short. The sebaceous gland is com-
posed of a secretory vessel, sometimes filiform, sometimes swelled at the
extremity, and of a reservoir. The vulva is accompanied by two retrac-
tile crochets. The eggs are oblong-oval. The existence of an apparatus
of excrementitious secretion is one of the most prominent anatomical
characters of the carabici; it consists of one or more clusters of utricults
secretorice, the form of which varies according to the genera, of a lone;
efferential canal, and of a vesicle or contractile reservoir, of an excretory
conduit, the mode of whose excretion varies, and an excreted liquid
which possesses ammoniacal qualities. The respiratory organ has stigmata
or bivalve apertures, and trachecB altogether tubidar. The nervous system
does not differ from that of the coleopterain general.

176 CLASS INSECTA.

The first, that of CiciNDELETiE, Lat., comprehends the
genus

CiClNDELA, L.

Which has at the end of the jaws an unguiculus, which is
articulated at its base with them.

Their head is strong, with large eyes, mandibles very much
advanced and extremely denticulated, and the ligula very
short, and concealed behind the chin. Their labial palpi are
composed distinctly of four articulations. They are gene-
rally hairy, as well as the maxillary. Most part of the
species are exotic.

Some have a tooth in the middle of the emargination of the
mentum. The labial palpi are separated at their origin, the
first articulation being almost cylindrical, without any angu-
lar elongation at its extremity, and the external maxillary
palpi are manifestly advanced beyond the labrum.

Here the tarsi are similar, and with cylindrical articula-
tions in both sexes. The abdomen is broad, almost in the
form of a heart, and entirely embraced by synostosized
elytra, and the external edge of which forms a keel.

Manticora, Fab.

The two only known species inhabit Caffraria. {Manticora
maculosa. Fab. Oliv. Col. III. 37. 1. 2. Hist. Nat. des
Coleops, d'Eur. and Manticora pallida, Fab.) These are
the largest of the genus. One of them, M. pallida, is re-
ferred, though doubtfully, by Mr. MLeay, to a new genus
which he names Platychile, and which appears to us to
differ little from the manticora but in not having the elytra
synostosized. Annulosa, Jav. I. p. 9.

There the first three articulations of the two anterior tarsi
are sensibly more dilated or broader in the males than in the
females.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 177

Sometimes the body is simply oval or oblong, with the
corselet almost squared, sub-isometrical, or more broad than
long, and not globular, nor of a knotty form.

The third articulation of the anterior tarsi of the males,
does not advance internally, and the following is inserted at
its extremity.

Among these last, the species, whose labial palpi are
sensibly longer than the external maxillary ones, with the
penultimate articulation longer than the last, form two sub-
genera.

Megacephala, Lat.

Which have the labrum very short, transverse, and the first
articulation of the labial palpi much longer than the follow-
ing, and projecting beyond the mentum.*

OXYCHEILA, Dej.

Of which the labrum is in the form of an elongated triangle,
and the first articulation of the labial palpi is not much
longer than the following, and projecting not beyond the
emargination of the mentum.f

In the following species, the labial palpi are altogether of
the length of the external maxillary ones, Avith the last arti-
culation longer than the preceding. They also compose
two sub -genera,

EupROSopus, Lat. Dej.

In which the third articulation of the labial palpi is more

* Cicindela Megalocepha'a, Fab. Oliv. II. 33, 11, 12. C Carolina, OViv.
Ibid. xl. 22. Megacephala Euphratica, Hist. Nat. des Coleap. d'Eur, I. 1,2,
See, for other species. Spec. Gen. de M. Le Comte Dejean. Tom. I.
p. 6, &c.

\ Cicindela tristis. Fab. Oliv. Coleop. II. 35. iii. 35. Oxychdla tristis.
Dej. Spec. gen. des Coleop. I. p. 16. Cicindela bipustulata, Lat. Voy, &c,
M. M, Hnnib. et Bonpl Obser. d Anat. et de Zool, No. 1.5, xvi. 1, 2.
VOL. XIV, N

178 CLASS INSECTA.

thick than the last, and in which, the first three articulations
of the anterior tarsi of the males, are a little elongated,
flatted, careened below, and equally furnished with hairs on
both sides. The eyes are very large, and these insects reside
on trees.*

The CiciNDEL.E, proper (Cicindela), Lat.,

Are little different from the Euprosopi, but that the third
articulation of the labial palpi is not sensibly more thick than
the following. They also differ in their anterior tarsi, of
which the first three articulations are in the males, very much
elongated, more strongly ciliated on the internal side than the
opposite, and without a keel underneath.

Their body is usually of a green, more or less deep,
mixed with metallic and brilliant colours, wdth white spots
on the cases. They frequent dry places exposed to the sun,
run very fast, fly away the moment they are approached, and
take ground at a little distance. If they continue to be dis-
turbed, they have recourse again to the same means of escape.

The larvae of the two indigenous species, the only ones
which have been observed, dig themselves a cylindrical hole
in the ground, tolerably deep, employing for this purpose
their mandibles and feet. To fix it, they charge the top of
their head with the particles of earth which they have de-
tached, turn themselves round, climb by little and little,
repose at intervals, fastening themselves to the internal sides
of their habitation, with the assistance of the two mammellas
of their back, and when arrived at the orifice of the hole,
cast out their burden. In the moment when they are in
ambuscade, the plate of their head closes, exactly on a level
with the soil, the entrance of their cell. They seize their

* Cicindela, 4-notata, Hist. Nat. des Coleop. d'Eur, I. 1.6. Euprosopm,
A-notatus. Dej. Spec. Jen. des. Coleop. I. p. 15.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 179

prey with their mandibles, even shoot upon it, and precipi-
tate it to the bottom of the hole, inclining their head down-
wards abruptly. They also descend there very quickly at
the slightest appearance of danger. If they find themselves
confined, or if the natui'e of the ground be unfavourable to
their operations, they immediately proceed to form a new
habitation. Their voi'acity extends even to other larvae of
their own species, which are established in their neighbour-
hood. They open the aperture of their dwelling, when they
are about to change their skin, or be metamorphosed into the
nymph-state. A part of these observations have been com-
municated to me by the late M. Miger, who has studied with
much attention a great number of the larvae of coleoptera,
and has discovered many which have escaped the researches
of former naturalists.

C. Campestris, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect, Germ. LXXXV.
iii. In length, about six lines, of a meadow-green above,
with the labrum, white, feebly indentated in the middle.
Five white points on each of the elytra. Very common in
Europe in the spring.

C. Uybrida, Lin. Panz. ibid. iv. Which has on each
elytrum two spots of a crescent form, and a white band ; one
of these spots situated at the external base, and the other at
the end. The suture is coppery. Found in sand-pits, and
never mixes with the preceding species.*

Another species of our own country, C Germanica, Lin.,
and some others, have a form more narrow, and more elon-

* Add C Sylvatica, Lin. Clairv. Ent. Helv. II. xxiv. A. j C. Sinuata,
Fab. Clairv. ibid. B. b.; C. Germanica, Lin. Panz, Faun, insect. Germ. VI.
V. See also, for these and other European species, The Hist. Nat. des
Coleopt. d Europe, par MM. Latreille et Le Comte Dejean,fasc I p. 37,
et suiv. and as well for the same, as for a great number of exotics, the
Spec. gen. of this last-mentioned naturalist.

180 CLASS INSECTA.

gated, and seem to form a peculiar section. They do not
fly away like the preceding, when about to be seized, but
endeavour to escape by running very fast. M. Gotth. Fis-
cher, in his entomology of Russia, has placed a species of
them from Brazil, in his sub-genus Theratus {T. Margina-
tus).

All these species have wings, but some apterous ones are
known, whose abdomen, moreover, is more narrow and oval,
and in which the tooth of the emargination of the mentum is
very small, and scarcely sensible. Such is that which we
have represented in our Natural History of the Coleoptera of
Europe (I. 1. 5.), undei* the name of coarctata, M. Le Comte
Dejean (Spec. gen. des Coleop. II. p. 434,) has formed with
them a new genus, that of Dromica.

Sometimes the body is long and narrow, and with the
corslet elongated in a knotty form, but narrowed in front.
The third articulation of the two anterior tarsi of the male, is
in the form of a palette, and advanced interiorly. The fol-
lowing one is inserted externally near its basis —

Ctenostoma, Klug. Caris, Fisch.

This sub-genus has hitherto appeared to be peculiar to
the intra-tropical countries of South America. The head is
bulky, with the antennae almost as long as the body, and
almost setaceous. The external palpi are greatly projecting,
and terminated by a thicker articulation, in the form of an
elongated pear. The penultimate articulation of the external
maxillary ones shorter than the following, the first two of
the labial are very short, and the terminal lobe of the jaws is
without any sensible unguiculus at the end. The abdomen
is oval, contracted at the base, and pediculated. The feet
are long and slender.

The Ctenostomata approach, in the relation of the size

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 181

of the palpi, the megacephala, and in other respects to the
tricondyla and therates.*

The others have no tooth, in the middle of the emargi-
nation of the mentum. The labial palpi are contiguous at
their origin, with their first articulation obconical, or in the
form of a reversed pyramid, and dilated or prolonged inter-
nally at its extremity, in the manner of an angle or tooth.
The external maxillary ones do not pass much beyond the
labium. These species have been divided into three sub-
genera.

Therates. Latr. Eurychile. Bonnelli.

Similar in their general form to the circindelae proper, but
which are distinguished from them as well as from all the
analogous sub -genera, by their internal maxillary palpi,
very small and of an aciculary form. The tarsi are similar
in the two sexes, with their penultimate articulation in the
form of a heart, without emargination, and simply hollowed
above for the insertion of the last. ^

These insects are exclusively peculiar to the most eastern
islands of Asia, such as Java, the Sunda Isles, and those
which are to the north of New Holland.

In the two following sub-genera, and in all which are
peculiar to the East Indies, and the most remote islands to
the east, the body is narrow and elongated, with the corslet
almost cylindrical, and of a knotted form. The third or
fourth articulation of the tarsi, is elongated internally in the
manner of a lobe.

CoLLiuRis, Lat. Collyris, Fab.
They are winged ; the antennae are more bulky towards

• See EntomologicB bras'liancB specimen of H. Klug. Species gen. des.
Coleop d'Eur, de M. Le Comte Dejean, torn. 1, p. 152, et Suiv.

182 CLASS INSECTA.

the end. The final articulation of the labial palpi is almost
hatchet-formed, and the preceding often curved. The corslet
is almost cylindrical, narrowed, and strangulated in front,
with the anterior edge widened. The abdomen, which is
also almost cylindrical, is widened and enlarged posteriorly.
The tarsi are similar in the two sexes, with the penultimate
articulation prolonged obliquely at the internal side, equally
large as the preceding, and this last in the form of a reversed
triangle, with acute angles.

The species which 1 have described and figured, under the
name of lojigicollis, is distinct from that so designated by
Fabricius. It is the colliuris emarginata of M. Dejean.
Spec. Gen. I. p. 165.

Trioondyla, Lat.

Here the wings are wanting, the antennae are filiform, and
the last articulation but one of the labial palpi, is the longest
and the thickest of all. The corslet is in the form of a knot,
sub-ovoid, strangulated, truncated, and double-edged at the
two ends. The abdomen .is ovalary, oblong, narrowed to-
wards its base, and a little gibbous posteriorly. The first
three articulations of the anterior tarsi are dilated in the
males ; the third is prolonged obliquely, in the internal side,
in the manner of a lobe. The following is almost similar,
but much smaller, and less prolonged —

The second tribe, that of the Carabici, Lat., comprehends
the genus,

Cauabus, L.,

Which has the jaws terminated simply in a point or crotchet,
Avithout articulation at its extremity. Their head is usually
more narrow than the corslet, or at most, of the same breadth.
Their mandibles, with the exception of those of a few, have
none, or very few denticulations. The ligula is usually pi-o-

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 183

minent, and the labial palpi have but three free articulations.
In the cicindelae, the radical articulation is disengaged, and
it is on that account that the palpi have four articulations ;
but here it is entirely adherent, and forms only a support
which we do not take into account. Many of them are de-
prived of wings, and have elytra only. They often shed a
foetid odour, and shoot from the anus an acrid and caustic
fluid. GeofFroy presumes that the ancients designated them
under the name of Buprestis, insects which they regarded as a
very dangerous poison, particularly for oxen.

Carabi conceal themselves in the earth, under stones, the
bark of trees, and are for the most part very agile.' Their
larvae have similar habits. This tribe is very numerous^
and the study of it extremely difficult.

We shall form a first general division, with those whose
extreme palpi are not terminated like an awl ; their
last articulation is not united with the preceding to form
a body, either oval and very much pointed at the end, or
convex, with a narrow and acicular point at the end.

These carabi may be subdivided into those of which the
two anterior legs have, at the internal side, a strong emargi-
nation, separating the two spines, which are usually placed
one near the other, at the extremity' of this side ; and into
those in which the legs have no emargination, or present
only an oblique linear canal, not advancing on the internal
side of these limbs.

We shall divide this subdivision into several sections.

First, the Tuuncatipennes, thus named in consequence
of their elytra being almost always truncated at their pos-
terior extremity. The head and corslet are more narrow than
the abdomen. The ligula is most frequently oval or squatted,
and rarely accompanied on the sides with projecting divi-
sions.

184 CLASS INSECTA.

Some have the crotchets of the tarsi simple, or without
denticulations, disposed in the manner of a comb.

We shall commence with those whose head is not narrowed
abruptly at its posterior extremity, and is not attached to
the corslet, by a sort of neck suddenly formed, or a kind of
rotula. The corslet is always in the form of a truncated
heart. The external palpi are never terminated by an arti-
culation much more thick, and hatchet-formed. The two
anterior tarsi of the males are either not at all, or very little
dilated. The penultimate articulation of these tarsi, and of
the others, is never deeply bilobated.

The three following sub-genera have a common negative
character, which is that of being deprived of wings.

Anthia,

Have a corneous ligula, oval, and advancing between the
palpi, even as far as their extremity.

The labium is often large and denticulated or angular.

Their external palpi are filiform, with the last articulation
almost cylindrical, or in a reversed and elongated cone. The
emargination of the chin presents no tooth. The abdomen
is oval, most frequently convex, and the elytra are almost
entire or but little truncated.

These insects as well as those of the following sub-genusj
have the body black, spotted with white, a colour formed by
a sort of down, and inhabit the deserts or similar places, in
Africa ; though there have been found, in the southern parts
of Spain and Italy, many insects of the north of Africa,
there has never been discovered there, a single species of
anthia or graphiptera.

The anthia, according to the observations of the late Les-
chenault de Latour, cast, by the anus, when they are dis-

ORDER COLEOPTERA.

18^

turbed, a caustic fluid. The species are generally large, and
in the males of some, the thorax is more or less dilated behind,
and is terminated by two lobes.*

Gbaphipterus. Lat. Anthia. Fab.

Which had been confounded with the preceding, but which
differ from them by having their ligula entirely membra-
nous, with the exception of the central part, by having their
antennas compressed, and the third articulation of which is
much longer ; their abdomen, otherwise, is always flatted,
orbicular, and one of the two spines terminating the posterior
legs, is much larger than the other, and in the form of a
plate.

The species of this sub-genus are exclusively peculiar
to Africa, and smaller than the preceding.

Aptinus, Bon. Brachinus. Web. Fab.,

Have the final articulation of the external palpi a little more
bulky, especially that of the labial, and a tooth in the middle
of the emargination of the mentum. Their ligula otherwise
resembles that of the graphipteri, but the lateral division, or
paraglassi, form a small pointed projection ; but what dis-
tinguishes them more particularly, as well as the following
sub- genus, is that their abdomen, which is oval, and tole-
rably thick, encloses organs secreting a caustic liquor, issuing
with an explosion from the anus, evaporating immediately,
and with a penetrating odour. This liquor, when the ani-
mal is held between the fingers, produces a spot analogous
to that produced by the nitric acid, and even, if the species

* See the second fasciculus of the natural history of the coleoptera of
Europe, the first volume of the species of M. Le Comte Dejean, the excel-
lent work of M. Schoenherr on thesynonimy of the insects, and the Zoo-
logical part of the voyage of M. Caillaud, where I have described and figured
the insects collected by him in Africa.

186 CLASS INSECTA.

be tolerably large, a burning accompanied with pain. M.
Leon Dufour has made us acquainted with the organs which
secrete this fluid.

These insects are found, and often assembled in societies,
at least in the spring, under stones. They employ the
above-mentioned means of defence against their enemies, and
are able to reiterate the explosion a good number of times.
The largest species are found between the tropics, and in other
warm climates, even as far as the limits of the temperate zone.

We shall cite 1st, Brachinus displosor, Duf. Aptinxis
balista,De'y Hist. Nat. des Coleop. d'Eur, II. viii. 1. It is
from five to eight lines in length, black, with the corslet
fawn-colour, and the elytra furrowed. In Navarre, and
different countries of Spain and Portugal.

Aptimts Pyrenceiis, Dej. Hist. Nat. des Coleop. d'Eur,
II. viii. 3. It is from three to four lines in length, of a deep
black, with the antennae, and palpi fawn-colour, and the feet
of a reddish yellow. The elytra are furrowed. It has been
discovered in the department of the eastern Pyrenees, by
M. le Comte Dejean.

Brachinus^ "Web. Fab.,

Diff'er little from the aptini, but in being provided with
wings, and that the emargination of the chin presents no
tooth.

Some, and generally the largest, and for the most part
exotic, have the elytra very distinctly furrowed, or with
sides, and of this number is a species of the Antilles and
Cayenne.

Brachinus complanatus, Yah. Carabus planus, Oliv. III.
vi. 63. Its body is six or eight Tines in length, of a reddish
yellow, with black elytra, and presenting a humeral point,
a sinuous band, traversing their middle, and a spot at their
extremity of the colour of the body. It is also that of their

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 18?

external edge. The posterior angles of the corslet, are pro-
longed into a point.

The other Brachini have the elytra smooth, or slightly
furrowed.

The following species are commonly found in the neigh-
bourhood of Paris.

Brachinus crepitans^ Fab. Hist. Nat. des Coleapt. d'Eur,
II. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. xx. 5. Its middle length is
four lines. It is fawn-coloured, with the elytra sometimes of
a deep blue, sometimes of a bluish green, feebly furrowed,
and the antennae fawn, bul having the third and fourth arti-
culation blackish. The chest, with the exception of the
middle, and the abdomen, are of this colour. With this
species has been confounded that which M. Duftschmid
has named eceplodens^ Hist. Nat. des Coleop. d'Eur, II. viii.
7, and which is also very common. It is one half smaller,
with the elytra blue, and almost smooth. That which M.
Bonnelli has distinguished under the name of glahratus
differs from it, only by the want of spots in the antennae.

Brachinus Scolopeta, Fab. Hist. Nat. des Coleap. d'Eur.
II. ix. 3, resembles the last altogether, but is distinguished
from it by the suture of the elytra, which is of a fawn-
coloured red, from the base, as far as the middle. The body
is also proportionally wider, and of the same colour, as well
above as below.

Another species, Brachinus Bombarda, Iliger. Hist. Nat.
des Coleop. d'Eur. ix. 2, holds a middle place between the
last and first. The elytra have around the shield a fawn-
coloured spot, but which does not extend to the length of the
suture. The department of the Herault, presents us two
other pretty species, the one, e.vhalans, having the elytra of
an obscure blue, with four yellowish points, and the other,
causHcus, altogether fawn, with a band along the suture, and
a posterior blackish spot.

188 CLASS INSECTA.

We had at first (Hist. Nat. des Coleop. d'Eur.) placed
the genus Catascopus of Mr. Kirby, after the Brachini. We
think, from a new examination, that it rather belongs to the
section of the simplicimana. The posterior extremity of the
elytra presents clearly a profound emargination, but it termi-
nates in a point on the side of the suture, and is not truncated.
Many species of this division present also the same sinus,
although however less profound and less acute.

Between the Brachini and the Catascopi, M. Le Comte
Dejean (Spec. T. p. 226,) places the genus Corsyra of Mr.
Stevens, which has for its type the Cymitidus fusula, of the
Entomographie of Russia, by M. Fischer, I. xii. 3. It
differs from this last in its tarsi, the crotchets of which are
simple. The body otherwise is flatted, as in the preceding,
and the other neighbouring sub-genera, short, tolerably
broad, with the palpi filiform, the mentum unindented, the
labrum transverse, the corslet broader than the head, and
almost semi-circular.

But one species is known. The other carabici of the same
division, and whose crotchets are likewise simple, are re-
moved from the preceding by the form of their head, which
is contracted abruptly from its origin, and presents the
appearance of a neck or rotula.

First, come those whose tarsi are almost identical in the
two sexes, sub-cylindrical, or linear, and of which the penul-
timate articulation for the most part, is profoundly emargi-
nated, or bilobate.

Sometimes the external palpi are filiform, or but little
swelled at the end, Avith the last articulation almost ovali-
form. The head has the same form, and contracts gra-
dually behind the eyes. The first articulation of the an-
tennae is always short, or but little elongated. The cors-
let is always narrow and elongated. The body is tolerably
thick. The emargination of the mentum exhibits a tooth

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 189

in its middle. The ligula is almost square, with the para-
glossae projecting and going to a point.

Casnonia, Lat., OphioncBa, Klug.,

Whose corslet has almost the form of a truncated cone, or of
a cylinder narrowed anteriorly.*

Leptotrachelcis, Latr.,

In which this part of the body is pretty nearly cylindrical
without any sensible contraction in front, in which the ely-
tra are not truncated, and the tarsi have their penultimate
articulation bilobate. Odacantha Dorsalis, Fab.

Odacantha, Payk., Fab.,

Similar as to the corslet, but with truncated elytra, and the
articulations of the tarsi entire.

The species which serves as a type to the genus {odacan-
tha. melanura. Fab. Clavis Entom. Helv. II. v. Hist. Nat.
des Coleop. d'Eur. II. x. 6), is three lines in length, of a
greenish blue, with the elytra, their extremity excepted,
of a reddish yellow. The base of the antennae, the breast,
and the principal part of the tarsi, are also of this colour.
The end of the elytra is of a blackish blue. This species
frequents aquatic places, and more particularly inhabits the
north of France, Germany and Sweden. The odacantha
tripustulata of Fabricius is a species of notoxus.

* Consult Entomol. Brasil of M. Klug; Spec. Gen. of M. le Comte
Dejean, torn. I. p. 170; Hist. Nat. des Coleop. d'Eur. fasc. II. vii. 6. The
species which is figured {cynocephala) forms, in consequence of the penul-
timate articulation of the tarsi, a peculiar division. It is found in Ben-
gal. All the others, the principal of which is the Aitelabiis Pennsylvanicus
of Linnaeus, are American, and have all the articulations of the tarsi en-
tire.

190 CLASS INSECTA.

Sometimes the external palpi are terminated by a thicker
articulation, in the form of a reversed or triangular cone.
The head, immediately after the eyes, is abruptly narrowed,
and of a triangular form, or that of a heart.

Some, whose body is flatted, and which Fabricius has
placed with his galeritae, have all the articulations of the
tarsi entire, the corslet in the form of a heart truncated pos-
teriorly, and the mandibles, as well aa the jaws, of the
ordinary length, or but moderately prominent.

The first articulation of the antennae is in the form of a
reversed, and elongated cone. The tongue is squared, and its
lateral divisions are often as long as itself. A tooth is per-
ceptible in the middle of the emargination of the mentum.
These carabici, whose indigenous species are found under
stones, the barks of trees, and most frequently in the
neighbourhood of waters, form the following three sub-
genera : —

ZuPHiuM, Latr.,

Which have the first articulation of the antennae as long at
least as the head, and the external maxillary palpi very
much elongated. Galerita oleiis. Fab. Claire, Entom.
Helv. II. xvii. A. a. ; Hist. Nat. des Coleopt. d'Eur.
Fasc. 11. x. 3.

PoLisTicHUs, Bon.,

In which, as in the following sub-genus, the first articula-
tion of the antennae is shorter than the head, and in which
the maxillary palpi are of the usual length ; but the second,
third, and fourth articulations of the tarsi, those of the
anterior two especially, are short, almost orbicular, and the
tongue is terminated superiorly by a straight edge, has its

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 191

lateral divisions projecting in the form of arched, narrow,
and pointed earlets.*

Hklluo, Bon.,

Which are distinguished but little from the preceding sub-
genus, except by their tongue, which is entirely corneous,
rounded at the superior end, and without distinct di-
visions. The species are all exotic. f

The others, and which with those that immediately follow,
appear to approximate m_uch to the brachini, have the penul-
timate articulation of all the tarsi deeply bilobate ; the man-
dibles and jaws long, narrow, and advanced ; the body suffi-
ciently thick, with the head in the form of a narrow and elon-
gated triangle, and the corslet almost cylindrical, a little
narrowed posteriorly.!

The first articulation of the antennae is very long, and
narrowed at its base. The mentum is almost in the form of
a crescent, without tooth in the centre of its emargination.
The tongue is prominent, narrow, almost linear, and termi-
nating with three spines, and accompanied by two paraglossae.
The under part of the tarsi is furnished with down. Such
are the characters of

* Galerita fasciolata. Fab. Clairv. ihid. 4 ; Polisticus discoideiis, ibid. 5.
?ee the Spec. Gen. of M le Comte Dejean, I. p. 194.

f Helluo costatus. Hist. Nat. des Coleop. de Eur. Fasc. II. vi. 5 ; Galerita
hirta. Fab.— See the Spec. Gen. of M. le Comte Dejean, I. p. 283.

An unpublished helluo of Brazil ought, it appears to me, to form a new
sub genus, in consequence of its filiform palpi, and of which the last arti-
culation is cylindrical.

J The dryptae have also relations with cychrus, and appear to connect
the cicindeletae with the section of grandipalpous carabici. Many sections
of this family seem to be attached, like so many branches, to the cicin-
delae. Most part of the other families of insects are in the same predica-
ment, or form ramified trunks. In a word, continued series do not exist
in nature.

192 CLASS INSECTA.

Drypta, Latr. Fab.

All the known species belong to the old continent, or New
Holland. Two are to be found in Europe, always on the
ground. The most common is Drypta emarginata. Fab.
Clairv. Entom. Helv. II. xvii. Hist. Nat. des Coleops.
d'Eur. fasc. II. x. 1. It is about four lines in length, of a
beautiful azure blue, with the mouth, the antennae, and the
feet, fawn-colour. The extremity of the first articulations
of the antennae, and the middle of the third, are blackish.
The elytra have punctuated striae. It is more common in
the south of France than in the north ; M. Blondel (the
son) has, however, found it in abundance, in a locality, in
the neighbourhood of Versailles. — N.B. For the other species
see Hist. Nat. des Coleop. d'Eur. II. x. 2. and Spec. Gen.
de M. le Comte Dejean, tom. I. pag. 182.

To those succeed carabici, very analogous to the preceding
in their divisionary characters, but which are removed from
them by the form of the tarsi. The first four articulations,
or at least those of the anterior tarsi of the males, are very
much dilated and bifid. The penultimate of all is, in the
two sexes, constantly emarginated or dilated. The external
palpi, and the first articulation of the antennae, are always
long.

Tricognatha, Latr.,

Have the last articulation of the external palpi in the form
of a transverse and elongated cone, and a triangular and
hairy projection at the external side of the jaws. The palpi
are very long. The labrum presents two crenulations and
three obtuse teeth. The summit of the tongue is armed with
three spines. The four posterior tarsi are not dilated, at
least in the females. The insect (marginipe7inis) serving as
type, was brought from Brazil by the celebrated botanist,
M. de Saint Hilaire.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 193

Galerita, Fab.

Which differ from the preceding sub-genera in their external
palpi, the last articulation of which is triangular, or axe-
formed, and in their jaws not being dilated at the external
edge. The two anterior tarsi of the males are widened.
The emarginations of the first four articulations are acute,
and their internal divisions are larger and more elongated
than the external. The lingua is tridentated at the summit,
and its paraglossa? are very distinct. The emargination of
the mentum is unidentated.

Some species, (^Galerita occidentalism Dej. ; G. Africana,
ejusd.,) from their ovaliform head, corslet more elongated
and narrow, form a particular division. The majority are
American.*

CoRDisTEs, Latr. ColophcBna, Klug. Odocantha, Fabr.

Have the exterior palpi filiformed, and terminated by an
orbiform and pointed articulation.

The first four articulations of all the tarsi are dilated ; the
first is in the form of a reversed and elongated cone, the lobes
of the two following are equal, narrow and pointed ; the fourth
is in the form of a heart, or reversed triangle without emar-
gination ; the upper surface is excavated for the insertion of
the following. The head is nearly ovaliform.

We shall terminate this section by two, in which the crooks
of the tarsi are indented underneath like a comb, and we shall
commence by those in which the head ovaliform or ovoide,
is separated from the corslet by a sudden decided termina-
tion, forming a kind of knob or ball. The penultimate arti-

* See the second fasciculus de I'Hist. Nat. des Coleopt. d' Eur., and the
first vol. of Spec, gener. de M. le Comte Dejean, and principally I'Entom
Brasil, specimen de M. le Doct. Klug. All the described species are of
South America.

vol,. XTV. O

194 CLASS INSECTA.

culation of the tarsi is always divided up to its base into
two lobes ; the preceding are large, heart-shaped, or like a
reversed triangle. The first articulation of the antennae is
but little elongated. All the known species are from the
new continent.

Ctenodactyla, Dej.

Their exterior palpi are filiformed, with the last articulation
ovaliform. The body is but little elongated, flat, with the
corslet nearly in form of an elongated heart truncated be-
hind.*

Agra, Fabr.

The exterior maxillary palpi are filiform^ and the labial are
terminated by an enlarged articulation securiform or tri-
angular. The body is long and narrow, with the corslet
formed like an elongated cone narrowed before.

The chin is suborbicular, with a tooth in the middle of the
emargination The ligula is nearly cylindrical, without dis-
tinct paraglossae.-f-

Nevertheless, the head is not distinct from the corslet by
a sudden termination, formed like a knot or ball;:|: the arti-
culations of the tarsi are entire in many, and the first are but
seldom dilated. The body is always flat. The paraglossae
are never prominent, and form merely a membranous margin,
round or obtuse at the end.

* Ctenodactyla Chevrolatn, Dej. Spec. I. 227. of Cayenne.

t See the excellent monograph of this genus published by Dr. Klug,
in the second fasciculus de I'Hist Nat. des Coleopt. d'Eur., and the first
vol. of the Spec. Gener. of the Count Dejean. All the species are of the
intertropical America.

\ Slightly drawn back posteriorly in the Demetrias and the Dromias,
but not fixed to the corselet by a ball.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 195

Here the corslet is isometrical, or longer than wide, heart-
shaped, truncated behind. The body is elongated. Such are

Cymindis, Latr. Cymindts anomceus. Fish. Tarus, Clairv.
Carabus, Fabr.

Which have the exterior maxillary palpi filiform, or scarcely
thicker at the extremity, with the last articulation almost
cylindrical ; the same of tlie labial, larger, almost in form of
a hatchet, or reversed triangle in the males at least ; whose
head is not narrowed behind, and in which all the articula-
tions of the tarsi are entire and nearly cylindrical.*

Calleida, Dej.

Entirely similar to Cymindis, except as to the tarsi having the
penultimate articulation bifid, and the preceding triangular.
This sub .genus belongs to America.-f-

Demetrias, Bon.

Analogous to the last by the tarsi, but having the head ovali-
form, narrowed behind, and all the exterior palpi nearly fili-
form, with the last articulation nearly ovoide, or sub-cylin-
drical.

This sub-genus, like the following, is composed of very
few species, inhabiting generally aquatic or humid and
covered places, and almost all European.;]:

Dromias, Bon.

Generally apterous, with the articulations of the tarsi entire,
otherwise like Demetrias.§

♦ See the second and third fasciculus of the Hist. Nat. de Coleopt.
d'Eur., and the first vol of Spec. Gener. of the Count Dej.
f Idem.
X Idem.
§ Idem.

o 9

196 CLASS INSECTA.

In some, the corslet is sensibly wider than it is long, in
the form of the segment of a circle, or a heart broadly and
transversely truncated behind.

There are some in which the middle of the hind edge of the
corslet is elongated backward. Such are

Lebia, Lat. Lebia, Lamprias, Bon.

The exterior palpi are terminated by a somewhat larger
articulation, nearly cylindrical, or ovaliform, and truncated
behind. The first four articulations of the tarsi are nearly
triangular, and the fourth is more or less bifid or bilobed.

These insects are prettily coloured. The commonest species
in Europe is Carabus cyanocephalus^ Lin., Fab. The Bu~
preste blue, and corslet rouge, Geoff. ; Panz. Faun. Insect.
Germ. 65. 5; Hist. Nat, de Coleopt. d'Eur., fasc. III. 12. 7.
Its body is from two lines and a half to three lines and a half
long. It is blue or green, very shining above, with the first
articulation of the antennae, the corslet, and the tarsi of a
fulvous red, the extremity of the thighs black, and the elytra
dotted, marked with light dotted striae.

Another species of our environs is Carabus hcBmorrhoi-
dalts, Fab. Hist. Nat. de Coleopt. d'Eur., fasc. III. 13. 8.,
which is scarcely more than two lines long, whose body is
fulvous, with the elytra black, and terminated by a yellowish
fulvous spot ; they have some light punctated striae, and two
more distinct points near a third at the commencement of the
suture.*

In the ensuing the corslet terminates posteriorly by a
straight line, without advancing at the middle.

Plochionus, Dej.
Which have the antennae nearly grained, the last articulation

* The work above cited.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 197

of the labial palpi large, nearly securiform, the first four
tarsi short, in form of a reversed heart, the fourth being
bilobed.*

Orthogonius, Dej.-f-

Have the tarsi formed like the last, but the antennae are fili-
form, and the exterior palpi are terminated by an articulation
nearly cylindrical.

COPTODERA, Dej.

Have the same palpi as the last, the antennae more or less gra-
nulated, the first three articulations of the anterior tarsi short,
broad, and the same of the four posterior tarsi nearly filiform,
the penultimate of all bifid, but not divided into two lobes.
All the species mentioned by the Count Dejean (Spec. I.
273) are foreign, and for the most part American.

The second section, Bipart'iti, Scaritides. Dej., which we
may also call, from their habits, Diggers, is formed of Cara-
bici, with elytra entire, and slightly sinuated at their posterior
extremity ; having the antennae grained and bent, the head
broad, the corslet broad, commonly cup-shaped, or nearly
semicircular, separated from the abdomen by an interval
which gives thereto a pediculated appearance ; the feet are
generally but little elongated, with the tarsi most frequently
short, alike, or but little different in both sexes, without a
brush underneath, and simply furnished with hairs, or cover-
ed lashes. The two fore-legs are indented on the outside, as
if palmated or digitated in many, and the mandibles are often
strong and indented. The emargination of the chin has a
tooth. They all remain on the ground, hide themselves

* The same work,

f Dej. Spec. I, p. 279 ; the species are entirely exotic. Near this sub-
genus should be placed, apparently, that of Hexagonia of Mr. Kii'by, Lin.
Trans. XIV.

196 CLASS INSECTA.

either in holes they dig, or under stones, and often do not
quit their retreat, except at night. Their colour is generally
uniform black. The larva of Ditomus Bucephalus, the only
one which has been observed, has the form and habits of
Cicindela. These insects inhabit especially the hot countries.

Three sub-genera, by which we will begin, form, by reason
of their labial palpi, terminated by a larger articulation in
form of a hatchet or triangle, a particular group. The last
of these sub-genera conduct us to Scarites, while the first,
which, with reference to the absence of the emargination on
the internal side of both fore-legs, make an exception, appear
to be connected with the" first sub -genera of the family. They
all have strong-toothed mandibles. The exterior maxillary
palpi are terminated by an articulation a little larger ; the
corslet is in form of a cup, or truncated heart ; the abdomen
is pediculated.

Two of these sub-genera form a special subdivision in this
group. Their anterior legs are not palmated. Their an-
tennae are composed of articulations nearly cylindrical, or in
form of a reversed cone. The chin covers nearly all the
under part of the head, as far as the labrum, and often has
no transverse suture at its base. The body is very flat, and
in many species is without wings. They are all of the old
continent, or of New Holland.

Enceladus, Bon.

Their fore-legs have no emargination on the internal edge.
The first articulation of their antennae is a little elongated, and
almost cylindrical ; the third is shorter than the second. The
middle of the upper edge of the tongue is advanced like an
angle or tooth. The corslet is nearly heart-shaped, broadly
truncated, with the posterior angle a little dilated and point-
ed. The labrum is emarginated, or nearly bilobed.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 199

The only described species, Enceladus gigos^ Bon. Mem.
deT Acad, des Scien. de Turin, is from the coast of Angola.

SiAGONA, Latr.* Cucujus, galerita, Fab.

Have a decided emargination on the internal side of the two
fore-legs ; the first articulation of the antennae is elongated
into a reversed cone, and the second is shorter than the third ;
the top of the ligula is straight, without advancing ; the
corslet is nearly cup-shaped, nearly as long as it is wide, and
without posterior projection, and the labrum is indented.

Some have the abdomen oval, and Avithout wings ; in others
it is oval, truncated at the base, and these species have wings.
M. Lefevre has discovered a new one in Sicily. All the rest,
as well of this division as of the last, inhabit northern Africa,
or the East Indies.f

The third sub-genus, by its moniliform antennae, the teeth
on the outer side of the two fore-legs, the ordinary proportions
of the chin, the general form of the body, approach evidently
to the Scarites.

Carenum, Bon.

The jaws are straight, without a terminal hook. The
tongue is round at its summit. The last articulation of the
exterior maxillary palpi is swelled out, and is twice the size
of the preceding.

The only known species {Scarites cyaneus, Fab.) inhabits
New Holland.

All other carabici of this section have not the labial palpi
terminated by a larger and securiform articulation ; the last
is in the form of a reversed and elongated cone, or almost

* Siagona rufipes, Lat. Gener. crust, and insect, I. vii. 9 ; Cucujus
hifipes. Fab. ; Siagona fuscipes, Dej. Spec. I. 359.

\ Siagona atrata, dej)rcssa (Galerita depressa. Fab.), sejus ; Gal, flejus.
Fab. ; Schupelii, Dej.; Scarites Icevigatus, Herbst. Col. 175, 6.

200 CLASS INSECTA.

cylindrical, and thinner at the base ; the corresponding arti-
culation of the exterior maxillary is likewise nearly cylindri-
cal ; all these palpi are nearly of the same thickness through-
out, or sometimes thinner at the extremity.

A first very natural subdivision, and which includes sea-
rites of Fabricius, except the preceding species, will be
composed of bipartite carabi, whose two anterior legs are
palmated, or at least digitated at the end ; that is to say,
terminated exteriorly by a long spine-like point opposed to
an internal strong spur. Their antennae are grained with the
second articulation, as long, and often longer than the fol-
lowing. The mandibles, those of a small number excepted,
are robust, prominent, angular, or toothed on the inner side.
The labrum is very short, transverse, and crustaceous. The
ligula is, in general, entirely corneous, beset with hair or
lashes, much emarginated, or widened at the top with the
lateral angles advanced.

Some have the mandibles very strong, jutting out, and
commonly toothed ; the crustaceous labrum is much indented
on the fore-edge ; the tongue is short, not extending beyond
the chin, entirely corneous, or crustaceous, beset with hairs,
and widened at the upper edge. Their fore-legs are always
palmated. The species are generally large.

One of these sub-genera,

Pasimachus, Bon.

Approximates to the last, with reference to the jaws, which
are straight, and without a terminal hook.

The antennae are of equal size. The body is very flat,
oval, with tlie corslet heart-shaped, widely truncated behind,
almost as wide at its posterior edge as before, and as the base
of the elytra ; this edge is nearly straight, and simply a

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 'SOI

little concave in the middle. This sub-genus belongs to
America.*

According to Dejean (Spec. II. p. 471), after Pasimachus
should follow the genus he has formed under the denomina-
tion Scapterus, an East Indian species, which has been
communicated to him by one of our most zealous entomolo-
gists, M. Guerin, to whom it is dedicated. I am not aware
whether the jaws resemble those of the preceding sub-genus,
but the body has different proportions ; it is elongated and
cylindrical. Their antennae are in proportion shorter than
common ; the second articulation is square, a little thicker
than the others, which are short, nearly square, and increase
progressively.

The following have the jaws arched, and crooked at the
end ; the antennas thickening insensibly toward the top ;
the corslet always separated behind, from the base of the
elytra, by a space, or a decided re-entering angle.

Here the exterior palpi are terminated by a sub-cylindrical
articulation not pointed at the end.

ACANTHOSCELIS, Lat.

Are remarkable by their four hind-legs, which are in the
form of an elongated battledore, arched, flat, and a little con-
cave on the internal face, convex, and covered with little grains
and spines on the opposite side, with the upper surface in-
dented, and the posterior teeth large and compressed ; the
trochanter of both posterior thighs is very large.

The body is short, broad, convex above, with the corslet
transversal, rounded laterally, sinuous on the hinder edge.
The spurs of the fore-legs are very long and the others
nearly laminous.

• Refer to this sub-genus Semites Depressus and Marginatus o[FahT\cius
and of Olivier. See the first vol. of the Spec, of Dejean, p. 405 ; the en-
tomological observations of M. Bonelli, and the work of Palisot do Beau-
vois on the insects collected by him in America and Africa,

202 CLASS INSECTA.

The only species known {Scarites rtificornis, Fab.) inha-
bits the Cape of Good Hope.

Scarites, Fab.

Have the four hind-legs straight, generally united, having
small spines on their edges only ; the intermediate have for
certain on the outer side one or two teeth ; the trochanter of
the posterior thighs is much smaller than the thighs them-
selves. The mandibles are in form of an elongated ti'iangle,
strongly indented at their base. The second and third arti-
culation of the antennae are in form of a reversed cone, nearly
uniform in size, and the following are grained.

Some have two teeth on the outer edge of the interme-
diate legs.

(Scarites pyracmon, Bonelli Dej. Spec. I. 367- Scarites
gigas, OHv. Col. III. No. 36, I. 1 ; Clairv. Entom. Helv.
II. 9.) is about an inch long; wingless; flat; of a shining
black, with the elytra a little enlarged behind ; marked with
very fine striae, slightly dotted, the third stria having near
its termination two deep distinct points. The head, accord-
ing to Dejean, is much larger in the male than in the female ;
it has two impressions and little ridges in front. The corslet
has posteriorly a tooth on each side, and three of them may
be made out on the fore-legs. This is found on the borders
of the Mediterranean, in the south of France, and east of
Spain. M. Lefebvre de Cerisy, a distinguished marine officer
and good entomologist, has published some observations on
its habits.

Scarites terricola, Bonelli Dej. Spec. I. 398, has wings to
the body eight or nine lines long, and black. The fore-legs
have three strong teeth, followed by three other very small
ones ; the outer edge of the two following legs have only one
each. The elytra are elongated, striated, and slightly rugose.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 203

and with three deep points near the third stripe. It is found
with the last.

Scarites sabtdosits, Oliv. Col. III. 36, 1,8; Clairv.
Entom. Helv. II. 9, 6. Scarites IcBvigatus, Fab. Dej., is
very much like the last, but rather smaller ; more depressed ;
wingless ; with the elytra faintly striated. The fore-legs
have only two indentations after the three common teeth. It
inhabits the same locality as the first, and is found also in
Sicily, whence it has been brought by M. Lefebvre.

OXYGNATHUS, Dej.

Essentially similar to Scarites as to the antennae and
palpi ; but having in common with the two following sub-
genera, long, narrow, toothless mandibles, which enlarge con-
siderably, like a pair of nippers ; and the body narrow, elon-
gated, and cylindrical. The antennae are shorter than the
head, and the mandibles united. The labrum is indistinct.
The corslet is nearly square.

The typical species, Scarites elongatus, Wiedem ; Oxygna-
thus elongatus, Dej. Spec. II. 474, is from the East Indies.

In others, the four exterior palpi, or, at least, thelabii, are
terminated by a spindle-shaped articulation, finishing in a
point. The body is elongated and cylindrical, and the man-
dibles long narrow, without observable teeth, as well as those
of Oxygnathus.

OXYSTOMUS, Lat.

Have the labial palpi nearly as long as the outer max-
illaries, bent, with the first articulation, and cylindrical ;
the following but little elongated, and the last spindle-
shaped, long, and very pointed at the end. The antennae
are perfectly moniliform, from the middle of their length,
with their first articulation as long as the three following to-

204 CLASS INSECTA.

gether. ( Oxystomus cylindricus, Dej. Spec. I. p. 410, of
Brazil).

Camptodontus, Dej.

In which the labial palpi are evidently shorter than the outer
maxillaries ; not bent, and terminated like them by a spindle-
formed articulation. The antennae are for the most part
composed of articulations, formed like reversed cones ; the
length of the first scarcely exceeds that of the two following
taken together. {Camptodontus Cayennensis, ib. II. 477-)

The others, whose fore-legs are not indented on the outside,
but simply didactylous at the end, have short mandibles,
extending but little beyond the labrum, which is coriaceous
and entire ; the ligula extends beyond the emargination of
the chin, bare, or but little velvety, with separate protruding
membranaceous paraglossa. The outer palpi are terminated
by an oval articulation, pointed at the end.

These Carabi are small, inhabit humid places, and are not
strangers to the northern regions.

Clivina, Lat.

Have three strong teeth on the outer side of both fore-legs,
and one on that of the two following.*

Dyscuirius, Bon. Clivina, Dej.

Which have at most mere indentations, and small indistinct
spines on the outer side of the two fore-legs ; this outer side
is in general elongated at its extremity into a long point, in
form of a spine or finger, and opposed by another finger,
formed by a strong spine on the inner side. The last articu-
lation of the labial palpi is, in proportion, thicker than the

* Tenebriofossor,'Lm.; Scarites arenarius. Fab.; Clairv. Entom. Hebr.
II. 8. The Clivina of M. Dejean, Spec. I. 411, 1—7.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 205

corresponding articulation of Clivina, and is almost in a
securiform knob. The corslet is in general g-lobular.*

Our second and last sub-division of the Bipartiti will in-
clude those whose fore-legs are neither indented on the out-
side, or bidigitated at the end, and in which the second arti-
culation of the antennas is evidently shorter than the follow-
ing. They approach very near by the manducatory organs to
the last two sub-genera. They have, by some authors, indeed,
been confounded with Scarites, whose appearance and habits
they certainly possess.

Some have the body narrow, elongated, nearly paralleliped
with the corslet nearly square ; the antennae entirely, or
partially granulated ; the last articulation of the outer palpi
sub-cylindrical, and that of the labial palpi like a reversed
cone. They are all exotic.

MoRio, Lat.

Have the antennae of equal thickness throughout, the la-
brum deeply emarginated, the outer palpi filiform, the thighs
oval, and the legs triangular. t

Ox.ENA, Oliv. '^.

The antennae are thicker or swollen at the end, the labrum
entire, the labial palpi terminated by a larger articulation,
nearly hatchet-formed, or triangular ; the thighs and legs
narrow and elongated. ;{:

The others have the body oval or oblong, with the corslet

* divines, Nos. 8 — 21, of M. le Comte Dejean ; but the eighth, or
arctica, appears to have some of the character of Cephalotes.

■J- Harpalus monUicornis, Lat. Gener. Crust, and Insect. I. p. 206 ; Morio
monilicornls, Dej. Spec. I. p. 4?0; Scarit. Georgice, Palis de Beau. vii. 15,
5. ; Morio brasiliensis, Dej. ibid. ; Alorio orientalis, ejusd. ibid.

J Oxcena dentnpes, Oliv. Ency. Method. ; Oxcena rogeri, Dej. Spec. p.
434 ; Oxcena bru ,nea, ejusd. ibid ; OxcEiia gyllhenalii, ejusd.

206 CLASS INSECTA.

nearly heart-shaped or sub-orbicular ; the antennas are fili-
form, composed of articulations for the most part cylindrical,
especially the last (the other being more slender at the base,
and nearly in form of a reversed cone, and the last articula-
tion of the outer palpi is nearly oval or spindle-shaped).
The labrum is emarginated.

These belong to the warm and sandy countries of the
eastern parts of the old continent.

DiTOMUs, Bon. Carabus, Calosoma, Scaurus, Fab.

Whose palpi are shorter than the head, the corslet is heart-
shaped, and the tarsi are short.

Some species, those to which M. Ziegler restores the gene-
ric denomination of ditomus, have the body more elongated,
of the same width, with the head separated on each side from
the corslet by a re-entering angle ; and the males are com-
monly armed with one or two horns.*

The others, or those which compose the genus Aristus, of
the same, have the body shorter, wider in front, with the
head nearly contumous, with the corslet buried therein as
far as the eyes ; the anterior angles are pointed. +

Apotomus, Hoff. Scarites, Ross.

The anterior palpi, of which are very long, the corslet orbi-
cular, and the tarsi filiform and elongated. The external
maxillary palpi are much longer than the head, and termi-
nated by an ovoid-cylindrical articulation. The same of the

* Dej. Spec. I. p. 439. ; first division of Ditomus ; Carabus Calydonius,
from a note sent by him with an individual from the collection of M. Des-
fontaines, forms a very distinct species from Ditomus calyddvius of M. le
Corate Dejean. The males have the mandibles forked, or as if divided into
two horns; the horn of the middle terminates in a point, or rather in a
lance-head ; Calosoma longicornis of Fab. is probably the female of this or
of an allied species.

t The second division of Ditomus ofM. C. Comte Dejean, ibid. p. 444.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 207

labials is in the form of an elongated spindle. I have per-
ceived no tooth in the emargination of the chin.*

Our third section of Carabici, that of the Quadrimani,
Dej., embraces those, which otherwise resembling the last in
their elytra terminating in a point behind, have, in the males,
the four anterior tarsi dilated. The first three or four arti-
culations are in the form of a heart reversed, or triangular,
and almost all terminated by sharp angles ; their underpart
is generally, with the exception of the ophoni, furnished with
two ranges of papillse or scales, with an intermediate linear
vacancy.

The body is always winged, generally ovaliform, and
arched above, or convex ; with the corslet of greater breadth
than length, or, almost, isometrical, squared or trapezoidal.
The head is never abruptly narrowed behind. The antennas
are of the same thickness throughout, or but triflingly and
insensibly thickened towards the end. The mandibles are
never very strong. The external palpi are terminated by an
articulation longer than the preceding, ovaliform or fusiform.
The tooth of the emargination of the chin is always entire,
and is sometimes wanting. The tongue, as well as in the
two following sections, is always remarkably projecting,
obtuse or truncated at the end, and accompanied with two
distinct paraglossae, membranous, and in the form of auricles.
The feet are robust, with spinous legs, and the crotchets of
the tarsi simple. The intermediate tarsi in the females them-
selves are short, and, with the exception of the dilation, con-
formed pretty nearly as in the preceding. These Carabici
delight in sandy places, exposed to the sun.

This section is composed of the genus harpalus, such as

* Scaritesrufus,Ol\v.Co\.U1.36, 11, 13, a. b. Rossi, Faun, Druse, I.
iv. 3. Apotomus rufus, Dej. Spec. I. p. 450; ejus, Apotomus testaceus, ibid,
p. 451.

208 CLASS INSECTA.

M. Bonelli has confined it, in the table which presents the
general distribution of the Carabici. The extent of that has
been since diminished by new sections. They are subordi-
nate to the three following subdivisions.

The first will have for characters, the emargination of the
chin unindentated, the labrum emarginated, the head and the
anterior extremity of the corslet as wide or wider than the
abdomen.

N.B. If the Cyclosomi have the four anterior tarsi dilated,
they will form a fourth division, in consequence of the two
teeth in the emargination of the chin.

The first comprehends three sub-genera.

AciNOPus, Zieg. Dej.

With filiform antennae, composed of short articulations, but
cylindrical, and with the corslet narrowed insensibly from
front to back, with the posterior angles very obtuse
and rounded. The labrum is strongly emarginated. The
mandibles have no teeth ; that of the middle of the emargi-
nation of the chin is broadly truncated.*

Daptus, Fisch., Acmopiis, Dej.

With antennae commencing with the fifth articulation, mani-
liform ; with the corslet abruptly narrowed towards its
posterior angles, which terminate in a point. One of the
mandibles is advanced, and very much pointed. The four
anterior legs, especially those of the males, are well furnished
with small spines.f

* Harpalus megacephalus, Lat. Gen. Crust, et Insect. I. p. 206 ; Carabus
megace2)halus. Fab. Ross. Faun. Etrusc. Append, tab. III. ib.; AciiiQims
viegacephaliis, Dej Catal.

\ Acinopus maculipenniSf Dej. ; Daptus pictus, Fisch. Entom. de la
Russ. II. xxvi. 2, xlvi. 2 ; D. vittatus, ejusd. ibid. 7, var. ? Ditovia vittiger.
Germ. ; D. chloroticus, ejusd, ibid.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 209

Near the dapti appears to come the genus pangus of M .
Megerle, mentioned by M. le Comte Dejean, in the cata-
logue of his collection of coleoptera.

After studying one {Pensylvanicus) of the two species,
which the latter refers to that genus, I have not been able
to discover the characters which distinguish this section from
the preceding.

The second division is composed of harpali, also having
the emargination of the chin vmindented, but whose body,
more or less ovaliform or ovoid, is more narrow in front,
and the labrum is entire, or merely a little concave. These
are : —

Harpalus, Dej.

A species the most common throughout all Europe, is Ca-
rahus ceneus (Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXV. 3, 4.)
Its body is almost four lines long, of a shining black, with
the antennae and the feet fawn-colour. The upper part of
the corslet, and of the elytra, are most frequently green or
coppery, and brilliant, and sometimes of a blueish black.
The corslet is transverse, narrowed behind, finely edged on
the sides, and at the posterior edge, with a punctuated sink-
ing on each side, near the posterior angles. The elytra are
striated, have an incision near their end, and small points
sunk in the intervals of the external striae. It has also re-
ceived the name of Proteus, in consequence of the numerous
changes in its colours.*

* See, for the species, the Catalogue of the Collection of M. le Comte
Dejean, genus Harpalus, p. 14, and for their synonimy, Schcenherr, Syno-
nimia Insectorum, and the Fauna of Austria, of M. Duftschniid. Fabri-
cius has described but a small number, and among those we shall cite
what he names : caliginostts, ruficornis, binotatus, tardus, heros, analis, Jlavi-
labris, Sfc, The carabus signatus, hirtipes of Panzer, also form a part of
this sub-genus.

VOL. XIV. y V

210 CLASS INSECTA.

The absence of a sensible tooth in the emargination of the
chin distinguishes the carabici of the third and last division
of this section, and which, from the form of the body and the
labrum, resemble otherwise those of the preceding division.

Ophonus, Ziegl. Dej.

The males of which have the four anterior tarsi strongly
dilated, or sensibly wider, and generally furnished under-
neath with numerous and crowded hairs, forming a continu-
ous brush. The penultimate articulation is not bilobate.
The last of the external palpi is truncated or very obtuse.

The under part of the body is very finely punctuated.
The corslet is most frequently heart-formed, and truncated
posteriorly.

Stenolophus, Zieg. Dej.

Which differ from the Ophoni only in the form of the last
articulation but one of the four anterior tarsi, at least in the
males, and even of the posterior in some. It is divided as
far as its base into two lobes.*

AcuPALPus, Lat. Stenolophus, Dej.

In which the four anterior tarsi of the males differ little from
the posterior, with the intermediate articulations rounded,
almost grained, and hairy. The external palpi terminate
with an articulation, pointed at the end.

These Carabici are very small, and appear to be connected
with trechus. They are the stenolophi of the Comte Dejean,
with the exception of the preceding. Among others we may
cite the Carabus Meridianus of Linnaeus and Fabricius, and
the C. Vespertinus of Panzer, XXXVII. 21.

* Stenolophus vajjorarionim, Dej. ibid. Carabus vaporarioncm, Lin. Panz.
Faun. Insect. Germ. XVL 7 ; Harpalus saponarius Dufour. Senegal.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 211

The fourth section, that of Simplicimani, approaches the
preceding, as to the mode in which the elytra terminate ; but
the two anterior tarsi alone are dilated in the males ; never-
theless, without forming a squared or orbicular pallet.
Sometimes the first three articulations are by much the
broadest, and the following is then always much smaller
than the preceding. Sometimes this last and the preceding-
two are wider, almost equal, and in the form of a reversed
heart or triangular. The first articulations of the four fol-
lowing tarsi are more narrow, and more elongated, almost
cylindrical, or in the form of an elongated and reversed cone.

Some have the crotchets of the tarsi simple, or without
denticulations.

Here the third articulation of the antennae is, at the most,
once longer than the preceding. The feet are generally ro-
bust, with the thighs thick, more or less ovaliform. The
corslet, measured in its greatest transverse diameter, is as
wide as the elytra.

Sometimes the mandibles are evidently shorter than the
head, and do not pass the labrum but by one half, at the
most, of their length.

We shall commence with those, all of whose external palpi
are filiform.

Zabrus, Clairv. Bon. Pelor. Bon.

Are distinguished from the following by the last articulation
of their maxillary palpi, which is sensibly shorter than the
preceding, and by the two spines which terminate their ante-
rior legs.*

PoGONus, Zieg. Dej.
Which in the natural order appear to us very much approxi-

* Cai'obus gibbus, Fabr. Zabrus gibbus, Clairv. Entom. Helv. II. xi.

p 2

>:

212 CLASS INSECTA.

mating to the amara of H. Bonelli, but are removed from the
other carabici of this division by the mode of dilatation pro-
per to the two anterior tarsi of the males. The first two arti-
culations only, the radical of which is the largest, are dilated.
The following two are small and equal ; their body is gene-
rally more oblong than those of the amara. These insects
appear to inhabit almost exclusively the shores of the sea, or
the banks of salt lakes.*

Tetragonoderus, Dej.

The anterior tarsi of the males are proportionally less dilated
than in the following, • their first articulations being more
narrow, and more elongated, and rather in the form of a
reversed cone than in that of a heart. These insects are
peculiar to South America. •!•

Feronia, Lat. •

In which the anterior tarsi of the male have their first three
articulations strongly dilated, in the form of a reversed heart,
and of which the second and third are rather transverse than
longitudinal.

This sub-genus will comprehend a great number of generic
sections, indicated in the catalogue of the collection of
M. le Comte Dejean, such as the following : Amara, P(V-
cilus, Argidor, Omaseus, Platysma, Pterostichus, Abax,
Steropus, Percus, Molops, Cophosus. This learned ento-
mologist has since acknowledged, in the third volume of his
species, the impossibility of determining them, and with the
exception of the first, which he still preserves, he unites the

* See the Cat. of M. le Comte Dej. M. Germar has represented in his
Fauna of the Insects of Europe, two species : Pogonus /lalophilus, X. l ;
Harpalus luridipennis, VII 2, approximating Pogowe« /jaZ/JdzpewHW, of the
first.

-j- Harpalus circiimfusus of M. Germar, Insect Spec. Nov. I. 26.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 213

Others in a large general section which he terms, with me,
feronia. But even as to amara, in vain have I sought in
the antennas, and the parts of the mouth, any characters
which can precisely distinguish them from the other genera.
That which is drawn from the tooth in the middle of the
emargination of the chin, without speaking of its trifling im-
portance, is very equivocal. This tooth, in all these carabici,
has appeared to me to have at the end an emargination, but
a little more distinct or deeper in some than in others. The
antennas of many are a little grained, or composed of arti-
culations, more short, or more rounded towards the summit,
but it is impossible to assign in a rigorous manner the limits
of this distinction. The same may be said with regard to
the concavity of the anterior edge of the labrum, and the
form of the corslet.

The feroniae may form three divisions ; 1st. The species,
generally winged, Avhose body, more or less oval, is a little
convex, or arched above, with the antennae more filiform, the
head proportionally more narrow, and the mandibles a little
less projecting. In their habits they approach the zabri and
harpali. Such are the Amara, in which the corslet is trans-
verse ; some species, rather shorter, whose corslet is widened
from front to rear, form the genus Leirus of certain authors.
The Scolytus Jlexuosus of Fabricius would appear referable
to this division, but, according to M. le Comte Dejean, the
four anterior tarsi are dilated. It has appeared to me that
they were more so internally than externally. This insect
may form a proper sub-genus ( cyclosomus ) . See, for the pre-
ceding, the third volume of the sjjecies of this naturalist.

To the first division of Feronia also belongs Pcecilus, in
which the corslet is almost as long as broad, and the antennae
rather short, have the third articulation compressed and
angular. Also Argutor, similar to Pcecilus, but with

<214 CLASS INSECTA.

antennae proportionally longer, of which the third articu-
lation is not angular.

2nd. The species generally winged, but whose body is
straight, plane, or horizontal, above, with the head of nearly
equal breadth with the body. They frequent green or humid
places. Such is the genus Platysma of M. Bonelli, to
which we unite that of Omaseus of M. M. Ziegler and
Dejean, and that of Catadromiis of the younger Mr.
Macleay.*

3rd. The third division of Feronia will be composed of
species analogous to those of the preceding, in the assem-
blage of their characters, but which differ by the absence of
wings.

Among these species, some, and the most numerous, and
whose corslet is not always in the form of a truncated heart,
have at the base of the elytra a fold, or transverse edging,

* Those whose body is very much flatted, with the corslet remarkably
narrowed, posteriorly, in the form of a truncated heart, will form a first
division; such is the carabus picimanus of M. Duftschmid, or the C. Mon-
ticola of some others. M. le Comte Dejean places it with Pterostichus.
Some species of Brazil will also enter here. M. Germar (Insect. Nov. Spec.
I. p. 21) has described one of these under the name of Molops Corinthius.

Those whose body is almost parallelipiped, with the corslet almost
squared, little or not at all narrowed behind, will form a second division of
this number; these are the platysma nigra of M. M. Bonelli and Dejean, the
Omaseus of the latter (Catal. p. ) 2), and the Carabus tenebrioides of Olivier,
the type of the sub-genus catadromus, of Mr. Macleay, the son, (Annal.
Jav. I., p. 18. 1. V.) which do not differ from that of Omaseus, but in
the tooth of the chin, which is much larger, and entire. Its elytra have
at their extremity a large sinus, or rather an emargination. It is one of
the largest species of this family.

The HARPALi, nigrita, anthracinus, and atterrimus of M. Gyllenhall,
are Omasei. The last has the posterior angles of the corslet obtuse,
which distinguishes them from all the others. We place in the same
sub-genus the carabus leucopthalmus of Fabricius, or the Melanarms of
Iliger, but it is apterous.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 215

well marked, continuous, and extending as far as the
suture.

Sometimes the corslet is almost square, or in the form of
a truncated heart, with the posterior angles acute.

Those whose body is in a long or cylindrical square, with
the corslet almost square, and but little narrower behind than
before, form the genus Cophosus of M. M. Ziegler and
Dejean. It has been established on one species ( Cylindricus )
of Austria.

We will join to this the Omaseus 7nelanarius of M. le
Comte Dejean, as well as another species of Germany, inter-
mediate between the preceding and the Cophosus Cylinch'icus,
and which is, I believe, the Omaseus elongatus of M. Ziegler.

Those whose body is generally oval, depressed, or but
little convex above, with the corslet large, almost square and
subisometric, always strongly edged laterally, as broad, or
almost as broad at its posterior edge, as at the base of the
elytra, compose the genus Abax of M. Bonelli.

Germany furnishes many species of them. That which
has been named Metallicus and the Molops striolatus of
M. le Comte Dejean, which have the antennas composed of
shorter articulations, or which are almost grained, seem
proper to form a new genus, that of Cheporus.

N.B. The platysma, described and figured by M.
Fischer, (Entom. de Russie, II. xx. 4, and 5,) are proba-
bly analogous to the above.

We find very often in the cold or humid parts of the
forests of ovir environs. {Carabus striola. Fabri. Carahus
depressus. Oliv. col. III. 35, IV. 46.)

Sometimes the corslet, always terminated posteriorly by
two well marked angles, or acute ones, is sensibly narrowed
behind. lis section approaches more or less to that of a trun-
cated heart.

Among these species many have the body depressed or

216

CLASS INSECTA,

plane above, and the antennae composed of articulations to-
lerably elongated, rather obconic than turbinated. M. Bo-
nelli distinguishes them generically under the name of
Pterostichus.

They more particularly inhabit the high mountains of
Europe and the Caucasus.

The environs of Paris furnish but a single species {Cara-
hus oblongo-punctatus, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ.
LXX. iii. 2).

I think with M. Fischer, that the genus 7nyosodus of M,
Megerle does not differ essentially from that of Pterostichus.

Others, whose antennae are almost grained, have the
upper part of the body rather convex and proportionally
broader, and the abdomen shorter. It is the genus molops
of M. Bonelli, which evidently conducts to other very
analogous feroniae, but whose corslet is rounded at the pos-
terior angles, and whose abdomen is ovaliform, the external
angle of the base of the elytra being obtuse or not salient.
The body and the antennae are in general proportionally
longer. These last species have been detached from Pteros-
tichus to form a new genus, that of Steropus, Meg.*

We shall terminate, in fine, this sub-genus with some
species generally rather large, whose corslet has almost
always the form of a truncated heart, and of which the base
of the elytra has no transverse fold, or presents at most but

• See as well for this as the preceding, the Catalogue of M. le
Comte Dejean, and M. Germar (Insect. Spec. Nov. I. p. 26, et seq.).
Some species, such as Molops terricola {Scarites piceus, Panz. Faun. Insect.
Germ. XI. 2). Molops elatus {Scarites gagates, ejusd. XF). Steropus hot-
tentota {Scarites hottentota. Oliv. Col. III. 36, 11. IQ,") have been ranged
with scarites. Carabiis viadidus, of Fabricius, a species common enough
in some southern departments, is a steropus. M. le Comte Dejean forms
a new genus with Sc. Hottentot, in consequence of its anterior feet, the
legs of which are arched, and of some other characters.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 217

a smooth space, and without a posterior edge well terminated.
Such is the character which appears to me the best to signalize
the genus Fergus of M. Bonelli. Neither the relative
length of the two last articulations of the maxillary palpi,
nor the inequality of the proportions of the mandibles, nor
some slight sexual differences taken from the last rings of
the abdomen, distinguish it clearly from the other sub-genera.
These species exclusively inhabit Spain, Italy, and the larger
islands of the Mediterranean. Some are flatted above.*

Myas,

Of M. Ziegler, resemble the Feroniae, with which has been
formed the genus cheporus ; but their corslet is more dila-
ted laterally, narrowed near the posterior angles, and pre-
sents immediately in front of them a small emargination.
The labial palpi are terminated by an articulation evidently
thicker and almost triangular. Two species are known, one
of Hungary {chalyhceus)^ and the other of North Ame-
rica, where it has been discovered by M. Leconte.-f-

Sometimes the mandibles are as long as tlie head, and
advance strongly beyond the chaperon. The body is always
oblong, with the corslet in the form of an elongated heart ;
some resemble the scarites, and others the Lebia.

» Carahus PaykuUi, Ross, Faun. Etrusc. Mant. ]. Tab. V. f. C. Percus
Ebenus, Charp. Hor. Entom. V. I. See also the Annals of Natural
Sciences, and those of the Physical Sciences, by M. M. Bory St. Vincent,
Drapier, and Van-Mons. I refer to the same sub-genus, the Abax Corsi-
CHS of M. le Comte Dejean.

f Some other species, analogous in the fonii of the labial palpi, but
with stronger mandibles, of which the middle tooth of the mentum is
much larger, and proper to the East Indies, form the genus Trigonotoma,
of M. Dejean, whose characters are given in the third volume of his sjiecies.
Here, again, it would seem proper to place the genus, pseudomorpha, of
M. Kirby(Lin. Trans. XIV. 98.).

218 CLASS INSECTA.

Cephalotes, Bon. Broscus. Panz.

Have antenna? whose length equals, for the most part, the
half of that of the body, composed of short articulations,
and the first of which is shorter than the two following taken
together. The right mandible is strongly unidentated at
the internal edge, and the labrum is entire. {Carabiis Cepha-
lotes, Fab. Panz. Faun, Insect, Germ. LXXXIII., i. Ind.
Ent. p. 62.)

Stomis, Clairv.

In which the antennae are longer than one half of the body,
composed of elongated articulations, and of which the first
is longer than the two following joined together. The right
mandible presents towards the middle of its internal side
a strong notch, and the labrum of which is emarginated.
Stomis puinicatus. Clairv. Entom. Helv. II. vi.
The following sub-genus, that of

Catascopus, Kirb.

Is distinguished from the preceding two, to which it other-
wise approximates by the relative length of the third articu-
lation of the antennas, in that the body is flatted, propor-
tionally broader, with the corslet shorter, the elytra strongly
emai'ginated laterally at their posterior extremity, and the
labrum is elongated. The eyes are large and projecting.
These insects have brilliant colours, and resemble at the
first aspect, the cicindelae and elaphri.*

• This sub-genus has been established by Mr. Kirby, on a species of Cara-
biis, {Catascopus Hardivickii, hin. Trans. XIV. iii. i. Hist. Nat. des Coleop.
d'Europe, II. vii, 8 ) of the East Indies, havine the head and corslet green,
the elytra of a greenish blue, with punctuated striae, and the under part
of the body almost blackish. Mr. Macleay (Annal. Jav. LT. p 14.) places
the catascopi in his family of Harpalidse, after Chlenius, and refers to it

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 219

In" others the length of the third articulation of the
antennas is triple, or nearly so, of that of the preceding.
These organs, as well as the feet, are generally slender.

In these, the first four articulations of the anterior tarsi of
the males are broad, and the penultimate is bilobate.

CoLPODES, Macl,

This sub-genus, established by Mr. Macleay (the son),
Ann. Jav. I. p. I7, t. i., fig. 3, appears to have great rela-
tions with the preceding and the following. According to
him the labrum is in a transverse and entire square. The
emargination of the mentum is simple, or without tooth.
The head is almost of the length of the corslet. This last
is almost in the form of a truncated cone, emarginated in
front, with the sides rounded, and a litte bordered. The
elytra are a little emarginated. The lobes of the penultimate
articulation of the anterior tarsi of the male are larger. The

the C. elegans of Fabricius, ranged with the Elaphri, by M. Weber. He
distinguishes them from another neighbouring sub-genus, which he esta-
blishes under the name of Pericahis, by its antennae, the second and
third articulations of which are almost of equal length, while here the
third is the longest ; by the mandibles, which are short, thick, and curved,
instead of being advanced, and almost parallel; also, by reason of the
palpi, which are short and thick, with the last articulation ovoid, almost
truncated, while those of the perlcali are slender and cylindrical. Finally,
because here the head is broader than the corslet, which does not take place
in catascopus. The eyes, besides, are very prominent and globular in Peri-
calus, which gives them some resemblance to Elaphrus and Cicindela.
He has described but one species (Pericalus ciciiideluides, 1. 2.); but we
are yet ignorant what are the sexual differences, especially in relation to
the tarsi. The form of the tongue of catascopus, and that of the legs,
remove them from Elaphrus and Tachys. The insects approach much
more to the Chlenia, Anchomenus, Sphodms, &c. Many simplicimanous
Carabici have the extremity of their elytra strongly sinuated at the end,
and in this character are hardly distinguishable from the Truncatijienncs.

!220 CLASS INSECTA.

body is a little convex. He cites but a single species —
{Brunneus).

In those all the articulations of the tarsi of the two sexes
are entire.

(MottMOLYCE, Hegemb.)

The body is very much flatted, foliaceous, and much
more narrow in its anterior moiety. The head is very long,
very narrow, and almost cylindrical. The corslet is ovali-
form, and truncated at the two ends. The elytra are very
much dilated, and arched externally, with a profound emar-
gination at the internal side, near their extremity.

The only species knoAvn (Phyllodes) has been the object
of a particular monograph, published by M. Hagembach,
and is found in Java.

Sphodiius, Clairv. Bon. Lcemosthenus, Bon. Carabus, Lin.

Have the body depressed, but not foliaceous, with the
head ovoid, the corslet in the form of a heart, and the elytra
without external dilatation or internal emargination.

Many of these insects abide in cellars.*

The last of the simplicimani are distinguished from all
the others, by the internal denticulations of the crotchets of
the end of their tarsi.

Some have all their external palpi filiform, and the corslet
either in the form of a heart, narrowed and truncated pos-
teriorly, or in that of a trapezium, widening from front to
rear.

• Carabus leucopthalmus, Lin. Carabus planus. Fab. Fanz. Paun. Insect.
Germ. xi. 4. In the S^ihodrus terricola {Carabiis terricola. Payk. Oliv. Col.
III. XXXV. 11. 124), the crotchets of the tarsi present some small denticu-
lations, as in the following sub-genus.

ORDER COLEOPTERA- 221

Ctenipes, Lat. Lcemosthenus, Bon.

Whose body is straight and elongated, with the corslet in
the form of a heart, narrowed and truncated posteriorly.
The third articulation of the antennae is elongated.*

Calathus, Bon.

In which the body is oval, arched above, with the corslet
square, or trapezoid, and broader posteriorly. -}-

The others have the labial palpi terminated in a club-
form, or in that of a reversed cone, and the corslet almost
orbicular.

Taphria, Bon. Synuchus, Gyllen.

The emargination of the mentura is bidentated, as well as
in the preceding sub-genus (Carabus vivalis, llig. Panz.,
ibid, xxxvii. 19).

The fifth section, that of Patellimani, is distinguished
from the preceding only by the manner in which the two
anterior tarsi are dilated in the males. The first articula-
tions (generally the first three), sometimes square, some-
times partly in this form, and the others in the form of a
heart, or reversed triangle, but always rounded at their extre-

* The Sphodri, janthinus, complanatus, and many others of M. le Comte
Dejean, which are distinguished from the true Sjjhodri, by the shortening
of the third articulation of the antennae, and the articulations of the
crotchets of the tarsi. These two sub-genera are confounded together
almost insensibly. M. Fischer has figured many species of one and the
other under the generic denomination of Sphodrus, in the second volume
of his Entomology of Russia.

-|- Carabus Melanocephalus, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. xxx. 19.
C. cisteloides. ibid. xi. 12. C. fuscus. Fab. C. frigidus. ejusd. — See the
Catal. de la Collect, de M. le Comte Dejean, and M, Germar, Insect.
Spec. Nov. I. p. 13.

222 CLASS INSECTA.

mity, and not terminated, as in the preceding sections, by
acute angles, form an orbicular palette, or a long square,
the under part of which is most frequently furnished with
brushes, or crowded papillae, without a vacancy in the
middle.

The feet are usually narrow and elongated. The corslet
is often more narrow in all its length than the abdomen.
They frequent for the most part the banks of rivers, or
aquatic places.

We shall divide the patellimani into those whose head
narrows insensibly behind, or at its base, and into those in
which the narrowing takes place abruptly behind the eyes,
so that the head seems to be borne on a sort of neck or
pedicle.

The first may also be subdivided into two.

Some, whose mandibles terminate always in a point, and
the palette of the tarsi is always narrowed, elongated, and
formed by the first three articulations, the second and third
of which being square, have the labrum entire, or without
remarkable emargination, and one or two teeth in the emar-
gination of the chin. The anterior extremity of the head
is not bordered.

Here the under part of the palette of the tarsi presents,
as in the preceding, two longitudinal series of papillae, or
hairs, with one intermediate void, and not a crowded and
continued branch. The external palpi are always filiform,
and terminated by an articulation almost cylindrical, or cy-
lindrico-ovaliform.

Sometimes the body is very much flatted.

DoLicHus, Bon.,

Which approximate to the last sub-genera, and are removed
from all the following by the crotchets of their tarsi being
denticulated underneath. Their corslet is in the form of a

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 228

truncated heart. Carahusflavicornis, Fab. Preysl. Bohem.
Insect., I., iii. 6, and some other species of the Cape of
Good Hope.

Platynus, Bon.

Similar, as to the form of the corslet, but with the crotchets
of the tarsi simple.

The wings are either wanting or imperfect in some of
them.*

Agonum, Bon.

In which the corslet is almost orbicular. -|-

Sometimes the body is of an ordinary thickness. The
corslet is always in the form of a truncated heart.

Anchomenus, Bon.

The under part of the palette of the tarsi is furnished
with a thick and continuous brush. The external palpi, and
above all, the labial are, in many, terminated by an articu-
lation thicker, or wider, in the form of a reversed triangle. ;{:

We shall commence with those which are filiform.

Callistus, Bon.

Have the tooth of the emargination of the chin entire, the
external palpi terminated by an ovaliform articulation, and

* Platynus Complanatus, Bon. Carahus AngusticoUis, Fab. Panz. Faun.
Insect. Germ. Ixxiii. 9. Plafynus hlandus. Germ. Insect. Spec. Nov. I.
p. 12. Carahus scrobicuIatiiSjVah. Harpalus livens, Gyll.

f Harpalus Viduus,Gy\\.', Panz, i6«W. XXXVII, 18 j Carahus mar ginatus.
Fab. Panz. ihid. XXX. 14,- C. 6-punctatus, Fab. Panz. ibid. XXX. 13;
C. parum-punctatus. Fab. Panz. ihid. XCII. 4 ; C. 4:-punctatus, Fab. Oliv.
Col. III. 55. xiii. 158, per the Catalogue of M. Dejean. He forms the
A. rotundahim, and some others into a new genus.

X Carahus prasinus. Fab. Panz. ihid. XVI. 6 ; Carahus albipes, Fab. Panz.
ihid. LXXIII. 7; C. obiongus. Fab. Panz. ibid. XXXIV. 3.

224

CLASS INSECTA.

pointed at the end, and the corslet in the form of a truncated
heart.*

OoDEs, Bon.

Resemble Callistus as to the tooth of the emargination of the
chin, but have the last articulation of the external maxillary
palpi cylindrical, and the same of the labial in a truncated
oval. The corslet is trapezoidal, more narrow in front, and
of the breadth of the base of the abdomen, at its posterior
edge, C helopiodes. Fab. Panz. ibid. xxx. 11.

Chl^nius, Bon.

In which the tooth of the emargination of the mentum is
bifid, which have the external maxillary palpi terminated by
an articulation almost cylindrical, a little attenuated at the
base, and the last of the labial in the form of a reversed and
elongated cone.

Carahus Saponaceus of Olivier (Col. Til. 36. iii. 26),
which they employ in Senegal as a sort of soap, belongs to
this sub-genus. -f-

In the following the external palpi are terminated by a
broader and compressed articulation, in the form of a reversed
triangle, or hatchet, and more dilated in the males. The
tooth of the emargination of the mentum is always bifid.

• Carahus lunatus. Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XIV. 5; Dej. Spec.
II. p. 296.

f C Cinctus, Fab. Herbst. Archiv. XXIX. 7; C.festivus, Fab. Panz.
ibid. XXX. 1.5; C. Spoliatus, Fab. Panz. ibid. XXXI. 6; Chloenius vcluti-
nus, Dej. ; Carahus ductus, Oliv. Col. III. 35. iii. 28 ; C. holosericeus. Fab.
Panz. ibid. XL 9 ; C. nigriconus. Fab. Panz ibid. XL 9. h. c. C. agrorum,
Oliv. ibid. 'X.ll. 144; C. 4-sulcatus, Payk, and many other exotic species
of Fabricius, such as the following: tenuicoUis, occulatus, posticus, micans,
quadriculor, stigma, amnion, carnifex, &c. See the second vol. of the Spec,
of M. le Comte Dejean.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 225

Epomis, Bonelli,

To which we join Dingdes, in which the last articulation of
the palpi is a little more dilated.*

The genus Lissauchenus, of Mr. Macleay (the son), Ann.
Jav. I. i. 1., appears to me to differ but little from the pre-
ceding.

The others have, most frequently, the mandibles very
obtuse, or, as it were, truncated and forked, or bidentated
at their extremity. Their labrum is distinctly emargi-
nated, or bilobate, and the anterior portion of the head from
which it originates, is bordered, and often concave. The
emargination of the chin presents no tooth. The palette of
the tarsi of many of them is broad, and almost orbicular.

These have the mandibles terminated in a point, without
emargination or tooth below it.

The palette of the tarsi of the males is formed by the first
three articulations.

Rembus, Lat.

The labrum is bilobate. The external maxillary palpi are
filiform, and the last articulation of the labials is a little
swelled, in the form of a reversed and elongated cone.

The head is narrow, relatively to the breadth of the body.
The antennae and palpi are slender.-}-

Dic^Lus, Bon.
The labrum is simply emarginated with an impressed and

• Dinodes 7'ufipes, Bon. Dej. Spec. II. p. 372; Carabus azureus, Duft.
Chkenius azureus, Sturm, V. cxxvii; Epomis circumscriptus, Dej. Spec.
II. p. 369 ; Carabus cinctuSy Ross. Faun. Etrusc. I. iv. 9 ; Carabus crcBsus,
Fab.

-j- Rembus politus, Dej.; Carabus politus. Fab.; Herbst. Archiv. XXIX.
2 ; R. Impressus, Dej. ; Carabus imj)ressu^. Fab.

VOL. XIV. a

226 CLASS INSECTA.

longitudinal line in the middle. The last articulation of the
external palpi is larger, and almost hatchet-formed.

The body is almost parallelipiped, with the head almost as
wide as the corslet, and the elytra strongly striated, and often
careened laterally. The mandibles are arched below, at the
internal edge, and, as it were, truncated afterwards, and
terminating in a point. The species which are known are
American.

Those have the mandibles very obtuse, emarginated at
their extremity, or unindentated underneath.

.LiciNus, Lat.

Have the last articulations of the external palpi larger, and
almost in the form of a hatchet. The palette of the tarsi of
the males is broad, sub-orbicular, and formed by the two
first articulations, of which the basilary is very large.*

Badister, Clairv. Amblychus, Gyll.,

In which the last articulation of the external palpi is ovali-
form. That of the labial is simply a little thicker (often
terminated in a sharp point). The palette of the tarsi is in a
long square, and formed by the first three articulations.-h

The last patellimani, or those which compose their
second general division, have the head suddenly narrowed
behind the eyes, and distinguished, as it were, from the cors-
let, by a sort of neck or pedicle. It is often small, with the

* Carahus Agricola, Oliv. Col. III. 55. V. 53; C. Selphoides, Fab.;
Sturm, III. Ixxiv. a ; C. Emarginatus, Oliv. ihid. XIII. 1 50 ; Carahus cas-
sideus. Fab. ; C. depressus, Payk, Sturm, ihid. LXXIV v. V. ; C. Hoffvmn-
segii, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXXIX. 5. See the species of M. le
Comte Dejean, II. p. 392, 401.

•j- Carahus hipustu'atus. Fab. Clairv. Entom. Helv. II. xiii. ; C.peltatus
Ilig. Panz. ibid. XXXVII. 20. See the second volume of the Species of
Count Dejean, pp. 405, 411. -•

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 227

eyes projecting. In many the tongue is short, and advances
but little beyond the emargination of the mentum.

Here, this emargination has no tooth. The mandibles are
strong, and the labrum is strongly emarginated, and almost
bilobate. Such are —

Pelecium, Kirby.

The last articulation of the external palpi is in the form
of a hatchet. The tongue is short. The body is oblong,
more narrow in front. The first four articulations of the
anterior tarsi of the males are in the form of a reversed
triangle, furnished with a brush underneath, and the fourth
is bifid.

The species of this sub- genus, and the following, are
proper to South America, Pelecium cyanipeSy Kirb. Trans.
Lin. Soc, XII, xxi. 1.

Here, the emargination of the chin presents a tooth.
The mandibles are generally small and moderate in the
others. The labrum is entire, or but very slightly emargi-
nated.

Some approach to pelecium, in regard to the exterior palpi,
terminated also by a larger articulation, in the form of a
hatchet, or reversed triangle. Their head is always small,
and the corslet is orbicular or trapezoid,

Cynthia, Lat. Aupar. Micvocephalus,

In the males of which the first articulations of the anterior
tarsi are in the form of a reversed triangle, and compose the
palette ; they are furnished with a brush underneath, and
the fourth is bifid.

The head and mandibles are proportionally stronger than
in the following sub-genus. The external palpi are less
elongated, but more compressed at the end. The body is

Q 2

228 CLASS TNSECTA.

oval, with the corslet trapezoidal, wider posteriorly, plane,
bordered, and furrowed longitudinally.

This sub-genus is established on certain Brazilian species,
having, as well as the Diclus, the appearance of the Jba.v
of Mr. Bonelli.

Panag.eus, Lat.,

In which the palette of the tarsi, proper to the males, is
formed only by the first two articulations.

The head is very small, comparatively with the body, and
the eyes globular. The mandibles, jaws, and tongue are also
very small. The corslet is most frequently sub -orbicular.* '

In the following sub-genera, and which terminate this
section, the external palpi are filiform. The last articulation
of the maxillary palpi is almost cylindrical, and the same
of the labial is almost ovaliform, or almost in a reversed and
elongated cone. The first sub-genus, that of

LORICERA, Lat,

Is very remarkable. Its antennae are setaceous, curved,
with the second articulation, and the following four shorter
than the last, and furnished with bundles of hairs. The
mandibles are small. The jaws are barbed externally. The
labrum is rounded in front. The labial palpi are longer
than the maxillary. The eyes are very much projecting.
The corslet is almost orbicular, or heart-formed, broadly
truncated, and rounded at the posterior angles. The first

* Carabus crixx-major. Fab. Clairv. Entom. Helv. II. xv. ; Carabus notu-
latus. Fab.; Cychrus refiexus. Fab. Oliv. CoL III. 35, vii.; Carabus
angidatus. Fab. Oliv. ibid. vii. 76 ; Panagee a quatre taches, Cuv. Regne
An. IV. xiv. 1. See the ?Lri\c\e panagee, of the Encyc.'Method., and the
second vol. of the Spec, of Count Dejean, p. 283, and following.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 229

three articulations of the anterior tarsi are dilated in the
males.*

Patrobus, Meg.

Have fiHform antennae, straight, and without bundles of
hairs, with the fourth and the following articulations equal,
and almost cylindrical. The mandibles are of the usual size.
The labrum is in a transversal square, with the interior edge
straight. The length of the labial palpi does not exceed that
of the maxillary. The corslet is in the form of a truncated
heart, with the posterior angles acute. The first two articu-
lations of the anterior tarsi alone, are dilated in the males.
The eyes are less projecting, and the neck is less narrow than
in the preceding sub-genus. — Carahus riifipes^ Fab. C. exca-
vattis, Payk, Panz. ibid, xxxiv, 2. M. le Comte Dejean, in
the catalogue of his collection, mentions two other species,
one of Portugal, and the other of North America.

We shall now pass to the carabici, whose anterior legs
have no emargination in the interior side, or which have but
one, but commencing very near the extremity of these legs,
or not advancing on their anterior face, and forming only an
oblique and linear canal. The tongue is often very short,
terminating in a point in the middle of its summit, and ac-
companied with paraglossae, also advancing in a point. The
mandibles are robust. The last articulation of the external
palpi is usually more large, compressed in the form of a
reversed triangle or hatchet in some, almost spoon-formed in
others. In the males it is often more dilated, which is pecu-
liarly sensible in the procerus. The eyes are projecting.
The elytra are entire, or simply sinuated at their posterior
extremity. The abdomen is usually voluminous compara-

* Loricera cenea, Lat. ; Carahus pilicornis. Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect.
Germ. XL. 10; Oliv. Col. III. 35, xi. 119. Dej. Spec. II. p. 293.

2^0 CLASS INSECTA.

tively to the other parts of the body. These carabici are for
the most part of large size, ornamented with brilliant metallic
colours, run very fast, and are extremely carnivorous. They
will compose a peculiar section, the sixth of the genus, and
which we shall name Grandipalpi, a denomination more
characteristic than that of abdominales, which we formerly
applied to it.

A first division will have for characters, the body always
thick, without wings ; labrum always bilobate ; last articu-
lation of the external palpi always very large ; emargination
of the chin without tooth ; internal side of the mandibles
entirely, or almost entirely denticulated in its length.

In some the mandibles are arched, strongly denticulated in
all their length, and the lateral external extremity of the first
two legs is prolonged into a point. The last articulation
of the external palpi is a semi-oval longitudinal, with the
internal side arched. The internal maxillary palpi are
straight, with the last articulation much larger than the first,
and almost ovoid. The emargination of the chin is of no
great depth. Such are the characters of

Pamborus, Lat.

But a single species is known {Pamborus alternans), Cuv.
Reg. An. V. xiv. 2, Dej. Spec. TI. 18, 19, and which was
brought from New Holland by M. M. Peron and Lesueur,

In others the mandibles are straight, simply arched, or
crooked, and dilated at their extremity. The two anterior
legs are not prolonged in the manner of a spine at their la-
teral extremity. The last articulation of the external palpi
is much larger than the preceding, concave above, almost in
the form of a spoon. The chin is profoundly emarginated,
proportionally more elongated than in the following sub-
genera, thick on the sides in most of them, and as it were
divided longitudinally into three spaces. The elytra are

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 231

synostosized, careened laterally, and embrace a part of the
sides of the abdomen. These carabici compose the genus
Cychrus of PaykuU and Fabricius, but which has been since
modified in the following manner.

Those whose tarsi are similar in both sexes, whose corslet
is in the form of a truncated heart, more narrow behind, or
almost orbicular, and not raised on the sides, with the poste-
rior angles either obliterated or rounded, have alone preserved
the generic denomination of

Cychrus.*

Those in which the males have the first three articulations
of the anterior tarsi dilated, but feebly so, and palette-formed.
The corslet is in the form of a trapezium, broad, emargi-
nated at the two ends, raised on the sides, with the posterior
angles acute and recurved, compose another generic section,
that of

ScAPHiNOTUs, Lat. Dej.

Cychrus elevatus, Fab. Knock. Beytr. I. viii. 12., Dej. Spec.
XL, p. 17.

Other species in fine having the appearance of Cychrus,
but whose anterior tarsi have, in the males, the first two arti-
culations very much dilated, and forming with the following,
which is less so, and the figure of which is that of a heart,
a palette, are, according to M. Dejean,

Sph.eroderus.

The species of these last two sub-genera are peculiar to
America.

* Cychrus Rostratus, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXIV. 5 ; Clairv.
Entom. Helv. II. xix. A ; C. attcnuatus. Fab. Panz. ibid. II. 3 ; Clairv,
ibid. xix. B. ; C. Italicus, Bon. Observ. Entom. (Mem. de Acad, de Turin.)
See for the other species, Spec, de M. le Comte Dejean, II. p. 4, et seq.

282 CLASS INSECTA.

The second division of this section contains carabici, having,
like the preceding, the body thick, most frequently without
wings, but the chin is furnished, in the middle of its emargi-
nation, with an entire or a bifid tooth, and the mandibles are,
at the most, armed with one or two teeth, situated at their
base.

The corslet is always in the form of a truncated heart.
The abdomen is most frequently ovaliform.

Some, the labrum of which is occasionally entire, have all
the tarsi identical in the two sexes.

Tefflus, Leach,

Are the only ones of this division of which the labrum is
entire, or without emargination.

Tefflus of Megerle (Carabus Megerlei, Fab. Voet. col.
II. xxxix. 49) is about two inches long, and inhabits the
coast of Guinea, and the eastern extremity of the Senegal.
It is altogether black, with the corslet wrinkled, and the
elytra divided by longitudinal ribs, and having raised points
in their furrows. The last articulation of the external palpi
is very large, in the form of an elongated hatchet, with the
internal side curvilinear. The tooth of the emargination is
very small. The third articulation of the antennae is at
least three times longer than the second.

Procerus, Meg.

Have the labrum bilobate. All the known species are equally
of a large size, either entirely black, or of that colour under-
neath, and blue or greenish above, with the elytra very much
chagreened. They generally inhabit the mountains of the
eastern and southern countries of Europe, and those of the
Caucasus and Mount Libanus.*

* Carabus scahrusus. Fab. ; C. Gigas, Creutz Entom. I. ii. 13; C. scabro-

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 233

The others, and the labrum of which is always divided
into two or three lobes, have the anterior tarsi very sensibly
dilated in the males.

These are never winged ; their mandibles are smooth, and
one or two teeth have been remarked at their base, or at least
at the base of one of them. The corslet is in the form of a
truncated heart, subisometrical, or more long than broad.
The abdomen is ovaliform.

Procrustes, Bonn.

The labrum of which is tribolate, and the tooth of the
emargination of the chin is bifid. — Carahus coi-iaceiis. Fab.
Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXXI. 1. See second vol. of
the Spec, of Count Dejean, n 26, and following.

Carabus, Lin. Fab. Tachijpus, Web.

In which the labrum is simply emarginated or bilobate,
and of which the tooth of the emargination of the chin is
entire.

M. le Comte Dejean has described one hundred and twenty-
four, which he has distributed into sixteen divisions. The
first thirteen comprehend those whose elytra are convex or
gibbous, and the last three those in which they are plain, and
of which M. Fischer forms two genera, plecfes and cechemis^
founded on the relative proportions of the head and corslet.*

sus, Oliv. Col. III. 55, vii. 82, described and figured long ago by Mouffet,
Ins. theath. 159; P. tauricus, Dej. Spec. II. 24; Carabus scabrosus, Fisch,
Entom. de la Russ. I. ii. i. b. d. f . ; Procerus caucasicus, Dej. ibid, 25;
Carabus scabrosus, Fisch. ibid. c. e. M. Labillardiere has found, on Mount
Libanus, another, but an unpublished species.

• Carabus HisjJanus, Fab. Germ. Faun. Insect. Eur. VIII. 2; C. cyaneus.
Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXX. I. 2 ; C. Creutzeri, Fab. Panz. ib.
CIX 1. ; C de2}ressus, Bonell. ; C. osseticus, Dej.; plectes osseticus, Fisch.
Entopi. de la Russia, II, xxxiiii, 3 ; C. Fabricii, Panz. ibid. CIX. 6 ; C.

^34) CLASS INSLCTA.

The consideration of the surface of the elytra furnishes
the other secondary characters of these divisions, and such
has been the method of M. M. Clairville and Bonelli. The
major part of these species inhabit Europe, the Caucasus,
Siberia, Asia Minor, Syria, and the North of Africa, as far
as about the thirtieth degree of north latitude. Some are
also found at the two extremities of America, and it is pro-
bable that the mountains of the intermediate countries also
possess some others.

Among the species with convex and oblong bodies, one of
the most common is (C. Auratus Lin.) Panz. Faun. Insect.
Germ. LXXXI. 4, vulgarly called the Gardener. Nearly
an inch long, of a golden green above, black underneath,
with the first articulations of the antennae, and the feet fawn-
colour. The elytra are furrowed, unindentated at the exterior
edge near their extremity, especially in the female, with three
smooth ribs on each.

This Carabus disappears in the South of Europe, or is no
longer found but in the mountains.*

irregularis. Fab. Panz. ibid. V. 4 ; C. pyrceneus, Dufuur. The last two
enter into the genus cechenus, of M. Fischer. Their head is proportion-
ally broader than those of the preceding species, or of the plates of M.
Fischer.

• Add, C. auro-nitens. Fab. Panz. ibid. IV. 7; C. nitens. Fab. Panz.
LXXXV. 2 ; C. coelatus, F. Panz. ibid. LXXXVII. 3 ; C. purpurascens, F.
Panz. ibid. IV. 5; C. catenatus, F. Panz. ibid LXXXVII. 4; C. Catenida-
tm, F. Panz. ibid. IV. 6 ; C. affinis, Panz. ibid. CIX. 5 ; C. Scheidlerii, F.
Panz. ibid LXVI 2; C. Monilis, F. Panz. ibid. CVIII. 1; C. consitus,
Panz. ibid. 3 ; C. cancellatiis, F. Panz. ibid. LXXXV. 1 ; C. arvensis, F.
Panz. ibid. LXXIV. 3, LXXXI. 3 ; C. morbillosus, F. Panz. ibid. LXXXL
5 ; C. granulatm, F. Panz. ibid. 6 ; C. violaceus, F. Panz. ibid. XXXIX. 7 ;
C. glabratus, F. Panz. ibid. LXXIV. 4 ; C. convexus, F. Panz. ibid. 5 ; C.
hortensis, F. Panz. ibid. V. 2 ; C. nodulosus, F. Panz. ibid. LXXXIV. 4 ; C.
Sylvestris, F. Panz. ibid. V. 3 ; C. gemmatus, F. Panz ibid. LXXIV. 2 ; C.
ceeruleus, Panz. ibid. CIX. 2 ; C. concolor, F. Panz. ibid. CVIII. 2 ; C. Lin-

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 235

Those are for the most part winged. Their mandibles are
striated transversely, without perceptible teeth on the inter-
nal side. The corslet is transverse, equally dilated and
rounded laterally, without elongations at the posterior angles.
The abdomen is almost squared. Their external palpi are
less dilated at their extremity. The second articulation of
the antennas is short, and the third elongated. The four
hinder legs are arched in many of the males.

Calosoma, Web. Fab. Calosoma, Callisthenes, Fischer.

This sub-genus is much less numerous than the preceding,
but its species extend from the north to the equator.

Carabus Sycophantha, Lin. Clairv. Entom. Helv. II.
xxi. A.

From eight to ten lines in length, of a violet black, with
the elytra of a golden green, or very brilliant copper colour,
very finely striated, and having each three lines of little deep
and distant points.

Its larva lives in the nest oi processionary caterpillars, on
which it feeds. It will eat a great number of them in one
day. Some other larvae of its own species, as yet young and
small, attack and devour it, when by dint of having gorman-
dized it has lost its activity. They are black, and are some-
times found running on the ground, or on trees, and more
especially on the oak.*

ncBi, Panz. ibid. CIX. 5 ; C. angustatus, Panz. ibid 4. See for the synonimy
of these species, and others of the same sub-genus, the second vol. of the
species of M. Le ComteDejean, pp. 50, 189.

* Add, C. inquisitor. Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXXI. 7 ; C.
7'eticulatum, F. Panz. ibid. 9 ; C. indagator, F. Clairv. Ent. Helv. II. xxi. B.
C. scrutator, F. Leach, Zool. Misc. xciii ; C. calidum, F. Oliv. Col. III.
35, iv. 45, and ii. 21. The C. porculatum of Fabricius is an liclops. See
the second volume of the Species of M. Le Comte Dejean, p. 190, and
followino;.

230 CLASS INSECTA.

The third and last division of the grandipalpi presents an
assemblage of characters which mark it distinctly from the
preceding. The most part of them have wings. The
anterior tarsi of the males are always dilated. The labrum
is entire. The external palpi are merely a little dilated, or a
little thicker towards their extremity, with the last articula-
tion in the form of a reversed and elongated cone. The in-
ternal side of the mandibles presents no notable teeth. That
of the middle of the emargination of the chin is bifid. The
middle of the upper edge of the tongue rises into a point.
The anterior limbs of many have at the interior side a short
emargination, or one of the two spurs inserted above the other,
so that in this point of view these carabici are ambiguous,
and may come, as well as those of the following section, im-
mediately after the patellimani. They generally frequent
humid and watery places. Some of them, such as Oma-
phron, seem even to unite this tribe with the following, or
the aquatic carnivora.

Some, whose body is flatted, or gibbous and orbicular, have
eyes of the usual size, the antennae linear, and composed of
articulations generally elongated, and almost cylindrical, the
external side of the jaws barbed, and the two internal spurs
of the two anterior limbs on a level from their origin. These
legs have but a simple longitudinal canal.

Sometimes the body is of an oblong oval, flatted, with the
corslet in the form of a truncated heart, narrowed behind.
The sentellum is distinct. The first three articulations of the
anterior tarsi of the males are dilated.

PoGoxoPHORUs, Lat. Gyll. Leishcss, Froel. Clairv. Carahus,
Fab. Manticora, Panz.

Remarkable for the elongation of their external palpi, and
the labial being longer than the head ; for their mandibles,
the external side of which forms a salient and flatted angle ;

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 237

and finally, for their tongue, which is advanced and termi-
nated by three spines. Their head is suddenly narrowed
behind the eyes_, and the articulations of their antennae are
long and slender. All the known species are European.*

Nebria, Lat.

Which do not differ from pogonophorus, but in negative
characters, or in that the palpi are much shorter, that the
external side of the mandibles is little or not at all dilated,
and forms only a very small auricle, not advancing beyond
the basis of the jaws ; that the tongue is short, and the head
presents no vestiges of a neck. The antennas are also propor-
tionally more thickj and composed of shorter articulations.-f-

Alp.eus, of M. Bonelli.

Are only apterous nebriae, a little more oblong, and which
more especially inhabit the high mountains. (C. Helwigii,
of Panzer, Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXXIX. 4, is an Alpseus.
See the Spec, of M. Dejean, p. 22, et seq.)

Sometimes the body convex, or gibbous above, is almost
orbicular, with the corslet very short, transverse, very much
emarginated in front, wider, and lobate posteriorly. The
sentellum is not apparent. The first articulation of the two
anterior tarsi of the males, and sometimes the same of the

• Carahm spinibarbis. Fab.; Leistus cceruleus, Clairv. Entom. Helv. II.
xxiii. A. a. ; C. Spinilabrh, Fab. ; Leistus rufescens, ibid. B. b.; C. rufescens.
Fab. ; Carabus terminatus, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. VII. ii. See for the
other species the second volume of the Spec, of Count Dejean, p. li2,
et seq.

■)• Nebria arenaria, Lat. Gen. Crust, et Insect. I 2. vii. 6; Carabus bre-
vicolUs, Fab. Panz, ibid. XI. 8 ; Clairv. ibid. 1. XXII. B; C. Sabulosus, Fab.
Clairv. ibid. A. Panz. ibid. XXXI. 4 ; C. picicornis, Fab. Panz. ibid. XCII.
1 ; C. psammodes, Ross. Faun. Etrusc. Mant. I. v. M.

238 CLASS INSECTA.

intermediate tarsi, as in the 0. Melange^ is alone sensibly
dilated.

Omopheon, Lat. iScolytus, Fab.

This sub-genus is composed of a small number of species
which are found on the banks of waters in Europe, in North
America, in Egypt, and at the Cape of Good Hope. M.
Desmarest has described the larva of the most common spe-
cies. Its form approaches that of the larva of dytiscus. The
anatomical observations of M. Dufour appear to confirm
these relations.

The others, whose body is tolerably thick, have very large
and projecting eyes ; antennas thickening a little towards
their extremity, and composed of short articulations, for the
most part in the form of a reversed cone. One of the two
spurs of the internal extremity of the two anterior legs is
inserted more high than the other, with a notch between.
The first three or four articulations of the anterior tarsi of
the males are but little dilated in the majority. The palpi
are never elongated. These insects inhabit the neighbour-
hood of rivers, and all belong to Europe or Siberia.

Sometimes the labrum is very short, transverse, and ter-
minated by a right line. The last articulation of the exter-
nal palpi is almost in the form of a reversed cone, thicker,
and more truncated at the end. The mandibles advance
remarkably beyond the labrum. The anterior tarsi of the
males are sensibly dilated.

Elaphrus, Fab. Elaphrus, Blethisa, Pelophila, Dej .

Some, and the largest {B/ethisa, Bonelli), have the corslet
more broad than long, plain, bordered laterally, almost
square, and a little contracted towards the posterior angles.

In one set the first three articulations of the anterior tarsi
are strongly dilated, and cordiform in the males. These are

ORDER COLEOPTERA. \ 239

the pelophila of M, Dejean. {Carahus Borealis, Fab. Ne-
bria borealis, Gyll. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXV. 8.)

In another the first four articulations of the anterior tarsi
of the males are slightly dilated, these are the Blethisa of
the same. {Carabus multipunctatus, Fab. Panz. ibid. XI. 5.)

The others have the corslet at least as long as broad, con-
vex, and in the form of a truncated heart. The body is
proportionally more convex than in the preceding. The first
four articulations of the anterior tarsi are slightly dilated in
the males. These composed exclusively his genus Ela-

PHRUS.

C. uliginosus, Fab. .'* elaphrus riparius, Oliv. Col. II.
34, I. i. A. E. is about four lines in length, of a blackish
bronze, very much punctuated, with impressions or small
fassets on the forehead and corslet, and others with a violet
ground, raised in their contour, and joined one to another on
the elytra. The tarsi are of a blueish black, but the legs are
sometimes of this colour, and sometimes reddish. These last
individuals have been considered as belonging to a peculiar
species (Cupreus), by M. M. Megerle and the Count
Dejean. It is very rare in the environs of Paris, but com-
mon in the other parts of France, in Germany, Sweden, &c.

Cicindela riparia, Lin. Elaphrus riparius. Fab. Clairv.
Entom. Helvet. II. xxv. A. a. Elaphrus paludosus^ Oliv. Col.
II. 34, 1, 4, a. b. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. xx. 1. About
one-third smaller than the preceding, very finely punctuated,
and of a dull copper, mingled with green above, with circu-
lar impressions, nipple formed at the centre, green, disposed
in four lines, and a coppery spot polished and shining near
the section on each elytrum. Common in the environs of
Paris. {See for the other species the second volume of the
species of Count Dejean, p. 268, et seq.)

Sometimes the labrum is almost semicircular and rounded
in front, the external palpi are terminated by a suboval arti-

240 CLASS INSECTA.

culation, narrowed into a point at the end. The mandibles
are advanced a little beyond the labrum. The tarsi are
identical in the two sexes.

The anterior extremity of the head forms a small muzzle.
The upper part of the body is plane, with the corslet trape-
zoid, almost as broad as the head, and a little narrowed
posteriorly.

NoTioPHiLus, Dumer. Elaphrus. Fab. Oliv.*
Our second general division of this tribe (Subulipalpi)
is distinguished from the preceding by the form of the ex-
ternal palpi, of which the last articulation but one, in the
form of a reversed cone, is united with the following, and
comprises with it a common ovaliform, or fusiform body,
terminated, either insensibly or suddenly, in a point, or oval-
like form. The two anterior legs are always emarginated at
the internal side. These insects resemble the last very much,
both in forms and manner of life.

Bembidion, Lat. Bembidium, Gyll. Dej.

Have the last articulation but one of the external palpi
large, swelled, and somewhat cone-formed, and the last
much more slender, very short, conical or acicular. The
first articulation of the two anterior tarsi is dilated in the

males.

M. M. Ziegler and Megerle, have divided this sub-genus
into many others, but without giving the characters, and
restino- solely, as it appears, on the changes of form in the
corslet.-f-

• Cicindelaaquatica, Lin.; Elaphrus aquattcus. Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect.
Germ. XX. 5 ; Elaphrus biguttatus. Fab., and to which M. le Comte
Dejean refers his C. semipunctatus. Consult the species of this last, II.
p. 276, et seq.

f This sub-genus may be thus divided ; some have the corslet less de-r

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 2il

The following species is ranged by M. le Comte Dejean,
with his tachypus —

Ciclndela, Jiavipes. Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ.

pressed, at least as long as broad, much more narrow behind than in
front, a truncated heart, with the posterior angles very short, or but
little elongated.

Those in which this part of the body presents at the posterior angles
no very marked impression, and whose eyes are very large, and cause the
head to appear broader than the corslet, form the genus Tachypus, of M.
Megerle.

Those whose eyes, as well as in all the following, have less projection,
so that the corslet is not broader than the head, but otherwise exhibits
the same characters, are the Bemhidium proper, of M. le Comte Dejean.

With M. Megerle he ranges, in the genus Lopha, those whose corslet,
having the same form and the same proportions, presents at each posterior
angle a very well marked impression, so that these angles are well bor-
dered.

The other Bembidia have the body more flatted, the corslet more broad
than long, and proportionally less narrowed posteriorly. Its posterior
angles have always a strong impression, and a small oblique keel.

Some species whose corslet, though narrowed near the posterior angles,
is nevertheless less so than in the others, so that the posterior edge is but
little more narrow than the anterior, compose the genus Notaphus of the
same, and of M. Megerle.

Among those whose corslet is notably narrowed behind — sometimes its
length is only a little greater than its breadth, and it is in the form of a
truncated heart— such are the Peryphus of these naturalists. Sometimes,
much shorter proportionally, its form approximates to that of a cup, or a
heart, much widened ; in some it is even rounded at the posterior angles.
These species constitute, with them, the genus Leja. The tachypus, in
consequence of the extraordinary projection of their eyes, of their other
relations with the Elaphri, are tolerably distinct. But it is not so with
the other genera. It is impossible to determine them by rigorous cha-
racters. Those which may be drawn from the respective and comparative
lengths of the second and third articulations of the antennae still appear
to me uncertain. See the Catalogue of the Collection of Coleoptera of
M. Dejean.

VOL. XTV. K.

242 CLASS INSECTA.

XX. 2, very similar to the Elaphrus riparkcs ; two lines
in length ; the corslet a little more narrow than the head,
in the form of a truncated heart, as long as broad. The
eyes large ; under part of the body of a blackish green,
upper part bronzed, and marbled Avith coppery red ; two
large points sunk near the suture, on each case ; base of the
antennae, palpi and feet, yellowish. Very common in the
environs of Paris.*

Trechus. Clairv.

Which have the last articulation of their external palpi as
long or longer than the preceding, of the same thickness at
its origin, so that these two articulations form, when united,
a fusi-form body.-f-

* Add Cai'abus tricolor. Fab. ejusd. C. modestus — cursor — biguttatus — qua-
tuor-guttatus —guttula ; C. minutus, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XXXVIII.
10; C. pygmcEus, Panz. ibid. 11; C. articulatus, Panz. ibid. XXX. 21 ;
Cicindela qiidrimaculata, Lin, ; Carabus pidchellus, Panz. ibid. XXXVIII.
8; XL. 5; C. doris, Panz. ibid. 9; Elaphrus rupestris. Fab. Panz. ibid.
XL. 6 ; C. decorus, Panz. ibid. LXXIII. 4 ; C. ustulatus, Lin. Panz. ibid.
XL. 7. 9; C. bipunctatusy Lin. Oliv. Col. III. 55. xiv. 163; Elaphrus riifi-
collis, Panz. ibid. XXXVIII. 21 ; Elaphrus impressus, F. Panz. ibid. XL. 8 ;
Elaphrus paludosus, ibid. XX. 4.

■f- Trechus rubcns, Clairv. Entom. Helv. II. ii. B. b. The carabus meru-
Uanus, which he represents in the same plate, A. a. is a stenolophus, Cara-
bus micros, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XI. 4. The G. Masoreus of MM.
Ziegler and Dejean appears to me to border on that of Trechus. The
species on which it is founded is very near the harpalus collaris of M. Gyl-
lenhall. The maxillary palpi terminate, as well as those of Trechus, in
the manner of a spindle, only the last articulation but one is much shorter
than the following. The anterior tarsi are slightly dilated in the males.
This insect appears to connect the trechus with various smaller species of
Stenplophi of M. Dejean.

BuEMOs of the same naturalists, are some of the species of Trechus,
more narrow and more elongated, with subisometric corslet, in the form

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 24^3

The pentamerous, aquatic, carnivorous Coleoptera, form
a third tribe, that of Hydrocanthari, or Sivimmers.

Their feet are adapted to natation ; the last four are com-
pressed, ciliated, or plate-formed, and the last two are remote
from the others. The mandibles are almost entirely covered.
The body is always oval, with the eyes not much projecting,
and the corslet more wide than long. The crotchet which
terminates the jaws is arched from its base. Those of the
tarsi are often unequal.

These insects compose the genus Dytiscus and Gyrinns of
GeofFroy. They pass the first and last state of their life in
the fresh and tranquil waters of lakes, of marshes, ponds,
&c. They swim very well, and repair from time to time to
the surface to respire. They easily remount thither by
holding their feet in a state of repose, and suffering them-
selves to float. Their body being reversed, they elevate
the hinder part a little out of the water, raise the extremity
of their elytra, or incline the end of their abdomen ; so that
the air may insinuate itself into the stigmata which they
cover, and from thence into the trachese. They are very
voracious, and live on small animals, which, like them,
make their constant residence in the same element. They
do not remove from it, but during the night, or at its
approach. When they are taken out of the water, they
shed a most nauseous odour. The light sometimes attracts
them into the interior of houses.

Their larvae have the body long and narrow, composed of
twelve rings, of which the first is the larger, with the
head strong, and presenting two powerful mandibles, curved
into an arch, and pierced near their point with small antennae

of a reversed and truncated triangle, and with mandibles considerably
larger, and prolonged beyond the labrum. They are found under stones,
on our maritime coasts,and even in the sea itself.

R 2

244" CLASS INSECTA.

with palpi, and six simple eyes on each side, approximating
closely. They have six feet, tolerably long, often fringed
with hair, and terminated by two small claws. They are
agile, carnivorous, and respire either by the anus or by spe-
cies of fins which imitate gills. They come out of the water
to be metamorphosed into nymphs.

This tribe is composed of two principal genera.

Dytiscus,

Which have the antennae like threads, longer than the head,
two eyes, the anterior feet shorter than the following, and the
last most frequently terminated by a compressed tarsus,
going in a point. They swim with much swiftness by the
assistance of their feet, furnished with long hairs, and parti-
larly with the last two. They dart on other insects, aquatic
worms, &c. In the majority of the males the four anterior
tarsi have their first three articulations widened, and spungy
underneath. Those of the first pair are especially remark-
able in the larger species. These three articulations form
there a large palette, the inferior surface of which is covered
with small bodies, some like papillae, and others larger, and
in the form of suckers, &c. Some females are distinguished
from their males by furrowed cases. The larvae have the
body composed of from eleven to twelve rings, and covered
with a scaly plate. They are long, big-bellied towards the
middle, more narrow at the two extremities, particularly be-
hind, where the last rings form an elongated cone, furnished
on the sides with a fringe of floating hairs, with which the
animal pushes the water and causes his body to advance,
which is usually terminated by two conical threads, barbed,
and mobile. Between them are two small cylindrical bodies,
pierced with a hole at their extremity, and which are aeri-
form conduits, to which the two trachea lead. Stigmata,
however, are distinguishable on the side of the abdomen.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 245

The head is large, oval, attached to the corslet by a neck,
with mandibles very much arched, and under the extremity
of which De Geer has perceived a longitudinal cleft, so that
m this respect these organs resemble the mandibles of the
larvas of antlions, and serve as suckers. The mouth, never-
theless, presents jaws and a labrum, with palpi. The first
three rings have each a pair of feet, tolerably long, the
leg and tarsus of which are bordered with hairs, which are
also useful in swimming. The first ring is larger or longer,
and defended underneath, as well as above, by a scaly plate.

These larvae suspend themselves to the surface of the water
by means of two lateral appendages at the end of their tail,
and which they keep dry. When they desire suddenly to
change place, they give to their body a prompt and vermicu-
lar motion, and strike the water with their tail. They are
nourished more particularly with the larvae of gnats, stipulse,
libellulae, asselli, &c. When the time of their transforma-
tion is come they quit the water, gain the shore, and bury
themselves in the ground ; but it must be always moistened,
or very humid. They there form an oval cavity, in which
they shut themselves up.

According to Roesel, the eggs of the dytiscus marginalis
exclude the young in ten or twelve days after the laying.
At the end of from four to five days the larva is already
four or five lines in length, and moults for the first time.
The second change of skin takes place at the end of an in-
terval of the same duration, and the animal is as large
again. The length of two inches is the limit of its growth.
In summer it has been observed to change into the nymph-
state at the end of fifteen days, and into the perfect insect,
fifteen or twenty days afterwards. Besides the cloaca of the
insects of this family, the dytisci have a coecum tolerably
long, which is perceptible in the larva state.

This great genus is subdivided as follows :

246 CLASS INSECTA.

Some have the antennae composed of eleven distinct articu-
lations, the external palpi filiform, or a little thicker at their
extremity, and the base of their posterior feet, as well as that
of the others, uncovered.

Sometimes the thickness of the antennas gradually dimi-
nishes from their origin as far as their extremity ; the last
articulation of the labial palpi is simply obtuse at its extre-
mity, without emargination. Such are

Dytiscus (Proper),

In which all the tarsi have five very distinct articvdations,
and of which the anterior two have, in the males, the first
three articulations very broad, and forming altogether a pal-
let, either oval or transverse, or orbicular.

D. Latissimus, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ.
LXXXVI. i. Nearly an inch and a half long, and very
distinct by the compressed and trenchant dilation of the ex-
ternal margin of the wing-cases whose edge is yellowish.
The corslet is edged all around with the same colour. The
cases are furrowed and ribbed in the female. Found in the
department of the Vosges, in the North of Europe and in
Germany.

D. Marginalisy Lin. Panz. ibid. 3. About one-fourth
smaller, having also a yellowish border all around the cors-
let, and a line of the same colour on the external and not
dilated edge of the wing-cases. Those of the female are fur-
rowed from their base, as far as about two-thirds of their
length.

Fabricius tells us, that when turned upon its back, it re-
places itself by leaping, in its ordinary position.

Esper preserved, for three years and a half, in a glass ves-
sel, a dytiscus of this species, and always in good health.
He used to give it every week, and sometimes oftener, a bit
of raw beef, about the size of a nut, whicli it would attack

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 247

with avidity, and suck the blood out in the most complete
manner. It is capable of fasting for four weeks at least.
It kills the brown hydrophilus, though as big again as
itself, by piercing it between the head and the corslet, the
only part of the body which is without defence. According
to Esper it is sensible to the changes of the atmosphere, and
indicates them by the height to which it rises in the bottle.

D. Roeselli^ Fab. Roes. In. II. Aquat. Class. I. ii.
More narrow, or more oval, and more depressed than the
preceding. The external edge of the corslet and wing-cases
is yellowish. These cases are very finely striated in the fe-
male. Found in the neighbourhood of Paris, and in Ger-
many.

D. Serricornis, Payk. Nov. Sect. Acad. Scient. Stockh.
XX., 1. 3. Very singular from the irregular form of the
antennae in the male, of which the four last articulations form
a compressed mass, and denticulated like a saw.*

CoLYMBETES, Clairv.

In which all the tarsi have also five articulations very dis-
tinct, but the anterior four have, in the males, their first
three articulations equally dilated, and form together only a

* Dr. Leach has founded on this character his genus, Agarus — (Zool.
Misc. III. pag. 69, and 72.) Some slight differences in the form and
relative proportions of the articulations of the external maxillary palpi
have also determined him to establish some others, such as those of
Hydaticus {D, Hyhner'i, transversalis, stagnalis 4-vittatus) of AciLias (Z>.
Sulcatus), and of Trogus (D. lateralis). The last alone may be preserved
in consequence of some other characters. The hinder feet have the legs
short, very broad, and their tarsi are terminated only by a single crotchet.
To the species described above, add, D. Sulcatus, Fab. Clairv. Entom.
Helv. II. XX ; D Castalis, Oliv. Col. III. 40. 1. 7j D. punctatus, ibid.
1. 6. 1. and 1. e.; D. aciculatus, ibid. Ill 50; D. Icevigatus, ibid. 25;
D. tripunctatus, ibid. 24; Ruficollis, ibid. ii. 20; Z>. vittatis, ibid. 1. 5;
D. griseus, ibid. ii. 12 ; Z>. stlcticus, ibid- ii. 2; D. circuniflcxus, F.

548 CLASS INSECTA.

small palette in the form of a long square. Their antennas
are at least of the length of the head and corslet. The body
is perfectly oval, and more broad than high. The eyes are
either not at all, or very little prominent.*

Hygkobia, Lat. Hydrachna^ Fab. Clairv. Pcelobius,

Schoenh.

Which again have the tarsi with five distinct articulations,
and of which the four anterior ones are dilated almost equally
at their base, in the males, into a small palette formed like a
long square, but whose antennae are shorter than the head and
corslet; which have the. body oval, very thick in the middle,
and the eyes prominent.-]-

* D. fuscus, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXXVI. 5. ; D. Cinereus,
F.Fanz. ibid. XXXI. iu; D.zonatus, F. Panz. ibid, XXXYlll. 5; D. bi-
punctattis, F. Panz. ibid. XCI. 6 ; D.fenestratus, F. Panz. ibid. XXXVIII.
16 ; D. Chalconatus, F. Panz. ibid. 17 ; D. aier, F. Panz. ibid. 15; D. guttU'
tus, Payk. Panz. ibid. XC. i.; D.fuligenosus, F. Panz. ibid. XXXVIII. 14;
D. bi-pustulattis, F. Panz. ibid. CI. 2 ; J). Stagnalis, F. Panz. ibid. XCI. 7 ;
D. transversalisy F. Panz. ibid. LXXXVI. 6 ; D. abbreviatus, F. Panz.
ibid. XIV. i. ; D. maculatus, F. Panz. ibid. 7. ; D. agilis, F. Panz. ibid. XC.
2 ; D. adspersus, F. Panz. ibid. XXXVIII. 18; JD. miniitus, F. Panz. XXVI.
5. 5.; D. leander, Oliv. ibid. iii. 23; D varius, Oliv. ibid. ii. 17; D. bi-
maculatus, Oliv. ibid. 18. See Clarville, Entom. Helv., torn. II., genus
Coli/mbetes.

Some small species having no distinct scutellum, and whose anterior
tarsi are but little dilated in the males, compose the genus

Lacophilds of Dr. Leach. — He quotes the following: D. hyalinusy
Marsh ; D. interruptus, Panz. ; D. minutiis, Lin. ; D. marmoreus, Oliv.
See his Zool. Miscel. III. p. 72.

•j- Hydrachna Hermanni, Fab. Latr. Gen. Crust, et Insect. I. vi. 5;
Clairv, Entom. Helv. II. xxvii. A. a. ; //. uligi7iosa, Clairv. ibid. B. b.

These insects, and the Halipli form in the method of Dr. Leach, Zool.
Misc. III. p. 68, a particular group, having for characters, a scutellum,
all the feet adapted for walking, five articulations in all the tarsi, and two
crotchets at the end of the last.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 249

Hydroporus, Clairv. Hyphydrus, Lat. Schoenh.,

In which the four anterior tarsi almost similar, and spungy
underneath, in both sexes, have but four distinct articulations,
the fourth being nullified, or very small and concealed, as
well as a part of the last in a deep fissure of the third.

They have no apparent scutellum, but the preceding, with
the exception of some small species, have a very sensible
one.

"We might detach from them some species (The Hy-
drachnas, gibhuy ovalis, and scripta of Fabricus; Hyphydrus
Lyratiis, Schoenh. Synon. Insect. II. iv. i.), whose body is
very gibbous, or almost globular, and of which the least
articulation of the four anterior tarsi is very small, and pro-
jects but little beyond the preceding. {Hyphydrus, Lat.)
The others have the body oval and less thick.*

Sometimes the antennae are a little dilated, and wider to-
wards the middle of their length ; the last articulation of
the labial palpi has an emargination, and appears forked.

NoTERUs, Clairv.

The scutellum is wanting; the tarsi have five distinct arti-
culations, the first two of the four anterior ones are dilated in
the males, and form an elongated palette. The first articu-

The Hygroblae have the external palpi a little swelled at their extre-
mity, two strong spurs, and approximating to each other, at the end of
the legs; and their anterior tarsi capable of being folded under the legs,
on which they depend

* The Dytiscus : incequalis, reticidatus, conjluens, pidpes, pictus, gemi-
71US, lineatiis, haleiisis, duodecim — pustulatiis, dorsa/is, sex — piistulatiis, palus-
tris, depressus, Uturatus, planus, erythrocephaliis, nigriia, granulans, of Fabri-
cius. See Schcenherr. Synon. Insect, torn. II. genus Hyphydrus ; Panzer,
Index Entom. genus Hydroporus, and Clairv. Entora. Helv., torn. II.
same genus.

250 CLASS INSECTA.

lation of the two anterior tarsi is covered in the same indivi-
duals by a broad spur, plate-formed. The pectoral piece
which bears the hinder feet, has on each side a deep groove.
Dytiscus crassicornis. Fab. Clairv. Entom. Helv. II. xxxii.

The others have but six distinct articulations on the an-
tennae. Their external palpi terminate oval-like, or by a
more slender articulation, and going into a point. The base
of their posterior feet is covered with a large lamina, of a
buckler-form.

The body is gibbous underneath, and ovoid, as in hygro-
bia. But they have no scutellum, and all their tarsi are
filiform, with five distinct articulations, and almost cylindri-
cal, and have pretty nearly the same form in both sexes.
These are

Haliplus, Lat. Hoplitus, Clairv. Cnemidofus, Ilig.*
The second genus, or that of

Gyrinus,

Comprehends those whose antennae are club-formed, and
shorter than the head. The first two feet are long, advanced
in the form of arms, and the other four very much com-
pressed, broad, and fin-formed. The eyes are four in num-
ber.

The body is oval, and usually very shining. The antennae,
inserted in a cavity in front of the eyes, have the second arti-
culation prolonged externally in the form of an auricle, and
the following articulations (of which but seven are visible,
the first and last of which are the longer), very short, very

* The Dytisci : fulvus, impressus, obliquus, of Fabricius. See Latreille,
Gener. Crust, et Insect. I. p. 234; Clairv. Entom. Helv. torn. II. genus
Hoplitus, XXXI. Panz. Ind. Entom. genus id., and Schoenherr. Synora.
Insect. II. genus Cnemidotics.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 251

crowded, and unite into a mass, almost in the form of a
spindle, and a little curved. The head is sunk in the corslet,
as far as the eyes, which are large, and divided by a border,
so that there appear two above and two below. The labrum
is rounded, and very much ciliated in front. The palpi are
very small, and the interior of the maxillary is wanting, or
a mere abortion in many species, more especially in the
largest. The corslet is short and transverse. The elytra are
obtuse or truncated at the posterior end, and leave the anus
uncovered, which terminates in a point. The two anterior
feet are slender, long, folded in double, and almost at a right
angle with the body, in a state of contraction, and terminated
by a very short and very compressed tarsus, the under part
of which is furnished with a fine and thick brush, in the males.
The other four are broad, very slender, as it were mem-
branous, and the articulations of the tarsi form small leaves,
disposed like furbelows.

The gyrini are in general of small or middle size. They
are seen from the first days of spring to the end of autumn,
at the surface of dormant waters, and even on those of the
sea, often assembled in troops. They appear there, from the
effect of the light, like brilliant points, swimming or running
with an extreme agility, making turns, circular, obliqvie, and
in all directions, from which comes the name of aquatic JJea,
and tourniquet, given them by some writers. Sometimes
they repose and appear perfectly motionless, but the moment
they are approached they escape by swimming, and imme-
diately sink under w^ater with the greatest celerity. The
last four feet serve them as oars, and the first two for
seizing their prey. Placed on the surface of the water the
upper part of their body always remains dry, and when they
dive, an air-bubble, like a silvery globe, remains attached to
their hinder part. If they are seized, a milky liquid oozes
from their body, and is spread over it, which produces the

252 CLASS INSECTA.

disagreeable and penetrating odour which they then exhale,
and which remains a long time on the fingers. They copulate
on the surface of the water. Sometimes they remain at the
bottom, fixed to the plants. It is there in all probability
that they conceal themselves to pass the winter.

M. Leon Dufour has published, in the Annals of Natural
Science, some anatomical observations on these insects. The
narrow intestine is remarkable for its length. The ccecum is
not lateral like that of the dytisci. The genital male
organs diff*er from those of the other carnivora.

G. Natator, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. III. 5 ; De
Geer. Insect. IV. xiii, 4. 19- Three lines in length, oval,
very smooth, very shining, of a black, bronzed above, black
underneath, and with fawn-coloured feet. The scutellum is
triangular, very pointed, a little longer than broad. The
elytra are rounded at the end, with small sunken points,
forming regular and longitudinal lines.

The female lays her eggs on the aquatic plants. They
are very small, in the form of little cylinders, and of a white
a little yellowish. The larva has the body long, slender,
linear, and composed of thirteen rings, of which the first
three have each a pair of feet. The head large, in an elon-
gated oval, and very flatted, presents the same parts as those
of the larvae of the dytisci ; but here the fourth ring and the
following seven, have on each side a conical, membranous,
and flexible thread, and barbed at the edges. The twelfth
ring has four similar threads, but much larger, and more
directed backwards. Two very fine tracheae traverse the
whole length of tlie body, and receive from each thread an
arterial vessel. The last ring of the body is very small, and
terminated by four long and parallel crotchets. This larva
lives in the water, and proceeds from it in the commencement
of August, to pass into the nymph state. It forms, with a
matter which it derives from its body, and similar to grey

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 253

paper, a small oval shell, pointed at the two ends, which it
affixes to the leaves of a reed, and shuts itself up there.
This species is very common in Europe.*

• See for the other species, Olivier, Col. III. No. 41, and Schoenherr.
Synom. Insect. II. No. 53. We find also in the Environs of Paris, the
Gyrini, minutus and bicolor, of Fabricius. The largest species, and all exotic,
have no sensible scutellum, and their palpi are but four in number.

Mr. Macleay (the younger), Annal. Jav. I. p. SO, forms a peculiar
genus, under the name of Dineutes, with the species whose labrum is
not ciliated, whose palpi are club-formed, which have all the anterior feet
of the length of the body, and the antennas terminated in a point. He
names but one species {Politus).

SUPPLEMENT

ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

OF THE

ORDER COLEOPTERA.

On this immensely numerous order of the insect class, we
can afford but a moderate portion of supplementary matter.
Not that the study of coleopterous insects is devoid of
interest ; on the contrary, it is replete with all that may
gratify curiosity, and communicate instruction. But with
not a great many exceptions, the animals now under our
consideration arrest our attention, more from peculiarities
of structure and appearance, than those of habitudes and
manners. On the former it is not our intention to dilate,
further than may be necessary to supply any omission in
the very ample details of the text ; on the latter we shall
endeavour to glean as much information as possible.

This order is not one of a new creation — Aristotle may,
with propriety, be considered as its founder, having been
the first to name and define it. The name is derived from
•PTTifov, a wing, and xoXeoj, a sheath or case, and Aristotle em-
braces within his definition all insects with the character of
increased wings, " oo-a to ttte^ov e^e* ev >toXEo." As many as have
the wing in a sheath. To this have been added, by subse-
quent authors, such characters as the folding of the wings,
and the straight suture of the elytra. These characters,
however, are not universal in the order; some beetles are

SUPPLEMENT, &C. 255

destitute of both wings and sheath, and many, though pos-
sessing the latter, have not the former. Such is the case
with Meloe and many Carabi. Nor does the transverse
folding of the wings always exist. It is not found for in-
stance in Buprestis, Molorchus, and some others. The
straight suture of the elytra, again, is wanting in Meloe.

Notwithstanding these exceptions, it must be owned, on
the whole, that the coleoptera constitute one of the most
natural groups in the animal kingdom. It unites an im-
mense number of insects that have the greatest possible
relations to each other, and are separated from all the rest
by numerous and strongly distinguishing characters. A
reference to the text will be quite sufficient to satisfy any
inquirer on this subject.

This order corresponds to the Eleutherata of Fabricius,
a name devised from the disposition of the jaws, which are
free, or do not support that appendage called galea, which
characterizes the mouth of the Orthoptera, which the same
author termed ulonata.

The coleoptera, for the most part, remain a very long
time under the larva form, sometimes even three or four
years, while they scarcely live for some weeks in the perfect
state. It is only under the first form that their growth
takes place, during which they change their skin several
times. All such differences are referable to the degree of
nourishment. Each family of coleopterous insects expe-
riences modifications according to the nature of the climate,
the quality of the food, and other particulars which belong
to the admirable order which nature has observed in the
respective relations of all her productions. Thus, the larvae
of the herbivorous coleoptera, as those of chrysomela, crioceris
and galerucUf acquire their full growth in a few months,
and it is under the form of eggs, that the species is continued
and exists during the winter. Others, such as priocerisy the

256 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

lamellicorneS) &c,, pass many winters under ground, where
they feed on roots, or in the interior of the trunks of trees,
sheltered from the vicissitudes of the seasons. This is
observable in the horn-beetle, the May-bug, the capricornes.
In fine, there are coleoptera, such as rhinocerus, whose
larvas feed and undergo transformation in fruits and the
seeds of vegetables. It is in this dwelling, in the very centre
of their aliments, that these insects, in the nymph state,
pass all the cold season ; and they do not acquire wings and
begin to propagate their race, until the time when fecun-
dation takes place in the plants, in whose germs their eggs
are to be deposited.

All the larvae of the coleoptera change their skin.
Moulting takes place many times, pretty nearly as in the
caterpillars of the lepidoptera. Four or five such changes
of skin have been counted in the larvae of Tenehrio.

In the nymph state the coleoptera take no nourishment.
They are perfectly inactive and motionless, though all their
parts are clearly distinct. Immediately after their trans-
formation, all these nymphs are of a white, more or less
transparent, or yellowish, and exceedingly soft. The ma-
jority of them cover themselves in cavities, the walls of
which they have consolidated, so as to form of them a kind
of shell. Under a sort of rery thin epidermis, the corneous
sheaths, which are to form all the articulations of their
body, by lodging the muscles and viscera, are consolidated,
and variously coloured, until the insect has acquired sufficient
strength to break its shell, and appear in the open light ;
that is, if it be intended that it should seek its food at that
period of the day when the heat and light of the sun
exercise all their influence; or, in the shades of night, if,
like the lampyrides, the photophygi, and the ligophili,
darkness and obscurity are necessary to the preservation of
their race.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 257

Without any particular regard to method, we shall add
a few observations to the structural details of the text.

The elytra, or sheaths of the membranaceous wings, can
only be removed from the body at a right angle. They do
not strike the air in flight. Once extended they remain
fixed, and their separation constantly precedes the develope-
ment of the wings, properly so called. Their form, consistence,
and colour, vary much. They sometimes embrace the abdo-
men, and are as it were soldered together completely by the
suture, which always involves the total absence of the wings.
This is observable in anthia and tachypus, among the creo-
phagi, in many brachycefa, and weevils ; in lamia, blaps,
eury chorus, pimelia, some alurni, and chrysomelae. At other
times, as in many galerucse, and in meloe, the elytra, very
well distinct and separate, do not protect the entire abdomen,
and nevertheless do not cover any membranaceous Avings,
which are entirely wanting. While in the rhipiphora,
molorchus, aedemera, and sitarides, the elytra narrowed,
shortened, and not united in their entire length by a suture,
do not suffice to cover the extent of the membranaceous
wings.

The shape of these organs is very various. Their general
form is more or less oblong, or inclining to the elliptical.
This is the case when they are taken together in their state
of repose. Considering them separately, the shape inclines
to that of an isoceles triangle, the external side being curvili-
near. When truncated, they are of a quadrangular form in
general, sometimes trapezoid, sometimes in an oblong, and
sometimes in a perfect square. Their proportions are very
different ; but for the most part they are twice as long as
broad. This, however, is not always the case. In the
Buprestis gigas, for instance, the length is three times the
breadth. Tn many Staphylinidae they are as wide as they
are long, and sometimes wider. Though the general rule is,

VOL. XIV. s

258 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

that they arc narrower at the apex than the base, yet,
nevertheless, in some instances, as in certain species of Lycus,
the reverse is a fact. In other instances, their width is
every where the same. Sometimes their form is convex,
and sometimes extremely flat.

The mode in which these peculiar organs, of which we are
treating, are often sculptured, is very curious, and often very
beautiful. Some are marked with striae or furrows, others
M'ith slightly raised ridges. That these elevations and de-
pressions, not only in the elytra, but on other parts, are not
intended for the mere purposes of ornament, Mr. Kirby
maintains, with much appearance of reason. " By means of
these," remarks that gentleman, " many important purposes
that do not at first sight strike the observer, may be served,
such as giving firmness to the crust in those places where it
is most wanted ; diminishing its power of resistance in
others, so that it may yield somewhat to the action of the
muscles ; increasing or deducting from the weight of the
body, so as to produce a proper equipoise during its motions,
whether on the earth, in the air, or in the water. The
depressions of the outer surface of the crust, in many in-
stances, produce an elevation of it in the interior, and so
afford a useful point of attachment to certain muscles. This
observation seems more especially applicable to those exca-
vations which are common to particular tribes or genera;
thus the dorsal longitudinal channel to be met with on the
prothorax of most of the ground beetles, (Eutrechina,) on
the inside of the crust, has a corresponding ridge. In
Locusta Duwy also, a Brazil locust, the same part has four
transverse channels, corresponding with which, on the inside,
are as many septa or ridges to which muscles are attached ;
and those larger impressed puncta denominated puncfa or-
dinaria, which distinguished the same part in Geotrupes
and many of the scarahceidce within are elevated so as to

OF THE- ORDER COLEOPTERA. 259

form a sort of ginglymous articulation with the base of the
anterior coxae. The other impressed puncta so often to be
seen on the different parts of various insects, which, some-
times, so entirely cover the surface, that scarcely any interval
is discoverable between them, though in many cases they
appear to be mere impressions which attenuate, but do not
perforate the crust, yet in others, perhaps, equally or
more numerous, they are real jjores which pass through the
integument. If, for instance, you take the thoracic shield
of the cock-chafer {Melolontha vulgaris), and after removing
the muscle, &c., hold it against the light with the inner side
towards the eye, you will see the light through every punc-
ture ; or take the elytra of Geoirupes stercorarhts, or any
common beetle in which these organs have punctate striae,
and examine them under a lens on the inside, and you will
distinctly see that the punctures pass through the elytrum,
and the membrane that lines it. It is not improbable that
in the case last mentioned these pores may be of use, as the
spiracles are usually closely covered by the elytra for the
better transmission of air to those respiratory organs."

The colour of elytra varies considerably. A curious ob-
servation is»made on this subject by Mr. Kirby that the
majority of the coleoptera which feed upon putrescent matter
are darker and more dismal in their appearance than those
which feed on living prey, or fresh substances. Many
families or tribes are distinguished by the peculiar colours
of their elytra, which, as a secondary character, is useful in
classification.

Before dismissing this part of our subject it may be
requisite to say a word or two on the uses to which the
elytra are destined to serve. Their most evident use is to
protect the wings from injuries, to which they might other-
wise be liable, in the haunts which many of those animals

<; 2

260 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

frequent, either in search of food, rest, or for the purpose of
depositing their eggs.

The wings are, therefore, in general, very carefully folded
up under the elytra, and when the latter are short, this
folding is more complicated. There are cases, however, in
which the wings are only partially protected by the elytra,
and in such instances it is probable that, from the peculiar
habits of the animals, the wings are in less danger of being
torn or otherwise injured. They also protect the upper
part of the body and the abdomen. The coleoptera not
having the spiracles covered in the latter part, by the inoscu-
lations of the segments, as most other insects have, may
require some peculiar covering for this part, when they are
not on the wing. The elytra, too, are not wholly without
their use in flight. Many flying beetles of considerable bulk,
require more support in the air than the extent of their
wings would appear to afford, and though elytra do not
move much in flight, they may, by presenting a broad
surface to the air, act in some measure as sails, and assist
the progress of the insect, especially in flying before the
wind.

The membranaceous wings are inserted equally on the
upper part of the breast, within the elytrum, which covers
them. They are veined with anastomoses, pretty nearly like
those of the hymenoptera, a peculiarity by which they are
distinguished from those of the neuroptera. With one or two
exceptions, which have been remarked in the rhipiphora and
the molorchi, these membranaceous wings are bent on their
external edge. They form there an angular articulation,
which permits the wing, generally double the length of the
elytrum, to conceal itself underneath, and to fold itself
crosswise by a sort of hinge movement, which distinguishes
these wings from those of the orthoptera. The nervures of
these wings present very great varieties in the different ge-

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 26l

nera. Thus in the cicindelae there is constantly seen in the
bend of their articulation a more transparent space, bounded
by a sort of fibrous ring, representing an eye, or circular
hole. An elastic ligament brings back the wing to the state
of extension or flexion, pretty nearly like the articulation of
the leg in the birds called grallae.

The tarsi of the coleoptera have been studied with very
great attention by entomologists, being of so great value in
determining the principal subdivisions of this very numerous
order. M. Dumeril makes a curious remark, that the num-
ber of articulations to the tarsi is constantly the same in the
middle and the anterior feet, so that it is sufficient to count
the number of the articulations of the anterior feet to know
that of the middle feet, and reciprocally.

The name of Cicindel.e, a Latin word employed by the
Romans to designate a brilliant insect, has been employed by
the majority of authors to indicate insects very different from
each other. Sometimes, and most commonly, it has been
applied to the glow-worm, and sometimes to the cetoniae, the
cantharides, the nitidulae, and all the insects with metallic
reflections. Geofiroy, remarking that the cantharides of the
shops had been erroneously termed cicindelae, and that they
had been ranged in the same genus with the telephori which
have not the same number of articulations on the tarsi,
thought he would do well to separate the cantharides from
the telephori, to which he gave this name of cicindela,
" which," says he, " was formerly that of a genus approach-
ing to the glow-worm, and, perhaps, of this same genus to
which we now restore it," Our author, however, was not
ignorant that Linnaeus had assigned this name of cicindela
to the insects now under our immediate consideration.

The cicindelae are very carnivorous coleoptera, ornamented
most frequently with brilliant golden colours. They are met
with in sandy places, where they run with the utmost swift-

S62 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

ness on their prey, which they devour alive. Most of them,
when seized, emit an agreeable odour, slightly partaking of
that of musk. This, however, is not peculiar to those insects,
for many others, inhabiting sandy places, are found to do
the same. Although the cicindelae fly remarkably fast they
stop at but a small distance from the place which they have
quilted. In flying, some of them, such as sylvatica, emit a
loud humming noise. They all appear to be endowed with
excellent sight.

The architecture of the larvae of this genus is very curious
and interesting. Their operations were first observed by M.
Geoftroy, and the larvae themselves subsequently well described
and figured by M. Desmarest, in the " Bulletin des Sciences."
This larva or grub is to be found during spring, and also in
summer and autumn, in sandy situations. It is of a cylindri-
cal form, is long, of a soft contexture, and a whitish colour ;
the head is squared, presents six or eight eyes, and is large.
These larvae have powerful jaws, and on the eighth ring of
the body there are two tubercles thickly covered with red
hairs, and armed with a recurved horny spine.

They hollow in the earth or sand vertical holes of about
eighteen inches deep, and resting on their tubercles, and
bending themselves into a form resembling the letter z, they
mount and descend something in the manner of chimney,
sweepers. The cavity which they form is cylindrical, of
greater width than their body, and the entrance is perpendi-
cular. Their large head serves to transport the sand or earth
from the hole which they are digging. When come to the
opening of the hole they fling out the earth and sand. Ac-
cording as this larva gets deeper down, it returns to the orifice
by climbing up by means of the tubercles on its back. This
is an operation neither quick nor easy, and the animal in per-
forming it is forced to rest several times. When it finds the
particular ground it has chosen not adapted to its labours, it

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. ^63

removes, and chooses another place to work in. When it has
completely succeeded in forming a habitation, it sticks at the
entrance, by means of the hooks of its tubercles, which an-
swer the purpose remarkably well by forming a support, and
the insect exactly closes the hole with its broad and flat head,
which answers all the purpose of a trap-door. Here the grub
remains immoveable, ready to seize the first insect which
passes, which is very speedily devoured. Its voracity is
enormous, and even its own species do not escape from its
devouring jaws. It carries its prey to the bottom of the hole,
where it always remains itself, in case of danger. It is easy
to observe its manoeuvres by placing it in narrow tubes of
glass, but it is rather difficult to be caught. The French
naturalists succeeded by introducing a straw or twig into the
hole, which acts as a kind of sound, and prevents the sand
from falling in and choking up the hole, while the earth or
sand around it is very carefully cleared away. The grub
was usually found at the bottom of the hole, in a zigzag
posture.

Relative to the systematic arrangement of the Cicindelidae,
it may be stated, in addition to the text, that after Manti-
cora, M. Eschscholtz has added a new genus Omus ; the
characters of which are, that the labrum is transverse, nar-
row, bisinuated ; the labial palpi are of an equal length with
the maxillary, with the two basal joints short, and the last
securiform. The anterior tarsi of the male have the three basal
joints transversely dilated, eyes round, and the elytra angu-
lated. The only species known is the Omus Californicus.

The MegacephalcB of the old Continent are apterous,
while those of the New World have wings. This distinction
has induced MM. Saint Fargeau and Serville to form them
into distinct sub-genera ; we will add one from Mexico,
which is nearly allied to the Megacephala Carolina, Fahv.
This new species we name M. Me.vicana. It is of a brilliant

264 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMTLY

green colour, with the back copperish ; with a lunar mark
on each elytron, which is narrower at the tip than those of
the other described species ; the antennae, legs, and mandibles,
yellow ; the tip of the last black ; length six lines. In the
splendid collection of J. G. Children, Esq.

To the species of Oxycheila, already described, we add a
new one under the name of Oxych. hinotata. This species is
purplish black with a small yellow spot on each elytron, the
three first joints of the antennae black, the others yellow,
also the legs, except the apex of the femora alone being
black ; the palpi yellow ; this may probably be the 0. dis-
tigma of M. Gory.

The Baron Dejean, in his Iconographie, has established a
L genus under the name of J'resia. The characters are, that
the labrum is very large, in the form of a semioval plate,
concealing the mandibles ; the labial palpi very long, much
longer than the maxillary, the first joint long, second short,
third very long, cylindrical and slightly curved, the last
very long and securiform ; the only species is the Tresia
Lacordaireif Dej., which is with the elytra transversely
wrinkled, green, tinged with blue, the labrum pale, testa-
ceous ; with the breast, abdomen, and femora rufous ; this
insect is found in the woods of Brazil, on the trees, and
flies like the Muscidce, from leaf to leaf, with great
rapidity.

We figure for the first time the splendid Cicindela octono-
tata of Weidemann, which is of a brilliant indigo blue,
with four spots on each elytron, with the suture green. The
first very small at the shoulder, the others are larger, Avith
the third bilobed ; the antennae blue ; the labrum, man-
dibles and palpi, yellow. This insect inhabits all parts of
India.

We have likewise figured a new species belonging to the
genus Dromica, from the' fine collection of the Rev. F. W.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. Q63

Hope, which that gentleman names D. tuberculata. It is
above, greenish black ; the thorax and elytra tuberculate, with
two small yellow spots on each side of the elytra ; beneath
black, with the upper lip and palpi yellowish white, and is
an inhabitant of Africa.

The name of Carabus is very ancient in the language of
naturalists, having been employed by Aristotle to designate
certain species of crabs, and by Oppian, who appears to de-
note by the term Kapag'o? that species of octopus which walks
upon its head, rui x^pa /Satvw. Be this as it may, Linnaeus is
the first author who has applied this term to insects, and
though Geoffroy set his face against the usage of it, it has
nevertheless maintained its place in the science, and it is most
probable that it will continue to do so, as it is now restricted.

Geoffroy gave to most of those species, now comprehended
under this name, that of Bujjrestis, an expression which
signifies the power of causing oxen to swell, and there is
room to believe that if any insects can produce such an effect,
it is those with which we are engaged. Nevertheless, this
term buprestis has been otherwise employed, and in particular
applied to the species to which Geoffroy gave the Latin name
of Cuciijus. Finally, to fill up the measure of confusion and
difficulty, the latter name has been applied by Fabricius to
insects equally remote from both the genera now mentioned.

All the tribe of carabici, in their first and final state, feed
on living prey, and particularly on insects, which they catch
by running. The species of this tribe are all terrestrial, their
feet being solely formed for running. Their larvae are like-
wise wholly terrestrial, and respire in the ordinary way. In
this they are distinguished from the Hydroca"nthari, a
third tribe of the same family of carnivora, whose larvae are
aquatic, and receive the air by the anus, or by lateral fins
resembling gills. The carabici differ from the cicindeletae, in
that the point or crotchet of the superior extremity of their

0,66 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

jaws is not articulated with them. They emit, as we have
already seen, a foetid and caustic liquid from the anus, which
is often volatile, as in brachinus. According to Baron Cu-
vier their intestine is terminated by a widened cloaca, pro-
vided with two small sacs, from which this humour is secreted.
They are for the most part very agile. Many have no wings
under their elytra, and those Avhich do possess them make
much less use of them than the cicindeletae. They remain,
in general, under stones, or in the earth ; some conceal them-
selves under the barks of trees. The habits of the larvae are
exactly the same.

It is necessary to apprize our readers that the sub-genera
of this tribe of carabici supply but very scanty materials
indeed for this part of our book. We shall take them, how-
ever, in succession, omitting all mention of those which pre-
sent nothing of popular interest, and confining ourselves to
the few of whose habits any thing is known. Our per-
formance here will, therefore, be necessarily somewhat meagre,
but the difficulty of it will be best appreciated by such as
have attempted a similar task.

And first, of the Brachini. Solander had observed that
the carabus crepitans of Linnaeus, B. crepitans, Fab., an
insect very common in Europe under stones, caused to issue
from the anus with an exploding noise when it was disturbed,
or desirous of terrifying its enemy, a liquor of a penetrating
odour, and exhaling itself in vapour. It has been since
remarked that this property was common to many other
species of an analogous form, as well indigenous as exotic.
It is with these insects that M. Weber has formed the genus
Brachinus.

In M. Latreille''s general history of Crustacea and insects,
the brachini, with agra and lebia, comprise a family to which,
from the phenomenon above alluded to, he gives the French
name " Bombardiers.'''' M. de Clair villc has criticized this

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. -267

denomination, because it does not apply to all the insects
comprehended in the division, and even says that the harpa-
v^ lus prashms combats its enemies by the same means as the
brachinus crepitans. On this M. Latreille makes a singular
remark, that this harpalus possesses this property in Switzer-
land, but not in France, as appeared from this eminent
naturalist's researches on a very great number of individuals.
M. Bonnelli was not more fortunate in discovering this pro-
perty among the harpali of Italy.

The following is Mr. Kirby's account of this very curious
phenomenon : — " The most famous for their exploits in this
way are those which, on this account, are distinguished by the
name of Bombardiers. The most common species {B. cre-
pitans), which is found occasionally in many parts of Britain,
when pvu-sued by its great enemy, Calosoma inquisitor^
seems at first to have no mode of escape, when suddenly a
loud explosion is heard, and a blue smoke, attended by a
very disagreeable scent, is seen to proceed from its anus,
which immediately stops the progress of its assailant ; when
it has recovered the effect of it, and the pursuit is renewed,
a second discharge again arrests its course. The bombardier
can fire its artillery twenty times in succession, if necessary,
and so gain time to effect its escape. Another species B.
Displosor, makes explosions similar to those of B. crepitans^
when irritated it can give ten or twelve good discharges;
but afterwards, instead of smoke, it emits a yellow or brown
fluid. By bending the joints of its abdomen, it can direct
its smoke to any particular point. M. Leon Dufour observes
that this smoke has a strong and pungent odour, which has
a striking analogy with that exhaled by the nitric acid. It
is caustic, reddening white paper, and producing on the
skin the sensation of burning, and forming red spots, which
pass into brown, and, though washed, remain several days."

The brachinus biniaculatus also produces a very strong

268 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

explosion, and the action of the vapour, which it then sheds,
occasions a very sensible degree of pain, and one of long
duration.

The brachinus displosor is found, like the other species in
general, under stones, and under heaps of rotten plants in
the dry and elevated grounds of Navarre, Arragon, and
Catalonia. Mr. Kirby says, above, that its caustic smoke
reddens white paper, but M. Leon Dufour says that it is
blue, in which this change is wrought. Probably both are
right. Be that as it may, the yellow or brown fluid, which
becomes fixed immediately, and in the form of a crust, lets
escape, immediately after its emission, some air-bubbles, and
presents an appearance of fermentation. If the animal be
disturbed about the corslet, the surface of the elytra is soon
powdered over with a sort of acid dust, resulting from the
explosions. These properties are common to the two sexes.

There are some anatomical observations given by M. Du-
four, relating to these insects, that are well worthy of the
attention of the reader, and of which we shall make a brief
abstract.

The apparatus of the organ which produces the smoke, is
double, that is to say, there is one on each side in the abdo-
minal cavity. It consists of two very distinct bodies, one of
which is the preparatory organ, the other the conservatory
organ. The first is more interior, and presents itself under
two different aspects, according as it is contracted or dilated.
In the first case it is a whitish body, irregularly rounded,
soft, appearing glandular, placed under the last rings of the
abdomen, opening by one end into the reservoir, and con-
stantly terminating at the other in a very long and narrow
thread. In the second case, or when it is dilated, it resem-
bles an oblong membranous diaphanous sac, filled with air,
occupying then the entire extent of the abdomen, and ap-
pearing free, with the exception of the extremity which opens

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 269

into the reservoir. The second organ, or the conservatory,
which is also the reservoir, presents a spherical body of the
bulk of a turnip-seed, brown or reddish, of a papyraceous
consistence, constant in its form, hollow interiorly, and placed
under the last dorsal ring, exactly above the rectum. It
opens by a pore on one side of the anus. It is contiguous to
that of the opposite side, but both one and the other are very
distinct. Their interior is clothed with the same crust, which
is fixed on the back of the animal when it can no longer pro-
duce explosions. A membranous tube, very short, moved
imquestionably by a sphincter muscle, serves to expel the
smoke. M. Dufour has observed in the carabi and blaps, an
organ similar to that which he names preparatory, but which
is never swollen with air.

M. Dufour observes, on the digestive organ of this insect,
that the alimentary tube is about as long again as the body.
It commences with a straight, cylindrical oesophagus, occu-
pying the length of the corslet. The stomach, which comes
after, is lodged in the breast. When dilated, and filled with
air, it has the appearance of a small ovoid balloon, having
longitudinal stripes, and the intervals of which, slightly
convex, are divided transversely by other stripes, short and
whitish. When it is very much dilated all these lines dis-
appear. If contracted, its parietes are thick, its surface is
wrinkled, verrucose, and granular, and this organ then re-
sembles an ear of maize, furnished with its grains. One
line below the stomach is a small swelling, almost globular,
and formed of a slender, smooth membrane, without any
muscular appearance. The intestine succeeds, and presents
a cylindrical tube, bristling with small papillae. It makes a
circumvolution on itself, and before it terminates by the
rectum, it presents a swelling, almost similar in all respects
to the stomach. The rectum is a line in length.

Since the publication of the ]\Iemoir from which these

270 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

remarks are extracted, M. Dufour has discovered the hepatic
vessels, which are four in number, and the epiploon, con-
sisting, as in many other insects, of fatty whitish shreds,
and of very various forms.

We may observe here that the B. Displosor belongs to
the sub-genus Aptinus of the text.

In Odacantha. The O. melanura lives in shady and
humid places, in the cold or temperate regions of Europe.
Dr. Leach has found great numbers of them in England, in
places planted with reeds and rushes. Its other habits are
unknown to us. It is the only species which is indigenous.

In the sub-genus Drypta the form of the masticating
organs, the jaws, being elongated, and armed with powerful
crotchets, proves the very carnivorous character of these
insects, and their capability of pursuing and seizing their
prey, even in its deepest retreats. They are found on the
ground, and especially in places somewhat humid. They
inhabit only the warm regions of the ancient continent.

The Lebi.e differ from the Brachini in their tongue,
their flatted body, and particularly in the absence of those
organs of crepitation, for which those last-mentioned cara-
bici are so remarkable. Notwithstanding the assertions of
M. Clairville, often too staunch a disciple of Fabricius, this
last character of the Brachini is of more importance in the
natural order than that furnished by the relative proportions
of the antennae, in their second and third articulations.
But both Lebia and Cymindis have another character exclu-
sively peculiar to themselves, in this tribe. The crotchets
of their tarsi are denticulated underneath, in the manner of
a comb. Accordingly, these insects often remain under the
barks of trees, and have thus the facility of crooking or
suspending themselves in a vertical position. All the indi-
viduals are winged.

We have figured a new species of Anthia, under the name

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 271

of BtircheUu, which is black; with the three first joints of
the antennae, the margins of the thorax, and the sulcations
on the elytra covered with short yellowish hair ; length two
inches. This insect was discovered by the celebrated traveller
Mr. Burchell, after whom it has been named, by the Rev. F.
W. Hope, in whose cabinet it is contained.

The Baron Dejean has formed a new genus under the
name of Axinophoriis, with the following characters. The
maxillary palpi with the last joint rather cylindrical, and
those of the labial very strong, securiform ; the antennae short,
and filiform ; the labrum short, and leaving the mandibles
exposed, a strong simple tooth in the middle of the margina-
tion of the mentum ; tarsi with the joints rather cylindrical ;
the body very flat, rather in the form of a long square;
thorax rather transverse, rather straight anteriorly, elytra
oblong, feet very short. The Baron mentions two species,
one from North America, the other from Brazil ; a third
species we will describe under the name of Ax. Brasiliensis.
It is obscurely piceous, shining, with the thorax marginated,
and with six longitudinal simple striae on each elytra, the
central ones not reaching the base ; palpi, legs, antennae,
with the margins of the thorax and elytra pitchy red;
length nine lines. Inhabits Brazil. From the collection of
J. G. Children, Esq.

The genus Leptotrachelus, of M. Latreille, appears to us
to be synonymous with that of Rhagocrepis of M. Eschscholtz, -^
which the latter has described as follows. The claws simple,
palpi acute, penultimous joint of the tarsi bilobate, the elytra
with the apex rounded. He mentions one species under the
name of R. Riedelii, which is ferrugineous, the head brown,
the base of the antennae and femora yellow, the antennae and
tarsi black, the elytra with crenated striae. This species
inhabits Brazil. Length four lines.

After Helluo of Bonelli we will add a genus formed on a

272 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

species from Brazil, under the name of Pleur acanthus.
The characters are, the labrum crescent-shape, a small tooth
in the front and slightly dentated on each side ; the man-
dibles moderate, not notched; maxillary palpi long, the
last joint sub-securiform ; the mentum large, deeply emar-
ginated, with a rather large central simple tooth ; the labium
oblong, rather produced in the centre in front ; labial palpi
short, filiform ; the antennae short, hirsute, slightly enlarging
toward the tip ; the tarsi rather dilated ; thorax transverse
cordate, with the hinder angles acute.

The species we name sulcipennis, is black, with the head
and thorax red, punctured ; the elytra deeply sulcate, with
a greyish pubescent ; length nine lines. In the collection
of J. G. Children, Esq.

To the delicately formed genus of Cordistes, we have
pleasure in adding a new species, C. cinctus. Pale testacous
yellow, with a broad black fascia crossing the elytra, and
extending from the centre nearly to the tip ; this fascia is
margined with pale cream-colour ; length six lines ; and
inhabits Brazil. From the cabinet of Mr. Children.

M. Eschseholtz has separated the three following genera
from that of lebia of Latreille, namely : — Lexocrepis ; the
type of which the Lampryas ruficeps of Mr. Macleay, and
characterized by its simple claws ; filiform palpi, with the tip
sub-truncated; the penultimous joints of the tarsi, produced
on one side, and the elytra sinuate acuminated at the tip.
The type is an inhabitant of Java, and is four lines in
length. It is red, elytra cyaneous, the eyes black. Lia, the
type which is the lebia dorsalis of Dejean, claws serrated,
palpi filiform, subacute, tarsi, with the penultimous joint
bipartite; elytra broad, obliquely truncated; thorax produced
in the middle, behind. The next genus is Physodera, which
has the labial palpi compressed, dilate, truncate; the thorax
with the middle base produced ; the elytra broad, truncate.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 273

the last joint of the tarsi bipartite, serrate. The type he
has named Phys. Desiani, the length of which is four lines,
and is found at Mariella.

In the same plate is figured M. Eschscholtz's species of
plochionus, which he names qtiadrimaculatus, and is of an
aeneous green colour, the elytra olivaceous, with fourpale spots,
antennae and legs yellow. From Brazil; length, three lines.

To Orthogonius we will add a new species, which we name
Hopei, with the following description : — the elytra reddish
brown, with punctated striae, the head black, the thorax
black, with the exterior margins and the femora reddish
brown. The antennas, tibia, and tarsi piceous, length eight
and a half lines ; it is from India. In the cabinet of Mr.
Hope.

We pass on to Scarites. This genus of Fabricius,
forms, in the method of M. Bonelli, a small sub-family,
composed of the genera, scarites, pasiniachus, carenum,
clivina, dyschirius, and apotoma. The first three are dis-
tinguished from the others in consequence of the very marked
denticulations of the mandibles, and the form of the tongue,
which is short and broad. In carenum the external palpi
are thicker at their extremity. In scarites the jaws are ter-
minated in an arched or crooked point, while in pasimachus
they are straight. The body of these last insects is also
shorter, and proportionally broader, and almost of an oval
figure.

The scarites are peculiar to the warm climates of both
continents, and do not appear to possess the carnivorous
habits characteristic of the other insects of the same
family. They generally remain on the ground, and often
concealed in the holes or crevices presented to them by
the soil. Some are winged, and others apterous. All the
known species ai'e of a shining and uniform black. Some of
them are to be found in the southern provinces of France.

VOL. XIV. T

V

274 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

We will add a new species of pasimachus, which we name
Mexicanus. It is dark green, with the margins lighter, the
thorax rather cordiform, with the antennae, legs and mandi-
bles, black. The length is eleven lines and a half ; it is an
inhabitant of Mexico. In the collection of Mr. Hope.

After Ozcena of Olivier, Ave have established a new genus,
to which it is nearly allied, under the name of Goniotropis ;
it has the upper lip short, transverse, with a row of hairs
near the interior margins ; mandibles strong, dentated ; the
maxillary palpi with the last joint cylindrical, truncate ; the
last joint of the labial palpi is subsecuriform, the mentum
with the margination in the middle slightly produced, and the
antennae the length of the head and thorax, hirsute, monili-
form, with the last joint acute, with the anterior femora and
tebia strongly toothed ; the thorax subcordiform ; the elytra
with a hook at each angle. The species is from Brazil, there-
fore we name it Braziliensis. It is piceous, black, shining,
delicately punctated, the tarsi and suture of the elytra piceous.
The length is nine lines. In the collection of J. G. Chil-
dren, Esq.

In DiTOMUs, to which M. Ziegler, a very distinguished
German entomologist, gives the name Aristus, the body is
elongated and depressed, and separated into two parts, by a
remarkable strangulation, which divides the corslet from the
abdomen. Their antennae are filiform, tolerably long, with the
second articulation shorter than the third. The head is thick,
and the corslet large, and crescent-formed. It is attached to
the abdomen by a short pedicle or stalk. The abdomen is
almost square, rounded at the end, and entirely covered by
the elytra. The palpi are filiform, and terminated by an
oval articulation.

These insects inhabit the dry and sandy lands in the south-
ern countries of Europe and Africa. They remain either
in cylindrical, and tolerably deep holes which they have

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. ^T/S

dug, or in the crevices of the earth, and also under stones.
In the fine weather they issue forth from their retreats, and
always at the hottest moments of the day, but without re-
moving far from their habitation. Their walk is rather slow.
The species called aristus bzicephalus, has been seen to climb
on the blades of meadow grass, and carry off the little balls
from them. All of them are winged. Some males differ
from their females, by prominences of a conical figure on the
anterior extremity of the head. Their larvae have a singular
resemblance to those of the cicindelae, and live in the same
manner.

Two species of this sub-genus are to be found in the
neighbourhood of Paris ; one is the scarites bucephalus of
Olivier, of which Fabricius has made a Scaurus. The
second species (Aristus fulcatus) is almost one-half smaller
and of a more flatted form.

The Harpali are, in general, found upon the ground,
under stones, or in holes, and most frequently in dry, or but
moderately humid places. The numerous spines with which
their anterior limbs are provided, give them the facility of
digging retreats for themselves in light and sandy soils.
They run tolerably fast, and without fearing, like many
species of Feronia, the light of the sun. Their larvas inhabit
the same places. They have a conico-cylindrical form, and
present at the posterior extremity of their body a mem-
branous tube, terminating in an elongation of the anal
region, and two fleshy appendages articulated and tolerably
long. The head is thick, and armed with two tolerably
strong mandibles, and almost similar to those of the perfect
insect.

The insects of the sub-genus loricera, live after the
manner of the carabi (which shall be described below), and
are found under stones in humid places, and on the edge of
rivers.

T 2

276 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

(

^

/ ^/ After Cephalates of Bonelli, we have figured a new genus
which we call Cnemacanthus. The characters are, that the
antennae is moderate, moniliform ; the mandible slightly den-
tated, the labrum short, transverse ; the maxillary palpi with
the last joint fusiform, truncate ; and the last joint of the
labial truncated, oval. The mentum, with the middle of the
margination slightly produced. The anterior tibia dilated,
with two strong spines. The thorax globlous, and the body
globlous oval.

The species we name gihhosus. It is black, tinged with
bronze green ; the elytra with a simple stria ; the legs black ;
the antennae and tarsi black. The length is seven lines and a
half: it is from Africa. In the cabinet of Mr. Children.

We pass on to the Epomis, of which we have figured a new
species, under the name of Gorgi. The head and thorax
metallic green, punctured; the elytra with broad hairy striae;
the margins, the first joint of the antennae, palpi and legs,
yellow ; with the three last joints of the tarsi black. The
length is sixteen lines : it is an inhabitant of Senegal.

The c ARAB I are much more restrained as to species, than
the genus to which that name was given by Linnaeus, Degeer,
and Olivier. It comprehends but a portion of the species,
distinguished by the qualification of majores. These insects
are found only in the cold and temperate climates of Europe,
Asia, and America. Their body is usually elongated and
adorned with brilliant and metallic colours, such as bronze,
golden-green, violet, or coppery.

Of all the carnivorous coleoptera, terrestrial and indigenous,
the carabi and procrustes are the largest. They are very
voracious and agile insects. They are often to be met with
running on the ground, in fields, gardens, and woods.

Many species inhabit exclusively mountains and elevated
countries. They conceal themselves under stones or moss,
feed upon larvae, caterpillars, or perfect insects, which they

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 277

seize with their powerful mandibles, and often devour in
common. They shed a very strong and disagreeable odour,
which approaches that of tobacco, and some poisonous, or
suspected plants. When they are taken they cavise to issue
from the anus, a blackish liquor, very irritating and acrid,
the odour of which is still more disagreeable than that shed
from their body. Their larvae have not yet been observed
or described, but, in all probability, they resemble those of
procrustes, which are known.

The coleoptera, designated by the ancients under the name
of carabus, appear to be very different from those now so
called ; since, according to those authors, they proceeded
from larvae living in dry wood. They are, pi'obably, capri-
corns, or other analogous insects. It is presumable that the
earlier naturalists comprehended our carabi, properly so
called, among the cantharides, as they are, by persons igno-
rant of natural history, at the present day. Olivier, who in
this respect follows the sentiments of Geoff'roy, says that the
ancients regarded those insects as a poison to such cattle as
swallowed any of them mixed up with the grass which they
fed on in the fields and meadows. They believed them
capable of inflaming the intestines of these animals, by their
caustic character. It Avas on account of this maleficent
quality that they bestowed on them the name of huprestis.

Hippocrates, Pliny, and the ancient physicians, attribute
to them a virtue but little inferior to that of the cantharides.
They made use of them in various maladies, in hydrophy, in
>>/ tympanitis^ and especially in some maladies to which women
are more especially subjected. They used to administer them
internally, in very small doses, and sometimes employed them
in pessories, mingled with aromatic substances.

The Calosoma have some general resemblance to the last
sub-genus. They are tolerably large insects, and often
adorned with metallic colours of the most brilliant dve.

278 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

Reaumur has given us the history of the larvae of one
species, the Carahus Sycophanta of Linnaeus, which lives in
the nest of the processionary caterpillars, and is their most
redoubtable enemy. The caterpillar, which it attacks and
pierces through the belly, writhes, agitates, torments itself,
and uses every endeavour to escape to no purpose. The per-
tinacious sycophant never abandons it until it is entirely
devoured. The largest caterpillar is insufficient to support
it for a day. It kills and eats several of them in the course
of the same day, and when gluttony has rendered it incapa-
ble of moving, it is attacked by other larvae of its own
species, which are yet young and rather small, which pierce
its belly and eat it, although there is no deficiency of cater-
pillars for them to prey upon.

This species, and the Calosoma Inquisitor, are to be found
in the neighbourhood of Paris. They usually remain on
trees, and principally upon oaks, where they give chase to the
different insects on which they feed. It appears that both,
even in the perfect state, principally attack caterpillars.

In his grand work on the Coleoptera, Olivier has not en-
deavoured to define the limits of the genus Carabus of
Linnaeus and Fabricius; but he has remarked that many
species present, in regard to the organs of manducation, some
important differences ; and he cites, as an example, the Cara-
hus Spinibarbis on which M. Latreille has founded his

genus POGONOPHOBUS.

These insects, though of the same family as the Manti-
coroe, should not be confounded with these last carnivorous
coleoptera, as they have been by M. M. Jurine and Panzer.
They are even widely removed from them in a natural series,
and properly come in the place assigned them in the text.

They are particularly found in spring, under the barks of
old trees, about the trunk. But a small number of species
are known, all belonging to Europe, and of small size.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 279

The NEBRi.f: approximate to the carabi, properly so called,
in many points, though they are distinguished from them by
many others. They are carabici of a middling size. These
insects do not present the brilliant and metallic colours which
distinguish most of the carabi. They are for the most part
black or brown. Others have the ground yellowish, and
varied more or less with black. The greater number of
species inhabit cold and elevated situations, and in general
humid. Their metamorphoses are unknown.

The genus Omophron, which had been confounded with
that of Carabus, was by Fabricius designated Scolytus, a
name previously bestowed by GeofFroy upon a very different
genus of coleoptera, and adopted subsequently by Olivier
and M, Latreille. The confusion which was the result of all
this, determined M. Latreille to designate the Scolytus of
Fabricius by the name of Omophron. M. Clairville has put
this genus at the head of his adephagous aquatic coleoptera,
as forming the passage from them to the terrestrial adephagi,
— but, says M. Latreille, he should have pointed out the
characters of these two sections, and not have confined him-
self to distinctions purely nominal. Though the insects of
this genus inhabit the borders of aquatic places, and though
they are even found sometimes in the water, it is not less true
that they appertain, by the assemblage of their characters,
notwithstanding certain relations, to the terrestrial carni-
vorous coleoptera. The mandibles of the larvas of Omophron
limbatus, discovered and described by M. Desmarest, resem-
ble those of the carabici, and do not present near their ex-
tremity that aperture which is observable in the mandibles of
the hydrocanthari, or aquatic carnivorous coleoptera — a cha-
racter which seems to indicate that those organs perform the
office of a sucker.

These insects live on the banks of waters. They remain in
the sand, between the roots of plants w^hich grow there, and

280 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

do not appear to issue forth until towards evening. The larvae /
of that species which is best known (^OmopJiron limhatus) in- >v
habit the same places where certain aquatic plants are found.
Its body is elongated, depressed, and of a conical form,
having its greatest breadth on the side of the head. It is
composed of a dozen rings, which are of a dirty white. The
head is of a trapezoid form, rusty brown colour, and presents
two small black eyes ; two antennae, small, setaceous, with
five articulations, and placed in front of these organs. The
mouth is formed of two strong mandibles, arched and dentic-
ulated. The two jaws have each two palpi, and an under
lip also furnished with two palpi. The first three rings have
each a pair of feet. These feet are scaly, directed back-
wards, and terminated by two sharp claws. At the end of
the last ring is a filiform appendage, raised, with four articu-
lations, the last of which finishes with two hairs. This larva
is very agile, and raises the posterior extremity of its body
like the Staphyliiii, forjiculcB^ &c.

The Omophron limbatus is found in humid sand, under
stones, in the south of France, and sometimes even in the
neighbourhood of Paris.

The Elaphri have a good deal of the physiognomy of
the clcindelcB, both in the general form of their body, their
colours, the projection of their eyes, and the celerity of their
movements. But other characters more essential appear to
remove them from that genus, and approximate them to those
carabici of the sixth section, which conduct them by shades
to the hydrocanthari. They are found only in humid places,
and on the borders of marshes and rivers. They run with
the most extreme rapidity, and feed on small insects, and
probably on aquatic larvae. Their metamorphoses have not
yet been observed.

The insects of the genus Bembidion are small coleoptera,
which liave great relations with the elaphri, and, like them.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 281

frequent the sandy banks of waters, where they run remark-
ably fast ; but they differ from them by the manner in which
their palpi are terminated. This genus is very numerous,
and almost all the species described to the present day are
European. Fabricius and Olivier have ranged them among
the elaphri and carabi.

We now arrive at the aquatic coleoptera in which the
genus Dytiscus stands foremost. Linnaeus formed two sec-
tions of this genus, according to the clavate, and perfoliated
or setaceous form of the antennas. Geoffroy, imder the
name of hydrophilus, separated those in which these organs
exhibit the first of these characters. The other species, or
those in which the antennae are setaceous, have preserved for
a long time the general name of Dytiscus, but this division
is now much more restrained than it was originally.

The dytisci seem to be amphibious insects. Though the
water appears to be their principal element, and although
they live there almost continually, they have also the faculty
of living on the land and flying in the air. The size of these
insects varies very considerably ; some are more than an inch
and a half in length, while others are scarcely larger than
fleas, and some are found of all the mean sizes between those
two extremes. The dytisci are carnivorous, and exceedingly
voracious. They live only on other aquatic and terrestrial
insects which they catch, and to Avhich they give chase conti-
nually. They seize them with their anterior feet, as with
hands, and then lift them to their mouth to devour them.
Although they can live a long time under water, they have
need, however, to respire the air, and they usually do this
from time to time. They bring themselves to the surface,
and to do so they have only occasion to keep their feet in a
state of repose, and to suff'er themselves to float ; being lighter
than the water they swim above it at once. It is their hinder
part which is then always applied to the surface, and even

282 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

almost above the water. They afterwards raise the elytra a
little, or lower the end of the abdomen. When the insect
wishes to return to the bottom of the water it brings the
belly and the elytra promptly together, and stops the vacuum
which was between them, so that the water can no longer
penetrate there.

The dytisci live in all kinds of fresh waters, in rivers, lakes,
but more especially in marshes and ponds. They swim with
very great celerity. It is usually at the approach of night
that they issue from the water to fly and transport themselves
from one pond or marsh to another. Accordingly these in-
sects, and many others, which, like them, are amphibious, are
found in the smallest pieces of water, even in those which are
formed by the descent of rain. They make a humming
noise in flying, like the scarabei. In coupling, the male
employs the two remarkable palettes which are presented
by the anterior tarsi, to hold himself fixed to the female.
The inferior surface of these palettes presents, in large
spaces, a great number of small concave pieces, in the
form of the calix of flowers, or little cups, and some of
which, particularly the largest, have, at their bottom, a little
elevation. We may again consider these calices as species of
cupping-glasses or suckers. The mode in which the females
deposit their eggs is unknown.

The skin which covers the larvas of the dytisci is generally
scaly, and something like the plates of a tortoise. The two
last rings of the body are furnished towards the sides with
a sort of fringe, which being placed on a ridge, or a line
somewhat elevated, seem to be formed for swimming.
When the larva suddenly wishes to change place in the
water, or fly the approach of some large insects which might
devour it, it gives a prompt and vermicular movement to its
body, striking the water with its tail, the fringe of which
then becomes very useful to it, since the tail is thereby

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 283

rendered more fit to resist the water, and cause the body to
advance.

This larva appears at once to perceive the smallest insect
which moves in the water, and never fails to pursue it on
the instant, and seize it with its teeth. These teeth, two in
number, are attached in front, on each side of the head.
They are curved, and meet each other when the larva keeps
them in a state of repose. They have no denticulations, but
diminish by little and little into a point. Swammerdam has
mentioned that the teeth of the larvae of this genus have an
aperture in the form of a cleft near their point, and that it is
by this aperture that they suck the insects, the fluid sub-
stance of which passes from there into their mouth and
stomach. It is known that the antlion sucks in insects in
the same manner. Degeer, in confirming the observations
of Swammerdam, has thought that the larva has also a
second mouth, and that this mouth was placed between the
two lips. What appears to prove this is, that he has seen a
larva not only suck in an aquatic wood-louse, but also devour
by little and little, all the solid parts of that insect ; which
assuredly could not have passed through the little apertures
of the teeth. Two muscles have been remarked, divided
into many flat and fibrous ramifications. One is attached to
the external side of the tooth, and serves to draw it away
from the head. The other is attached to the interior edge of
the tooth, and it is by this muscle, that the insect draws it
close to the head, when it has seized its prey. The head is
furnislied with two small antennae placed immediately in
front of the eyes.

These larvge are exceedingly voracious. With their large
teeth they seize all the insects which they meet, to suck and
devour them, and especially the larvae of the libellulse,
ephemera, tipulae, &c.

It is not rare to find these larvae in all the dormant waters

284 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

of marshes and lakes. Roesel informs us, that when the
time of transformation is arrived, the larva quits the water
and proceeds to bury itself in the earth which borders on the
marshes and streams. There it digs itself a cavity in the
form of an oval shell, in which it becomes changed into
a nymph, and subsequently into the perfect insect. Swam-
merdam also tells us that these larvae are transformed in the
earth, but nevertheless avows that he speaks only from con-
jecture. There are strong grounds, however, for the pre-
sumption that this is the fact, and that the dytisci are purely
aquatic in the larva state, that they become terrestrial in the
nymph form, and, finally, that in their state of perfection
they are, in some sort, amphibious, or live equally in the
water or on the land.

To Hydatlcus of Leach we will add a new species from
Mexico, which Mr. Hope has named marmoratus. It is
black, with large yellow spots ; the antennae and the anterior
legs are yellow, beneath reddish. It is in the above named
gentleman's cabinet. Also a species of Calymhetes^ which
we name Loivei, and is black, varied with yellow ; the
elytra with punctured striae ; the head and thorax black,
the latter with the margin and the legs reddish. Thirteen
lines in length. This species is from Madeira, and is more
elongate than the other species. The thorax is margined ;
it has a palette on the middle tarsi as well as on the an-
terior.

We now come to the last genus of this family, the
GYRiNi, which are found on the surface of the stagnant
waters of marshes, lakes, and ditches, where they are seen
to swim, and as it were, to run, usually assembled in troops,
and describing circles and pirouettes, with the most sur-
prising swiftness and agility. They very much approach the
dytisci, having, like them, the feet adapted for swimming.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. '285

But still they are marked by some particular characters
which constitute them a very distinct genus.

The gyrini may, in general, be considered as small insects,
the species which is most known not exceeding the dimensions
of the common fly. Some species, however, are known
which are of a larger size. No insects exhibit, like them,
what may be termed four net-work eyes. It is very easy to
perceive them in looking at the animal from above, and then
examining it underneath: for the two lower eyes are con-
cealed underneath the head. The insect can see at the same
time, and by different eyes, the objects which are above its
head, and those which are below it. Accordingly its sight
is very good and piercing, the proof of which may be very
easily seen by placing it in a glass of water. After having
made at first a few turns in swimming, it remains at last
tranquilly on the surface of the water. The instant the
hand is approached towards it, or any movement is made,
without even touching the glass, it is seen of a sudden to
pvit itself into a state of agitation, and usually sink into
the water.

These insects can make use of their wings, and do, some-
times, elevate themselves into the air, but the particular
conformation of the feet sufficiently indicate that they are
also destined to live in the water.

The swiftness with which the gyrini swim on the surface
of the water, or in the water itself, is surprising. The eye
cannot follow the rapidity of their circumvolutions, and
various motions in all directions. As the coverings of these
insects are very smooth and shining, when the sun casts its
rays upon them, they seem like so many brilliant pearls in
motion, which reflect the light in different shades, and pre-
sent a very beautiful spectacle.

They are almost always assembled in troops upon the
surface of the water, where they sometimes repose in a state

286 SUPPLEMENT ON THE CARNIVOROUS FAMILY

of perfect quiescence, but the moment they are approached,
they put themselves in motion, and escape by swimming or
sinking into the water with the greatest quickness. Some-
times they remain at the bottom of the water, and keep
themselves hooked to some aquatic plant ; for, as they are
lighter than the water, they come to the surface if they do
not keep themselves fastened to something, and not stir their
feet. The upper part of their body remains entirely dry
when they are at the surface of the water ; but when they
dive, a sort of little silvery ball remains attached to their
back, which produces a very pretty effect. A disagreeable
odour exhales from their bodies when they are touched,
which it is very difficult to get rid of. They are found in
the waters from the time that the frosts give over, in spring,
until it is far advanced in the autumn.

The females lay their eggs on the leaves of aquatic plants.
Degeer kept some in a decanter filled with water, which
deposited their eggs on the sides of the glass, one after the
other. In about eight days the young hexapod larvae, very
small, issued forth from the eggs, and swam at first in the
Avater ; they also walked against the sides of the glass.
Roesel was acquainted with these larvae, but was not able to
bring them up to their full size. This also happened to
Degeer, who never could preserve them alive for any length
of time. But M. Modeer, who has given a history of these
little insects in the memoirs of the Royal Academy of
Sciences of Sweden, has had these larvae in their full size,
and has given a description of them, which agrees in all
points with tliat of the young larvae. This gentleman, how-
ever, has not informed us how these larvae came into his
possession, whether he hit upon the means of rearing them
from their birth, or gained possession of them when they
were fully formed in the waters. He also speaks of their
transformations which took place out of the water. About

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 287

the commencement of August, he says, this larva issues from
the water, and gets upon the large leaves of such plants as
grow there, where it fixes, and shuts itself up in a small
oval shell, made of some substance derived from its own
body. In this shell, having assumed the form of nymph,
it gets out of it under that of the winged insect, towards the
end of the same month, and jumps suddenly into the water.
This author adds, that these nymphs are very subject to be
devoured by the larvae of the ichneumons, which lay their
eggs near them in the same shell.

THE
SECOND FAMILY

OF THE

PENTAMEROUS COLEOPTERA.

Brachelytra, Cuv., Microptera, Gravenhorst,

Have but one palpus in the jaws, or four in all. The anten-
nae sometimes of equal thickness, sometimes a little thicker
towards the end, and universally composed of grain-formed
or lenticular articulations. The wing-cases are much shorter
than the body, which is narrow and elongated, with the
branches of the two anterior feet very large, and two vesicles
near the anus, which the animal can put forth at pleasure.

These coleoptera compose the genus Staphylinus of
Linnaeus.

They have been considered as constituting the passage of
the coleoptera to the forpiculae, the first genus of the fol-
lowing order. Under some relations they also border on the
insects of the preceding family, and under many others, on the
necrophori, a genus of the fourth. They have most frequently
the head large and flatted, strong mandibles, short antennae, the
corslet as broad as the abdomen, the cases truncated at their
extremity, and nevertheless covering the wings, which preserve
their usual extent. The semi-rings of the upper part of the
abdomen are as scaly as the lower. The vesicles of the anus
consist in two conical points, furnished with hair, which the
animal causes to issue forth and re-enter at will. A subtile

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 289

vapour thence escapes, and which in some species has a strong
scent of sulphuric ether. M. Leon Dufour {Annales des
Sciences Natur. t. viii. p. 16.) has given a description of the
apparatus which produces it. The last segment of the abdo-
men, that in Avhich the anus is situated, is prolonged into,
and terminates in a point.

These coleoptera, when they are touched, or when they
run, raise the end of their abdomen, and give it all kinds of
inflexions. They also employ it to push their wings under
the cases, and cause them to re-enter there. The two ante-
rior feet have often the tarsi broad and dilated. Their
branches, as well as those of the intermediate feet, are very
large. They live for the most part in the earth, in dung-
hills, in excrementitious matters. Others are found under
mushrooms, the rotten parts of trees, holes, and under
stones. Some inhabit only aquatic places. Some again are
known, but very small, which attach themselves to flowers.
All are voracious, run with great swiftness, and take flight
very promptly.

Their larvae very much resemble the perfect insect ; they
have the form of an elongated cone, the basis or the thickest
part of which is occupied by the head, which is very large.
The last ring is prolonged, in the manner of a tube, and is
accompanied by two conical and hairy appendages. These
larvae feed upon the same matters as the insect in the perfect
state. The first stomach of the Staphylinus is small and
without folds. The second is very long and very hairy. The
intestine is very short.

According to M. Leon Dufour, their alimentary canal does
not differ essentially from that of the carnivorous coleoptera,
but by the absence of a crop. Their biliary vessels are in-
serted on one and the same lateral point, and in some species,
at least, offer, towards their middle, a knot or vescicle not

VOL. XIV. u

290 CLASS INSECTA.

remarked in any other insect. Their apparatus of generation
differs much from that of the carnivorous coleoptera.

This genus is considerable. We divide it into five sec-
tions.

The first, that of Fissilabra, has the head entirely naked,
and separated from the corslet, which is sometimes squared,
or in a semi-oval, sometimes rounded, or in a truncated heart,
by a neck, or visible strangulation. The labrum is deeply
divided into two lobes. Such are : —

OxpoRus, Fab,,

Of which the maxillary palpi are filiform, and the labial
terminated by a very large, and crescent-formed articula-
tion.

The antennae are thick, perfoliated, and compressed. The
anterior tarsi are not dilated. The last articulation, and
next to that the second, are the longest. They live in fungi,
and agarics.

Staphylinus rufus^ Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XVI.
19, about three lines in length, fawn-coloured, with the
head, the chest, the extremity, and the internal edge of the
wing-cases, as well as the anus, black.*

AsTRAP^us, Grav.,

In which the four palpi are terminated by a larger and almost
triangular articulation. The anterior tarsi are very much
dilated. The first and the last articulations are the longest.-|-

* Add O. Maxillosvs, Fab. Panz. ihid. 20. The other Oxypori of Fab-
ricius belong to the sub-genera of our fourth section. See Olivier, Encyc.
Method, genus Oxyporus ; and M. Gravcnhorst, Coleoptera microptera.

f Staphylinus ulmi, Oliv. Ross. Faun. Etrusc. I v. 6. Panz. ibid.
LXXXVIII. 4; Lat. Gener. Crust, et Insect. I. 284.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 291

Staphyliniis (Proper), Fab.,

Which have all the palpi filiform, and the antennae inserted
above the labrum, and mandibles between the eyes. Some,
and especially the males, have the anterior tarsi very much
dilated, the antennae separated at their origin, and the first
articulation of which equals, for the most part, in length, the
fourth of the total length. The head is but little elongated.
The species presenting these characters compose alone, in
some methods, the genus Staphylmus. Authors have even
separated, to form another, the S. dilatatus^ Fab. Germ.
Faun. Insect. d'Europe, YI. xiv, in consequence of its an-
tennae forming an elongated knob, and denticulated like a
saw. According to the observations of M. Chevrolat, a very
zealous entomologist, this insect feeds on caterpillars, which
it goes to seek on the trees.

S. Hirtus, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. IV. 19. Ten
lines long, black, very hairy, with the upper part of the head
of the corslet, and the final rings of the abdomen covered
with thick hairs, of a golden and lustrous yellow. Wing-
cases of an ashen grey, with the base black. Under part of
the body of a blueish black. North of Europe, France and
Germany.

S. Olens, Fab. Panz. ihid. XXVII. i. An inch long, of
a dead black, with the head larger than the corslet, and the
wings reddish. Its eggs are of a remarkable thickness.

Very common in the neighbourhood of Paris, under the
stones.

.S*. Maxillosus, Panz. ibid. 2, being nearly eight lines in
length, black and shining ; the head broader than the corslet,
a great part of the abdomen and elytija of an ashen grey,
with points and black spots. In earth and dung.

S. Muri7ius, F. Panz. ibid. LXVI. 16, from four to
six lines in length ; the head, corslet, and wing-cases of a

u 2

292 CLASS INSECTA.

deep and shining bronze, with obscure spots ; scutellum yel-
lowish, marked with two very black spots ; the abdomen
black, major part of the antennae reddish. With the pre-
cedino;.

S. Erythropterus, Lin. Panz. XXVIII. 4, from six to
ten lines in length, black, with the wing-cases, the base of the
antennse, and the feet, fawn-colour.*

The others, whose form is linear, with the head and corslet
elongated in the form of a long square, have the antennae
approximated at their base, strongly bent and grained,
their anterior tarsi in general are not at all, or very little,
dilated. The anterior legs are spinous, with a strong spine
at the end. The labrum is small. These compose the genus
Xantholinus of some entomologists. -|-

PiNorHiLus, Grav.,

Which have also the palpi filiform, but whose antennae are
inserted in front of the eyes, without the labrum, and near
the external base of the mandibles, {Pinophilus latipes)
Grav. Amer. Septen. It is united to the following genus in
his mantissa.

Lathrobium, Grav. Pcederus, Fab.,

Whose palpi are terminated abruptly by an articulation
much smaller than the preceding, pointed, and often but
little distinct. The maxillary are much longer than the

* See the monograph of this family {Coleoptera m'wroj)tera,) of M. Gra-
venhorst, Panz. Index Entom. Part I. p. 208, et sen. Latr. ibid. I. 285.
Refer to this genus the following species of Olivier: aureus, ceneus,hcBmor-
rhoidalis, oculatits, cri/throcephalus, similis, cyaneus, imhescens, cujyreus,
stercorarius, brunnipes, pilosus, j^oUtiis, amceniis, besides the five of which
we give the description here.

■j- The Staphylini, fulgidus, fulmineus, pyropterus, elegans, elongatus^
ochraceus, aUernans, melanocephalus, of M. Gravenhorst.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 293

labial, and the insertion of the antennas is the same as in the
preceding- genus. The anterior tarsi are very much dilated
in both sexes. The length of the last articulation of the four
posterior ones, equals almost that of the four preceding arti-
culations united.*

The second section, Longipalpi, Avhich have also the head
entirely uncovered, but whose labrum is entire, and whose
maxillary palpi are almost as long as the head, terminating
in a club-form, composed by the third articulation, with the
fourth concealed or but little distinct, and in the figure of a
little point, terminating the club when visible ; the preceding
one is very much swelled. These insects live on the banks
of waters.

PffiDERus, Fabri.,

In which the antennae inserted in front of the eyes are either
filiform, or grow thick insensibly, and are longer than the
head, whose body is long and narrow, with the mandibles den-
ticulated at the internal side, and terminating in a simple
point.

Some {Paederes^ Lat.) have the penultimate articulation of
the tarsi bifid.-{-

* See Gravenhorst, Coleop. Microp. and Latr. Gen. Crust, et Insect. I.
289. The L. Elongatum {S. ElongatuSy Lin.) has been figured by Panzer,
ibid. IX. 12 ; Staphylinus linearis, Oliv. Col. III. 2. iv. 38. See also Gyllen.
Insect. Suec. I. Part II. p. 363, et seq. and the Catalogue of the Collec-
tion of M. le Comte Dejean, p. 24.

■f- M. Lefevre has brought from Sicily an insect neighbouring on the
Poederus, but evidently forming a new genus. The fourth and last articu-
lation of the maxillary palpi is here very distinct, and terminates them in
the manner of a knob. The last of the antennse is larger than the pre-
ceding, and ovoido-cbnical. The head attaches to the corslet by an
elongated pedicle, and on a level at its origin with the head. The corslet
is narrow and elongated. The two anterior tarsi are very much dilated.
Tiie first articulation of the others is very long, and their penultimate

294 CLASS INSECTA.

Staphylinus riparkis, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. IX. ii,
about three lines in length, very narrow, and very elongated,
fawn-coloured, with the head, chest, upper extremity of the
abdomen and knees black ; elytra blue. Very common in
the humid sand, under stones, at the root of trees, &c.

The others, Stilichus, Lat., have all the articulations of
the tarsi entire. {See Lat. Gen. Crust, et Insect. I, page
290, et seq., and Gyllen. Insect. Suec. I. Part 2, p. 372.)

Ev.ESTHETUs, Grav.,

Whose antennae are likewise inserted in front of the eyes, but
little longer than the head, and almost entirely moniliform.
The body is but little elongated, with the head as broad as
the corslet. {Evoesthetus Scaber, Grav. Germ. Faun. In-
sect. Europ. VII. 13. Gyllen. Insect. Suec. I, Part II.,
p. 461. M. Blondel (the son), of Versailles, has discovered
a new species in the environs of that town.)

Stenus, Lat.,

In which the antennas inserted near the internal edg-e of the
eyes are terminated by a club of three articulations. They
have the extremity of the mandibles forked, and large eyes.

Staphylinus — 2-gidtatus, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ.
XI. 18. Two lines in length, altogether black, with a red-
dish point on each case.*

The third section, that of Denticrura, differs from the
preceding in the maxillary palpi, which are much shorter

has appeared to me emarginated or bifid. I shall designate this genus by
the denomination of procirnis, and this species shall be consecrated to
the zealous naturalist (Lefeburi) who has discovered it.

* Add Staphylinus Juno, Payk; Pcsderns j)roboscideus, Oliv. Col. III. 44.
1. ^', Staphylinus clavicornis, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XXVII. 2. See
Gravenhorst, Coleopt. microp. Latr. Gener. Crust, et Insect., genus Stenus,
et Gyll. ibid. p. 463.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 295

than the head, and always with four distinct articulations.
The anterior has at least one denticulated or spinous at the
interior side. The tarsi, which, in the majority, fold back
on the limbs, have the last articulation as long, or longer than
the preceding taken together. The first, or the first two,
are visually so small, or so concealed, that their total number
does not appear to be but two or three.

The front of the head, and sometimes even the corslet, is
armed with horns in many of the males. The antennae are
inserted in front of the eyes.

Some whose palpi terminate in an oval form, whose antennae
are for the most part grained, and go on thickening, present
distinctly but three articulations in the tarsi. With the ex-
ception of the Trachini, the anterior tarsi are not more
notably dilated.

OxYTELUs, Grav.*

The others have the filiform palpi and four articulations,
at least, very apparent in the tarsi.

OsoRius, Leach, Dej.

Have the body cylindrical, all the limbs widened and den-
tated, the head as long as broad, the corslet almost in the
form of a heart, narrowed and truncated posteriorly, and the
antennae for the most part grained, thickening insensibly
towards the end, and shorter than the head and corslet, the
mandibles much shorter than the head, very much crossed,
and terminated in a single point, and the mentum large and
buckler-formed.

* See the article Oxytele of the Encyc. Method. The fore-cited Mo-
nograph of M. Gravenhorst, and Gyllenhall, Insect. Suec. I. Part II.
p. 144.

^2\){] CLASS INSECTA.

We know but a small number of species which have not
been yet described, and which inhabit French Guiana and
Brazil.

ZYKornoRus, Dalm. Leptochire, Germ. IrencEus, Leach.
Oxytelus, Oliv. Piestits, Grav.

Whose body is depressed ; whose anterior limbs, broader
than the others, are alone denticulated externally ; which
have the head transverse, the corslet squared, the antennae of
the same thickness throughout, as long at least as the head
and corslet, composed of articulations for the most part ovali-
form, or cylindrical, and rounded at the two ends, and the
mandibles as long as the' head, and denticulated at their ex-
tremity.*

Prognatha, Lat. Blond. Siagona, Kirby,

Which differ but little from Zyrophorus, but in their fili-
form antennae, comprised of elongated articulations. {Sia-
gonum qiiadi^icorncy Kirb. and Spenc. Introd. Entom. I. i. 5.
Blondel, Annal. des Se. Nat. April I8I7, XVII. 14-17.)

CopROPHiLus, Lat. Omalium, Grav. Oliv. Gyll.,

In which the body is still flatted, but all the limbs are
denticulated, or spinous externally. The antennas much
longer than the head_, are grained, and thicken insensibly
towards the endj and the mandibles arched externally, almost
into a crescent, are not sensibly denticulated, and are pro-

* See Dalman, Anal, en torn. p. 23, his Z. Fronticornis, iv. fig. 1. appears
to be the Oxytelus bicornis of Olivier. (Encyc. Method.) That which he
names, j^^nicillatus, ibid. fig. 2, appears to have great relations with the
piestus sulcatus ot" M. Gravenhorst. The leptochirus scoriaceus of M. Ger-
mar, (Insect. Spec. Nov. I. i.) is a species very distinct from the pre-
cedins'.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 297

longed but little at their extremity. (Omalium rugosum,
Gravenhorst, and other species with short elytra.)

The fourth section, that of Depressa, presents us, as well
as the preceding, with a disengaged head, an entire labrum,
short maxillary palpi, and with four distinct articulations,
but the legs are simple, or without teeth or spines on the ex-
ternal side, and the tarsi have manifestly six articulations.

Here the palpi are filiform.

Omalium,

In which the corslet is of the breadth of the elytra, broader
than the head, almost in a transverse square (with the angles,
or at least the anterior ones, rounded), and often bordered
laterally, and of which the antennae go on thickening towards
their extremity.*

Lesteva, Lat. Anthophagiis. Grav.,

Which have the corslet in the form of a heart, narrowed,
and truncated posteriorly almost isometrical, of the breadth
of the liead, more narrow than the elytra, and the antennae
generally filiform, and with elongated articulations.-f-

MiCEOPEPLUs, Lat.,

Distinguished by their antennae finishing in a solid knob,
and lodging in the fossets of the corslet, j

Proteixus, Lat.,
In which the antennae being grained, a little perfoliated, and

♦ See Gravenhorst, article omalie of the Encyc. Meth., and Gyllenhall,
ibid. p. 198.

f See Latreille, Gen. Crust. Insect. I. p. 296-297; Gravenhorst and
Gyllenhall, genus Anthophagiis.

X See Latreille, Gen. Crust, et Insect. IV. p. 377 ; Omalium porcahim,
Gyll. Insect. Suec. I. Part II. p 211. Micropeplus 2}orcatus, Charp. Horae
Entom. VIII. 9; Gyll. ibid. 0. Staphylinoides, p. 215.

298 CLASS INSECTA.

thicker towards the end, but under the form of a club, and
always uncovered, are inserted in front of the eyes : in which
the corslet is short, and the elytra covers the major part of
the abdomen. i^See Latr. ihicL I. p. 298, and the omalium
ovattim, and macroptemm of Gravenhorst.)

Aleochara, Grav.,

In which the antennae are inserted between the eyes, or near
their inferior edge, and naked at their origin, with the first
three articulations sensibly longer than the following, these
last perfoliated, and the last elongated and conical. The
corslet is almost oval, of in a square rounded at the angles.*

The fifth section, the Microcephala, have the head sunk
posteriorly as far as near the eyes, in the corslet. It is not
separated by a neck, nor visible strangulation. The corslet
has the form of a trapezium, and is widened from front to
rear.

They have the body less elongated than the preceding, and
approaching more to the elliptical form, the head much more
narrow, contracted and advanced in front, the mandibles of
middle size without denticulations, and simply arched at the
point. The elytra, in many, cover a little more than half
of the length of the upper part of the abdomen. Some live
in mushrooms, on flowers, and others in dung. Fabricius
has joined many of their species with the oxypori.

* Staphj/linus canaliculatiis, Fab. Panz. ibid. XXVII. \o; StaphyliniLS
imjjressus, Oliv. Col. ibid. v. 41 ; S. Boleti, Lin. Oliv. Col. ibid. iii. 25; S.
collaris, ejiisd. ibid. ii. 13; S. minutiis, ejusd. ibid. vi. 53; S. socialis, ejusd.
ibid, iii 25, and generally the first three families of the genus Aleochara, of
Gravenhorst, Col. Mic. torn. II. See also Gyllenhall, Insect. Suec. I.
Part II. p. 577. But it will be observed that neither this author nor M.
Gravenhorst have assigned to Aleochara, and Lomechusa, clear and rigo-
rous characters. These two sub-genera require some new examination.

OUDEIl COLEOPTEllA. ^299

LoMECHusA, Aleochara^ Grav.,

Which have no spines on the legs, and of which the antennae
from the fourth articulation, form a perfoliated club, or like
an elongated spindle, and the palpi terminate awl-like. The
antennas are often shorter than the head and corslet.*

Tachinus, Grav.,

Which have spinous legs. The antennas are composed of
articulations like a reversed cone, or a pear, and thickening
insensibly, and whose palpi are filiform. -f-

Tachyporus, Grav.,

Similar to the Tachini in the limbs and the antenna?, but
having the palpi terminating awl-like.J

• Some have the corslet smooth, and not raised over its edges. Such
the Aleochara, bipmictata, lanuginosa, nitida {Staphi/Jimis bi-pustulatus, Lin.
Oliv. Col. III. 42, V. 44.) fumata, nana, of Gravenhorst, or his families,
iii. vi. (Col. Micropt. tom. 2.) The others have the edges of the corslet
raised, and form his genus Lomechusa ; L. paradoxa ; Slaphyl'mus emargi-
natus, Oliv. ibid- ii. 12; L. dentata, Grav. j Staphylinns strumosus, Payk. V.

-f- Oxyporus suhterraneus. Fab.; O. bi-pustulatus, ejusd. Panz. Faun.
Insect. Germ. XVI. 21; O.marginellus, Panz. aiirf. IX. 15; Stapkylinus
fuscipes, ibid. XXVII. 12; Oxyporus suturalis, ibid. XVIII. 20; O. Pyg-
VICE21S, ih'id. 27 ; O. hmulatus, ihid. XXll. 19; 15; Staphylinus atricapillus,
F. ; Oxyporus merdarius, Panz. ibid. XXVI. 18; Stapkylinus striatus, Oliv.
ib. v. 47; S. lunulatiis, Jau, See also, as well for this sub-genus as the
following, the second part of the first volume of the Insects of Sweden,
of M. Gyllenhall. There will be found excellent remarks on the several
differences of many species, and the application of which may be very
useful.

The Tachini, which, such as atricapillus, have the corslet almost as long
as broad, the muzzle advanced, the four posterior tarsi sensibly longer
than their respective legs, appear proper to form a particular section.

X Oxyporus rufipes, Fab. P^nz. ibid. XXVII. 20; O. viarginatus, F. Panz.
ibid. 17 ; O. chrysomeliniis, F. Panz. ibid. IX. 14 j O. analis, F. Panz. ibid.
XXII. 1 G ; O. abdominalis, F.

300 CLASS INSECTA.

The srenus Calltcerus of M. Gravenhorst is unknown to
me. That of Stexosthetus, of M. Megerle, indicated in
the catalogue of the collection of Coleoptera of M. le Comte
Dejean, presents all the characters of a true Pselaphus, and
ought to be suppressed. Such is also at present the opinion
of this last naturalist.

SUPPLEMENT

BRACHELYTRA.

This family is entirely composed of the genus Staph r-
LiNus of Linnsus. It is a family of very considerable
extent, comprehending about six hundred species, or perhaps
more.

Fabricius made the first separation from it of pederus and
OJoyporiis. Subsequently M, Latreille introduced two other
genera, or, as they now stand in " The Animal Kingdom,"
sub-genera, those of lesteva and stenus. Nine others were
instituted by M. Gravenhorst, and one by Mr. Kirby, and
from the communications of Dr. Leach to M. Latreille, of
certain exotic species, which form so many types of new
generic sections, some other divisions have benn formed.

The Staphylini, taken in general, are to be found in
fresh and humid places under stones, under the bark of dead
or rotten trees. They may be seen running in the fields,
gardens, and on the highways, when in search of their prey.
They are very courageous and extremely agile ; provided
equally with strong feet and good wings, they run with great
swiftness, and fly with the utmost facility. They destroy the
insects which live in dung-hills, cow-dung, on the branches
of trees, &c., carrying on a continual war upon them ;
sometimes they surprise them in their retreats, sometimes

302 SUPPLEMENT ON THE FAMILY BRACHELYTRA

they pursue them in the fields, attack them Avith advantage,
and combat them with bitterness. But they appear to have
been more especially designed for the reduction of carcasses
to their final state of dissolution. Among these the majority
of them establish their dwelling, and there it is (however dis-
gusting the task) that we must resolve to seek for them.
This kind of habitation, but little calculated to attract the
attention of naturalists, must for a long period have prevented
their acquaintance with a great number of these insects, and
no doubt must still keep many of them undiscovered. Ne-
vertheless it must in fine be acknowledged, that the objects
which false delicacy repels with the utmost degree of disdain,
are those which are often most calculated to repay the zeal of
the curious observers of the productions of nature.

The head of the Staphylini, usually very broad, is furnished
in front with two teeth or mandibles, which at once announces
the instinct or habitual character of the animal. These
teeth are large, curved and pointed. In a state of inaction
they repose one upon the other, and cross by their points ;
but when the insect opens them they give an air which might
well appear terrible if the animal was capable of imposing on
the observer by its general bulk. Their substance is ex-
tremely hard, and their colour, in general, is black. The
mere aspect of these redoubtable teeth would indicate that the
staphylinus employed them to seize and devour whatever
insects it could catch. Nor would this opinion be unfounded ;
it is an animal of the most extreme voracity, which often does
not even spare its consimilars. Degeer relates, that having
presented a fly to a large species of staphylinus, the latter
seized it at once, plunged its murderous teeth into its body,
and finally tore it in pieces with its denticulations. The na-
ture of this insect is discovered the moment one desires to lay
hold of it ; it endeavours to defend itself, and to bite the
fingers which detain it.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 303

The two elytra, which are very short, and as it were truncat-
ed at the middle of the back, are one of those characters which
strike us most when we consider the staphylini. They cover
but one half of the body, and often scarcely more than a third,
and usually leave the entire abdomen naked. Nevertheless
the two large wings with which the insect is provided, longer
than the body when unfolded, are entirely concealed in a state
of inaction, under these same elytra. They are folded there
with much art, three or four times, so that they are reduced
to a small twisted packet. When the insect wishes to employ
them it extends them rapidly, they are then admirably
adapted for flight, and it is difficult to conceive how they can
find room under cases of so small a volume.

The abdomen, which is left uncovered by the elytra, pos-
sesses much suppleness and flexibility. When the staphylinus
is touched it raises the tail or hinder part, and gives it all
kinds of inflexions. It appears desirous of defending a naked
and feeble part, not protected by the elytra, as in the other
coleoptera. The position which it gives to the abdomen ren.
ders it more difficult to be seized, and less opportunity is thus
given to the danger which threatens it. It is also by means
of the abdomen, that the insect after having ceased to fly,
desiring to replace the wings under the elytra, pushes them
in there, and makes them fold up.

This may easily be observed every time that a staphylinus
in flying, comes to rest itself on the ground. Two small
hairy and moveable points, between which a conical part
equally moveable is observed, in which is placed the aperture
of the anus, terminate the extremity of the body. The sta-
phylinus can withdraw these three parts into its body, and
thus make them entirely disappear. The anterior tarsi are
thick and broad, and this confirmation appears well adapted
to enable the staphylinus to dig in earth and dung, for the
purpose of depositing its eggs.

270 SUPPLEMEXT ON THE FAMILY BRACHELYTRA

Many staphylini have both body and elytra well furnished
with hair ; but there are others which have them smooth,
and provided with very few hairs. Ray, and other writers,
have remarked that all the staphylini, when touched
a little roughly, suddenly send forth from the last ring of
the abdomen two small curved vesicles, generally yellow
or white.

The larvae of the staphylini are long, and resemble in
some measure the perfect insect. They live in the earth and
dung, where they are transformed into nymphs, which, gene-
rally speaking, are similar to those of the rest of the coleop-
tera. They are rather rare and difficult to be found.

We have established a new genus on one from the Brazil,
which we name Schizochilus, of which the labrum is rather
crescent-shape, strongly divided, and lobed, with two hooks
curved in ; the mandibles very long, slender, with a tooth in
the middle, beneath which there are two small filaments ;
the maxillary palpi long, with the last joint very acute ; the
labial palpi short, the last joint triangular ; the antennae
short, with the first joint long, the others enlarging toward
their extremities, the last joints rather serrated, the tarsi
very dilated ; the head very flat ; the thorax truncate, heart-
shape ; the elytra short, quadrate ; the body long, depressed.
This species we call Brasiliensis. Its specific characters are
bronze, varied with yellowish and black hair ; the mandibles
black ; the eyes white ; the body black, with the two last
segments golden yellow. It is twelve lines and a half long,
and is from Brazil.

The OxYPOui are small insects, whose body is propor-
tionally less elongated than those of the other brachelytra,
and smooth. The elytra are very hard, and scarcely cover
one third of the abdomen. Like the staphylini in general,
the wings are curiously folded underneath them.

The habitudes of the oxypori differ a little from those of

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. 305

the insects we have last treated of, though the form of the
body is very nearly similar. Instead of frequenting dung-
hills, ordure, and decomposed animal matter, the oxypori
inhabit agarics, &c. There the larva lives and acquires its
growth ; there the perfect insects are found in more or less
numerous parties, and there the sexes unite.

The Lathrobia have great relations with the staphylini
proper, to which our introductory observations, though gene-
rally applicable to all the sub-genera, must yet be more par-
ticularly understood to refer, and seem to constitute a proper
link between them and poederus. They are found under
stones, in the debris of animal and vegetable matters, and
often in fresh and humid places.

The p.EDERi, Evcestheti and Steni, are distinguished from
the other brachelytra, by the length of their maxillary palpi.
In this respect they approach Lathrobium, but are never-
theless separated from it by characters of sufficient import-
ance. The paederi are distinguished from stenus and evaes-
thetus, by the filiform character of the antennag.

The majority of them frequent the sandy borders of
rivers, rivulets, and marshes. The others live under stones,
mosses, in ordure, &c. Their habits are otherwise similar
to those of the Staphylini, and the same, in all probability,
is the case with their metamorphoses.

The Steni are insects of a very small size, which, in the
same way as the last, live habitually in aquatic places.
Respecting their habits there is nothing more to be said.

The oxYTEn are also very small coleoptera, which appear
to have the habits of the other brachelytra, but which form,
nevertheless, a very distinct genus. The species of which it
is composed present some differences in the mandibles, the
antennfe, &c., so that, according to the remark of Olivier,
this group is susceptible of simplification. This has been
performed by Dr. Leach, in a new monograph of the coleop-

VOL. XIV. X

306 SUPPLEMENT ON THE FAMILY BllACIIELYTRA

tera of this family. Many oxyteli are more particularly
found in the dung of animals, and human excrements.
Some others habitually frequent humid or aquatic situ-
ations. Others remain under moss, stones, &c. The males
of some are remarkable for two prominences in the shape
of horns, which they have in front of the head. Even
some among them have a strong and advanced point upon
the corslet.

We have figured a species of Zirophorus, which M. La-
cordaire has called coriaceus. It is smooth, and of a greyish
black, with the antennae and legs black, and is nine lines and
a half in length ; also from Brazil.

Next to the Zirophorus we will add a new genus, which
we call Trichocoryne. The characters are as follows : the
mandibles slightly dentated ; the antennae with the first joint
club-shape, and stuffed — the second and third slender, rather
clubbed, the other joints oblong-square ; the labrum small, bi-
lobed ; the labium large, crescent-shaped ; the maxillary palpi
with the last joint large and sub-oval ; the labial palpi small :
it is readily distinguished from the Zirophori, by the length
of the antennae, and its peculiar form, which is easily seen
by referring to the plate of dissections. This species is from
the West Indies. It appears to be the same as M. Dalman
described in his Anal. Ent., under the name of Zirophorus
penicillatus. The specific characters are, piceous, with the
antennae and legs reddish ; the elytra strongly striated ; the
length is three lines and a half. The type is in Mr. Children's
cabinet.

The Omalia are also very small coleoptera, which in
their manner of living differ but little from the Staphylini,
from which they have been distinguished generically by
M. Gravenhorst. Some are found under moss and flowers ;
others delight in cow-dung and other excrements. Some
few live in agarics.

OF THE ORDER COLEOPTERA. S07

The Tachypori have been associated by Fabricias with
the oxypori. The species most known, tachyporus chry-
sotnelinus, is very common under stones, mosses, leaves fallen
to the earth, and even on flowers and the leaves of fruit-
trees. It runs with remarkable swiftness.

Respecting the sub- divisions of this family, which we
have passed unnoticed, either their habits are unknown, or
do not differ from those we have already described.

X ii

THE

SERRICORNES.

The third* family of the Pentamerous Coleoptera
present us, as well as the preceding family and the
following of the same order, but four palpi. Their elytra
cover the abdomen, whkh distinguishes them, with some
other characters, from the Brachelytra just described. The
antennae, with some few exceptions, are of the same thickness
throughout, or more slender at their extremity, denticulated,
either like a saw or a comb, or even forming a fan, and more
developed in this point of view in the males. The penul-
timate articulation of the tarsi is often bilobate or bifid.
These characters present themselves very rarely in the fol-
lowing family, that of Clavicornes, and to which we arrive

• The SUpha are the only pentamerous coleoptera which present, as
well as the preceding, an excrementitious apparatus, at the same time it
is not binary as in the latter, and the external conduit disgorges itself
directly into the rectum, like the urethra of birds. It would appear then,
from these relations, that Silpha should come, as well as the other clavi-
corni, immediately after the brachelytra. Other considerations had con-
ducted me to the same approximation. {See the Preface to my Work,
entitled, General Considerations on the Natural Order of the Crustacea,
&c.) According to M. Leon Dufour, who has furnished me with these
anatomical observations, the hepatic conduits of the Buprestides and
Enterides, or of my Sternoxi, resemble in their number, length, and mode
of insertion, those of the carabici. The Larapyri and Melyrides have
also but two hepatic vessels. But there are four in the Telephori, Lycus
and Ptiniori.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. S09

•

by transitions so gentle, that it is extremely difficult to
assign its limits rigorously.

Some, whose body is always of a firm and solid consistence,
most frequently oval or elliptical, with the feet in part con-
tractile, have the head engaged vertically as far as the eyes
in the corslet ; and the presternum, or the medial portion of
this latter part of the body elongated, dilated, or advanced
in front as far as under the mouth, distinguished usually on
each side by a groove, in which the antennae (always short)
are applied and prolonged posteriorly into a point, which is
received in a sinking of the anterior extremity of the mesos-
ternum. These anterior feet are remote from the anterior
extremity of the corslet. These Serricornes form a first
section, that of Sterxoxi.

Others, having also the head engaged posteriorly in the
corslet, or at least covered by it at its base, but of which
the presternum is not dilated and advanced anteriorly in
the manner of a chin, nor usually* terminating posteriorly
in a point received in a cavity of the mesosternum, whose
body is most frequently altogether, or in part, of a soft and
flexible consistence, will compose a second section, that of
Malacodermi.

A third and last, that of Xylotrogi, will comprehend
those Serricornes whose praesternum is not equally prolonged
at its posterior extremity, but whose head is entirely un-
covered, and separated from the corslet by a strangulation, or
sort of neck.

* The cebriones form an exception, and approach in this respect to
elater ; but the inferior extremity of the praesternum, does not advance
on the under part of the head. The mandibles are advanced, arched,
and simple J the palpi are filiform. The feet are not contractile, and the
two anterior ones are but little removed, at their origin, from the ante-
rior extremity of the corslet, and very much approximating to each
other.

olO CLASS INSECTA.

We shall divide tiie Sternoxi into two tribes.

The first, that of Buprestides, has the posterior pro-
jection of the praesternum flatted, and not terminated in a
point laterally compressed, and simply received in a depres-
sion or in an emargination of the mesosternum. The man-
dibles often terminate in an entire point, or without emar-
gination or fissure. The posterior angles of the corslet are
either not at all, or very little prolonged. The last articu-
lation of the palpi is most frequently almost cylindrical, a
little thicker than the preceding, and globular, or ovoid in
the others. The most part of those of the tarsi are com-
monly broad, or dilated, and furnished underneath with
small pellets. These insects do not leap, a character which
eminently distinguishes them from those of the following
tribe.*

They compose the genus

BupRESTis, of Linnaeus.

The generic denomination of Richard, given by M. Geof-
froy, to these coleoptera, announces to us the beauty of
their clothing. Many indigenous species, and many exotic,
otherwise remarkable for the greatness of their size, and the
brilliancy of polished gold on a ground of emerald ; in
others, azure shines over the gold, where many other metallic
colours are united. Their body, in general, is oval, a little
broader, and more obtuse or truncated in front, and nar-
rowed behind from the base of the abdomen, which occupies
the greatest part of its length. The eyes are oval, and the
corslet is short and broad. The scutellum is small or nulli-
fied. The extremity of the elytra is more or less denticu-
lated in a great number. The feet are short.

* The insects of this tribe differ moreover from all the others of this
family, by their vesicular trachea, while they are tubular in the other serri-
corncs. See the anatomical observations of M. Leon Dufour.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 311

They walk slowly, but their flight is very agile when the
weather is hot and dry. If attempted to be seized, they let
themselves fall to the ground. The females have at the
posterior extremity of the abdomen, a coriaceous or corneous
part in the form of a conical lamina, composed of three pieces
(the last rings), and which is probably an instrument with
which they deposit their eggs in the dry wood, in which
their larvas reside. Many small species are to be met with
on flowers and leaves, but the others remain for the most
part in forests, &c. They sometimes assume the perfect
state in houses, being transported there in the larva or
nymph state, along with the wood.

Sometimes the antennas are altogether saw-like. The in-
termediate articulations of the tarsi are in the form of a heart
reversed, and the penultimate, at least, is bifid. The palpi
are filiform, or slightly more thick at the end. The jaws are
bilobate.

BuPRESTis (Proper). L.

Whose antennae are of the same thickness throughout, and
serrated from the third or fourth articulation.

Some have no scutellum. B. fasciculata. Lin. Oliv.
Col. ii. 32., iv. 38, about an inch in length, ovoid, convex,
very punctuated and wrinkled ; of a golden or coppery
green ; sometimes obscure, with small tufts of yellowish or
reddish hairs. Elytra entire. — At the Cape of Good Hope,
and sometimes in such great abundance on the same shrub,
that it seems altogether charged with flowers.

B. Sternicornis. Lin. Oliv. Col. ibid, vi. 52, a little
larger ; of the same form ; of a green a little golden, very
brilliant. Some thick sunken points, the bottom of which is
furnished with whitish scales on the cases ; three teeth at
their extremity. The posterior sternum is advanced in the
form of a horn. — East Indies.

312 CLASS INSECTA.

B. Chrysls. Fab. Oliv. ibid. II. 8, vi. 52— b., differ
from the preceding, by the cases of brown marron, and
without whitish spots.

B. vittata. F. Oliv. ibid. III. 17) near an inch and a
half in length ; more narrow, and more elongated than the
preceding ; depressed, of a blueish green ; four raised lines,
and a golden and coppery band on each case, the end of
which has two teeth. — Of the East Indies.

B. ocellata. F. Oliv. ibid. I. 3, almost similar both in size
and form ; has on each case a large yellow and phosphoric
spot, situated between two others of a golden colour. The
end of each case is terminated by three teeth.

The others have a ' scutellum. B. gigas. Lin. Oliv.
ibid. I. i. Two inches in length ; corslet coppery, mingled
with brilliant green, with two large smooth spots, of the
colour of browned steel. The cases are terminated by two
points, coppery in their centre, of a bronzed green on their
edges, with sunken points, raised lines, and wrinkles. — Of
Cayenne.

We shall cite among the species of our country,

B. Affinis. Fab. B. Chrysostigma. Oliv. 105, ibid. VI. 54.
Bronzed above, coppery and brilliant underneath ; the elytra
of which, denticulated like a saw, at their point, have three
longitudinal raised lines, and two gilded impressions on
each.

B. viridis. Lin. Oliv. ibid. XI. 127, about two lines
and a half in length, wath a linear form, of a green bronzed,
with the cases entire, and punctuated. — On trees.

Fabricius has detached from Buprestis proper, those
which have the body short, more broad proportionally, and
almost triangular ; the front excavated, the corslet transverse,
and lobate posteriorly, and the tarsi very short, with broad
pallets, the last five articulations of the antennas form alone
the teeth of a saw. The preceding, with the exception of the

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 313

first two, are small, almost grained, or in a reversed cone.
The first two are much thicker. These species comprehend
the genus Tuachys. Of this number is B. Murnata, Lin.
Oliv. ibid. II. 14. Black underneath, of a coppery brown
above, with the middle of the front sunk in the corslet,
sinuated at its posterior edge, and some whitish stripes, un-
dulating, formed by hairs, and transverse on the cases. Com-
mon on the hazel tree, of which it gnaws the leaves.

Aphanisticus, Lat.

Have the antenna3 terminated abruptly in a club-form,
oblong, compressed, slightly serrated, formed by the last four
articulations. The last of the palpi is a little thicker, almost
ovaliform. The interval between the two eyes is excavated,
as well as in the trachis. Two or three species are known,
all very small, and of a linear form.*

Sometimes the antennas are very much pectinated (on one
side only) in the males, but strongly serrated in the other
sex. The articulations of the tarsi are almost cylindrical and
entire. The palpi are terminated by an articulation much
thicker than the preceding, and almost globular. The jaws
are terminated by a single lobe.

Melasis, Oliv.

Their body is cylindrical, and the posterior angles of the
corslet are prolonged into a sharp tooth, characters which, as
well as those taken from the tarsi and the palpi, announce
that these insects form the passage from this tribe to the
following.-|-

* Buprestis emarginata, F. Oliv. ibid. X. 116; Germ. Faun. Insect. Eur.
III. 9 ; ejusd. Buprestis lineola, ibid. 10.

f Melasis Buprestoidcs, Oliv. II. 50, i. i. Melasis elateroides, Illig.,
ditFering, according to him, from Elater Buprestoides, Lin.

.314 CLASS INSECTA.

The second tribe, that of the Elaterides, does not differ
essentially from the preceding, but that the hinder stilet of
the praesternum, terminating in a point, compressed late-
rally, and often a little arched, and unindentated, sinks at the
will of the animal into a cavity of the breast, situated im-
mediately above the origin of the second pair of feet, and
that these insects, placed on the back, have the faculty of
jumping. (See lower down.) They have for the most part
mandibles, emarginated or cleft at their extremity, the palpi
terminated by an articulation much larger than the preceding,
in the form of a triangle or axe, and the articulations of the
tarsi entire. This tribe comprehends only the genus

Elateu, of Linnaeus.

Their body is generally more narrow and more elongated
than that of the Buprestides, and the posterior angles of the
corslet are prolonged into a sharp point, spine-formed.

They have been named in French ScaraMes a ressort, and in
Latin, Notopeda, elater. Laid upon their back, and not being
able to rise in consequence of the shortness of their feet, they
jump and raise themselves perpendicularly into the air, until
they fall back into their natural position, or on their legs. To
execute these motions they press them against the under part
of the body, lower the head inferiorly, and the corslet which
is very mobile, from top to bottom, then drawing together
this last part of the post-pectus, they push with force the
point of the praesternum against the edge of the hole situated
in front of the mesosternum, where it then sinks abruptly, and
as it were by a spring. The corslet with the lateral points,
the head, the upper part of the elytra striking with force
against the plane of position, especially if it be firm and
smooth, concur, by their elasticity, to raise the body in the
air. The sides of the praesternum are distinguished by a

OllDER COLEOPTERA. 315

groove in which those insects lodge, in part, their antennae,
which are pectinated, or in long barbs, in many males. The
females have at the anus a sort of long auger, with two
lateral pieces, pointed at the end, between which is the ovi-
d actus, properly so called.

These insects remain on flowers, plants, and even on the
ground, or turf ; they lower the head in walking, and when
they are approached they suffer themselves to fall to the
ground, applying their feet under the lower part of the
body.

De Geer has described the larva of a species of this genus
{undulatus). It is long, almost cylindrical, provided with
small antennae with palpi, with six feet, and has twelve rings
covered with a scaly skin, of which, that of the posterior ex-
tremity forms a plate bordered and angidar on the edges,
with two blunt points, and curved within ; tmderneath is
a thick, fleshy and retractile nipple, which performs the office
of a foot. It lives in the sort of loam formed by rotten
wood ; it is also found in the earth. It even appears that
that of the E. Striatus, of Fabricius, gnaws the roots of
corn, and causes much injury when it multiplies.

The stomach of the elater is long, wrinkled crosswise, and
sometimes swelled at the lower part. The intestine is mo-
derate.

We may refer to two principal divisions the various sub-
genera which have been formed in this tribe. Those whose
antennae can lodge entirely in the lower cavities of the corslet
will compose the first.

Sometimes they are received on each side in a longitudinal
groove, formed immediately under the lateral edges of the
corslet, and always filiform, and simply serrated. The arti-
culations of the tarsi are always entire, and without elonga-
tions, in the form of a palette underneath. The corslet is

316

CLASS INSECTA,

convex or gibbous, at least on the sides, and is dilated to-
wards the posterior angles in the manner of a lobe, going
either in a point, or triangular. These insects approximate to
the buprestides.

Galea, Lat.,

The mandibles of which terminate in a single point, the
jaws present but a single lobe, the last articulation of the
palpi is globular, and the body almost cylindrical.*

EucNEMis, Arh.,

In which the mandibles are bifid, and the jaws bilobate ; in
which the last articulation of the palpi is almost hatchet-
formed, and the body almost elliptical. -f*

Occasionally the antennae, sometimes club-formed, are
lodged, at least in part, either in the longitudinal grooves
of the lateral edges of the praesternum, or in the fossets
situated under the posterior angles of the corslet. The
tarsi are often little palettes formed by the elongation of the
lower pellets ; or the penultimate articulation is bifid.

Some, with filiform antennae, have the articulations of the
tarsi entire and without palettes underneath ; the two ante-

* I have seen three species, and all of Brazil. One has great relations
with the Melads tuberculata of M. Dalman. (Anal. Entom.) The jaws
terminate by a very small and pointed lobe.

-|- M. le Comte de Maunherheim has published a very fine monograph
of this sub-genus, of which an extract has been given, and the plates
re-produced in the third volume of the Annals of Natural Science. I
have added there a few observations on the too great extent which this
naturalist has given to this sub-genus. The species, which he names
Capucinus, is, according to me, the only one which ought to remain in it,
and such was, at first, the opinion of him who established it.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 317

rior feet are lodged, when in a state of contraction, in the
lateral sinkings of the under-part of the corslet. Such are,

Adelocera, Lat.*

Others, with antennae equally of the same thickness through-
out, have the articulations of the tarsi entire, but with under
pellets prolonged and advanced, like little palettes or lobes.
Their head is uncovered. These are.

LissoMus, Dalm. Lissodes, Lat. Drapetes, Meg. Dej.-f-

Others have the antenna? equally filiform, but the second
and [third articulations, which are larger than the following
and flatted, alone lodge in the sternal grooves ; the tarsi
resemble those of lissomus ; the head is concealed under-
neath, and, as it were, covered by a semi-circular corslet, in
which it is sunk. Such are,

Chelonarium, Fab.

The antennae in a state of repose, extend parallelly the
length of the breast. The first and fourth articulations are
the smallest of all, the following seven are of the same size,
and with the exception of the last, which is ovoid, are almost
in the form of a reversed cone, and equal. The body is
ovoid, with the anterior legs broader than the others. All
the known species are of South America.

The last sub-genus of this first division, that of

* Elater ovalis, Germ.; Elater fusciis. Fab., and some others from the
East Indies, brought by M. Labillardiere.

■\ Dalm. Epen. Entom. 1824. It is Lissomus punctulatus — has great
relations with the Drapetes Castaceus of M. le Comte Dejean, and the
Elater Itevigatus of Fabricius.

Europe has one species of this sub-genus, Elater equestris, of the latter,
figured, by Panzer, Faun. Insect. Germ. XXXI. 21.

318 CLASS INSECTA.

Throscus, Lat. Trixagus, Kugel. Gyllenh. JElater, Lin.,

Is distinguished from all those of this tribe by its antennae
terminating in a club of three articulations, and lodged in a
lateral and inferior cavity of the corslet. The penultimate
articulation of the tarsi is bifid. The point of the mandibles
is entire.*

Our second division of this tribe will comprehend all the
elaterides whose antennae are always uncovered or external.

We shall detach from them at first, those whose last
articulation of the palpi, especially of the maxillary, is
much larger than the preceding, almost in the form of
an axe.

A single sub-genus, that of

Cerophytum, Lat.,

Is removed from the following by its tarsi, the first four
articulations of which are short, in the form of a triangle,
and the penultimate articulation of which is bifid.

The antennae of the males are branched on the internal
side, the base of the third articulation, and of the following,
being prolonged into a broad branch, rounded at the end.
Those of the females are serrated. -f*

In all the other sub genera, the articulations of the tarsi
are almost cylindrical, and entire.

Sometimes the head sinks up to the eyes in the corslet.

* Elater dermestoides, Linn. ; E. Clavicornis, Oliv. Col. H. 51, VIIL 85,
a. b. ; Dermestes adstrictor, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. LXXV. 15.
Its larva lives in the wood of the oak.

•f- Lat. Gen. Crust, et Insect. IV. 375. 'Ihe Melasis Sphondyloides of
Germar, Faun. Insect. Europ. XI. 5, has a great affinity' with the female
of the species, which serves as type. The Melasis picoa of Paliset de
Beauvois, Insect. d'Afr. et d'Amer. VII. 1, has also some analogy with
Cerophytum.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 319

The anterior extremity of the praesternum advances over the
under part of the head, and its edge is arched.

Some have the labrum and mandibles concealed by the
anterior extremity of the praesternum; the chaperon, or
epistomer, being widened and applying itself to this part.
Such are

Cryptosoma, Dej. Elater, Fab.,

Which have the internal angle of the third articulation of
the antennae, and the seven following, prolonged in the
manner of a tooth. The second and fourth articulations are
shorter, the last long and narrow, and a straight and linear
branch at the internal side of the third, near its origin.

The mandibles are unindented under the point. The
jaws present but a single lobe. They, as well as the tongue,
are small and membranous. The palpi are very short. The
tarsi are small, slight, and almost setaceous.

The only known species (Elater denticornis. Fab.) is
found at Cayenne, from which it has been sent to the
Museum of Natural History by M. Banon,

Nematodes,

In which the antennae have the first articulation elongated,
the following five in a reversed cone, equal, with the excep-
tion of the first between them, or the second, which is a
little shorter, and the last five thicker, almost perfoliated,
and that of the top ovoid.

The body is almost linear.*

The labrum and mandibles are now discovered.

Here the antennae of the males are terminated fan-like.
These are

• Eimcmisfiliim, Manner.

320 CLASS INSECTA.

Hemirhipus, Lat.

The species are all exotic*

Here these organs in the same sex, are pectinated in all
their length.

Cteniceea, Lat.+
In the following sub-genus, or the

Elater (Proper),

The antennae of the males are simply serrated.

The anterior extremity of the head is sometimes on a
level with the labrum, or on the same horizontal, sometimes
more raised and terminated abruptly ; but these differences,
often not to be well appreciated, are not of sufficient
consequence to establish generic sections, and the genus,
which I named Lcedie^ requires a further examination.

E. Noctilucus, Lin. Oliv. Col. II. 31, ix. 14, a., rather
more than an inch long, of an obscure brown, with an ash-
coloured down. There is a yellow, round, convex, shining,
spot, on each side of the corslet, near its posterior angles;
some lines with small points sunken on the cases. — Of South
America.

Its spots, during the night, send forth a very strong light,
which is sufficient to enable one to read the finest writing,
especially if several of these insects be collected in one
vessel. It is by this light that women perform their work.
They also place this insect as an ornament in their head-
dress, for their evening promenade. The Indians attach it

* Elater flabeUicornis, Fab. ejusd. JB.fascicularis, &c.
f His Elater, pectinicornis, cupreus, hcematodes ; Tcaipin double-croix,
Cuv. Regn. An. IV. xiv. 3.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 3^1

to their boots, for the purpose of giving them light in their
nocturnal journeys. Brown will have it, that all the inter-
nal parts of this insect are luminous, and that it can suspend
at will its phosphoric property. But M. de la Cordaire, who
has observed this insect in its living state, has informed me
that the principal reservoir of the phosphoric matter is
situated underneath, at the junction of the abdomen with
the thorax. Our colonists term it " tnouche lumineuse^''
(fire-fly,) and the savages Cacui/os, Coyouyov, from which
comes the Spanish name Cucujo. An individual of this
species, brought to Paris in some wood, in the larva or
nymph state, there underwent its metamorphosis, and by
the light which it threw out excited the surprise of many of
the inhabitants of the Faubourg St. Antoine, to whom such
a phenomenon had hitherto been unknown.

E. ceneiis^ Lin. Oliv. Col. ibid. VIII. 83. Six lines in
length, of a bronzed green, shining, with striated elytra, and
fawn-coloured feet. — Found in Germany and towards the
North of Europe.

E. germanus^ Lin. Oliv, ihid. ii. 12. Very common in
the neighbourhood of Paris, not differing from the pre-
ceding except in the colour of the feet.

E. cruciatus, Oliv. ihid. IV. 40. A handsome European
species, having the appearance of E. ceneus, but smaller,
black, with two red longitudinal bands on the corslet, near
the lateral edges ; the elytra are of a yellowish red, and have
near the anterior angles of their base a black line, and two
bands of this colour, forming a cross at the suture. It is rare
in the neighbourhood of Paris.

E. castaneus, Lin. Oliv. ihid. III. 25; v. 51, black;
corslet covered with a reddish down ; elytra yellowish, with
the extremity black ; antennas of the male pectinate. Of
Eui-ope. E. riificollis, Lin. Oliv. ihid.

E. ferrugineiis, Lin, Oliv. ihid. III. 35, ten lines long

VOL. XI V, Y

322 CLASS INSECTA.

the corslet black, with the exception of its posterior edge,
and the cases of a deep blood red. Found on willows. The
largest species in Europe.*

Sometimes the head is disengaged posteriorly, or is not
sunk as far as the eyes, which are prominent and globular.
The antennae are inserted under the edges of a frontal pro-
jection, depressed, and arched before. The body is long and
narrow, or almost linear. Such are

Campylus, Fischer. Exophthahnus, Latreille. Hammio-
71US, Miihfeld.j-

Some elaterides, with filiform palpi and antennae pectinated
from the fourth articulation, will compose a final sub-genus ;
that of

Phyllocerus.:]:

Our second section, that of the Malacoderme, shall be
divided into five tribes.

* See for the other species, Oliv. ibid. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ., and
his Ind. Entom., as well as Herbst. Col. and M. Palisot de Beauvois,
Insect. d'Afri. et d'Amer. The genus Dina, of M. Ziegler, and of which
the species named elateroides, has been figured by M. Charpentier, in his
work entitled, Horae Entoraolog. VI. 8, presents to me no character to
distinguish it precisely from the foregoing.

-j- See Fischer Entom. de la Russia, torn. II. page \55. This sub-genus
comprehends the Elater linearis of Linnaeus, of which his masomelas is
only a variety ; E. borealis, of Gyllenhal, and his E. cinctus.

X M. le Comte Dejean having gained but a single individual, I could
not sacrifice it for the purpose of studying the characters in detail. Two
insects of Java have somewhat of a similar appearance. In the subject
in question, the antennae (and most probably those of the females) are
simply serrated. The mandibles appear to terminate in an entire point,
or without tooth. The last articulation of the palpi is a little larger, and
almost oblong. Supposing that the mandibles of the Phyllocesi are similar,
those exotic species will be congenerous.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 323

The first (Cebrionites), thus named from the genus
Cebrio, of Olivier, to which the others are attached, has the
mandibles terminated in a simple or entire point, the palpi of
the same thickness, or more slender at their extremity, the body
rounded and gibbous, in some oval or oblong, but arched
above, and inclined underneath in others. It is most fre-
quently soft and flexible, with the corslet transverse, broader
at its base, and its lateral angles sharp, or even prolonged in
many species, in the form of a spine. The antennae are
usually longer than the head and corslet. The feet are not
contractile.

Their habits are unknown. Many sojourn on plants, and
in aquatic situations. These insects may be united into a
single genus, that of

Cebrio, Oliv. Fab.

Some, establishing a connection of this tribe with the pre-
ceding, whose consistence is even equally solid with that of
Sternoxus, whose feet are never adapted for jumping, and
whose body is generally an oblong oval, with the antennae
either pectinate or serrated in the males, the palpi filiform, or
a little thicker at their extremity, and the posterior angles of
the corslet prolonged into a sharp point, present us with
mandibles advancing beyond the labrum, narrow and greatly
arched, or in the form of crotchets. The labrum is usually
very short, emarginated or bilobate.

In others, as well as in the elaterides, the praesternum ter-
minates posteriorly in a point received in a depression of the
mesosternum.

The antennae, long in the males of some species, are com-
posed of eleven articulations, pectinate or serrated. The last
articulation of the palpi is almost cylindrical, or in the form
of an inverted cone.

Y 2

3':Zi' CLASS INSECTA.

Physodactylus, Fisch.

In which the three intermediate articulations of the tarsi
present underneath, a pellet, which is membranous and orbi-
cular. The hinder thighs are swelled, and the antennae, at
least in one of the sexes, are very short, serrated, and insen-
sibly attenuated towards the extremity.

This sub-genus has been established by the celebrated
author of the Entomography of Russia, on a North Ameri-
can insect (P. Hen7iingii). (Letter on the Physodactylus,
Moscow, 1824, Annales des Science, Dec. 1824, XXVII. B.)

Cebrio, (Proper.) Oliv. Fab.,

In which all the articulations of the tarsi are entire and
without pellets, and the posterior thighs are but little thicker
than the others.

The species proper to Europe appear in great quantities
after rain storms. The* female of the species the most
known {Gigas, Fab. ; C. longicornis , Oliv. Col. II. 30, bis.
I. i. a, b, c ; Taupin, I. I, a, b, c,) differs singularly from
the male. Its antennae are but little longer than the head ;
the first articulation is much longer than the others. The
fourth and the following compose, when united, a small ob-
long and almost perfoliated club. The wings are partly
rudimental. The feet are shorter, biit proportionally more
robust than those of the males. The larva probably lives in

* Cebrio brevicornis, Oliv. Col. II. 30. bis. I. 2. a. b. c. ; Tenebno dubius,
Rossi. Faun. Etrusc. I. I. 2. It appeared to me that this female, in con-
sequence of her antennae, ought to form a new genus, which I have
named Hammonie. We find at the Cape of Good Hope a species in which
the articulations of the antennae throw out, each of them at the base of
their internal side, a long and linear branch, and the palpi terminate in
an ovoid articulation, and not in the form of a reversed cone, as the
other species. This, therefore, might be separated from them.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 3S5

the earth. The C. bicolor of Fabricius, and some other
American species whose body is elongated, less arched above,
or almost straight, with the antennae shorter, have appeared
to Dr. Leach proper to compose a new generic section.

N. B. The cebriones fuscus and rujicollis, of Fabricius,
have the form of the species Avhich he calls g'lgas. M. Le-
fevre refers the second to Sicily. The cehrio femoratus of
M. Germar, does not belong to the genus Anelastes of Mr.
Kirby, as I had formerly suspected.

Here the prajsternum is not prolonged remarkably into a
point, and the mesosternum presents anteriorly no cavity.

Sometimes all the articulations of the tarsi are entire, and
without any membranous palette advanced underneath.

Anelastes, Kirby,

Whose antennae are separated at their origin, short, almost
grained, with the last articulation almost in the form of a
crescent. The third is longer than the preceding and fol-
lowing, while in the cebriones this articulation and the second
are shorteir than the fourth and following ones. These organs,
as well as in the elaterides, seem to have twelve articulations,
the eleventh being abruptly attenuated towards the end, and
terminating in a point, having the appearance of a small
conical and triangular articulation. The last articulation of
the palpi in the Anelastes, is almost in the form of an in-
verted cone. M. Kirby mentions but a single species. {A.
Druriif Lin. Trans. XII. xxi. 2.)

Calliehipis, Lat.,

Whose antennae are very approximated at their origin, in-
serted on an eminence, and from the third articulation, form
in the males a large fan. The last of the palpi is ovoid.
The same of the tarsi is almost as long; as the others taken

3S6 CLASS INSECTA.

together, and presents between its crotchets, a small linear
and silken appendage.

The species which serves as type C. Dejeimii, is found in
Java, and has been sent to the Museum of Natural History,
by M. Diard and the late M. Duvaucel. The antennae have
but four articulations, and differ in that respect from those
of the rhipicera, which have very much the same figure, but
whose articulations are much more numerous in individuals
of the same sex, or males.

Sometimes the tarsi have underneath membranous palettes,
or their penultimate articulation is deeply bilobate.

In the two following subgenera, the first four articulations
of the tarsi present, each underneath, two membranous and
advanced lobes. The last is long, and terminated between
the crotchets by a small silken appendage. The antennae of
some are composed of more than eleven articulations, disposed
like a fan ; those of the others have also eleven, toothed like
a saw, and of which the last four being thicker, form a club
or knob.

Sandalus, Knock.

The antennae, at least those of the females, are simply a lit-
tle longer than the head, composed of eleven articulations, of
which the third and the following, the last excepted, formed
like the teeth of a saw, and the last four, a little more dilated,
compose a knob. The terminal one is almost oval, rounded,
or very obtuse at the end. (Sandalus petrophya. Knock. N.
Beyt. I. p. 131, v. 5 ; S. niger, ejusd, ibid.)

Rhipicera, Lat. Kirb. Ptyocerus, Hoffmans. Polytomus,

Dalm.

The antennae form in the two sexes a fan, and are com-
posed of a great number of aiticulations (20 — 40), but in
less quantity in the females.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. ST/

This sub-genus is composed of from five to six species,
two of which are of New Holland, and the others of Ame-
rica.*

The first three articulations of the tarsi of the two follow-
ing sub-genera, are in the form of a reversed heart, without
membranaceous elongations underneath. The fourth is pro-
foundly bilobate; the last, but little elongated, presents
between its crotchets no projecting and silky appendage.
The antennas are filiform, simple, or at most pectinate, and
have never above eleven articulations.

Ptilodactyla, Ilig, Pyrochroa^ De G.

Are distinguished by their antennae semi-pectinated, or
toothed like a saw, in the males.

This sub-genus is composed of species proper to America.
{Ptylodactyla elaterina, Ilig. ; Pyrochroa nitidcii De G. In-
sect. V. xiii. 6— 17.)

Dascillus, Lat. Atopa, Fab.

Differ only in their antennse being simple in the two sexes.
{Atopa cervina, Fab. ejusd. A. Cinerea, var. ; Ptinus testaceo-
v'lllosus^ De G. IV. ix, 8; Cistela cervina, Oliv. Col. III.
5, 4, 1, 2, a )

The other cebrionites have small mandibles, little or not at
all projecting beyond the labrum, the body generally soft,
almost hemispherical or ovoid, and the palpi terminating in
a point. The antennae are simple, or but slightly toothed.
In many the hinder feet answer the pvirposes of leaping.

* Rhipicera marginata, Lat. Cuv. Regn. Anim. III. p. 285, Kirb. Lin.
Trans. XII. mas. ; polytomus marginatus, Dalm. Anal. Entom. p. 22 ; ejusd.
P.femoratus, ibid. 21; ejusd. P. mystacintis, p. 22; Hispa mystacina, Fab.
Drur. Ins. III. viii. 7. I have seen, in the Collection of M. le Comte
Dejean, another species, altogether fawn-colour, obtained in America by
M. Leconte.

328 CLASS INSFCTA.

These insects inhabit plants and aquatic situations.

These have the penultimate articulation of the tarsi bilo-
bate. The second and third of the antennae are shorter than
the following.

Elodes, Latreille. Cyphon, Fab. Dej.,

In which the hinder thighs differ little in thickness from
the preceding. They constitute the first division of the
Cypho7is of Fabricius.

ScYRTEs, Lat. Cyplion^ Fab.

The hinder feet of which have the thighs very bulky, and
the legs terminated by two strong spurs, one of which being
very long, gives to these insects the faculty of leaping.

The labial palpi are forked. The first articulation of the
posterior tarsi is as long as the others taken together. This
is his second division. See the catalogue of the collection of
M. Dejean.

Those have the articulations of the tarsi entire.

Nycteus, Lat. Hamaooohium, Ziegl. Encynetus^
Schiipel.

In which the third articulation of the antennae is very small,
and much shorter than the second and the following, and in
which the last are almost grained. The four feet have the
legs terminated by two very distinct spurs, with the tarsi
long, and more slender towards the end. {Encynetiis
hcemorrhoidalis , Germ. Faun. Insect. Europ. V. ii.)

EuBRiA, Zieg. Dej.,

Which have the antennae a little denticulated, like a saw,
with the second articulation very small, the following two the
largest of all, and the last a little emarginated at the end,
and going in a point. The spurs of the legs are very small,

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 329

or almost nothing. The tarsi are filiform. {Cyphon palus^
tris, Germ. ibid. IV. 3.)

The second tribe of Malacodermi, that of Lampyrides,
is distinguished from the preceding by the swelling which
terminates their palpi, or at least the maxillary ones ; by their
body, which is always soft, straight, depressed, or but little
convex, and the corslet, sometimes semi-circular, sometimes
almost square, or in the form of a trapezium, advances on
the head, which it covers entirely, or in part. The mandi-
bles are generally small, terminating in a slender, arched,
and very acute point, entire at the end in the majority. The
penultimate articulation of the tarsi is always bilobate, and
the crotchets of the last are neither denticulated, nor have
they any appendages.

The females of some of them are deprived of wings, or
have only very short elytra.

When these insects are seized they fold back their antennae
and feet against their body, and make no motion, just as if
they were dead. Many, in this case, curve the abdomen
underneath. They comprehend the genus

Lampyris, Lin.

Antennae very much approximated at their base ; head
either uncovered and prolonged interiorly, in the manner of
a muzzle, or concealed entirely, or far the greater part under
the corslet, with the eyes large and globular in the males,
and the mouth small ; such are the essential characteristics
of a first division of this tribe, which we shall divide into
those of which neither of the sexes is phosphorescent, and
those whose females at least enjoy this property. All the
individuals of the first are winged, have the head uncovered,
often narrowed and advanced in front, or in the form of a
muzzle, and the corslet widened posteriorly, with the lateral
angles painted. The two or three last rings of the abdomen do

330 CLASS INSECTA.

not present that tint of pale yellow, or whitish, which affects
this part of the body in Lampyris (proper), and announces
their phosphorescence. The elytra, in many, go on widening,
and are even sometimes very much dilated and roimded pos-
teriorly, particularly in the females. They are very much
punctuated, and often reticulated.

Lycus, Fab. Oliv. Cantharis, Lin.

We shall confine this sub-genus to the species of Fabricius,
in which the muzzle is as long, or longer, than the portion of
the head which precedes it, and the antennae are serrated.
The elytra are most frequently dilated, either laterally, or at
their posterior extremity, and the two sexes differ much in
this respect, particularly in some species peculiar to Africa.*

Other species of the same writer, but with a very short
muzzle, and whose compressed antennae, sometimes simple,
and sometimes serrated or pectinated, have their third arti-
culation longer than the preceding, and in which the inter-
mediate articulations of the tarsi are in the form of a reversed
heart, will compose another sub-genus, that of

Dyctioptera, Lat.,

Which we find in some woods in the neighbourhood of Paris,
in the flowers of the millefolium, and others, and some-
times in abundance.

The Lampyris Sanguinea, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect Germ.
XLI. 9. It is almost three lines in length, black, v\^ith the
sides of the corslet, and the elytra of a blood-red. These
elytra are silken, and slightly striated. Its larva lives under
the bark of the oak. It is linear, flatted, black, with the last

* The Lycus, latmimus, rostraius, proboscideus, Sec. of Fabricius. See
for the other species the appendix of the third part of the first volume of
the synonimy of the insects of M. Schoenherr, in which he has described
and figured several.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 331

ring red, in the form of a plate, having two sorts of cylin-
drical horns, as it were annulated or articulated, and arched
within. It has six small feet.

Another species, but smaller, altogether black, with the ex-
ception of the elytra, which are red, and the end of the an-
tennae, which is reddish (Lycus minuhis, Fab. Panz, Faun.
Insect. Germ. XLI. 2), is also found in France, but in fir-
woods of the mountains.*

Omalisus, Geoff. Oliv. Fab.

Have no very perceptible muzzle. The articulations of
their antennae are almost cylindrical, a little attenuated at
their base, and the second and third are much shorter than
the following. The penultimate of the tarsi alone is in the
form of a reversed heart. The others are elongated and cylin-
drical. The elytra are of a tolerably solid consistence.

O. Suturalis, Fab. Oliv. Col. II. 24, 1,2. A little more
than two lines in length, black, with the cases, their anterior
portion or suture excepted, of a blood-red. In the woods of
the environs of Paris, and particularly of the forest of St.
Germain, on oak-trees in spring. (See the article Omalise of
the Encyc. Method.)

The other lampyrides of our first division are distinguished
from the preceding, not only by none of them having any
muzzle, and that their head, almost entirely occupied by the
eyes in the males, is concealed totally, or for the greater part,
under a semi -circular or square corslet, but still more by a
very remarkable character, either common to the two sexes,
or peculiar to the females, that of being phosphorescent.
From this comes the names of glow-worms, luminous-Jlles,
Jire-Jlies, given to these insects.

The body of these insects is very soft, especially the ab-

• Lycus reticulatus, bicolor, serraticornis, fasciatus, aurora, &c.

332 CLASS INSECTA.

domen, which is, as it were, folded. The luminous matter
occupies the underpart of the two or three last rings of this
portion of the body, which are otherwise coloured, and usually
yellowish or whitish. The light which they spread is more
or less vivid, of a greenish white, or whitish, like that of the
different phosphori. It appears that these insects can vary
its action at will, which is observed, especially when they are
seized or held in the hand. They live a very long time in
vacuo, or in the different gases, except in nitrous acid, mu-
riatic and sulphureous gas, in which they die in a few minutes.
Their living in hydrogen gas renders it, at least sometimes,
detonating. Deprived by mutilation of this luminous part of
the body, they still continue to live, and the same part, thus
detached, preserves during some time its luminous property,
whether it be submitted to the action of the different gases,
or whether in vacuo, or in the free air. The phosphorescence
depends more on the degree of softness of the matter than on
the life of the insect. It may be reproduced by softening
this matter in water. In lukewarm water these insects shine
with vivacity, and are extinguished in cold water. It appears
that this fluid is the sole dissolving agent of the phosphoric
matter.*

These insects are nocturnal. The males are often seen to
fly, like the Phalaenae, around lights, from which we may
conjecture that the phosphoric brilliancy emitted chiefly by
the females, is intended to attract individuals of the other
sex ; and if the larvae and nymphs of the species of our own
country be, as Degeer supposes, luminous, we should only
conclude from this, that the phosphoric substance is developed
from their very first age. It has been said that some males

• Besides the experiments reported in the " Annales de Chimie," con-
sult the " Annales Generales des Sciences Physiques," by MM. Bory de
St. Vincent, Drapier, and Van Mens, t. VIII. p. 51, where the researches
of M. Grotthus on the phosphorescence of tlie Lampt/ris Italica are e;iven.

ORDER COLEOrTFRA. 333

did not possess this property ; it appears, however, that they
do possess it, but in a very feeble degree. Almost all the
lampyrides of warm climates, both males, as well as females,
being winged, and in great abundance, present to the inha-
bitants, after the setting of the sun, and during the night,
an amusing spectacle, a natural illumination, which, like
sparks, or little stars, wander through the air. Light may
be obtained by assembling many of these insects together.

According to M. Dufour, (Annal. des Sciences Natur. III.
p. 225,) the alimentary canal of the female of our common
Lampyris (splendidula) is about as long again as the body.
Its oesophagus is extremely short, and dilates itself imme-
diately into a short crop, separated from the chylific ventricle,
by a valvular strangulation. This last part is very long, smooth,
inflated and cylindrical for two-thirds of its length, and then
intestini form. The slender intestine is very short, flexuous,
and presents a swelling representing the coecum, but perhaps
not constantly so, and which terminates in an elongated
rectum.

From the genus LaiJipyris, of Linnaeus, some Brazilian
species have been separated, whose males have the antennae
composed of more than eleven articulations, in the form of
barbs of feathers. These species form the genus Amydetes,
Hoffm. Germ.*

Other lampyrides, and also proper to South America,
having but eleven articulations to the antennae, present some
peculiar characters, which have obtained for them the same
generic distinction. (Phengodes, Hoffm.) The third arti-
culation of these organs, and the subsequent ones, throw out
each, on the internal side, two long ciliated threads, appear-
ing articulated, and rolled back upon themselves. The elytra

* Lampyris jihanicornis, Lat. Voy. cle MM. Humb. et Bonpl. Zool.
XVI. 4 ; Amr/dctcs opicalis, Gcni). In3ect. Sp. Nov. p. 67.

S34f CLASS INSECTA.

are abruptly contracted into a point. The wings are ex-
tended in all their length, and simply folded longitudinally.
The maxillary palpi are very prominent, and almost filiform.
The corslet is transverse. The tarsi are filiform, with the
penultimate articulation very short, and scarcely bilobate.
The body is narrow and elongated, with the head uncovered.
(Ilig. Mag. VI. p. 342.)

The other species, at present, compose the genus

Lampyris (properly so called),

Which, in consequence of the form of the antennae, the pre-
sence or absence of elytra, wings, Sic, is susceptible of many
divisions.

L. noctiluca, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XLI. 7-
Male four lines long, blackish ; antennae simple ; corslet
semi-circular, receiving the head entirely, with two transpa-
rent spots, crescent-formed ; belly black ; last rings of a pale
yellowish.

L. spletididula, Lin. Panz. ibid. 8, very much approxi-
mating to the preceding, but a little larger. The corslet
yellowish, with the disk blackish, and two transparent spots
in front ; elytra blackish ; under part of the body and feet
of a livid yellowish ; first rings of the belly sometimes of
this colour, sometimes more obscure.

Female destitute of elytra and wings, blackish above, with
the circumferential edge of the corslet, and the last ring
yellowish ; the lateral angles of the second and third rings,
flesh colour. Under part of the body yellowish, with the
last three rings of the colour of sulphur.

It is particularly to these individuals that the nameoS glo?v-
ivorms has been given. They are found every where in the
country, on the borders of roads, in hedges, meadows, &c.,
in the months of June, July and August. They lay a great
number of eggs, which are thick, spherical, and of a citron

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 335

yellow, in the earth, or on plants. They are fixed by means
of a viscous matter which invests them.

The larva very much resembles the female, but it is black,
with a reddish spot on the posterior angles of the rings. Its
antennae and feet are short. It walks very slowly, can elon-
gate, shorten, or curve underneath its body. It is probably
carnivorous.

L. Italica, Lin. Oliv. Col. II. 28, 11, 12, named by the
inhabitants Lucciola. The corslet not covering the entire
head, transverse, reddish, as well as the scutel, the breast,
and a part of the feet ; the head, cases and abdomen are
black. The last two rings of the body are yellowish. The
two sexes are winged. (^See Fabricius and Olivier, Col. II.
No. 28.)

In our second division of Lampyrides the antennae are
remarkably separated one from the other at their origin.
The head is neither prolonged nor contracted anteriorly in
the form of a muzzle, and the eyes are of the usual size in
the two sexes.

DuiLus, Oliv. PtllinKs, Geoff. Fab.

The males are winged, and the internal side of their an-
tennjE beginning at the fourth articulation, is prolonged like
the tooth of a comb. Those of the female are shorter, a
little perfoliated, and slightly serrated. In both sexes the
maxillary palpi are thicker towards the end, and terminate in
a point. The internal side of the mandibles presents a
tooth.

The female of the species which serves as a type to the
genus, and the male of which is very common, had been
unknown until these later times, as well as the metamorphoses
of the two sexes. The observations made at Geneva, by
M. le Comte Mielzinsky, on the larva of this insect, and on
the female, in a perfect state, excited the attention of two

336

CLASS INSECTA.

French naturalists, who had already given proofs of their
talents — M. Desmarest, Professor at the Veterinary School
at Alfort, and M. Victor Audouin ; this last had received,
from the author of this discovery, some larvae in a living
state. They were found in the interior of the shell Helix
nemoralis of Linnaeus. M. Mielzinsky had made them
known as well as the female, when she had attained the last
state of transformation, the only sort of individuals which he
had obtained in the perfect state. But he was deceived in
considering as nymphs, the larvae arrived at their full growth,
and which pass the winter in the interior of these shells.
Under this form these insects have a sufficient resemblance to
the larvae of our lampyris, but the sides of their abdomen
present a range of conical mammellae, and two series of tufts
of hairs, placed on other mammellae, or dermic elongations.
The posterior extremity of the body is forked, and the anus
assists the animal in progression. It devours, and that
quickly, the natural inhabitant of the shell, and hence is
derived its generic name of Cochleoctonus, given to this
insect by this naturalist. M. Desmarest presumed, with
reason, that since these larvae were common enough in the
neighbourhood of Genoa, they might also be discovered in
the environs of Paris. Assisted by his pupils, he did, in
fact, procure a great number of these individuals, which
enabled him to give a complete history of this insect, and to
discover that the individuals in a perfect state, described by
INI. Mielzinsky, were females of the Drilus subflavus, or
pcmachejaunatre of Geoffroy (I. 1, 2, Oliv. Col. II. 23, 1.),
whose body is about three lines in length, black, with the
elytra yellowish. The female is almost three times as large,
of an orange or reddish yellow, and resembles those of lam-
pyris, but withcfut being phosphorescent. M. Audouin has
published the anatomy of it. He has remarked that the old
skin of the larva exactly stops the entrance of the shell, and

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 337

forms to it a sort of opercle. While the insect is in the
larva state, if it retires to the bottom of its habitation, it
places itself there in such a manner that the posterior ex-
tremity of its body faces the aperture of the shell, but having
passed into the nymph state it is turned about in the opposite
direction. This observation is owing to M. Desmarest (See
" Annales des Sciences Naturelles," January, July and Au-
gust, 1824, and the " Bulletin de la Soc. Philm.," April of
the same year). M. Leon Dufour has also published some
anatomical observations made upon the male of this species.

There is found in Germany another of them {Ater, Dej.),
altogether black, and with antennae less pectinated. It has
been figured, as well as a third {rrijicollis), discovered by
M. le Comte Dejean, in Dalmatia, in a memoir of M. Au-
douin (Annal. des Sciences Nat., August, 1824), which, under
the title of Anatomical Researches, on the female of the yel-
lowish drilus, and on the male of this species, forms a com-
plete monograph of this genus, enriched with excellent
figures.

All the individuals of the other lampyrides of this second
division are winged, and their maxillary palpi are not much
longer than the labial. They embrace a great portion of the
genus Cantharis of Linnaeus, or that of Cicindela of Geof-
froy.

Telephorus, SchoefT. Cantharis, Linnaeus,

In which the palpi are terminated by an articulation in the
form of an axe, and the corslet presents no lateral emargina-
tions. They are carnivorous, and run over plants. Their
stomach is long, and wrinkled crosswise. Their intestines
very short.

Cantharis fusca, Lin. Oliv. Col. TI. 26, 1, 1. Five or six
lines in length. The hinder part of the head, wing-cases,
breast, and a great portion of the feet, of a slate black, the

VOL. XIV. z

338 CLASS INSECTA.

other parts of a yellowish red. One black spot on the corslet.
It is found frequently in Europe in spring. Its larva is almost
cylindrical, elongated, soft, of a dead black, and hairy, with
the antennae, the palpi, and the feet of yellowish red. The
head is scaly, with strong mandibles. Under the twelfth and
last ring is a nipple, which it employs in walking. It lives
in humid earth, and feeds on prey.

There has been seen, some years, during the winter, in
Sweden, and even in the mountainous parts of France, a con-
siderable extent of ground covered with an infinite quantity
of these larvas, as well as with diiFerent other species of living
insects. It has been suspected, and with some foundation,
that they had been carried off and transported thither by
gusts of wind, which deracinate and lay prostrate a great
number of trees, particularly pine trees and firs. Such is the
origin of what has been named insect rains. The species
which are then found, and sometimes even on frozen lakes,
are probably of the number of those which appear early
in the season.

Cantharis Hvida, Lin. Oliv. ibid. II. 28. Size and form
of the preceding ; corslet reddish, without spot ; cases of an
ochreaceous yellow, and end of the hinder thighs black. On
flowers. (Consult for the other species, Schaenherr, Synon.,
Insect. II. p 60, and Panz. Ind. Entom. p. 91)

SiLis, Meg. Dej. Charp.

Do not differ from the telephori, but that their corslet is
emarginated, on each side, posteriorly, and that we see un-
derneath (at least in the S. Spinicollis) a small coriaceous
appendage, terminating in a knob, and the extremity of which,
probably more membranous, forms in dried individuals, the
appearance of an articulation. M. Touissant de Charpentier
has figured one species, rubricoUis, in his Horae Entom.,
p. 194, 195, vi. 7.

ORD'ER COLEOPTERA. 339

Malthinus, Lat. Schcenh. Necydalis, GeofF.

The palpi of which are terminated by an ovoid articula-
tion.

The head is narrowed behind ; the cases are shorter in the
abdomen in many of them.

On plants, and particularly on trees. (Lat. Gen. Crust, et
Insect, I. 261. Schoenh. Synon. Insect. II. p. 73. The tel-
lephori, biguttatus and nmiimus of Olivier, are of this
genus.

The third tribe of Malacodermi, the Melyrides, ex-
hibits palpi, most frequently filiform and short ; mandibles
emarginated at the point ; a body most frequently narrow
and elongated, with the head alone covered at its base, by a
flat, or but triflingly convex corslet, usually square, or
quadrilaterally elongated, and the articulations of the tarsi
entire. The crotchets of the last are unindentated, or bor-
dered by a membrane. The antennae are usually serrated,
and even pectinated in the males of some species.

The majority are very agile, and are found on flowers and
leaves.

This tribe, which is only a dismemberment of the genera
Cantharis and Dermestes of Linnaeus, will compose that of

Melyris, Fab.

Some have the palpi of the same thickness throughout.

Here we discover under each anterior angle of the corslet,
and on each side of the base of the abdomen, a vesicle in the
form of a horn or cockade, retractile and susceptible of dila-
tation, which the animal causes to issue forth when it is
frightened, and the use of which is unknown. The body is
proportionally shorter than in the following sub-genus, broader
and more depressed, with the corslet broader than long.

z 2

340 CLASS INSECTA.

Under each crotchet of the end of the tarsi is seen a mem-
branaceous appendage, in the form of a tooth.

Malachius, Fab. Oliv. Cantharis, Lin.

One of the sexes has, in some species, an appendage in the
form of a crotchet, at the end of each case, which the indivi-
dual of the other sex seizes with its mandibles, when it flies
or runs too fast. The first articulations of the antennas are
often dilated and irregular in the males. These insects have
agreeable colours.

Cantharis {:Bnea, Lin. Panz. ibid. X. 2, three lines in
length, of a shining green, with the cases red at the edge,
and the front of the head yellow. (See the same works, and
Schoenh. Sym. Insect. I. I. p. 67)

Cantharis hipustulata, Panz. ibid. 3, a little smaller, of
a shining green, with the end of the cases red. (See as
above.)

Amongst tlie following melyrides, with filiform palpi, and
whose corslet and abdomen are without retractile vesicles, we
shall place at first those whose antennae are, at least, of the
length of the head and corslet, whose body is generally nar-
row, elongated, and sometimes linear, and the crotchets of
the tarsi usually, as well as those of Malachius, bordered
below, by a membranous appendage.

Dasytes, Payk. Fab. Dermestes, Lin.

Z>. Ccsruleus, F. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XCVI. 10,
three lines long, elongated, green or blueish, shining and
hairy ; very common in the environs of Paris, on flowers, in
the fields.

Dermestes hirtus, Lin. Oliv. Col. II. 21, 11, 28, a little
larger, less oblong, altogether black, and very hairy. A

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 341

spine at the base of the anterior tarsi, much stronger and
more crooked in one of the sexes. On grasses.*

Other melyrides with crotchets of the tarsi unindentated,
as well as in Dasytes, to which they are much approximating,
and with which Olivier confounds them, are removed from
them by antennae shorter than the head and corslet, and the
third articulation of which is at least as long again as the
second. Their body is less elongated, of a more solid con-
sistence, Avith the head a little prolonged, and narrowed in
front, the corslet almost semi-orbicular, and truncated in
front. They have a certain resemblance with the coleoptera
of the genus Silpha of Linnaeus. Such are

Zygia, Fab.

The fourth articulation of the antennae and the following
ones, form almost an elongated knob, compressed, denticu-
lated like a saw, and most part of these articulations are
transverse. The corslet is very convex.

Z. Oblonga, Fab. is found in Spain, and in Egypt, in the
interior of houses, and more especially, as M. le Comte
Dejean has informed me, in garrets. It appears that it is
also met with in France, in the department of the Eastern
Pyrenees. Another species has been discovered in Nubia.

Melyris, Fab.,

Whose antennae thicken insensibly without forming a knob,
and whose articulations are less dilated laterally, and almost
isometrical. The corslet is less convex,-f-

* See, for the other species, Fabricius. The melyris of Olivier, Nos. 6,
17. Panz. Ind. Entom. p. 143, Lat. Gen. Crust, et Ins. I. p, 264. Germ.
Insect. Spec. Nov. Brazil, supplies some tolerably large, some of which
constitute a particular division.

f M. viridis. Fab. Oliv. Col. II. 21. I. 1 ; M. abdominalis. Fab. Oliv.
Aid. I. 7 ; Opatrum granulatum, Fab. Coqueb. lUust. icon. Insect. HI.
XXX. 7.

342 CLASS INSECTA.

The other, and the last of the melyrides, have the maxil-
lary palpi terminatfid by a larger and hatchet-formed articu-
lation. This character, the shortness of the first articulation
of the tarsi, and some other considerations, seem to approxi-
mate them to the Insects of the following tribe. These are

Pelocophobus

Of M. le Comte Dejean, who places them with the tetra-
merous Coleoptera.*

The fourth tribe of the Malacodermi, that of Clerii, de-
rived from the principal genus Clerus, is distinguished by
the assemblage of the following characters. Two, at least,
of their palpi are advanced, and terminate in a knob. The
mandibles are denticulated. The penultimate articulation of
the tarsi is bilobate, and the first is very short, or hardly
visible in many. The antennae are sometimes almost filiform
and toothed like a saw, and sometimes terminating in a knob,
or thickening insensibly towards the end. The body is
usually almost cylindrical, with the head and corslet more
narrow than the abdomen, and the eyes emarginate.

The majority of these insects are found on flowers, the
others on the trunks of old trees, or in dry wood. Such of
the larvag as have been observed are carnivorous.

This tribe will comprehend the genus

Clerus, Geoff.
There are some of them whose tarsi, seen at their two faces,.

* Catalogue of the Collection of the Coleoptera, of M. le Comte Dejean,
p. 115, Notoxus Illigeri. Schoenh. Synon. Insect. I. p> 55. 4. 7. a. I shall
refer to the same sub-division of the Melyrides, a new sub-genus, which I
shall name Diglobicerm. The antennae have but ten distinct articulations,
the last two of which are thicker, and globular. It is established on an
insect, which was sent to me by M. Lefebure de Cerisy.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 343

present distinctly five articulations. Their antennae are al-
ways denticvilated, for the greater part, in the manner of a
saw.

Some, among them, have the maxillary palpi filiform, or
slightly thicker towards the end.

Cylidrus, Lat.

Have the mandibles long, very much crossed, terminated in
a simple point with two teeth at the internal edge. The first
four articulations of the antennas are cylindrical and elon-
gated. The following six are serrated, and the last is oblong.
The palpi are terminated by an elongated articulation ; that
of the maxillary is cylindrical, and the same of the labial is
a little thicker, and in the form of an inverted cone. The
penultimate articulation of the tarsi is formed of two distinct
lobes. The head is elongated.

The sole species known ( Tricodes cyaneus, Fab.) is found
in the Isle of France.

TiLLus, Oliv. Fab.

Have the mandibles of middle size, and bidenticulated at
the end ; antennae sometimes toothed like a saw, from the
fourth articulation to the tenth inclusively, with the last one
ovoid ; sometimes terminated abruptly from the sixth, in a
serrated knob. The last articulation of the labial palpi is
very large, and hatchet-formed. The head is short and
rounded. The third and fourth articulations of the tarsi are
dilated, and in the form of a reversed triangle.

These insects are found in old wood, or on the trunks of
trees.*

* Tillus elongatus, Oliv. Col. II. 22. 1. ].; Clirysomela elongata, Lin.
Clems unifasiatus. Fab. Oliv. ibid, IV. 76. ii. 21. The first has the antennas
serrated from the fourth articulation, and the corslet cylindrical. In the
second, the antennae are terminated, beginning from the sixth articula-

344 CLASS INSECTA.

The other insects of this tribe, and always distinctly pen-
tamerous, have the four palpi terminated in a knob. The last
articulation of the labial is almost always hatchet-formed.

Here^ the first four articulations of the tarsi are furnished
underneath with membranaceous cushins, advanced, and
lobate. The corslet is elongated, and almost cylindrical.

Priocera, Kirb.

The body is convex, with the corslet contracted posteriorly.
The last articulation of the maxillary palpi is less dilated than
the same of the labials, in the form of a reversed and oblong
triangle. The labrum is emarginate.

But one species is known {Priocera variegata^ Kirb. Lin.
Trans. XII. n. 389, 390. XXI. 7.).

AxiNA, Kirb.

The body is depressed. The last articulation of the four
palpi is very large, in the form of a hatchet.

As yet but a single species has been described {Axina
analis, Kirb. ibid. fig. 6), and is found in Brazil.

There, the penultimate articulation of the tarsi is alone
distinctly bilobate. The corslet is square. The body, other-
wise, is depressed, as in the preceding sub-genus, and the
palpi are terminated in a similar manner.

EuRYTUs, Kirb.

Eurypus rubens, Kirb. ibid. fig. 5, also inhabits Brazil.
I have seen a second species of the same country, in the fine
collection of M. de la Cordaire.

At present, the tarsi, seen from above, do not appear com-

tion, in a serrated knob. The corslet is narrowed posteriorly. The last
articulation of the maxillary palpi is proportionally longer than the same
of the first species, and compressed.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 345

posed of more than four articulations, the first of the five or-
dinary ones being very short, and concealed under the second.

The insects of this subdivision compose the genus Clerus,
properly so called, of Geoffroy. M. Dufour admits that the
posterior tarsi have six articulations, but the first of which
is very short ; the same articulation is only rudimentary in
the intermediate tarsi, and nothing in the anterior two.

Sometimes the antennae thicken insensibly, or terminate
gradually in a knob. The intermediate articulations, pro-
ceeding from the third, are almost in the form of an elongated
cone. The two, to the last four but one, are almost in the
form of a reversed triangle, and the last is ovoid.

Thanasimus, Lat. Clerus, Fab.,

Have the maxillary palpi filiform, and the last articulation
of the labial large, and hatchet-formed.*

Opilo, Lat. Notoxus, Fab.,

In which the four palpi are terminated by a large articu-
lation, hatchet-formed {attelahus mollis, Lin. ; Clerus mollis,
Oliv. ibid. 1. 10.).

Sometimes the last three articulations of the antennae are
much broader than the preceding, and form an abrupt knob,
either simple, and in the form of a reversed triangle, or
serrated.

Those in which this knob is simple, or not serrated, com-
pose two sub-genera.

Clerus (Proper), Geoff". Trichodes, Fab.

Their maxillary palpi are terminated by an articulation in
the form of a reversed and compressed triangle ; the last of the

• Attelahus formicarius, Lin. ; Clerus formicariusy Oliv. Col. IV. 76. i.
13; Clerus mutillarius. Fab. Oliv. ibid. i. 12.

340 CLASS INSECTA.

labial, which are larger than the preceding, is hatchet-formed.
The knob of the antennae is but little longer than broad, and
is composed of close articulations ; the third is longer than
the second. The jaws are terminated by a prominent and
fringed lobe. The corslet is depressed in front.

These insects are found on flowers ; their larvae devour
those of some apiary insects.

Their stomach is wider in front and without wrinkles.
Their intestine is short, with two swellings behind. Accord-
ing to M. Dufour their crop is so short, that it is almost
entirely concealed in the head.

The generative organ of the male is much more compli-
cated than that of the Melyrides, Lampyrides, and other
Malacodermi. The last ring of the abdomen is broadly
emarginate. These, with the Peltis of Fabricius, are the
only coleoptera Avhich have six biliary vessels. Their inser-
tion is coecal.

Attelabus apiarius, Lin. Trichodes apiarms, Fab. Oliv.
Col. IV. 765 I5 4, is blue, with the cases redi They are
traversed by three bands of a deep blue, the last of which
occupies the extremity. The larva devours that of the do-
mestic bee, and is very injurious to the hives.

That of another species, {Trichodes ahearius, Fab. Oliv.
ibid. I. 5, a. b. Reaum, Insect. VI. viii. 8, 10,) almost similar
to the preceding, but having a spot of blueish black on the
scutellum, lives in the nests of the mason-bees (G. osmie) of
Reaumur, and lives at the expense of their posterity.

Necrobia, Lat. Corynetes, Fab.

Have the four palpi terminated by an articulation of the
same size, in the form of an elongated and compressed tri-
angle ; the second and third articulations of the antennae are
almost equal, and the terminal knob is elongated, and with

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 347

loose articulations. The front of the corslet presents no de-
pression.

Necrohia violacea^ Oliv. Col. ibid. 76, his. I, 1 ; Dermestes
violaceus^ Lin., is small, of a violet or greenish blue, with feet
of the same colour. Its cases have points disposed in longitu-
dinal series. It is very common in spring, in houses. It is
also found in carrion. (*S'ee Olivier, genus Necrohie, and
Schoenh. Synon. Insect. I. 2, page 50.)

We shall terminate this tribe by a sub-genus, in which the
two last but one articulations of the antennae, more or less
dilated at the internal side, in the manner of teeth, compose,
with the last, which is ovaliforra, a serrated or semi-pectinated
knob. The palpi are terminated by a larger articulation,
either in the form of an elongated and compressed triangle,
or hatchet-formed. Such are

Enoplium, Lat. Tillies, Oliv. Fab. Corynetes, Fab.*

The fifth tribe of the Malacodermi, that of Pthstiores,
has for type the genus Ptinus of Linnseus, and some others
which are derived from it, or approximate to it the most.
The body of these insects is of a consistence tolerably solid,
sometimes almost ovoid, or ovaliform, sometimes almost cy-
lindrical, but generally short, and rounded at the two ends.
The head is almost globular, or orbicular, and received for a
considerable part in a corslet, very much arched, or vaulted,
in the form of a hood. The antennae of some are filiform, or
proceed narrowing towards the end, whether simple, flabel-
late, pectinate, or serrated ; and those of the others are
terminated abruptly by three larger and much longer articu-
lations. The mandibles are short, thick, and denticulated
under the point. The palpi are very short and terminated

* TUlus serraticornis, Oliv. Col. II. 1. 2.; T. Weberi, Fab.; ejusd. T,
Damicornis; Dermestoides, SchefF. JElem. Entom. 138; Corynctes satiguini-
coUis, Fab. See Schcenh. Synon. Insect. I. 2. pag. 46. ^

348 CLASS INSECTA. '

by a larger articulation, almost ovoid, or in a reversed tri-
angle. The legs are without denticulations, and the spurs of
their extremities are very small. The colours are always
obscure, and but little varied. All these insects are of small
size. When they are touched, they counterfeit death, lower-
ing the head, inclining the antennae, and contracting the feet.
They remain some time in this apparent lethargy. Their
motions are, in general, rather slow. The winged individuals
seldom take flight for the purpose of escaping. Their larvae
are very injurious to us, and have a great resemblance to those
of the Scarabaei. Their body, often curved in an arch, is
soft, whitish, with the head and feet brown and scaly. Their
mandibles are strong. They construct for themselves, with
the fragments of the substances which they have gnawed, a
shell, or they are transformed into nymphs. Other species
establish their domicile in the country, in old wood, stakes,
and under stones ; otherwise, their habits are similar.
Such are the general characters of the genus.

Ptinus, Lin.
Some have the head and corslet, or the anterior moiety of
the body, more narrow than the abdomen, antennae always
terminated in an uniform manner, simple, or very little ser-
rated, and, at least, almost as long as the body.

Ptikus (Proper), Lin. Fab Bruchus, Geoff.
Have the antennas inserted between the eyes, which are
prominent or convex. Their body is oblong.

They remain for the most part in the interior of houses^
principally in the garrets and inhabited parts. Their larvae
gnaw herbals, and the prepared and dried skins of animals.
The antennae of the males are longer than those of the fe-
males, and in many species, these last individuals are deprived
of wings.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 349

P. far. Lin. Fab. P. latro, striatus, F. Oliv. Col. II. I7,
i. I, 3. ii. 9, Var. of the male ; a line and a half in length,
of a clear brown ; antennae of the length of the body ; corslet
having on each side a pointed eminence, and two others
rounded and covered with a yellowish down in the interval ;
two transverse bands, greyish, and formed by hairs on the
cases.

According to Degeer, it lives on flies, and other dead in-
sects with which it meets. Its larva makes a terrible devas-
tation in herbals, and collections of natural history.

P. imperialis, Fab. Oliv. ibid. I. 4, remarkable for two
spots of the cases, representing, by their union, the rude figure
of an eagle with two heads. Lives on old wood.

This species, it appears to us, ought to be placed in the
genus Hedobia, of the catalogue of the collection of M. le
Comte Dejean. It differs from that of Ptinus, by having
more separated antennae, a little serrated, and particularly
by the tarsi, which are short, and composed of articula-
tions almost in the form of a heart, more broad, especially
the last. The crotchets of this last are even concealed. In
the Ptini these tarsi are narrow, with the last articulation in
the form of an inverted cone. The antennae are approximated
at their base.

I have frequently found on excrements the P. Germcmus,
(Lat. Crust, et Insect. I. p. 279), which has several relations
with P. latro. {See, for the synonimy of the species of this
genus, Schoenhen, Syn. Insect. II. p. 106.)

GiBBiDM, Scop. Ptinus, Fab. Oliv.,

In which the antennae are inserted in front of the eyes, which
are flatted and very small, in which the scutellum is wanting,
or is not very distinct, and whose body is short, with the
abdomen very large, swelled, almost globular, and semi-
transparent. The antennae are more slender towards their

350 CLASS INSECTA.

extremity, and the cases are synostosized. These insects also
make their domicile in herbals and collections.*

The others have the body either oval, or ovoid, or almost
cylindrical ; the corslet of the breadth of the abdomen, at
least at its base ; the antennae sometimes uniforifl and serrated,
or pectinate, sometimes terminated by three articulations
much larger than the preceding. They are shorter than the
body.

Ptilinus, Geoff. Oliv. Ptinus, Lin.,

Whose antennae, from the third articulation, are strongly
pectinate, or plumed in the males, and serrated in the fe-
males.

These insects live in dry wood, and pierce it with small
holes. It is there also that they couple ; one of the sexes is
outside, and suspended in the air.-f-

Xytelinus, Lat. Ptilinus, Fab.,

To which we unite Ochina of MM. Ziegler and Dejean,
have the antennas simply serrated in the two sexes. :|:

DoRCATOMA, Herbst. Fab.,

In which the antennae finish abruptly by three larger arti-
culations, and of which the penultimate two are in the form
of the teeth of a saw. They are composed of nine articula-

* Ptinus Scotias, Fab. Oliv. Col. ibid. 1. 2. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. V.
8 ; P. sulcatus. Fab.

■\ Ptilinus pectinicornis. Fab. Oliv. Col. II. 17. bis. 1. 1 ; P. pectinatus.
Fab. ; ejusd. P. serratus ; Ptinus denticornis, Var. Panz. ibid. VI. 9. XXXV. 9.

\ Ptili7ms pollens, Gevm.; I tinus serricornis, Fab In the Ochina kederce
the antennae are a little longer than those of the Xytelinae, a little less
serrated, with the second and third articulations almost of equal length.
I have not examined the other species of Ochina, mentioned by M. Dejean
in his catalogue (p. 40).

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 351

tions only. {Dorcatoma dresdensis, Herbst. Col. IV.
xxxix. 8.)

Anobium, Fab. Oliv. Ptinus, Lin. Byrrhus, GeofF.,

In which the antennae are equally terminated by three
articulations, larger or longer, but of which the penultimate
two are in an inverted or elongated cone, and that of the end
oval, or almost cylindrical ; they have eleven articulations.

Many species of this genus inhabit the interior of our
houses, where they do much mischief in their first state, that
of the larva, by gnawing the planks, joists, wood, furniture
and books, which they pierce with small round holes, similar
to those made with a very fine gimlet. Their excrements
form those little dusty heaps of worm-eaten wood, which we
often see on floors. Other larvae of anobium attack flour,
wafers which are kept in drawers, collections of birds, in-
sects, &c.

The two sexes, to call each other at the time of their
amours, and come together, strike several times rapidly and
in succession, with their mandibles, the wainscoting in which
they are placed, and answer each other mutually. Such is the
cause of the noise, similar to that of the accelerated ticking
of a watch, which we often hear, and which superstition has
named the death-watch.

A. tesselatum. Fab. Oliv. Col. II. 16. 1. 1. Three lines in
length, of an obscure and dead brown, with yellowish spots,
formed by hairs ; corslet smooth ; cases without striae.

Ptmus pertinax, Lin. A. striatum. Fab. Oliv. ibid, I. 4,
blackish ; corslet having at each posterior angle a yellowish
spot, and near the middle of its base a compressed elevation,
divided into two in front, by a depression ; cases with punc-
tuated striae. It prefers, according to the observations of
Degeer, suffering itself to be burned at a slow fire to giving
the least sign of life when it is held.

352 CLASS INSECTA.

Anobium perfinax,oi Fabiiciixs; Striatum, Olivier, Panz.
ibid. LXyi. 5, very much resembles the preceding, but it is
smaller, and has no yellow spots at the posterior angles of
the corslet. It is very common in houses. M. Dufour has
observed that some appendages form around its pylorus a
sort of ruff.

A. patiiceum. Fab. A. minutum^ ejusd. Oliv. ibid. II. 9,
is very small, fawn-coloured, with the corslet smooth, and the
cases striate. It reddens farinaceous substances, and ravages
collections of insects when suffered to multiply there. It
establishes itself also in cork. {See Schoenh. Synon. Insect.
I. 2, p. 101.) Some species of Fabricius are referable to the
genus Cis.

The third and last section of the Serricornes, forming
also a final tribe, that of Xylotrogi, and being distinguished,
as we have already said, from the preceding two, by having
the head entirely disengaged, is composed of the genus

Lymexylon, Fab.

We divide it thus :

Some have the maxillary palpi much larger than the labial,
pendant, in the form of a comb or tuft in the males, and ter-
minated by a large ovoid articulation in the females. The
antennae are short, a little widened towards their middle, and
slender towards the end. The tarsi are filiform, with all the
articulations entire. The posterior four are long and very
slender. Those whose elytra are very short, in the form of
a small scale, compose the genus

Atractocerus, Palis, de Beauv. Necydalis, Lin. Ly-
t/iea!ylun, Fab.

The antennae are compressed, and almost fusiform. The
corslet is square, and the abdomen depressed.

A. nerydaloides, Palis, de Beauv. Magaz. Encyc. Necy-

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 353

dalis brevicorjiis, Lin. Lymexylon ahhreviatum. Fab.
Macrogastcr abhreviatus, Thunb. is found in Guinea, and
appears to differ but little from another species received from
Brazil. The Museum of Natural History possesses a se-
cond, much smaller, and perfectly distinct, enclosed in amber.
Another is found in Java.

Those in which the elytra are of the length of the abdo-
men, or but little shorter, form two sub-genera.

In these the antennae are compressed, serrated, and with
transverse articulations. The corslet is almost squared.
Such are,

Hylecoetus, Lat. Meloe, cantharis, Lin. Lymexylon,

Fab.

B. dermestoides, Meloe Marci, Lin., the male; Lymexylon
Aforio, Fab., and L. proboscideum, item ; Cantharis der-
mestoides, Lin., the female ; Z. dermestoides. Fab. item ;
Oliv. Col. II. 25, I. i. 2, item. The female is six lines in
length, of a pale fawn-colour, with the eyes and breast black.
The male is black, with cases sometimes blackish, some-
times reddish, with the extremity black. In Germany,
England, and to the North of Europe.

In those the antennae are simple, little or not at all com-
pressed, and almost moniliform. The corslet is almost cylin-
drical.

Lymexylon (Proper), Fab. Cantharis, Lin. Elateroides,

SchoefF.

L. Jlavipes, Fab. male ; ejusd. L. navalis, fem. ;
Oliv. ibid. I. 4, of the length of the preceding^ but more
narrow, of a pale fawn-colour, with the head, the external
edge, and the end of the cases black. This last colour pre-
dominates a little more in the male. This insect is very
common in the oak forests of the North of Europe, but rare

VOL. XIV. 2 A

35i> CLASS INSECTA.

enough in the environs of Paris. Its larva is very long, and
very slender, almost similar to a wire. It so multiplied some
time back, at Toulon, in the naval timber-yards, that it occa-
sioned very great destruction.*

The others have the palpi very short, and similar in the
two sexes. The antennae are always simple, and of the same
thickness throughout. The tarsi are short, and the penult
articulation is bilobate in some of them.

The body is of a solid consistence, with the top of the head
imequal or furrowed, and the corslet almost square or subor-
bicular.

•CuPES, Fab.,

In which the antennae are composed of articulations almost
cylindrical, and in which the penult of the tarsi is bifid.

The mandibles are unindenticulated under the point. The
palpi, the jaws, and the tongue, are vmcovered. The tongue
is bilobate, and the chin is almost semi-orbicular. Two spe-
cies are known, and both proper to North America.i*

Rhysodes, Latr. Dalm.,

In which the antennae are grained, and all the articulations-
of the tarsi entire.

The mandibles, as far as it appears to me, are narrowed
and almost tricuspidate at their extremity. The chin
is corneous, very large, buckler-formed, and termi-

• The lymexylon proboscideum of Olivier, the individual of which has
served as a type to his description, and which now forms a part of the
collection of M. le Comte de Jousselin, at Versailles, ought to form a
peculiar genus. See also the Lymexylon fiahellicorne of Panzer, Faun.
Insect. Germ. XI. 10.

f Cupes capitata. Fab. Lat. Gen. Crust- et Insect. I. viii. 2. Coqueb.
Illust. Icon. Insect. III. XXX. 1.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 355

nated above by three teeth or points. The palpi are very
short.

Notwithstanding the number of articulations in the tarsi,
this genus appears to approach cucujus, and even some of the
brenta with short proboscis, in the two sexes. The habits are
the same as those of the Xylophagi. Rhysodes exaratus,
Dalm. Analect. Entom. p. 93. M. Leon Dufour has just
discovered this species in the Pyrenees.

A i^

SUPPLEMENT

SERRICORNES.

In the first section of this family, the first genus to be
noticed is that of Buprkstis, upon which very little can be
added to the details of the text. This genus, which is very
distinct, and very easily to be recognized, resembles that of
elater, but differs from it chiefly in the corslet or thorax,
which is destitute of a spring.

The larvae of these insects live in woods. The perfect insect
usually remains on trees, bushes, plants, and flowers. It is
very frequently to be found in timber-yards.

The buprestes walk very slowly, but are remarkable for
their agile flight when the weather is hot and dry. Some of
them suffer themselves to fall among the brambles, when one
approaches to take hold of them.

This genus furnishes the most beautiful coleopterous in-
sects which can adorn either the domain of nature, or the
cabinet of the naturalist. Most part of the species are clothed
with such brilliant colours, that Geoffroy has thought proper
to designate them all under the generic appellation of
Richard. The origin of this name is as singular as its appli-
cation is fantastical. It was originally given to the jay, in
consequence of the facility with which that bird was taught
to pronounce the word. In the buprestes we find the bril-

SUPPLEMENT, &C. SoJ

liancy of polished gold on an emerald ground, or the purest
azure playing over a golden surface. Very often the same
individual presents a mixture of many brilliant metallic
colours. These insects are not much varied, and they are but
little numerous in the north of Europe ; more abundant to-
wards the southern countries of France, and very much
varied, and very common in the warmest climates of the two
hemispheres. It is accordingly from such climates that the
largest and finest species are imported into Europe.

The genus Buprcstis of Linnaeus is not, however, distin-
guished by the splendid tints with which the insects are
adorned, since it comprises one of the most extensive fami-
lies of the coleoptera. Indeed, we are informed that Pro-
fessor Klug, the conservator of the Berlin Museum, has
stated that the cabinet of that repository is enriched with
not less than five hundred species.

The classification of these beautiful creatures, singularly
enough, scarcely attracted the attention of naturalists, with
the exception of Schonherr in his Synonima Insectorum,
and the Russian naturalist, Eschscholtz, who has divided these
insects into the following genera :

Stemocera, the types of which are, B. chrysis, castanea,
interrupta, sternicorius of Fabricius. — Jalodis. B. hirsuta,
fascicularis, variolaris, pilosa, hirta. — Acmaeodera. B. gib-
bosa, taeniata, adspersa, ornata, cylindrica. — Trachys. — Apa-
nisticus. — Agrilus. B. novem maculata, exasperata, Schonh.
bicornis. Dej. penicillata. Klug. lucogaster. Wilden. Rubi, i^^
elata, sereicollis. Dej. leucostica. Kirby. — Capnodes. B. ca-
riosa, tenebrionis, carbonaria, Klug. tenebricosa, tarterica. __
— Buprestis. B. florentina Dahl. mariana, lugubris, cuprea,
&c. — PcBc'ilonotus. B. conspersa, rutilans. — Dicerea. B. Bero-
linensis senea, alni, acuminate. — Ancyluchira. B. flavomacu-
lata, strigosa, 8 guttata, punctata, cupressis, hoemorrhoidalis,
rustica. — Stigmodera. B. grandis, variabilis, macularia, ex-

358 SUPPLEMENT

imia, and principialis Klug — Conognathus. B. equestris and
amaena Kirby. — Anthaxia. B. cyanicornis, manca, nitida,
quadrimaculata. — Melanophila. B. appendiculata, tarda. —
Chrysohotus. B. impressa, chrysostigma affinis. — Belionota.
B. scutellaris, stigma, canaliculata F. and B. ecunone, Latr.
Regne An. V. 4. 13. 2.

"We are enabled to add four species, three of which we consi-
der as new. The first we call Whitehillii. Hope's MSS. It is
dark green,varied on the thorax with yellowish white ; also with
five rows of downy spots of the latter colour, on each elytron,
which are likewise covered with smaller spots of the like
colour ; legs blackish green, tarsi dilated, beneath, purplish
copper covered with yellowish hairs ; eighteen lines in length,
and is an inhabitant of Poonah, India. From Mr. Hope's
cabinet.

Buprestis Jlavomarginata. Hirsute, the thorax aeneous
black, punctate, with the margin yellow. The elytra asneous
black, with deeply punctuated striae, near the tip, with two
angulated transverse fascise red, margin yellow, tip acute ; the
length is six lines, and the species is from Brazil.

Bicprestis bifasciata. Linear, golden green, with a few
elevated longitudinal lines of violet ; with two transverse
fasciae of the same, near the tip, which is red, and dentated ;
this species is six lines long, and is from Mexico.

The last species we have to notice is Buprestis peni-
cillata, Klug. The head with two horns, bronze, the thorax
tuberculate, with the sides dilate, crenate, blackish bronze,
the scutellum with the middle dilate, angulate, obscure
bronze ; the elytra depressed, carinate, punctate, bronzed,
sprinkled with white and black hairy spots, with the tip
attenuate, denticulate, black, with two transverse angulate
striae, the tip truncate with black tuft of hair at the angles,
and likewise a similar tuft on each elytron beyond the
middle.

ON THE SERRICORNES. 359

This species, according to Eschscholtz, enters into the
genus agrilus, which, however, seems distinct from that so
described by Mr. Curtis.

The sub-genus Melasis was established by Olivier on a
single species, in which he thought that he recognized the
Elater huprestoides. Illiger, however, and some other natu-
ralists consider the insect of Linnaeus as different from that
of Olivier, and accordingly designate this last species under
the name of Elateroides. This opinion seems yet to remain
in doubt ; but the description given by M. Pay kail of the
Elater huprestoides, of Sweden, or Melasis flaheUicornis, of
Fabricius, and the figure of Herbst, which is cited as syno-
nimous, agree perfectly well to the insect named by Olivier,
Melasis huprestoides. This species is found in Germany
and France, under the trunk of old trees, which it appears to
perforate after the manner of some Anobia. These insects
couple at the entrance of some of the cylindrical holes, which
the external surface of these trees present. One of the sexes
remains without.

The name of Elater, or notopeda, in Latin, has been
given to the insects composing this genus, in consequence of
the leap which they make when thrown upon their back, for
the purpose of recovering their feet. They very much re-
semble buprestes, but are distinguished from them by some
observable characters, but more especially by that remark-
able spring, which is observed under their corslet or thorax.

These insects are found every where in the country, on
flowers, on plants, on the trunk, and under the bark of rotten
trees. They are caught easily enough ; but they often suffer
themselves to fall, for the purpose of escaping the hand which
is ready to seize them. They are all provided with wings,
and sometimes make use of them to transport themselves from
one place to another. They always walk with great slowness,
and seem to employ their feet with difficulty. There is ano-

360 SUPPLEMENT

ther character peculiar to these insects, and which has not
been accorded to them without a useful purpose. We have
already mentioned that their Latin name designates the
faculty possessed by the insect of leaping or raising itself into
the air, as it were by a sort of spring, when it is placed upon
its back, and never otherwise. It leaps perpendicularly to a
certain height, so that it falls pretty nearly in the same spot
in which it had been placed. Its object in making this leap
is to replace itself on its feet, which would otherwise prove a
painful and difficult operation, in consequence of the short-
ness of its limbs. If it falls again upon the back, which not
seldom happens, it reiterates its leaps until it finds itself upon
its feet. Having explained the object of these leaps, we
shall enter a little into the mechanism by which they are per-
formed, as it has been but slightly noticed in the text.

The two external angles of the corslet are terminated in
advanced, and more or less sharp points. Underneath, and
exactly at the middle of the posterior edge, a third point,
long, stiff, and very hard, placed on the same line with the
body, advances towards the breast considerably below the
edge of the corslet. This part, broad at its origin, dimi-
nishes in thickness by little and little to terminate in a
blunt, or but triflingly rounded point. Underneath, and
near its extremity, is remarked a small eminence in the form
of a denticulation. On the breast underneath, between its
anterior edge and the two intermediate feet, is found an oval
hole, tolerably deep, furnished with a smooth and corneous
substance. It is in this cavity that the long point of the
corslet is sunk, when the insect lowers its head, which is its
natural position, either in walking or in a state of repose.
Such are the principal instruments which the elater employs
to raise itself into the air. The following is the manner in
which this little manoeuvre is performed ; the insect placed
upon its back, lowers the head and corslet towards the plain

ON THE SERRICORNES. 36l

of position ; by this movement the long spine issues entirely
out of the oval hole in which it is lodged. At the same
time it always applies its feet against the under part of the
body, and holds them fast there, and crowded together,
which secures them from the dangers of the fall. After-
wards, approximating the corslet to the breast, it pushes
strongly and rapidly against the edge of the hole, the long
point, which falls back like a spring in re-entering its cavity.
The corslet with its lateral points, the head, and even the
upper part of the elytra, all coming with force against the
plain of position, also concur by their elasticity, to raise the
body into the air. By holding the insect by the belly be-
tween the fingers, one may easily convince himself of the
exactness of these observations. The more the plan of posi-
tion is firm and hard, the greater will be the elevation of the
leap. It has been also remarked that the insect rests the two
lateral spines of the corslet against the inferior edge of the
elytra, and that it relaxes them at the same time that it
causes the long point to re-enter the whole, which operation
is very capable of augmenting the elastic force which carries
it upwards. It is necessary that the corslet should have a
movement, and free play upon the breast ; accordingly it is
very mobile, and the insect can lower it considerably.

By pressing the belly of the male between the fingers,
three parts are made to come out, of which those of the
sides serve as a case to that of the middle, and are concave
anteriorly. In their natural situation these three parts are
enclosed in a second case, which opens towards the sides,
and which is supported by two concave scaly lamina?, form-
ing a third case. The elongated portion of the middle is
doubtless that which characterizes the sex of the male. From
the belly of the female, by the same pressure, parts totally
different are made to come out. This is a long, cylindrical
piece, at the end of which are found two other elongated

362 SUPPLEMENT

pieces, conical and pointed, between which a third is seen
which appears to be hollow. All these parts re- enter into
a sort of case, which in its turn is enclosed within the
belly. The hollow part must be the conduit of the
eggs, of which a tolerably great number are found in
these females. They are very small, oval, whitish, and
shining.

The larvae of these insects in general are but little known,
but they are svipposed, for the most part, to live in wood,
Degeer has described the larvae of one species, and though his
description is more full than that given in the text, we deem
it unnecessary to enter upon it here.

We must, however, mention two species of elater, which,
like the lampyris, possess the faculty of shining, but which
by this faculty should not be excluded from the genus to
which they evidently appertain in all their other characters.
The first (Elater noctilucus) is found in America, and par-
ticularly in Jamaica and St. Domingo. According to the
testimony of various writers, this insect emits light, either in
obscure places or during the night, as long as it lives, from
two yellow spots on the corslet, which are then transparent.
The light which it sheds is so strong and brilliant, that it
enables one to read the finest writing, especially when eight
or ten of these insects are placed in a vessel of glass. Brown
says that all the internal parts of the insect are luminous, but
that the light can only escape by the two yellow spots of the
corslet. To convince himself of this, he separated a little
the rings of the belly one from the other, and the light was
then seen through the membrane which connects the rings
together. During the day these insects remain in a state of
repose, and are, as it were, in a state of lethargy. They are
but seldom to be found at this time. It is during the night
that they put themselves in motion. They are easily to be
caught by the light of a flambeau, which they will follow

ON THE SERRICORNES. 363

exactly like the phalenae. The Indians make use of them in
their nocturnal journeys, and attach them to their shoes.
The women also carry on their works by the light which they
emit. BroAvai adds, that they have the power of shining or
not at will, which is another affinity which they possess with
the lampyris.

The other species (Elater phosphorus) is smaller than the
preceding, and is found at Cayenne and in Surinam. To
judge from analogy, we may suppose that the two spots
which this insect has upon the corslet, send forth the same
luminous brilliancy as in the first species. They both resem-
ble each other very much.

We add two new species of Elater, viz., lusciosus,
Hope's MSS. This insect is somewhat like Elater
occulatus, of Fabr., but it is much broader, more convex,
and more robust ; it is black, with two black velvety eyes
on the thorax, of which the irides are white. The body
cretaceous, irregularly spotted, beneath black, spotted with
white. This insect is from Mexico, and is nineteen lines in
length. The other species is E. aureolus. This is like
auratus, of Druri/. It has the antennas black, filiform,
compressed, and subserrate ; the thorax broad, depressed, of
a rose green colour, with the sides elevated, and green. The
elytra of a rich bronzed green, shining with fine punctated
striae ; the tip acute ; this is from the Tanesserim coast,
and is seventeen lines in length.

After Galba, of Latreille, M. Guerin, has added a new
genus named Pterotarsus. The antennae have the first joint
large, oval, the others very small, and with the last eight
joints strongly pectinated ; the pectinations are much longer
than those of Galba. The head and antennae, when in repose,
are perfectly hidden in the thorax ; the thorax is oblong glo-
bose ; the elytra convex, rounded.

There are four species of the genus. The one his trio, of

364 SUPPLEMENT

Latr. It is red, with three black bands, one on the thorax,
another at the base, and the third narrower on middle of the
elytra ; from the latter to the tip yellow. The species ai'e
all from Brazil, where they inhabit the trunks of dead trees,
and are occasionally found creeping upon the barks.

M. Guerin has also added a genus, newc Adelocera,yfhic\\ he
calls Pachyderes. It has the antennae pectinated, first joint
large, second small, maxillary palpi, last joint very large,
subsecuriform, the joints of the tarsi simple, the penulti-
mates bilobed ; the head small, thorax large, dilate, with
two spines at the posterior angles ; the elytra long, narrow,
dentate at the tip ; the only species is named RuJicoLlis.

M. Eschcholtz has formed a new genus on a single species,
which is allied to Eucnemis, under the name of Epiphasis,
with the following characters. The antennae, with the four
apical joints very long ; the six preceding very short.
The species is named Cornuttts. It is reddish ferrugineous,
the head black, the front with a compressed horn ; the thorax
black, with the hinder angles ferrugineous. The length is
two lines and a half.

The singular genus Chelo7iarium, Fahr. which has but
recently been regarded by Latreille as belonging to the Ela-
teridae, has all the aspect of the Clavicornes, in which group
it was previously arranged by that author ; according to M.
Lacordaire, the Brazilian species of this genus are found upon
the leaves and flowers of various plants, from which they drop
on the approach of danger. When held between the fingers,
they conceal their antennas in the channels of the thorax, fold
their legs along the sides of the body, and thus counterfeiting
death, they remain in this state a considerable time.

The next genus we notice is also one of M. Guerin, which
is named Lobcederus. The antennas are moniliform, the first
joint is very large, and the last very small, ovoid ; labrura
very small^ mandibles strong, hooked, with a small tooth under

ON THE SERRICORNES. 365

the points, forming a point interiorly, very hairy ; maxillary
palpi short, the first very small, the second much larger, the
third also as long as the first, much straighter, and the last of
the same length, enlarging at the tip and truncate obliquely
or securiform ; the lower lip transverse ; labial palpi short,
the first joint small, the second longer, the third large,
enlarging and truncate, tarsi cylindrical, thorax with a horny
lobe, curved behind, and rounded at the tip under each pos-
terior angle. The species is named by M. Giierin Monilifor-
mis. It is oblong, the thorax reddish cliesnut, covered with
short yellowish down ; the elytra are the same colour, with
longitudinal punctated stria?, and their sides furnished with
yellowish down, much deeper than the thorax. This insect is
from Brazil.

The Cebriones are particularly found in the most south-
ern countries of Europe and of the north of Africa. They
fly with impetuosity often in the evening or during night,
almost always after storms, and often in very great abun-
dance. They enter into houses, attracted by the light, upon
which they precipitate themselves, making at the same time a
humming noise. Their larvas are unknown, and, with the ex-
ception of what we have now mentioned, the habits of the
entire family, as may be seen by the text, are quite un-
known.

We have figured two species of Callirhipis ; the first under
ihenaxneoi Childreni. This species is brown, covered with
yellowish down, the eyes reddish, the legs blackisli, the
elytra slightly striated, and punctated. It is from Brazil.
We have dedicated this species to J. G. Children, Esq., in
whose cabinet is is contained. And the Callirhipis riificornis^
which is dark reddish castaneous ; the elytra striated, with
broad punctures ; antennae reddish : this is from New South
Wales, and may probably form a new sub-genus between

366 SUPPLEMENT

Callirhipis and Rhipicera, which is also from New Hol-
land.

We now come to the genus Lampyris. The Greeks p-ave
indiscriminately the names of lampyris, and the Latins those
of cicindela, noctiluca, lucio, luciola, lucernuta, incendula,
to all those insects, which have the property of shedding
during the night a phosphoric light. This same property has
caused them to be vulgarly termed glow-worms. The mo-
dern entomologists ought, without doubt, to have applied
themselves to arrange insects under the same denomination,
only in proportion as they present the same generic charac-
ters ; but as it is only by long observations and continued
labours that this final end of science can be attained, the
lampyris proper were for a long time confounded with tele-
phorus and malachius, under the name of cantharis. Geoff-
roy, in separating them from telephori, has nevertheless
associated them with lyciis, and Linnaeus has again associated
them with lycus and pyrochrus. Fabricius, enlightened by
the errors of his predecessors, was the first who pi'operly dis-
tinguished this genus, and assigned to it its particular cha-
racters.

All the insects which emit light, could not have failed to
arrest the attention of the observers of nature ; accordingly,
the lampyrides have been for a long time very well known to
naturalists. They received the name of glow-worms, because
the females, which are most frequently met with, are de-
prived of wings, and all these females emit light during the
night. Some males are deprived of this faculty of shining,
or possess it only in a feeble degree. The luminous faculty
of the glow-worms is situated underneath the two or three
last rings of the abdomen. These are yellow spots, from
which proceeds, during darkness or obscurity, a very lively
light, of a greenish or bluish white, as is the case with all

ON THE SERRICORNES. 3G7

phosphoric lights. This light, according to some authors,
does not depend on the influence of any external cause, but
solely on the will of the insect.

The glow-worms are found in summer, after the setting of
the sun, in meadows, on the sides of roads, and near bushes.
In the countries where these insects are very common, during
the quiet nights in the fine season, the males flutter in the air,
which they seem to fill with sparkles of fire ; and the females,
which during the day remain concealed vmder the grass, dis-
cover themselves during the evening and night, by the
brilliant light which they shed. As long as these insects are
at liberty, their light is very regular ; but once in our power,
they shine very irregularly, or not at all. When they are
disturbed, they emit a frequent light. Being placed upon
their back, they shine almost without interruption, in making
continual efforts to turn themselves round. -

The luminous matter of these insects has excited the
curiosity of many philosophers. It has been the object
of frequent experiments, which have furnished some very
interesting observations, which we shall here relate. Forster
having announced that the light of the glow-worms was so
strong, and so continuous in the oxygen gas, that one might
read by it with facility, M. Beckerheim, in verifying this fact,
discovered that these insects live a long time, in vacuo, and
in different gases, the nitrous acid, muriatic and sulphurous
excepted, in which they die in less than eleven minutes.
He has also ascertained the following particulars : —
That they have never diminished the goodness of the gases
in which they have lived, whatever length of time they
may have remained there : that, on the contrary, hydrogen
gas has become detonating, in consequence of the sojourn
of these animals in it ; and that many gases, tried before
and after, have appeared to be ameliorated from the same
cause.

368 SUPPLEMENT

That in whatever gas these glow-worms ma}/ have been, the
light has never appeared to be augmented.

That this light is produced by small luminous bodies,
which the insect can cover with a membrane.

That after having removed these luminous points from the
body of the insect, without endangering it, it has continued
to live, but without any re-appearance of light.

That these luminous points, removed from the living insect,
and exposed to the action of many gases, have produced light
there for different spaces of time, from which this author seems
to conclude tliat the duration is greater in the oxygen gas than
in the others.

The experiments made by Dr. Carradori on the lampyris
Italica^ have furnished him with the following results : —

These insects shine at will, in each point of their abdomen,
which proves that they possess the faculty of moving all the
parts of this viscus, independently one of the other.

They can render their phosphorescence more or less lively,
and prolong it for as long a time as they think proper.

The faculty of shining does not cease in consequence of the
laceration, or incision of the abdomen.

M. Carradori has seen a part of the abdomen separated
from the rest of the body, which had been almost extinct,
become all at once luminous for some seconds, and after-
wards be extinguished insensibly. Sometimes he has beheld
a similar portion cut off, pass suddenly from the finest bril-
liancy into a total extinction, and afterwards resume its
former light. M. Carradori attributes this phenomenon to a
remnant of irritability, or a stimulus produced by the air.

A slight compression is sufficient to deprive the lampyrides
of the faculty of shining.

The phosphoric matter once expressed loses in a few hours
all its splendour, and is converted into a white and dry
substance. A piece of the phosphoric abdomen, put into

ON THE SERRICORNES. 369

oil, shone but feebly, and very soon became extinct in water.
Another shone with the same vivacity in the air, and for
a longer time ; the phosphorus of these insects shines equally
in the barometric vacuum. The author has recognised that
the phosphorescence is a property, independent of the life of
these insects, and that it is attached rather to the degree
of softness of the phosphoric substance. Dryness suspends
the light ; softening in water regenerates it, but only after a
certain given time of dessication. Reaumur and Spallanzani
have made the same observation respecting the pholades and
medusas.

By plunging the lampyrides alternately into lukewarm and
cold water, they shine with vivacity, in the first, but are extin-
guished in the last ; in hot water the light disappears by
little and little. M, Carradori has tried on the lampyrides
and their phosphorus, the action of the different saline and
spirituous fluids, in which they have exhibited the same sort
of phenomena as the other phosphoric animals. These expe-
riments have proved that the phosphoric matter of the
lampyris undergoes a dissolving action only through the
medium of water.

The larva of lampyris has much resemblance to the female ;
it is provided with six scaly feet placed on the first three
rings. This larva, though furnished with strong jaws, which
might lead one to suppose that it was carnivorous, yet lives
on herbs and the leaves of different plants. It walks very
slowly and by the assistance of the hinder part of its body ;
as soon as it is touched, it draws back its head and remains
immoveable ; when it is suffered to want humid earth it
becomes feeble and languishing.

When insects are about to be transformed into the nymph
state, the skin is usually cleft or broken in the middle of
the top of the head, and thus leaves a sufficient aperture to
give a passage to the rest of the body. The larva of the

VOL. XIV. 2 B

370 SUPPLEMENT

lampyris appears to adopt another method of getting rid
of its skin, which is cleft on each side of the body, through
the full extent of the first three rings. The upper part of
these rings is detached altogether from the under, and the
larva draws its head out of the skin wliich covers it, pretty
nearly in the same manner as one would draw his hand out
of a purse. The two lateral clefts give a very spacious
aperture to the insect, to issue from the old skin, and it
brings this easily about in the course of a few minutes by
contracting and elongating the rings of the abdomen alter-
nately.

As soon as the larva is disengaged from its skin, it
bends the body into an arch or semi-circle, and is then in its
true state of nymph ; but it is still observed to move and
elongate the head as well as the antennas and feet, but slowly.
It also gives some motion to its body.

The observations of Degeer prove that the female lam-
pyris shines in the larva state, and in that of the nymph, as
well as in that of the perfect insect, which proves that Nature
has not endowed it with this faculty, principally for the
purpose of attracting the male, as some authors have sup-
posed. Nevertheless, it certainly appears that the male
takes advantage of this light to lead him to the female.

The females of the European lampyrides observed by
Degeer lay a great number of eggs on the turf or grass on
which they live. These eggs are endued with a viscous
matter, which serves to fix them upon the plants. Their
shell is nothing but a soft and flexible skin, so that the
slightest touch will crush them.

We may insert here three new genera, viz. : —

7" Calyptocephalus. The antennae long, bipectinated, with

the laminae long, slender ; hairy on the sides. The mandibles

slender, simple, rather curved, and hairy. The labrum long

and rounded. The maxillary palpi, with the last joint, large

ON THE SERRICORNES. 371

and acute, sub-triangular. The thorax prolonged over the
head, in the manner of a hood. The species is named fas-
ciatus.

It has the thorax yellow, with a medial spot of black.
The elytra black, with a yellow band across the middle,
rather curved. The antennae blackish ; the legs pale. The
length is seven lines and a half ; it is from Demerara.

Cladophorus. The antennae strongly pectinated, with
laminae long, slender, and hairy ; the last joint of the max-
illary palpi sub-securiform ; the second joint very long, cylin-
drical. The anterior tarsi with membraneous palette be-
neath. The species we have named Marginatus.

This insect is black, with the sides of the elytra yellow.
The length is five lines ; it is from Brazil.

Megalopthalmus. Antennae short, with first joint very
large, the second very small, the other strongly pectinated ;
the labrum triangulate ; the mandibles ample, long, curved ;
the eyes very large, round, placed behind the trophi. The
maxillary palpi long, the first and third joints very short ; the
second and fourth longer, the latter large and acute ; the labial
palpi shorter, but of the same form. The thorax rounded,
covering the head. This species we have named Bennetti.

It is yellowish brown. The elytra with elevated striae.
The antennae and legs blackish. The eyes black. The
length is five lines ; it is from Columbia.

The TELEPHoui are found in tolerable quantities towards
the end of spring in the meadows, on the flowers and plants
which grow there ; the nature of the telephorus does not
appear to be equally mild with that of other insects in
general. If we are to believe Degeer it is carnivorous, and
lives on prey, nor does it spare its own consimilars any more
than any other insects. This accurate observer has seen the
female lay the male prostrate, hold him reverted between her
feet, open the belly, and gnaw him without compassion. The

2 B 2

372 SUPPLEMENT

telephorus flies with facility and promptness, especially when
the sun is shining. Coupling takes place in a very little
time after the final metamorphosis ; but it is necessary that
the male should choose his time and act with precaution, if
he does not wish to run the risk of being devoured.

Under the head of the larva of telephorus is found the
labrum, to which are attached the four barbies. It is mobile.
The larva can push it very forward, and afterwards draw it
back into its cavity, which it does continually when it walks,
for the purpose of feeling at the same time, with the barbies,
all the objects that it meets. Underneath the last ring is the
anus, which has a sort of edge, of a clear brown, a little
raised, so that it forms a sort of nipple, with a sinking in the
middle. When the larva walks, it applies, at each step, this
nipple, against the plane of position, and makes use of it as
a seventh foot. These larvae live in the earth, the humidity
of which appears to be necessary to them ; and if it is desired
to preserve them in existence, it is necessary to furnish them
frequently with fresh and humid earth. When they are
placed on the surface of the ground they very quickly bury
themselves beneath it. M. Latreille was inclined to think
that these larvae live on roots, but from the observations of
Degeer, it appears that they are also carnivorous, and in
case of necessity will feed on individuals of their own species,
as well as on earth-worms.

Towards the end of the month of May, the larvae of T.
fuscus change into nymphs in the ground, without presenting
the slightest appearance of a shell. These nymphs are nearly
six lines in length, and their body is a little arched. Their
colour is of a very pale red, or reddish white. One may
clearly distinguish all the parts of the perfect insect, the
arrangement of which is the same as in so many other nymphs.
The belly, which the nymph moves from time to time from
one side to the other, is divided into rings, and terminated by

ON THE SERRICORNES. 373

two small points. In the month of June these insects quit
the nymph state, and appear under the form of the perfect
telephorus.

The Melyrides, proper, which may be considered as the
type of the tribe so called, are usually, as it would appear,
found on flowers, and are in general peculiar to Africa, more
especially to the Cape of Good Hope. Their other habits
are utterly unknown.

The Malachii are very common insects, which live gene-
rally on flowers. Some authors have, however, observed, that
they do not content themselves with the honeyed juice of
plants, and that they attack other insects for the purpose of
feeding on them. Their habits are conformable to those of
the telephori, but they present a singularity (as also does the
last mentioned sub-genus) too remarkable not to deserve men-
tion. When they are taken in the hand, we observe issuing
from the sides of the corslet and belly, two vesicles, very
red, inflated, soft and irregular, composed of three lobes.
These four vesicles contract, re-enter the body of the insect
as soon as it has ceased to be touched, and leave in the same
place only marks of a red spot. Some French writers have
given to these appendages the appellation of " cocardes.'''' It
is difficult to satisfy curiosity respecting the function or utility
of this very singular part. These insects have sometimes
been deprived of one or all of these vesicles, without having
appeared less agile, or less lively. Some species have, at the
extremity of their elytra, an emargination with a projecting
point or crook in the middle. This character appears pecu-
liar to only one of the sexes.

The larvae of the malachii are not exactly known. Never-
theless it is presumable that they live in wood, for the perfect
insect, newly issued from the nymph, is frequently found in
timber-yards.

We now come to the division of Clekii, which contains the

374 SUPPLEMENT

genus Clerus of GeofFroy. This naturalist separated, under
this name, certain species from the Attelahus of Linnasus, who
having merely established it on the forms of the antennae and
the head, united together many insects of the most distinct
kind. It has since been still further diminished in extent,
and forms at present only a part of the tribe Cleet.

With respect to the insects in general comprehended under
this latter title, it appears that their females deposit their
eggs in places which serve as a retreat to the larvae of other
insects, so that these last may answer the purpose of food to
their progeny. After having undergone their metamorphoses,
the clerii betake themselves to flowers to suck the honey
therefrom, or remain on the trees, or in the old wood in which
they had lived before. They incline their antennae and feet,
folding back their limbs when they are taken.

As for the Cleri proper, there are some slight differences
in their habits from those of other insects of this division.
For instance, the opili and thanasimi operate their meta-
morphoses in the carious trunks of trees, or in old wood, and
it is on these bodies that it is necessary to seek them, when
they are in their perfect state. It is not the same with the
cleri, as we shall presently see.

These coleoptera are often bristling with hairs, and gene-
rally adorned with lively and brilliant colours disposed in
transverse bands over the elytra. They are found on flowers.
When they are seized they incline their head, fold back their
feet, and counterfeit death. They fly, however, with a tole-
rable degree of lightness. What however should most en-
gage our attention, is their larvae, which are much less
remarkable in themselves than for the places they inhabit.
That of C. apiarius (Trichodes apiarius, Fab.) introduces
itself into the nest of Megachile muraria, finds the means of
piercing their cells, and of sheltering itself against their
sting, for the purpose of feeding, without fear, on their larvae

ON THE SERRICORNES. 375

and nymphs. It is of a fine red, and furnished with six
short scaly feet, and two small crooks equally scaly, placed
near the hinder part of the body. About a year is necessary
for its transformation into the perfect insect. It is in the
same place where it has lived and grown that its metamor-
phosis takes place. Although provided with wings and
elytra, the hardness of which may secure it, it is not easy to
conceive how the perfect insect can go to deposit its eggs in
the domicile of these Apiarice, without being at least repulsed
by the number of these insects, if not wounded by their
stino-s.

It has been supposed that the Megachile apiaria itself col-
lected the eggs of this clerus among the stamina of flowers,
and that it transported them into its habitation, with the wax
which it brings there. This conjecture is not altogether im-
probable, but yet it cannot be adopted, until confirmed by
observation in a more positive manner.

The larva of another species, clerus alvearius, destroys
those of our domestic bees.

After Opilo of Latreille, we add two new genera, with the
following characters.

Cymatodera. This has the labrum transverse, short, bi-
lobate ; the maxillary palpi with the last joint short, broad,
subsecuriform ; the labial palpi with last joint truncate, oval ;
the tarsi cup-shaped and lobed ; the antennae filiform, the last
joint the largest. The species we name Hopei. It has the X
head, thorax, the base of the elytra, and a subtriangular spot
on each side of the elytra, black ; the rest of the elytra, an-
tennae, palpi and legs, pale yellowish red; the head and
thorax punctured, hairy ; the elytra striated with two rows
of impressed dots. This species is from Mexico, and the
height is ten lines and a half.

The next genus we have named Stigmatium, with the max- U
illary palpi elongate, triangular ; the labial with the joints

376 SUPPLEMENT

cylindrical, the last long ; the labrum very small, formed of
two lobes ; the eyes very large ; the antennse filiform, with the
first joint large, the last rather long, and placed on the margin
of the eyes ; the anterior tarsi with the last joint bilobed ;
the posterior tarsi with basal joint obliterate ; the species we
have named Cicindeloides. It is hirsute, brown, the elytra
with a few longitudinal striae of elevated dots, also with two
transverse fasciae, and the tip yellow ; the legs pale, with the
tarsi black. The length is eight lines.

We also add a new species of Clerus, with the specific
name of Kirhyi. It has the head with the front yellow, the
antennae and thorax black, hairy ; the elytra yellow, with two
black fascia near the base ; the apex black, with two large
orange spots. The species is from Brazil. The length seven
lines.

The TiLLi frequent plants and flowers, and live on the
honeyed juices, which they find in abundance there. But
their larvae are never met with in similar places, and there is
reason to believe that they live in the substance of wood, or
in the ground, which distinguishes this genus from that of
chrysomela, whose larvae live on plants, and gnaw the leaves.

Before we speak of the habits of Necrobia, it may be as
well to say a word on its classification.

Almost all the insects which attack animal substances, as
well as the majority of those which live in dead wood, or
which destroy our furniture and provisions, have been for a
long time designated under the generic name of Dermestes.
Linnaeus, the creator, as we may call him, of Entomological
science, having but a small number of insects to present,
thought proper to unite them under but few divisions, and
those easy to be distinguished. The genera which that cele-
brated naturalist established, being clear and precise, sufficed,
during a certain period, for the researches which were made ;
but since this science has become more generally cultivated ;

ON THE SERRICORNES. 377

since the manners and mode of life of insects have presented
to us an infinity of wonders, not before suspected to exist ;
since philosophers have had the good sense to discover that
the study of these little animals had its application in the
arts and in medicine, and that it was connected with the ani-
mal and vegetable economy ; above all, since their number,
in our collections, has exceeded that of plants, naturalists
have been obliged to form new sub-divisions from time to
time, and to multiply genera in proportion to the progress of
discovery.

Geoffroy very well appreciated the natural relations of the
insects of which we are now treating, when he placed one of
the most common species, (Dermestes violaceus^ Lin.) in his
new genus clerus^ which is composed for the most part of
many attelahi of the Swedish naturalist ; but this species,
and some others analogous, presenting certain peculiar cha-
racters, have been united into another generic section by
M. Latreille, called Necrohia, a name compounded of the
Greek word, necros, (carcase,) and bios^ life, because these
insects are usually found in dead and decomposed animal
bodies.

The necrobiae are adorned with very fine colours. Their
walk is slow, and their flight by no means rapid.

They are sometimes found on flowers, and on the leaves of
plants ; but they more particularly frequent carcasses and the
dried spoils of animals. The larva, which feeds on these last-
mentioned substances, has the body elongated, soft, and com-
posed of many rings. It has six scaly feet, and two scaly
crooks near the anus. Its growth is tolerably quick, and it
undergoes its metamorphosis in the same places in which it
has lived.

As for the tribe of Ptiniores. in general, it consists of
small insects, which, like some of the last, counterfeit death
when they are seized. Most of them are fond of obscure

378 SUPPLEMENT

places, pierce with little holes all the substances which they
gnaw, whether in their perfect state, or under the larva form.
Some of them live in old wood, others attack collections of
animals, books, substances prepared with flour, &c.

The genus, or sub-genus Ptinus, is very distinct, and very
easy to be recognized. The insects which compose it cannot
be confounded either with the capricornes, among which
Linnaeus first placed them, nor with anabium, where he
finally left them. The number of articulations in the tarsi
distinguish them sufficiently from the first, and the form of
the corslet, and especially the filiform antennas, from the
second.

The Ptini are very small insects. They are commonly
found on walls and in houses, principally in garrets and inha-
bited places. It is more rare to meet with them in the
country. Similar to many other insects, when they are
taken, they draw back the head, apply the antennae and feet
against the body, and by the semblance of death, appear to
wish to escape the danger by which they are menaced.

The larvae of the ptini (not described in the text) are hex-
apod. The body composed of several rings, not very dis-
tinct, in consequence of the wrinkles and rugosities by which
it is covered, is soft, cylindrical, and slightly hairy. Its
posterior part is curved underneath, which makes it appear
raised, as it were, into an arch. The feet are short, and ter-
minated by a single crook. The head is hard, scaly, and
furnished with two small jaws, tolerably strong. These
larvae feed on dry plants, and dried animals, which are not in
a state of putrefaction. In consequence of this, they are
very destructive to herbals, hay, collections of animals, furs,
and other objects of considerable value, which thus require
great care in their preservation. Linnaeus, after Cramer,
informs us, in his Systema NaturcE, that these mischievous
larvae may be destroyed by means of arsenic and alum.

ON THE SERIIICORNES. 379

The larvae of ptilinus, like those of Anobium, live in
dead wood, and form there small, round, and deep holes.
They have a scaly head, provided with two corneous man-
dibles, hard and trenchant, and six small scaly feet. They
undergo their metamorphosis in the wood, and do not issue
from it, but under the form of the perfect insect.

The insects forming the genus anobium, were originally
classed by Linnaeus under Dertnestes, with which they have
certainly some relations ; but they differ from them in having
longer antennae, terminated in a less thick and more elongated
knob, and by their denticulated mandibles. They have also
many relations with the ptini.

Their French name {Vrillettes, wimbles) designates the
instinct which they have received from nature, which impels
them, in their larva state, to gnaw wood, making small round
holes in it, such as might be made with a wimble. Those
insects are commonly seen to escape in the spring, from the
wood in which their nymphs were enclosed, and, attracted by
the rays of the sun, creep along the windows, or scaffolding,
and other wood-work. Their colours without brilliancy,
their habits without industry, and their form without grace
or beauty, are not likely to render them very interesting in
our eyes. Like the dermestes, as soon as they are touched,
they sink their head into the corslet, apply the legs and tarsi
exactly against the thighs, conceal the antennae entirely be-
tween the head and the lower edges of the corslet, and then
resemble an inanimate body. But what distinguishes them
from the Dermestes is, the invincible obstinacy with which
they remain in this species of lethargy. If we may believe
Degeer, neither water nor fire can induce them to throw it off.
They will suffer themselves to be completely burned, rather
than give any sign of life. When they are no longer touched,
and suffered to remain tranquil, they recover from this state
by little and little ; but it is not until after a long repose,

380 SUPPLEMENT

that they recommence to move. They walk slowly, and in
an indolent sort of style. They very seldom make any use
of their wings, although they are tolerably strong, and much
longer than the elytra.

The larva of these insects, well known by its ravages, is
more calculated to fix our attention. Old wood-furniture,
worm-eaten, and sifted witli round and cylindrical holes, in-
dicate at once its work, and its habitation. It is a small
white, soft, and elongated worm, which has six small and
short feet. Its head is scaly, and terminated by two jaws in
the form of strong and trenchant pincers, which answer the
purpose of gnawing the wood on which it is to live, and
which it gives back in small and very fine grains, connected
together, but which may easily be reduced into an almost
impalpable powder, and which fill the little cavities which the
larva has just made and abandoned. In proportion as it
acquires an increase of growth, it enlarges its dwelling; and
when it is come to its full size, and feels the necessity of
transformation, it carpets with some threads of silk the
bottom of the hole, or canal, which it has hollowed, becomes
changed into a nymph, and issues forth in the form of the
perfect insect. It is not only in houses that this larva is to
be found, but also in fields, gardens, and every where, where
there is dry wood, proper to serve it as an asylum, and fur-
nish it with aliment- There is one species which works on
substances of less hardness than wood. It attacks bread,
flour, paste, wafers a long time kept in drawers. It forms
furrows and canals in these matters, as the other species do in
wood.

This is the proper place to notice a singular little pheno-
menon, and one which has given rise to a number of con-
jectures. There is often heard in a chamber, and when
one is alone, and a profound silence prevails, a small con-
tinued noise, like the ticking of a watch. It ceases the

ON THE SERRICORNES. 381

moment any motion is made, and does not recommence until
after the return of silence. Some have attributed this noise
to a small species of spider, others to a very little insect
designated by Linnaeus under the name of Termes pulsato-
rius, and under that oi Hemerohius pulsatorius by Fabricius.
Rolander pretends that this sound is produced by the female
of this same termes, by giving with its head reiterated blows
on the wood : GeoiFroy believed, that it was occasioned by
a species of Anobium, which strikes with redoubled blows
the old wood for the purpose of piercing it, and thus pro-
curing itself a lodging. The spider, of which mention has
been made, possesses no instrument of sufficient hardness and
strength, for the production of such a noise. The termes^
equally unprovided with similar means, is, moreover, too
small to produce a sound of so much strength. Geoffroy
was undoubtedly right, when he attributed this phenomenon
to a species of the genus now under consideration. This fact
has been confirmed by the observations of M. Latreille,
who, moreover, justly claims the exclusive merit of having
discovered the cause, or rather the design of this ticking.
The two sexes, striking reiteratedly the wood with their man-
dibles, call each other reciprocally, approximate, and finish
by an union. The female deposits her eggs in the clefts and
crevices of the wood ; but her mandibles, much less strong
than those of the larva, do not seem adapted to enable her to
gnaw the same substance. The metamorphosis of the anobia
takes place towards the surface of the wood : if it occurred
at too great a distance from this, the perfect insect could not
issue from its prison, but must certainly perish there. We
know the precautions which the larvse of hruchus and tineay
which feed on the farinaceous substance of grains, take, for
the purpose of facilitating the issue of the perfect insect ;
Wherefore, should not the larvae of anobium take similar

382 SUPPLEMENT

precautions ? The larva approaches by little and little the
surface of the wood, so that at the moment of its metamor-
phosis there remains but a feeble barrier through which the
perfect insect can pierce with facility. M. Olivier con-
jectures, that the noise which we hear may possibly be oc-
casioned by the blows of the larva against the wood, for the
purpose of ascertaining its thickness. Analogy, however,
would lead us to incline to the opinion of M. Latreille, that
this noise is intended to facilitate the approximation of the
sexes, and the re-production of the species. At the same
time it is probable, that further observations are necessary
for the complete elucidation of this interesting phenomenon.

Superstition, which has availed itself of every thing
for the purpose of painting its terrors, and strengthening
its tyranny over the human mind, has not suffered this
little phenomenon to escape it. The vulgar name of death-
watch given to this insect, sufficiently announces the popular
prejudice respecting it ; and there can be little doubt that
the fate of many a nervous and superstitious patient has
been accelerated, by listening in the silence and solitude of
night, to this imagined knell of his approaching dissolu-
tion.

The larva of Anobium paniceum feeds on farinaceous
substances, and on bread which has been preserved for a
long time. In such substances it forms itself a shell, is
changed into a nymph, and issues forth at the end of some
time, in the form of the perfect insect.

Of the insects comprehended in the third and last section
of the serricornes, we can say but very little. The habits of
most of them are altogether unknown. We can only observe
of Lymexylon, that the larvae of this genus live in the in-
terior of wood, which they pierce or furrow, assisted by the
capricornes, the lepturi, and lucani ; the lymexylons often

ON THE SERRICORNES. 383

contrive to render a tree carious, to such an extent, that it
will perish after having been in a decaying state for a con-
siderable time. It is on the trunk of those same trees that
the perfect insect is to be found, either at the time when it
has just arrived at that state on issuing from the nymph, or
when the female returns thither for the purpose of depositing
her eggs.

THE
FOURTH FAMILY

OF

PENTAMEROUS COLEOPTERA,

Clavicobnes,

Having, like the preceding, four palpi, and cases covering
the upper part of the abdomen, or its greater portion, differ
from it by having the antennae almost always thicker towards
their extremity, often even in a perfoliate or solid knob.
They are longer than the maxillary palpi, with the base
naked, or hardly covered. The feet are not adapted for swim-
ming, and the articulations of the tarsi, or at least those of
the hinder ones, are usually entire.

They subsist, at all events in the first state, on animal sub-
stances.

We shall divide this family into two sections, the first of
which shall have for common characters : — antennae always
composed of eleven articulations, longer than the head, not
forming from the third any fusiform or almost cylindrical
knob ; their second articulation not dilated in the manner of
an earlet. The last articulation of the tarsi, as well as its
crotchets, of moderate length, or small. These clavicornes
live out of the water, while those of the second section are
aquatic, or fluvial, and thus conduct us to the palpicornes,

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 385

coleoptera for the most part aquatic, and whose antennas liave
never more than nine articulations.

The first section will comprehend many small tribes.

The first, that of Palpatores, it appears to us, ought to
come, in a natural series, near the pselaphi, and the coleop-
tera of the family of brachelytra, from their organs of man-
ducation. Their antennse, at least as long as the head and
corslet, grow a little thick towards the end, or are almost
filiform, with the first two articulations longer than the fol-
lowing. The head is ovoid, and distinguished from the
corslet by a strangulation. The maxillary palpi are long,
advanced, and swelled towards their extremity. The abdo-
men is large, ovaliform or ovoid, and embraced laterally by
the elytra. The feet are elongated, the thighs in a knob, and
the articulations of the tarsi entire.

These insects remain on the ground, under stones, or other
bodies. Some of them {Scydmcenus) frequent humid places.
We shall unite them into a single genus, that of

Mastigus.

Mastigus, Hoff*. Ptinus, Fab.

Have the antennae composed of articulations having almost
the form of an inverted cone, the first of which is very long,
and the final ones but little thicker than the others. The
last two of the maxillary palpi compose an ovaliform knob.
The corslet is almost of an ovoid figure. The abdomen is
ovaliforn. {Mastigus palpalis, Lat. Gen. Crust, et Insect. I.
281, viii. 5. Schoen. Sym. Ins I. ii. p. 59, and Kllig. Entom.
Mon. p. 163.)

ScYDMOETsrus, Latr. Gill. Pselaphus, Illig. Payk. Anthicris,

Fab.

Have the antennae grained, sensibly swelled towards their

VOL. XIV. 2 c

386 CLASS INSECTA.

extremity, and but little bent. The maxillary palpi are ter-
minated by a very small and pointed articulation. The
corslet is almost always globular, and the abdomen, almost
ovoid, is proportionally shorter than that of Mastigus.*

In all the following clavicornes, the head is generally sunk
in the corslet, and the maxillary palpi are never at once as
much advanced, and club-formed ; the whole of their phy-
siognomy, moreover, presents differences in other respects.

The genus hister will form our second tribe, which we
shall name with the Baron Paykull, who has studied it so

well, HISTEROIDES.

In these, the four hinder feet are more separated from
each other at their origin than the anterior two, a character,
which of itself alone distinguishes this tribe from all the
others of the same family. The feet are contractile, and
the external side of the legs is denticulated, or spinous.
The antennae are almost always bent, and terminated in a
solid knob, or composed of very close articulations. The
body is of a very solid consistence, most frequently squared
or parallelipiped, with the praesternum often dilated in front,
and the elytra truncated. The mandibles are strong, ad-
vanced, and often of unequal bulk. The palpi are almost
always filiform, or in a slight degree thicker towards their
extremity, and terminated by an ovaliform or ovoid arti-
culation.

* ScydmcBnus Helwigii, Lat. ; Anthicus Helivigii, Fab. ; Notoxus minutus.
Faun. Insect. Gerna. XXIII. 5;- S. Godarti, Lat. I. viii. 6 ; S. hirticollis,
Gyll. ; — S, minutus, ejus.; Anthicus viinutus. Fab. See SchcEnh. Insect. I.
ii. p. 57. M. Duros, garde-du-corps of the King, who has a peculiar
talent for discovering the smaller species of our environs, has found in an
ant-hill, the S. Clavatus of M. Gyllenhall. This fact, and some others,
confirm me in the opinion that these insects come with the Pselaphi, at
the end of the Brachelytra.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 387

In the relation of habits, and in consequence of the den-
ticulations of their limbs, and some other characters, these
insects seem to approach the lamellicorn coprophagi; but,
from other considerations founded on anatomy, they come
naturally near Silpha. Such is also the opinion of ]M. Dufour
(Annal. des Sciences Nat., Oct. 1824). The digestive canal
of the species which he has dissected (Sinuaiics,) is from
four to five times the length of the body. The oesophagus
is very short, the oblong swelling coming immediately after,
presents, through its parietes, some brownish traits which
would seem to announce the existence of interior pieces proper
for trituration, and if so, this swelling would deserve the
appellation of gizzard ; the chylific ventricle is very long,
folded back upon itself, and bristling with pointed and very
prominent papillae. The hepatic vessels have six distinct
insertions around the chylific ventricle (ibid, July, 1825).
Their number, according to Ramdohr, should be but three,
and each of them would have two insertions ; but such a
disposition of these vessels is doubtful.

These animals feed on cadaverous or stercoraceous sub-
stances ; also on corrupted vegetable matter, such as dung,
old mushrooms, &c. Some others make their domicile under
the barks of trees. Their walk is slow ; they are of a very
brilliant black, or a bronze colour. Such of their larva as
have been observed, (merdarius, cadaverinus,) feed on the
same substances as the perfect insect ; their body is almost
of a linear form, depressed, almost smooth, soft, and of a
yellowish white, with the exception of the head and the first
segment, the dermis of which is scaly, and brown or reddish ;
it is provided with six short feet, and terminates posteriorly
by two articulated appendages, and an oval and tubular
prolongation ; the scaly plate of the first segment is clian-
neled longitudinally.

388 CLASS INSECTA.

This tribe will comprehend exclusively, as we have said
above, the genus

HiSTEE.

M. le Baron Paykull has confined himself to detach from
it some species with a very flatted form, and with which he
has composed that of hololepta. But Dr. Leach (Zool. Misc.
III. p. 76.) has established four others.

Some have the limbs, at least the anterior ones, triangular,
and denticulated externally, the antennae always uncovered
and free ; the body generally squared, and but little, if at
all, inflated.

They may be divided into two sub-genera. In the first,
that of

Hololepta, Payk.

The body is very much flatted, the praesternum does not
advance upon the mouth, and the four posterior limbs have
but a single rank of spines. The terminal lobe of the jaws
is prolonged ; the chin is deeply emarginate, and the palpi,
proportionally more advanced, are formed of articulations
almost cylindrical.

They remain under the bark of trees. The animal figured
by M, Paykull, as the larva of a species of this sub-genus, is
that of a species of syrphe or fly.

The other histeroides, whose prassternum is advanced upon
the mouth, whose jaws are terminated by a short lobe, with
palpi very little advanced, and composed of articulations,
which, with the exception of the last, are rather in the form
of an inverted cone than cylindrical, and whose chin, in fine,
is slightly emarginate, will enter into the sub-genus of

HisTER (Proper).
Some species, whose fore posterior limbs have, as well as

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 389

hololepta, but a single range of small spines, and live also
under the bark of trees, compose the genera platysoma and
DENDRopHiLus of Dr. Leach. The first* does not differ from
the second, {H.punctatus^ ejusd. VII. 5,) but that the body
is flatted above, and the corslet is shorter and narrowed in
front. A species of the same division {H. proboscideus, Payk.
Monog. VIII. 4,) has a peculiar form. Its body is long
and narrow, with the corslet more than half as long as broad.

The others have two ranges of spines to the four posterior
limbs. These are the only ones that Dr. Leach leaves in the
genus Hister.

H. unicolor. Lin. Payk. ibid. II., four lines in length ;
entirely black, shining ; three denticulations to the external
side of the first two legs ; two stride on each side of the
corslet, and four on the external side of each case, of their
length, and that which is nearest to the edge is interrupted.
Very common.

The number of denticulations of the legs, that of the striae
of the corslet and the elytra, their punctuation, and the form
of the body, have supplied M. Paykull with excellent
characters, by means of which he has very well distinguished
the species.

A last division of this tribe comprehends the very small
histeroides, Avith thick and almost globular body, whose
praesternum but little, or not at all compressed laterally,
and not advanced on the mouth, is straight in front. In
some (AbrcEus, Leach,) it is prolonged as far as the anterior
angles of the corslet, and covers the antennae entirely in
their state of contraction. It is more narrow in others,
(oNTHOPHiLUs ejusdem) ; but here the knob of the antennae
is lodged in an orbicular and very distinct cavity, situated

* Hister j)kij)es. Fab. Payk., ibid. VIII. 5; H. Jlavicornis, ejusd. \iU.,
6 ; H. oblongus, ejusd. X. 3.

.390 CLASS INSL.CTA.

under the anterior angle of the corslet. The anterior legs
are often narrow, almost linear, and without denticulations.
The last upper semi-segment of the abdomen is curved
inferiorly, and appears to terminate it.*

The other clavicornes have the feet inserted at an equal
distance from each other. Those of these coleoptera, in which
these organs are not contractile, or whose tarsi for the most
are refolded against the leg, which have the mandibles most
frequently projecting and flatted, or but little thick, and
whose prassternum is never dilated anteriorly, will compose
five other tribes.

The third tribe of the family, that of Silphales, presents
five very distinct articulations to all the tarsi, and the man-
dibles terminated in an entire point, or without emargination
or fissure,-f- the antennae are terminated in a knob, most fre-
quently perfoliate, and of four or five articulations. The
jaws, in the majority, have one corneous tooth in the internal
side. The anterior tarsi are often dilated, at least in the
male. The elytra of the greater number have, at the external
edge, a gutter with a very strong edge.

This tribe is composed of the genus

SiLPHA, Lin. Peltis, Geoff.
In these the antennas terminate abruptly in a knob, short,

♦ Dr. Leach refers to G. AbrcBus, the H. globosns, Payk. VIII. 2 ;—H.
minutus, ejusd. VIII. 1, and to his genus Onthophilus, the following: H.
striatus, Payk. ibid. XL 1 ; H. sulcatus, X. 8; H. hispidus of the same, XL
2, appears to be congenerous. The genus Ceutocerus of M. Germar, Insect.
Spec. Nov. I. p. 85, 1, 2, appears to come naturally after the histeroides,
from the form of the antennse, feet, &c., but the elytra cover the abdomen,
and the mandibles are not projecting. I have seen no individual of this
genus.

-j- The internal side, however, sometimes presents denticulations, and
such are those of the spkerites.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 391

and solid, and formed by the last four articulations. The
second is larger than the following. The body is almost
squared, with the elytra truncated, the legs denticulated, the
tarsi simple, the mandibles bidenticulated at the internal side,
and the last articulation of the maxillary palpi as long as
the preceding two united. The jaws have a corneous tooth
at the internal edge. These insects very much resemble
Hister, so much so that Fabricius lias confounded them with
that genus. Such are,

Sph.erites, Dufst. Sarapus, Fisch. Hister, Fab. Niti-
dula, Gyll.*

In those the antennas are terminated in a perfoliate knob.

Sometimes the body is oblong, with the head strangulate
posteriorly, as broad, or but little narrower than the anterior
edge of the corslet. This part is in the form of a square
rounded at the angles. The elytra are in a long square,
abruptly and strongly truncated at their posterior extremity.
The hinder thighs, at least in the males, are usually inflated.
The last articulation of the maxillary palpi is a little more
slender than the preceding, almost cylindrical, a little
attenuated towards the end, and obtuse. The anterior tarsi
are dilated in the males.

Necrophorus, Fab, Silpha, Lin. Dermestes, Geoff.

The antennae, but little longer than the head, are termi-
nated abruptly, in an almost globular knob of four articu-
lations ; the first is long, and the second much shorter than
the following. The body is almost parallelipiped, witli the
corslet broader in front, all the legs strong, widened at their

* Dufst. Faun. Aust. I. p. 206 ; Hister glabratus, Fab. Sturm. I. xx.
Saraj)us, Fisch. Mem. de la Soc. des Natur. Moscow.

39^ CLASS INSECTA.

extremity, and terminated by strong spurs, and the elytra
truncated at a right angle.

The jaws are destitute of a corneous onglet. The instinct
which they have of burying the carcasses of moles, mice, and
other small quadrupeds, have gained them the appellation of
burying beetles. They insinuate themselves underneath,
hollow the earth until the foss is sufficiently deep to contain
the body, and they cause it to enter there by degrees, drawing
it towards themselves. They deposit their eggs in this place,
and thus their larvae find nourishment. They are long, of a
greyish white, with the upper part of their anterior rings
clothed with a small scaly plate of a fawn-coloured brown,
and with little points raised on the final rings. They are
provided with six feet, and tolerably strong mandibles. To
pass into the nymph state they sink themselves very deep in
the earth, and construct a sort of lodge there, which they
line with a gluey substance. These insects, as well as many
others which live on cadaverous matters, have a very strong
odour of musk. Their habits have latterly fixed the atten-
tion of those persons who make a trade of killing moles, and
the work entitled, " L'Art du Taupier," presents us, in this
respect, some facts which had escaped the attention of natu-
ralists. These insects must have a very fine sense of smell,
since in a very short time after a mole has been killed many
necrophori are seen flying about it, which one would have
sought for before to no purpose in the neighbourhood.

The digestive canal of Necrophorus and Silpha is at least
three times longer than the body. The oesophagus is very
short, and followed by an ellipsoid gizzard, the internal tunic
of which, a little membranous, is bristling, at least in many
species, with pointed hairs, planted in various directions, but
arranged in eight longitudinal bands, separated by smooth
intervals. The intestinal tube is very long, especially in the
necrophori and nccrodes. The surface of the intestine in the

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 393

last, as well as in silpha, is all covered with prominent and
granular points. It opens, either laterally or directly, into a
smooth inflation, which, according to ]\I. Dufour, may be
compared to a coecum. It receives on the side a sort of oval
or oblong purse, making part of the excrementitious appa-
ratus. The number of biliary vessels, which are slender,
very long, and greatly folded, and have each a proper inser-
tion around the extremity of the chylific ventricle, is four.
It appears from the figure of the digestive canals of 7iecro-
phorus vespillo, given by Ramdolir, that its large intestine,
instead of being covered with granular papillae, should have
muscular ribands transverse, and forming annular folds.

Silpha vespillo, Lin. Oliv. Col. II. 10, i. 1, is from seven
to nine lines in length, black, with the last three articulations
of the antennas red, and two orange bands, transverse and
denticulated on the cases, and the haunches of the two hinder
feet armed with a strong tooth. Their legs are curved.

N. Mortuortcm, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XLI. 3,
is smaller, with the antennae entirely black. The second
transverse orange band of the elytra of the preceding species,
forms here usually only a large spot of a crescent form.

It is particularly found in woods, and often on mush-
rooms.

N". germanicus, Fab. Oliv. ibid. 1, 2, a. b. often more than
an inch in length. It is altogether black, with the external
edge of the elytra fawn-colour, and a spot of ferrugineous
yellow on the front.

N. humator, Fab. Oliv. ibid. 1,2, c. differs from the pre-
ceding by the orange-colour of the knob of the antennae. It
is also constantly smaller.

North America furnishes many species, one of which es-
pecially {gratidis. Fab.) surpasses all the others in size.
This genus appears, hitherto at least, to be confined to the
northern countries of this continent, and of Europe. (See

394} CLASS INSECTA.

for the other species, Fabricius, Olivier, and Schoenh, I. ii,

p. 117)

Necrodes, Wilk, Silpha, Lin. Fab.

Have the antennae manifestly longer than the head, termi-
nated in an elongated knob, of five articulations. The
second is larger than the third. The body is an oblong-oval,
with the corslet almost orbicular, broader in its middle, the
legs narrow, elongated, a little widened at the end, and ter-
minated by two spurs of ordinary size, and the cases truncated
obliquely.

Species of this sub-genus are found in Europe, in the
equatorial countries of the New World, in the East Indies,
and New Holland.*

Sometimes the body is ovaliform, or ovoid, with the head
but little or not at all strangulated posteriorly, and more nar-
row than the corslet. The corslet is either almost semi-circu-
lar, and truncated in front, or trapezoid, and broader behind.
The elytra are rounded, or simply emarginated at their
posterior extremity. The hinder feet do not differ at all, or
at least very little, sexually.

The jaws are armed internally with a tooth or scaly
crotchet.

Silpha (Proper), Lin. Fab. Peltis^ Geoff.,

Whose body is almost in the form of a buckler depressed, or
but little elevated, with the corslet semi-circular, truncated,
or very obtuse in front, the elytra strongly edged, and hol-
lowed into a gutter externally, the palpi filiform, and the last
articulation is almost cylindrical and terminated in a point in

* SUpha lUloralis, Fab. Oliv. Col. II. ii. 1. 8. a. b. c. ; — S. Surinamemis,
Fab. Oliv. ibid. II. ii ;— S. lachrymosa, Schreib. Lin. Trans. VI. xx. 5: — S.
tjidica. Fab.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 395

many of them. The majority of them live in carcases, and
thus diminish the quantity of miasma which would otherwise
proceed from them. Some others climb on plants, and par-
ticularly the stalks of corn, where the smaller helices are
found to eat the animal. Others remain on elevated trees,
and devour the caterpillars. Their larvae are equally agile,
live in the same manner, and often assemble in great numbers.
They have much resemblance to the perfect insect. Their
body is flatted, composed of twelve segments, whose posterior
angles are acute, with the posterior extremity more narrow,
and terminated by two conical appendages.

In the majority of the species, the two anterior tarsi of the
males are alone more dilated than the others. The antennas
are thickened insensibly, or terminate abruptly in a knob of
four articulations at the most. The second and third articu-
lations are but little difi^erent ; the last of the maxillary, is at
most, of the length of the preceding, and often a little
shorter, and a little more slender.

The species in which the extremity of the antennas is dis-
tinctly perfoliate, or composed of articulations which, with
the exception of the last, are transverse, and more broad than
long, in which this knob is abrupt, and whose elytra are
emarginate at their extremity, at least in the males, form the
genus Thatsiatophilus of Dr. Leach. {Silpha sinuata, Fab.
Oliv. iUd, II. 12 ; S. dispar, Illig. Gyll. &c.)

Those in which the elytra are entire, but which otherwise
have similar antennas, compose that which he terms Oicep-

TOMA.

S. Tkoracica, Lin. Fab. Oliv. Col. II. ii. 1, 3, a, b, whose
body is black, with the corslet red, silky, and three raised
and flexuous lines, the external one of which is shorter, form-
ing a keel, and terminating near a transverse tubercle on each
elytrum. In the male the posterior extremity of these elytra

396 CLASS INSECTA.

finishes in a point at the suture. This species particularly
inhabits the woods.

Another species proper to the forests, but which commonly
sojourns on the young oaks to live on the caterpillars there,
is S. quadripunctatay Lin. Fab. Oliv. ibid. I. 7? a, b. Its
body is black, with the border of the corslet and the elytra
yellowish. Each of them have two black points, one at the
base, and the other in the middle.*

The silphae, whose antennas are equally perfoliate at their
extremity, but whose nob is gradually formed, alone pre-
serve, in the method of the same naturalist, the generic
denomination of silpha. These species remain habitually in
the fields, on the sides of paths, &c.

S. laevigata, Fab. Oliv. ihid. I. 1, a, b, which is of a
shining black, very much punctuated, with the corslet much
more narrow in front, and the elytra without raised lines.

S. ohscura, Lin. Fab. Oliv. ibid. II. 18, of an obscure
black, with the corslet truncated in front, the elytra more
deeply punctuated, and three raised lines, but not very pro-
minent, short, and the intermediate one longer on each
clytrum.

S. reticulata, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect, Germ. V. 9, of an
opaque black, with the corslet truncated in front, three
raised lines on each elytrum, the exterior of Avhich is stronger,
forming a keel, terminated by a tubercle, and there are
transverse wrinkles in the intervals. -f*

In some, the antennae are not exactly perfoliate at their
extremity, the last articulations being almost globular. These
are the Phosphuga of the same. {S. atrata, Fab. ejusd.
Pedemontana, var. ; Oliv. ihid. I. 6.)

A species of silpha belonging to Germany, and which

* Add, S. rugosa, Fab. Oliv. II. ibid- 11 \—S. lajmnica. Fab.

f Add, S. opaca, Fab. Merbst. Col. LI. 16;— S. (ristis, Illig., &c.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 397

might form a separate sub-genus, (Necrophih/s, Latr.) is
removed from the preceding by many characters. The four
anterior tarsi are similar, and dilated at their base, the first
two articulations being sensibly broader, at least in the males,
than the following two. The third articulation of the an-
tennse is longer than the preceding, and the last five form
abruptly a perfoliated knob. The last of the maxillary is
as long as the preceding two united. This species is the
Silpha suhterranea of Illiger, and several other entomologists.

Agyrtes, Froeh. Mycetophagus, Fab.

Have the body tolerably thick, convex or arched above, not
in the form of a shield, with the corslet almost squared, a
little broader than long, and a little more narrow in front,
the external margin of the elytra inclined and without canal,
and the last articulation of the maxillary palpi thicker and
ovoid.*

Some clavicornes, which appear to us, from many charac-
ters, and from their habits, to approach the agyrtes, but
whose mandibles are cleft or bidenticulated at their extremity,
will compose a fourth tribe, that of Scaphidites. Their
tarsi have five very distinct and entire articulations. Their
body isovaliform, narrowed at the two ends, arched or convex
above, thick in the middle, with the head low, and received
posteriorly in a trapezoid corslet, not at all, or feebly edged,
and broader posteriorly. The antennas are in general as long
at least as the head and corslet, and terminated in an elon-
gated knob of five articulations. The last articulation of the
palpi is conical. The feet are elongated and slender. If we
except some species {choleva) the tarsi are almost identical
in the two sexes.

* Agyrtes castaneus, Gyllenh. Insect. Suec. I. iii p, 682; MycetopJwgns
castaneus. Fab.; M. spinipes, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XXIV. 20. I
suspect that the A. subniger of M. Dejean is only the female.

398 CLASS INSECT A.

This tribe compose the genus

SCAPHIDIUM.

ScAPHiDiuM (Proper), Oliv. Fab. Silpha, Lin.

The last five articulations of their antennae are almost glo-
bular, and compose the knob. The maxillary palpi are but
little prominent, and terminate gradually in a point, the
penultimate articulation being but little thicker than the last,
at their junction. The body has a navicular form, with the
corslet a little edged, and the cases truncated. They live in
mushrooms. But a small number of species are known, one
of which belongs to Cayenne, and the others to Europe.

Choleva, Latr. Spence. Catops, Fab., Peltis, Geoff.

Have the club of their antennae composed of articulations,
for the most part almost in the form of a whirligig, and more
or less perfoliate ; the maxillary palpi very prominent, and
terminated abruptly in the manner of an oval ; the body
ovoid, with the corslet plane, without edges. The first four
articulations of the anterior tarsi, and the first of the inter-
mediate, are dilated in the males of some species. {Catops
blapoides, Germ.)

In the choleva, properly so called, the antennae are about
the length of the head and corslet ; their eighth articulation,
or the second of the knob, is sensibly shorter than the pre-
ceding and the following, and even sometimes but little
distinct. The last is semi-ovoid and pointed. In MyloechuSi
Latr. Oliv. Catops, Payk. Gyll., the antennas are shorter;
the eighth articulation is larger than the preceding, and
almost equal to the following ; the last is rounded and obtuse
at the top.

The fifth tribe, that of Nitidularia, approaches that of
Silphales, in the buckler-formed and edged body, but the

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 399

mandibles are bifid or emarginated at their extremity. Their
tarsi seem to be composed but of four articulations, the first
and the following one, in some, not being apparent except un-
derneath, and forming there but a small projection, the penult
in the others being very small, and in the form of a knot,
enclosed between the lobes of the preceding. The knob of
the antennas is always perfoliate, of three or two articula-
tions, and usually short, or but little elongated.

The palpi are short, filiform, or a little thicker at their
extremity. The elytra are short or truncated in many. The
feet are but little elongated, with the legs often widened at
their extremity, and the tarsi furnished with hairs or cushions.
The habitation of these insects varies according to the spe-
cies : they are found on flowers, in mushrooms, corrupted
meat, and under the bark of trees. They form the genus

NiTIDULA.

In some the knob of the antennae has but two articulations,
and the fore part of the head advances in the manner of a
semi-circular hood, flatted, covering the mandibles, and the
other parts of the mouth.

CoLOBicus, Latr. .

In this sub-genus and the following, the tarsi, proceeding
from the point in which they are mobile, seem to have but
four articulations, of which the first three are much shorter
than the last, entire, and simply furnished underneath with
hairs, in greater or less abundance, as well as in many of the
Cleri of Olivier ; the first, properly so called, appears only
below, and makes there a slight projection. It is also fur-
nished with hairs. The palpi of Colobicus, and those of the
following sub-genus, are terminated by an articulation a little
thicker than the preceding.

In the other Nitidularia, the knob of the antennae is of

400 CLASS INSECTA.

three articulations, and the head does not advance above the
mouth.

Sometimes the first articulation of the tarsi, as well as in
Colobicus, is very short, the following three are elongated,
entire, equal, and simply furnished with hairs underneath*
The palpi are thicker at their extremity.

Thymalus, Latr., Peltes, Fab. Silpha, Lin,

In the species whose body is almost hemispherical (Um-
batus), the knob of the antennae is proportionally shorter ; the
third articulation and the following are more attenuated than
the second ; the spurs of the legs are extremely small.

Sometimes the first three articulations of the tarsi, at least
those of the males, are short, broad, emarginate, or bilobate;
the fourth is very small, little or not at all apparent ; the
maxillary palpi, at least, are filiform.

In these, the limbs, or at least the anterior ones, are
widened at their extremity in the form of a reversed angle ;
the first articulation of the antennae is usually larger than
the secondj the elytra are generally truncated, or very obtuse
at the end.

In the two following sub-genera the third articulation of
the antennae is sensibly longer than the following ; the knob
is formed abruptly, almost orbicular or ovaliform.

I PS, Fab. Nitidula, Oliv. Latr. Silpha, Lin.,

Whose body is always oblong-oval, depressed, with the
posterior extremity of the abdomen uncovered. One of the
mandibles (the left) is as it were truncated and tridenticu-
lated at its extremity, and the other widened, and broadly
emarginated or concave at the same end. The terminal lobe
of the jaws is elongated.

Some species of Fabricius seem proper to be referred to
his genus Engis.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 401

NiTiDULA (Proper), Fab, Nitidida. StrongyluSy Herbst.
SilpTia, Lin.,

In which the two mandibles are narrowed towards the end,
and terminate in an emarginate or bifid point.

Some are flatted, oblong, or ovoid, the others are orbicular
and gibbous, or proportionally more convex than the pre-
ceding. Accordingly some authors have placed certain
species of them in genera of an analogous form, but very
different, such as Spheridium and Tritoma.

We find in great abundance on flowers, N. ccnea, Fab.
ejusd. N. viridescens rujipes, Yar. Oliv. Col. II. ii. 12 :
III. 20, a, b. V. 33, a, b. It is small, oblong-ovoid, of a
brilliant bronzed green, very much punctuated, with blackisli
antennas, terminated by a large obtuse knob. The corslet is
transverse, slightly emarginated in front, edged laterally, and
the feet sometimes of a blackish brown, sometimes fawn-
coloured.

In these, the second and third articulations of the antennae
are almost of the same size, and the knob is elongated in the
form of a reversed cone or pear.

Cercus, Lat. Catheretes, Herbst. Illig. Dermestes^ Lin.
Fab. SphcBridium, Fab. Gyll. Nitidula, Oliv.

The body is depressed, with the elytra truncated. The
first two articulations of the antennae are much larger in the
males of some species than in their females, and perhaps this
sub-genus ought only to comprehend such species. The others
should be thrown back into the preceding.

In those the legs are long, narrow, almost linear ; the ely-
tra cover the abdomen, and are not truncated.

The body is oval, with the corslet trapezoid ; the knob of
the antennae is oblong, the first two articulations are almost
equal, and the third is but little longer than the following.

VOL. XIV. 2 D

402 CLASS INSECTA.

Bytqrus, Lat. Schoen. Dermestes, GeofF. Fab. Oliv. Ips^

Oliv.

A sixth tribe, that of Eiigidites, analogous to the last, as
to the emargination of the extremity of the mandibles, is
distinguished from them by their not jutting out, or but very
little, and merely at the sides, on the labrum. The body is
ovaliform or elliptical, with the anterior extremity of the
head a little advanced, in an obtuse or truncated point.
The tarsi have five distinct articulations, entire, and for the
most part a little hairy underneath. The penult is simply a
little shorter than the . preceding. The antennae are termi-
nated in a perfoliate knob, of three articulations. The
elytra entirely cover the abdomen. The palpi are a little
thicker at their extremity. Some species, very small , live in
the interior of houses, and they are often found behind the
panes of cross-bar windows.

These clavicornes will be united into a single genus, that
of

Dacne.

Dacne (Proper), Lat. Engis, Fab. Dej. Erotylus^ Oliv.

Their antennae are terminated abruptly, in a tolerably large
knob, orbicular or ovoid, compressed, composed of close arti-
culations, of which the middle one at least is much more
broad than long. The third articulation is longer than the
preceding and following.

The middle of the posterior edge of the corslet is dilated
behind, or lobate, and the superior extremity of the chin is
advanced and terminated in a truncated or bidenticulated
point.

Cryptophagus, Herbst. Schoen. Dermestes^ Lin. Fab.
Ips. Oliv. Latr. Antherophagus, Knoch.,

Whose moniliform antennae, with the second articulation as

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 403

large or larger than the preceding, terminate in a knob less
abrupt, and more narrow than in Dacne.

The antennae of Antherophagus are thicker in propor-
tion, composed of more transverse articulations, and ter-
minated almost gradually in a knob ; proceeding from the
second to the eighth, they are almost equal. The Crypto-
phagiis silaceus of M. Gyllenhall, has on each side of the
under part of the head, a projection in the form of a tooth
or horn. The Tryphyllus of MM. Megerle and Dejean do
not differ from Crytophagus, but in the number of articula-
tions of the tarsi.

We shall now pass on to some tribes in which the pre-
sternum is often dilated in the manner of a chin-cloth, and
which differ from the preceding by having their feet alto-
gether, or in part contractile ; the tarsi may be free, but the
legs at least are folded against the thighs. The mandibles
are short, generally thick, and denticulated. The body is
ovoid, thick, furnished with scales or slight hairs, which
colour it diversely. The antennas are usually shorter than
the head and corslet, and straight. The head is sunk in the
corslet as far as the eyes. The corslet is little edged or not
at all, trapezoid, wider posteriorly ; the middle of its posterior
edge is often a little prolonged or lobate. The larvae are
hairy, and feed, for the most part, on the spoils or carcasses
of animals. Many of them are extremely hurtful to ento-
mological collections.

Those then whose feet are not completely contractile, the
tarsi remaining always free, with the legs narrow and elon-
gated, will form our seventh tribe (Dermesttni), and the
genus

Dermestes.

AspiDiPHOEus, Zieg. Dej.

Are the only ones of this tribe whose antennae present but

2 D 2

404" CLASS INSECTA.

ten distinct articulations, and whose palpi are very short, and,
inflated underneath, afterwards proceed into a point. The
body is orbicular. {N'ltidula orbiculata, Gyll.)

Among those whose antennae have eleven distinct articu-
lations, and whose palpi are filiform, or proceed thickening,
we shall first separate those whose antennae are not receiveci
in any special fossets of the under part of the corslet. The
presternum rarely advances on the mouth, with the sole
exception of Dermestes undatus of Fabricius, and Limni-
ckus.

In some the antennae are terminated abruptly in a perfo-
liate knob, large, and formed by the last three articulations.

Dermestes, Lin. Geoff. Fab.,

In which the antennae are similar, or but little different in
the two sexes. The length of the last articulation does not
remarkably exceed that of the preceding.

Some species commit great ravages in furrieries and cabi-
nets of natural history. Accordingly, Degeer designates
them under the title of dissectors. In fact, D. Lardarius
cuts and reduces to pieces the insects in the collections into
which it penetrates. The others devour carcasses.

D. Lardarius, Lin. Oliv. Col. II. 9. i. 1. is black, with
the base of the elytra ashen, and punctuated with black.
Its larva is elongated, diminishing insensibly in thickness
from front to posteriors, of a marrow-brown above, white
underneath, furnished with long hairs, with two kinds of
scaly horns, on the last ring. It casts its excrements in the
form of long threads.*

Megatoma, Herbst. Lin. Geoff. Fab.
Differ from Dermestes only by the knob of their antennae,

• Add, D. Vulpinus, murinus, afflnis, hniaritis, tesselatus, trifasciattis of
Gyllenhall. (Ins. Suec. I. p. 145. et seq.)

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 405

which is much more elongated in the males than in the
females. The last articulation is in the form of an elongated
or lanceolate triangle.

Dermestes Pellio, Lin. Oliv. ibid. II. ii. is but two lines
and a half in length. Its body is black, with three white
points on the corslet, and on each elytrum. They are formed
by a sort of down. The larva is greatly elongated, of a
reddish, shining brown, furnished with red hairs, of which
those of the posterior extremity form a tail. It walks in a
sliding manner, and as it were by jolts, which the perfect
insect does as well as the Dermestes.*

In the others, such as

LiMNiCHUs, Zieg. Dej.

The antennae thicken insensibly, and terminate by a larger
and ovoid articulation. They are grained, and lodge under
the anterior angles of the corslet. The jaws terminate by
two lobes, the exterior one of which is narrow, and in the
form of a palpus. The labial palpi are very small, and the
last articulation of the maxillary is larger than the preceding,
and ovoid. {Byrrhus sericeus, Duft. ; B. PygmcBus, Sturm.)

In all the following sub-genera, the antennas, or at least
their knob, lodges in particular and lateral cavities of the
under part of the corslet. The presternum is always dilated
or advanced in front.

In these the knob of the antennae is perfoliate, and not
solid.

Attagenus, Latr. Megatoma, Ejusd. Dermestes, Fab.,
In which the knob of the antennae is very large, almost in a

" Add, Dermestes megatoma, of Fab., of which his Macellarius appears
lo be the female ; D. emarginatus, of Gyllenhall ; D. undatus, of Fab.
The presternum in this last species advances on the mouth.

406 CLASS INSECTA.

saw-form, and composed only of three articulations, of which
the first and last especially, are larger.

The body is ovoid, short, and but little convex. The last
articulation of the maxillary palpi is larger and ovoid.*

Trogoderma, Latr. Dej. Anthrenics^ Fab.

In which the knob of the antennas has four articulations at

the least.

The body is ovoid, oblong, and the palpi are filiform.f
Now we find the knob of the antennse solid, or composed

of very close articulations. The body is ovoid, short, all

covered with small perishable scales. The corslet is lobate

posteriorly.

Anthrenus, Geoff. Fab. Byrrhus^ Lin.,

Whose antennse terminating in a knob, in the form of an
inverted cone, lodge in short cavities, made under the ante-
rior angles of the corslet.

These Coleoptera are very small, live on flowers, in their
perfect state, and gnaw, in the larva form, dried animal
substances, especially insects in collections. These larvae are
oval, and furnished with hairs, many of which are denticu-
lated. They form aigrettes, and the final ones are prolonged
behind, in the manner of a tail. Their last skin serves as a
shell for the nymph.

Byrrhus verbasci, Lin. Oliv. Col. II. 10. 1. 2, grey above,
of a reddish yellow underneath, with the posterior angles of

* Derviestes serra. Fab, ; Attagenus serra, Latr. Hist, Nat. des Crust.
ct Ins. IX. p. 244. ejusd. Megatoma serra, Gener. Crust et Ins. I. viij. 10 ;
Anthrenus viennensts, Herbst. Col. VII. cxv. 10. K.

-|- Anthrenus elongatus, Fab. ; A. ruficornis, Latr. Gen, Crust, et Insect.
II. p. 59 ; — A. versicolor, Creutz. Ent. vers. 1. ii. 21. a. j — Dermestes subfas-
eiatus, Gyll. Insect. Suec. I. p. 155.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 407

the corslet ; two transverse bands on the cases, and a spot
near their extremity grey.

Globicoknis, Latr.,

In which the antennae terminated in a globular knob, lodge
in fossets prolonged, as far as close to the posterior angles of
the corslet.*

The eighth tribe, that of Birhit, differs from the pre-
ceding by having the feet perfectly contractile, the legs
folding back upon the thighs, and the tarsi on the legs, so
that the animal appears, when these organs are contracted,
and applied on the under part of the body, to be absolutely
without feet, and inanimate. The legs are usually broad
and compressed. The body is short and gibbous.

This tribe is principally composed of the genus

Byrrhus, of Linnaeus.

NosoDENDRON, Latr.

Which are removed from the other Byrrhi, by having their
chin entirely uncovered, very large, and in the form of a
buckler. Their antennae are terminated abruptly in a short
knob, perfoliate, and with three articulations.

They are found in the fissures of trees, particularly of the
elm.

Byrrhus (Proper), Lin. Cistela, Geoff.

Differ from nosodendron, by their chin of the ordinary size,
and enclosed, at least partially, by their presternum, the
anterior extremity of which is dilated.

In some the antennae thicken insensibly, or terminate in an
elongated knob, formed of five or six articulations.

* Megatoma rufUarsis, Lat. Gen. Crust, et Insect. II. p. 35 ; Dcrmesles
riifilarsU, Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. xxxv. 6,

408 CLASS INSECTA.

B. pilula, Lin. Oliv. Col. II. 13. i. 1. Three or four lines
in length, black underneath, of a blackish brown, or soot-
colour, and silky above, with small black spots, interrupted
by others more clear, disposed in lines.

M. Waudouer has discovered the larva of a variety of this
species. It is narrow, elongated, with the head thick, the
plate of the first segment large, and the last two longer than
the others. It remains under moss.

Another species (Sfriato-punctatus, Dej.) having the
antennae conformed in the same manner, forms, by reason of
its tarsi, the first articulation of which is very small, and
concealed between the lobes of the preceding, a particular
division.

Another byrrhus, very small, and bristling with hair, has
antennae, terminated in a knob, with three articulations.
This species forms the genus Prinodes, of MM. Megerle
and Dejean. {Anthrenus hirtus^ Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect.
Germ. XI. 16).

From this consideration we may also detach from the
Byrrhi some other analogous species (5. crinaceus, Zieg. ;
and B. setiger, Ulig.) in which the knob of the antennae is
composed of but two articulations, the last of which is much
thicker, and almost globular.

All the Byrrhi generally remain on the ground, in sandy
places.

N. B. The genus Murmidius of Dr. Leach belongs, ac-
cording to him, to this tribe. The antennae have but ten
articulations, the last of which forms an ovoido-globular
knob.

We cannot mark the Clavicornes of our second section,
though very natural, but by the union of many characters.
Some of these insects are removed from all the other clavicor-
nes, by reason of their antenna?, with nine or six articula-
tions. These are they which, in this point of view, seem to

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 409

approach the most to the following family. The antenna? of
the other Clavicornes of the same section, are composed of
eleven or ten articulations ; but sometimes they are but little
longer than the head, and form from the third articulation
an almost cylindrical or fusiform knob, arched, and a little
serrated. Sometimes they are almost filiform, of the length
of the head and the corslet. But here, as in the most pan
of the other sub-genera of the same division, the tarsi are
terminated by a large articulation, with two strong crotchets
at the end. Those of some have but four articulations.

The body of these Coleoptera is generally ovoid, with the
head sunk as far as the eyes, in a trapezoidal corslet, edged
laterally, and terminated posteriorly by acute angles, the
presternum dilated anteriorly (the Potamophili excepted),
and the feet imperfectly contractile. They are found in
water, under stones, near shores, and often sunk in the mud.
By the construction and shortness of their antennas, some of
them (Dryops) have an affinity with the gyrini.

I shall divide this section into two tribes. The first, that
of AcANTHOPODA, is remarkable for the flatted limbs, tole-
rably broad, and armed externally with spines. The tarsi
are short, with four articulations, the crotchets of which are
of the ordinary size, and the body of the animal is depressed.
The presternum is dilated. The antennae are a little longer
than the head, arched, with eleven articulations, the last
six of which form a knob, almost cylindrical, and a little
denticulated, like a saw. The second is short, and without
dilatation.

This tribe is composed of a single genus, that of

Heterocerus, Bosc. Fab.
These insects remain in the sand or in the mud, near the
borders of rivulets and marshes, and come out of their holes
when they are disturbed by any one walking near them, or

410 CLASS INSECTA.

by the sound of footsteps. The form of their legs permits
them to dig in the earth, and conceal themselves there. The
tarsi can be folded back upon them. It is there also that
the larva lives, which the late Mr. Miger was the first to
observe.

H. marginatus, Fab. ejusd. H. Icevigatus, Panz. Faun.
Insect. Germ. XXIII. is a small blackish insect, silky, with
small yellowish, or reddish spots, of which the number and
form vary, and sometimes even disappear on the elytra.

M, Gyllenhall remarks that the tarsi have really five articu-
lations, but that the first is small and oblique. (Insect. Suec.
p. 138.)

The second tribe, that of Macrodactyla, embraces the cla-
vicornes, with simple and narrow legs, long tarsi, all com-
posed (with the exception of a single sub-genus {Georissus),
well distinguished from all the others of this tribe by its
antennae of nine articulations, of which the three last form
an almost solid knob) of five distinct articulations, the last
of which is large, with two strong crotchets at the end. The
body is thick or convex. The corslet is less rounded, and
terminates most frequently on each side by acute angles.

This tribe has as a principal type, the genus

DiiYOPS, of Olivier,
Or that of Parnus of Fabricius, which is divided in the
following manner :

1st. — Those whose antennae, never scarcely longer than the
head, are composed of from ten to eleven articulations, which,
proceeding from the third, form a knob, almost cylindrical,
or a little fusiform, arched, and somewhat serrated.

PoTAMOPHiLus, Gemi. Parnus, Fab.,
Which, without knowing the establishment of this sub-ge-
nus, we have named (Regne Animal III. p. 268.) Hydeiia,

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 411

have their antennae uncovei'ed, not lodging in peculiar
cavities, a little longer than the head, with the first articu-
lation, almost as long as the following taken together, and
the second short and globular. The palpi are prominent,
the mouth is entirely naked, the presternum not advancing
upon it, a character exclusively peculiar in this tribe to this
sub-genus.*

DiiYOPs (Proper), Oliv. Parnus, Fab.,

Whose antennae, shorter than the head, are received into
a cavity situated under the eyes, and covered, in a great
part, by the second articulation, which is large, dilated, in
the form of a palette almost triangular, and forms a pro-
jection in the manner of an auricle. From thence comes the
name Dertneste a oreilles, given by GeofFroy to the most
common species. The palpi are not projecting.-f-

2nd. — Those whose antennae, composed of eleven articu-
lations, are filiform, or a little thicker towards the end, and
at least, almost as long as the head and corslet.

Elmis, Lat. Lininius, Illig.

Are found in the water, under stones, or on the leaves of
nenuphar.

3rd. — Those whose antennae, always very short, present
but nine or six articulations, and which terminate in a knob,
almost solid, oval, or nearly globular.

* Parnus acitminatus. Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. VI. 8 ; Dryops
picipes, Oliv. III. 41. 1. 2.

-f- Latr. Gen. Crust, et Insect. 55. Schcen. Synon. Insect. I. ii. p. 116.
The Dryops of Dumeril presents some differences in the length of the
feet, the form of the antennse, and the corslet, and after which Dr. Leach
has thought proper to form, with this species, a peculiar genus, Dryojis.
The other species enter into that of Panius,

412 CLASS INSECTA.

Macronychus. Mlill. Germ.

Have five distinct articulations on the tarsi ; the body oblong,
antennae of six articulations, the last of which, composed
perhaps of three, forming an oval knob. They are sus-
ceptible of being folded under the eyes.*

Georissus. Latr. Gyll. Pimelia^ Fab.,

In which the tarsi appear composed of only four articula-
tions. The body is short, inflated, and almost globular,
with the abdomen embraced by the elytra. The antennae
present nine articulations, and terminate in a round knob
formed by the last three.-f*

» Macronychus quadrituberculatus, Miill. Illig. Mng. V. Latr. Gen. Crust.
et Insect. IL p. 58. Parnus obscurus, Fab. Germ. Insect. Spec. Nov. I.
p. 89.

\ Pimelia pygmcea. Fab.; Georissus pygmcBUs, Gyll. Insect. Suec. I, iii.
p. 675. Trox dubius, Panz, Faun. Insect. Germ. LXII. 3.

SUPPLEMENT

CLAVICORNES.

On the genus which commences this extensive family of
Coleopterous insects, (Mastigus,) we cannot glean any in-
formation in addition to what is given in the text, that could
interest our readers. We shall, therefore, proceed to the
next tribe, which is composed of the genus Hister.

This genus cannot be confounded with any other in the
insect class. The antennae prevent us from comprehending
its members, with lucanus^ scarabceus, copris, trox, and
with which, however, they have some relation in the form
of the anterior feet. And though they have some slight
resemblance to Dertnestes, Anthrenus, Spheridium, and
Byrrkus, in the form of the body and the mode of life, they
are distinguished from them by generic characters of the
most essential kind.

These insects are found in cow-dung, excrement of other
kinds, carcases, and in slaughter-houses, on the blood which
remains there dried up. Some species live under the bark
of dead or carious trees. They are to be met with during
spring, summer, and, in fact, for a considerable portion of
the year. Sometimes they may be seen running through
the ground, on the sand, and in the highways and foot-
paths ; when one attempts to touch them, similar to the

414 SUPPLEMENT

dermestes, and byrrhi, they glue their feet and antennae
against the body, suspend all motion, as if they were dead,
and remain in this position as long as their fear may endure.
Their larvae live in the earth, in dunghills, and in carcasses.

The larva of H. Cadaverinus was observed by M. La-
treille under dried human excrements. This larva creeps,
or rather drags itself along, than Avalks ; it can go back-
wards. Its skin is so slippery that it escapes the fingers.

The genus Silpha has been confounded with Cassida,
Elophorus, Spheridium, Necrophorus, and Nitidula. But
all those genera are easily distinguished from it, by the cha-
racters which have been assigned to them.

The Silphas sufficiently indicate by their disgusting dirti-
ness, and the fetid odour which they exhale, what their
manner of living is, and what the character of their ordi-
nary habitation. They are sometimes found in the fields ;
but they habitually seek out sombre and retired places which
conceal the carcases, and excrements of animals, which con-
stitute their food. One circumstance proves that their dis-
agreeable odour is the effect of those animal substances in
a, state of putrefaction, in which they are continually groping,
and on which they feed. This is, that those which are but
just born, and have not yet made use of this description of
aliment, have no unpleasant odour whatsoever. Thus we
find, that the office which may be assigned to those insects,
in the general economy of Nature, is to purge the earth of
those impurities, which the destruction and decomposition
of living beings must be incessantly producing. The same
is the case with the great majority of the larvae of flies, of
dermestes, of necrophori, and of certain staphylini, &c.

When the silphae are taken in the hand, they cause to
issue from the mouth and anus, a drop of black and muddy
liquor, the odour of which is of the most abominable atro-
city. This fluid is not produced by the effect of compres-

ON THE CLAVICORNES. 415

sion, since, in proportion as it is dried up, it immediately
reappears, until its source is entirely exhausted. It doubt-
less serves to accelerate the putrefaction of flesh, and to
prepare for these insects the nutriment which Nature has
intended as most suitable for their support.

The larvae of the silphas live in the earth, in dunghills,
but more especially in carcases. Here they are frequently to
be found along with the perfect insects ; they are also some-
times seen to run along the ground. The body is more or less
elongated in the different species, flatted, and composed of
twelve rings or segments, terminated laterally by an angle
tolerably acute, and the last of which is furnished with two
conical appendages. They have six short feet composed of
three pieces only. The last, which appears to enclose the
tarsi, is terminated by a single crook. The head is small,
and armed with two strong jaws. It has filiform antennae,
a little longer than the jaws, and composed of three articu-
lations only. These larvae run with tolerable quickness, and
are not attached to their prey like many larvae, which, when
they have consumed their provision, perish. They, on the
contrary, seek for fresh food, and know how to provide for
their new wants. They bury themselves under ground, for
the purpose of undergoing their metamorphosis.

If this genus does not furnish a very great number of
foreign species, although the known species are sufficiently
great, it is, doubtless, because in the warm climates, where
such insects must more especially abound, the naturalist has
not been tempted to proceed in search of them, to the in-
fectious and dangerous places which they inhabit.

The Necrophori are insects of a tolerably large size.
The name was bestowed upon them by Fabricius, in refer-
ence to their peculiar habits of burying the carcases which
they meet with to serve as food to their young.

The strong and disagreeable odour emitted by these insects,

416 SUPrLEMENT

announces the places which they inhabit, and the substances
on which they feed. They answer the purpose, like a mul-
titude of other insects, of consuming rotten flesh, and ex-
crementitious matters, which would otherwise infect the
atmosphere. Instinct, always in accord with organization,
causes them to seek with eagerness the dead bodies of little
animals, for the purposes of food. It is a truly interesting
spectacle to see them attracted from a considerable distance
by a cadaverous odour, associating together in their enter-
prize, combining their efibrts, and peaceably enjoying the
fruits of their labours. Thus, scarcely does the corruption
of the dead body of a mouse or a mole begin to be percep-
tible, than they flock to the place in greater or less numbers,
and hollow the earth with much activity around, underneath
the animal, which sinks into it insensibly, and without our
seeing the operators, the work is finished before our eyes,
and the whole carcase disappears. Four or five of those
insects can bury in this manner a mole in the space of four-
and-twenty hours. Then, sheltered from fear and danger,
they enter the body which they have interred, and feast
upon it at their leisure. It is also in these carcases that
the females deposit their eggs, and there that larvae which
proceed from them are destined to live.

But this subject is so very interesting that we cannot thus
briefly dismiss it without a more detailed notice — and we
gladly avail ourselves of the account of this curious pheno-
menon, given by Mr. Kirby, nor shall we do the author
the injury of altering his language. He says,

" These beetles, however, in point of industry, must yield
the palm to one ( Necrophorus vespiilo), whose singular his-
tory was first detailed by M. Gleditsh in the Acts of the
Berlin Society for 1752. He begins by informing us that
he had often remarked that dead moles, when laid upon the
ground, especially if upon loose earth, were almost sure to

ON THE CLAVICORNES. 417

disappear in the course of two or three days, often of twelve
hours. To ascertain the cause, he placed a male upon one
of the beds in his garden. It had vanished by the third
morning ; and on digging where it had been laid, he found
it buried to the depth of three inches, and under it four
beetles, which seemed to have been the agents in this sin-
gular inhumation. Not perceiving any thing particular in
the mole, he buried it again ; and on examining it at the
end of six days, he found it swarming with maggots, appa-
rently the issue of the beetles, which M. Gleditsh now natu-
rally concluded had buried the carcase for the food of their
future young. To determine those points more clearly, he
put four of these insects into a glass vessel, half filled with
earth, and properly secured, and upon the surface of the
earth two frogs. In less than twelve hours one of the frogs
was interred by two of the beetles ; the other two ran about
the whole day, as if busied in measuring the dimensions of
the remaining corpse, which on the third day was also found
buried. He then introduced a dead linnet. A pair of the
beetles were soon engaged upon the bird. They began
their operations by pushing out the earth from under the
body, so as to form a cavity for its reception ; and it was
curious to see the efforts which the beetles made, by drag-
ging at the feathers of the bird from below, to pull it into
its grave. The male having driven the female away, con-
tinued the work alone for five hours. He lifted up the bird,
changed its place, turned it, and arranged it in the grave,
and from time to time came out of the hole, mounted upon
it, and trod it under foot, and then retired below and pulled
it down. At length, apparently wearied with this uninter-
rupted labour, it came forth, and leaned its head upon the
earth beside the bird, without the smallest motion, as if to
rest itself, for a full hour, when it again crept under tlie
earth. The next day in the morning the bird was an inch

vol,. XIV. 2 E

4 I 8 SUPPLEMENT

and a half under ground, and the trench remained open the
whole day, the corpse seeming as if laid out upon a bier,
surrounded with a rampart of mould. In the evening it
had sunk half an inch lower, and in another day the work
was completed, and the bird covered. M. Gleditsh contin-
ued to add other small dead animals, which were all sooner
or later buried ; and the result of his experiment was, that
in fifty days four beetles had interred, in the very small space
of earth allotted to them, twelve carcases: viz., four frogs,
three small birds, two fishes, one mole, and two grasshop-
pers, besides the entrails of a fish, and two morsels of the
lungs of an ox. In another experiment a single beetle buried
a mole forty times its own weight and bulk in two days. It
is plain that all this labour is incurred for the sake of placing
in security the future young of these industrious insects, along
with a necessary provision of food. One mole would have
sufficed a long time for the repast of the beetles themselves,
and they could have more conveniently fed upon it above
ground than below. But if they had left thus exposed the
carcase in which their eggs were deposited, both would have
been exposed to the imminent risk of being destroyed at a
mouthful, by the first fox or kite that chanced to espy
them."

The same learned author observes, that this insect must of
necessity be gifted with a very acute sense of smelling, which
enables it to scent out putrid carcases at a remarkable dis-
tance. What seem to him to be the organs of smell we have
already noticed in our Supplement on Insects in General.

The larvae of the necrophori are long, of a greyish white,
with the head brown. Their body is composed of twelve
rings, furnished anteriorly at their upper part, with a small
scaly plate of a ferrugineous brown. The plates of the last
rings are provided with small elevated points. The head is
hard, scaly, armed with mandibles tolerably strong and

ON THE CLAVICOllNES. 419

trenchant. They have six scaly feet, very short, attached to
the first three rings of the body. When arrived at their full
growth they sink into the earth, to the depth of more than a
foot, form for themselves a sort of oval box, which they
invest with a kind of gluey substance to consolidate its pa-
rietes, and there they become changed into the nymph-state.
The perfect insect comes out at the end of three or four
weeks.

The Necrodes are closely allied to the last sub-genus, and
present nothing worthy of remark here.

Passing over the intervening divisions, which present
nothing worthy of remark, we come to the genus Nitidula,
a name derived from nitidus (shining), and given to these
insects by Fabricius, for no very assignable cause. It is but
little suited to them in reference to their external forms, but
M. Latreille has retained it in consequence of the generality
of its adoption.

The Nitidulae differ from Silpha in their bifid mandibles,
and toothless jaws ; from Dermestes in the same mandibles,
the antennas, the figure and proportions of the articulations
of the tarsi, and the general form of the body. They ap-
proximate more to the peltis of Fabricius, to Colobicus, to
Byturus, and to Cercus.

The nitidulffi are found in carcases, or dried animal sub-
stances, under the rotten bark of old trees, in mushrooms, and
even upon flowers. The species which frequent flowers fly
more frequently than those which are found on carcases, or
under the bark of trees. The sombre, obscure, or at all
events not very brilliant colours of the great majority of the
nitidulse, contrast a little with the generic name which they
have received. Yet we cannot help thinking, notwithstanding
its unsuitableness, that its retention was more judicious than
the substitution of another, which, without addino- to our
knowledge, always tends to increase a confusion in nomen-

2 K 2

420 SUPPLEMENT

clature, which unfortunately exists already in a far too great
degree.

The larvae of Nitidulas very much resemble those of
Silpha. Their body is flatted, of an oval elongated form,
composed of twelve rings, terminated laterally in a rather
acute angle. The last ring, similar to that of the larvae of
Silpha, is furnished with two small conical appendages.
These larvae have six short and scaly feet. When arrived at
their full growth they bury themselves in the ground, for the
purpose of undergoing their metamorphoses. The nitidulae
constitute altogether a very numerous genus. When the sap
flows from wounds in a tree, it is, says Mr. Kirby, attended
by various beetles, and among others, the nitidulae are very
busy in this way. Their operations prevent the tree from
healing as soon as it otherwise might do. If the bark be
any where separated from the wood, these subcortical insects
are sure to take their station inside it, and prevent a re-union
of the bark and tree. The nitidula grisea is remarkable for
its ravages in this kind. These insects will devour the wood
of the willow and sallow, which in the course of time are
hollowed to such an extent by those depredators, as to be
very easily blown down.

The Byturi have very great relations with the last men-
tioned insects, and also with the Cerci, differing, however,
from the latter, in the length of their elytra, which cover
almost entirely the major part of the abdomen. They are
very commonly found on flowers in the spring season,
throughout all Europe.

The Dacne was at first confounded with his Ips, by Fa-
bricius, a genus of Coleoptera very diff*erent from it. These
insects creep upon the earth, or sand, and are not unfre-
quently found under stones.

The Dermestes are insects which have been for a long
time known in consequence of the ravages which their larvae

ON THE CLAVICORNES. 421

commit upon articles of the most valuable kind. The per-
fect insect seems to live only for the purpose of fulfilling its
final destination. It is often found on flowers, and if it fre-
quents animal substances, it is more with the design of depo-
siting its eggs there than to commit any fresh depredations.
The voracity of the larvae of Dermestes is especially destruc-
tive to cabinets of natural history, and collections of furs.
They entirely destroy the birds, the quadrupeds, the insects,
and all other prepared animals which are preserved in such
places. They destroy furs, from which they cause the hairs
to fall, and even gnaw the skin itself. They also attack the
carcases of animals of every species which are to be found in
the fields, and consume all the fleshy substance and tendinous
parts, dissecting them even to the bone, and reducing them
to complete skeletons. They are to be found in offices, cup-
boards, and in short, in every place which may conceal the
animal food which is suitable to their constitutions. Bacon,
feathers, horn which may have been left for a long time in
drawers, are not spared by these robbers. It is exceedingly
difficult to guard against their ravages. They escape research
in consequence of their minuteness, and their perseverance
bids defiance to precaution.

The majority of the Dermestes seek out retired places, and
generally such as are neglected and dirty, and seem to shun
the impression of the light. They are attached to repose,
and seldom put themselves in motion but when they are dis-
turbed by any noise around them, or touch those bodies
which contain them. They are seldom seen on the surface of
such bodies. Buried in the interior, they withdraw them-
selves from our regards, and seem to quit their retreat with
fear and trembling. Their gait is timid and uncertain.
When we are habituated to reflect on the external signs of
those passions which predominate over ourselves, and con-
sider the Dermestes, at the slightest aspect of danger, run-

422 SUPPLEMENT

ning backwards and forwards, and endeavouring to escape ;
at the least touch suspending its walk, or drawing back its
antennas and feet, remaining obstinately in a state of feigned
death, and wishing to impose, by an appearance of firmness,
or deceive by stratagem ; we may fancy that we recognize all
the combined movements which fear and reflection can inspire
in the principle of self-pi'eservation.

The body of the larvae of these insects is not very hairy,
and is composed of twelve very distinct rings. They have a
scaly head, provided with very hard and trenchant mandi-
bles. They have six scaly feet, terminated by a claw. The
extremity of their body is remarkable for a tuft of very long
hairs. They have two antennas, and some very short barbies.
They change their skin several times, and the spoils remain
entire. When they are about to change into nymphs, they
seek some retired place, contract their bodies, and without
wearing any shell, change into the perfect insect in the course
of some little time. It is towards the end of summer that
these larvae acquire their full growth, and then cause the
createst decree of destruction in collections of natural his-
tory, and in furrieries.

It would be vei'y much to be desired to discover efficaci-
ous means of removing the Dermestes, and other destructive
insects, from collections of animals exposed to their ravages.
All dealers in objects of natural history imagine, or pretend,
that they are in possession of secrets, the efficacy of which,
according to them, is always infallible. But every one is
aware of the small degree of confidence which ought to be
reposed in every thing which is announced as a secret.
Nevertheless, a French apothecary, M. Becoeur, has invented
something of this kind, which has been tried with sufficient
success to merit a preference, and obtain publicity. Its pre-
paration is this : — Take of quick lime half an ounce, of salt
of tartfvr a drachm and a half, of camphor five drachms, of

ON THE CLAVICORNES. 423

arsenic four ounces, of white soap four ounces ; dissolve
the camphor in a sufficient quantity of spirit of wine ; pound
up the soap along with it, and preserve the whole mixture
in a glass vessel, properly stopped, to be vised as occasion
may require.

The Byhrhi are oval, almost globular insects, which have
very great relations with Dermestes, Anthrenus, and Sphe-
ridium, being only distinguished from them by the form of
their antennae. When these insects are touched, they with-
draw their head into the corslet, apply their antennae and
feet against the body, and counterfeit death. They remain
for some time in this position, after which they resume their
walk. They are to be met with in the fields, on the edges of
roads, and other such like places. They very rarely employ
their wings.

The most common species of this genus is Byrrhus pilula^
which is found throughout Europe, in fields and pathways,
and in sandy places.

The Heteroceri frequent the borders of marshes, and
dig holes there with their feet for the purpose of concealing
themselves. But they very speedily come out of them if the
earth about them be disturbed.

The Geouissi have some relations with Byrrhus. They
are very small insects, and seem to frequent, by preference,
humid and aquatic situations.

We have now noticed all that is of any popular interest
in this extensive family of Coleoptera ; but as our readers
will see, we have been under the necessity of passing over
many of its sub-genera, as affijrding no materials for this
portion of our work.

THE FIFTH FAMILY

PENTAiMEROUS COLEOPTERA.

Palpicobnes

Present us, like the preceding, with antennae terminating in
a knob, and usually perfoliate, but with nine articulations
at the most in all, inserted on the lateral and advanced edges
of the head, but little longer than it and the maxillary
palpi, and often even shorter than these latter organs. The
chin is large and buckler-formed.

The body is, in general, ovoid, or hemispherical, gibbous,
or arched. The feet are in many adapted for swimming,
and have then but four or five very distinct articulations,
but the first of which is much shorter than the following ; all
the articulations are entire.

Those whose feet are proper for swimming, with the first
articulation of the tarsi much shorter than the following,
and whose joints are entirely corneous, will compose a first
tribe, that of hydrophili, which embrace the genus

Hydrophilus of GeoiFroy.

Linnaeus has formed of it but a single division (the first)
of his genus Dytiscns ; but the anatomy of these insects
differs essentially. The digestive canal of the hydrophili
has much analogy from its length, exceeding four or five

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 425

times that of the body, and from its contexture, to that of
the lamellicornes, and does not approach to that of the
carnivorous coleoptera, but in the relation of the biliary
vessels. They have neither the natatory bladder, nor the
excrementitious apparatus, which characterizes the hydro-
can thari. In the females alone, this apparatus is replaced
by the organs secreting the matter, which is proper to form
the cocoon which encloses the eggs, and the anus presents,
for this effect, two filaments. In fine, the masculine genital
organs have the greatest relations with those of the coleop-
tera of the preceding family.*

Some, whose body is sometimes oval, oblong and de-
pressed, or elongated and narrow, with the corslet uneven,
and contracted posteriorly, the legs slender, furnished with
small spurs, and the tarsi filiform, little or feebly ciliate,
and terminated by two strong crooks, have antennas (always
composed of nine articulations,) finishing in a knob, almost
in the form of an inverted cone, slightly perfoliate, or
almost solid, and the extremity of the mandibles entire or
terminated by a single tooth. These palpicornes are all very
small, swim little or badly, inhabit stagnant waters, and
sometimes remove from them, to conceal themselves in the
earth, or under stones. They compose the family of the
Helophokidea of Dr. Leach, a denomination which re-
minds us of the genus Elophorus of Fabricius.

In some, the length of the maxillary palpi does not
exceed that of the antennae, or is even inferior to it. The
chaperon is entire, or without any remarkable emargination .

Sometimes the maxillary palpi are terminated by an arti-
culation which is thicker and ovaliform.

* " The conformation and structure of the male genital organs of the
palpicornes fully justify the place which M. Latreille has assigned
them in the entomological scale." (Leon. Dufour, Ann. des Sc. Nat. VI.
p. 172.)

426 CLASS INSECTA.

Elophorus, Fab. Silpha, Lin. Dermestes, Geoff. Ily-

drophilus, D. G.
Have the body oval, the corslet transverse, and the eyes
but little raised. These are the Elophori of Fabricius, with
the exception of the following sub-genera.

Hyprochus, Germ. Elophorus, Fab.,

Which are distinguished from the preceding, only by their
narrow and elongated form, the corslet in a long square,
and the prominence of their eyes.*

Sometimes the maxillary palpi terminate in the manner
of an awl, or by a more slender, short, and conical arti-
culation.

OcHTHEBius, Leach. Germ. Elaphorus, Fab. Hydrcena,

Illig. Latr.

The corslet is almost semi-orbicular .-f-

In others, the maxillary palpi, terminated by an articu-
lation larger than the preceding, in the form of a spindle,
and pointed at the end, are much longer than the antennae
and the head. Tlie chaperon is strongly emarginate. They
have otherwise the appearance of the ochthebii.

Hydr.ena, Kugel, Leach.J
The other Hydrophilii have the body ovoid, or almost

* Ehphonis elongatus, Fab.; — E. cretiatus, ejusd.; — E. brevis, Gyll.
See Germ. Insect. Spec. Nov. I. p. 90.

-|- E. Pygviccus, Fab. ; Hydrcena rijyaria, Latr. ; — Hydrcena margipallens,
Latr. ; Elophorus marinus, Gyll. See Germ. ibid. p. 90.

X E. minimus. Fab. Gyll. ; Hydrcena riparia, Kugel ; H. longipalpis,
Schcenh. Germ. Faun. Insect. Europ. VIII. 6. See for the other species,
Germ. Insect. Nov. Spec. I. p. 93.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 427

hemispherical, and generally convex or gibbous, with the cor-
slet always more broad than long, and smooth, the legs termi-
nated by strong spurs, and the tarsi very frequently ciliated.
The extremity of their mandibles presents two teeth. They
embrace the family of the Hydrophilidea of Dr. Leach,
or the genus hydrophilus of Fabricius.

Some have but six articulations in the antennae, and their
chaperon is emarginated. Such are

Spercheus, Fab.

Spercheus emarginatus. Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ.
XCI. 4. M. Bourdon, a French naturalist, who is at
present exploring the States of the Republic of Columbia,
first discovered this species in the neighbourhood of Paris.

In the following, the antennae are always composed of
eight or nine articulations, and the chaperon is entire, or
slightly concave at the anterior edge.

One species which has been communicated to us by our
friend Dr. Leach, presents some singular characters, which
have determined me to consider this insect as the type of a
new sub-genus,* that of

Globaria,

Which I shall name thus, because its body is almost sphe-
rical, compressed laterally, and it appears capable of putting
itself into a ball, after the manner of the agathidii. Its

* It seems to come more naturally near the Berosus of Dr. Leach ;
but in consequence of the number of articulations in the antennee, I have
deemed it proper to place it immediately after the Sperchei. One might,
however, reverse this order, commencing with this sub-genera, which
have nine articulations in the antennae, and terminating by those in
which they have one and three less, or by Globaria and Spercheus.

428 CLASS INSECTA.

antennae appear to me to be composed of but eight articula-
tions, the fifth of which is dilated in the manner of a spine
at the internal side, the following in an inverted cone, elon-
gated, the seventh cylindrical, and the last or eight, conical.
These last articulations form a very elongated knob, almost
cylindrical, and terminating in a point. The maxillary
palpi are a little shorter than the antennae. The eyes are
bulky and projecting. The corslet is almost semi -lunar.
The elytra embrace the abdomen entirely. The breast is
without a sternal spine. The four posterior legs, have at
their extremity a bundle of silky hairs, almost as long as
the tarsus. The scutellum is small, and in an elongated and
narrow triangle.

The only known species (G. Leachii) is small and exotic.
I believe it comes from South America.

All the other hydrophillii have nine articulations to the
antennae, and the knob is ovaliform or ovoid. The body
is not susceptible of being contracted into a ball.

The largest species have the two intermediate articulations
of the antennary knob, or the seventh and eighth, in the
form of a kidney, or irregular crescent, obtuse at one of
their ends, elongated, arched, and pointed at the other, with
a vacancy or remarkable separation between them ; the first
of this knob is cupular, more elongated on the anterior side.
The middle of the sternum is raised into a keel, and ter-
minates posteriorly in a point, more or less long and very
sharp. The maxillary palpi are longer than the antennae,
Avith the last articulation shorter than the preceding The
tarsi, especially the last, are compressed, garnished with a
fringe of hairs on the internal side, and terminated by two
generally small crooks, unequal and unindented below. The
scutellum is tolerably large.

These species will compose the genus.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 429

Hydeophilus (properly so called), Geoff. Fab. Leach.
DytiscKs, Lin.

Here the sternal spine is strongly prolonged behind. The
last articulation of the anterior tarsi of the males is dilated
in the manner of a triangular palette. The scutellum is
large These are the Hydrous of Dr. Leach. Zool. Misc.
III. p. 94.

The larvae resemble a sort of worms, soft, with a conical
and elongated form, provided with six feet ; with the head
tolerably large, scaly, more convex underneath than above,
and armed with strong and crooked mandibles. They respire
by the posterior extremity of the body. They are very
voracious and injurious to ponds, by devouring the spawn.

H. piceus. Fab. Oliv. Col. III. 39. 1. 1., is an inch and
a half long, oval, of a dark brown, polished, as it were, or
incrusted with a varnish, with the knob of the antennae
partly reddish, and some striae, not greatly marked, on the
elytra, the posterior extremity of which is rounded, exter-
nally, and prolonged into a little tooth at the external angle.

It swims and flies remarkably well, but walks badly. Its
sternal point may sometimes wound when held in the hand
and allowed the liberty of moving.

The anus of the female has two filaments, with which she
forms an ovoid shell, surmounted with a point, in the form
of an arched horn, and of a brown colour. Its external
tissue is a gummy paste, liquid at first, and subsequently
hardening and becoming impenetrable to water. Tlie eggs
which it envelopes are disposed there with symmetry, and
held together by a sort of white down. These eggs float on
the water.

The larva is depressed, blackish, wrinkled, with the head
of a reddish brown, sniootii, round, and capable of being
turned backwards. This faculty affords it the means of

430 CLASS INSECTA.

seizing the small shell-fish, which swim on the surface of
the water. Its back serves it as a sort of resting, and in
this sort of table it breaks the shells, and devours the ani-
mals which they enclose. The body of these larvae becomes
flaccid when they are taken up. They swim with facility,
and have, underneath the anus, two fleshy appendages,
which serve to sustain them on the surface of the water, the
head being under, when they come there to respire. Ac-
cording to M. Miger, who has furnished us with these obser-
vations, (Ann. du Mus. de THist. Nat. XIV. 441.) other
larvae of the hydrophili are deprived of these appendages,
and do not swim, and suspend themselves like the preceding.
The females of these species swim with difficulty, and carry
their eggs under the abdomen in a silken tissue ; but these
species belong to the last sub-genera of this tribe.

That of the hydropMlus proper, of Dr. Leach, is com-
posed of species whose tarsi are identical in both sexes, and
not dilated, whose pectoral spine terminates with the poster-
num, and whose scutellum is proportionally smaller.*

In all the following hydrophilii, the two intermediate
articulations of the knob of the antennae are perfectly trans-
verse, of a regular form, not prolonged in the manner of a
tooth, at one of their ends, and without a vacancy between
them. The last is obtuse or rounded at the end. The
breast presents neither keel nor spine. The tarsi are much
less adapted for swimming, little or not at all ciliate, and
terminated b}?^ large crooks equal and simple.

Those whose maxillary palpi are much longer than the
antennas, with the last articulation shorter than the pre-

• Refer to the Hydroiis of Dr. Leach, beside piceus, the following
species of Fabricius : ater, olivaceus, ruflpes, &c. Those which the latter
names carabdides, elUpticus, &c. are the hydrophilii proper of the English
naturalist.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 431

ceding, ovoid, cylindrical, whose body is but little raised,
with the end of the elytra truncated, or very obtuse, compose
the genus,

LiMNEBius of Dr. Leach.

Those whose maxillary palpi arc but little longer than the
antennae, with the last articulation as long, or longer than the
preceding, almost ovaliform, and whose body is gibbous, are
comprised by the same English naturalist in two other ge-
nera. The one, that of

Hydrobius,

Has the eyes depressed, or but little convex. The anterior
extremity of the head is not narrowed abruptly, and the base
of the corslet is of the breadth of that of the elytra.-h

Berosus

Have, on the contrary, very prominent eyes, the anterior ex-
tremity of the head abruptly narrowed, and the corslet more
narrow at its base than the elytra. The body is very gib-
bous. {H. luridus. Fab.)

The second tribe, Sthceridiota, is formed of terrestrial
palpicornes, with tarsi composed of five very distinct articu-
lations, and the first at least as long as the following. The
maxillary palpi are a little shorter than the antenna?, with
the third articulation larger, inflated, and in the form of a
reversed cone. The maxillary lobes are membranous.

The body is almost hemispherical, with the presternum
prolonged into a point at its posterior extremity, and the legs
spinous. The anterior ones are palmate, or digitate in the
large species. The antennae are always composed of nine
articulations, or simply of eight, if we consider the last as

* H. griseus, iruncatellus. Fab.
■j- H. scarabacoides, melanocephalus^ &c.

432 CLASS INSECTA.

an appendage of the preceding. (See Elater and many
other genera of coleoptera.)

These insects are small, and inhabit dung and other ex-
crementitious substances. Some species remain near the
edge of waters.

They compose the genus,

Sph^ridium, of Fabricius,

But from which it is necessary to separate many species,
which Olivier has already done. Dr. Leach even retains only
those in which the anterior tarsi are dilated in the males.
Such is,

Dermestes scarabceoides, Lin. ; Oliv. Col. IL 15, 1 and 3,
II. ii. It is of a shining black, smooth, with the scutellum
elongated, the feet very spinous, a spot of blood-red on the
base of each elytrum, and their extremity reddish. These
spots diminish, or are obliterated in many individuals.

The species whose tarsi are similar in the two sexes, and in
which the knob of the antennae is loosely imbricated, compose
the genus Ckrcydion of this naturalist. We might, from
the consideration of the form of the legs, the disposition of
their spines or denticulations, divide the sphoeridia into
many other sections, which would facilitate the study of the
species, the number of which appears to have been too much
multiplied.

SUPPLEMENT

PALPICORNES.

The first tribe of this family, the Hydrophilii, is com-
posed of the great genus Hydhophilus, which Geoffroy
separated under this name from the Dytiscus of Linnaeus.
They form a genus composed of a good many species, the
major part of whicii inhabit Europe. Some of them are of
large size ; others under the middle size. The colours of all
are obscure, or of no great brilliancy.

These insects are found in fresh waters, in lakes, rarely in
rivers, but most frequently in marshes and ponds. They
swim tolerably quick, but with less celerity than the Dytisci.
It is usually at the approach of night that they issue from
the water to fly and transport themselves from one marsh or
pond to another. Accordingly these insects are found, as
well as all those of the tribe of Hydrocanthari^ in the
smallest collections of water, even in those which are formed
by rain in the inequalities of the soil. They make a hum-
ming sound as they fly along, similar to that made by the
Scaraboei.

Degeer has informed us, that the Hydrophili, as well as
the Dytisci, are carnivorous, and very voracious, and that
they live on such other aquatic and terrestrial insects as they
can catch. This fact, which the examination of the internal

VOL. XIV. 2 r

434 SUPPLEMENT

parts of these insects would seem to contradict, has, neverthe-
less, been confirmed by M. Felix Miger, in a Memoir on the
Metamorphoses of the Hydrophili, inserted in the 14th Vol.
of the Annals of the Museum of Natural History of Paris.
He has fed, for more than a month, the H. caraboides with
water- snails. He has also seen H. piceus devour, with avi-
dity, these same mollusca and aquatic larvae. But he also
remarks, according to his own actual observations, that its
principal food consists of aquatic plants, which might lead
us to believe that it is carnivorous only from circumstances,
or rather that it is omnivorous. Its intestinal canal has been
opened, which is very long, and it has always been found
filled with the debris of vegetable substances.

In the larvae, on the contrary, the intestines are so short,
that they do not exceed in length that of the entire body.
The hydrophili, in the perfect state, have an additional attri-
bute, which characterizes the herbivorous insects. This is,
that they are provided with two very long cceca, which end
in the intestinal canal, near the anus, and are folded on them-
selves, in a spiral figure, in the cavity of the abdomen.

The nature and form of the masticatory apparatus also
seem to furnish a fresh proof that these coleoptera are her-
bivorous. Yet some insects, though herbivorous, are found
to be provided with solid jaws, and strongly denticulated.

Although the hydrophili can live a long time under water,
they are, nevertheless, obliged to respire the air from time
to time. They bring themselves to the surface of the water,
and to arrive there they have only to hold their feet in a state
of repose, and suffer themselves to float. Being lighter than
the water, they swim above it at once. The hinder part of
the body is then applied to the surface of the water, and seen
a little above it. They then raise their elytra a little, or
lower the end of the abdomen, so that it forms a vacancy
between the elytra, and the hinder part of the body, which

ON THE PALPICORNES. 435

thus remains dry. The external air then penetrates easily
between the elytra and the abdomen, so that the air easily
enters there. It is carried to the stigmata placed underneath
the elytra, along the two sides of the abdomen. When the
insect is desirous of returning to the bottom of the water-, it
quickly approaches the abdomen to the elytra, and stops at
the same time the vacancy which is between them, so that
the water can never penetrate it.

Lyonnet has informed us of a very singular fact, the truth
of which is no longer to be doubted, after the excellent ob-
servations of the naturalist, whom w^e have quoted a little
above. It is, that these insects can spin, and make a sort of
nest or shell of silk, of an ovoid figure, in which they lay
and enclose their eggs. Degeer has found similar nests float-
ing on the water, and filled w^ith eggs, from which there
issue forth small larvae, which cannot be mistaken for any
other than those of hydro phi! us or dytiscus.

He was never able to catch the moment in which they were
engaged in the construction of shells of this kind, but Lyon-
net w^as more fortunate, and informs us that he has beheld
the insect working at these shells, that it makes them with
the hinder part of the body, and that it adds a sort of brown
horn, a little curved, and solid. The use of this horn ap-
pears to him to be to retain the shell, when a gust of wind,
or any other accident might overturn it.

These facts, as well as some others, are well developed in
the memoir of M. Miger. He speaks at first of the mode
of sexual intercourse in the hydrophili, which takes place in
the usual manner of other insects ; but the male crooks him-
self to the external edge of the elytra of the female, and
supports himself by means of the last articulation of the
anterior tarsi, which is formed like a triangular palette, or a
trow^el. This observer was witness of the manner in which
the female lays its eggs, and the singular shell which encloses

2 F 2

43G SUPPLEMENT

them. We shall translate his account of these phenomena,
as the subject is one of very great curiosity and interest.

" I beheld her attach herself to the reverse side of a leaf,
which was floating on the water, place herself across it, and
elongating her first pairs of feet, rest them on the upper part
of this leaf, and on each side, so as to make it assume a slight
curve. The abdomen was strongly applied to the reverse
of this leaf, and there were left visible at its extremity, two
appendages, which advanced and retired with quickness, and
from which there appeared to issue forth a white and gummy
fluid. This fluid was the principle of the shell, and the
appendages were the instruments of spinning in the hydro-
philus. Considering these instruments more attentively, I
saw that they deposited here and there, under the leaf,
around the abdomen, and without passing it, some silvery
threads, which applied successively on each other, formed a
small semi-circular pouch, in which the extremity of the
abdomen was, as it were, engaged. At the end of about ten
minutes, the hydrophilus, withdrawing its feet from the upper
part of the leaf, turned itself round quickly, and placed its
head below, without, on that account, taking away from the
shell the extremity of the abdomen.

In this new position the insect kept itself nearly motion-
less, the four anterior feet being extended, and the two
others strongly attached underneath the leaf, and on each
side of the shell. During nearly an hour and a half, I
distinguished easily through the tissue, all the movements of
the spinning instrument. It was a pencil or brush, with two
slips, or thin tufts, which proceeded from right to left, and
from top to bottom, with much agility, in the interior of the
shell, and which invested the parietes and the external edges
of it with this gummy fluid of which we have been speaking.
This shell worked in this manner, and always inside, grew,
thickened, and finally became so compact, that it was po

ON THE PALPICORNES. 437

longer possible for me to distinguish the movements of the
spinneret. In the mean time some small bubbles of air com-
menced to escape from the interior of the shell ; I thought
that it was the eggs which occasioned this displacement ; in
fact, at the moment in which the hydrophilus removed its
abdomen from the extremity of its elytra, I approached to
it a strong magnifier, and I perceived distinctly small oblong
and whitish bodies, which were placed side by side, and
which the spinnerets gradually covered with a white and
transparent fluid. In three quarters of an hour the busi-
ness of laying was over. The insect withdrew its abdomen
by little and little from the under part of the leaf, closed
its shell rather imperfectly, and assumed a new position.

It remained for it to form the point which terminates this
shell. To bring this about, the hydrophilus, always having the
head underneath, brought back its hinder legs on the leaf,
and placed them on each side of the shell. The elytra, the
extremity of which was on a level with the water, were
removed from the abdomen, and passed, by some lines, the
anus, which was very much dilated. The spinnerets were
no longer concealed by any thing. One might easily follow
all their movements ; those were continual and rapid. It
required, however, more than half an hour for the hydro-
philus to form this point. The insect carried here and there,
above the shell, and on the edge of the leaf, a slender and
yellowish thread, which, at the very instant, acquired some
degree of firmness. Speedily new layers were applied on
the first, and as the last always exceeded the preceding by
some lines, there was insensibly formed a slender and coni-
cal appendage, of a citron-yellow colour, which was raised
about an inch above the surface of the water. This labour
being achieved, the hydrophilus directed its spinneret
lightly, from top to bottom, along the point, and bringing
back by degrees, its entire body vmder the water, it aban-

438 SUPPLEMENT

doned the shell, which from this moment was completed.
The whole of these labours lasted for about three hours."

M. Miger has seen three hydrophili thus spinning their
shells under his immediate inspection. But he was unable
to follow them but once in their first labour, because it is
difficult, at this time, to observe, without interrupting them ;
but this is not the case when the oviposition has commenced.
The insect may be drawn out of the water, and even a
portion of the shell removed, without the hydrophilus shew-
ing any apprehensions of the observer, or discontinuing its
operations.

Three females which this naturalist had put into a vessel
filled with water, but without any foreign body which was
proper to serve as a fixed point for their shells, did not spin,
but laid, however, all the three, a sort of cartilaginous,
oblong, and yellowish shell, of the bulk of a grain of barley,
and which, being detached from the anus, fell to the bottom
of the vessel. Having opened them at the end of some days,
he found then neither eggs nor fluid. Not being certain
whether these individuals spin their shells, he does not
venture to decide, if these last are the production of an
abortion, or a mass of superabundant fluid. But as they did
not enclose any egg, and as they were much smaller than
the ordinary shells, this last opinion appears the most
probable.

The spinnerets are scaly, conical threads, two lines in
length, and composed of two articulations, the first of which
is of a clear fawn-colour, spotted with brown, and the second
of this last colour, and much smaller. It is terminated by a
Avhite and transparent lash. Two other conical appendages,
but fleshy and inarticulated, are placed as well as the pre-
ceding between two sorts of corneous and semi-circular lips,
terminating the last ring of the abdomen. The fleshy por-
tion of this ring, by the facility of contraction and dilatation

ON THE PALPICORNES. 439

which it possesses, and by the continued movements in all
directions which the insect can communicate to it, concurs
principally to the execution of the work. It is it which puts
in action the two spinnerets.

The air which the hydrophili possess the faculty of keep-
ing in reserve, under their elytra, and which is often ob-
served in the form of a bubble, serves them for the purpose
of respiration while they are forming their shells, and pre-
serves their eggs from the dangerous influence of the water.
It has been said that these shells floated isolatedly on the
water, and that the horn or point Avhich terminates them,
served as a sort of mast for this little skift". This, however,
only happens when they are empty, for M. Miger has found
always, that a shell filled with eggs is overturned by its own
weight, and that the insect has always need of a support,
such as dry or living plants, to lay the foundations of its
edifice. He thinks, with reason, and as had been already
suspected, that this point of the shell is destined for the
introduction of air. The examination of the nature of the
kinds of fluids, of which the shells are composed, seems
also to strengthen this opinion. The liquid which serves to
form the external tissue is a sort of liquid and gummy paste,
which is melted, and amalgamates with all that surrounds
it, and which becomes, by dessication, a tolerably flexible
envelope, but at the same time so compact, that it hinders
the water from penetrating into the interior. The second
fluid, that which envelopes the eggs at the instant of their
emission, is a slight down of great whiteness, which keeps
them in their places, and without which they might be
bruised. Finally, the fluid of which the point is composed,
is a silky, porous, and lustrous tissue, very like that of the
shells of the lepidoptera. It appears proper for the intro-
duction of the air, and the water penetrates it with facility
from the moment it is submerged. The shell is ovoid,

440 SUPPLEMENT

whitish, with the point of a deep brown, and which, flat at
first upon one side, becomes rounded in drying, and tubular
in all its length. At its base is the aperture prepared for
the issue of the larva. It is closed by some threads, which,
by means of the air enclosed in the shell, hinder the water
from introducing itself. It happens, however, that some
eggs, placed near this aperture, are not always preserved,
and they become decomposed. The interior of the shell,
after we have removed that part opposite to that which is
nearest to the surface of the water, presents from forty-five
to fifty little cylinders, slightly inflated, and curved towards
their summit, of the length of two lines, grouped, in cross-
ing, at the middle of the shell, all in a vertical position,
and having each a particular lodge, formed by the cottony
down of which we have spoken. This down retaining the
eggs, is attached to the upper part of the shell, and leaves,
at the lower part and all around, a void space which extends
as far as the aperture. From this disposition of the eggs,
we may well conceive how the shell, a little isolated, is
retained upon the water in the position which is natural
to it.

The egg undergoes a sort of development. It swells,
assumes a brown and shining tint, and it is possible to dis-
tinguish the form of the larva, and particularly the eyes.
The pellicle of the egg breaks, and we see this larva issue
forth, which is twice as large as the egg, and begins to stir
about in all directions. It disengages itself with so much
the more facility, because there is an empty space above the
head. All the larvae have this part of the body directed to
this side. Thither they repair at their birth, and there they
rest during more than twelve hours without taking any
nourishment, and are stirring about one against the other.
They leave no vestiges of the cottony cases which kept them
separated. M. Miger has several times observed that the

ON THE PALPICORNES. 441

shells become more heavy immediately after the birth of
these larvae. He explains this fact, by supposing that there
is then introduced by the points, a greater quantity of air.

The eggs disclose the young generally in the space of
from twelve to fifteen days, at least in the month of May,
which was the time in which M. Miger made his observa-
tions. The young larvae have scarcely quitted their nest,
than they are seen to re-enter there, issue forth anew, and
sport all around it, up to the moment when the want of
nourishment obliges them to separate.

These larvae change their skin several times in the water,
and in the usual manner. Those which M, Miger attempted
to rear, at their issuing from the egg, perished, probably
from not having had the sort of nourishment which was
suitable to them. But he preserved many of those which
he had taken at a more advanced age, and which were more
robust. They did not make at first, when they were seized,
any motion to defend themselves ; but soon after they made
themselves so flaccid, that he imagined that he was touching
nothing but a simple spoil. Taken by the tail, they imme-
diately contracted themselves, and lost nearly one third of
their length. They became quickly agitated, and squirted
forth, with a slight noise, from the posterior extremity of
their body, a fetid, and blackish water. We know that
many other aquatic larvae have the faculty of drawing in,
and rejecting water by their hinder part. The larvee of the
libellulinge make use of it to carry them forwards. Those
of the dytisci thus humectate their bodies when, being out of
the water, they are exposed to too great a heat. It appears
that those of the hydrophili employ this means for defend-
ing- themselves.

M. Miger put these larvae into fresh spring water. They
swam there with great facility, agitating their feet in a
lively manner. They often came to the surface to respire.

442 SUPPLEMENT

applying there the posterior extremity of their body, where
the organs of respiration are situated. They keep thsm
even on a level with the water when they are in a state
of repose. They then hook themselves to aquatic plants,
and often one to another, extending themselves horizontally.
Those which the naturalist, just mentioned, reared, never
fought amongst themselves. They lived on aquatic insects,
and particularly on water^snails, to which they are very
partial. Lyonnet has observed that their head is a little
inclined backwards, to enable them to seize the mollusca with
more facility, and that .their back serves as a resting-point
on which to break the shell, and a table on which to eat the
animal. After having seized it with their mandibles, they
bend themselves backwards, raise the back a little, and rest
the snail upon it. In this attitude, with their head a little
turned, it bears more perpendicularly on the shell, which
gives them a greater facility in breaking it, and then eating
the animal.

M. Mister confirms the truth of these observations. He
has given to these larvae some small pieces of raw meat, on
which they have lived during a longer space than fifteen days.

When they are on the point of passing into the nymph
state, they issue from the water, gain the shore, and employ-
ing their mandibles and feet, they dig for themselves in the
earth an almost spherical cavity, very smooth, about eighteen
lines in diameter, and presenting no aperture. Their body,
in this retreat, is placed upon the belly, and curved into an
arch. They still preserve their form for about the space of
ten days. Their skin afterwards opens on the back, as far as
the fourth ring, commencing from the head, and the nymph
thus makes itself a passage. It is thirteen or fourteen lines
in length, whitish, terminated by forked appendages, and
presents, at each of the anterior angles of its corslet, an
aigrette of three corneous and recurved hairs. Its body, the

ON THE PALPICORNES. 443

head of which is inclined under the corslet, and its abdomen
a little curved, is supported in this lodge only by means of
these various appendages. No other part is in contact with
the interior parietes of its dwelling, which circumstance, ac-
cording to M. Miger, preserves it from an injurious degree
of humidity. If this nymph be turned on the back or side,
it soon re-establishes itself in its natural position, by the
movements of the rings of its body. But it does so with
difficulty in a cavity of a different curve.

The nymph state endures about three weeks, during which
the corneous parts become coloured by little and little.
Turned upon its back, and causing its feet and the rings of
its body to move, the insect contrives to disengage itself from
its envelope, which was at first cleft at its superior part.
The elytra being applied under the belly, go and place them-
selves over the back ; the wings are unfolded and remain ex-
tended, until they have acquired a certain degree of consis-
tence. The insect soon draws them under the cases, which
are still white and soft, and places itself upon its feet, which
are as yet but infirm. At the end of twenty-four hours it
has acquired the brown colour which is proper to it ; but it
still remains for twelve days in the earth, and without mov-
ing. When this period has elapsed, it has acquired all its
strength. The flexibility of its elytra, the compressibility
of its body, and the play of its other external organs, impart
to it the means of breaking its prison. It escapes through
a very small aperture. According to the very interesting
observations of M. Miger, the total duration of these meta-
morphoses, beginning with the oviposition, is about ninety-
eight days ; of this number the insect has passed sixty days
in the larva form.

According to this skilfid naturalist, the larvse of the hy-
drophili are of two kinds. The first, which he designates
under the name of swimmers, (nageuses;) have near the res-

444 SUPPLEMENT

piratory organ, short and fleshy appendages, and which,
when these larvae come to the surface of the water to respire,
serve to keep their head down, and the body, as it were, sus-
pended by its posterior part. They swim with agility. The
other larvae, which he calls rampant, are deprived of these
appendages, do not swim, and remain constantly on a level
with the water. They do not suspend themselves like the
first, but turned on the back, they proceed onwards with
considerable swiftness, and make horizontal and vermicular
movements. Both these sorts of larva undergo their meta-
morphoses in the earth. Their nymphs have always two
small appendages at the posterior extremity of the body, and
some corneous hairs or aigrettes at the anterior edge of the
corslet. The lateral tubercles of the body of the larva are
very much diversified in their forms and dimensions. But
these modifications have not appeared to M. Miger, to be con-
nected with any sensible changes in their habits. The hy-
drophili, which are essentially swimmers, may proceed from
larvae placed in these two divisions. Their females spin
the shell or cocoon, of which we have given the description-
But the species which swim with difficulty, appertain, in
general, to the second division. Their females carry under
the body a silky tissue enveloping the eggs. They have fili-
form tarsi, less appropriate to the purposes of natation than
those of the species of the first, Avith the crotchets of the
tarsi entire or scarcely unidenticulated.

The Elophori differ from Silpha in the antennae ; from
dermestes, in the mandibles and jaws; from hydropMlus, in
the mandibles, jaws, palpi, and tarsi.

The Elophori are small insects which live in the water, and
usually swim at the surface, where they remain on duck-weed,
confervcB^ and other aquatic plants. According to Schrank,
they feed on the larvae of other insects, and tlie spoils of frogs.
It has been remarked, tliat when this insect is in the water, it

ON THE PALPICORNES. 445

always conceals its antennas under the head, and only suffers
the barbies to appear, which it keeps in continual motion ;
but when it walks on dry ground, it advances first its an-
tennae. The larva is unknown. The Elophorns aquaticus
is found through Kurope in fresh and stagnant waters.

On the remaining sub genera of this tribe there is nothing
which can be added here.

The insects of the genus Sphceridium have been con-
founded by Linnaeus and Geoffrey with Dermestes, and by
Degeer with Hister. But they are distinguished from both
one and the other, by the number of articulations in their an-
tennas, their insertion, the size of their maxillary palpi, the
labium, and various other characters.

They approximate much nearer to hydrophilus, &c. But
independently of their not living in the water, they are re-
moved from them by the character of their tarsi, their jaws,
and the size of the second articulation of their maxillary
palpi. Some males, like certain of the hydrophili, have the
last articulation of the anterior tarsi dilated. These insects
feed, for the most part, on the dung of animals, especially on
cow-dung, and are of small size, hemispherical form, black
and shining. The Leiodes and Phalceri have, in these last
relations, some resemblance to them, and were even at first
placed in the same genus. But they are strongly distin-
guished from them by the number of articulations in their
tarsi.

THE

SIXTH AND LAST FAMILY

OF THE

PENTAMEROUS COLEOPTERA.

The Lamellicornes

Present us with antennae inserted in a deep fosset, under
the lateral edge of the head, always short, of nine or ten
articulations, for the most part, and terminating in all in a
knob, usually composed of the last three, which are in the
form of plates or laminae — sometimes disposed like a fan, or
in the manner of the leaves of a book, opening or shutting
in the same way — sometimes turned, and emboxing concentri-
cally ; the first, or the under one of this knob, having then
the form of a half-tunnel, and receiving the others, some-
times disposed perpendicularly to its axis, and forming a sort
of comb.

The body is generally ovoid or ovaliform, and thick.
The external side of the two anterior legs is denticulated,
and the articulations of the tarsi, some males excepted, are
entire and without either brush or cushion underneath. The
anterior extremity of the head is advanced, or dilated, most
frequently in the manner of a hood. The nientum is usually
large, covers the lingua, or is incorporated with it, and carries
the palpi. The mandibles of many are membranous, a cha-

OKDKK COI.EOPTEKA. 44'7

racter not observed in any other coleoptera. Often the males
diifer from the females, either by elevations in the form of
horns, or tubercles on the corslet or head, or by the size of
their mandibles.

This family is very considerable, and one of the hand-
somest of the insects of this order, in relation to the size of
the body, the variety of forms of the corslet and head, consi-
dered in the two sexes, and often also in the species which
live in the perfect state, on vegetable substances, by the bril-
liancy of the metallic colours by which it is adorned. But
the most part of the other species which feed on decomposed
vegetables, or excrementitious substances, are commonly of a
uniform black or brown tint. Some Coprophagi, neverthe-
less, do not yield in this respect to the preceding. All are
winged, and their walk is heavy.

The larvae have the body long, almost semi-cylindrical,
soft, often wrinkled, whitish, divided into twelve rings, with
the head scaly, armed with strong mandibles, and six scaly
feet. Each side of the body has nine stigmata. Its poste-
rior extremity is thicker, rounded, and almost always curved
underneath, so that these larvae, having the back convex or
arched, cannot extend themselves in a right line, walk badly
on a smooth plane, and fall every moment either reversed or
on the side. We may form some idea of their structure
from that of the larvae, so well known to gardeners under the
name of the white worm, that of the common May-bug.
Some do not change into the nymph, but at the end of from
three to four years. They form for themselves, in their
sojourn, with earth, or the debris of substances which they
have gnawed, an ovoid shell, or in the form of an elongated
ball, the parts of which are connected with a glutinous sub-
stance,which they cause to issue from their bodies. They feed
on excrements, on dung, the soil itself, the roots of vegeta-
bles, and often even on those which are necessary to our wants.

448 CLASS INSECTA.

from whence very considerable damage often accrues to the
agriculturist. The tracheae of these larvaj are elastic, while
those of the perfect insect are tubular. The nervous system,
considered in these two ages, also presents remarkable dif-
ferences. The ganglia are less numerous, and more approxi-
mating in the insect arrived at its final transformation, and
the two hinder ones throw out a great number of threads,
disposed in radii. According to the observations of M.
Marcel de Serres, on the eyes of insects, those of the majo-
rity of the lamellicornes present peculiar characters, and which
approximate their organization to that of the tenebriones,
blattae, and other lucifugous insects.

The alimentary tube is in general very long, especially in
the coprophagi, folded on itself, and the chylific ventricle
bristles with papillas, which M. Dufour has recognized to be
sacs destined for the repository of the alimentary fluid. The
biliary vessels resemble, in their number and mode of im-
plantation, those of the carni^'orous coleoptera, but they arc
much longer, and more attenuated.

We shall divide this family into two tribes.*

The first, that of the ScarahocidcB) presents antennae, ter-
minated in a foliated knob, and plicatile in the majority, but
in others composed of emboxed articulations, either in the
form of an inverted cone, or almost globular. The mandi-
bles are identical, or almost similar in the two sexes, but the
head and corslet of the male individuals often present projec-
tions or peculiar forms ; sometimes also their antennae are
more developed.

This tribe corresponds to the genus

* The anatomy is, according to M. Dufour, so different, that these
two tribes ought to constitute two families. The sections would then be
tribes, and would form, some of their divisions, so many principal
genera.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. I'M)

SCARAB.EUS, Lin.

The alimentary tube is in general much longer than that
N of the Lamellicornes of the following tribe, or that of the
lucanides, and the oesophagus is proportionally much shorter.
The adipose tissue, or epiploon, is generally almost nullified,
while here it is much more marked. But it is especially in
the genital male apparatus that the Scarabeides are distin-
guished not only from these last, but also from all the other
pentamerovis coleoptera. Their testicles, according to the
observations of M. Dufour, consist in spermatic capsulae,
tolerably bulky, very distinct, pedicled, and varying in num-
ber according to the genera.

The larvae (Cuvier, Regne Anim.) have a cylindrical sto-
mach, surrounded with three ranges of small coecums, a
narrow intestine, very short, a colon extremely bulky, and
inflated, and a moderate rectum.

^.Ve shall divide this genus into many small sections, esta-
blished on the consideration of the masticatory organs, the
antennae, and the habits — sections whose distinction has been
confirmed by the anatomical researches of the philosopher
above cited.

The CoPROPHAGi, or Scarabeides of our first section, have
antennae usually composed of nine articulations, and of eight
in the others, of which the last three form the knob. The
labrum and the mandibles are membranous and concealed.
The lobe terminating the jaws is also of this consistence,
broad, and arched at the superior edge, and curved within.
The last articulation of the maxillary palpi is always the
greatest of all, almost ovaliform, or almost cylindrical, but
the same of the labial is almost always more slender than
the preceding, or very small. Behind each of these last
palpi is a membranous prominence in the form of a little
tongue. The mentum is emarginated. The sternum pre-

VOL. XIV. 2 G

450 CLASS INSECTA.

sents no peculiar prominence, and the crooks of the tarsi are
always simple. The anterior tarsi are often wanting in many,
either from their birth or through decay.

The alimentary tube is always very long, and this length
is even sometimes {Copris lunaris), ten or twelve times more
considerable than that of the body. The chylific ventricle,
occupying the major part, is bristling with conoid papillae, or
in the form of nails, very much folded upon itself, and sus-
tained in this state of agglomeration by numerous trachean
bridles. The intestine is filiform, and terminated by an in-
flation. The testicles of the coprophagi, dissected by M.
Dufour, appeared to hira to be composed of six spermatic
capsules, orbicular, a little depressed, usually united by some
tracheae into a packet, each carried on a tubular pedicle, tole-
rably long, and which leads to a deferential canal of no great
length. There is but one pair of vesiculae seminales ; they
are filiform, very long, and very much folded.

This first section corresponds to the third division of the
genus Scarabaeus of Olivier, or to that of Bousier {Copris),
but adding some Scarabaei {Aphodus) of this naturalist.

Some have the two intermediate feet much more separated
at their origin than the others. The labial palpi are very
hairy, with the last articulation much smaller than the others,
or even very indistinct. There is either no scutellum, or a
very small one, and the anus is uncovered.

Some Coprophagi of this division, proper to the ancient
continent, with rounded body, usually depressed above, or
but little gibbous, similar, or but little different, and without
horns in the two sexes ; in which the antennae with nine ar-
ticulations are terminated in a foliated knob, without scu-
tellum, or any sutural hiatus indicating its place ; in which
the four posterior limbs, usually furnished, as well as the
tarsi, with fringes of hairs, or lashes, are slender, elongated,
little or not at all dilated at their extremity, truncated

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 451

obliquely, and terminating in a single spur, robust, in the
form of a spine or point ; in fine, those in which the hood is
always more or less lobate, or denticulated, form the genus

Ateuchus of M. Weber and of Fabricius ;

But, since, restrained to the species in which the elytra have
the external edge straight, or without emargination or sinus
near their base, and leaving uncovered the corresponding
portion of the upper edges of the abdomen. The legs and
the tarsi of the last four feet are furnished with long hairs.
The first four articulations of the tarsi are generally longer
than in the others. The first of the labials is almost cylin-
drical, or in an inverted cone. The hood is most frequently
divided into three lobes or festoons, and its contour presents
six teeth.

These insects, which Mr. W. Macleay, in a work full of
research and ingenious views, entitled HorcB Entomologicce,
(1st Vol. 1st part, p. 184) designates under the generic name
of Scarabcsiis, as being that which they originally received
from the Latins, and of which he has given in the same work
an excellent monograph, enclose their eggs in a ball of dung,
and even of human excrements, similar to large pills, from
which circumstance they have been named by some writers
Pilularice. They roll them with their hind feet, and often
in company, until they have found holes proper to receive
them, or places where they can bury them.

Two species of Ateuchus formed a part of the religious wor-
ship of the ancient Egyptians, and of their hieroglyphic writ-
ing. They are to be retraced in all their monuments, and under
divers positions, and often depicted of gigantic dimensions.
They have also represented them separately, employing even
the most precious substances for that purpose, such as gold.
They formed of them seals, and amulets suspended to the

2 G 2

4.52 CLASS INSECTA.

neck, and which they buried with the mummies. The insect
itself has been found enclosed in some of their coffins.

The ScarahcBUs sacer, of Linnaeus, or Ateuchus sacer of
Oliv., Col. I. 3. viii. 59, which is found not only throughout
all Egypt, but in the southern parts of France, in Spain, in
Italy, and in general to the south of Europe, had been hitherto
regarded as the object of this superstition ; but another
species discovered in the Sennari, by M. Caillaud de Nantes,
appears, in consequence of its more brilliant colours and of
the country in which it is found, which was the first sojourn
of the Egyptians, to have first fixed their attention. This
species, which I have' named Ateuchus of the Egyptians,
(Voyage a Meroe au Fleuve blanc, IV. p. 272. Att. d'Hist.
Nat. et d'Antiq. II. Iviii. 10.) is green, with a golden tint,
while the first is black. The hood has on one side and the
other six denticulations, but here the vertex has two small
eminences, or tubercles, instead of which that of the other,
or the A. of the Egyptians, presents but one feeble eminence,
elongated, smooth, and very shining. The corslet, with the
exception of the middle of the back, is entirely punctuated,
and even chagreened laterally, with denticulated edges. The
intervals of the striae of the elytra, are, besides, finely
chagreened, and present sunken points, tolerably numerous
and tolerably broad. The internal side of the two anterior
limbs presents a series of small teeth. In our Ateuchus sacer
this same side has usually two teeth, tolerably strong.

Some of these insects (^S*. Esculapius, Oliv.) and another
species, Hippocrates, whose corslet and abdomen are shorter,
rounder, and more convex, in which the first articulation of
the labial palpi is also shorter and broader, in the form of a
reversed triangle, compose the genus Pachysomia, of Mr.
Kirby.*

* Besides the above-mentioned ateuchi, refer to the same sub-genus

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 453

The Ateuchi, whose elytra have, at the external edge,
near their basis, strong emargination, are now, the

Gymnopleurus, lUig.

The four posterior limbs, are, in general, simply ciliated,
or furnished with small spines, and the last articulation of
their tarsi is as long, or longer than the preceding taken to-
gether. The first of the labials is dilated at the internal
edge, and almost triangular. The corslet has a fosset on
each side.*

Other coprophagi, very analogous to the preceding, and
ranged also with the ateuchi, by Fabricius, are distinguished
from them by their intermediate limbs, the extremity of
which, as well as that of the last two, often dilated, or in a
knob, presents two spurs or spines. The hood has, in many,
but four or two teeth. The first articulation of the labial
palpi, is always larger than the following, and dilated at the
external side. The third and last articulation is distinct.
At first comes

Sisyphus,

Which differ from the other coprophagi in their antennae,
having but eight articulations, and by reason of the triangu-
lar form of their abdomen. The last four feet are long,

the A, laticollis, variolosiis, semi punctatus, miliaris, sanctus, &c. of Fabri-
cius, and some others. See the fore-mentioned work of Mr. Macleay;
and the Entomography of Russia, in which some species of this sub-genus
and the following are perfectly figured.

* The Ateuchi, sinuatus, pilularius, Jlagellatus, Leei, Koenigu, cuprcus,
profanusy &c. of Fabricius; the Sc.fulgidus, of Oliv., &c. ; the ateuchi of
Fabricius, which are proper to America, belong to the other sub-genera.
Mr. Macleay {Hor. Entom. I. part ii. p. 510) preserves still the Gymno-
lopleuri with the ateuchi, or his scarabsei, but he makes a division of
them, in which he indicates the species.

454 CLASS INSECTA.

narrow, with the thighs in a knob. The body is short and
thick. The scutel is wanting.*

CiRCELLiuM, Latr.,

In which the body is hemispherical, gibbous, with the abdo-
men almost semi-circular, and the lateral edges of the corslet
straight, or not dilated in the middle. There is no scutellum.
The hood presents four or six denticulations. {Ateuchus
Bacchus, HollandicB, of Fab.)

CopROBius, Latr.

Equally without scutellum, and in which the body is ovoid,
not at all, or but little gibbous, with the middle of the lateral
edges of the corslet dilated, in the manner of a blunt, or
rounded angle, the abdomen almost square, and the hood
bidenticulated. These insects are more especially proper to
the New Continent.-f-

The species whose four posterior limbs are proportionally
shorter, dilated or widened remarkably at their extremity,
with the fist articulations of the tarsi broader, compose the
genus Choeridium of M. Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau, and
Serville (Encyc. Method.). We shall unite again to the
Coprophili that which they name Hyhoma (ibid).

Another sub-genus, bordering on the preceding, the species
of which are also American, that which they call jEschrotes,
but which M. Dalman had published (Ephem. Entom. 1824)
before them, under another denomination, that of

EURYSTERNUS,

Differs from the preceding by the presence of a scutellum .
The body is, otherwise, of an oblong-oval form, plain above,

* Ateuchus SchcEfferi, Fab.; — Sc. longipes, Oliv., and some other unpub-
lished species of the Cape of Good Hope.
■\ The A. volvens, violaceus, triangularis, G-2mnctatus, &c. of Fabricius.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 455

with the posterior sides of the corslet cut abruptly, and in an
oblique direction. The intermediate haunches are directed in
the line of the length of the body, and parallel to its sides.

In all the following coprophagi, the four posterior limbs
are always dilated at their extremity, and almost in the form
of an elongated triangle ; the intermediate, as in the last, in
two strong spines, or spurs ; but the head, or the corslet, or
both, present in the males horns or eminences, which distin-
guish them from the other sex. In many, the last three arti-
culations of the antennse, semicupular, are emboxed con-
centrically. These insects are referred to the genera Ojiitis
and Copris of Fabricius.

Two sub-genera, with antennary foliated knob, present us
a character which, in this section, is exclusively peculiar to
themselves. The third articulation of the labial palpi is
little, or not at all distinct, and the preceding is larger than
the first.

Oniticellus

Have the body oblong, depressed, with the corslet large,
almost oval, and nearly as long as broad, and always smooth.
The scutellum is distinct. Some simple raised lines, or tu-
bercles of the head, distinguish the males from the females.

Onthophagus, Latr. Copris, Fab.

Present no scutellum. Their body is short, with the cors-
let tolerably thick, broader than long, whether semi-orbicu-
lar, or almost orbicular, but strongly emarginated or trun-
cated in front. The head, and often the corslet also, is
horned in the males.

♦S*. Taurus, Lin. Oliv. Col. I. 3. viii. 63. Small, black ;
two arched horns in a semicircle on the head of the male ; two
raised and transverse lines on that of the female. Found in
cow-dung.

456 CLASS INSECTA.

S. Ntichicornis, Lin. Panz. Faun, Insect. Germ. I. i. and
XLIX. 8. Small, black, with the cases gray, and some with
small black spots. A compressed elevation, and in the form
of a plate, and terminating in almost a straight point on the
hinder part of the head of the male ; two raised and trans-
verse lines on that of the female ; a tubercle on the anterior
part of its corslet. Found with the preceding. Africa and
the East Indies present many other species of them, some of
which are very brilliant, but all of small size. (Dej. ; see
Latreille Gener. Crust, et Insect. II. p. 83.)

Two other sub-genera, presenting a scutellum or sutural
hiatus, indicating its place, whose anterior feet are often des-
titvite of tarsi, and often still more long, narrow, and arched
in the males, are distinguished from all the other coprophagi
by the form of the knob of their antennae. Its first articula-
tion, or the seventh of all, is in the form of a semi-cornet,
emboxing the following, a portion of which at least is con-
cealed, and has the form of a horse-shoe. The third, or last,
is in the form of a reversed cupola. The corslet is large, and
usually presents, near the middle of its posterior edge, two
small fossets.

Onitis, Fab.,

In which the second articulation of the labial palpi is the
largest of all, and the scutellum, though very small and
sunken, is nevertheless visible.

The anterior feet are generally longer, more slender, and
arched in the males. Their tarsi are most frequently wanting.
The corslet, a small number excepted, is without horns.
(Consult the article Oniiis of the Encyclopedie Methodique).

Phatst.eus, Macl. Lonchophorus, Germ. Scarabceus, Lin.
Copris, Onitis, Fab.

In which the first articulation of the labial palpi is the
largest of allj and dilated at the internal edge. A simple

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 457

sutural vacancy indicates the place of the scutellum. The
males differ much from their females, by the prominences in
the form of horns, of the head and corslet ; but the respective
lengths of the feet are identical.

Many large and fine species of the Copris of Fabricius
compose this sub-genus.*

Copris (proper), Geoff. Fab. Scaraboeus, Lin.

Does not comprehend at present more than those whose
antennae are terminated by a knob Avith three leaves, in which
the fore posterior limbs are strongly dilated, and truncated
at their extremity ; which have neither scutellum nor vacancy
in its place; whose body is always thick, and differs above,
according to the sexes ; and which have the labial palpi com-
posed of three distinct articulations, the first of which is
larger, almost cylindrical, and not dilated at the internal
side.

The largest species inhabit the countries of Africa and the
East Indies, situated between the tropics or in their neigh-
bourhood.

We find very commonly in Europe, S. Lunaris, Lin.
Oliv. ib. V. 36., which is eight lines in length, black, very
shining, with the head emarginated at the anterior edge^
bearing an elevated horn, more long, and pointed in the
male, short and truncated in the female. (S- emarginatiis,
Oliv. ibid. viii. 64.) The corslet is truncated in front, with
a horn on each side. The elytra are deeply striated.-f-

As Avell as the lamellicornes of the following sections, the

* Encj'c. Method, article Phanee, and above all, the work of Mr. W.
Macleay, entitled Horas Entomol. I. part I. p. 124. He refers. thither the
following Scarabiei of Olivier, bellicosus, lancifer, Jasius, Alimas, Belzebut,
festivus, carnifexy &c.

■j- The Copris : Antenor, Haniadri/as, Midas, gigas, bucephalus, molossus,
hisjianus, nemctrinics, numestrinus, Sabceus, Jachus, &c of Fabricius. The

458 CLASS TNSECTA.

last coprophagi have all the feet inserted at an equal dis-
tance from each other, and a very distinct scutellum. The
labial palpi are smooth, or but little hairy, with the third
and last articulation larger, or at least longer than the pre-
ceding. The elytra entirely envelope the compass of the
abdomen, or form to it a vault, a character which approxi-
mates them to the scarabeides of the following sections.
These insects have, otherwise, very great relations, both as
to the antennae and the feet, with those of the preceding
sub-genus ; but the sexual differences are less marked, and
often consist only in simple small eminences, in the form of
tubercles. All these coprophagi, are, moreover, of small size.
Many species make their appearance from the earliest days
of spring. They compose two sub-genera.

Aphodius, Illig. Fab. Scarahceus, Lin. Geoff. Copris. Oliv.

The last articulation of the palpi is cylindrical, that of
the labial is a little more slender than the preceding, or at
all events not thicker. The jaws have not at the internal
edge any appendage, or corneous and denticulated lobe.
The body is rarely short, with the abdomen very gibbous,
and when it presents these characters the corslet is not fur-
rowed transversely.

S- Jimetarius, Lin. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ, XXXI.
2, three lines in length, black, with the cases and a spot of
the corslet fawn-colour, three tubercles on the head, some
punctuated striae on the elytra. (See Schoen. Synon. Insect.
I. i. p. 66. Panz. Ind. Entom. p. 7-)

PSAMMODIUS, Gyll.,

In which the last articulation of the palpi is almost ovali-

AteucJiui Tmolus, of M. Fischer (Entom. de la Russie, I. viii, I. 2.) is a
copris.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 459

fonn, and the longest and thickest of all, and in which the
internal lobe of the jaws is corneous, and divided into two
teeth. The body is short, with the corslet furrowed trans-
versely, and the abdomen inflated.*

This sub-genus conducts us naturally to the first of the
following section, that of the Arenicoli. These scara-
beides are, with the aphodii and psammodii, the only ones
whose elytra entirely cover the abdomen, so that the anus
is concealed ; but many characters distinguish them from the
latter. The labrum is coriaceous and most frequently
out-edges the hood. The mandibles are corneous, usually
projecting and arched. The lobe terminating the jaws is
straight, and not curved internally. The third and last
articulation of the labial palpi is always very distinct, and
almost as long, at least, as the preceding. Some excepted,
the antennae are composed of ten or eleven articulations.

These coleoptera also live on dung, dig deep holes in the
earth, fly more especially in the evening, after the setting
of the sun, and counterfeit death when they are taken in
the hand. M. Leon Dufour informs us that the digestive
canal of Geotrupes, one of the principal sub-genera of this
section, has a little less extent than that of Copris, and that

» I refer here, only the Psammodius svlcicollis of M. Gyllenhall. (Insect.
Siiec. I. p. 9.) The other species, the first excepted, (see JEgialia,) are
true aphodii. See Encyc. Method., Article, Psammodii.

The genus Eupaiuaj established in the Encyclopedie Methodique, by
M.M. Lepeletier and Serville, belong without any doubt to this section ;
but as they have not been marked completely, and as I have not seen the
species, which serves as type, I cannot assign its place. According to
them, the sides of the head are dilated, and form a triangle. The poste-
rior angles of the corslet are emarginated, and the humeral angles of the
elytra are prolonged in front, in the manner of a point. The only species
pointed out is the E. castanea. These characters, and the colour, make
me suspect that this genus is greatly approximating to that of JEurt/sicrnus
of M. Dalman, of which we have spoken.

460 CLASS INSECTA.

the chylific ventricle presents no vestige of papillae. (Annal,
des Sc. Nat. III. p. 234.)

In the Geotrupides, Macl., the labium is terminated by
two lobes or projecting tongues. The mandibles are gene-
rally prominent and arched. The labrum is in the whole
or in part uncovered. The antennae are composed in the
greater number of eleven articulations. The body is black
or reddish, with the elytra smooth, or simply striated. The
males have frequent projections in the form of horns, or
differ externally by other characters from the individuals of
the other sex. These insects live more particularly on ex-
crementitious matters.

Some have nine articulations on the antennae.

jEgialia, Latr. Aphodius, Fab.,

Have the labrum very short, transversal, scarcely apparent,
and entire, the mandibles terminating in a bifid point, the
internal lobe of the jaws corneous and bidenticulated ; the
body short, inflated, with the corslet transverse, and the
abdomen gibbous. The four posterior limbs thick, incised,
and the last two terminated by two compressed spurs,
almost elliptical, or in the form of a spatula. The ante-
rior two have no teeth on the internal edge. The posterior
thighs are stronger.*

Chiron, Mac L. Dlosomus, Dalm. Sinodendron, Fab.,

Approach, in consequence of the knob of the antennas, rather
semipectinate than foliated, to the Lamellicornes of the
second tribe, and have, in fact, been placed there by Mr.
W. Macleay. But they belong from the assemblage of
other characters to the present section. Their labrum is

* PsammoLRuf arenarius, Gyll. Insect. Suec. I. p. 6: Srambceus globosus,
Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XXXVII. 2; Aj)hodiits arenaiius, Fab.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 46l

entirely uncovered, large, ciliated, and quadridenticulated.
Their mandibles are robust, in the form of an elongated
triangle, with two teeth at the internal edge. The two
maxillary lobes are coriaceous and unarmed. The body is
narrow, elongated, almost cylindrical, with the corslet, lon-
gitudinal, separated from the abdomen by a deep strangula-
tion. The abdomen is elongated, and the anterior legs
broad, digitate, and provided at the end of the spur, with
a silky tooth at the end. The thighs have a lenticular
form, and the anterior ones are larger. The anterior ex-
tremity of the head presents a transverse range of little
tubercles.*

Others have eleven articulations on the antennas. -|-
Some are distinguished from all the others by the knob
being in a reversed cone, and composed of articulations or
leaves, turned in the manner of a funnel, and emboxed con-
centrically, and by their mandibles, entirely denticulated
like a saw on the internal side, and presenting underneath,
especially in the males, a sort of advancement or horn. The
corslet is very much emarginated in front in these indivi-
duals, with the anterior angles very much prolonged forwards.
The abdomen is very short, almost semi-circular, and the
last feet are but very little removed from its extremily. The
labial palpi are a little longer than the others, with the se-
cond articulation elongated, and the other two almost of
equal length. The jaws are provided internally with hairs
and lashes, in the form of small spines ; their terminal lobe

* Sinodendron digitatum. Fab. ; Chiron digitatiis, Macl. Hor. Entom. I.
Part I. p. 107 J Diasomus digitatus, Dalm. Ephem. Entom. I. p. 4.

■j- This computation is sometimes doubtful, seeing that it is not always
easy to distinguish the articulation which precedes the knob, and that it
may in appearance be confounded with the first of this knob. The base
of the second also forms a sort of knot, or rotula, which might be taken
for an articulation.

462 CLASS INSECTA.

is narrow and elongated. The mentum is in the form of a
triangle, truncated transversely at its extremity. Such are

Lethrus, Scop. Fab.,

Of which the species, very few in number, are proper to
Hungary and the western provinces of Russia.

Lethrus cephalotes, Fab. Fisch. Entom. de la Russe, I.
p. 133. XIII. i., distinguished from the other species by its
colour entirely black, its corslet and elytra smooth, is, ac-
cording to the celebrated Professor Gothelf Fischer, an ani-
mal very hurtful to cultivated places, because it seeks, in
preference, the buds or leaves scarcely apparent, and cuts
them neatly with the trenchant pincers of its mandibles. On
this account it is called, in Hungary, where it does much
damage to the vineyards, Schneider (Cutter). The breast
advancing much below the abdomen, and the hind feet ap-
pearing to be inserted near the anus, it climbs very well, and
returns by moving backwards. After having cut the heart
of a plant, it moves backwards like a crab, carrying its prey
into each hole. Each hole dug in the earth is occupied by a
pair; but in the time of coupling, a male stranger often
presents himself, desiring admittance. Then commences a
vehement combat, during which the female closes the en-
trance of the hole, and always pushes the male from behind.
This combat does not cease but with the death or flight of
the male stranger. This philosopher has described three
other species unknown before his time. {Ibid. p. 136, 1 40.)

All the other arenicoli have the knob of the antennas com-
posed of leaves of the ordinary form, and applied one over
the other in the same direction, or like those of a book.
They compose our sub-genus Geotrutes, or that of Scara-
hoeus of Fabricius, and from which the following sub-genera
have been since detached.

Those in which the knob of the antennae is oval, or ovoid,

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 4>63

and in which all the leaves have, even in a state of contrac-
tion, their edges totally or partially uncovered, compose
two

Geotrupes (proper), Lat.

Have the labrum in a transverse square, entire, or simply
denticulated. The mandibles arched, very much compressed,
denticulated at their extremity, and often sinuous on the
external edge. The jaws furnished with a very thick fringe
of hairs : the last articulation of the palpi scarcely larger
than the preceding, but the same of the labials larger. The
mentum profoundly emarginated ; the anterior legs elongated,
with a great number of teeth on the external side, and a
single spur or spine at their internal extremity, and the hood
in the form of a lozenge.

Sometimes the males have the corslet armed with horns.
Those are the ceratophyus of M. Fischer, or the Armideus
of M. Ziegler.

G. Phalaoigista, {S. typhcBus^ Lin. Oliv. Col. I. 3. vii.
52.) black, three advanced horns in the form of points,
the intermediate one of which is shorter in front of the
corslet of the male. Cases striated. In sandy and elevated
places.

G. Momus, S. Momus, Fab. discovered in Spain, by M.
le Comte Dejean, differs from the preceding by its smooth
elytra, and resembles it in the rest.

G. Dispar, Male, Ceratophyus Dispar, Fisch. Entom.
de la Russie, II. xviii. A species which is found in Italy and
in Russia, has a horn upon the head and on the corslet.

Sometimes the two sexes are destitute of horns. These
are geotrupes proper.

G. stercorarius, Scarabceus stercorarius, Lin. Oliv. ib.
V. 39, of a shining black, or a deep green above, violet or
golden green underneath, a tubercle on the vertex, punctu-

4G4

CLASS INSECTA.

ated stripes on the elytra, the intervals smooth, two denticu-
lations at the base of the posterior thighs.

G. vernalis, S. vernalis, Lin. Oliv. Col. iv. 23, shorter
than the preceding, approaching the hemispherical form, of
a violet or blue black, with the antennae black, and the elytra
smooth.

OcHOD.EUs, Meg. Mehlonthay Fab.*

Have the labrum strongly emarginated and nearly in the
form of a heart truncated posteriorly ; the mandibles are in
the form of an elongated triangle, one of which terminates
in a single point, with a notch underneath, and the other in
two obtuse teeth ; the exterior lobe of the jaws is edged with
small spines or large cilias, bent at the end, with two internal
small corneous and equal teeth ; the other, or internal lobe,
formed of a pencil of silk brought to a point ; the last arti-
culation of the palpi is much larger than the preceding, and
is cylindrical ; the second of the labial palpi is larger than
the others, and the following or last is a truncated ovoid.
The fore legs have only two teeth on the outer side, and the
end of the opposite side two spines, the lowest being the
smallest. The body is in proportion less elevated than that
of the other geotrupes, and without horns.

The Geotrupes — with a knob to the antennae, large,
orbicular, and nearly globular, the first and last laminae
of which entirely cover, when contracted, the intermediate
or tenth, or form for it a sort of case — compose three other
sub-genera.

Athyreus, Macl.

Approximate to the coprophagi by the intermediate tarsi
being wider at their insertion than the others. Horae Entomol.
I. i. p. 128.

* Melolontha chrysomcUna, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 465

Elephastomus, Macl.

Are remarkable by the chaperon dilated on each side, and
prolonged forward in their middle into a sub-quadrangular
lamina, thicker and forked at the end, and moreover by the
length of the maxillary palpi, which is nearly three times
that of the labial. The chin is deeply emarginated, and the
two mandibles are indented at their extremity, Horae
Entomol. p. 121. ScarabcEus proboscideus, Schreib. Trans.
Lin. Soc. vj. 189.

BoLBOCERAS,* Kirby, Odontceus, Ziegl. Scarahceus,
Lin. Fab.,

In which, as in Ochodaeus, to which they approximate
closely, one of the mandibles is simple, and the other biden-
ticulated at the end ; the maxillary palpi are scarcely larger
than the labial, and the chin has no emargination.

We have one species in France, S. mobilicornis. Fab.
Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. xii. 2. It is small, black above,
yellow underneath, with a very long horn, linear, slightly
bent back, and moveable on the head. The corslet is deeply
punctuated, channeled in the middle, with four tubercles in
front. The elytra have punctated striae. The body is
sometimes entirely yellow. (S. testaceus, Fab.)

One of the sons of the celebrated traveller and ornitholo-
gist, Le Vaillant, has remarked that frogs and toads were very
fond of this insect, and he has obtained a great number of
them from the stomachs of these reptiles.

Our first division of Arenicolous Scarabaei terminates with
those whose antennae, as in most of the following scarabaei,
have ten articulations.

* Bolboceras Australasia;, Kirb. Trans. Lin. Soc. XIF. 2. 3. 5; Scarabtzui
cjiiadndens, cyclops, lazarus, of Fabriciiis.
VOL. XIV. 2 H

466 CLASS INSECTA.

The last articulation of their palpi is elongated. The max-
illary lobes are membranaceous. The labrum projects less
than in the preceding, and is but little advanced. The man-
dibles are very little indeed, or not at all indented. The
hood is short, whether arched or rounded, or projecting
like an angle. All these insects are very small, with the cors-
let hornless.

Hybosorus, Macl. Scarabceus, Geotrupes, Fab.

The last articulation of their antennae is in the shape of a
reversed and elongated cone, and the intermediate articula-
tion of the knob is entirely covered by the other two, as well
as in the last sub-genus. The legs are narrow and elongated.
The chaperon is rounded in front. Horae Entom. p. 120.
Geotrupes arator, Fab.

AcANTHOCERUs, Macl.*

The first articulation of the antennae is very large, dilated
above into a laminous form, and the edges of the interme-
diate leaves of the knob, when it is folded, are visible. The
legs, especially the four hinder, are laraelliform, and cover
the tarsi folded upon them in the contraction of the feet.
The chaperon goes to a point, or terminates in an angle.
The corslet is nearly semilunar.

There, or in our second division of Arenicoli (Trogides,
Macleay), the antennae, scarcely larger than the head, are
always composed of ten articulations, the first of which is
large and hairy. The languette is entirely hidden by the
mentum. The labrum and mandibles are scarcely seen ; the
latter are thick. The palpi are short. The mentum is very
hairy. The jaws are armed with teeth on the inside. The

* Mac], ibid. p. 136; A. eejieus. I owe the knowledge of this species
to one of our most able entomologists, M. Lebefevre de Cerisy. Mr.
Macleay refers to the same genus, Trox spinicornis, of Fab.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 467

body, ash or dirt colour, is very rugged or tubercular above.
The head is inclined, terminated by an angle, or going to a
point. The corslet is short, transversal, without lateral
hems, sinuous behind, with the anterior angles advanced, and
their thighs cover the under part of the head. These insects
produce a screaking noise, by a reiterated friction of the
pedicle of the mesothorax against the inner side of the cavity
of the corslet. They keep in the earth or sand, and appear
to gnaw the roots of vegetables. They form the genus

Trox of Fab. and Olivier.

Mr. Macleay the younger has separated them, under the
generic name of Phobervs, from those which have the sides
of the corslet depressed, dilated, and edged with spines, and
which are without wings. The posterior edge of the corslet
has on each side a strong emargination, and the hood is
rounded in front.*

A third section, JCylophiti, will include the geotrupes of
Fabricius, and some of his cetoniae. Here the shield is
always distinct, and the elytra do not cover the hind end of
the abdomen. The hooks of the tarsi in many are unequal.
The antennae have always ten articulations, the last three of
which form a foliated knob, with the intermediate leaves

* Trox Jiorridiis, Fab. Macl. Horae Entom. I. 137. Trox, of Fabricius,
do not change their place. See that author, Olivier, and Schoenher.

The genera Cryptodus and McEchidiuSy which Mr. Macleay puts in his
family of Trogida, immediately after Phoberus, have the hind extremity
of the abdomen uncovered, and nine articulations in the antennae, cha-
racters vifhich seem to remove them from Trox. I suspect the Machi-
dise, by reason of the form and emargination of the labrum, and of some
other character, to be near Melolontha. The cryptodi are distinguished
from all other scarabaei by the mentum, which almost entirely covers the
mouth underneath, and even by the labial palpi being situated, as well as
the tongue, behind it. These two genera have been established on
Australasian insects, which I have not seen.

2 H 2

4G8 CLASS INSECTA.

never entirely concealed or encased by the other two. The
labruni does not project, and its anterior extremity at the
most is uncovered. The mandibles are always corneous, and
laterally pass the edge of the head. The jaws are corneous
or solid, straight, and generally indented. The tongue is
covered by the mentum, ovoid or triangular, narrowed and
truncated at the end, with the angles often dilated. All the
feet are inserted equidistant from each other.

A first division will include the Geotrupes of Fabricius.
The males differ from their females by peculiar eminences in
the form of horns, by tubercles either on the head or corslet,
or on both, and sometimes also by the form of the latter.
The hood is small, truncated or bidentated at the end.
The labrum is almost always entirely concealed. Here the
jaws terminate in a simple coriaceous lobe, crustaceous, more
or less downy, and without teeth ; there they are altogether
scaly, go to a point, and have only a small number of teeth
accompanied with hair. The mentum is ovoid, or like a trun-
cated triangle. The chest has no projection. The hooks of
the tarsi are generally equal. The shield is small or middle-
sized. The colours approach black or brown.

Sometimes the jaws terminate in a coriaceous or crustaceous
lobe, without teeth, and simply downy, or furnished with
spinuliform lashes.

Oryctes, lUig. Scarabceus, Lin.,

Whose feet differ but little in length, and whose four hind
legs are thick, strongly incised or emarginated, with the ex-
tremity widened, as if starred in many.

S. nasicornis, Lin. Rees. II. 6, 7- Fifteen lines long, of
a shining marron brown, with the point of the hood trun-
cated, a conical horn, more or less long, arched behind
on the head, the front of the corslet cut obliquely, with three

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 469

teeth or tubercles at the elevated and posterior part of the
truncation ; cases smooth. It lives as well in the perfect as in
the larva state, in tan-beds.

There is found in the South of Europe another species,
G. silenus, (Fab. Oliv. Col. I. 3, 8, 62, a — c) smaller than
the last, of a brighter marron broAvn ; a little bent and
pointed horn on the head of the male ; a deep excavation in
the middle of the corslet, the last articulation of the two an-
terior tarsi swollen, with two very unequal hooks. The elytra
are fine, and vaguely dotted.*

Agacephala, Manh.,

Whose fore feet, in the males at least, are longer than the
others, and whose four hind legs are slender, or but little
thick, cylindrical, and slightly dilated at their extremity,
without notches or deep lateral incisions.

The labrum is entirely hidden. The lobe terminating the
jaws is simply downy. The antennae have ten articulations,
and it is an error in the Encyclop. Method. (Art. Scarabasus)
to say they have only nine.

I know two species both from Brazil. G. CEgeon of Fab.
is probably congenerous with them.

Sometimes the jaws, commonly corneous or scaly, are more
or less toothed.

* Add Geotrupes boas, rhinoceros, stentor, &c. of Fabricius.

G. orphnus, of Mr. Macleay, established on G. bicolor, of Fab,, does
not differ from the last. The anterior edge of the labrum is salient, or
exposed. The jaws are terminated by a bundle of spinuliform lashes,
arched outwardly, with a crustaceous triangular lobe. The knob of the
antennae is almost globular. His genus, Dasygnathus, which he places in -si^
the family of Dynastides, is unknown to us j but we suspect, from the
exposition of its characters, that it approximates to the last and the fol-
lowing. The jaws are not toothed.

470 CLASS INSECTA.

ScARAB.EUs, properly so called, Geotrupes, Fab.

Have the body thick, convex, and the outer side of the man-
dibles sinuous or toothed.

The equatorial countries of both continents furnish some
very remarkable species.

S. Hercules, Lin. Oliv. Col. I. 3, 1, 23, 1. Five inches
long, black, with the case greenish grey, spotted with black ;
the male has on the head a bent indented horn, and another
long, advanced, downy underneath, with a tooth on each side
on the corslet. — South America. Some travellers have called
it the horned fly. This species is the type of the genus
Dynastes, of Mr. Kirby. S. Actceoti forms another, that of
Negasoma. See the 14th volume of the Linnaean Trans-
actions,

S. dichotomus, Oliv. ibid. xvij. 156. Marron brown; a
large horn forked in two branches on the head, another smaller
bent and bifid at the extremity on the corslet of the male. —
India.

S. longimanus, Lin. Oliv. ibid. iv. 27. Fulvous brown,
without horns or tubercles on the head or corslet ; the two
fore feet are one half longer than the body, and arched. —
India.

France has but one species of this sub-genus, S. punctatus,
Oliv. ibid. viij. 70. The body is black, dotted, without ele-
vation, in the form of a horn in either sex. The hood is
trvnicated in front, with the angle thereof a little elevated,
like a tooth ; the middle of the head has two neighbouring
tubercles.*

Phileurus, Lat. Geotrupes, Fab.

Differ from Scarabseus only in having the mandibles nar-

* Geotriipes of Fabncius, except the species before cited, forming G.
ort/des, and of those of the following genus.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 4-71

rowed, without sinus or tooth on the outside. The body is
depressed, and the corslet dilated and rounded at the sides *

Our second division includes Scarabaei, nearly related to
the last in some respects, but approaching also several Melo-
lontha, and particularly cetoniae, whose outward appearance
they possess, but whose buccal organization is different ; it
is even with these that Fabricius and Olivier have placed the
greater part of these insects. The body in general is shorter,
rounder, and smoother than that of scarabaeus, and orna-
mented with brilliant colours. The head and corslet are
identical, and without any particular eminence in either sex.
The front edge of the labrum is almost always uncovered or
apparent. The jaws are entirely scaly, as if truncated at the
end, with five or six strong teeth on the inner side. The
mentum is in proportion shorter and longer than that of simi-
lar coleoptera, and is less narrowed above. The mesosternum
is often elongated like a horn, or soft point between the second
tarsi and beyond. The scutellum is commonly large. The
hooks of the tarsi are generally unequal. With the exception
of a small number, these Xylophili are peculiar to the equa-
torial countries of the new continent.

Here, as well as in all the preceding scarabaei, one does not
see between the posterior angles of the corslet, and the outside
of the base of the elytra, axillary pieces filling up the void
included between these parts.-f*

• G. didymus, valgus, depressus, of Fab. Some inedited species of
Brazil and Cayenne, having some analogy with the Sinodendrons, have the
body thicker, and connect Phileurus with Scarabaeus, or Geotrupes of
Fab., a genus not yet sufficiently studied, with reference to its buccal
organization.

■j- A lateral piece of the mesosternum, larger and thicker than common,
and whicii corresponds probably with those little round scales called
TeguUB by some authors, to be seen at the insertion of the upper wings
of Hymenoptera. See on this subject the memoir of M. Audouin on the
thorax of insects.

4>72 CLASS INSECTA.

Let us first treat of the sub-genera, in which the middle of
the chest does not present any elongation like a point or
horn.

Hexodon, Oliv. Fab.

Their body is almost orbicular, even underneath, with the
head squared, received into a deep emargination of the cors-
let, the outer edge of the elytra dilated, and preceded by a
furrow. The legs slender, and the crotchets of the tarsi very
small and equal.

The labrum is not apparent. The knob of the antennae is
small. The jaws are strongly toothed. See Oliv. and Lat.,
Gener. Crust. II. 106.

Cyclocephala, Latr. Chalepus, Macleay. Melolontha,

Fab.

Have the body ovoid, with the head free, the elytra slightly
bordered without dilatation or lateral furrow, and the ante-
rior tarsi terminated by a knobbed articulation ; the hooks
unequal, and both bifid.

The anterior edge of the labrum is apparent. The mandi-
bles are narrow, without emargination or observable sinus on
the outer side, and but little surpassing the edge.*

In the following sub-genera the sternum advances to a
conical point, more or less long, pointed or round at the end,
between the second legs.

The anterior edge of the labrum is always apparent. The

* Melolontha germinata, barbata, castanea, signata, ferru^nea, melano-
cephala, pollens, &c. of Fab. In the first the mandibles are strong,
arched, and crooked at the end. M. signata, nielanocephala, &c. are
smaller, straight, truncated, or obtuse at the end. The summits of the
jaws and mentura are moreover furnished with hairs. From this we might
form of these and their analogous species a peculiar sub-genus. All these
insects are from South AmcriLU.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 473

mandibles are commonly notched or indented on the outer
edge. The hooks of the tarsi are unequal.

Chuysophora, Dej.,

The males of which have the hind legs very large, with
the thighs thick, the legs bent, and terminated at the inner
angle in a very strong point.*

RuTELA, Lat. Rutela^ pelidnota, Macleay, Kirby. Op-
log na thus, Kirb. Macl.

Whose legs, with reference to proportions, do not differ
observably in the two sexes. The mentum is almost isome-
trical ; the shield is small, or of middle size, and the sternal
point is short, not reaching to the insertion of the two fore
feet. The body is ovoid or oval.-f-

Macraspis, Macleay. Cetonia, Fab,

Which differ from Rutela in reference to the proportions of
the mentum, which is sensibly larger than it is wide ; the
length of the shield, equal at least to one third of that of the
elytra ; and the sternal point, whose extremity reaches as far,
or goes beyond the insertion of the fore feet. The mandi-
bles are nearly triangular, with the extremity pointed and
emarginated. The jaws have many teeth. The mentum is
in the form of an elongated square, slightly narrowed near
its upper end, and without lashes on its upper edge. One of
the hooks of the tarsi, or of the four anterior tarsi, at least,
is bifid, and the other entire. (Horae Entom.)

* Melolontha crt/sochlora, Lat. Voy. de Humb. c. Boupl. II. 15. 1. fem.
2. male ; Scarabccus macropus, Shem. Mis. 580-4.

■f See the Catalogue of the Collection of M. le Comte Dejean, Mr.
Macleay, the younger, Horae Entomol. I. p 10. ; the article Rutcle ; in the
Ency. Method. The characters of G. pclidnola, and oiilognatkus, do not
appear to mc to be bufiicicntly distinct.

474 CLASS INSECTA.

Chasmodia, Macleay.
Similar to Macraspis in the general form of the body, the
proportions of the shield, and the sternal point, but with the
mandibles narrower, and the extremity obtuse and entire.
The jaws have but two teeth, with a pencil of lashes, the
mentum is an elongated ovoid, obviously narrowed toward its
upper end, with the edge furnished with lashes. All the
hooics are moreover entire. (See the article Rutela in the
Encyclop. Method, and Mr. Macleay's work.)

In these an axillary piece (the same as is seen in the same
place in Cetomia, or that which M, Audouin names epimere,)
fills the space included between the posterior angles of the
corslet, and the exterior of the base of the elytra.

Ometis, Latr.*

The genus Melolontha, of Fab., will compose our fourth
and fifth sections

The fourth, that of Phyllophagi, is formed of scarabaei,
nearly allied to those of the last sub-genera, but the mandi-
bles are covered above by the hood, and hidden under-
neath b}' the jaws ; their exterior side only is uncovered, but
nevertheless without extending beyond ; they shew nothing
exteriorly of the sinus or indentations which are observable
there in Rutela and other analagous sub-genera. The ante-
rior edge of the labrum is composed, and sometimes repre-
sents the figure of a reversed and broad triangle, but more
generally that of a transverse leaf emarginated in the middle.
The number of the articulations of the antennae is not constant,
and varies from eight to ten ; it is the same with those of the

* Rutela cetonioides, Ency. Method.; Rutela cerata, Germ.; Anisoplia
hiitrio, Dej , but the antennae with nine articulations. This sub-genus
seems to connect these and the preceding insects with cetonia.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 475

knob, and in many the two sexes differ in this respect. The
tongue is entirely covered by the mentum, or incorporated
with its anterior face, and the elytra join entirely the whole
length of the suture, characters which distinguish these insects
from those of the fifth section.

The family of Anophlognathi, of Mr. Macleay, and some
other sub-genera, nearly allied to those of the previous sec-
tion, will compose our first division. The hood is thick-
ened before, and forms, either alone or with the labrum, a
vertical facet in the form of a reversed triangle, the point of
which is supported on the mentum. This last piece is some-
times nearly ovoid, very downy, with the extremity either
round or truncated, and without emargination, sometimes a
transversed square, with the middle of the upper edge elon-
gated like a simple tooth or emargination. The jaws of some
terminate in a coriaceous or membranaceous lobe, very downy,
toothless, or with one very small, and situated near the mid-
dle of the internal edge ; those of the others are entirely
corneous, resembling mandibles either truncated or obtuse,
and entire at the end, or else terminated by two or three
teeth.

Those whose mentum is nearly ovoid, and very downy,
and whose jaws terminate in a triangular lobe, equally downy,
without or with very small teeth, and situated near the
middle of the internal edge, form two sub-genera. The
sternum has no projection.

Pachypus, Dej. Geotrupes, Melolontha, Fab.

The antennae of the males have only eight articulations,
the last five of which compose the knob. The mandibles are
in the form of very thin leaflets, triangular, elongated, and
entirely hidden, as well as the labrum. The terminal lobe
of the jaws is very small, scarcely distinct, and toothless.

476 CLASS INSECTA.

The tarsi are long, slender, downy, and terminated by two
small equal and simple hooks.

In the antennae and the form of the hood, this sub-genus
approximates to Oryctes rather than to Mololontha.*

Amblyteres. Macleay.

Have ten articulations in the antennae, the last three of which
compose the knob. The labrum is uncovered and lobed.
The mandibles are strong and scaly. The maxillary lobe is
of middle size, and armed with corneous teeth on the inner
side. The middle of the upper extremity of the mentum is
a little elongated, truncated, with the angles rounded, and
carrying palpi ; their last articulation is ovoid ; the same of
the jaws is very much elongated and sub-cylindrical. The
scutellum is large.-f-

In the other sub-genera, of the same division, the mentum
is squared transversely, with the middle of the upper edge
advanced like a tooth, entire or emarginated. The jaws are
entirely corneous, resemble mandibles terminated by a strong
tooth, bent, elongated, either entire and very obtuse at the
end, or divided at the extremity into two or three points.
The mandibles are always scaly and robust. The labrum is
exposed.

Some proper to Australasia have a sternal point, and the
hooks of the tarsi entire and unequal. Such are,

• Geotrupes excavatuSy Fab. male; Melolontha cornuta, Oliv. Col. 1. 5.
vij. 74. a. b. male: ScarabcEus candidcB, Petag. Insect. Calab. 1. 6. a. b.
male, var. black, observed also in Corsica, by M. Peyrandeau, and again
in Sicily, by M. Lefevre;— ili". atriplicis. Fab., female of another species.

j- Macleay, HorcB Entom. I. p. 1. 142. This naturalist does not speak
of the hooks of the tarsi, nor of the sexual differences. From the des-
cription of the typical species, the corslet was without horns, the fore
legs have three teeth on the outer edge ; only two are to be seen on those
legs in Pachypus.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 477

Anoplognathus, Repsimus, Leach.

The antenna? contain ten articulations, and the extremity
of the jaws is truncated, or obtuse and entire. These insects
are generally rather large, and ornamented with fine colours.*

The others, which belong to the hot countries of both con-
tinents, have no sternal projection ; the hooks of the tarsi, or
one of them, are bifid. Their jaws often terminate in two or
three teeth.

Sometimes the antennae have ten articulations, and the
upper extremity of the jaws is entire, or at most emarginated
or bidentated.

Leucothyreus, MacL,

In which one of the hooks of the tarsi is entire and the other
bifid.

The tarsi, or at least those foremost, are furnished with a
brush underneath ; these are dilated in the males. The
under part of the head, in the males, is more downy than in
the other sex. (Macleay Hor. Entom. I. p. 1, 145. — Me-
lolontha sulcicollit, Germ. Insect. Spes. No. 124.)

Apogonia, Kirby, Macl.
In which all the hooks of the tarsi are bifid. (Lin. Trans.
401. — A. geneUata, ejusd. ibid. xxi. 9.)

Sometimes the antennae have only nine articulations, and
the extremity of the jaws has three teeth.

Geniates, Kirb.

The extremity of the mandibles is emarginated. The
mentum, in the males, has underneath a sort of circular tuft,
formed of serrated hairs, even, or as if cut smooth like a

* See Macleay the younger, Horce Entom. I., p. 1, 143, and tl)e
twelfth volume of the Transactions of the Linnsean Society, 401 — 5.

47&- CLASS INSECTA.

)rush. The first four articulations of the anterior tarsi are
dilated, and furnished with tufts underneath. One of the
hooks of all the tarsi is entire, and the other bifid. The an-
terior of the first two is accompanied at its base with a
corneous leaf, emarginated beneath, round at the end, form-
ing a sort of spur.*

A second division of Xylophilus, and which will include
the family of Melolonthides of the younger Mr. Macleay,
has the following characters : the labrum is formed like a
transverse leaf, in general strongly emarginated underneath
in the middle, so that seen in front it has nearly the shape of
a reversed and semi-truncated heart. The mentum is as
long or longer than it is wide, a little narrowed near the top,
either subquadrate or nearly heart-shaped, the upper edge
is straight, either more or less emarginated, or concave in
the middle, but without a tooth-formed dilatation. The
jaws are commonly scaly and armed with many (in general five
or six) teeth.

This division may be separated into two groups, one of
which will include G. melolontha of Fab., such as Illiger and
myself have restricted it ; and the other, Hoplia of the latter.
The first of these subdivisions may keep the name of Melo-
lonthides, and the other may receive that of Hoplides.

We may thus describe the first : — The number of leaves
complete in the knob more than three in many ; body gene-
rally thick, mandibles strong, altogether or for the most part
corneous, having at most but one, membranaceous, downy,
appendix situate in the concavity or emargination of the inner
side, the upper extremity strongly truncated, with two or

* Kirby Lin. Trans. XIL 401 ; Geniates barbatus, ibid. XXXL 8 ;
Melolontha obscitra, lanata, of Fab., the species named Nij,rifonSf by Mr.
Stevens, and described in the Synon. of the Insects of M. Schcenh, and
probably other species appear proper to form another sub-genus allied to
Geniates, but with the tarsi not dilated.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 479

three teeth or angular projections ; all the tarsi terminate in
two hooks ; the first articulation of the two anterior tarsi
not elongated into a bent appendage ; the labrum is commonly
apparent, and the maxillary teeth are robust.

The species of Melolontha of Fab., which will form the
subgenus

Melolontha, Fab., properly so called.

Have ten articulations in the antennae, the last five or seven
of which in the males, and the last five or six in the females
constitute the knob. The labrum is thick and strongly emar-
ginated underneath; all the hooks of the tarsi are equal,
terminated in an entire point, and simply unindentated at the
base. The posterior extremity of the abdomen finishes in
general in a point or stylet, at least in the males.

Among the species whose knobs of the antennas have seven
leaves in the males, and six in the females, we will cite

ScarabcBiis fullo, Lin. Oliv. Col. 1, 5, III. 28, about an
inch and a half long, brown or blackish, with three lines on
the corslet, two ovoid spots on the shield, and many other
irregular on the elytra white. The knob of the antennae of
the males is very large. It is found on the maritime coasts
on the Downs.

S. melolontha, Lin. Oliv. ibid, I. 1, a. d.* black, downy,
with the antennae, the upper edge of the hood, the elytra,
and the greatest part of the legs of a reddish bay. The

* At the very moment of sending this sheet to the press, M. Straus's
work on the anatomy of this insect, was presented to the Royal Academy
of Sciences, which work he has published at his own expense. We regret
exceedingly not having had the opportunity of using this excellent work.
M. Leon Dufour had already made known all that relates to the digestive
system, and to the oi'gans of generation. M. Chabrier had also written
and figured with great exactness the muscles of the wings and thorax.
M. Straus has supplied perfectly the other deficiencies.

480

CLASS INSECTA.

corslet a little dilated, and marked with an impression
towards the middle of the lateral edge sometimes black and
sometimes red. Four elevated lines on the elytra, whose
outer edge is of the ground colour. There are white trian-
gular spots on the sides of the abdomen. The anal stylet
narrows insensibly to a point.

M. Hippocastani, Fab. Oliv. ibid, I. 3, a, b, c, which was
at first confounded with the last, is a little smaller, shorter,
more convex with the elytra, bordered with black, the anal
stylet shorter in proportion, and more contracted towards the
end, which appears thence to be larger and obtuse.

The alimentary tube of S. melolontha is, according to
Dufour (Annal. des Sciences Nat. III. 234), less extended
than that of copris, but with the parietes more robust. The
chylific ventricle is entirely deprived of papillae, and is
elegantly fringed at the surface by the hepatic vessels. The
slender intestine is followed by a sort of colon having interior
valves formed like small triangular pockets imbricated, dis-
posed on six longitudinal series, separated by as many mus-
cular chords. This naturalist has often found these pockets
filled with a green vegetable pulp. The biliary vessels are
of an extremely delicate structiu'e, forming multiplied folds,
many of them having, right and left, little barbets like a
fringe. The male organ is large, very hard^ terminated by
two strong hooks, and has toward its hinder third part an
articulation. Each testicle is an aglomeration of six sper-
matic capsules, orbicular as if umbilical, and each furnished
with its own tubular conduit, so as to resemble those leaves
designated by botanists by the term pelta.

These insects appear in some years in such great abundance,
that they despoil of their leaves in a short time large extents
of woods. The larvae are not less destructive to our gar-
dens, and is commonly called the white worm.

A fourth species, M. villosa, Oliv. ibid I. 4, is distinguish-

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 481

able from the foregoing by the knob of the antennae which
has five leaves in the males and four in the females. The
body is a more or less deep brown, sometimes reddish on the
upper side, with three grey lines of down on the corslet ; the
shield and under part of the body are furnished with a simi-
lar down, forming spots on the sides of the abdomen.*

Hereafter the antennas knob has, in both sexes, only three
leaflets.

Rhisotrogus, Lat.

Perfectly like the last as to the general form of the bod}',
labrum, and tarsi ; but the antennae with nine or ten articu-
lations have only three leaflets to each knob.-|-

Ceraspis, Lepel., Serv.

Have, at the middle of the posterior edge of the corslet, two
small longitudinal incisions, and the space comprised forms
a tooth, the extremity of which is received in a corresponding
emargination of the scutellum. The antennse have ten ar-
ticulations. All the hooks of the tarsi, with the exception
of the anterior ones, are unequal ; the strongest of the inter-
mediate is entire in the male ; the others, and the six in the
female, are bifid. The body is either covered or sown here
and there with small scales.

• Add M. hololeuca, Fisch. Entom. of Russia, II. 28. 3; M. Ankesteri,
ejusd. 4j M.pilosa, Fab. Fisch. ibid. 9; M. occidentalisy Fab., &c. See
SchcEnh. Synon. Insect. I. 162.

■j- As it is not always easy to distinguish well the number of articula-
tions which immediately precede the knob of the antennae, I re-unite
the genus which I had named Arnphimallus, and in which these organs
have but nine articulations, to that of rhisotrogus. The M. Soktitialis,
23ini, serrata, fervida, atra, cequioxialis, rrificornis, &c. of Fabricius. The
third articulation seems to be decomposed.

vol,. XI v. 2 1

482 CLASS TNSECTA.

But few species are known, and all belonging to Brazil.*

AiiEODEs, Leach, Macl.
Have ten articulations to the antennas, the sternum horny,
and all the hooks of the tarsi equal in those individuals
which are presumed to be females (Lepel. and Serv.), and
unequal in the males ; the thickest of the anterior two of the
latter is bifid, and all the others are entire.

These insects have brilliant colours.

All the preceding phyllophagi, some excepted, have pre-
sented us with antennee of ten articulations. In all the fol-
lowing, and of the same division, or that of Melolonthidae,
we reckon but nine.

In some the crooks of the tarsi are equal ; one of the two
anterior at most is occasionally thicker.

Dasyus, Lepel. and Serv.,

In which the crotchets of the two anterior tarsi, at least in
the males, are bifid, and the others entire,

Serica, Macl. Omalopia, Dej.,

Which have all the hooks of the tarsi bifid, the body ovoid,
gibbous (silky, and often with a changing reflexion), with the
corslet broader than long.-j-

DlPHUCEPHALA, Dej.

Have also all the hooks of the tarsi bifid ; but the body is

* The ceraspis pruinosa of MM. Lepel and Serv. (Encyc. Method.) is
the M. bivulnerata of M. Germar. The M. variegata of the latter appears
to me to be also a Ceraspis.

-)- Macl. Hor. Ent. L part I. p. 146. The M. brunnea, variabilis,
ruricola. Sec. of Fabricius. Mr. Macleay says that the antennas have ten
articulations, but I have counted but nine. The length and form of those
of the tarsi vary.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 483

narrow, elongated, with the corslet almost square. The first
articulations of the four (male) or two (female) anterior
tarsi are short, and furnished underneath with brushes.
These same articulations are dilated, or broader in the first
four tarsi of the males. The hood is strongly and regularly
emarginate.

These insects are proper to Australasia.*

Macuodactylus, Lat.

Resemble the Diphucephala, as regards the hooks of the
tarsi, and the elongation of the body ; but here the corslet
is longer, almost hexagonal, and all the articulations of the
tarsi are similar in the two sexes, elongated, and simply
hairy. These insects are peculiar to the New Continent. -f-

In others, the hooks of the intermediate tarsi alone are
unequal,

Plectris, Lepel. et Serv.

The thickest of these hooks and the two of the other tarsi
are bifid ; the first articulation of the posterior tarsi is very
long.+

In the others, all the hooks of the tarsi are unequal.
Those of the posterior two, at least, are always entire. One
at least of the two or four anterior tarsi of the males, and
sometimes of the females, is bifid.

PopiLiA, Leach,

In which the sternum is advanced between the first feet, in
the manner of a compressed and truncated, or very obtuse
lamina. ||

* Melolontha colaspidoides, Schoenh. Synon. Insect. I. 3, App. p, lOJ.
See the Cat. of the Collect, of M. le Comte Dej.

■f M. Subspinosa, Fab., and many other unedited species.
J Encyc. Method. Article, Scarabeides.
II Trichius, 2 — 2)unctatu.i, Fab.

2 I 2

484 CLASS INSECTA.

EucHLORA, Macl. Anomala, Meg. Dej.

Having no sternal projection, in which one of the hooks of
the four anterior tarsi is bifid in the males, and in which the
body is gibbous, with the hood round and transverse.*

Lepisia, Lepel. and Serv.

Presenting no longer a sternal horn, and distinct from the
preceding by their four anterior tarsi, the two hooks of which
are bifid.

Tlie Haplides, or phyllophagi of our third and last divi-
sion, have the mandibles small, depressed, and, as it were,
divided longitudinally into two parts, the internal one of
which is membranous, and the other corneous ; tlie superior
extremity presents no sensible denticulations. The body is
short, depressed, and broad, with the elytra narrowed pos-
teriorly at the external side. The labrum is concealed, or
but little seen ;-|- the jaws are often but small denticulations.
The two last tarsi have usually but a single hook ; in those
in which all have two (DicraniaJ, the first articulation of
the anterior tarsi is prolonged inferiorly, and presents at tlie
internal side a strong liooked tooth.

M. Leon Dufour remarks, that the digestive canal of
Hoplia is much less long than that of Melolontha, and that
it approaches more to that of Cetonia. The cliylific ventricle
is smooth and flexuous. The narrow intestine is less short

* The M. viridis, bicolor errans, marginata, cyanocephala, vitis, Julii,
Frischii, holosericea, aurata, &c. of Fabricius. See Macleay, Hor. Entom.
I. part I. p. 147. The genus Minwla, of Mr. Kirby, appears to me to
approach much to that of Euchlora, but not having seen any individual,
I confine myself to this simple indication.

-f- In the last preceding sub-genera this piece, seen in front, only pre-
sents an edge, linear, transverse, entire, or but slightly emarginate in its
middle.

ORDER COLEOPTERA, 485

than in Melolontha, and often presents at its oi'igin an ovoid
inflation. It is followed by a bulky elongated intestine,
destitute of valvulous anfractuosities. The rectum is distinct
from it by a pad or swelling, and well marked. The organs
of generation scarcely differ from those of Melolontha.

DicRANiA, Lepel. and Serv.

Have two hooks, all equal and bifid, to all the tarsi, the an-
terior two of which have their first articulation prolonged
inferiorly into a crooked tooth. The body is very smooth,
without scales, with the scutellum tolerably large, and two
strong spines at the extremity of the four hinder limbs.
The lower end of the last two limbs is dilated. These in-
sects inhabit Brazil.

HOPLIA, Illig.

Have but a single hook to the two posterior tarsi ; the two
of the others are unequal and bifid. The extremity of the
last four limbs is crowned with small spines, none of which
are manifestly longer than the others. The body is generally
furnished with scales. The hood is almost square, or almost
semi-circular. The thighs of the two posterior feet are mo-
derately inflated, and their legs are long, straight, and with-
out a hooked tooth at their extremity.

There is very commonly found in the South of France,
near the borders of streams and rivers, the handsomest known
species of this sub-genus (H. formosa^ mig'» Melolontha
farinosa, Fab. Oliv., Col. I. 5, ii. 14, a. c). Its antenna;
have nine articulations. All its body is covered with brilliant
silvery scales, the upper ones of which have a reflection of
violet blue, and the lower ones are a little greenish or
golden.

to'

The antennae of some others have ten articulations.

486 CLASS INSECTA.

MOXOCHELES, Illig.

Do not differ from Hoplia but in their hood, which is in the
form of a truncated triangle at its anterior extremity, and in
the two hinder feet, the thighs of which are very bulky, and
the legs are short, with a strong hooked tooth at their ex-
tremity.

Some Scaraboeidae, very near the last of the preceding
section, and which had been at first united with them, in the
genus Melolontha, but whose paraglossas, or the two divisions
of the tongue, form a projection beyond the superior ex-
tremity of the chin, and whose elytra are a little removed
from the side of the suture, at their posterior extremity — this
end being narrowed into a point, or rounded — compose a fifth
section, that of Anthobii.

The antennae have from nine to ten articulations, of which
the last three alone form the knob in the two sexes. The
lobe terminating the jaws is often almost membranaceous,
silky, in the form of a pencil, coriaceous, and denticulated at
the internal edge in the others. The labrum and mandibles
are more or less solid, according as these parts are naked, or
concealed. These insects live on flowers, or leaves.

Some have the mandibles and the labrum projecting, and
two entire and eqvial hooks on all the tarsi.

The antennae have ten articulations ; the maxillary palpi
are a little thicker towards the end, with the last articulation
but little elongated, and truncated. The mandibles ai'e
corneous.

Some of these insects inhabit the North of Africa, and
other countries situated on the Mediterranean ; the majority
of the others frequent the elevated countries of Western
India.

In some, the first articulation of the knob of the antennae
is concave, and emboxcs the others.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 487

Glaphyrus, Latr.

Have the internal edge of the mandibles denticulated, and
an acute angle at the other edge ; the knob of the antennae
almost ovoid ; the teguments firm, and the posterior thighs
inflated. The maxillary palpi are sensibly larger than the
labial, with the last articulation longer than the preceding.
The internal lobe of the jaws is in the form of a tooth ; the
external or terminal is coriaceous. The corslet is oblong.
The posterior feet are large.

Amphicoma, Latr.

Have the mandibles rounded and arched on the external
side, without denticulations at the internal edge ; the knob
of the antennee globular, the abdomen soft, and all the feet
of the usual size.

The hood is very much edged. The anterior legs have
three teeth at the external side. The first four articulations
of their tarsi are strongly ciliate in the males.

In this sub-genus and the following, the jaws terminate in
a membranous lobe, narrow, elongated, and in the form of a
shred. Their palpi are scarcely longer than the labial, and
the length of their last articulation little exceeds that of
the preceding.

In others, such as

Anthipna, Escholtz.,

The knob of the antennae is formed of free leaves, and is
oval.

The hood is not edged or raised in front. The middle
portion of the head forms with it a plate in a long square,
edged laterally and posteriorly. The anterior limbs have
two teeth at the external side. The first four articulations

488 CLASS INSECTA.

of the tarsi are dilated and tooth-formed in the males.
These insects otherwise resemble Amphicoma.*

The others have the labrum and mandibles covered, or not
projecting, and some, at least, of the hooks of their tarsi are
bifid. The chin is elongated and hairy.

Sometimes all the tarsi have two honks. The antennae
have never more than nine articulations. The hood is usually
transverse. The palpi are but little elongated, with the last
articulation ovaliform.

Sometimes the posterior feet differ but little from the
others.

Chasmopterus, Dej. Melolontha, Illig.,
Have all the hooks of the tarsi bifid ; the terminal lobe of
the jaws strait, elongated, Avith two teeth wide apart at the
internal edge ; the body almost ovaliform, with the corslet
rounded, and the elytra of equal breadth throughout.

Chasme, Lepel. and Serv.,

Do not appear to differ from chasmopterus but in the
crotchets of the two posterior tarsi, of which the thickest
alone is bifid.

Sometimes the posterior feet have, at least in the males,
the thighs very thick, denticulated, and the legs thick, and
terminated by a very strong hook.

DiCHELEs, Lepel. and Serv. Melolontha, Fab. Oliv.

The body is short, but little hairy, with the elytra nar-
rowed towards their extremity in an elongated triangle. The
posterior feet are in part contractile. All the hooks of the
tarsi are equal and bifid. The terminal lobe of the jaws is

• Amphicoma abdoininalis, Latr. Gen. Crust.etlnsect.il. p. 119; M.
Afpina, Oliv. Col. I. 5. X. lis.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 489

denticulated along the internal edge, as in hoplia, to which
this sub-genus considerably approximates.

Sometimes the two posterior tarsi have but a single hook.
Those of the others are unequal and bifid.

Some of them have, like the preceding, but nine articula-
tions to the antennae.

Lepitrix, Lepel. and Serv. Trichius, Melolontha, Fab.

The body is short, with the corslet more narrow than the
abdomen, almost squared, and a little narrowed posteriorly.
The abdomen is broad, and the hinder feet large. The last
articulation of the maxillary? palpi is much longer than in the
preceding sub-genera. The terminal lobe of the jaws is very
small, in the form of a short triangle.

The others have ten articulations to the antennae.

The body is short, very hairy, with the hood in the form
of an elongated triangle, truncated, or very obtuse at the
end ; the palpi projecting, terminated by a long and cylin-
drical articulation, the maxillary lobe long, narrow, project-
ing at its extremity, and without teeth. The abdomen large,
and the hinder feet long.

Pachychnemus, Lepel. and Serv. Melolontha, Trichius,

Fab.

Have the elytra narrowed towards their extremity, the thighs
and legs of the two hinder feet inflated, these last almost in
a knob, with one of the two spurs of the end much stronger
than the other.

Anisonyx, Melolontha, Fab.

Whose elytra form a long square, rounded posteriorly, in
Avhich the hinder legs are almost cylindrical, or in the form
of an elongated cone, with the two spurs of the end of equal
size.

490 CLASS INSECTA.

The sixth and last section of scarabeidae, that of Melito-
PHiLi, is composed of insects whose body is depressed, most
frequently oval, brilliant, without horns, with the corslet
trapeziform, or almost orbicular ; an axillary piece occupies,
in the greatest number, the space comprised between the
posterior angles and the exterior of the elytra. The anus is
uncovered. The sternum is often prolonged in the manner
of a point, or advanced horn. The hooks of the tarsi are
equal and simple. The antennse have ten articulations, the
last three of which form a knob, always foliated. The la-
brum and mandibles are concealed, in the form of flatted
laminae, entirely, or almost entirely, membranaceous. The
jaws are terminated by a silky lobe, in the form of a pencil,
without corneous teeth. The chin is usually ovoid, trun-
cated superiorly, or almost square, with the middle of the
superior edge more or less concave or emarginate. The
lingua is not projecting.

Some anatomical observations made upon many of these
insects by M. Leon Dufour, lead us to the conclusion that
they are, of all the scarabeidae, those in which the alimentary
tube is the shortest. The chylific ventricle has, commonly,
its external tunic covered with very small superficial papillae,
in the form of projecting points. The inflation which ter-
minates the narrow intestine is not cavernose like that of
melolontha. The apparatus of generation in the males also
differs from that of these last. The spermatic capsules are
ten or twelve in number to each testicle. Their proper con-
duits do not all flow together to one point, for the formation
of the deferential canal, but they communicate among them-
selves in divers manners. The number of vesiculae seminales
is one, or three pair. The ejaculatory conduit is turbinated,
and swelled much before it penetrates into the copvdatory
apparatus. (See Annal. des Sciences Natur., torn. III. p. 235,
and IV. p. 178.)

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 4<91

The larvae live in rotten wood. The perfect insect is found
on flowers, and often on the trunks of trees, from which a
liquor distils which they suck.

This section is susceptible of being divided into three
principal divisions, which correspond, the first, to the genus
trichius of Fabricius ; the second, to that of Goliath of M.
de Lamarck ; and the third, to that of cetonia of the first,
but reduced and simplified by the retrenchment of the second
genus, as well as that of rutela and other analogous groups.

The melitophili of the first two divisions have no sternal
projection well marked. The lateral piece of the mesoster-
num, which we have designated by the epithet axillary (epe-
meros of Audouin), does not generally appear above, and
occupies only a portion of the space comprised between the
posterior angles of the corslet, and the exterior base of the
elytra. The corslet does not widen from front to rear, as in
the cetoniae. The external side of the elytra is not abruptly
narrowed a little below the humeral angles, as in these last
mentioned insects. But a character which appears to us
more rigorous, is that where the labial palpi are inserted in
lateral fossets of the anterior face of the mentum,so that they
are entirely discovered, and that the sides of this mentum
out-edge them even at their origin, and protect them behind.
In the first two divisions these palpi are inserted under the
lateral edges of tlie mentum, or in the edges themselves, so
that the first articulations do not appear, looking frontwards.

Some (Trichidce) have the mentum either almost isometri-
cal, or longer than broad, and leaving the jaws discovered.
These are,

Trichius of Fabricius.

T. nobilis, Scarabceus nohilis, Lin. Oliv. Col. I. 6. iii. 10.
About half an inch in length, of a golden green above, cop-

492 CLASS INSECTA.

pery, with hairs of a yellowish grey underneath. Found on
umbelliferous flowers.

T. fasciatus, S. fasciatus, Lin. Oliv. ihid. ix. 84, a little
smaller, black, with thick yellow hairs ; cases of this last
colour, with three black bands, transverse, and interrupted
at the suture. Very common in spring, upon flowers.

T. Eremita, S. Eremita, Lin. Oliv. ihid. iii. 17- Large,
of a brown black ; edges of the head raised ; three furrows
upon the eorslet. Found on the trunk of old treeS;, in the
interior of which dwells the larva.

T. hemipterus (female), *S'. hemipterus, Lin. Oliv. ibid^
IX. 83, xl. 103, and. those of some other species of North
America, are remarkable for the corneous auger, in the form
of a dart, at the posterior extremity of the abdomen, which
serves to introduce their eggs.

These species commonly remain upon the ground, where
they walk very slowly. The last articulation of their maxil-
lary palpi is proportionally shorter and thicker than that of
other trichii. It has appeared to me that the first of the
posterior tarsi considerably exceeded the following in length,
while in the other trichii it is very little longer.

The second division {Goliathidce) is distinguished from the
preceding in the character of the chin, which is much more
large, broad, and covers the jaws.

In some the chin is concave in its middle, having the figure
of a widened heart, or of a transverse square. The interior
extremity of the hood is neither denticulated nor corneous.
The corslet is in the form of a heart, truncated at the two
ends, and narrowed abruptly behind, or in the form of a
transverse square, rounded laterally.

The first articulation of the antennae is very large, trian-
gular, or in an inverted cone. The palpi are short ; the last
articulation of the maxillary palpi is elongated. The external
side of the first two legs presents two teeth.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 493

Platygenia, Macl.

Their body is v'ery much flatted, with the corslet almost
in the form of a heart, broadly truncated at the two ends ;
the jaws terminated by a bundle of hairs, and the internal
lobe of which is triangular, emarginated at the end ; the last
articulation of the palpi is ovoid-cylindrical ; the chin almost
squared, emarginate at the middle of the superior edge, and
a little upon the sides, and the posterior legs very hairy at
the internal side.*

Cremastocheilus, Knoch.,

Whose corslet is almost in the form of a transverse square ;
whose jaws are terminated by a strong tooth, crooked or
scythe-like, with silken hairs or small spines at the place of the
internal lobe, which have the last articulation of the palpi
very long and cylindrical, and the mentum in the form of a
widened heart, or a reversed triangle, and rounded at the
upper angles, without any sensible emargination.-f*

* Macl. Hor. Entom. I. part I. p. 151 ; Trichius barbatiis, Schcenh.
Synon. Insect. I. iii. App. 58.

f Latr. Gener. Crust, et Insect, p. 121. M. Dupont, naturalist to his
Highness the Duke of Orleans, and whose collection of coleopterous
insects is, after that of M. Dejean, the richest in Paris, has received from
Lamana (French Guiana), an insect presenting all the essential characters
of Cremastocheilus, but in which the axillary pieces are more apparent
when the animal is observed from above. The anterior legs are arched,
and have at the internal side a strong projection in the form of a tooth.
All the tarsi are short, thick, cylindrical, and terminated by two very long
hooks. The hood is raised at its interior extremity, in the manner of an
almost square lamina. The posterior extremity of the head presents an
elevation divided into two teeth, or tubercles. This insect is an inch
long, with a red spot on the upper part of each elytron.

The Cetonia elo7igata of Olivier, appears to be a chemastocheilus.

494 CLASS INSECTA.

Goliath, Lam., Kirb. Ceionia, Fab., Oliv.

A sub-genus which is composed, according to M, de La-
marck, of large and handsome species, some from Africa and
the East Indies, others from equatorial America. MM. Le-
peletier and de Serville (Encyc. Method., Article Scaraheides)
have separated these last under the generic name of Inca.
The axillary piece is not prominent. The two anterior feet
have the thighs furnished with a tooth, and an emargination
at their external base. The upper edge of the mentum is
strongly emarginated in its middle ; this piece in Goliath,
properly so called^ presents four lobes or teeth, two upper,
and two others lateral. The labial palpi are inserted on its
edges, in the emarginations of these last lobes. All the species
with which we were acquainted were of large size. But M.
Verreux, jun., nephew and fellow traveller of the late Dela-
lande, and who has returned to the Cape of Good Hope, has
just sent over a species which is not larger than C. gagates,
which it otherwise resembles in its colours, and presents all
the characters of Goliath. The C. geotrupinus of M.
Schoenherr is perhaps also congenerous. The corslet of Go-
liath is less round and more narrow in front than that of
Inca, and the legs have no emargination at the internal side.*

In the third division of the melitophili, a division corres-
ponding to the family of cetonidse of Mr. W. Macleay, the
sternum is prolonged more or less into an obtuse point, be-

• See Encyc. Method., Article Scaraheides ; Hist. Nat. des Animaux sans
Vertebres, of M. de Lamarck ; Observ. Entom., of M. Weber, and the
twelfth volume of the Linnasan Trans., p. 407, in which Mr. Kirby
describes two species. There is found in the Island of Java, an insect,
which might be taken, at the first glance, for a Goliath, and which MM.
Lepeletier and Serville have considered as such, but it has all the essential
characters of cetonia ; only the corslet is more rounded, and narrowed
posteriorly. The male has a forked horn upon the head.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 495

tween the second feet ; the axillary piece always shews itself
above, and occupies the void separating the posterior angles
of the corslet from the base of the elytra. The corslet
usually widens front to rear, and has the form of a triangle
truncated anteriorly, or at its point. In some, however, it is
almost orbicular, as C cruenta, Fab. ; C. vencosa, Schoenh,
&c. The chin is never transverse, its upper edge is more or
less emarginated at the middle. The terminal lobe of the
jaws is silky, or in the form of a pencil. The body is almost
ovoid and depressed.*

This division comprehends the genus

Cetonia of Fabricius,

The species excepted which belong to the preceding sub-
genus, and to that of llutela. (Gener. Crust, et Insect.)

Some have the corslet prolonged posteriorly in the form of
an angle, so that the scutellum disappears altogether. They
form the genus Gymnetis of Mr. W. Macleay, (Hor. Entomol.
I. Fart I. p. 152.) The new continent produces many spe-
cies of them. The island of Java and other eastern countries
of Asia present others, in which the corslet is equally elon-
gated, but in which the scutellum, though very small, is still
visible.-j- The chin is more deeply emarginated in the man-
ner of an angle, and the last articulation of the labial palpi is
proportionally longer. The hood is more or less bifid. Other
species of the East Indies or New Holland, in which this

* M. Chevrolat, possessor of a very fine collection of Coleoptera, many
of which belonged to that of the late Olivier, has shewn me a species
found in the Island of Cuba, by M. Poe, having the appearance of Tri-
chius, but with the axillary pieces and sternal prolongation of cetonia.
Some species of this last genus (C cornuta. Fab.) have the corslet pro-
vided with a small horn, and at the first glance resemble Scarabsi.

f C. chinensis, Fab. ejusd. ; C. regia ; the C. plana, impeiialis of
Schoenher.

496 CLASS INSI.CTA.

piece is also bifid or armed with two horns in the males, whose
body is proportionally more narrow and more elongated, with
the abdomen growing remarkably narrow from front to rear,
even almost triangular; and the knob of the antennae is very
much elongated, compose the genus Macronota of M. Wied-
mann. But all these sections can only be well established
when a particular study shall be made of the numerous species
of the genus Cetonia of Fabricius.

Those of Europe are provided with a scutellum of the
usual size. Such are

Cetonia aurata^ Scarahceus auratus, Lin. Oliv. Col. I. b.
1. 1. nine lines in length, of a brilliant golden green above,
of a coppery red underneath, with white spots on the elytra.
Common on flowers, and often on those of the rose and elder-
trees.

C. fastuosa, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect. Germ. XLI. 16.
larger than the preceding, of an uniform golden green, with-
out spots, and with the tarsi blueish. South of France.

S. sticficus, Lin. Panz. ibid. I. 4. five lines in length,
black, a little hairy, with white points ; those of the belly
arranged in two or three lines, according to sex. Very com-
mon on thistles.*

The second tribe of Lamellicornes, the Lucanid.e, thus
named from the genus Lucanus of Linnaeus, have the knob
of the antennae composed of leaves or of teeth disposed per-
pendicularly to the axis, in the manner of a comb. These
organs have always ten articulations, the first of which is
usually by far the longest. The mandibles are always cor-
neous, most frequently projecting and larger, and even very
different in the males. The jaws of the majority terminate in

* See the first division of the cetoniae of Olivier ; Latr. Gener. Crust,
et Insect. I. iii. p. 126; Schoen. Synon. I. iii. p. 112j and the fourteenth
volume of the Linnaean Trans,, with respect to the genera genuchus,
schizorhina and gnathocera, established at the expense of that of cetoniae.

ORDER COLEOPTEUA. 497

a narrow, elongated, and silky lobe; those of the others are
entirely corneous and denticulated. The tongue, in the
greater number, is formed of two small silken pencils, more
or less projecting beyond a chin which is almost semicircular
or squared. The anterior feet are most frequently elongated,
with the legs denticulated all along their external side. The
tarsi terminate in two equal simple crotchets, with a small
appendage terminated by two silken hairs, between the hooks.
The elytra cover all the upper part of the abdomen.

We shall divide them into two sections, Avhich correspond
to the genera Lucanus and Passaliis of Olivier.

Antennae strongly bent ; smooth, or but little hairy ; a
labrum very small or confounded with the hood ; jaws termi-
nated in a membranaceous or coriaceous lobe, very silky,
pencil-formed, without teeth, or presenting but one at the
most ; a tongue, either entirely concealed or incorporated
with the chin, or divided into two lobes, narrow, elongated,
silky, and more or less projecting beyond the chin, mark the
first of these sections; the scutellum, moreover, is placed
between the elytra.

This first section will form the genus

Lucanus.

We shall make a first division with those in which the knob
of the antennae is composed but of three or four articulations
or leaves.

We shall commence it with insects almost entirely similar,
with the exception of the antennas, to the Oryctes, a sub-genus
of the preceding tribe. The mandibles are concealed, with-
out teeth, and similar in the two sexes. The chin is almost
triangular, and entirely conceals the tongue, as well as the
base of the jaws. The body is thick and convex above, al-
most cylindrical, and rounded posteriorly. The corslet is

VOL. XIV, 2 K

498 CLASS INSECTA.

truncated and excavated in front. The head of the males is
provided with a horn.

SiNODENDRON, Fab.*

The knob of the antennae is formed by the last three arti-
culations.

Those whose body is thick, convex, ovoid, with the man-
dibles like a compressed pincers, and rising vertically in the
males ; the head much more narrow than the corslet, mea-
sured in its greatest breadth ; and the legs, or at least the
two anterior ones, broad, and in the form of an inverted
triangle, form two sub-genera.

iEsALus, Fab.,

In which the mandibles, even in the males, are shorter than
the head, and terminate above in the manner of a horn ; in
which the chin conceals the jaws ; whose tongue is very small ;
whose body is short and gibbous, with the head almost en-
tirely received in the emargination of the corslet, the legs
compressed, triangular, and the sternum simple, and without
projection. (jEsalus scarabcEoides, Fab. Panz. Faun. Insect.
Germ. XXVI. 15, 16.)

Lamprima, Latr.,

In which the body is more elongated, with the mandibles
much longer than the head, in the males, in the form of ver-
tical angular laminae, very much denticulated, and hairy
internally ; the jaws uncovered as far as their base ; the

* ScarabcEus cylindricus, Lin. Oliv, Col. I. 3, ix. 88. It is the only
known species ; the other sinodrenda of Fabricius, belong to other
i;enera.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 499

tongue very distinct ; the labrum elongated ; the two ante-
rior legs widened, and presenting in the males a pallette-
formed spur like a reversed triangle, and a sternal point.*

Two other sub-genera, established by Mr. W. Macleay,
approach lamprima, in consequence of their mesosternutn
which is prolonged and advanced, but less, however, than in
the preceding ; of their head, much more narrow than the
corslet, and their mandibles furnished with down at the in-
ternal side; but their body is flatted or but little raised,
especially in the females. The labrum is concealed. The
anterior legs are strait and without palette. The palpi and
the lobes of the tong-ue are more elongated.

'&■■

Ryssonotus,

In which the mandibles of the males form, as in Lamprima,
pincers vertically compressed, angular, and denticulated.-|-

Pholidotus, Macl. Chalcimon, Dalm. Lamprima,
Schoenh.,

In which the mandibles in the same sex are very long, nar-
row, arched, terminated in a hook curved inferiorly, and
denticulated like a saw at the internal side.

The knob of the antennae, formed by the last three articu-
culations, is less pectinated than in the others, and almost
perfoliate. The chin covers the jaws.:|:

* Latr, Gener. Crust, et Insect. II. p. 132 ; Lethriis cenens, Fab. Schreib.
Linn. Trans. VI. 1. See also as to this species and others, Macl. Hor.
Entom. I. part I. p. 99.

f Lucanus ncbulosus, Kirb. Trans. Linn. XII. xxi. 12; Macl. Hor.
Entom. I. p. 1. p. 98.

X Lamprima Hiimboldti, Schoenh.; Chalcimon Humholdti, Dalm. Entom.
I. p. 3 ; phoMotus lepidosus, Macl. Hor. Entom. I. part I. p. 97, the male,
ejusd. ; Cassignetus geotrupoides, the female.

2 K 2

500 CLASS INSECTA.

In the following, the mesosternum makes no projection ;
the head is as large as, or even larger, (divers males) than
the corslet. The mandibles are smooth, or at least without
any thick down at the internal side. The body is always
flatted.

In some, the eyes are not cut transversely by the edges of
the head, the jaws are terminated by a very slender lobe in
the form of a pencil, and without corneous teeth.

LucANus (Proper), Lin.

The digestive canal is much less elongated than that of the
scarabaeidae, but the oesophagus is much longer. The male
organs of generation also differ much from those of the pre-
ceding, the testicles being formed by the circumvolutions of
a spermatic vessel, and not by an agglomeration of capsules
of this nature. The adipose tissue, almost nullified in the
scarabseidse, is here abundant and disposed in clusters, which
converge to a medial line.

We presume that the larva of our great Lucanus, which
lives in the interior of oaks, and passes some years
there before it undergoes its final transformation, is the cos-
sus of the Romans, or that animal having the form of a
worm, which they regarded as a delicate viand.

L. Cervus, Lin. Oliv. Col. I. i. 1. Roes. Insect. II. Scarab.
I. iv. V. the male two inches long, larger than the female,
black, with the elytra brown ; the head broader than the
body ; mandibles very large, arched, with three very strong
teeth, two of which at the end are divergent, and the other
is at the internal side ; they also have some small ones. The
females, designated (in French) under the name of hiches^
have the head more narrow, and the mandibles much smaller.
This insect flies in the evening during the summer solstice.
Its size and mandibles vary. It is to one of these varieties

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 501

that we must refer the lucane chevre of Olivier, or the L.
chevreuil of Fabricius. The Lucanus, thus designated by
Linnaeus, is a species of North America, and very distinct
from the preceding.

L. caraboides, Lin. Oliv. Col. ibid. II. 2, five lines in
length, of a greenish brown, with the mandibles crescent-
formed, and the length of which does not exceed, even in
the males, that of the head.*

In others, the eyes are divided transversely, and integrally
by the edges of the head. The jaws terminate in a shorter
and less narrow lobe than in the preceding, and often present
a corneous tooth at the internal edge.

Platycerus, Latr.

The palpi, the maxillary lobes, and the tongue, are pro-
portionally shorter than in the preceding sub-genera. The
mentum forms a transverse square, while in the preceding it
is often in a semicircle. It conceals on both sides the base
of the jaws. The mandibles are generally short.-f-

The other Lucanides have the knob of the antennae com-
posed of the last seven articulations.

Syndesus, Macl. Slnodendron, Fab.

The corslet presents anteriorly a little horn, and in the
same manner as that of most of the passali, a furrow in its

* To the Lucani I unite the ccriichus and platycerus of Mr. Macleay
The proportions of the mandibles of the palpi, of the maxillary lobes, of
the tongue, and the knob of the antennse, cannot furnish constant and
rigorous characters.

f The Lucanus parallelipedus, of Fab., a species, forming with another,
the C. dorcus of Mr. Macleay. I again unite to the platyceri, the nigidius,
CEgus and Figidiis, of this learned entomologist.

502 CLASS INSECTA.

middle. Its separation from the abdomen is also more
marked than in the lucani. The two posterior feet are more
thrown behind. The antenna are less curved.*

The lucanidas of our second section have antennae simply
arched, or but little bent elbow-like, and hairy ; a labrum
always uncovered, crustaceous, and transverse; mandibles
strong and very much denticulated ; but without any re-
markable sexual disproportions; jaws entirely corneous, with
two strong teeth at the least ; a tongue equally corneous or
very hard, situated in an upper emargination of the chin,
and terminated by three points ; the abdomen supported on
a pedicle, presenting the scutellum above, and separated
from the corslet by a very sensible interval. These insects
compose the genus

Passalus, Fabr.,

Which Mr. Macleay confines to the species in which the
knob of the antennae has bvit three articulations, whose la-
brum forms a transverse square, and whose jaws have three
strong teeth at the end, and two at the internal side, at the
place of the internal lobe-

The species in which the knob has five articulations, in
which the labrum is very short, and whose jaws have but
two teeth, one terminal and the other internal, form his
o-enus Paxillus.

Finally, he unites to the preceding, in his family of passa-
lidae, the G. Chiron^ which we have placed in the tribe of
coprophagi.-f-

These insects are foreign to Europe, and, as far as it ap-
pears, to Africa. It is in the eastern countries of Asia, and

* Sinodendron cormitum, Fab. Don. Ins. of New Holl. t. 1.4; Si/ndcsu&
cornulus, Macl. Hor. Entoni. I. part I. p. 104.
f Hor. Entoni. I. p. los, et seq.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 503

also more especially in America, that they are found. Ma-
demoiselle de Merian says that the larva of the species, which
she figures, feeds on the roots of the patata. The perfect
insect is not rare in sugar plantations.*

* See Fabricius, Syst. Eleuth. II. p. 255 ; Web. Observ. Entom. ; Palis
de Beauv. Insect. d'Afr. et d'Amer. ; Latr. Gen. Crust, et Insect. II.
p, 156, and Schoenh. Synon. Insect. I. iii. p. 331, and Append, p. 145,

144.

SUPPLEMENT

LAMELLICORNES.

The first division of this family begins with the tribe
ScARAiJGEiDEs, Section CoPROPHAGi, sub-genus Ateuchus.

We do not see on the hood of the insects of this sub-genus,
the horns which are observed in this part in the other copro-
phagi. This is the character to which M. Weber, the
founder of this genus, has made allusion. Ateuchus is de-
rived from the Greek, and signifies " without arms," or
" without defence." The ateuchi formerly composed a part
of the Scarahoeus of Linnaeus, and the Copris of Fabricius.

These insects are found but little in Europe, beyond the
fiftieth degree of north latitude. They appear proper to
the warmer climates, and particularly to Africa, They live
in ordure of all kinds, the excrements and dung of animals.
Aristotle and Pliny have spoken of them, and designated
them under the name of P'dularicB, because they form, with
the dung of animals, a tolerably thick ball, which they roll
with their hinder feet. This ball, which encloses their eggs,
is at first of a soft consistence, and irregular form, but by
dint of being rolled it hardens, and becomes round. When
it has acquired a sufficient degree of solidity, the insect
pushes it with its hinder feet, as far as the hole which it has
dug for its reception, with its anterior feet, the legs of which

SUri'LEIMENT, &c. 505

are strong, and armed with three or four dentieulations, and
pushes it in. It is in the commencement of Spring that those
insects are observed to roll their pills. They serve both as
food and lodging for the larva which issues from the egg.
Sometimes many of them unite together, and roll in common.
It happens pretty often, that during this labour, one of them
loses its equilibrium, rolls down on one side, and the ball
upon the other, and during the time that it takes to rise, the
ball becomes the property of the first that can seize it. As
soon as it has contrived to replace itself upon its feet, it pro-
ceeds in search of another pill, to supply the place of that
which it has lost. If it can find none, it sets to work anew
with indefatigable ardour in the formation of another. These
insects are not very firm on their anterior feet and when on
their back, have considerable difficulty in rising, but they
fly tolerably well.

The Ateuchus sacer, has been so named because it formed
an object of religious veneration among the ancient Egyp-
tians. Its image is often to be met with amongst their hiero-
glyphics, and was symbolical of the world, the sun, and a
courageous warrior. It was symbolical of the world, accord-
ing to P. Valerianus, on account of the globular shape of
its pills of dung, and from an odd notion that they were
rolled from sunrise to sunset ; of the sun, in consequence of
the angular projections from its head similar to rays, and the
thirty articulations of the six tarsi of its feet answering to the
days of the month. It was considered the symbol of a Avar-
rior, from a most absurd idea that all these insects were of the
male sex only. It was in consequence of this last symbol,
that the Roman soldiers wore its imao^e on their signets. Dr.
Clark informs us, that as typical of the sun, the source of
fertility, it is still eaten by the women to render them pro-
lific. The attention of these insects, as well as that of other
Scaraboeida^ to their eggs, is so remarkable, that it attracted

506 SUPPLEMENT

observation in the earliest ages, and is noticed by many
writers, but with the addition of a number of absurd fables,
such as we have already mentioned.

We cannot pass over the genus Ateuchus, of Latreille,
without referring to a fine species, hereto described by our
friend the Rev. W. Kirby, in the Zool. Journ., under the
name of ScarabcBus femoralis, with the following specific
characters: — clypeus, with six teeth, prothorax dilated and
sculptured. The anterior femora very large and toothed.
This species, which belongs to the Rev. F. W. Hope, is a
native of the Soudan. It is one inch and three quarters in
lengthj and forms a distinct and new type in the genus sca-
rabseus, which the last above-mentioned gentleman proposes
to call Pachylomera.

We have figured a species of Pachysoma. The P. Hip-
pocrates, Kirby. It is of a shining black colour, punctuated ;
the elytra with slightly punctured striae, the anterior tibia?
beneath with series of tubercules. This species is from
Africa.*

The insects comprehended under the name of Onitis,
inhabit the warm and sandy countries of the ancient conti-
nent, and live in the dung of animals. The females dig
holes there, and sink into the earth to deposit their eggs, as
well as the necessary provisions for the larvae, which are to
be disclosed from them.

The genus CoPRis (proper) was first separated from Sca-
rabaeus by GeofFroy, on the foundation that the latter insects
have a distinct scutellum, while the others have none that is
apparent. These insects have, moreover, the hood semi-
circular, and the abdomen shorter ; so that the posterior feet
are more approximate to the anus, and the parts of the
mouth are different. They live on excrements, and make

* The species figured as yEsculapius, must be changed to Hippocrates ;
also the generic name of Mjiaialium, to Ateuchus. (In plate 40.)

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 507

their sojourn in dunghills, and cow-dung. From this cir-
cumstance the French term them " Bousiers''' (Dung-
beetles). Foreign countries produce a great number of spe-
cies, many of which are very remarkable from the fantastic
forms of the corslet, and their prominences. Some are
adorned with very rich and brilliant colours.

The Lethri have very great relations with the Scaraboei
of Fabricius, or Geotrupes of our author. The only species
which is known, Lethrus cephalotes, lives in the arid plains
of Tartary, Hungary, and Southern Russia. It is found in
dry dunghills, in the dried excrements of animals, around
the roots of living plants and underwood. The male and
female, according to Scopoli, live together in a straight cylin-
drical hole, which they hollow in the ground. The larva,
in all probability, lives in the earth, and feeds upon the roots
of plants.

The insects of the genus Geotrupes were formerly classed
with Scarabaeus, from which, however, they differ most es-
sentially in the characters of the mouth, and in their habits.
In the supplement to his Systematic Entomology, Fabricius,
in adapting the genus geotrupes established by Latreille,
transfers this denomination of geotrupes to the insects left
by this author in the genus scarabaeus, and gives the name
of scarabsei to those which form the genus geotrupes. Can
any thing be more prejudicial to science than continual trans-
positions of this kind ? In the case before us the synonimy
of two genera is doubled, and habits appear to be referred
to Scarabaeus which belong only to geotrupes, the word sig-
nifying in Greek, to dig the earth with the feet.

The Geotrupes are insects of a middle size, which some-
times exhibit metallic colours of the highest brilliancy ;
nevertheless, the upper part of their body is almost always
of a black, more or less mingled with brown or metallic
green. Thev are found in summer, in spring, and in autumn,

508 SUPPLEMENT

in the excrements of ruminating animals, but rarely in hu-
man excrements, or those of carnivorous animals. Some
species prefer the habitation of the forests, and feed on
mushrooms. Others, and they are the most numerous, are
fovmd abundantly in pasturages, and remain the entire day in
heaps of cow-dung, from which they issue forth only in the
evening to fly low, in a right line, and very heavily. The
least shock throws them down. It is at this part of the day
that these animals couple, and that the females seek to de-
posit their eggs in the dung, which appears to them proper
to afford an abundant nutriment to the young larvae which
are to spring from them.

The larva of geotrupes very much resembles that of melo--
lontha, but it is smaller. It is of a dirty white ; its body is
soft, folded on itself, and furnished with six scaly feet and a
scaly head. This larva, after having lived some time on the
matter with which it is surrounded, sinks into the earth, and
sustains itself on roots. At the end of a year or two it is
transformed into a nymph, and in a year after, this nymph
changes into the perfect insect.

We have figured a new species, belonging to the singular
genus Bolhoceras, of Kirby, under the name of Bolh. Bil-
hergii. It is of a piceous colour, and is thickly but finely
punctured, with the antennae and legs redder. The thorax
is broader behind than the elytra, and very much deflexed in
front, having several oblique raised lines upon its disc ; the
elytra strongly striated. This insect is from Demerara, and
is in the cabinet of Mr. Children.

The insects of the genus Tuox differ from the Geotrupides
in the number of articulations of the antennae, and the habit
of concealing their head between their anterior feet, and
some other characters.

These insects are found on the earth, in the fields, in sandy
and somewhat dry places. They arc often observed to gnaw

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 509

the tendinous parts which connect the bones of carcases, the
flesh of which has been consumed and devoured long since.
Those which inhabit Europe are to be found during the
whole summer, but more especially in spring. As soon as
they are touched, like Hister^ Byrrhiis, Dermestes, and An-
thremis, they glue their feet and antennae against their body,
cease their movements during some time, and appear, as it
were, dead, until their fear is passed. They sometimes send
forth a little sharp sound, which is occasioned by the friction
of the base of the abdomen against the interior parietes of
the corslet.

We are not acquainted with the larva of these insects,
but it is probable that it lives in carcases, and generally in
animal and vegetable substances in a state of putrefaction, or
dried up.

Pallas discovered, in the arid deserts of Tartary, near the
rivers Jaicus and Irtis, under carcases dried up by the heat
of the sun, a species of Trox which, similar to the European
species, gnawed and destroyed the tendinous portions of
those carcases. In the description which this author gives
of these insects, he names them Scarahcei Silphioides, doubt-
less on account of their manner of living similar to that of
Silpha.

The Scarahceus nasicornis of Linnaeus has been taken by
M. Latreille as the type of his genus Oryctes. Though
this insect presents the general physiognomy and essential
characters of the large exotic Scarabsei, it is not less true
that it differs from them in its jaws, being rather coriaceous
than corneous at their extremity, deprived of teeth, and
simply furnished with hairs. The same is the case with those
of the Scarabaei, s'llenus^ boas, tarandus, &c. To such spe-
cies is the genus Oiyctes limited. The most common species in
Europe (Nasicornis), which some authors have named inotik
(moine), lives in the half-rotten tan of the oak, and in the

510 SUPPLEMENT

beds of gardens where this tan is employed. After coupling,
which takes place in June or July, the female burrows under
such places, for the purpose of depositing her eggs. They
are oblong, about the size of a grain of hempseed, and of
a clear yellow. The larva is disclosed at the end of five or
six weeks. It is of a dirty yellow, mingled with grey, with
the head of a lively red, sown with little points. In its form
and attitude it otherwise resembles that of the other Scara-
bseidas. It is believed not to arrive at its full growth, and
pass into the nymph-state, until after the lapse of four or five
years. It then constructs for itself an oval shell, elongated,
and very smooth in the interior. The nymph remains there
a longer or shorter time, constantly lying on the back.
When it becomes the perfect insect, the animal, to give suffi-
cient time for all its parts to acquire firmness, does not quit
its retreat until the end of about a month.

Swammerdam, Roesel, &c. have given us some curious
anatomical observations on this species, but rather too much
detailed for us to follow here. Reaumur seems to be of opi-
nion that the larvae of this species would constitute very good
eating, and recommends that they should be sought for
" dans les couches de fumier^'' In this recommendation we
cannot exactly concur, though it is very probable that the
grubs and larvae of many coleoptera, as well as other insects,
might be eaten with the greatest safety.

Pliny and other writers, have designated collectively vari-
ous kinds of coleoptera, and even some orthoptera, such as
the grylli, under the name of ScaraB/eus. This denomina-
tion is partly synonimous with that of cantharos, employed
by the Greeks. The moderns, in preserving the former name,
have assigned it to a single genus of insects only. The scarabasi
were confounded by Linnaeus with melolontha, trox, and
some others. Geoffroy simply divided all these insects into
two genera, preserving the denomination scarabcBuSy for the

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 511

first, and that of bousier (copris) for the second. But these
two genera, according to the characters assigned them by this
author, would differ one from the other, only because the
first had a scutellum, and the second none. This slight dif-
ference is hardly sufficient for the establishment of a genus,
particularly as we know that the majority of the bousiers or
copris have a very small scutellum. There is moreover
the greatest analogy between some scarabaei with scutellum,
and those which want it. All the insects ranged by Geoffroy
in his genus bousier have, in truth, a mode of living peculiar
to themselves. They have a form which differs from that of
the other scarabaei, and which causes them to be recognized at
the first aspect. They all live in the dung and excrements
of animals. But the Aphodii live in the same manner, are
found in the same places, have the mouth similarly formed,
and do not differ from the bousiers very distinctly, but be-
cause they have a scutellum, and that all the feet are inserted
at equal distances. The want then of this piece, or its
existence, cannot be deemed a sufiicient basis for the consti-
tution of a genus.

Degeer has divided into three families the genus Scara-
basus, such as it was established by Linnseus. The first
family comprehends Scarabceus, oryctes, synodendron, gco-
trupeSy onthophaguSy aphodius, copris and trocv ; the second
comprehends melolontha and rutela ; and the third, cetonia
and trichius. He has distinguished these families under the
names of Scarabcsi of the earth, Scarabcei of the trees, and
Scarabcei of the Jlowers.

Voet has followed pretty nearly the divisions of Geoffroy,
and those of Degeer. He has divided the genus Scarabseus
of Linnaeus, into ScarabcBus and Copris. The first are sub-
divided into three families. The first comprehends the Sca-
rabaei of the flowers, the second the Scarabaei of the trees,
and the third, the Scarabaei of the earth, properly so called.

51^ SUPPLEMENT

The second genus is the same as the housier, or copris of
GeofFroy. SchEeffer has imitated the example of Geoffroy,
in adopting two genera, Scarabceus and Copris.

Fabricius separated from Scarabaeus, melolontha, cetonia
and trox. But the genus Scarabseusj as founded by this
celebrated naturalist, presented some very remarkable dif-
ferences, which determined INIM. Latreille and Olivier to
form of it twelve genera, or large families, the first of which
comprehended the scarabaei which possess mandibles, and no
upper lip ; the second contained the scarabaei which have
mandibles and an upper lip ; and in the third , those which
have neither mandibles nor upper lip. In his Systematic
Entomology he confines himself to detaching from his genus
scarabasus, the species named cylindricus, to make of it that
of Synodendron, but to which he refers erroneously some
species of Bostrichus, an error which he subsequently left
uncorrected. M. Latreille, in his summary of the generic
characters of insects, established, with the scarabaei of the
second division, a peculiar genus which he named Geotrupes,
adopted that of Copris, and preserved the generic name of
Scarahceus only for the species of the first division. These
genera, and those which had been separated from the scara-
baei of Linnaeus before, composed his second family of cole-
optera. Fabricius, in the Supplement to his Systematic
Entomology, also admits the genus Copris, but he restrains
it, establishing at its expense the genus Onitis. The geo-
trupes of M. Latreille, as we have already seen, were Scara-
bcBi) in the system of the German naturalist, and the scarabaei
of the former were geotrupes with the latter. Notwith-
standing the inconvenience of this substitution of names, it
was nevertheless received by the naturalists of Germany, so
imposing is the authority of a great name. The same genus,
housier or copris, underwent some time after a new modifica-
tion. M. Weber separated from it the Ateuchus, and Illiger

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 51.3

Aphodius. Such was in this respect the state of the science
when M. Latreille published the third volume of his General
History of Crustacea and Insects. The third division of the
scaraboei mentioned above, there compose a peculiar family,
that of the coprophagi, and which presents a new genus, that
of onthophagus. Those of Lethrus and geotrupes form
another family, that of geotrupini, a thirds that of scara-
hcBides, and to which he united the Lucani and passali, com-
prehend, beside the scarabaei of the first division as above,
hexodon and cetonia. But this last genus is less extended
there by the adoption of another, that of Trichius, and the
establishment of another generic section, that of rutela, which
is formed of the cetoniae of the third division. M. Latreille
also divides Melolontha into many small families, from consi-
derations taken from the antennae, the claws of the tarsi, and
the form of the body. A new genus is also there presented,
that of glaphyrus, which he detached from the preceding.
Fabricius, in his system of Eleutherata^ has not departed
from the method which he adopted in his Supplement to the
Systematic Entomology. Some subsequent changes were
then made in this division by M. Latreille, and finally it was
modified, as our readers have seen, in the " Regne Animal.'"
We shall not apologize for this slight notice of the history
of the changes made in the classification of the ScarahcEi.
It is true that we do not very frequently enter into details of
this kind, in this department of our labours ; but in the
instance before us we deem them of some importance in
elucidating the researches, and assisting the studies of the
zealous entomologist, though they may be passed over by
such as merely take up Natural History as an amusement.
In fact, without some examination into these matters, it is
impossible to take up an author with any advantage, or to
know precisely what subject he is treating on. The continual
revolutions in nomenclature are greatly to be deprecated, but

VOL. XIV. 2 L

514 SUPPLEMENT

as far as they exist they must be studied. All the great
authors which we have cited contain much that is of real
value, but of Avhich we shall be unable to avail ourselves,
without some attention to the dry and painful subject of
synonimy.

The scarabaei are met with on the ground, or flying from
one place to another. They are usually found in rich and
humid situations, in garden beds, or in fields, towards the
root of old trees. The majority of them frequent dunghills,
and fat and moist soils, for the purpose of depositing their
eggs, but none of them live in the dung or excrements of
animals.

It is in such places as we have last mentioned that the
larva of these insects is to be found. It resembles a soft
thick worm, usually curved into an arc. Its head is hard and
scaly, and provided with two short and filiform antennae.
The body is composed of thirteen tolerably distinct rings,
nine of which are provided with a stigma on each side. The
nymph is buried in the earth, and shut up in a sort of shell
constructed by the larva previously to its transformation.
The skin which covers its body permits us to see all the parts
which the perfect insect is to have. Their form is tolerably
well designed under the skin which covers them, and which
keeps them as it were swaddled up.

We shall not repeat here all the absurd puerilities which
the greatest men of antiquity, such as Homer, Aristophanes,
Theocritus, Isidorus, Aristotle, Lucian and Pliny have writ-
ten on the Scarahcei or canthari, relative to their origin
habits, and sex. Should the reader be curious on this sub-
ject, he will find most of them detailed in MoufFet and Jonson.
What we have already said under the head Ateuchus, may
also, perhaps, apply to the insects we are now treating of,
namely, that the ancient Egyptians believing that they were
all males, and never coupled, sculptured those insects at the

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 515

foot of the statues of their heroes, to express manly and martial
virtue, exempt from all weakness, a virtue which, according
to them, appertained to powerful minds — to men truly illus-
trious.

The perfect insect of the scarabseus, like most of the tribe,
is not often in a situation immediately after its birth to make
use of its organs. It has need to fortify itself, which often
requires a tolerably long time. The internal organization
has undergone great changes. The long intestine, all of
one width, is no longer observed. The tracheae are all vesi-
cular.

The insects of the sub-genus Hexodon, have some rela-
tions with melolontha, cetonia, and especially rutela. They
frequent trees and shrubs, and feed upon their leaves. The
larva is not known, but it probably differs but little from
that of melolontha, whicli we shall describe below.

In consequence of the singularity of the insect, and the
rarity of the tract in which it was originally published, we
have deemed the insect described by Mr. Francillon, under
the name of the kanguroo beetle, or scarabasus macropus, to
be very worthy of an introduction into our illustrations.
This insect is supposed to have come from Potosi, in South
America. It is of a bright green colour above, with the
elytra smooth, and golden and copperish beneath, with the
hind legs incrassated to a most extraordinary size.

We believe this unique insect is in the collection of Mr.
Macleay. As an inhabitant of South America there can be
but little doubt, since M. Humboldt has discovered a species
very like it in form in Peru, which M. Latreille has described
in a magnificent work published by himself and M. Hum-
boldt, under the name of melolontha chrysochlora. This
species is of a brilliant golden green, with the breast, the
underside of the abdomen, and the femora and tibias of the pos-
terior legs of a reddish copper colour. The head, thorax, seg-

2 L 2

516 SUPPLEMENT

ments of the abdomen rather smooth, with very fine punctures ;
but the elytra are strongly punctured, the punctures forming
irregular ridges ; the posterior legs are half as long as the
body ; the femora are rather arched ; the interior angles of the
posterior extremity are prolonged in the form of a strong spine.
The last joint of the tarsi is very large and strong. This
species is found in great numbers, at certain times of the
year, somewhat after the fashion of our rose beetles {Cetonia
aurata).

We have also figured a new species, under the name of
C. Kirhii. It is oblong, of a brilliant shining golden green,
the body darker underneath, pubescent, the elytra with nu-
merous punctated striae, the posterior legs long, with the
femora and tibia large, the tarsi large and violet. It is from
Brazil, and is in the cabinet of the British Museum.

This last species seems to form a link between the Rutela
and Chrysophnra, being related to the former in the form
and general glittering appearance of the body, and to the
latter in the form of the hind legs.

The Rev. W. Kirby has described an intermediate genus
between Chrysophora and Rutela, and nearly allied to Pelid-
nota of Macleay, under the name of Chrysina. The cha-
racters are, the mandibles large, concave above, convex
beneath, broad, externally rounded; the clypeus sub-elon-
gate, with obtuse angles ; labrum sub-trapezoid ; the tip
emarginate ; the maxillary palpi four jointed ; the first and
third joints short, the second gradually larger ; the terminal
incrassated ; the labial palpi three jointed, the second joint
longer than the first, and the third longer than the second,
and larger ; the antennae ten jointed, as in Arcoda and
Pelidnota. Mr. Kirby mentions one species, under the name
of Peruviana f which is in the collection of the Rev. F. W.
Hope.

This beautiful species has one peculiarity which seems to

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 517

distinguisli it from all its cognate tribes — its green colour, at
least on its upper surface, is merely superficial, and may be
removed by friction, when only black appears.

The species we figured is from Mexico, therefore we
will call it Mexicana. It is of a rather dull golden green
colour, with delicate punctated striae, with minute punctures
intermixed on the elytra, which have a lobe on the outer pos-
terior angle. The antennse ferrugineous, with the first joint
golden green ; the palpi ferrugineous ; the tarsi violet ; the
penidtimate segment of the abdomen with a transverse violet
mark at the base above ; the abdomen copperish green
beneath ; the legs are fulvous green, with the interior of the
tibiae copperish. The length is seventeen lines. There is
also another species from the same place, which is about
fourteen lines long, and is more strongly striated on the
elytra, with some minute punctures between them, and very
slightly copperish beneath the abdomen ; the tarsi golden
green. This species we name Auripes. Both these species
are in the Collection of J. G. Children, Esq.

The RuTEL.E were confounded by Fabricius and Olivier
with the cetoniae. They form, however, in the method of the
last, a particular family. It has no triangular piece at the
lateral base of the elytra.

These insects are proper to the New World, and especially
to such of its countries as are situated between the tropics.
We know nothing positive concerning their manner of life ;
but from the scaly consistence of their jaws, the numerous
teeth with which they are provided, it is probable that their
habits have great analogy with those of melolontha and sca-
rabaeus. Their brilliant or agreeable colours would seem to
indicate that these insects do not shun the light like the
latter, but that they are to be found in open day on flowers,
or perhaps, rather, upon leaves.

Fabricius first separated the Melolonth.e from Scara-

518 SUPPLEMENT

baeus, with which Linnaeus, Geoffrey, and some other na-
turalists had united them. They have subsequently given
birth to the establishment of several genera or sub-genera ;
but notwithstanding all these reductions, the genus is still
very extensive, and might become the object of a monograph
so much the more interesting, inasmuch as many of these
coleoptera, being a scourge to agriculture, demand but too
urgently the attention of the naturalist.

Of all maleficent insects, there are very few indeed which
are more mischievous and destructive than the melolonthae.
From their birth to their death these insects feed on vegetable
substances, and occasion to them a most considerable degree
of damage. In the larva state, they gnaw for two, three, or
four consecutive years, the tender roots of annual plants,
those of perennial plants, of shrubs, and even those of the
hardest trees. In Europe, and in all cold and temperate
climates, those larvae cease their devastations during the win-
ter, sink more deeply into the earth, in which they form a
lodge, where they pass that season without taking any nutri-
ment, and in a sort of lethargic state. When they have
become perfect insects, the melolonthae abandon the earth,
and subsist no longer upon roots. But they then attack the
leaves of trees and plants. Some years ago, the species which
were found in the neighbourhood of Paris were so multiplied,
that they despoiled, in a very little time, almost all the trees
of the forest. The common Melolonthae gnaw without
distinction all kinds of roots, in their first state. When ar-
rived to their final form, they attack and destroy the leaves
of almost every kind of tree. A species, common in the
southern parts of France, gnaws the buds and the tender
leaves of the pines. The Melolontha vitis, thus named
because it despoils the vine of its leaves, also attacks the wil-
low, the poplar, and the majority of fruit trees.

This genus is very numerous in species ; the majority of

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 519

them are greatly multiplied, and all are more or less hurtful.
We shall proceed to sketch the liistory of that one with
which it is most important to be acquainted, namely, the
common species {Melolontha vulgaris) the cock-chafer-^ and
we shall notice the means employed hitherto, if not to
exterminate this devastating race, at least to lessen its
population, and diminish the aggregate of mischief which it
produces.

The melolonthae pass the greatest portion of the day mo-
tionless, and in a state of lethargy, attached to the branches
and leaves of trees. They rarely take their flight when the
weather is hot and dry ; but after the setting of the sun,
being urged by the want of nutriment, and more especially
the inclination to unite, they fly along humming from tree to
tree, and the males pursue the females. The organs of gene-
ration are accompanied by a sort of pincers, the sides of
which naturally approach each other, and cannot be opened
without an effort. The flight of these insects is dull, heavy,
and irregular. They strike at all the objects which they
meet. They are often seen to fall at once, and rise again
with sufficient quickness to resume their flight, unless the
shock has been too rude, or unless they happen to have been
thrown on their backs.

The duration of the life of the melolonthae is very short
in their final state. Each individual scarcely lives a week,
and the species is rarely seen for the space of a month. A
short time after they issue from the earth, the melolonthae
begin to couple, and their union endures for four and twenty
hours. This appears to be the whole and sole object of the
existence of these insects in their perfect state, as both die
as soon as that object is attained. The mode of copulation
is singular, but we shall not enlarge upon it here. The eggs
are of a clear yellow, and in the form of an elongated sphe-

520 SUPPLEMENT

roid. The union being ended, the male no more resumes
his pristine vigour. He remains in a languishing state, takes
no more nutriment, and perishes soon after. The female
survives and lays her eggs.

As soon as the females are fecundated, they dig in the
earth, with the assistance of their fore feet, a hole, half a
foot in depth, in which they deposit their eggs, one by the
side of the other. The oviposition being finished, they quit
the hole, abandon the eggs, and return on the trees. They
survive this operation but a little time, take scarcely any nu-
triment, and perish after having languished one or two
days.

The larvae which spi'ing from these eggs at the end of
about six weeks are soft, elongated, of a dirty white, ap-
proaching to yellow, and wrinkled ; the posterior extremity
of their body is curved underneath, and the excrements with
which it is filled give it a violet or ashen colour. They have
six short and scaly feet, a head thick and scaly, two antennae
composed of five pieces, and nine stigmata on each side. As
yet they have no eyes, or at least those which they are to
have are concealed under the envelops of which the larva is
to disembarrass itself by small degrees. Their body is com-
posed of thirteen rings, tolerably apparent. These larvae,
pretty generally known by the name of white worms, live
three or four years in their first state, subsequently change
into the nymph, and appear at the commencement of the
third or fourth year, under the perfect form of the melolon-
tha, or cock-chafer.

These larvae are attached to the roots of plants and trees,
which constitute their only nutriment. They do not eat,
except during the fine weather. In autumn they bury them-
selves very deeply in the earth, and pass the winter in a state
of lethargy 1 without taking any kind of nourishment, and

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 521

without making the least movement. They issue from their
retreat, and mount to the depth of about half a foot on the
approach of the fine season, to feed anew on the roots of ve-
getables. They moult, or change their skin once every year,
at the commencement of spring. Finally, when these larvae
have acquired their full growth, at the end of the summer of
the third year, they cease to eat, bury themselves in the earth
to the depth of a foot and a half, or two feet, construct a very
even sort of lodge, very smooth within, and line it with their ex-
crements, and with some silken threads. Their bodies become
shortened and inflated, they quit their skin and change into
a nymph, through the covering of which all the parts of the
perfect insect are easily distinguished. The antennas, the
feet, the wings, the abdomen — in a word, all the parts are
perfectly designed under the general envelope which covers
them. In the month of February, the cock-chafer tears its
envelope, pierces the shell, and issues forth under its final
form. But the insect is then yellowish, and rather soft. It
still remains for some time under ground, and gets rid of its
superfluous humidity. It approaches by little and little to
the surface of the earth, from which it does not issue forth
entirely until it is attracted by the influence of a mild heat.
The contact with the air completely fortifies it, and gives to
its external parts their proper colour.

The ravages which the larva of the cock-chafers, and the
cock-chafers themselves commit, would appear almost incre-
dible, were they not attested by the most undeniable autho-
rities. They sometimes produce mischief, nearly to as great
an extent as those committed by the locust tribe. It appears
from a paper printed in the Philosophical Transactions for
1697? from the pen of Mr. Molineux, that some particular
districts in Ireland were infested by this insect in a very ex-
traordinary manner. We shall here cite the account given
by that gentleman.

522 SUPPLEMENT

" These insects were first noticed in this kingdom in 1688.
They appeared on the south-east coast of Galway, brought
thither by a south-west wind, one of the most common, I
might almost say, trade-winds of this country. From hence
they penetrated into the inland parts towards Heddford,
about twelve miles north of the town of Galway. Here and
there in the adjacent country, multitudes of them appeared
among the trees and hedges in the day-time, hanging by the
boughs in clusters, like bees when they swarm. In this pos-
ture they continued, with little or no motion, during the heat
of the sun ; but towards evening or sun-set, they would all
disperse and fly about,' with a strange humming noise, like
the beating of distant drums, and in such vast numbers, that
they darkened the air for the space of two or three miles
square. Persons travelling on the roads, or abroad in the
fields, found it very uneasy to make their way through them,
they would so beat and knock themselves against their faces
in their flight, and with such a force as to make the place
smart, and leave a mark behind them. In a short time
after their coming, they had so entirely eat up and destroyed
all the leaves of the trees for some miles round, that the
whole country, though in the middle of summer, was left as
bare as in the depth of winter, and the noise they made in
gnawing the leaves, made a sound much resembling the
gnawing of timber. They also came into the gardens and
destroyed the buds, blossoms, and leaves of all the fruit-trees,
so that they were left perfectly naked ; nay, many that were
more delicate than the rest, lost their sap as well as leaves,
and quite withered away, so that they never recovered again.
Their multitudes spread so exceedingly, that they infested
houses, and became extremely offensive and troublesome.
Their numerous young, hatched from the eggs which they
had lodged underground, near the surface of the earth, did
still more harm in that close retirement than all the flying

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 523

swarms of their parents had done abroad, for this destruc-
tive brood, lying underground, eat up the roots of corn and
grass, and thus consumed the support both of man and beast.
This plague was happily checked several ways. High winds
and wet mi sling weather destroyed many millions of them in
a day, and when this constitution of the air prevailed, they
were so enfeebled, that they would let go their hold, and
drop to the ground from the branches, and so little a fall as
this was quite sufficient to disable, and sometimes perfectly
to kill them. Nay, it was observable that even when they
were most vigorous, a slight blow would for some time stun
them, if not deprive them of life. During these unfavour-
able seasons of the weather, the swine and poultry of the
country would watch under the trees for their falling, and
feed and fatten on them, and even the poorer sort of the
country people, the country then labouring under a scarcity
of provisions, had a way of dressing them, and lived upon
them as food. In a little time it was found that smoke was
another thing very offensive to them, and by burning heath,
fern, &c. the gardens were secured, or if the insects had
already entered, they were thus driven out again. Towards
the latter end of summer they retired of themselves, and
so totally disappeared, that in a few days you could not see
one left. A year or two ago, all along the south-west coast
of the county of Gal way, for some miles together, there were
found dead on the shore such infinite multitudes of them, and
in such vast heaps, that, by a moderate estimate, it was com-
puted that there could not be less than forty or fifty horse-
loads in all, which was a new colony, or a supernumerary
swarm from the same place whence the first stock came in
1688, driven by the wind from their native land, which I
conclude to be Normandy or Brittany in France, it being a
country much infested by this insect, and from whence Eng-
land has heretofore been pestered in a similar manner with

524 SUPPLEMENT

swarms of this vermin ; but these meeting with a contrary
wind before they could land, were stopped, and tired with
the voyage, were all driven into the sea, which, by the mo-
tion of its waves and tides, cast their floating bodies in heaps
to the shore. It is observed, that they seldom keep above a
year together in a place, and their usual stages or marches
are computed to be about six miles in a year. Hitherto their
progress has been westerly, following the course of that wind
which blows most commonly in this country."

Mouffet, in his History of Insects, informs us, that in
1574, so great a number of cock-chafers were driven into the
river Severn, that they altogether hindered the mills from
working, and were with difficulty destroyed by the united
efforts of the people, and the different kinds of hawks, ducks,
and other birds, which devoured them with eagerness. In
Normandy, he tells us, that they appear in general every
third year. In England, the county of Norfolk seems to
have suffered most from their ravages. In 1751, a great
many crops were totally destroyed in that part of the country
by these voracious insects.

The devastations of these animals have induced many agri-
culturists to seek out the means of destroying them at a
small expense, or at least of diminishing their number, often
so considerable, that the leaves of an entire forest are com-
pletely gnawed by these insects in less than fifteen days. We
read in the Philosophical Transactions of the Dublin Society,
that the inhabitants of some districts in Ireland had suffered
so much from cock-chafers, that they determined to set fire
to a forest of several leagues in extent, to cut off the commu-
nication with other districts which had not as yet been in-
fested. Among the methods proposed for the destruction of
the cock-chafers, the following are those which have most
generally proved successful.

First Method. — Flambeaus are made of the thickness of

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 525

one's fist, composed of a well sulphured match, surrounded
with pitch -rosin, and a slight external layer of yellow wax.
When the cock-chafers begin to appear, that is to say, in the
months of May and June, the hours are chosen when they
remain in a state of repose on the leaves of trees and hedges,
which is usually between nine in the morning and three in
the afternoon, and the prepared flambeau being lighted, it is
paraded underneath and around the trees and hedges, and
held under in such a manner that the smoke, mixed with the
odours of sulphur, resin, and yellow wax, suffocates the in-
sects. It is sufficient to hold it in this manner, going and
coming, for about seven minutes and a half, under the places
where the cock-chafers have assembled. After this operation
the hedges are shaken with sticks, and the fruit trees with
crooks, or with the hand, taking care, however, not to suffer
the flowers of these trees to fall, for thus the remedy would
be worse than the disease. The cock-chafers, half stupified
by the heat of the sun, and suffocated by the mingled odours
of the flambeau, undergo a sort of lethargy which makes
them fall more easily from the trees and hedges in which
they were. When they have fallen they are collected toge-
ther, placed in a heap upon a handful of straw, and set fire
to, to prevent the possibility of their recovery or return ;
for this odour of the flambeau does not kill them, and it
keeps them in a state of stupefaction scarcely for the space
of an hour.

Second Method. — It has been proposed as a mode of pre-
servation against the ravages of the white worms, or the
larvae of the cock-chafers, to cause the plough to be followed
by children, to gather up in baskets such of these animals as
the share might upturn. But, besides that all lands are not
tilled at the same time, and that there still remain some in this
state at the end of autumn and even during winter, the tracts
planted with wood, or thickets, and those in which clover,

526 SUPPLEMENT

trefoil, and the different kinds of grasses are sown, must
naturally serve these insects for a retreat. Moreover, this
feeble resource could not be adopted at any other time than
in spring, and the commencement of autumn ; for about the
end of this season these larvas inter themselves deeply in the
ground, for the purpose of sheltering themselves against the
cold, and remain during the winter, at such a depth, that it
would be quite impossible for the plough to get at them.

Third Method. — M. Gouffier having observed that the
trees planted in espaliers, near which grew strawberry bushes,
lettuces, &c., were less subject to these white ivorms, he
judged that they would give the preference to these last men-
tioned plants, and which he found, in fact, to be almost all
of them eat up. He then adopted the method of furnishing
his espaliers with salad, and of planting thick tufts of straw-
berries, which he removed with the tuft on which they grew,
to the foot of orchard trees. He was careful to visit them
two or three times each day, and as soon as he observed a
lettuce begin to wither, he dug at its foot with a little trowel,
and always found one or more larvae of cock-chafers gnawing
at the root of it. As to the strawberries, he did not so soon
perceive the sojourn of the larvae in them ; but as their roots
were numerous, they established for themselves there a sort
of domicile, which made them forget the neighbouring trees.

This method, though very good for preserving the trees
from these mischievous larvae, can avail nothing against the
ravages which they commit in the open country.

Fourth Method. — M. Gouffier, and many other agricul-
turists, have proposed to spread soot around the feet of the
young trees, and frequently to stir up the earth there, and
to cast in a field, peat, pit-coal, turf ashes, or even lime, to
drive away or destroy these larvae. According to the expe-
riments tried by these agriculturists on a small scale, it ap-
peared that these substances did in fact drive away tlie larvae

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 5^7

of the cock-chafers, when they were mixed in a tolerably large
quantity with earth, in a pot or box. But these experiments
did not svicceed so well in a field, because the turf and the
ashes had not been put there, either in sufficient quantity, or
at a sufficient depth. The most proper time for spreading
these substances, and mixing them with the earth, would be
in spring, without doubt, at the moment in which the larvae
quit their retreat, and re-ascend to support themselves upon
roots.

Fifth Method. — All the means hitherto mentioned have
proved either useless or insufficient. The best would doubt-
less be, as Rosier informs us in his Course of Agriculture, to
make, for several years in succession, a general chase of those
insects, and to destroy them when in their final form. For
this purpose women and children might be employed. The
birds of the farm-yard, such as turkies, hens, &c., nocturnal
birds, such as the difterent species of owls, &c., rats, weasels,
ferrets, and all their congenerous quadrupeds, cause a great
number of them to perish. Some carabi also destroy a great
quantity of female cock-chafers, at the moment in which they
are trying to descend into the earth for the purpose of depo-
siting their eggs.

It is commonly believed that frost and the cold rains of
spring, cause the cock-chafers to perish before they issue from
the earth. It is also believed, according to the observations
of Roesel, that one may predict, from the number of cock-
chafers in one year, their dearth or their abundance for the
fourth year which will follow the prediction. But observa-
tion does not confirm these assertions, which are founded
rather on conjecture than experience. It often happens on
the one part, that after a rigorous winter, and a cold and
humid spring, that the cock-chafers appear in great abundance
in the month of May, and that they are sometimes less nu-
merous after a mild winter and a dry and warm spring. On

528 SUPPLEMENT

the other point, if their number for the fourth year was
determined by their number in the year in which they were
observed, one might, in following them for four years, deter-
mine their number for ever, a thing totally contrary to all
observation. It often happens that these insects are very
common for several years in succession, and that they are
much less so during many other years, without there being
any thing like a permanent order in the times of their ap-
pearances. A very abundant brood of eggs may be followed
by few cock-chafers in the fourth year, if the causes con-
nected with the growth and development of the larvae should
prove unfavourable. A less abundant oviposition may be
followed by a considerable quantity of cock-chafers in the
fourth year, if these causes, on the contrary, are very favour-
able, if the eggs disclose well and the larvae do not perish.
Each female cock-chafer, laying near a hundred eggs," it is
easy to conclude that a small number of these insects may
nevertheless leave a very numerous posterity.

Passing over the intervening sub-genera we come to the
division Hoplides. The Hopli.e were thus named by Illi-
ger, and until his time had been confounded with melolontha.
From these last, however, they are very sufficiently distin-
guished.

The Hopliae are small coleoptera, which appear to be
peculiar to the western countries of the ancient continent.
They are especially found in the hot and temperate parts.
They remain tranquilly on the leaves of different vegetables,
which they gnaw. Many species appear to prefer those
which grow on the banks of streams, rivers, or in humid
places.

The genus Trichius, in the Entomology of Olivier, forms
but a single division, the second of the genus cetotiia, from
which, in fact, it differs but little in the relation of the mas-
ticating organs. It may, however, be distinguished from it

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 529

by the relative and comparative proportions of the palpi ;
also hy the form of the corslet.

The metamorphoses and habits of the insects of these two
genera, are otherwise almost identical. Some species of
Trichiii those in which the females have the abdomen ter-
minated by a corneous point, always prominent, hollowed
into a gutter on its upper face, denticulated upon its edges,
and serving as a wimble or augur, are a little different from
the others in their manner of life. They are almost always
to be found upon the ground. Some are found on the cari-
ous trunks of trees, others on roses and various flowers.
The colours of Trichius fasciatus vary a little, according
to the localities in which this insect is found, and according
as the temperature is more or less cold. Thus black predo-
minates more on the elytra in the individuals which art
peculiar to alpine regions. This is more particularly to be
remarked in the species which has been named succhictus.

Degeer had already separated, into a particular family of
his genus scarabaeus, the species with which Fabricius has
formed those of Cetonia and trichius. He names them
scarahcEi of the Jloivers, and distinguishes them from the
others because they have no teeth. This last Avriter associates
to the cetonias, many insects which, though tolerably resembling
them in other parts, have nevertheless very different masti-
cating organs, and approximate in this point of view to melo-
lontha, and the scarabaei of the text. They compose, in our
author's system, the genus rutela — Olivier, who had very
well appreciated this difference, since he forms with these
species a peculiar division, still leaves them with thecetonicB,
as well as the trichii. M. Lamarck has separated from the
cetoniae of Fabricius, under the generic name of Goliath ^
some species in which the hood is deeply divided into two
lobes, which imitate the forms of two horns. Of this last-

VOL. XIV. 2 u

530 SUPPLEMENT

mentioned genus we may remark, by the way, that there is
nothing to be observed, except its size and beauty.

From the trichii it is more difficult to separate the ceto-
niae. That they do differ, however, in some material points,
is undeniable.

The cetoniae are found during summer on umbellated
flowers, on composite flowers, on willows, poplars, flowering
shrubs, hedges, &c. They should not be confounded with
the cock-chafers, those most mischievous of all destructive
insects to the roots of every vegetable, and the leaves of every
tree. The cetoniae, in their larva state, scarcely do any
mischief to plants, and in their final form they frequent flowers
without doing them any injury. They content themselves
with the melliferous fluid contained in the bottom of the
corolla, and never attack either flowers or leaves.

Many naturalists had given the name of platycerus, which
signifies broad horns, to some species of the genus Lucanus,
and this denomination was preserved to it by Geoffroy, who
distinguishes it by very just characters from that of scara-
baeus with which it had been confounded. But the name
Lucanus, which Scopoli gave to the same genus, in his
Entomology of Carniola, printed in 1763, a year before the
French naturalist had published his History of the Insects
of the Neighbourhood of Paris, having been adopted by
Linnaeus, has most generally prevailed. The denomination
of Geoffroy has, however, been applied to another generic
section formed by M. Latreille, at the expense of the Lu-
cani.

Pliny has employed the word lucani, in speaking of the
horn-beetles. Fabricius tells us that he is unacquainted with
the origin of the word. The etymology is not, however,
very difficult. The ancients gave the name of Lucas, Lucana,
to the ox and the elephant. It is said that Pyrrhus had thus
named tlie elephant the first time that he saw it, because this

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 5S1

word signified o,v in his own language, and that he named it
thus from the name of the largest animal which he had seen ;
Nigidius, according to Pliny, was the first who gave the
name of Lucani to the horn-beetles. This name, as we see,
corresponds to the vulgar name oi Jlying bull, given in differ-
ent languages to the lucanus cervus. Dalechamp thinks
that the name lucanus was given to the horn-beetle only be-
cause this insect was very common amongst the Lucanians, a
people of Italy. But it is probable, after what we have
just said, that the Lucanians themselves were thus named, in
consequence of the great numbers of oxen which they reared
in their rich and abundant pasturages.

As our author has omitted a detailed description of these
insects, it will be as well to give some notice of their exter-
nal anatomy in this place.

The antennae being bent, and the final articulations ad-
vancing on the internal side in the form of parallel teeth, or
forming, when united, a knob more or less pectinate or ser-
rated, cause the lucani to be very easily distinguished from
the scarabaei of Linnaeus. The length of the first articula-
tion of these organs, and which, at its junction with the
following articulation, forms a sort of elbow ; the jaws ter-
minated in the manner of a brush or pencil ; the lingua
concealed behind the mentum, and terminated by two pieces,
each of which again imitates a small pencil, prevents us from
confounding this genus with that of passalus. By some of
these characters, as well as by its depressed form, it is also
removed from those of sinodendron and cEsalus. The jaws
of the lucani are covered at their base by the lingua, which
removes them from Lamprima, which, besides, has the
antennas terminated a little otherwise, the body more convex,
and some other peculiar traits. But they are not distinguished
rigorously from the platycerus of M. Latreille, but that the
lateral and anterior edges of the head are prolonged a little

2 M 2

532 SUPPLEMENT

on the sui-face of the cornea of the eyes, and seem to cut off
a part of it.

The head of the Lucani is more or less bulky; that of the
male is more so than that of the female. It is broader than
long, angular, often irregular, with some elevations more or
less projecting. The hood is tolerably large, and advanced
into a point. The mandibles are very large, strong, corneous,
arched, and denticulated internally. Those of the female
are less long than those of the male.

The corslet is a little convex above, rounded at its sides,
and more or less edged. The scutellum always exists, only it
is but little visible in some species. The elytra are hard, of
the length of the abdomen. They cover two membranaceous
and folded wings, of which the insect frequently makes use
for the purpose of flying. The feet are long ; the anterior
legs are denticulated laterally. All the tarsi are composed
of five articulations, the last of which is armed with two
hooks, accompanied by an intermediate appendage, terminated
by two divergent silken hairs.

The larva is very thick ; its body is curved into an arch,
and composed of thirteen rings ; its head is brown, scaly,
armed with two strong jaws, of which it makes use to gnaw
wood, which it reduces to a sort of tan. It has six scaly
feet attached to the first three rings. Arrived at its final
growth, it constructs, in the wood in which it has lived, a
shell or cell, with the sawdust of the wood which it has
gnawed. In this shell it becomes changed into a nymph,
from which it does not issue until it has attained the form of
the perfect insect. Roesel believes that six years are required
for the larva to attain to its perfect growth.

The lucani live but a short time in their final form. As
goon as they have undergone their last metamorphosis they
seek to couple, and lay their eggs. They then perish in a
very short time after. They live, according to the observa-

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 533

tions of Degecr, on the melliferous juice which is spread over
the leaves of the oak. It appears, that the females employ
their mandibles in cutting the half-rotten wood, for the pur-
pose of placing their eggs more deeply there. These insects
cause very little injury to trees in their final state. But
in that of the larva, the mischief which they produce is often
very considerable. The larvae not only gnaw the dead wood,
but they also attack the living. They sojourn more fre-
quently in the roots than in the trunks and branches, so that
if tlie larvae of the lucani do not cause the oaks quickly to
perish, at all events they hasten their destruction. They ad-
vance the period of their dissolution by rotting the trunk, or
a portion of the roots.

The lucani are seen to fly principally towards the evening
around old trees. They form a numerous genus, the greater
part of Avhich is foreign to European climates.

The female of lucanus cervus is so much smaller than the
male, and differs also so much in other characteristics, that some
entomologists have doubted whether this insect was really of
the same species. But M. Marechal, a celebrated painter of
natural history, and a most accurate observer, has witnessed
the coupling of these insects. Therefore no further doubt
can remain upon this subject. The mandibles of these in-
sects were formerly employed in medicine, under the name of
the horns of ScarabcBi. This remedy was administered as an
absorbent, in case of pains or convulsions supposed to be pro-
duced by acidity in the primce vice. It was also, according
to Pliny, suspended to the neck of children. The lucanus
parallelipipedus is commonly found on the trunks of old
willows, oaks, and on other trees.

To the lucanides we have added two new genera, 1st.
Colophon, of Mr. Westwood's MSS. The characters are, the
mandibles strongly curved, as in the genus Lethrus; the
palpi short, filiform ; the antennae formed like the true luca-

534 SUPPLEMENT

nus ; the thorax large, broader than the body, with three
lobes anteriorly ; the posterior square ; the body very much
rounded.

The species we have named Westwoodi. It is very smooth,
of a shining black. The habitat is unknown. The length
is twelve lines.

The next genus we add, is Trictenotoma, with the follow-
ing characters. The antennae as long as the body, the first
joint club-shaped, the second very small, globose ; the third,
to the seventh, rather long and club-shaped, with the three
last joints small, pectinated. The mandibles rather short,
strong, with three small strong dentations ; the maxillary
palpi moderate, first joint very small, second the longest,
third rather shorter, the last large, sub-securiform ; the
labial palpi shorter, and shaped like the last ; the eyes reni-
form, the head rather square ; the thorax broader than long,
lobed anteriorly, the sides rounded ; the scutellum rather
triangular, with the anterior angles lobed, with the base of
the elytra broader than the tip, which is rounded. The pos-
terior tarsi with only three joints.

The species we have named Childreni. It is black, with
the head, thorax, and elytra above, covered with a yellowish
down, and beneath with a whitish down ; the length is two
inches and two lines, and the specimen is from the Tanesserim
Coast in the East Indies. In the Collection of J. G. Chil-
dren, Esq.

This insect was first made known by Mr. Westwood, in a
note published in the Zoological Journal, which follows,
and to which he has kindly added here some additional
remarks : —

" Since the preceding observations upon a supposed con-
nection between the Lucanidae and Prionidas were penned, I
have casually examined a most interesting insect, contained
in the Rafflesian Cabinet, which serves most satisfactorily to

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 535

connect the two families. Its general appearance is that of a
Prion us, with short trigonate advanced mandibles, and mode-
rately long antennae ; but the latter, on a closer examination,
are decidedly those of one of the Lucanidse. The basal joint
is scarcely longer than the third, and a slight elbowing of
the antennas is observed at the second joint. The last three
joints are not longer than the preceding joints, and very
sliglitly produced on the inside, giving these organs the ap-
pearance of being almost setaceous. The joints of the tarsi
are cylindric, but the insect is heteromerous ? ? ?

" Having had the good fortune, in conjunction with Mr.
G. R. Gray, to discover a second specimen of this beautifully
osculant insect in the Collection of J. G. Children, Esq., I
consider myself happy in having been enabled to examine and
figure that gentleman's specimen, although it is to be re-
gretted, that the structure of the internal parts of the mouth
could not be rigorously investigated without injury to the
insect.

" In addition to and correction of the characters mentioned
in the preceding note, it will be observed that from the casual
examination which I was able to bestow upon the Rafflesian
insect, some slight errors have crept into my description of
the antennae ; these I have been very careful to correct in the
delineation of those organs in the figure of the insect, an
examination of which will at once convince the student that
it is legitimately lucanideous — notwithstanding it may be
urged that the slight internal productions of the three termi-
nal joints, is but an incipient attempt at the more perfect
lateral developement observable in many of the Prionidse.
It must also be borne in mind that Mr. Children's specimen
is a female, and we can but slightly conjecture the structure
of the male antennae or mandibles.

" In the formation of the Trophi there is not any very ma-
terial difference existing between this insect and certain female

536 SUPPLEMENT

Lucanidae, such as Rbyosonatus, PhoHdotus, &c. We may
likewise notice the transverse and slightly emarginated upper
lip, the extreme woolliness of the transverse mentum (as in
Pholidotus), and the non-sexertion of the laciniae of the lower

" It will be perceived that the eyes are reniform, as in the
Prionidas; instead of each being separated, and having the
appearance of four eyes, as in the Lucanidae.

" The clothing of down upon almost every part of the in-
sect, the form of the scutellum, and the deeply emarginate
terminal joint of the abdomen, or its under side, also deserve
notice.

" Next to the antennae, the tarsi may be considered as the
most singular portions of the animal in question, not only
from their being heteromerous, but also from the peculiar
structure of the joints. These at first sight appear perfectly
cylindric, as in the Lucanidae, but on being more closely
examined they are found to be slightly clothed with very fine
short bristles , so as immediately to suggest the idea of an
attempt to clothe them with the soft cushion with which the
tarsi of the Prionidae are furnished.

" Between the claws there is a very small coriaceous appen-
dage, but without the additional minute pair of claws of the
Lucanideous tarsi."

To the family of Passalidae we add a new genus, under the
name of Heocaphyllum — the antennae with six laminae ; the
mandibles nearly as long as the thorax, compressed, curved,
with two external dentations near the middle. The maxil-
lary palpi nearly as long as the mandibles, cylindrical ; the
head short, transverse, partly hid by the thorax ; the eyes
large, projecting ; the thorax large, broader than the body,
projecting anteriorly in the middle. The body broad, and
shorter tlian the true Passali. The species we have named
Bmsiliensis. It is piceous black, with the antennae reddish.

ON THE LAMELLICORNES. 537

the eyes white, the thorax channeled, the elytra with nume-
rous longitudinal punctated striae.

The Passali are removed from the lucani by many cha-
racters. Their antennas are not elbow-formed. The labium
is very different from that of the lucani. The mandibles,
though salient and corneous, like those of the lucani, are
thicker, always very much denticulated, and almost similar
in the two sexes. The palpi are almost equal, with the last
articulation cylindrical. The upper part of the head is un-
equal, and that of the male presents more decided eminences,
or even a species of horn. The corslet is square, and sepa-
rated from the abdomen by a very apparent pedicle. The
elytra fall abruptly on the sides, to envelope those of the
abdomen. The feet are nearly similar to those of the lucani,
but shorter.

The passali are pretty large coleoptera, of a uniform and
shining black, or sometimes of a marron brown. They in-
habit the hot countries of both continents. Some are even
found in New Holland. But they are more abundant in
America, and particularly in Cayenne and Surinam.

Madame de Merian, who has given a figure of the passalus
interruptus, tells us that she found its larva in the roots of
the hattata, a plant which grows in Surinam. She has also
given the figure of this larva, which resembles a thick worm
in its form. The body is very thick, the head small, the ex-
tremity of the body slender, and there are six scaly feet. As
the passali have several relations with the lucani, we may be-
lieve that their larvae live in the same manner, undergo the
same metamorphoses, and are equally several years in arriv-
ing to their perfect state.

THE
SECOND GENERAL SECTION

OF

COLEOPTERA.

Heteromera.

The second general section of the coleoptera Hetero-
mera, has five articulations in the first four tarsi, and one less
in the other two tarsi.

These insects feed all on vegetable substances. M. Leon
Dufour (Ann. des Sciences Nat. vj. 181) has observed, that
their male organs have a texture which approximates them
to the scarabeides and the clavicornes ; their testicle consists
of spermatic capsules, or little bags.

We shall divide this section into four great families,* the
first two of which have, in the apparatus for the excremen-
tary secretion, discovered in many genera by the same M.
Dufour, some analogy with the first pentamerous coleoptera ;
the chylific ventricle is often beset with papillae. Many of
these insects present, moreover, vestiges of another secretory
apparatus, of which there are not many examples among the
coleoptera, that which is distinguished by the denomination

• In a natural order, the fourth is allied to the first, through Helops,
which Linnaeus places in his genus, Tenebrio. It is evident that Tenebrio
conducts to Phaleria, Diaperis, &c., or to our second family.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 539

salivary. As in the pentamera, the hepatic vessels, with few
exceptions, are six, and have two insertions distant from
each other : at one end, says M. Dufour, they are inserted by
six isolated nippers, round the convexity which terminates
the chylific ventricle. The other ends open at the commence-
ment of the coecum, by trunks, whose number varies accord-
ing to the family and genus.

Some, whose elytra are generally firm and hard, whose
hooks of the tarsi are almost always simple, have the head
ovoid or oval, capable of being withdrawn backward under
the corslet, or narrowed sometimes behind, though not sud-
denly, and without a neck at its base. Many of these Hete-
romera are lucifugous. This division will include the three
following families.

The first, that of

Melasoma,

Is composed of insects of a black or ash-colour, without
mixture, whence the section is named ; apterous, for the
most part, and with the elytra oftentimes soldered together ;
the antennae altogether, or in part granulated, nearly of the
same thickness throughout, or a little enlarged at the ex-
tremity, inserted under the advanced edges of the head, with
the third articulation in general elongated ; the mandibles
bifid or emarginated at the extremity, and having a careous
tooth or hook on the inner side of the jaws. All the articu-
lations of the tarsi are entire, and the eyes are oblong, and
but little elevated, a character which, according to M. Marcel
de Serres, indicates their nocturnal habits. Nearly all these
animals live on the ground, either in sand or under stones,
and often also in the low and dark parts of houses, as cel-
lars, stables, &c.

According to M. Leon Dufour (Ann. des Sciences Nat. v.
276), the biliary vessels are inserted on the inner side of the

540 . CLASS INSECTA.

ccEcum, by a single tubular trunk, resulting from the con-
fluence of two strong short branches, composed themselves of
the union of three biliary vessels. The bile is yellow, some-
times brown or violet. The alimentary tube is long, and its
length, in our first tribe (Pimelia), is three times that of the
body ; the oesophagus is long, and opens into a gizzard,
smooth or glabrous on the outside, more developed in these
last insects, where it forms an ovoid pouch lodged in the
chest; it has on the inside fleshy folds, or longitudinal co-
lumns, terminating in some {Erodia, Pimelia,) at the side of
the chylific ventricle, by a valve formed principally of four
corneous oval apparently united pieces ; the chylific ventricle
is elongated, flexeous or folded, in general beset with small
papillae, similar to projecting points, and terminating in a
pad, callous within, and in which the biliary vessels are in-
serted. The same naturalist has observed, in some sub-genera
of the family {Blaps, J sides), a salivary apparatus, consisting
of two vessels, or floating tubes, sometimes perfectly simple
{Asides), sometimes irregularly branched (Blaps), and he
has no doubt that these vessels exist in the other Pimeliaria.
M. Marcel de Serres has studied with much care the texture
of the tunic of the digestive canal. The adipose tissue is
more abundant in these heteromera than in the following ;
hence they are able, even when pierced and fixed by a pin,
to live nearly six months, without taking food, as I have seen
in some species of akis.

We shall first divide this family, which forms, in the sys-
tem of Linnaeus, the genus Tenehrio, from the absence or
presence of wings.

Among those deprived of these organs, and whose wing-
cases are generally soldered, some have the palpi nearly fili-
form, or terminating in an articulation moderately dilated,
and not forming a knob distinctly hatchet-formed or triangu-

OtlDER COLEOPTERA. 541

lar : they will compose the first tribe Pimeliarice, so named
from the genus

PlMELIA, of Fab.,

Which is the most numerous of it.

Sometimes the mentum is more or less heart-shaped, with
the upper edge either emarginated in the middle, and as if
divided into two short and rounded lobes, or broadly emar-
ginated or widened.

Here the last two articulations of the antennae, or the tenth
and eleventh, always distinct, sometimes unite to form an
ovoid or pyriform body, or are evidently separated from each
other. The upper edge of the mentum is round and emar-
ginated in the middle, or as if divided into two festoons.

These have the anterior edge of the head nearly straight,
or but little advanced in the middle, without a deep emargi-
nation, and fitted to receive the mentum, and the lateral edges
simply and slightly dilated above the insertion of the an-
tennas ; their head does not appear sensibly to be narrowed
behind, nor enlarged and truncated in front. The corslet is
not at all heart-shaped, deeply emarginated in front, and trun-
cated behind.

We may separate from the last, those which have the ante-
rior edge of the head straight, or nearly so, without angular
or tooth-formed dilatation in the middle ; the labrum is
nearly square, of middle size, and entirely exposed ; the
corslet transverse, and the abdomen very voluminous and
swollen.

Those with the body more or less ovoid or oval, with the
corslet narrower, even at the base than the abdomen, gene-
rally convex, without sharp elongations to the posterior
angles, or posterior projections to the presternum, compose
the sub-genus, properly called.

542 CLASS INSECTA.

PiMELiA, Tenehrio, Lin.

These heteromera belong to the countries which surround
the Mediterranean, south-western Asia, and Africa. They are
not, or at least have not yet been found, in the East Indies.

Some species, generally more elongated, have the mentum
exposed, the antennae slightly and insensibly thicker toward
the end ; the last three articulations do by no means compose
a knob, divided into two portions of equal thickness, the
last of which formed by the tenth and the last articulation
confounded together.

In some among them the abdomen is in proportion larger
and more voluminous, the tarsi are relatively less elon-
gated, the fore-legs are in the form of a reversed triangle,
elongated, with the outer angle of their extremity prolonged,
the spurs strong, and tarsi short.

M. Fischer (Entom. de la Russ.) has divided them into
three genera, Pimelia, Platyope and Diesia, but whose cha-
racters, founded only on the more or less projection of the
last articulation of the antennae, and the indentures of the fore-
legs do not appear to us sufficiently decided. The eleventh
and last articulation of the antennae is more distinct in the
last genus. The fore-legs are very much indented on the
outside in Platyope. Their corslet is squared transversely,
with the base of the elytra straight, and the outer angles or
shoulders a little advanced. With the Pimelia, properly so
called, of this author, or those whose eleventh and last arti-
culation of the antennae are united, or nearly confounded,
with the preceding, or the corslet nearly semilunar and con-
vex, and whose abdomen is nearly ovoid or globular, is
arranged a species, very common on the shores of the Medi-
terranean {P. 2-punctator, Fab. Oliv. Col. III. 59. 1. 1.). It
is about eight lines long, of a shining black. Its corslet is
shagreen, with two large deep points in the middle, united

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 543

in some individuals into a transverse line. The elytra are in
like manner shagreen, and have each, including therein the
lateral keel, four elevated lines, not at all sensibly toothed,
the two innermost of which are the shortest ; the suture is
elevated ; Ten. muricatus, of Linnaeus, is different. (Schoenh.
Synon. Insect. I. Fab. iii. 9.)

Another very remarkable species, but peculiar to Upper
Egypt, and which is found in the tombs there, is (P. coro-
nata, Oliv. ibid. ii. 17) about fifteen lines long, blackish,
beset with hair of a reddish brown, with a range of recurved
bent spines on the lateral keel of each elytra.

M. Payraudeau has discovered, in the Island of Corsica, a
new species (Payraudii) allied to the first, but with the ab-
domen more elongated, with the elytra more decidedly sha-
greened, and with the two internal elevated lines nearly
effaced.

Other species (Tkachyderma, Latr.) have the abdomen
in proportion narrower, and more elongated, oftentimes very
compressed at the sides ; the tarsi long, with the legs, not
excepting the two anterior, slender, narrow, and terminating
by two small spurs ; these species are in general more from
the south than the preceding.*

A last division of Pimelia (Cryptochyle, Lat.) is com-
posed of species whose body is, relatively to the other, shorter,
with the mentum covered by the presternum, and the antennae
terminating abruptly in a knob, divided into two portions, one
formed by the ninth articulation, and the other by the two
following confounded together. These species appear to be
concentrated in the southern extremity of Africa.-f-

Under the generic denomination of Erodius, were at first

* PinieHa longipes, hispida, morbilosa, &c. of Fab.; P. anoviola, of
Fischer.

t Pirn, maculata, minuta, of Fab. For the other species, see Oliv.
Schoenherr, and Fischer.

544 CLASS INSECTA.

united certain Pimelia, nearly allied to the last, but whose
body is ovoid, short, arched or gibbous above, with the cors-
let short, as wide behind as the base of the elytra, terminated
on each side by a sharp angle, and the presternum dilated
behind into a point, supporting itself by the posterior end on
the mesosternum.

These erodii form nevertheless three sub-genera.

Erodius, Proper, Latr.,

With the last two articulations of the antennae united, and
forming a little knob or bud ; the fore-legs have a strong
indentation near the middle of the outer side, and another at
the end of the same side. The mentum is framed under-
neath, and covers the base of the jaws. Their body is in
general swollen.*

ZoPHOsis, Lat. Erodius, Fab. Oliv.,

In which the antennae are nearly filiform, or thicker insen-
sibly toward the end, with the second articulation very dis-
tinct from the preceding, a little larger, nearly ovoid ; the
fore-legs, as well as in the following, have no indentation near
the middle of the outer side ; the mentum is encased under-
neath, and covers the base of the jaws ; the third articulation
of the antennae is scarcely longer than the second, and the
ninth and tenth are nearly in the form of a top. (Lat.
Gener. Crust. Insect, ii. 146.)

Nyctelia, Lat. Zophosis, Germ.,
Are nearly similar to Zophosis, but the third articulation of
their antennae is much longer than the preceding, and the
following, as well as the ninth and tenth, are nearly globular.

* Erodius bUineatus, gibbus, Icvigatus, of Oliv. Col. III. No. 65. See
Lat. Gener. Crust, ^et Insect. IL 145, et Cat. de la Col. du Comte
Dejean.

OIlDEIl COLEOPTERA. 545

The base of the jaws is uncovered. These insects are more-
over proper to South America, while zophosis and erodius
inhabit exclusively the western and southern parts of Asia,
and the south of Europe and Africa. (G. nodosa^ Germ.
Insect. Spec. Nov.)

Other pimelise, terminating the subdivision of those whose
labrum is not received into any deep emargination of the
anterior edge of the head, and in whicli this last part of the
body is neither truncated in front nor narrowed behind, are
distinguishable from the foregoing by the following charac-
ters. The anterior edge of this part is advanced like an angle
or tooth in the middle. The labrum, when the mandibles
are closed, appear not at all, or but very slightly. The cors-
let is sometimes in the form of a trapezium, nearly as long as
it is wide, sometimes nearly orbicular, or almost semicircular.
The antennae are filiform, and the eleventh and last articula-
tion is always very distinct from the foregoing. The men-
tum is encased underneath, and covers the base of the jaws.
The presternum is a little elongated into a point in many.
These insects, as well as those proper to the two following
subdivisions, are exclusively proper to the warm and western
countries of the Old World.

Hegetjer, Lat.

Have the corslet in form of a trapezium nearly as wide at the
posterior edge as the base of the elytra, and applied along
its whole length against it. The last articulation of the an-
tennae is a little smaller than the preceding.*

Tentyria, Lat. Akis, Fab.
Their corslet is nearly orbicular, sometimes narrower than

* Lat. Gener. Crust, et Insect. II. Fimelia silphoides, Oliv. ; Gnat/iesia
glabra, Fisch. Entom. de la Riiss. II.
VOL. XIV. 2 N

546 CLASS INSECTA.

the abdomen, sometimes of its breadth, but rounded at the
posterior angles, and leaving a void between them and the
base of the elytra. The last articulation of the antennas is at
least as large as the preceding.*

Other pimeliae differ from the foregoing in the form of the
head and corslet. This former part is as if squared and
more or less narrowed behind ; the middle of its anterior
edge has an emargination receiving the labrum. The dila-
tation of the lateral edo-es covering; the base of the antennae
is larger and elongated to the anterior edge. These organs
are always composed of eleven articulations very distinct,
sub-cylindrical, except the last, with the third very long.
The outside of the mandibles is strongly excavated in the
middle, and the lower sides of the head, forming the lateral
encasing of the jaws and chin, terminates in a point, or tooth-
like. The corslet is in the form of a truncated heart, and
much emarginated in front in most. These pimeliae include
a great part of the genus.

Akis, Fab.

These are now restrained to the species whose corslet is
broader than the head, decidedly emarginated in front, short,
widely truncated on the hind edge, with the lateral edges
elevated. The first division of Akis of Fab. Fischer. En-
tom. de la Rus. I. xv. 7> 8? 9.

Another species, A. collaris, has the head measuring a
little wider than the corslet, more elongated behind, and a
little narrowed at the base in the manner of a neck ; the cors-
let is much more narrow all its length than the abdomen,

* Lat. ibid. II, 154, Akis glabra, punctata, cAbreviata, angustata, orbi-
ciilata, of Fab. I think that Tagona, of Fis. is also referable to this
sub-genus.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 547

small, convex-inclined, and not elevated at the sides. It
forms the genus

Elenophorus of Megerle and Dejean.

The antennas are a little larger than in those of Akis ; the
eyes are more narrow and emarginated.

The last pimelias of the division of those whose mentum is
emarginated, are distinguished from the foregoing by the
manner in which the mentum terminates ; instead of being
round, and divided into two festoons, it is slightly emargi-
nated or concave, with the lateral angles sharp, and in pro-
portion shorter and more narrowed at the base, or more heart-
shaped ; it covers the jaws. The eleventh articulation of the
antennee is not apparent ; the tenth, a little larger than the
preceding, and in form of a top, truncated obliquely at the
end, terminates them. As to the form of the head, of its
anterior emargination, and often also as to the cut of the
corslet, these insects are much assimilated to Akis, properly
so called.

EuRYCHORA, Thunb.

Have the body oval, with the edges sharp and ciliated ; the
corslet semicircular, and receiving the head into an anterior
emargination ; the abdomen nearly heart-formed, and the
antennae composed of linear articulations compressed or an-
gular, and the third of which is the largest.*

Adelostoma, Dup.

Have the body narrow and elongated, with the corslet nearly
square, a little narrowed behind ; the abdomen is a long
square, rounded behind ; the antennas thick, almost perfo-
liated, with the articulations, except the last, nearly all len-

* Lat. Genex-. Crust, et Insect. II. 150. Schoenh. I.

2 N 2

548 CLASS IMSICTA.

ticular and equal. The labruni, mandibles, and palpi are
hidden.*

We shall terminate these pimeliae by those whose mentum,
squared, has neither emargination or void on the upper edge.
Their body is always oblong, with the corslet sometimes nearly
square, rounded, or dilated ; sometimes narrow, elongated,
sub-cylindrical, and the abdomen ovoid or ovaliform. The
antennae have always eleven distinct articulations. The an-
terior thighs are swollen and sometimes indented, or at least
in one of the sexes. These insects evidently form the pas-
sage from this tribe to the following.

Sometimes the antennae are entirely or nearly altogether
granulated, or composed of short articulations, whether
ovoid or globular, or in form of a top, or nearly hemisphe-
rical.

Among them some resemble the pimelias of the last sub-
genus, with reference to the dilatation and elongation of the
lateral edges of the head. The labrura is very short and
little advanced. The lateral edges of the corslet are straight,
or simply arched and rounded, and without dilatation in
form of an angle or a tooth. The eyes are but little
elevated.

In these the corslet is narrow, whether cylindrical or
heart-shaped, elongated and truncated at both ends. Such
are

Tagenia, Lat. Stenosis, Herbot. Akis, Fab.

The antennae are almost perfoliated, with the third articu-
lation scarcely longer than the following, and the eleventh or
last very small, and united with the preceding. The head

* Adelostoma sulcatmn, Duponchel Mem. de la Soc. Lin. de Paris, 1827 ;
found about Cadiz, by the eldest son of this naturalist, and at Tangiers,
by M. Goudat, the younger ; but brought long since by Labillardiere, from
Syria,

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 549

is elongated behind and carried on a sort of neck. The cors-
let is in the form of an elongated heart, truncated at both
ends. The abdomen is ovaliform. (Lat. Gener. Crust. II.
Herbst. Col. VIII.)

PSAMMETICHUS, Lat.,

With the antennas composed of articulations top-shaped,
the third of which is much longer than the following, and
the eleventh or last as large as its preceding, and very dis-
tinct. The head and corslet are formed like a long square, of
the same breadth throughout. The abdomen is nearly ovali-
form and truncated at the base. This sub-genus is esta-
blished on inedited species from Chili.

In these the corslet is at least as broad as the abdomen,
and almost orbicular in form, or square, rounded laterally,
and either isometrical or broader than it is long.

ScAuiius, Fab.

In these the last articulation of the antennae is ovoidoconi-
cal and elongated ; the corslet is almost isometrical, and the
anterior thighs are swollen and often indented in the
males. The legs are long and narrow. These insects belong
to the hot western countries of the Old World.

ScoTOBius, Germ.

In these the last articulation of the antennae is scarcely
larger than the preceding, and in form of a reversed top ;
the corslet is obviously wider than it is long, much arched
on the lateral edges ; the thighs differ but little in thickness,
and the fore-legs form an elongated triangle, and angular.
These heteromera belong to South America.

Other pimeliae, with the antennae chaplet-formed, and the
mentum entire, are remarkable for the lateral dilatations, an-
gular or tooth-formed, of their corslet. The middle of the

550 CLASS INSECTA.

back has a furrowed keel, terminated before in a rounded
and bilobed bunch. The labrum is entirely exposed, and of
ordinary size. The eyes are more elevated than in the other
pimelias. The antennas, moreover, are hairy. The elytra
are very unequal.

Sepidium, Fab.

They are found in the hot countries of Europe and Africa.
{Sep. tricuspidatum, variegatum, et cristatum of Fab.)

The last pimeliae, having, like the foregoing, the mentum
without upper emargination, is removed from these in the
form of the articulations of the antennae. They are, for the
most part, sub-cylindrical, or in form of a reversed and elon-
gated cone ; the last three or four only are rounded, whether
ovoid, turbinated, or hemispherical. The labrum entirely
uncovered, and the marginal projection of the head covering
the origin of these organs, is but little elongated, as well as
in Sepidium. These insects belong to the colony of the Cape
of Good Hope. The eyes are nearly round or oval, entire, or
but little emarginated and elevated ; the corslet is depressed,
sometimes dilated on either side like an angle, sometimes
narrower, but furrowed and keeled above. The last articu-
lation of the antennae is obviously longer and thicker than
the preceding. Such are

Trachynotus, Lat. Sepidium^ Fab.*

In these the eyes are narrow and elongated, scarcely at all
elevated. The corslet is convex, nearly orbicular, emargi-
nated in front, truncated behind, without dilatations, lateral
angles or dorsal keel. The last articulation of the antennas
is, at most, of the size of the preceding.

* Sep.reticulafum,rugosum,vittatum,o£'Pa.h.; S acuminatum, of Schoenhen.
A species which the Count Dejean names Curcoloides, and figured hy
Degeer, forms a particular division.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 551

MoLURis, Lat. Pimelia, Fab. Oliv. Psammodes, Kirb.

The second tribe of Melasoma, Blapsides, receives its
name from the genus Blaps of Fab. The maxillary palpi
terminate in an articulation manifestly dilated like a triangle
or hatchet. M. Dufour has observed, that in this genus, as
■well as in that of Asides, the stomach is less developed than
in pimelia, and that valve to which it reaches behind is not
at all formed of those four principal pieces, corneous and ap-
parently united, which constitutes it in the preceding tribe,
but by the approximation together of the fleshy columns of
its interior. The chylific ventricle is in proportion longer,
and the spermatic capsules are less numerous. The Blaps, ac-
cording to the same naturalist, are provided with a double
apparatus for the excrementary secretions, entirely different
from that of the pentamera ; it consists of two largeish vessels,
oblong, and situated altogether under the viscera of digestion
and generation, near each other, with the parietes thin and
surrounded with vascular folds, adhering, and more or less
turgid, and of which it is difficult to perceive the point of
insertion, in consequence of the impossibility of unrolling
them. The same must be said of the conduits destined to
evacuate the secreted liquid ; they are hidden by a sort of
membranaceous diaphragm applied by means of a fleshy
panicle on the last ventral segment. The secreted liquid is
voided laterally, and not at the end of the last ring ; it is
ejected a distance of seven or eight inches, is brownish, of a
very irritating acidity, and of a peculiar and penetrating
odour.

This tribe will be formed of a single genus, that of

* PL striata, unicolor, gibba, of Fab. See Lat. Gener. Crust et Insect.
II. 148. — Psammodes longicornisy Kirb. Lin. Trans. XII.

!)0'2 CLASS INSECTA.

Blaps.

The Blapsides, whose body is in general oblong, with the
abdomen embraced laterally by the elytra, which in general
become narrow towards the end, and terminate in a point, or
like a tail, whose tarsi are nearly alike in both sexes, and are
without remarkable dilatation, will form a first division.

Some have the mentum small, or not occupying in width
more than the third of that of the under part of the head,
nearly squared or orbicular.

Here all the legs are slender, without crest or tooth, on the
outer side. The corslet is never dilated in front, nor is it
heart-shaped, broadly truncated.

OxuRA, Kirb.
Have the body narrow and elongated, the corslet longer than
it is wide, ovoid, truncated at both ends, and with the inter-
mediate articulations of the antennae long and cylindrical,
{Owura setosa, Kirb. Lin. Trans. XII.)

AcANTHOMERA, Lat. Pimella, Fab.

Have the corslet nearly orbicular, transversal ; the abdomen
nearly globular ; the third articulation of the antennas larger
than the following, and cylindrical ; these nearly of that form,
and the last three at least granulated.*

MisoLAMPus, Lat. Plmelia, Herbst.

The corslet is almost globular, and the abdomen almost
ovoid ; the antennae have the third and fourth articulations
equal, cylindrical ; the eighth, and the two following a little

* Pirn, dentipes, Fab , and some other species. The anterior thighs are
swollen and indented; the body is very unequal and ashy; the spurs oii
the legs are very small.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 553

thicker, and nearly top-shaped, and the eleventh and last
larger and ovoid. {Pirn, gibbosa, Herbst.)

Blaps, Fab., properly so called.

Their corslet is nearly square, flat, or but little convex.
The abdomen is ovaliform, truncated transversely at its base,
and more or less elongated. The elytra of most of them are
narrowed and elongated into a point, especially in the males.
The third articulation of the antennae is much longer than
the following, and cylindrical ; these, or the three last but
one at least, are granulated ; the last is ovoid and short.

With the species whose body and abdomen are in propor-
tion less elongated and wider, whose elytra, in the female,
terminate in a short point, and the corslet is nearly flat, and
almost isometrical, are arranged

B. mortisaga, Oliv. Col. III. 60. Tenehrio mortisaga,
Lin. About ten lines long, dull black, simply punctated
beneath, with the corslet nearly square, and having on each
side, on the posterior edge, vestiges of a small flatted border.
The end of the cases forms a short and obtuse point. Found
in dark and dirty places, near privies, and often even in
houses.

B. IcBvigata, Fab., may form a peculiar sub-genus. Its
body is much shorter than that of the other species, very
convex or gibbous. From the fourth articulation the an-
tennae are granulated. The fore-legs terminate in a strong
point or spine formed by a spur.

Fabricius states that the Turkish women inhabiting Egypt,
where this insect is very common, eat the furrowed blaps,
dressed with butter. It is said also to be efficacious in
maladies of the ear, and the sting of the scorpion.*

There all the legs are angular, with longitudinal crests ;

* Bhps gages, sulcata, of Fab. Dejeaii's Coleoptera.

554} CLASS INSECTA.

the two fore-legs are broader, and strongly indented on the
outside. The corslet is dilated before, like a heart, broadly
truncated.

GoNOPUs, Lat.

The third articulation of the antennae is elongated and
cylindrical, as well as the two or three following ; those which
come after are granulated, the last is ovoid or a little longer
than the foregoing. The anterior edge of the head is con-
cave, and the mentum in a transverse square. The inner side
of the thighs is trenchant, with a furrow ; the two anterior
have a tooth, the four "hind legs are straight, arched with
some indentations ; the tarsi are glabrous. {Blaps tibialis,
Fab.)

The other insects of this tribe, and with feet alike in both
sexes, differ from the preceding by their mentum, which
occupies transversely the greater part of the under side of
the head, and has the shape of a heart truncated at its base.
The corslet is always transversal, emarginated or concave in
front, and arched laterally, whether trapezoid, and larger
behind, or much dilated laterally, and narrowed toward the
posterior angles. The labrum is emarginated. Most of
them are ash-coloured, and live in the ground, in sandy
places.

Sometimes the corslet is enlarged in front, near the middle
of its side, and narrowed behind. The base of the jaws is
exposed.

Heteroscelis, Lat.,

Present, at the external side of the first four legs, two strong
teeth, one at the middle, the other terminal. The posterior
extremity of the presternum is prolonged in the manner of a
flatted lamina, and received into an emargination of the me-
sosternum. The body is oval, rounded at the two ends, with

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 555

the lateral edges of the corslet very much arched, and simply
narrowed towards the posterior angles. The antennae be-
come slightly and gradually more bulky towards the end.*

Machla, Herbst.,

Have the antennae terminated in a small knob, like a button,
and formed by the last three articulations : they can lodge
in the cavities which are formed under the sides of the cors-
let, which are very thick and rounded. {Platynotus serratus.
Fab.)

ScoTiMus, Kirb., /^/

With antennae also terminated in a small knob, but the
two last articulations of which are almost confounded, and
otherwise unsusceptible of being lodged in particular cavi-
ties. The corslet is dilated in front. -j*

Soraetimes the corslet is almost trapezoid, arched gradually
in the whole length of its lateral edges, without any abrupt
posterior contraction. The mentum covers the base of the
jaws.

The two last articulations of the antennae are united in a
small knob.

AsiDA, Latr J

Now we come to blapsides, with oval and but little
elongated body, in which the lateral fold of the elytra is

* Pimelia dentijies, Fab. ; ejnsd. Platynotus reticulatus, pimelia obscura,
Oliv. Insects of the Cape of Good Hope.

\ Scotimus crenicollis, Kirb. Lin. Trans. XII. xxi. 14, a sub-genus
proper to the American continent.

X Latr. Gen. Crust, et Insect. II. p. 155. See the Cat. of the Collect,
of Coleopt. of M. le Comte Dejean, p. 65. The platynotus undatus of
Fab. is a very different species from the A. grisea. This author is, I be-
lieve, mistaken as to its habitat — Platynotus kevigatus, ejusd.

556 CLASS INSECTA.

narrow, and extends but little underneath ; in which the cors-
let is always transverse, almost square or trapezoid, with the
lateral edges arched, and more remarkable still from the
several differences of the feet ; the two or four anterior tarsi
are more dilated in the males. The under part of these
organs are usually silky, or furnished with a brush.

These insects frequent sandy places. The two anterior
legs are usually wider, dilated triangularly at the end, and
proper for digging.

In some the anterior part of the head is always emargi-
nated. The two anterior tarsi of the males are alone mani-
festly broader and more dilated than the following.

Pedinus, Latr.

M. Megerle and M. le Comte Dejean, have sub-divided
them into several other sub-genera, but without giving the
characters.

Those in which the males have the first four articulations
of the two anterior tarsi of the same width, with the radical
one triangular, the three following transverse, and almost
equal, all the limbs narrow and elongated, the corslet nar-
rowed posteriorly, and terminated in acute angles, form the
genus Opatrinus of M. Dejean. These insects all belong
to America*

Those in which the same tarsi, and in the same individuals,
have the first articulation, and especially the fourth, sensibly
more narrow or smaller than the two intermediate, whose
corslet is narrowed near the posterior angles, compose four
other sub-genera ; but whose characters are so slight and
graduated that these sections may be united into a single one,
that of Dendarus, Meg. Dej.

• Blaps cldthrala, Fab ; ejusd. B. punctata, may be also his platynotus
dUatatus.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 5.57

Some species have, as well as the Opatrini, the legs nar-
row, elongated, hut little dilated at their extremity, and
almost always identical in the two sexes ; the corslet narrowed
abruptly on each side, near the posterior angles, which form
a sharp tooth. These are Dendari, properly so called.*

In the following the four anterior legs, or at least the first
two, are dilated triangularly at their extremity. The under
part of the intermediate and the last two, and that even of
the two posterior thighs, is silky in many males.

Sometimes the sides of the corslet are narrowed abruptly
near the posterior angles, or are almost rounded, with a pro-
jecting tooth at this extremity. The body is oval. Such are
Heliophilus of M. le Comte Dejean. Sometimes the cors-
let terminates insensibly on. each side, in a pointed angle.
The body is proportionally shorter and broader.

Some species, with a large corslet, but little broader than
long, strongly edged laterally, and whose body is but little
gibbous above, compose the genus Eurynotus of Mr.
Kirby.-|-

Others, whose body is sensibly more convex or more gib-
bous above, with the corslet transverse, and very slightly
edged, are Isocerus, Meg. Dej.

In the males of the last pedini, the first three articulations
of the two anterior tarsi, always very much dilated, diminish
progressively in breadth, and the fourth is very small. The
posterior thighs of the same individuals are concave and silky
underneath, as are likewise those of the HeliophUi. The
body is oval, with the corslet but slightly edged out, widen-
ing from front to rear, or but slightly narrowed behind,

• See Dej. Cat. of Collect, of Coleop., p. 65. See the platinatus exca-
vatus, and crenatus, of Fab.

-|- Eurynotus muricatus, Kirb. Linn. Trans. XII. xxii. 1 . See platinatus
striattis, Schoenh. Synon. Insect. I. i. tab. ii. 6. ■-''^

55S CLASS INSECTA.

alvravs terminated posteriorly and insensibly bv a pointeti and
prolonged angle. Such are the Pedixi, properly so called,
of ^I. le Comte Dejean,

In others the anterior edge of the head is entire, or without
emargination. The four anterior tarsi of the males are
equally, or almost equally dilated. The form of the body,
and that of the corslet, in particular, is still similar to that of
the last pedini.

Those in which the anterior edge of the head still presents
an emargination, form the sub-genus,

Blaptixus, Dej. (Be}. Cat. 66. Blaps fibidens, Schcen.
Syuon. Insect. I. 1, tab. ii. 8.)

Those in which it is entire or without emargination. are,

Platyscelis, Latr.

We are now arrived to ^lelasoma, provided with wings.
Their body is usually oval or oblong, depressed, or but little
raised, with the corslet square or trapezoid, of the breadth of
the abdomen at its posterior extremity. The palpi are thicker
at their extremity, the last articulation of the maxillaries is
in the form of a reversed triangle or hatchet. The mentum
is but little extended in breadth, and leaves the base of the
jaws uncovered.*

These melasoma will comprise the third and last tribe,
that of the Texebrioxites, formed of a single genus, that
of

• By reason of their jaws, armed at the internal side with a corneous
tooth, the Epitragi ought systematically to belong to this tribe, and be
removed from all the sub-genera, of which it is composed, by their chin
much larger, and covering the base of the jaws; but in the natural order
it appears to me, that these insects should be placed near helops.

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 559

Tenebuio,

Such as Fabricius liad at first formed it, and to which we
shall re-attach that which he names Opatrum, and that of
Orthocera. They will serve as types to so many particular
divisions.

1st. — Those whose body is oval, with the corslet almost
trapezoid, arched laterally, or in a truncated demi-oval an-
teriorly, wider at least at the posterior edge than the abdo-
men, but little or not at all edged out ; the maxillary palpi
terminated by a hatchet-formed articulation, or some form
very analogous, and the antennae thickening insensibly.

Crypticus, Latr. Blaps, Fab.,

Have the body convex and smooth above, with the head un-
covered, or but little sunk in the emargination of the corslet,
without emargination at its anterior edge ; the eyes external,
or altogether outside of the anterior concavity of the corslet,
and this last part of the body insensibly inclined in the sides,
and but little emarginated in front. The antennae are almost
of its length, with most of the articulations in the form of a
reversed heart or top, the penult alone being more rounded,
or almost grained, but not transverse. The legs are always
narrow and elongated, with the terminal spurs tolerably pro-
jecting.*

Opatrum, Fab. Dej. Phylum, Meg.

Their body is generally less raised, and even often de-
pressed. The head is received posteriorly, with the eyes in
a deep emargination of the corslet, and its anterior edge pre-

• Pedinus glaber, Latr. Gen. Crust, et Insect. II. p. 164; helops glaber,
Oliv. Col. III. 58. ii. 12; JBlaps glabra. Fab., and some other unedited
species of Spain, and the Cape of Good Hope.

560 CLASS INSECTA.

sents a small one, in which the labrum is engaged. The
corslet is depressed along its sides. The antennae are shorter
than it, for the greater part grained, with the last articula-
tion lenticular and transverse. The elytra are rough or
striated. The spurs of the legs are very small, and the
anterior two are broader, and triangular in many species.

O. Sabuloszini, Silpha Sabidosa^ Lin. Oliv. Col. III. 56,
i. 4.

2d. — Those whose body is narrow and long, almost of the
same breadth, or broader posteriorly, with the corslet almost
square, almost as long, at least as broad, and whose antennae
form a thick knob, or ai'e dilated abruptly at their extremity.

Some have the antennas thick, cylindrical or fusiform, per-
foliated, hairy, appearing composed of only ten articulations,
the eleventh or last being short, and but little distinct ; the
second is as large as the following.

CoRTicus, Dej. Sarrotrium, Germ.,

Whose antennae are cylindrical, and terminated by a larger
articulation, forming a small knob. {Sm'rotrium celtis.
Germ. Ins. Spec. Nov. p. 146.)

Orthocerus, Lat. Sarrotrium, Illig.,
In which these organs are broader in their middle, form a
fusiform knob, very hairy, with most of the articulations
transverse, and the last much more narrow than the preceding.
{Hispa mutica, Lin. Panz. Faun. Ins. Germ. I. 8.)

The antennae of the others are of the usual thickness.
Simply grained, not sensibly perfoliated or hairy, and present
distinctly eleven articulations.

Chiroscelis, Lam.

Have two strong teeth at the exterior side of the first two
legs, and the antennae terminating in a small knob, almost

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 56l

globular, transverse, and formed by the two last articula-
tions.*

ToxicuM, Lat.,

With simple legs ; the knob of the antennae compressed and
formed by the last three articulations, with triangular head,
and corslet almost square and almost isometrical.-f*

BoRos, Herbst. Hypophloeus^ Fab.

Having also simple legs, and the knob of the antennae
compressed, and formed by the last three articulations ; but
whose body is almost linear, with the head oval, narrowed
posteriorly, the corslet ovaliform, truncated at each extre-
mity, and the last articulation of the maxillary palpi in a
truncated ovoid, a little inflated/J:

3d. Those whose body is equally narrow and elongated,
with the corslet almost square, but whose antennae are of the
ordinary thickness, and do not terminate abruptly in a
knob.

The two anterior feet have the thighs thick, and the legs
narrow and curved or arched.

In some the penultimate articulation is perfectly similar
both in form and size to the preceding, and this last, as well
as all the others, is neither dilated nor channeled above.

Calcar, Dej. Trogosita, Fab.

Have the corslet in a long square, the body linear, of the
same breadth throughout, with the anterior edge of the head

* Chiroscelis bifenestra. Lam. Annal. du Mus. et Hist. Nat. No. IG.
XXII. 2 ; Tenehrio digitatus. Fab.

f Toxicum richesiaimm, Lat. Gen. Crust, et Insect. II. p. 168, and I.
ix. 9.

J Boros corticalis, Gyll. Insect. Suec. I. ii. p. 5S4; Hi/j)ophlc£us boros.
Fab.; B. thoracicus, Gyll. ibid. p. 586.
VOL. XIV. 2 o

56^ CLASS INSECTA.

emarginated, and the three last articulations but one of the
antennas almost globular, and not sensibly transverse.
(Trogosita calcar, Fab.)

Upis, Fab.

Have the corslet in a long square ; the body narrow, but not
linear ; the anterior edge of the head strait , without emargi-
nation, and the articulations of the antennae preceding the
last, lenticular and transverse.*

Tenebjiio (Proper), Lin. Fab.

Do not differ from upis but by having their corslet broader
than long.

Is frequently found, especially towards evening, in the un-
frequented places of our houses, in bake-houses, flour-mills,
on old walls, &c.

The Meal-worm, (Tenebrio molitor, Lin. Oliv. Col. III.
57. i- 12.) seven lines long, of a brown, almost black above,
marron-colour, and shining underneath. Corslet of the
breadth of the elytra, square, with two posterior impressions ;
cases punctuated and striated.

Its larva is long, cylindi'ical, ochreous, scaly, and very
smooth. It lives in bran and flour, is given to nightingales,
and is transformed into a nymph in the substance, which
serves it as food.

T. Grandis is found in Brazil, under the barks of old
trees ; shoots through the anus, and to the distance of more
than a foot, a caustic fluid. Other species of the same coun-
try, but smaller, cover themselves entirely with this substance.
I am indebted for these observations to M. de la Cordaire.-f-

* Upis ceramhoides, Fab. ; N. saperdoides, Base.

f See, for the other species, the Cat. of the Collect, of M. le Comte
Dejean, and Fabricius. But this genus, as it is actually composed, has

ORDER COLEOPTERA. 563

In others, the penultimate articulation of the tarsi is very
small, in the form of a little knob, and received into a longi-
tudinal gutter of the preceding, which is more dilated than
the foregoing ones, and almost in the form of a heart.

The anterior edge of the head presents an emargination
occupied by a portion of the labrum.

Heterotarsus, Latr.

A sub-genus founded on an insect of Senegal, having the
character of tenebrio, but singular from its tarsi. At the
first glance the four anterior tarsi appear to have but four
articulations, and the other two, three.

need of purification, many species being referable to the Phaleris, or
other sub-genera. Some may even form new ones.

•J o 'J

SUPPLEMENT

MELASOMA.

This family, which is the first of the second section of
coleoptera (the Heteromeua), is so named from the colour
of the bodies of the insects which compose it being generally
black, or uniformly dusky. They embrace a very large
part of the genus Tenebrio of Linnaeus, and in general avoid
the light. Some abide in sand, others conceal themselves
under stones, in the rubbish, or obscure and choked-up
parts of houses. They do not quit their retreats but at night.
All their movements are rather slow, and they gnaw different
substances, and particularly vegetables, and such as are de-
composed. Those of their larvae which have been observed,
are long, cylindrical, covered with an almost scaly, smooth,
and shining skin, and furnished with six short feet. They
are found in the places inhabited by the perfect insect.

The tribe of the Pimeliari.e is proper to the southern
countries of Europe, to Africa, and the western part of Asia,
that which is on this side of India.

They are afraid of light, and live, almost all of them, in
saline and sandy situations. Many frequent the shores of the
sea. Their body is generally heavy and thick, black or
earthen colour. These insects often transpire a whitish
humour, which forms on their bodies a dust of this colour.

SUPPLEMENT, &C. 565

The genus Pimelia of Fabricius, formed of many apte-
rous tenehriones of Linnaeus, has suffered in succession divers
modifications. Thunberg has made of the Pimelia ciliata, a
peculiar genus, which he names Eurychonis. Herbst has
adopted it, and has instituted two others, AMs and Stenosis,
which he has similarly detached from the pimelia of Fabricius.
M. Latreille, in his " Precis des Characteres generiques^' has
united these first two sections into one, to which he has pre-
served the denomination of Eurychorus. Fabricius, in his
Eleutherata^ admits the genus Eurychorus of Thunberg,
and that of Akis, but he refers to the latter the Stenosis of
Herbst, and the Pimelia of the same author, whose corslet
is orbicular. M. Latreille, afterwards, established along with
them, the genus Tentyria. Some other pimeliae of these
two naturalists, tolerably analogous in the general form of
the body to Tentyria, but which differ in the antennae, have
been united into another generic section called moluris.

The habits of these insects is the same as those of the tribe
in general. Pimelia htpiinctata, which has been observed in
a living state by M. Latreille, inhabits the sandy borders of
the Mediterranean. It conceals itself in holes, which it ex-
cavates very promptly by means of its feet. We possess,
otherwise, no fact relative to the habits and metamorphoses
of this species or its congeners.

The genus Pimelia, though much more restrained than in
its origin, is still composed of a great number of species, but
the determination of which is very difficult. The authors
who have described these insects, have neglected many cha-
racters in detail ; such as the precise form of the articulations
of the antennae, those of the feet, their relative proportions,
and the employment of which, seeing the multitude of
species collected in the East, by Olivier, and M. M. Labil-
lardiere and Savigny, is absolutely necessary. Accordingly
we find that many naturalists have referred to various species

566 SUPrLEMENT

of Pimelia, the tenebrio muricatus of Linnaeus, an insect of
a different kind.

Fabricius and Olivier have confounded with the Erodii,
insects whose body has the same form, but the first two legs
of which are not palmated, and whose antennae thickening
insensibly, have their eleventh, or last articulation, very dis-
tinct. These species compose the genus Zophosis. The
Erodii are found in the sands of the hottest countries of
Europe, of Africa, and the western parts of Asia.

The insects of the sub-genus Tentyria were at first
placed by Forskael and Pallas with Tenebrio. They after-
wards passed into the genus Pimelia, and then into that of
Akis. But they differ from these heteromera by some dis-
tinguishing characters.

The Tentyriae inhabit the sandy countries of the south of
Europe, Africa, and Asia, but a small number of their
species is known. The pimelia glabra of Olivier, very com-
mon in the environs of Marseilles, on the shores of the sea,
is of this genus, as well as those which he names Scabrius-
cula and Striatula. These are Ahis with Fabricius.

The domain of the insects of the sub-genus Scaurus is but
of small extent, and appears to be confined to the southern
countries of Europe, to those of Africa Avhich are situated
between the ocean and the Mediterranean, to Egypt and
Syria ; so their country appears to be circumscribed by the
basin of this internal sea. They live exclusively on the
ground, in the sand, among rubbish, or under stones. They
sometimes climb along walls. Their walk is heavy, like that
of Maps, akis, and tenebrio, and other analogous coleoptera.
But a small number of species are known, and some of them
differ sexually in their anterior feet. Fabricius in his system
of Eleiithe>'ata mentions four, but the third {Sulcatus) should
be placed in the genus Aristus, in the family of the carni-
vorous coleoptera. The colours can hardly serve to distin-

ON THE MELASOMA. 567

guish the species, these insects being entirely black; sometimes,
however, their tint is accidentally a little ashen, or earthy.

The genus Sepidium, established by Fabricius, has been
adopted by all entomologists. These insects are found only
in the hot climates of the Ancient Continent. Their habits
are the same as those of the Pimeliae. They are seen to walk
upon the sand in dry and uncultivated places. Their larvae
are unknown. The Sepidium cristatum is found in Egypt,
as is also another species, trisctcspidatum, and on the coast
of Barbary. It was found very common by M. Olivier, at
the end of the winter, in the environs of Alexandria.

The genus Blaps has considerable relations with pimelia,
helops and tenebrio. They are distinguished from the first
by the last articulation of the antennulas, which is almost
filiform in the pimeliae, and thicker than the others in blaps.
They are distinguished from helops, inasmuch as the last
articulation in the latter is broad, compressed, and of a cres-
cent form. The antennae, moreover, are composed of articu-
lations almost conical. Tenebrio is distinguished from blaps
by the third articulation of the antennae not being so long as
the third articulation of those of blaps ; the antennulos more-
over are almost filiform. The majority of these insects are
destitute of wings, and then the elytra hard, coriaceous, and
convex, are united one to each other by a suture.

Though these insects, as we have just mentioned, are most
of them wingless, nature has not given them the compensa-
tion of enabling them to run with any degree of celerity.
The majority remain concealed during the day, under stones,
or in holes. They issue forth at night to run about in vari-
ous directions, and seek their food. They are sometimes
found in cellars, in humid and uninhabited places. They
emit a very foetid odour, much stronger, though pretty nearly
of the same description as that of the carabi, or the blattae,
which caused some ancient naturalists to class them among

568

SUPPLEMENT

these last mentioned insects. The larvae of the blaps are
not known. It is probable that they are concealed in the
earth, and that they differ but little from those of Tene-
brio.

The hlaps sulcata is found in Egypt, in gardens and
fields. Fabricius reports that the Turkish women eat this
insect, cooked with butter, for the purpose of making them
fat ; a thing which is neither true nor probable. He also
tells us that they use it in Egypt and the Levant, as a
remedy for pains and maladies in the ear, and against the
bite of scorpions.

We now come to the .last tribe of the Melasoma, the Te-

NEBRIONITES.

The insects of the genus Tenebrio, have derived their
name from their sombre and almost black colour, and the
obscure, retired, sandy, or humid places which they frequent.
All the family, united at first by Linnaeus under the same
genus, has been successively divided into a great number of
others by Fabricius, and the authors who have written sub-
sequently to his time. What most distinguishes the tene-
briones, are the antennae, slightly thicker towards the end,
and the final articulations of which, the last of all especially,
are globular ; the third is elongated ; the upper lip appa-
rent, the last articulation of the palpi a little thicker than
the preceding, cylindrico- conical, and compressed ; the
maxillaries advanced, and the chin almost square.

These insects have the body more or less elongated, smooth,
and usually of an obscure colour. Their gait is lively, and
they fly in general tolerably well, but rather in the evening
and night than in the middle of the day. They are usually
met with in houses, especially in garrets, kitchens, warm, or
little frequented places. They conceal themselves in the
clefts of wood furniture, or behind tapestry. Their larva
resembles a scaly worm. It is about an inch long, and rather

ON THE MELASOMA. 5G9

narrow. Its body is composed of twelve rings, and covered
with a yellowish skin, tolerably hard and scaly. The head
is oval, a little flatted, fumished with mandibles, antennae,
and antennulae. The first three rings are provided with six
scaly feet — the last is conical ; we remark at its extremity
two small scaly crooks, black and motionless. Between the
juncture of this last ring with the one before, there issues
forth, when the larva walks, a fleshy, whitish, and tolerably
thick mass, furnished with two scaly nipples, a little elon-
gated and mobile, which appear to be two small feet, of
which, in fact, the larva makes use to advance, resting them
on the plan of position. The anus is situated over this fleshy
mass, between the two nipples which perform the office of
feet.

These larvae live in flour, bread, sugar, and even on dead
and carious wood. Those of Tenebrio moUtor, which are found
in this last substance, serve to feed nightingales, and con-
stitute almost the only bait by which these shy birds can be
taken : a fact the more curious when it is considered that the
nightingale, in a state of nature, can seldom or never see
these larvae. They are also used to feed cameleons which are
exhibited. In English they are vulgarly termed meal-worms.
The Tenebrio molitor is found throughout all Europe.

The insects of the genus Opatrum are almost all of an
ashen or earthy gray above, a colour very analogous to that of
the places which they inhabit, and which may to a certain
degree protect them against their enemies, by deceiving their
regards. They live in sandy arid soils, and in the fields.
They must not be confounded with the other coleoptera of
the same family, which have great relations to them, but
which are apterous, such as asida and pedinus ; nor with the
cryptici, which are provided with wings, but in which the
hood is not notched, and whose labrum is transversal.

The metamorphoses of these insects have not been observed.

570 SUPPLEMENT, &C.

The most common species, and which is to be met with from
the earliest days of spring, is the opatrum sabulosum. Fab. ;
silpha sahlosa, Linn.

The opatra are extended into all parts of the world ; but
in a greater number in the Ancient Continent. Olivier has
described thirty-four species of them.

The only species known of the genus Orthocerus, and
which had been placed in various genera, is evidently con-
nected from its habits with the opatra, and from its elongated
form, as well as the parts of its mouth, with tenebrio.

This insect is winged. It is found in spring in dry and
arid places, and in sand-pits. It walks slowly, and when it
remains tranquil it is distinguished with difficulty ; either
because its colour is the same as that of the soil on which it
remains, or on account of its littleness.

END OF VOL. XIV.

LONDON :

HEKRY BAVLIS, JOHNSON'S-COURX, FLEET-ST BEET.