Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1835 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. CLASSIFICATION OF COLEOPTERA. 736. The metamorphosis of coleoptera, is necromorphous. Larva, with corneous mandibles moving horizontally; a pair of articulate feet, generally on the second, third, and fourth segments; no other feet, unless a prehensile caudal appendage occasionally present can be so denominated. Food very various. Pupa of nearly uniform appearance. 737. Imago with the parts of the mouth fully developed; the mandibles moving horizontally, and being employed in mastication. Wings fully developed; fore wings hard, crustaceous, not used in flying, when closed meeting with parallel edges, and completely covering the hind wings, to protect which appears their only office; hind wings generally much longer than the body, folded longitudinally and transversely beneath the fore wings. Prothorax very large; mesothorax small; metathorax large. Food various. 738. Slow-legged beetles (Blapsites). Larva elongate, cylindrical, with six articulate and one caudal leg. Lives in the dark, feeding on decayed animal and vegetable substances. Pupa changes in the same situations. Imago with moniliform antennae, the third joint being the longest; mandibles small but strong, bifid at the apex; maxillae with a single tooth internally; wings, particularly the hind pair, frequently wanting. Inhabits cellars, out-houses, decayed trees, shunning the light, and moving hy night with a slow, awkward, and disgusting gait; of uniform dark brown or black colour. Blap$ Tenebrio. 739. Helopites (Helopites). Larva very elongate, cylindrical, frequently with two hooks on the telum. Inhabits and feeds on decayed wood. Pupa changes in the same situations. Imago with filiform antennae; mandibles sometimes bifid, sometimes terminating in a single point;...