52 
SILPHA. 
outline: of this kind is the S. thoracica, which is 
easily distinguishable by its red thorax, every 
other part of the animal being coal-black; it is 
about half an inch in length. 
Silpha atrata is of similar size, but totally black, 
and has the wing-sheaths marked by three rising 
lines: its larva, which may be found in gardens, 
is of a lengthened shape and of a black colour. 
The genus Silpha may be considered as a numer- 
ous one, but few of the species are of any great 
beauty, and many are of very small size. 
