PTINUS. PTINUS. 
Gemric Character. 
AiUeniue articu- 
lis ultimis majoribus. 
Thorax subrotundus, im- 
marginatus, caput exci- 
piens. 
Antenna filiform, Avith the 
three last joints largest. 
Thorax roundish,, without 
distinct margin, receiving 
occasionally the head. 
n HE genus Ptinus, lijke that of Dermestes, con- 
sists of small insects which, in general, have simi- 
lar habits, living both in their larva and complete 
state among dry animal substances, and some 
species in dry wood, committing great havock 
among the older articles of furniture, tvhich they 
pierce Avith innumerable holes, thus causing their 
gradual destruction. 
To this genu-s belongs the celebrated Insect 
distinguished by the title of the Death-Watch, or 
Pthnis fatidicus. Among the popular superstitions 
which the almost general illumination of modern 
times has not been able to obliterate, the dread of 
the Death-Watch may Avell be considered as one 
of the most predominant, and still continues to 
disturb the habitations of rural tranquillity Avith 
groundless fears and absurd apprehensions. It is 
not indeed to be imagined that they who are eu- 
3 
V. VI. r. I. 
