57G PHYSIOLOGY. 



are thus found in amber, we may repeat what has been observed by 

 earlier inquirers, that they present a conformity, in the majority of 

 instances, with existing forms, and even an identity of species can be 

 shown ; but this yet remains undecided, and, in many instances, is not 

 the case. Among all the amber insects that T have seen, I have rarely 

 found a completely new or very dissimilar form, but I have in general 

 immediately recognised still existing genera. I must also agree with 

 the earlier observers, that the insects found in amber are not those 

 which belong to our latitudes, yet there are many forms which perfectly 

 agree with ours. This may especially be said of the smaller flies and 

 gnats; but particularly in the cockroaches, many beetles, and the 

 majority of the Hymenoptera, the resemblance to exotic forms is still 

 greater. The number of different species of insects that have been 

 found in amber is not inconsiderable, and convinces us that the class 

 of insects in a former world, as even now, must have been the most 

 numerous in species; but we find in amber only the members of those 

 families which are found in woods or trees, and scarcely ever water- 

 beetles, whence, from the abundance of these, we may draw conclusions 

 as to the multitudes of all the rest. 



316. 



After these prefatory remarks, we may proceed to the consideration 

 of the enclosed insects themselves. I shall, however, only give what I 

 have myself observed, merely mentioning the orders, families, and 

 frequently also the genera of insects that I have detected in amber, and 

 reserve their detailed description for another distinct work. I have 

 been induced to this by the work announced by Berendt of the amber 

 insects observed by him, and for the appearance of which I shall wait. 



In the order of the Coleoptera I have never detected an individual 

 belonging to the Cicindelce, and of the Carabodea I have only observed 

 a small Dromius in the collection at Greifswald, whereas Germar * has 

 discovered another, which he has described and called Lebina resinata. 

 I have never yet met with a Staphylinus ; it is not improbable that 

 they, especially the Aleuchara, may be found in amber. Nor have I 

 observed any carrion -beetles nor any pentamerous beetles with clavate 

 or capitate antennae. I have detected several Elaters, for example, 



* Magazin_der Entomologie, vol. i. Pt. 1, p. 13. 



