of the Oil Beetle, Meloe. 307 



as if it were transformed directly into a larva, as was supposed by Zier* in 

 regard to the eggs of the blister-fly, Cantharis vesicatoria. 



The time occupied by the larva in escaping from the egg depends much on 

 the degree of light to which it is exposed. If placed in a strong light it is 

 much hastened ; but if in perfect darkness it is greatly retarded. Soon after 

 the larva is rid of its coverings it becomes very active. It is then of a bright 

 yellow colour. It has a slender elongated body, composed of fourteen distinct 

 segments, including the head and anal segment. Four of these constitute the 

 head and trunk, and ten the abdomen. The head is short, broad and de- 

 pressed, with its front rounded, and marked on its upper surface with a tri- 

 angular suture, which terminates on each side at the insertion of the antennae, 

 anterior to the eyes. The antennae are composed each of five joints ; the first 

 and second of which are broad and dilated, and the third, fourth and fifth very 

 small and setaceous. The eyes are large, black, and rounded, and project 

 from the sides of the head. The mouth is formed by a pair of very slender, 

 pointed, and slightly-curved mandibles ; a pair of short, thick maxillae, each 

 bearing an elongated three-jointed palpus, with the terminal joint slightly 

 enlarged ; and a narrow, elongated labium, slightly divided in the middle line, 

 and bearing at each side a three-jointed palpus, shorter than that of the max- 

 illa. The three segments that constitute the trunk or thorax are strong and 

 powerful, for the attachment of the legs. The prothorax is wide, with its 

 anterior margin nearly straight, and with its posterior angles rounded. 

 The meso- and meta-thorax also are very large and nearly quadrate. The 

 abdomen, composed of ten segments, is elongated, narrow, and slightly fusi- 

 form, with a short stiff hair at the lateral margin of each segment, and with the 

 praeanal segment terminated on each side with two elongated setae. The anal 

 segment, on its under surface, is developed into a pair of short prolegs, which 

 are occasionally employed in walking or climbing, as in some other insects. 

 The true legs of the insect are somewhat elongated. They are formed of a 

 short strong coxa, which gives attachment to a broad femur, that articulates 

 with a long, slender tibia. The tarsus is formed of three distinct, sharp- 

 pointed claws, slightly curved at their apex, and especially adapted for cling- 

 ing securely to any object. 



* Bull. Sc. Nat., Jan. 1830. 

 VOL. XX. 2 s 



