78 NQRTH AMERICAN INSECTS. 



The grubs of the lightning Spring-beetle, like 

 most of this family, are injurious to vegetation, living 

 in sugar-cane and trees, and converting them into 

 saw-dust. But not less destructive are the innumerous 

 tribe of 



Capricorn-Beetles, or Long-Homed Beetles. 

 (Cerarnbicinae.) 



These Beetles are so called on account of their- 

 long feelers (antennas), which resemble those of a 

 mountain goat, and which, in some species, are longer 

 than their body. They may also be recognised by 

 their hard, homy skin, and by the four joints on 

 each foot. 



Their body is cylindrical ; their head short, broad, 

 and bent downwards, provided with strong jaws, as 

 also with long bristle-shaped antennae; their thorax 

 is generally cylindrical, but, in some species, flat, and 

 armed with thorns on both sides; it emits a sound 

 which is effected by friction, that is, by moving it 

 continually up and down, like a person rocking in a 

 rocking-chair. On this account the Germans call 

 them "fiddlers." 



These Beetles, particularly those of the Southern 

 States, and of the tropics, are very handsome, and 

 usually attract a good deal of attention by their 

 elegant forms and fine colours. But their grubs are 



