4 INTRODUCTION. 



The elytra, or wing-cases, are attached to the meso- 

 notum, and, in most beetles, overlap the whole of 

 the abdomen. They may be pitted or punctured, 

 ridged or carinated, and are frequently spotted or 

 striped, and sometimes hairy. Under the elytra are 

 the true wings (springing from the meta-notum), 

 which are folded when not in use. The wings alone 

 are used in flight, the elytra being raised to allow 

 them to have full play. In some beetles the true 

 wings are quite wanting, whilst a few are completely 

 apterous, having neither elytra nor wings. 



The abdomen consists generally of nine rings, or 

 segments, overlapping one another in a telescopic 

 manner, so as to allow of free movement. It is 

 usually broad at the base, and somewhat flattened. 

 On the sides is a row of spiracles, or breathing-holes^ 

 situated between the seo-ments of the thorax and 

 abdomen. 



DEVELOPMENT. 



The males and females of beetles are often very 

 unlike. 



The females lay eggs, usually selecting a place 

 where the young larvae will at once find food for 

 their sustenance ; thus some beetles form little pellets 

 of dung to contain the eggs, and serve as food for 

 the larvee ; and others roll up leaves, which protect 



