64 BEETLES. 



Genus Dermestes, Linn. 



The first four joints of the antennos are short and simple. 

 The claws are simple. The hind coxai are expanded and 

 flattened. The antennae are formed of eleven joints, the 

 club occupying three. They are long and cylindrical species 

 which live on animal substances. The larvae have thick 

 erect hair, and are frequently met with in the larder. When 

 touched, they will fain death. 



*i). mdpinus, Fabr. (Plate VL, Fig. 23). This is an 

 elongated, dull black species with reddish -brown antennae. 

 The under surface is covered with dense white hair, and 

 on the sides of the metasternum and of each abdominal 

 segment there is a black spot. It feeds upon animal sub- 

 stances, and has been introduced into all parts of the globe 

 with the spread of commerce. 



* D. lardarius, Linn., the Bacon Beetle (Plate VL, Fig. 24). 

 Elytra with a broad, brownish-grey band. It is rather local, 

 and will attack any kind of animal substances — dried meat, 

 bacon, hides, fur, &c. It is particularly partial to natural 

 history specimens. 



Genus Attagenus, Linn. 



Body elongated ; antennae with eleven joints, the last 

 three being enlarged. The front tibiae have fine spines on 

 the outer border. They are found on flowers, and feed on 

 the petals as well as on the anther ; but they and their larvas 

 are also particularly destructive to furs. 



* A. pellio, Linn. (Plate VL, Fig. 25). This is an oval, black 

 beetle, which has the elytra frequently brown. The upper 

 surface is covered with Ijlackish liair, and the lower with 

 grey silky pubescence. It is met with in winter, particularly 



