an African Beetle. 405 



color which appears on that part in Voet's figure and descrip- 

 tion. Hence it still remains uncertain whether Voet's Caci- 

 cus ingens be a distinct species, or merely an accidental vari- 

 ety of the black-shouldered species. The latter inhabits a 

 tree that grows to the height of thirty or forty feet, with a 

 diameter of six or eight inches, and can be taken in great 

 numbers during the months of December, January, and Feb- 

 ruary, when the tree renews its blossoms and leaves. The 

 insects are roasted and eaten by the natives, who say " they 

 are very fat and sweet." Dr. Savage thinks that the Gold 

 Coast, or rather the interior of Guinea, will be found to be 

 the proper locality for Hegemon Drurii. It is probable that 

 Hegemon Goliatus may be obtained nearer the line, and par- 

 ticularly back of the Gaboon. Mecynorhina torquata is found 

 at Cape Palmas, where many have been obtained within a 

 few years. The tree upon which they live is supposed to be 

 a species of Acacia by Dr. Savage. Dicronorhina micans has 

 been taken at Cape Palmas also, but seems to be rare on that 

 part of the coast. 



It appears, from the observations of Dr. Savage, that the 

 food of the Goliath beetles is fluid, like that of the Trichii 

 and Cetonice, insects belonging to the same natural family ; 

 but the latter live chiefly on the nectar of flowers, and 

 the former on the sap of plants. The long brushes on 

 their jaws, and the diverging rows of hairs that line their 

 lower lips, are admirably fitted for absorbing liquid food ; 

 while their horny teeth aflbrd these beetles additional means 

 for obtaining it, from the leaves and juicy stems of plants, 

 when the blossoms have disappeared. Thus every new dis- 

 covery in natural history, even when least expected, serves to 

 increase the evidence of skilful contrivance and perfect adap- 

 tation of structure in all organized beings. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES ON PLATE XXI. 



1. Mecvnorhina Savagii, ,J . 6. The same, seen from above. 



2. Head of ihe same, in profile. 7. The same, seen from behind. 



3. Clypeus of the female. 8. Anterior tibia of M. Polyphemus, ^ . 



4. Anterior tibia of the same. 9. Clypeus of the female. 



5. Head of M.Polyphemus, (J, in 10. Maxilla; and, 



profile. 11. Menlum, of the male, enlarged. 



