86 INSECTS ABROAD. 



The l^eetle which is here represented can be at once referred 

 to its ])roper genus, if only by the shape of the ridges on its 

 elytra. It is really a remarkable insect, and deserves a fuller 

 notice than our limited space will permit. It has a considerable 

 geographical range, as I have examined specimens that were 

 taken in Borneo and India. 



Tlie general colour is dull black, and upon the elytra tliere 

 are large spots of a paler hue, which evidently ought to show 

 some definite colour. If a lirush charged with benzine be drawn 

 over the elytra, there is an instantaneous change, the lighter 

 portions sliowing themselves as dull red, and the rest of the 



Fig. 3S. — Necroftes ptganteiis. 

 (Black, wit.li dull ml m.arks.) 



elytra assuming a deeper black. P.enzine, by the way, is an 

 invaluable aid in detecting colour in dark and apparently 

 uniform insects. It can be used without the least danger. It 

 evaporates almost as soon as applied, and does not injure the 

 most delicate of tissues, but, on tlie contrary, destroys any 

 parasites that may exist in the specimen, and makes it peculiarly 

 distasteful to any that may happen to attack it afterwards. 



The anteniifB of this Beetle are very remarkable in tlieir 

 structure. I can only describe the organ by likening it to a string 

 of birds' eggs threaded on a grass stem, and tipped with a crown 

 piece. The antenna consists of a number of oval and nearly 

 equal joints, and at the end is one flat, circular joint, that 

 irresistibly suggests the simile which has been mentioned. 



The head and thorax are black, and the latter is boldly, not 

 to sny coarsely, granulated. The thighs of the hind legs are 

 eiKiniiously hirge and po\v(M'ful, like tliose of the grasshop]jer or 



