152 INSECTS ABROAD. 



lower third of each is a large irregular patch of orange-yellow, 

 surrounded by an indistinct but very beautiful blue band. 



The under side is nearly as beautiful as the upper. In the 

 first place, the under surface of the elytra is of the same lovely 

 blue as that which surrounds the yellow patch. This is a most 

 remarkable fact, because, as a rule, the under surface of elytra is 

 dull, no matter what the upper surface may be. Take, for ex- 

 ample, the elytra which have already been mentioned as attached 

 to the dancing apron of the Guianan Indians. Above they 

 are very brilliant, being of a metallic copper, glossed with 

 green bronze ; but below they are dull olive, inclining to brown, 

 and scarcely showing a trace of the splendid colouring of the 

 upper surface. 



The body itself is bright yellow, to which is owing the generic 

 name Catoxantha. This term is Greek, signifying "yellow 

 beneath," and is given in consequence of the colour of the 

 abdomen. From the end of the body project the tips of the 

 wings as they lie folded under the elytra. If carefuUy removed 

 and spread, these wings are found to be very ample, serving to 

 convey even so heavy an insect through the air. Like our own 

 Skipjack Beetles, the Buprestidse are much on the wing, espe- 

 cially during the hours of sunshine. They fly with drooping 

 bodies, and if an unsuccessful attempt be made to capture them, 

 they close their wings, fall to the ground, fold their legs and 

 antennae under the body, and there lay motionless. 



Many species of Catoxantha are known ; and though their 

 colour is mostly green, some of them are blue, the colour of the 

 blue band thus extending over the whole body. 



The illustration on the next page represents a very beautiful 

 Buprestis from Java. 



It is rather deceptive in point of colour, and, large as it is, 

 must be examined closely before its beauties can be known. At 

 first sight it appears to be only a yellow and black Beetle, but 

 on a careful inspection, aided by a strong light, it is seen to be 

 one blaze of splendour. The centre of the thorax is rich violet, 

 and on either side is a large patch of fiery, burnished copper, 

 very deeply and profusely punctured. The elytra are sniooth 

 and of a " king's yellow" colour, while in their middle is a large 

 circular patch of the most splendid purple, and the last third of 





