CHAPTER XII 



MALACODERMI, OR SOFT-SKINNED BEETLES. 



The insects which are classed nnder the title of Malacodermi, or 

 Soft-skinned Beetles, agree in some points with the Elaters, while 

 in others they depart widely from them. Tlie bodies of these 

 insects, including the elytra, instead of being hard and firm, are 

 soft, flexible, and generally covered with down. Indeed, the 

 elytra are so delicate in some of these insects, that the circnla- 

 tion of the blood may be observed through their textures. It 

 is easy enough to see the circulation in the wing itself, as any- 

 one who has a microscope may prove ; but that the tiny, trans- 

 parent, colourless globules should be seen through the wing-case 

 itself, is rather startling. The antennte are long, slender, and 

 often deeply- toothed, and the jaws are quite feeble. Our common 

 " Soldiers " and " Sailors," and the glow-worm, are familiar ex- 

 amples of the Malacodermi. 



In this country none of the Malacoderms attain very great 

 size, neither is there much to notice in their forms. Abroad, 

 however, they are much larger than in England, and assume 

 some very singular forms, one or two of which will be presented 

 to the reader. 



The Lycidffi are in many of their habits like our Soldier Beetles. 

 They are found in flowers, especially the umbelliferous flowers 

 that grow on the borders of woods. Everyone who has w^atched 

 the habits of insects knows that the Soldiers thoroughly deserve 

 their popular name, they being, in spite of their soft exterior and 

 harmless appearance, the most combative of insects, even the 

 two sexes fighting w^ith each other, and the victor generally 

 eating the vanquished. The Lycidre are equally ferocious, and, 

 from this proper.sity to kill and oat their fellow insects, have 



