224 INSECTS ABROAD. 



near relation, the Palm Weevil (which will be presently de- 

 scribed), it must be capable of doing great damage to those 

 trees on which it feeds. 



The long, snout-like head of this Beetle is black, and moulded 

 above into a shallow groove. On either side are five bold knobs, 

 set opposite to each other, and apparently increasing the depth 

 of the groove. The antennae are set at the base of the head, 

 just by the eyes, and are rather curiously formed, their terminal 

 joint bearing a curious resemblance to a flat-iron. The thorax 

 is nearly black, and on its upper surface has a curious velvety 

 or plush-like aspect, very difficult to describe. Perhaps some 

 of my readers will understand its texture when I say that it 

 is very like the same organ in our common Mole Cricket. On 

 the sides the tliorax loses this velvety look, and is covered with 

 rather bold punctures. 



The elytra do not quite reach to the end of the abdomen, 

 which is turned downwards very much like that of the cock- 

 chafer. Their surface is marked with punctures disposed in such 

 a manner as to give them an appearance as if they had been cut 

 out of deal, the peculiar concentric lines of punctures looking 

 strangely like the grainings of deal. In fact, they much more 

 resemble deal than an ordinary painter's graining resembles the 

 true grain of the oak or maple which he flatters himself that he 

 imitates by the aid of his brush, cloth, and graining comb. The 

 abdomen is shining black, and punctured. 



The legs are very remarkable. The first pair are very long, 

 powerful, and rather flattened. The thighs are nearly straight, 

 whereas the tibiae are boldly curved and terminate in a shar]i 

 hook. They are black and shining, and under the tarsus is a 

 good deal of golden yellow hair. This is most conspicuous in 

 tiie hind legs, the last joint of which is very long and curved, so 

 that the yellow down of the preceding joint shows itself l:)oldly. 

 The wings are very large and ample. 



Closely allied to this species, and very much resembling it in 

 size and general appearance, is the Palm Weevil (lihina 

 palmarum) of the West Indies. This insect resembles the pre- 

 ceding in almost every respect. It differs, however, in the 

 structure of the head, which, instead of being grooved and 

 knoblied above, is quite smooth. 



