294 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



spot will be found on the under surface, the only example of 

 bright colour in the entire insect. 



The groove on the under side of the fore-legs is exceedingly 

 bold and deep, and the teeth with which each edge of the 

 groove is fringed are very numerous, though not so spike-like as 

 is the case with many species. The movements of the Eremia- 

 phila are very slow. 



Dull-coloured as are the Eremiaphilas, there are some insects 

 belonging to an allied genus which are of metallic brilliancy, 



Fic US — rieimapln 



and which have given to the genus the name of Metalleuf/iea 

 or Mctallyticiis. One of these insects, Metalleatica splendida, 

 which was brought from Borneo by Mr. Wallace, is a really 

 splendid creature. The body is burnished blue or green, accord- 

 ing to the light in which it is viewed, the elytra are glossy green 

 washed with gold, and the translucent wings are very pale and 

 delicate brown. The legs are also green, and the raptorial legs 

 are remarkable for the width of the thighs and the great strength 

 of the teeth or spikes with which the thigh and tibia are armed. 



