724 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



On Plate XIX. Fig. 1 may be seen a representation of Diactor 

 hilineatus. The former of these words signifies a conductor, or 

 steersman, and is given to the genus because the hind legs are 

 flattened so as to resemble the peculiar oar or paddle with 

 which the ancients, who had no real rudders, were accustomed 

 to steer their vessels. 



It is very variable in size and colour, but tis a rule it is dark 

 red-brown, with two yellow stripes on the thorax and passing- 

 over the head. The upper surface of the abdomen is green. 

 The flattened blades of the hind legs are reddish, tipped with 

 yellow, and having several yellow spots upon them, mostly, but 

 not always, four in number. It is a remarkable fact that even 

 the larva has the flattened hind legs. 



The genus Chariesterus appears to be exclusively a South 

 American one, and, as far as is known, all the existing species 



came from that part of the 

 world. None of them attain 

 any great dimensions, the 

 present species being the 

 largest. The figure is 

 slightly magnified in order 

 to show the peculiarities of 

 colouring and form. 



The general hue of the 

 upper part of the body is 

 red-brown, and that of the 

 extremity of the wings is 

 dark brown; the antenmip, 

 with their flattened joints, 

 being of the same hue. 

 The lower wings are trans- 

 lucent. The upper surface of the abdomen is velvet-black, and 

 its edges are white. 



(>i! — Chauestcius iinestu>. 

 (Reddish biown ) 



When its wings are closed, the accompanying insect bears a 

 singular resemblance to our common Wasp Beetle {Clytus arietis). 



The colour of the upper wings '^is brown, with two yellow 

 patches, and crossed with a bar of translucent material. The 

 body is f'ark brown, barred with yellow, and so sha]')ed that 



