38 COLEOPTEKA. 



Sub-Family IV. — Geotmpince. 



Antennae twelve-jointed; club tliree-jointed ; legs strong, formed 

 for digging ; scutelluni of moderate size ; elytra covering the tip of 

 the abdomen. 



The species of the typical genus, Geotrupes, Latr., are black 

 beetles, often measuring more than half an inch in length, which 

 are commonly seen crawling on paths by day, and Avhich fly in a 

 heavy, blundering manner on summer evenings. They are gener- 

 ally of a purple colour beneath, and are often much infested with 

 mites. The head and thorax are unarmed; but in the closely 

 allied Typhceus Vulgaris, Leach, the male has a short horn on the 

 top of the head, and three horns in front of the thorax, projecting 

 forwards. 



Sub-Family V. — Trogince. 



Antennae nine- or ten- jointed ; club three-jointed ; abdomen 

 composed of only five segments ; eyes not divided by the rim of 

 the head. 



The species of Trox, Fabr., are dull black beetles about one- 

 third of an inch in length, with striated elytra. When disturbed, 

 they simulate death. They feed on dried animal remains, such as 

 bones and hoofs, and prefer a sandy soil. 



Sub-Family VI. — Glaphyrince. 



Antennse nine- or ten- jointed ; club three-jointed ; abdomen 

 composed of six segments ; scutellum moderately large ; all the 

 feet armed with two claws of equal size ; elytra slightly divergent 

 at the extremity. 



A family of limited extent, most numerous in the Mediter- 

 ranean district, and unrepresented in Northern Europe. They are 

 moderate-sized insects, with rather soft integuments, more or less 

 pubescent, and generally of a uniform colour. They live on 

 flowers in spring, and are sometimes very abundant. Glaphyrus 

 Serratulce, Fabr., an Algerian species, may be regarded as typical. 

 It is about half an inch long, and brilliant golden-green above ; 

 the under surface is more golden, and the legs are coppery. 



Sub-Family VII. — Melolonthlnce. 



Antennae seven- to ten- jointed ; club composed of three or more 

 joints ; abdomen with the tip pointed, not covered by the elytra. 



