THE COLEOPTERA. 29 



its burrow, and thus forms a closed cell, in which it is trans- 

 formed into the pupa shown at Fig. ia, remaining in this 

 condition until the warmer weather calls the insect from its 

 retreat. Two closely allied species are T. perblandus and 

 Metablax acutipennis. The former is occasionally found 

 under the large scales on matai trees, and resembles the 

 present insect in general appearance, but is much smaller and 

 more elongate in form, its elytra being also ornamented with 

 longitudinal rows of yellowish-brown hairs. The latter 

 may be often taken on the wing in the hottest sunshine, 

 and is chiefly remarkable for its elongate prothorax and 

 pointed elytra; its colour is dark reddish-brown, ornamented 

 with a few scattered white hairs. All these insects possess 

 the singular habit of leaping into the air when placed on 

 their backs, the last-named species exercising this faculty 

 in a most marked degree. The movement is effected by 

 the joint between the pro- and meso-thorax, the sternum 

 of the former being elongated into a long process, fitting 

 into a corresponding cavity in the latter, so that by means 

 of the two being suddenly brought together, the insect is 

 thrown high into the air with a loud clicking sound, hence 

 the English name of the Skipjack or Click Beetles, the 

 scientific name, Elater, doubtless having reference to the 

 same habit. The object of this curious arrangement is in all 

 probability twofold ; the sharp click and rapid movement 

 of the insect deterring many enemies from attacking it,, 

 whilst the short legs of the beetle, which are quite unable 

 to reach the ground when it is thrown on its back, render 

 a special contrivance necessary. 



Group Heteromera. 

 Family TENEBRIONID/E. 

 Uloma tenebrionides (Plate II., fig. 2, 2a larva, 2b pupa). 

 One of our commonest beetles, found in great abundance 



