Saprini, Dermestes and Others 



chevron-like stripes which the classifier notes 

 to mark where he stands in the midst of this 

 specific variety; they temper the briUiance of 

 their black wing-cases with stippled spaces 

 which diffuse the light. Some display pol- 

 ished, shimmering patches on a dull-bronze 

 background chased as though with the 

 graver's tool. Sometimes the sombre ebony 

 costume is embellished with brightly-col- 

 oured ornaments. The Spotted Saprinus 

 decorates each wing-case with a splendid 

 orange crescent. In short, considered merely 

 from the aesthetic point of view, these little 

 undertakers' assistants are by no means de- 

 void of merit. They cut an excellent figure 

 in the glass cases of our collections. 



But one should see them above all at 

 work. The Snake is submerged in the broth 

 of its liquefied flesh. The maggots are 

 legion. With their diadem-like valves 

 gently opening and closing, they lie, spread 

 like a field of flowers on the pool of meat- 

 extract. The hour has come for the Sa- 

 prini to begin feasting. 



Busily bustling to and fro on the parts 

 that are still uncovered, they scale the reefs 

 and promontories formed by the reptile's 

 coils and from these points, protected 



