Onthophagi and Oniticelli 



Onthophagus and the Forked Onthophagus; 

 but the difference between the two, in size 

 and shape, is great enough to allow me to 

 generalize and apply the following singular 

 fact to the whole genus. 



About the middle of the fore-edge of the 

 corselet the nymph is armed with a very 

 distinct horn, projecting for about one- 

 twelfth of an inch. The horn Is transparent, 

 colourless and limp, as are all the budding 

 organs at this period, particularly the legs, 

 the cornicles of the forehead and the mouth- 

 parts. This crystalline protuberance pro- 

 claims a future horn as clearly as the man- 

 dible is proclaimed by its initial nipple or the 

 wing-case by its sheath. Any insect-collector 

 will understand my amazement. A horn 

 there, on the prothorax! But no On- 

 thophagus wears such a weapon as thatl 

 The register of my insect-house duly records 

 the genus of the insect, but I dare not beheve 

 it. 



The nymph moults. Together with the 

 cast skin, the unfamiliar horn dries up and 

 falls off, leaving not the least trace behind 

 It. My two Onthophagi, recently disguised 

 In strange armour, now have their corselets 

 bare. 



This fleeting organ, which disappears with- 

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