54 FOREST ENTOMOLOGY. 



Fowler^ divides the Longicornia into the three following families : — 



I, Prosternuni considerably produced in a blunt process behind 



anterior coxae ; thorax margined, with the sides armed with 



spines or teeth ; labrum very small, iisually connate with 



clypeus ...... Prionidse. 



II. Prosternum not, or scarcely, produced behind anterior cox;e ; 

 thorax not margined, with the sides sometimes armed with 

 spines and teeth, but usually simple in one species ; labrum 

 free and distinct. 



(a) Anterior tibia? not grooved on their inner side 



Cerambycidae. 



(b) Anterior tibia? grooved obliquely on their inner side 



Lamiidae. 



Family PRIONID^. 

 Genus Prionus. 



This genus contains only one species, and that species embraces the 

 whole of the family of Prionidc'? as represented in this country. 



Prionus corarius (Linn.) 



This handsome beetle is somewhat rare in this country, being chiefly 

 confined to the south of England. The large larvae bore into living 

 oak-trees, and do considerable damage. There is only one British 

 species, but several species are found in America, aliecting various 

 trees. 



The beetle itself is about l^ inch in length, of a dark-brownish 

 colour, slightly shining, lighter below, robust antenna?, serrated in 

 males, thorax black, comparatively square, and with spines at sides. 

 It has the habit of fixing itself to the trunk, and flying at night. The 

 female emits a very strong odour. The larvae when fully fed are 

 about 3 inches in length, of a whitish colour, and tapering consider- 

 ably towards the anal end. At this stage they move towards the 

 outer side of the trunk, and form a cocoon, whence the beetles 

 emerge in July. 



1 Vol. iv. p. 217. 



