ORDER I. BEETLES. 43 



of Scavenger Beetles is the horned Fungus Eater {Boleto- 

 phagus co7mutus), which feeds not only on decayed fungus 

 and mushrooms, but also on decayed wood. The male 

 and female species of this insect I have lately received 

 from my esteemed friend, David Smith, M.D., of Provi- 

 dence, from whose entomological researches I have ob- 

 tained many interesting facts, and to whose kindness I am 

 indebted for the free use of his valuable library. 



This insect is represented by the late Thomas Say, in 

 his American Entomology, Plate 51, without, however, 

 making any mention of its habits, use, or injury. 



The Fungus Eater is about half an inch long, and is re- 

 markable for its singular form. Its head has two little 

 horns upon its margin, which are curved backward and in- 

 ward, resembling that of a Babyroussa. Its thorax has two 

 larger horns, which are curved and directed forward, look- 

 ing like a bull's head, and its wing-covers are surmounted 

 by so many tubercles that their whole appearance is like 

 that of a Turkish country metschet or mosque, covered 

 with a number of small minarets or spires. 



The body of this animal is of a dark ash-color and hairy, 

 and it lives principally in fungi and in decayed wood. 



Another, and a very important class of insects, belong- 

 ing to this family, are the Carrion Beetles, which feed 

 on dead or dried animal bodies, of the higher as well as the 

 lower classes. They eat the flesh, fat, skin, and intestines 

 of dead beasts, birds, fishes, and the internal parts of pre- 

 served insects. Hence we see very few of them, for they 

 bore into those bodies and conceal themselves in them, de- 

 vouring their decayed parts, and depositing their eggs in 

 them. Those who will dare encounter fetid exhalations 

 and will take the trouble to examine the putrid cadavers 

 of horses or cows, or any other dead animal that is left ex- 

 posed to the air, will find a very large company of Carrion 

 Beetles, of different genera and species, in a variety of 



