CHAPTER vi. 

 N ECU OP HA GA. 



The r3ader will probably observe that, in the groups of insects 

 which have already been described, allusion has been made to 

 the analogies between thera and certain groups of vertebrates. 

 The Geodephaga, for example, represent the land Carnivura, the 

 Hydradephaga those of the water, and the Brachelytra represent 

 in some degree the slender and lithe-bodied weasels. We now 

 come to a group which takes among insects the part which is 

 played among the higher animals by the hyenas and vultures, 

 these Beetles being the scavengers of the insect world. 



The name NECRoniAGA, i.e. ' carrion-eaters,' which dis- 

 tinguishes this group, is expressive of their character. By 

 some systematic entomologists they are called Clavicornes, or 

 ' club-horned,' because their antenn.T, slender at the base, are 

 expanded at their tips into a rounded knob. This sliape of 

 antenna is called 'clavate' by entomologists. The form of the 

 antenna is an admirable characteristic by which these Beetles 

 may be known. There is no palpus on the inner lobe of the 

 maxilla, the scutellum is always conspicuous, and the elytra 

 are wide, though not always long. Indeed, in many species 

 they do not nearly reach the end of the abdomen, and are 

 quite as short as those of many Brachelytra. In such cases 

 they are generally 'truncate,' i.e. looking as if they had 

 been cut off square. 



Tins is the case with the first family of Necrophaga, the 

 Silphidae. The mandibles are powerful, as is required for the 

 work which they have to perform, there is a very distinct labrum, 

 and the trochanters of the hind legs are projecting. These are 

 again subdivided into two sub-families ; the first being called 

 Silphina, and the latter Cholevina. The former sub-family may 



