KING OF THE ANTS. 113 



In this genus there is a curious structure of the epimera, or 

 side pieces, of the metathorax, which are largely developed, so 

 that they act upon the bases of the elytra, and prevent the insect 

 from opening them widely. Any of my readers who has 

 watched a Rose Beetle flying must have noticed that, although 

 the wings are very ample, the elytra are scarcely opened at all, 

 so that they cover some portion of the lower wings ; whereas 

 Beetles generally hold the elytra well elevated, and out of the 

 way of the wings. The edges of the elytra are deeply waved in 

 this genus. 



This is a truly handsome insect. The upper surface of the 

 body is beautiful shining-green, glossed with gold. The elytra 

 have a number of impressed dots and curved marks scattered 

 irregularly over them, and towards the apex are a n»mber of 

 scattered whitish marks, very variable in size, hue, number, and 

 shape, according to the individual insect. Below, it is bright 

 polished-copper. 



The perfect Beetles are generally to be foimd in roses, 

 especially the white and wild roses, which they are thought to 

 damage in some degree. Gardeners have an objection to these 

 Beetles, because they are apt to settle upon tlie flower of the 

 strawberry, and devour just those parts by which the fruit is 

 produced. In the south of England, the privet blossom is a 

 favourite resort of these Beetles. The larva, however, does not 

 content itself with such light diet as rose-leaves, but lives on 

 the less poetical but more substantial nourishment afforded by 

 decaying wood, in which it remains for three years. One of 

 these larvse is shown on Plate V. at Fig. 6, as it appears when 

 occupying its dwelling among the debris of rotten wood at the 

 roots of the tree. As may be seen by reference to the plate, it 

 is by no means an attractive-looking creature, and gives no 

 sign of the magnificent colours which its fat, soft, white body 

 will soon develope. 



Sometimes, on opening a wood ant's nest, one of these larvse 

 is found in it, a circumstance which has ga'ined for it the name 

 of King of the Ants. It most probably takes advantage of the 

 large quantity of wood-chips, bits of straw, fir-leaves, and 

 similar material, with which the ants make their nest; and 

 finds therein an abundant supply of food. The ants do not 



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