ORCHESIA, OR 'JUMPER.' 



147 



the thorax nearly to the eyes, so that it cannot be seen from 

 above. 



Our first example of this family is Orchesia undulata, which 

 is shown on Woodcut XV. Fig. 5. This genus can be known 

 by the extraordinary length of the spines of the hinder tibice, 

 and the antennae gradually thickening to the tip, as is seen at 



1. Sitaris humeralis. 2. Clems apiariiis. 3. Drilus flavtscens, female. 4. Drilus 



flavescens, male. 5. Rhipiplionis pai'atloxus. a. Balaninns niiciim, head. b. Rhipipho- 



rus, larva. c. Rhipiphorus, antenna, male. d. Rhipiphorus, antenna, female. e. Meloc, 

 'young larva, magnified. 



Fig. h. The word Orchesia signifies 'jumper,' and is applied to 

 these Beetles because they possess the power of leaping, a power 

 which is exercised in rather a ludicrous way when they are turned 

 out of their homes, skipping and popping about like so many 

 sandhoppers. The head and thorax of this species are rust-red, 

 aaid on the thorax are two black arches, under each of which is 

 a black dot. The colour of the elytra is yellower than that of 



L 2 



