GOLIATH BEETLES, FROM TROPICAL WESTERN AFRICA. 133 
that “ the black shouldered G. cacicus abounds on the grain and 
ivory coasts, and many specimens have been procured at Cape 
Palmas. When in good condition the black patch is always more 
or less conspicuous on the shoulder of each elytron in this species, 
and is never replaced by the pearly white colour which appears on 
that part in Voet’s figure and description; hence it still remains 
uncertain whether Voet’s Cacicus ingens be a distinct species, or 
merely an accidental variety of the black shouldered species. The 
latter inhabits a tree that grows to the height of thirty or forty 
feet, with a diameter of six or eight inches, and can be taken in 
great numbers in the months of December, January and February, 
when the tree renews its blossoms and leaves. The insects are 
roasted and eaten by the natives, who say that they are very fat and 
sweet. Dr. Savage thinks that the Gold Coast, or rather the 
interior of Guinea, will be found to be the proper locality for 
Hegemon* Drurii. It is probable that Hegemon Goliatus may be 
obtained nearer the line, and particularly back of the Gaboon. 
Mecynorhina torquata is found at Cape Palmas, where many have 
been obtained within a few years. The tree upon which they live 
is supposed by Dr. Harris to be a species of Acacia. Dicronorhina 
micans has been taken at Cape Palmas also, but seems to be rare 
on that part of the coast. 
It appears from the observations of Dr. Harris that ‘ the food 
of the Goliath Beetles is fluid, like that of the Trichiit and Cetonie, 
insects belonging to the same natural family, but the latter live 
chiefly on the nectar of flowers, and the former on the sap of 
plants. The long brushes on their jaws (maxillze), and the diverg- 
ing rows of hairs that line their lower lips, are admirably fitted for 
absorbing liquid food, while their horny teeth afford these beetles 
additional means of obtaining it from the leaves and juicy stems of 
plants, when the blossoms have disappeared. Thus every new dis- 
covery in natural history, even when least expected, serves to 
increase the evidence of skilful contrivance and perfect adaptation 
of structure in all organized beings.” + 
* Dr. Harris proposes to restore the name Goliatus, as originally proposed by Linnzeus 
to designate the species, aud to replace it, for the genus, by the name of Hegemon. 
+ Harris in op. cit. supra. It would be interesting to learn whether any and what distine- 
tion of natural habits exist between those Goliath Beetles which possess corneous dentated 
mandibles, and those which have them formed of a slender horny blade. 
