the shorter, more dilated, and sub-triangular form 

 of the body. Two or three very small species, 

 discovered since his time, and referred to this 

 genus by Fabricius and Olivier, have been gene- 

 rically separated by Latreille, with the name of 

 Aphanisticus ; these have clavate antennae. 



The family Buprestiad^e, consisting of the 

 above mentioned genera, is closely allied to that 

 of Elaterid^. But all the species of the latter 

 group, are endowed with the power of leaping, 

 by an abrupt inflection of the anterior portion of 

 the body; their tarsi, also, are simple, without 

 any dilatation of the basal joints. 



Many of these insects are gaily ornamented 

 with the most splendid colours, which often 

 shine with a metallic brilliancy. Some have a 

 general coppery tint, whilst others present the 

 beautiful contrast of fine yellow spots and lines, 

 on a polished green or blue surface, and others 

 exhibit the appearance of burnished gold, inlaid 

 on emerald or ebony. In fine, all that is rich 

 and brilliant in colours, may be observed in the 

 decoration of these insects. 



They in general, walk slowly, though some 

 run with considerable agility ; they rise on the 

 wing with facility, and fly with ease and rapidity. 

 Many elude their enemies by folding their feet 



PLATE xxvr. 



