310 



MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



Fig. 36. 



from which it differs in the irregularity of the tarsal claws, which are 

 denticulated {Jig. 36. 6.), which character gives it some relation with 

 some of the foregoing families; the antennae are also unconcealed at 

 the base by the margin of the head {Jig. 36. 4. head from above) ; the 

 palpi often terminate in a large triangular or hatchet-shaped joint, 

 but in others are filiform {Jig. 36. ii. maxillary, 36. 12. labial palpi 

 of Cteniopus sulphurea) ; the mandibles are cleft, or bifid at the tips, 

 or entire, and the tarsi are not dilated {Jig. 36. 5.) ; the elytra are of 

 a less firm consistence than in the following families. 



Many of these insects are found upon flowers and in hedges. 

 The larva? reside in rotten trees. I am indebted to the Rev. A. W. 

 Griesbach, for an opportunity of examining the larva {Jig. 36. 7.) of 

 Cistela Ceramboides {Jig. 36. 3.), which he found in March in a 

 pollard oak on Wimbledon Common, and from which the imago was 

 reared in the following May ; the larva is very long, subcylindric, 

 scaly, and very much resembles some of the larvae of the Elateridae; 

 the antennae are short and three-jointed, the terminal joint being 

 furnished with a very minute tubercle, or retractile fourth joint; the 

 head {Jig. 36. 8.) is reddish, the mouth black {Jig. 36. 9. mandible) ; 

 first segment pale buff, the remaining segments dull greenish, with 

 the posterior margin red ; the terminal segment {Jig. 36. 10.) is quite 

 simple, and of a somewhat conical form, and of a buffish colour. It 

 twists about when alarmed, and walks backwards very well. Mr. G. 

 R.Waterhouse has figured the details of the trophi of this larva {Ent. 

 Trcms. V. 1. pi. iv. f. 2. a—e.). The last named gentleman has also 

 figured the larva of Eryx niger (loc. cit. Jig. 1.), which is of a yel- 

 lowish white colour, with the head ochreous and corneous. It very 

 closely resembles the preceding larva, differing chiefly, but slightly, in 

 the structure of some parts of mouth. It is found in the vegetable 

 mould of decayed oak trees. 



