318 MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



ordinary legs are short. This larva changes its skin several times, 

 avoids the light, and at length assumes the pupa state, without 

 forming any cocoon, the imago appearing at the expiration of about 

 six weeks, at first being of a reddish colour, but shortly afterwards 

 assuming its black hue. The larvae of these insects are greedily 

 devoured by nightingales and other insectivorous birds, and are 

 accordingly bred by bird-fanciers ; it is necessary to keep the vessels 

 in which they are placed firmly closed, or they make their escape, 

 neither wood nor cloth being sufficiently strong to prevent them from 

 boring their way through. The larva and pupa of this insect have 

 been figured by Sturm in the 2d vol. of his Deutchslands Fauna and 

 hy Frisch, vol. i. pt. 4. t. 1. 



De Geer has also illustrated the transformations of a species of 

 this genus, which has been regarded as the Tenebrio molitor, but the 

 extremity of the body is terminated by two short conical spines 

 {fig- 38. \7.), and Mr. Curtis having represented the larva of T. 

 obscurus thus organised, it is evident that De Geer's figures must 

 be referred to this species. Mr. Curtis says, " This insect probably 

 does more damage than the common one, for T. molitor prefers damp 

 and damaged flour, whilst the larvae of T. obscurus prefer that which is 

 dry and sound." The insect is found in all its stages at the same 

 time, and from an observation of Gyllenhall it is probable, that it has 

 been introduced into Sweden by commerce. 



The larva of Tenebrio molitor, as we learn from Acrel (iVbw. Act. 

 Upsal, V. 6.), has been occasionally discharged fi-om the human body 

 in a living state, having been probably introduced with the food. In 

 Forskal's Descriptiones Animalium, c^^c. (Havniae, 1775.) are contained 

 notices of the medicinal properties of Tenebrio polychrestes, and 

 of the habits of T. arundinaceus ; it is probable, however, that 

 these insects belong to other groups. A Brazilian species, T. grandis, 

 found beneath the barks of old trees, eiects from the extremity of 

 its body a caustic fluid to the distance of more than a foot. Other 

 smaller species found in the same country entirely cover themselves 

 with this fluid. (Lacordaire.) 



The genus Sarrotrium is well distinguished by the remarkable 

 structure of its antennae {Jig. 38. 18.). I have generally found the 

 typical species S. muticum in sand-pits. 



The species of Uloma are very similar in their habits to the 

 Tenebriones, and it is not improbable that the British species have 



