AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGY. 57 



separated by Latreille, with the name of Aphanistieus ; these 

 have clavate antennae. 



The family Biiprestiadsc, consisting of the above mentioned 

 genera, is closely allied to that of Elaterldse. 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 colors, 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 colors, 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 and 

 antennae close to the body, and falling, apparently dead, to the 

 earth. The females have a coriaceous appendage at the posterior 

 part of the abdomen, composed of three pieces ; this is probably 

 the oviduct, by means of which, they deposit their eggs in old 

 wood, where the larvae lives until its change into the perfect 

 state. Their existence in the perfect state is but short, appear- 

 ing to be devoted almost exclusively to the great object of con- 

 tinuing the race. 



Though beautiful and rare, the species are very numerous, and 

 upwards of two hundred are now known ; of these, the largest 

 and most splendid, are inhabitants of the American continent. 



A species of Bwprestis, has furnished us with a remarkable in- 

 stance of insect longevity; the following is extracted from a 

 communication, by Mr. Marsham, to the Linnean Society. (See 

 vol. x. p. 399.) 



Mr. J. Montague, on going to his desk in the office of Works 

 at Guildhall, observed an insect which had been seen by his 

 brother in the early part of the day, endeavoring to extricate it- 

 self from the wood, which formed part of the desk ; he carefully 

 released it from the cell, and it proved to be Buprestis splendens 

 of Fabricius, full of strength and vigor. The desk had been fixed 



