146 COLEOPTERA. 



Fig. 2>6, A, p. 145) is the smallest region of the body, 

 ayd can be withdrawn beneath the prothorax so far as 

 the eyes (see PL VI., Figs. 84, 85). It is noticeable 

 that many insects which are not provided with large, 

 claw-like implements for digging, often have the head 

 small, and the posterior part of the body broad, giv- 

 ing a more or less wedge-shaped form which serves 

 the creatures well when burrowing in the earth. The 

 prominent clypeus (Fig. 85, cl) projects hke a visor 

 over the face. The compound eyes (Fig. 84, ^j') are 

 small, and there are no ocelH. The prothorax (PI. 

 VI., Fig. ^6, ^') is large and movable. The small 

 mesothorax (Fig. S6, <^"), with its short scutellum 

 {ts^), and the large metathorax (Fig. d>6, d'") are 

 firmly consolidated. The metathorax is complex in 

 structure, being made up of chitinous and membra- 

 nous portions. PI. VI., Fig. 87, is a front view of the 

 ring ; /•" is the scutum ; //, the scutellum ; e, the 

 fleshy membrane. The tiny plates (y) are horny, and 

 are seen in the dorsal view (PI. VI., Fig. S6, ^"',y). 

 The abdomen (Fig. 86, C) is shortened and pressed 

 forward, as it were, to make a close and broad con- 

 nection with the thorax. Compactness or concentra- 

 tion of parts, as compared with the more generalized 

 insects, is an important characteristic of the beetle's 

 body, and it is most marked in the thoracic region, 

 which bears the locomotive organs. The upper mem- 

 brane of the abdomen, like that of the squash-bug, 

 is protected by the thick wings, and not being con- 

 tinually exposed to external forces is, therefore, soft 

 and flexible. This flexibility aids greatly in respira- 

 tory movements, the terga rising and falling, while the 



