184 NATURAL HISTORY OF 



HISTER ItENIFORMlS. 

 PLATE IX. FIG. 5. 



This genus is readily recognised by the peculiar 

 form of the body. It is almost square, and the ely- 

 tra are short and truncated at the extremity. The 

 legs are contractile, that is, they are short and com- 

 pressed, and capable of being drawn close to the 

 body. The lower joint of the antennae is very long, 

 and forms an angle with the upper portion which 

 terminates in a rounded knob. All these insects 

 are of small size, and find their nourishment in ca- 

 daverous and excrementitious matters. The outer 

 covering is very rigid, and when the legs are con- 

 tracted, they can bear a great degree of pressure 

 without injury. When alarmed, they lie perfectly 

 still, and often deceive their enemies by simulating- 

 death with great accuracy and perseverance. About 

 120 species are known to entomologists, and of these 

 upwards of 30 inhabit this country. The species 

 figured as an example, is of a glossy black colour, 

 with two spots of red on the elytra. The latter have 

 two or three longitudinal ridges, and are rather 

 thickly punctured at the sides. The under side of 

 the body and legs are likewise black, the latter den- 

 tate on their outer edge. It is found in various 

 oarts of Europe. 



