52 BRITISH BEETLES. 



found in mossy bogs, and on the Lancashire sands, is 

 brilliant golden-copper on the head and thorax, with 

 silky green wing-cases, each of which has three elevated 

 ridges, and the margins reddish-copper. It is, perhaps, 

 the most brilliant and effectively coloured beetle we 

 possess (Plate I, Fig. 5). 



Calosoma sycophanta, the largest Geodephagous insect 

 taken in England, has blue-black or violet head and 

 thorax (the latter with the margins greenish), and very 

 broad, rich metallic green wing-cases, the green changing 

 into gold and orange-red as the position of the beetle is 

 altered. It is found on our shores occasionally, but can 

 scarcely be considered a true British species, though one 

 or two instances have occurred of its being found inland. 

 In Silesia, and elsewhere on the Continent, it frequents 

 pine forests, feeding on the caterpillars of various moths, 

 and being especially attached to colonies of the " pro- 

 cessionary " and " gipsy " moths, of which it devours 

 both the larvae and pupae in the most gluttonous manner. 

 It has ample wings ; and, being a robust insect, is thought 

 to come across the Channel. 



The species of Blethisa arid Cychrus have both been 

 observed to make a squeaking noise, caused probably by 

 the friction of the tip of the abdomen against the under 

 side of the elytra. Cychrus rostratus also, is remarkable 

 on account of its elegant shape; having a slender 

 stretched-out head (with the last joints of its palpi very 

 large and hatchet- shaped), delicate antennae, contracted 

 waist, and convex, oval, finely granulated wing-cases. 

 It is about three-quarters of an inch in length, dull- 

 black in colour, relieved by its polished black legs, 

 suture and margins; and is found under dead leaves, 

 among stones, but not very commonly. 



