128 BRITISH BEETLES. 



majority of Coleoptera, being hidden by very fine velvety 

 pubescence : but here they are perfectly distinct, and 

 are diffused over the upper and lower surface of the 

 joints on which they are situated, or concentrated in a 

 little depression situated either on the inner side, or on 

 the anterior part of the lower side, or on the front edge 

 of the joints. 



In the Buprestidae the scutellum is often absent or 

 very small ; the elytra seldom cover more than the back, 

 and often leave the sides of the abdomen projecting; 

 and the antennae, which vary considerably as to their 

 point of insertion, fit into cavities in the prosternum. 



In tropical regions, and even in Southern Europe, 

 they occur in great numbers, often of large size and 

 splendid colours ; but in England we possess not a dozen 

 really indigenous species (all of small stature), although 

 several have been from time to time introduced into our 

 lists, on account of their frequently being captured alive 

 in this country. This arises through their larvae being 

 easily imported in foreign timber, etc. ; and through the 

 long period during which they remain without changing 

 to the perfect state, so that the beetle often makes its 

 appearance at a considerable interval both of time and 

 space from its introduction. 



The larvae are usually smooth, slender, elongate, cy- 

 lindrical or depressed, and very suddenly enlarged in 

 front ; the head sunk in the thorax, distinctly divided 

 into two portions, with two short hard mandibles and 

 small antennae, but no eyes ; and the legs entirely want- 

 ing, the end of the body being furnished with a projec- 

 tion, which in Agrilus is prolonged into two horny toothed 

 lateral pieces. In the larva of Trachys, however, the 

 head is not sunk in the thorax, and has a kidney-shaped 



