HANDBOOK OF BEETLES. 



53 



we placed, which are angulated in the middle, and clubbed at 

 the extremity. They have only four visible joints to all the 

 tarsi (which is likewise the case in the Longicornia and Eupodci), 

 and their integuments are much harder than those of most other 

 beetles. 



The Bmchidce are injurious to peas and beans, and we have 

 figured the Pea Weevil as an illustration of the group. The 

 beetles are^ black, with white pubescence, and are about one- 

 sixth of an inch long. They appear in spring, and lay their eggs 

 when the pod is quite young ; and when the larva is hatched, it 

 devours the peas. The rostrum in the Bruchidce is very short, 

 and the antennae are not angulated ; we rarely find the characters 

 of a group exhibited in perfection by the first or last families 

 which are included in it. The peas and beans which are infested 

 by these insects are extremely injurious to the animals which 

 feed upon them. 



Pea Weevil 



(Brnchus Pist). 



(Mag.) 



7 



Apion Flavipcs. (Mag. ) 

 The Apionldce are an extensive family of small weevils, many 



of which do not exceed one-tenth or one-twelfth of an inch in 



length. They are black, blue, green, or red, 



with broad elytra, but no wings, and a narrow 



head and thorax, the former produced into a 



long rostrum, and the antennae inserted about 



the middle. They are found gregariously on 



various plants on which the larvae feed. Apion 



Flavipes, which we have figured, is black, with 



reddish legs ; it is found on trefoil. 



Rhynchites Bacchus, which belongs to the 



family Rhinomaceridce, is a beautiful little 



purple beetle, with a golden lustre ; it is about 



one-sixth of an inch in length. It is met with 



in spring on apples and sloes, devouring the 



buds ; and later in the year it deposits an egg 



Rhynchites 



Bacchus. 



(Mag.) 



