HANDBOOK OF BEETLES. 



55 



once from any other beetles with four-jointed tarsi, by their 

 usually large size and their very long antennae. Their larvae 

 are all wood-feeding insects, but are not generally sufficiently 

 numerous to cause much damage. The larger beetles may 

 sometimes be found resting on the trunks of trees by day ; 

 especially near the roots ; and some of 

 the smaller species are very active on 

 the wing. 



One of the largest and commonest 

 of our British Longicornia, belonging 

 to the typical family CerambycidtZ) is 

 the Musk Beetle, Aromia Moschata, 

 which emits a strong but rather 

 agreeable odour. It is a long green 

 beetle, measuring an inch or more in 

 length, with curving antennae at least 

 as long as the body, and the sides 

 of the thorax with a sharp angular 

 projection. It is sometimes very 

 common in summer on the trunks 

 of willows, in which its larva feeds. 

 It is not very active, and may easily 

 be seized with the fingers, as it is 

 quite harmless. 



We will now pass on to the large group of beetles called 

 Etipoda. The majority are vegetarians, and hence the group is 

 sometimes called Phytophaga, or Plant-feeders. They have 

 four joints to the tarsi, like the Rhynchophora and Longicornia^ 

 and their antennae are generally short and slender j their bodies 

 are round or oval in shape. 



The Donaciida have longer antennae, legs, and bodies than 

 most of the succeeding families, from which they likewise 

 differ in their semi-aquatic habits. The species measure about 

 one-third of an inch in length, and are generally bright green 

 or 'bronzed, though some are purplish, or even black. Their 

 larvce feed under water on the roots of water-plants, not being 

 very particular in their choice. The beetles are fond of basking 

 on water-plants ; the under surface of their bodies is clothed 

 with a white down, which enables them to carry a bubble of air 

 beneath the water when diving. 



The Criocerida have oval elytra, shorter and broader than 

 in the Donaciida, and the antennae are rather short and 

 thick. Crioceris Asparagi, which measures nearly a quarter of 

 %n inch in length, is a common garden insect. It is of a bluish- 



Musk Beetle (Aromia 

 Moschata). Nat. Size. 



