COLEOPTERA. 249 



the prothorax ; the prothorax more or less spherical ; the 

 fore wings completely covering the body, and having often 

 an inflated appearance. The insects of this order make the 

 ticking noise known by the name of death-watch. Ptili- 

 nus, PtinuSy Anobium, Mezium, Gibbium. 



Ant-beetles or Clerites. Larva in structure like the pre- 

 ceding order, but more elongate, and less commonly hairy. 

 Feeds on the larva of the preceding order, and occasionally 

 of some Hymenoptera. Imago with the antenna incras- 

 sated externally ; the mandibles bifid ; the maxilla obtuse; 

 the prothorax is long, slender, cylindrical, and of less 

 circumference than the head or body. Necrobia, Clerus, 

 OpihiSy ThanasimuSy Tillus. 



Melyrites. Larva elongate, soft, pubescent, gradually 

 incrassated posteriorly ; telum corneous, produced into two 

 spines. Inhabits and feeds on decaying wood. Pupa 

 changes in the same situations. Imago with the antenna 

 filiform, tapering to the extremity; mandibles elongate, 

 toothed, bifid at the apex ; head nearly corresponding in 

 width with the prothorax, but rather less ; prothorax with 

 the margins often dilated ; when touched, a red fleshy sub- 

 stance is protruded from several parts of the body and again 

 withdrawn. Inhabits flowers ; flies readily, and in the sun- 

 shine. DasyteSy Malachius, Malthinus. 



Glow-worms or Lampyrites. Larva 

 composed of thirteen very distinct seg- 

 ments, the divisions between which are 

 deeply marked, giving the back a serrated 

 appearance ; legs very perfect, the caudal 

 leg also present. Inhabits old hedges 

 among decayed sticks, found also under 

 stones; feeds on minute snails, &c. Pupa 

 changes under ground. Imago with the Male Glowworm - 

 antenna filiform, moniliform, or pectinated ; the mandibles 



