38 Descriptive Zoology. 



holds on so well. Observe another one flying, see how 

 he holds the wing covers up and out at the sides. As soon 

 as he lights, see how these wing covers come down over 

 the membranous flying wings, which at first project behind 

 the wing. Watch him tuck the wings under the wing covers ; 

 can you tell how he does it ? After the membranous wings 

 have been withdrawn from sight, pick him up and note 

 that the wing covers meet in a straight line along the 

 middle of the back, entirely concealing the true wings. 

 Note also the large prothorax. The head is small, but has 

 strong mandibles and two pairs of maxillae. The enlarged 

 ends of the antennae consist of a series of leaflike plates, 

 giving the name to a large group, the Lamellicorn 

 beetles. Watch him as he starts to fly again. In order 

 to give the flying wings free play, the wing covers must be 

 held well up and forward. In this position they make con- 

 siderable resistance to flight, and it is easy to see that this 

 kind of insect cannot be a first-class flier. 



These beetles sometimes do considerable damage, by 

 eating the leaves, especially of the cherry. In the early 

 evening one may see swarms of May beetles and later hear 

 them buzzing about the foliage. 



The eggs are laid in the ground and hatch out into 

 white "grubs." Every boy knows them well and uses 

 them for bait, and often he learns that the blackbirds 

 know enough to follow the plow and pick up the grubs 

 that are left in the furrow. The grub usually has a dark 

 head, with a white body, the first three segments bearing 

 each a pair of jointed legs that correspond to the three 

 pairs of legs of the adult beetle. The hinder part of the 

 body is often dark from the dirt that has been eaten. 

 Every one knows how they lie curled up and in the ground; 

 they generally rest on their backs. They often do great 



