THE TRICONDYLA. 



23 



but a closer inspection shows that the black is, in fact, a very 

 deep purple. 



It has no wings, as indeed is implied by its name " aptera," i.e. 

 wingless, but its swiftness and quickness of foot compensate for 

 its inability to fly. It is mostly found on trees, but it seems to 

 prefer the trunks and branches to the foliage. Like our common 

 creeper, the squirrel, and other tree-loving creatures, the Tri- 

 condyla has a habit of dodging behind the branches when 

 approached, and, if the intending captor goes round the tree, the 

 Tricondyla goes round also, and is so adroit in keeping the tree 

 between itself and its enemy, that it can only be captured by a 

 sudden run and quick snatch of the fingers. Like most of its 

 kin, the Tricondyla emits a strong odour, which is, however, not 

 at all pleasant, but bears some resemblance to the well-known 

 and veiy repulsive odour of the cockroach. 



A very good example of these curious Tiger Beetles is given in 

 the accompanying illus- 

 tration, which represents 

 Collyris acrolia, an ex- 

 ample of the typical 

 genus. 



Its colour is the deep- 

 est indigo, so deep that 

 at first sight it looks 

 black, just like the 

 colour of our familiar 

 Oil Beetle. The long 



thorax of this insect is boldly curved, and is globular 

 the middle. The creature has no wings, and the elytra are 

 firmly soldered together to the very end of the body, as is often 

 the case with wingless Beetles. The name Collvris refers to 

 this structure, being composed of two Greek words signifying 

 " glued tail." 



There are many species of Collyris, all very much alike in 

 colour and general form, and all having the otherwise small 

 head boldly developed on either side, so as to leave room for the 

 large and prominent eyes. 



Fig. 6. — Collyris acrolia. 

 (Deei> iucligo.) 



in 



This is the last of the Tiger Beetles of which description 

 can be given. They are, however, so numerous and so important 



