THE ADONIS BEETLE. 



29 



the Proceri because they are, so to speak, the heralds or fore- 

 runners of the true Carabi. The accent, by the way, is laid on 

 the second syllable, thus, Procerus. 



This fine insect measures about two inches in length, and at 

 first sight looks rough and black. All specimens indeed are 

 black on the under surface, and some are black entirely. But 

 many, such as the specimen from which the drawing is taken, 

 are of the richest violet, with a tendency to purple, and a 

 greenish sheen round the edges of the thorax and elytra. The 

 whole of the upper surface is deeply and largely granulated 

 and punctured, this structure giving increased richness to the 

 splendid violet and purple with which it is adorned. 



Fig. 7. — Procerus tauricus. 

 (Deep purple.) 



It will be seen, on reference to the illustration, that the pro- 

 jecting tubercles which are formed of the granulations are 

 arranged in nearly regular longitudinal rows, as is the case with 

 several of our own Ground Beetles. This insect is spread over 

 the eastern and southern parts of Europe, the Caucasus, and 

 Asia Minor. It does not seem to flourish near the sea, and is 

 found in best condition on the mountainous districts. 



We now take an example of the typical genus, the singularly 

 beautiful Carabus Adonis, an insect which well deserves its name, 



