A SPLENDID BEETLE. 



125 



These marks are so minute that they really look like accidental 

 particles of dust. When examined with the lens, each of these 

 marks is seen to be a little white scale, shaped like a curved 

 claw or horn, and projecting from the bottom of a shallow 

 circular pit. These pits are set closely together and in exact 

 order, so that their outer edges just touch each other. The 

 whole of the under surface is provided with large yellow scales, 

 so large that their shape can be seen without the aid of a glass. 



Fig. 58. — Lftucopbolis bimaculata. 

 (Reddish - brown ; two white spots.) 



The larva of this insect must be a very large one, and, if it be 

 voracious in proportion to its size, must destroy a vast amount ot 

 vegetation in the course of its long larval existence. 



The magnificent Beetle Eucheirus Macleayi, which is shown 

 on Plate IT. Fig. 1, has caused some trouble to systematic ento- 

 mologists on account of the difficulty which they find in ascer- 

 taining its exact place among insects. The latest and best 

 authorities have decided that it belongs to the Melolonthidte, 

 and I therefore accept that arrangement. 



In both sexes of this insect the first pair of legs are greatly 

 developed, but in the male they are of enormous size. They are 

 long, powerful, and curved, and the tibia? have two long spikes 

 on their inner edge, the second of which is remarkable for a sort 

 of secondary spike or movable claw at its tip. The generic name 



