COLOURS OF THE CYPHI1X-E. 217 



larger and to lie flatter than those of the elytra. If the elytra 

 be spread and viewed on the under side, a very remarkable 

 appearance is presented. Even on the upper surface it is evident 

 that the elytra are regularly striated, but on the under surface 

 the striae are very bold, and marked by rows of round black dots 

 on a shining' chestnut ground. These striae follow the outline of 

 the elytra, being waved in graceful curves and converging towards 

 the tip. Altogether, the under surface of this organ is so hand- 

 some that were it transferred to the upper surface the Beetle 

 would be considered a beautiful one. 



There are many species of Cyphus, all of them beautiful, and 

 most of them splendid insects, especially when viewed by the 

 aid of the microscope. There is, for example, Cyphus German, 

 a species which is exceedingly variable, most of the specimens 

 being green, but others a pale purple or violet. Thus one 

 species, which is appropriately named Cyphus azurea, is always 

 azure blue, upon which are a number of velvety black spots 

 which contrast beautifully with the brilliant azure of the sur- 

 rounding scales. There are, it is true, one or two species which 

 do uot possess the startlingly brilliant colours of their kin. 

 Such, for example, is the Cyphus modesties, which is not only 

 dull brown, but is very small, and therefore inconspicuous. Yet 

 even these soberly clad creatures possess beauties which only 

 require the aid of the microscope and properly adjusted light to 

 show that they are really scarcely less beautiful than those 

 which are adorned with more brilliant colours. The wings of 

 all these species of Cyphus are large and capable of bearing 

 their owners for long distances. 



The family which now comes before us is the Cholidae, of 

 which the Mhinastus pertusus is a good example. In these 

 Beetles the antennae are boldly elbowed, as in the last family, 

 and, especially when the insect is viewed from above, form a 

 characteristic feature in its appearance. 



The present species, which is a native of Brazil, is rather a 

 curious insect. The head is developed into a long rostrum, boldly 

 curved downwards. It is black, but upon the surface are a 

 number of yellow scales, formed much like those which have 

 been described when treating of the Cyphus, but without the 

 parallel ridges which give to these scales their wonderful opal- 



