DISGUISE OF FOKM. 219 



line where the elytra are folded over is marked in some definite 

 manner ; in some, such as the Gagatophorus, being decorated by 

 a row of spikes or knobs, and in others, such as the present 

 species, by an unbroken ridge, which in this instance is highest 

 in the middle, and decreases to a mere point towards the base 

 and tip. 



The legs are rather long, and the joints of the tarsus are 

 spread into double lobes and covered with a profusion of hair. 

 Only three species are known. The generic name Rhinastus is 

 formed from a Greek work signifying " a snout " (which may be 

 recognised in the familiar name of Ehinoceros), and is given to 

 the insects of this genus in consequence of the great develop- 

 ment of the rostrum. The specific name of pertusus is Latin, 

 and signifies something that is bored or perforated. It is given 

 to this insect because the peculiar structure of the base of the 

 elytra makes the insect look very much as if a hole had been 

 bored through each shoulder. 



Three species of Rhinastus are known, all of which are in the 

 British Museum. 



The name of Cryptorhynchidte strikes upon the ear of the 

 English entomologist with a familiar sound, inasmuch as more 

 than eighty species of Beetles are known in England which 

 belong to this family. The name of C'lyptorhynchidce is formed 

 from two Greek words signifying " hidden-beak," and is not very 

 intelligible unless the insects are seen in a living state. 



If the observer merely examines specimens that are " set " 

 and placed in a cabinet, he scarcely sees how the term can be 

 applied to the insects, many of which have the rostrum parti- 

 cularly conspicuous. Should he, however, come across the living 

 insects, the meaning of the word at once becomes apparent. 

 However long the rostrum may be, there is always on the under 

 side of the thorax a cavity which exactly contains it. Now, in 

 common with many other insects, the Cryptorhynchidse are in 

 the habit of falling to the ground when alarmed, and remaining 

 perfectly motionless until the cause for alarm has passed away. 



As most of them have not only long legs, but a long beak, they 

 would find some difficulty in disguising their forms were it not 

 for the groove which has just been mentioned. Legs can be 

 easily folded closely to the body, but a head with a long project- 



