VARIABLE AXTENN.E. 



249 



The Sternotomicles are represented by the Beetle called 

 Zographus oculator. The name of this group is formed from 

 two Greek words signifying cut, or truncated, thorax, and is 

 given to the insects because the thorax is wide and short, as if 

 it had been abruptly cut off, or like a draughtsman set on its 

 edge. They are all natives of Africa. The projections at the 

 sides of the thorax, instead of being sharp spines, are large 

 thick tubercles, rounded at the tip. 



The present species is a really handsome insect. Its colour is 

 black, and across the head and thorax are drawn some very 

 narrow yellow lines, their edges as clearly defined as if they 



Fig. 118. — Zographus oculator. 

 (Black, with yellow marks.) 



were done with a pen and ink. The elytra are covered with 

 tiny wrinkles, and are marked with bold ridges, boldly armed at 

 the shoulder and running nearly parallel with the suture. Upon 

 each of the elytra are four large yellow marks, deepening into 

 chocolate in the centre. The name Zographus, which signifies 

 anything that is painted from life, is given to the insects on 

 account of the lines and spots wherewith they are adorned. 

 The specific name oculator, which is formed from the Latin word 

 oculus, an eye, refers to the eye-like form of the marks on the 

 elytra. 



The antennse of this insect are extremely variable in different 

 individuals, being in some specimens fully one- third longer than 



