PTIXUS. PTINUS. 



Generic Character. 



Ardennes filiformes; articu- 

 lis uJtimis majoribus. 



Thorax subrotundus, im- 

 marginatus, caput exci- 

 piens. 



Antenna filiform, with the 

 * three last joints largest. 



Thorax roundish, without 

 distinct margin, receiving 

 occasionally the head. 



JL HE genus Ptinus, like that of Dermestes, con- 

 sists of small insects which, in general, have simi- 

 lar habits, living both in their larva and complete 

 state among dry animal substances, and some 

 species in dry wood, committing great havock 

 among the older articles of furniture, which they 

 pierce with innumerable holes, thus causing their 

 gradual destruction. 



To this genus belongs the celebrated Insect 

 distinguished by the title of the Death- Watch, or 

 Ptinusfatidiciis. Among the popular superstitions 

 which the almost general illumination of modern 

 times has not been able to obliterate, the dread of 

 the Death- Watch may well be considered as one 

 of the most predominant, and still continues to 

 disturb the habitations of rural tranquillity with 

 groundless fears and absurd apprehensions. It is 

 not indeed to be imagined that they who are en- 

 v. vi. r. i. 3 



