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CHAPTER VI. 



NECROPHAGA. 



THE reader will probably observe that, in the groups 

 of insects which have already been described, allusion 

 has been made to the analogies between them and 

 certain groups of vertebrates. The Geodephaga, for 

 example, represent the land Carnivora, the Hydrade- 

 phaga those of the water, and the Brachelytra repre- 

 sent in some degree the slender and lithe-bodied 

 weasels. We now come to a group which takes 

 among insects the part which is played among the 

 higher animals by the hyenas and vultures, these 

 Beetles being the scavengers of the insect world. 



The name NECROPHAGA, i.e. 'carrion-eaters, 

 which distinguishes this group, is expressive of their 

 character. By some systematic entomologists they 

 are called CLAVICORNES, or ' club-horned,' because 

 their antennae, slender at the base, are expanded at 

 their tips into a rounded knob. This shape of 

 antennae is called ' clavate ' by entomologists. The 

 form of the antennae is an admirable characteristic by 

 which these Beetles may be known. There is no 

 palpus on the inner lobe of the maxilla, the scutellum 

 is always conspicuous, and the elytra are wide, though 



