GENERAL CHARACTERS OF BEETLES. 



119 



never developed ; this is the case in the Blaps (Fig. 349). In 

 other cases, again, the elytra, instead of simply meeting along 

 the suture, fold over each other ; in other instances, they do not 

 meet at all ; and there are some species in which the wings are 

 folded, not transversely, but longitudinally ', as in the next order. 

 It is well for the Student to be aware that such exceptions exist 

 in this, as in every other large natural group ; however definite 

 its characters may generally be. In none of these instances, is 

 there an exception as to more than one or two of the characters 

 in question ; the remainder conform to the usual type. 



641 . The Metamorphosis in this Order is invariably complete; 

 and it is thus distinguished from all that approach it in the 

 structure of its mouth, or in the character of the wings. The 

 larva are worm-like in their aspect ; the head is usually horny, 

 the rest of the body soft. There is generally a pair of short 

 jointed legs attached to each of the first three segments, bearing 

 some resemblance to those of the perfect insect. Those which 

 possess legs are 

 usually active in 

 their habits ; but 

 there are others 



which, leading a 

 retired life, and 



being born in the 



midst of their food 



(such as the Nut 



Weevil), are des- 

 titute of members. 



The larvae of the 



carnivorous species 



have in general the 



most robust legs ; 



and in some of the 



herbivorous species 



these are replaced 



by fleshy tubercles, 



or pro-legs. A pair of these generally exists on the last segment 



Fio. 335. LARVA, PUPA, AND PERFECT STATES OF 

 CBTONIA AURATA, OR ROSE-BEETLE. 



