GENERAL CHARACTERS OF BEETLES. 



119 



wanting, in one sex, at least, as in the female Glow-worm. In 

 other cases, the elytra are fully developed, so as to cover the upper 

 surface of the body ; but adhere together along the suture, so as 

 to prevent the expansion of the wings, which are, consequently, 

 never developed ; this is the case in the Blaps (Fig. 449). In 

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

 the suture, fold over each other ; in others, 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. 



699. 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 larvce 

 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 seg- 

 ments, bearing some 

 resemblance to those 

 of the perfect insect. 

 Those which pos- 

 sess 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), 



no. 435. LARVA, PUPA, AND PERFECT STATES OF 

 CETONIA AURATA, OR ROSE-BEETLE. 



