Wasp-Beetle. 



261 



and the wood, from the latter of which the fibres are torn. 

 In consequence of the mode of structure, the cocoon is pale 

 straw colour, while the hollow in which it rests is quite dark. 

 [All entomologists are familiar with the pretty little wasp- 

 beetle ( Cli/tus arietis), which derives its popular name from 

 the wasp-like colours of its body. In the larval state it is 

 one of the carpenter- grubs, and may be found in posts, fir- 

 trees, and similar localities. In this country, although 



Cocoon of Rhagium. 



Rhyncophorus and cocoon. 



plentiful, it is not numerous enough to do much harm ; but 

 in Ceylon, a closely- allied species is one of the pests of the 

 island. It is popularly known by the title of coffee- 

 borer, from its habit of boring into the stems of the coffee- 

 plant. The landowner looks with absolute horror on this 

 pretty out destructive insect, and would pay a heavy sum 

 annually to any one who would undertake to extirpate the 

 tiny foe. Whole plantations have been swept off by it, and 



