BEETLES. 



61 



resented by Fig. 37, a. The chrysalis remains in the 

 torpid state for nine months, when it discharges from 



Fig. 37. 



the mouth a quantity of corrosive liquor, which softens 

 the upper end of the cocoon, and the moth makes its 

 escape. 



135. These insects are of enormous size, the largest 

 measuring, with the wings spread, six, or even eight inches 

 across. They are exceedingly vigorous on the wing, and 

 fly to great distances. Tho natives often catch, and mark 

 them and then let them fly ; the marks of the different 

 districts being known, it is said they are frequently caught 

 more than a hundred miles distant from the places where 

 they were marked. 



136. The wings of these insects are of a uniform yellow- 

 ish brown, with one round transparent spot in each of the 

 fore wings. They live from six to twelve days, deposite 

 their eggs, and die. 



BEETLES. 



137. The beetles belong to the Lirmsan order coleoptera, 

 which word signifies " wing-sheathed," so called, because 

 these insects are provided with hard wing cases, with 

 which they cover, when at rest, their proper wings. 

 These cases are called elytra, and when shut together, 

 form a longitudinal suture along the back. A great variety 



To what order of insects do the beetles belong ? What is the mean- 

 ing of the term coleoptera* What are the wing cases of these insects 

 called? 



