Objects for the Microscope. 77 



The antennae of the Beetle are not described here but in 

 connection with those of the Blow-fly and Bee, concerning 



which some interesting discoveries have been lately made. 







MOUTH OF BEETLE. 



(Bouche et palpes de Calathus Castelloides.) 



This is a black Beetle about half an inch long, very 

 common in the neighbourhood of London ; found under 

 stones. 



The object is good as showing beautifully fringed 

 maxillae with two pair of labial palpi ; the outer pair have 

 four joints, the lower pair only three. Some species of 

 Coleoptera have one pair of labial palpi, and one pair of 

 maxillary palpi. 



Observe, the little tonguelet in the centre has two ear- 

 like appendages, called paraglossse. That broad curved plate 

 above it is the mentum, with a notch in the centre, which 

 distinguishes the section of the Carabici to which it belongs. 



MOUTH OF BRACHINUS. 



(Bouche et palpes de Brachinus.) 



The mouth of the Bombadier Beetle (see leg of Brachinus), 

 one of the Carabici, which has the maxSlse terminated 

 simply in a point ; the tonguelet exposed, and labial palpi 

 distinctly three-jointed ; the mentum not toothed ; the last 

 joint of both maxillary and labial palpi evidently dilated. 



MOUTH OF ONTHOPHAGUS. 



(Bouche et palpes.) 



One of the Dung-beetles or Scaraboeides, the earliest 

 species of the spring. It belongs to the large family of the 

 Lamellicornes, having the antennae clubbed and composed 

 of leaflets arranged like a fan, opening and shutting in the 

 same manner. The first pair of legs are remarkably strong, 

 the tibise toothed for burrowing in the earth and manure 

 upon which they feed. Many of the species are very large 

 and beautiful, with metallic bodies and sculptured Elytra. 

 The Onthophagus is small, but of a brassy black colour ; 



