BEETLES 65 



a Neuropterous larva. It has only one pair of 

 spiracles, situated at the extremity of the abdomen, 

 where there are also two leaf-like appendages fringed 

 with hairs, which help to support the larva when it is 

 hanging head downwards from the surface in the act 

 of taking breath. When full-fed it creeps out of the 

 water, forms a cell in the earth, and therein changes 

 to the pupa. 



The series Lamellicornia comprises the stag-beetles, 

 chafers, and their allies, which also have five-jointed 

 tarsi. The terminal joints of the antennae three or 

 more of them are broadened on one side so as to 

 form a curious club, which may be comb- like, or 

 " lamellated " i.e., composed of flattened pieces like 

 the slats of a Venetian blind. The larvae feed in 

 concealment on decaying wood, roots, vegetable 

 refuse, or the droppings of animals. They have hard 

 heads, with powerful mandibles, feeble legs, and soft 

 curved bodies the last two segments of the abdomen 

 having the appearance of being swollen. 



In the stag-beetle family 1 the antennae are elbowed, 

 and the mandibles' of the males are often greatly 

 enlarged, as is the case with our own Lucanus cevvus. 

 The great " horns " or " antlers " are really the insect's 

 jaws, and are said to be used occasionally to nip fruit, 

 etc., causing the juice to flow, so that it may be taken 

 into the mouth by means of the maxillae. They are 

 also employed for other purposes, perhaps more 

 important e.g., to hustle and drive away rival suitors 

 at the period of courtship. The larvae burrow into 

 wood (especially oak), and feed for about three years 

 before their growth is complete, eventually forming 

 cocoons of chips or earth. The pupal period, which 



1 Lucanida. 

 5 



