202 NATURAL 'HISTORY OF 



thorax is very large, and, like the head, usually pre- 

 sents some sexual differences in the form of its ap- 

 pendages. 



The genus comprehends about fifty large and 

 finely coloured species, which belong exclusively to 

 the tropical regions of the new world. They dig 

 holes in the earth in a diagonal direction, sometimes 

 to the depth of two or three feet. They frequent 

 the dung of quadrupeds, and are often observed to fly 

 about in the evening, producing a rather loud noise. 

 The fine species figured is found in Cayenne, and 

 is named 



PHAN^US LANCIFER. 

 PLATE X. FIG. 3. 



Scarabaeus lancifer, Fab. Linn. Olivier, Entom. vol. i 

 No. 3, pi. 4, fig. 32. 



This conspicuous insect is about an inch and a 

 half long, and upwards of an inch broad. The 

 body is very thick and massive, and the half of it at 

 least is occupied by the thorax. The head is black, 

 and armed with a long, recurved, angular horn ; 

 the clypeus or anterior portion is furnished with 

 two distinct projecting teeth. The colour of all the 

 upper side, except the head, is a fine violet, with 

 greenish reflections in certain lights, especially on 

 the elytra. The thorax is deeply excavated or con- 

 cave, and dilated at the sides anteriorly ; the hinder 



