35() INSECTA. 



joint, much larger than those which precede it, and the joints of the tarsi 

 entire. This tribe only comprises the genus 



ELATER, Linnteux, 



The body is usually narrower and more elongated than that of the Bupres- 

 tides, and the posterior angles of the thorax are prolonged into a sharp point, 

 in the form of a spine. 



The common French name of these insects in Scarabf-es a ressorf, and their 

 Latin one, Notopeda Elater. When placed on their back, finding it impos- 

 sible to regain their natural position on account of the shortness of their legs, 

 they bound perpendicularly upwards until they fall on their feet. To execute 

 this motion, they press the latter close to the body, lower their head and 

 thorax, which has a free downward motion, then approximating this last to 

 the postpectus, they forcibly press the point of the praesternum against the 

 margin of the hole situated before the mesosternum, into which it sinks 

 suddenly, as if by a spring. The thorax and its lateral points, the head and 

 elytra, being violently propelled against the plane of position, particularly if it 

 be solid and smooth, concur by their elasticity in causing the body to bound 

 upwards. The sides of the prsesternum are distinguished by a groove, where 

 the antennae, which are pectinated or bearded in several males, are partly 

 lodged. The females have a species of elongated ovipositor with two lateral 

 pieces pointed at the end, between which is the true oviduct 



The Elaterides are found on flowers, plants, and even on the ground ; they 

 lower their head in walking, and if any one approaches, let themselves fall, 

 pressing their legs against their body. 



The various subgenera of this tribe may be referred to two principal divi- 

 sions. Those where the antennae can be entirely received into the inferior 

 cavities of the thorax constitute the first. 



The second division includes all those whose antennas are exterior or 

 exposed. 



ELATER, properly so called. 



The antennae of the males are simply serrated. 



E. noctilucus, Lin. Rather more than an inch long ; dusky brown, with a 

 cinereous down ; a convex, yellow, round, shining spot on each side of the 

 thorax near its posterior angles; elytra marked with lines of small punctures. 

 From South America. 



During the night, the thoracic spots diffuse a very strong light, sufficiently 

 bright to enable one to read the smallest character, particularly if several of the 

 insects be placed in the same vase. By it also the women of the country 

 pursue their work ; and ladies even use it as an ornament, placing it in their 

 hair during the evening paseo. The Indians fix them to their feet to light 

 them in their nocturnal journeys. 



North America is extremely rich in this genus. The insect is usually 

 called a Snap-bug. , 



