FEBRUARY. 17 



METABOLA, 



Insects undergoing transformation. 



ORDER I. COLEOPTEBA, Aristotle. 



Characters. Elytra horny or crustaceous, witli a straight suture 

 or opening ; wings two, membranous, longitudinally and trans- 

 versely folded when at rest ; mouth with transversely moveable 

 jaws ; antenna generally consisting of eleven joints. 



This Order is divided into four sections and many families. 



SECTION I. 



PENTAMERA. Tarsi five-jointed. 



1. CicindelidcB. Antennae long and slender; legs long and 



formed for running ; maxillae armed with a claw ; body 

 generally oblong; eyes prominent; colour generally 

 brilliant; size moderate. Locality, hot sandy districts. 



2. Carabidce. Antennae filiform; legs long and slender; 



maxillae with no moveable claw; body oblong; eyes 

 but slightly prominent ; wings often wanting. Loca- 

 lity, under stones and moss. 



3. Dyticida. Antennae long and slender; anterior legs 



short; hinder pair formed for swimming; mandibles 

 short and strong ; maxillae curved from the base ; body 



c 



