324 



ARTICULATA. INSECTA. 



devour earth, the roots of vegetables, &c., in the 

 larva state. The larvce are large, white, and help- 

 less, residing under ground ; the hinder parts, which 

 are very thick, are bent under the body : that of the 

 Cockchafer, (Melolontha* Vulgaris,} often so de- 



THE GOLIATH-BEETLE (Goliathus Drurii), and THE HERCULES-BEETLE 

 (Dynastes Hercules). 



structive to pastures, is familiar. Many of this 

 tribe are distinguished by curved projections from 

 the thorax and head, often of vast length and size, 

 and of the most singular forms ; and among these are 

 some of the largest Beetles known, the giants of the 

 Insect race. We may mention the Hercules, (Dy- 

 * Its ancient Greek name. 



