COLEOPTERA. 



129 



supplied by little fleshy tubercles. The perfect 

 insect frequents the flowers or leaves of plants. 

 First and most conspicuous among this extensive 

 group are 



The Snout Beetles (Bhyncophora)* at once recog- 

 nisable by the shape of their 

 head, which is prolonged into a 

 sort of snout or proboscis, upon 

 which are placed the antennae. 

 Their larvae resemble soft little 

 white worms, furnished with a 

 scaly head, but quite destitute of 

 legs. They all devour the dif- 

 ferent parts of vegetables, and 

 some are found only in the in- 

 terior of fruits or Seeds, by de- FIG. 85. COPPER-COLOURED WEEVIL. 

 stroying which they do immense damage. Their nymphs 

 are enclosed in a cocoon. But even in their perfect state 

 some of these beetles are very destructive when they are 

 at all numerous. 



FH3. 86 NUT- WEEVIL. 



The Weevils (Bruchus),^ are tiny authors of in- 



* P^7X y > rhynchos, a snout ; <f>6pos, phoros, carrying. 

 f Having crooked snouts. 



G 3 



