146 INSECTS AT HOME. 



possessing no eyes. Before it changes into the perfect form it 

 scoops for itself a cell, and then lines it with silk, so as to form 

 it into a coo • n. This is one of the very rarest J:5ritish insects, 

 and is the only species of its genus. 



The family of the Tenebrionidas only contains one genus, 

 and that genus but two British species. These Beetles possess 

 large wings, and are capable of flight, the elytra not being 

 soldered together as is the case with the BlaptidiP. The thorax 

 is squared, and its base is as wide as the base of the elytra. 



On Woodcut XV. Fig. 3 is drawn the typical British species, 

 Tenehrio molitor, and at Fig. f on the same woodcut is one of 

 the antennae. The colour of this Beetle is shining blackish- 

 browu, and the body is rather flat and very thickly punctured. 

 Each of the elytra has one very short stria next to the 

 ecutellura, and eight others reaching to the apex. It lives in 

 corn-miils, tluur-stores, bakehouses, and similar localities, and 

 in consequence is often called the Flour Bektle. The cream- 

 coloured larva of this insect is shown on the same illustration. 

 Fig. c. It is popularly known by the name of Meal-worsi, 

 under which title it is largely supplied to bird-fanciers, who 

 find that many of their feathered pets will not live unless they 

 have a constant supply of insect food, such as is afforded by the 

 Meal-worm, which, in consequence of the perpetual warmth of 

 its home, breeds throughout the year. From April to June is, 

 however, the best time to find the perfect insect. 



The second species, Tenebrio obscures, is quite as plentiful, 

 and so much resembles its congener, that the two are generally 

 confounded together. The latter insect can, however, be dis- 

 tinguished by its colour, which is dull pitch3'-black and not 

 shining, and by a number of faint tubercles which stud the 

 interstices between the strige. The larva of this species is pale- 

 brown instead of cream-colour. Many entomologists think 

 that neither of these insects is indigenous, but that they were 

 both introduced in careroes of corn or flour. 



'&^ 



The next family in our list is that of the Meiandryadoe. 

 These Beetles have small antennae, and enormously-developed 

 maxillary palpi, the last joint especially, not only being long but 

 rery broad. The head is bent down, and sometimes sunk iv 



