ON THE SERRICORNES. 359 



This species, according to Eschscholtz, enters into the 

 genus agrilus, which, however, seems distinct from that so 

 described by Mr. Curtis. 



The sub-genus Melasis was established by Olivier on a 

 single species, in which he thought that he recognized the 

 Elater huprestoides. Illiger, however, and some other natu- 

 ralists consider the insect of Linnaeus as different from that 

 of Olivier, and accordingly designate this last species under 

 the name of Elateroides. This opinion seems yet to remain 

 in doubt ; but the description given by M. Pay kail of the 

 Elater huprestoides, of Sweden, or Melasis flaheUicornis, of 

 Fabricius, and the figure of Herbst, which is cited as syno- 

 nimous, agree perfectly well to the insect named by Olivier, 

 Melasis huprestoides. This species is found in Germany 

 and France, under the trunk of old trees, which it appears to 

 perforate after the manner of some Anobia. These insects 

 couple at the entrance of some of the cylindrical holes, which 

 the external surface of these trees present. One of the sexes 

 remains without. 



The name of Elater, or notopeda, in Latin, has been 

 given to the insects composing this genus, in consequence of 

 the leap which they make when thrown upon their back, for 

 the purpose of recovering their feet. They very much re- 

 semble buprestes, but are distinguished from them by some 

 observable characters, but more especially by that remark- 

 able spring, which is observed under their corslet or thorax. 



These insects are found every where in the country, on 

 flowers, on plants, on the trunk, and under the bark of rotten 

 trees. They are caught easily enough ; but they often suffer 

 themselves to fall, for the purpose of escaping the hand which 

 is ready to seize them. They are all provided with wings, 

 and sometimes make use of them to transport themselves from 

 one place to another. They always walk with great slowness, 

 and seem to employ their feet with difficulty. There is ano- 



