374 SUPPLEMENT 



genus Clerus of GeofFroy. This naturalist separated, under 

 this name, certain species from the Attelahus of Linnasus, who 

 having merely established it on the forms of the antennae and 

 the head, united together many insects of the most distinct 

 kind. It has since been still further diminished in extent, 

 and forms at present only a part of the tribe Cleet. 



With respect to the insects in general comprehended under 

 this latter title, it appears that their females deposit their 

 eggs in places which serve as a retreat to the larvae of other 

 insects, so that these last may answer the purpose of food to 

 their progeny. After having undergone their metamorphoses, 

 the clerii betake themselves to flowers to suck the honey 

 therefrom, or remain on the trees, or in the old wood in which 

 they had lived before. They incline their antennae and feet, 

 folding back their limbs when they are taken. 



As for the Cleri proper, there are some slight differences 

 in their habits from those of other insects of this division. 

 For instance, the opili and thanasimi operate their meta- 

 morphoses in the carious trunks of trees, or in old wood, and 

 it is on these bodies that it is necessary to seek them, when 

 they are in their perfect state. It is not the same with the 

 cleri, as we shall presently see. 



These coleoptera are often bristling with hairs, and gene- 

 rally adorned with lively and brilliant colours disposed in 

 transverse bands over the elytra. They are found on flowers. 

 When they are seized they incline their head, fold back their 

 feet, and counterfeit death. They fly, however, with a tole- 

 rable degree of lightness. What however should most en- 

 gage our attention, is their larvae, which are much less 

 remarkable in themselves than for the places they inhabit. 

 That of C. apiarius (Trichodes apiarius, Fab.) introduces 

 itself into the nest of Megachile muraria, finds the means of 

 piercing their cells, and of sheltering itself against their 

 sting, for the purpose of feeding, without fear, on their larvae 



