SUPPLEMENT 



CLAVICORNES. 



On the genus which commences this extensive family of 

 Coleopterous insects, (Mastigus,) we cannot glean any in- 

 formation in addition to what is given in the text, that could 

 interest our readers. We shall, therefore, proceed to the 

 next tribe, which is composed of the genus Hister. 



This genus cannot be confounded with any other in the 

 insect class. The antennae prevent us from comprehending 

 its members, with lucanus^ scarabceus, copris, trox, and 

 with which, however, they have some relation in the form 

 of the anterior feet. And though they have some slight 

 resemblance to Dertnestes, Anthrenus, Spheridium, and 

 Byrrkus, in the form of the body and the mode of life, they 

 are distinguished from them by generic characters of the 

 most essential kind. 



These insects are found in cow-dung, excrement of other 

 kinds, carcases, and in slaughter-houses, on the blood which 

 remains there dried up. Some species live under the bark 

 of dead or carious trees. They are to be met with during 

 spring, summer, and, in fact, for a considerable portion of 

 the year. Sometimes they may be seen running through 

 the ground, on the sand, and in the highways and foot- 

 paths ; when one attempts to touch them, similar to the 



