SUPPLEMENT 



MELASOMA. 



This family, which is the first of the second section of 

 coleoptera (the Heteromeua), is so named from the colour 

 of the bodies of the insects which compose it being generally 

 black, or uniformly dusky. They embrace a very large 

 part of the genus Tenebrio of Linnaeus, and in general avoid 

 the light. Some abide in sand, others conceal themselves 

 under stones, in the rubbish, or obscure and choked-up 

 parts of houses. They do not quit their retreats but at night. 

 All their movements are rather slow, and they gnaw different 

 substances, and particularly vegetables, and such as are de- 

 composed. Those of their larvae which have been observed, 

 are long, cylindrical, covered with an almost scaly, smooth, 

 and shining skin, and furnished with six short feet. They 

 are found in the places inhabited by the perfect insect. 



The tribe of the Pimeliari.e is proper to the southern 

 countries of Europe, to Africa, and the western part of Asia, 

 that which is on this side of India. 



They are afraid of light, and live, almost all of them, in 

 saline and sandy situations. Many frequent the shores of the 

 sea. Their body is generally heavy and thick, black or 

 earthen colour. These insects often transpire a whitish 

 humour, which forms on their bodies a dust of this colour. 



