CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 219 



738. Slow-legged beetles (Blapsites). Larva 

 elongate, cylindrical, with six articulate and 

 one caudal leg. Lives in the dark, feeding on 

 decayed animal and vegetable substances. Pupa 

 changes in the same situations. Imago with 

 moniliform antennae, the third joint being the 

 longest ; mandibles small but strong, bifid at the 

 apex ; maxillae with a single tooth internally ; 

 wings, particularly the hind pair, frequently 

 wanting. Inhabits cellars, out-houses, decayed 

 trees, shunning the light, and moving by night 

 with a slow, awkward, and disgusting gait; of 

 uniform dark brown or black colour. Blapst 

 Tenebrio. 



739. Helopites (Helopites). Larva very elon- 

 gate, cylindrical, frequently with two hooks on 

 the telum. Inhabits and feeds on decayed wood. 

 Pupa changes in the same situations. Imago 

 with filiform antennae ; mandibles sometimes 

 bifid, sometimes terminating in a single point; 

 maxillae without the internal tooth ; fore wings 

 generally soft and flexible, hind wings generally 

 perfect, adapted for flight. Inhabits decayed 

 woods, flowers, &c. Helops, Cistela, Melandrya, 

 Conopalpus, Hypulus, Nothus. 



740. Mordellites (Mordellites). Larva less 

 elongate, soft, and more fleshy ; legs less distinct. 

 Inhabit and feed on decaying wood, flowers, and 

 sometimes parasitical in the nests of wasps. Pupa 

 changes in the same situations. Imago with 



