SAMOUELLE'S 



the experienced eye of the collector that would de- 

 tect it. 



This species is subject to variety in its markings, 

 and from the circumstance of the hair being rubbed 

 off, it will be found quite black and with the elytra 

 striated. 



The Byrrh'ulcE feed on skins and other animal mat- 

 ter in a state of decomposition. We are not ac- 

 quainted with the larvie, and it would be desirable 

 to know if, as in the kindred genus Anthrenus, the 

 hair has any peculiar termination ; we may infer that 

 it has, as belonging to the same family. The hair 

 from the larvae of Anthrenus is a most beautiful ob- 

 ject for the microscope. 



Mr. Kirby, who has made a curious observation on 

 the means of defence of insects, says, "That little 

 destructive beetle, Anthrenus Museorum, F., which 

 so annoys the entomologist, if it get into his cabinet, 

 when in the larva state, being covered with bunches 

 of diverging hairs glides from between your fingers as 

 if it were lubricated with oil. The two tufts of hairs 

 near the tail of this are most curious in their struc- 

 ture, being jointed through their whole length, and 

 terminating in a sharp halberd-shaped point." 



