ORDER V. COLEOPTERA. — BEETLES. 279 
lower lip formed of two pieces, namely, the mentum and the tonguelet (dan- 
guette), and accompanied by two palpi, generally inserted upon this latter 
piece; those of the maxille, or the outer maxillary palpi (when they bear 
two), have never more than four joints, whilst those of the lower lip have, 
ordinarily, only three joints. 
“ The anterior segment of the trunk, or that which is in front of the wings, 
or elytra, and which is commonly named the corselet, and which bears the 
first pair of feet, greatly surpasses in extent the two other segments, 
which are compactly united together, as well as to the base of the abdomen: 
their under part, or the sternum or breast, serves as a point of attachment 
to the two other pairs of feet. The second of these segments, upon which 
is placed the scutellum, is narrower in front, so as to form a short peduncle, 
which is received into the inner cavity of the first segment, and which serves 
as a pivot to assist in all its movements. 
“Beetles undergo a complete metamorphosis. The larva resembles a 
worm, with a scaly head and mouth, analogous in the number and functions 
of its parts to that of the perfect insect, and also with six legs: some spe- 
cies, however, few in number, are destitute of these appendages, or have 
only simple fleshy tubercles. 
“The pupa is inactive, and does not take any nourishment. The habita- 
tion, mode of life, and other habits of these insects, both in their immature 
and perfect states, vary very much.” 
The immense multitude and variety of the genera and species, which 
compose this order, compel us to select certain typical groups, exhibiting 
the most prominent and remarkable characteristics and habits of the family 
to represent the whole. It is estimated that there are over one hundred 
thousand different species, besides many that have not yet received examina~- 
tion and a name from naturalists. 
The first division of this order is well represented by the genera Cvcin- 
dela and Carabus. 
CicinpELA. — These insects have a robust head, with great eyes, and 
jaws very advanced and toothed. Some of the species are of a green color, 
of various shades, with shining metallic tints, and with white spots upon 
the elytra. They choose their dwelling in dry, sunny situations, run with 
considerable swiftness, and when alarmed, fly off, but alight at a short 
disance. 
The larvz of some have very singular habits. They form a round hole in 
the earth, of considerable depth, in the construction of which they employ 
their feet and jaws. They detach the grains of earth, and place them on 
the concave back of their head; and when their load is as large as they can 
carry, they ascend backwards, resting at intervals against the inner walls 
