THE SKIPPER. ^Ql 



Genus XXl.—E/atsr. The Skipper, 



1 riE infe£ls of this genus are diflingulllied by fetaceous 

 antennae, but more particularly by an elaftic fpine whicli 

 fprings from the under fide of the thorax, near the ex- 

 tremity. By means of this fpring, thefe animals, when 

 turned upon the back, are capable of jumping into the 

 air, and recovering their pofition. 



In the Hate of larvce, the infecls of this genus inhabit 

 the trunks of decaj^ed trees, and are there metamorphaf- 

 ed into the winged form. Their refidence is then chang- 

 ed, and they are feen in various haunts, flowers, thickets, 

 or open fields. 



The chefnut-coloured elater f . This infect is found 

 both in the corn and paflure fields. The antennae are 

 branchy, and the tips of the elytra black ; the reft: of a 

 pale flelh-colour ; the thorax is covered with a fine afii- 

 coloured down J. 



I Lifter Locju. p. 387. \ Regne Animale, p. 64. 



