264 INSECTA. 



called the Chique or Cliigre in America, most probably forms a 

 particular genus. It insinuates itself under the nails of the 

 toes and the skin of the heel, where, by the speedy development 

 of the ova contained in a membranous sac under the venter, it 

 soon acquires a size equal to that of a pea. 



The numerous family, to which it gives birth, produces a ma- 

 lignant ulcer, that is cured with difficulty, and which sometimes 

 proves mortal. These difficulties are generally avoided by rub- 

 bing the feet with bruised tobacco leaves and other bitter and 

 acrid plants. The Negroes extract the animal from its domicil 

 with much address. 

 Various Quadrupeds and Birds are infested with Fleas which ap- 

 pear to differ specifically from these two. 



ORDER V. 

 COLEOPTERA(l). 



Coleopterous Insects have four wings, the two superior of 

 which resemble horizontal scales, joining in a straight line 

 along the inner margin ; the inferior wings are merely folded 

 transversely and covered with others, which form cases or 

 covers for tliem, usually denominated the elytra[2). 



Of all Insects, these are the most numerous and the best 

 known. The singular form and brilliant colouring of many 

 species, the volume of their bodies, the greater solidity of their 

 teguments, which facilitates their preservation, the numerous 

 advantages which the study derives from the various forms of 

 their external organs, &c., have secured to them the particu- 

 lar attention of naturalists. 



Their head presents antennae of various forms, and almost 

 always composed of eleven joints ; two compound eyes, but 



(1) The Ekutherata, Fab. 



(2) For the anatomical characters of the Coleoptera, see Ann. des Sc- Nat. 

 VIII, p. 36, where a resume is g-iven by M. Dumeril. 



