[ 233 ] 



THE CHAFER TRIBE*. 



THE antennae of the Chafers have a clavate or 

 enlarged extremity, which is divided into lamellae or 

 leaves. To the mouth there are four feelers. The 

 feet have five joints ; and the shanks of the fore-legs 

 are generally toothed. 



The larva or grubs have six feet. In their gene- 

 ral external appearance these creatures are not much 

 unlike the caterpillars of some of the butterflies, 

 having their bodies composed of rings, and being 

 somewhat hairy. Most of them live entirely under 

 the surface of the ground, feeding on the roots of 

 plants, &c. Their chrysalis generally lies dormant 

 in the earth till the perfect insect bursts out. 



Chafers inhabit and feed in various situations. 

 Some are found in the dung of animals, or in the 

 earth immediately under the dung. Others live on 

 the leaves of trees ; and others on flowers. 



THE COCK-CHAFER f. 



The larvae or grubs of this species of Beetle, so 



* The Linnsean order of Coleopterous insects or Beetles 

 commences with this tribe. 



+ Synonyms. — Scurabxus Melolontha. Linn. — Melolontha vul- 

 garis. Fabricius.— Brown Tree Beetle, Blind Beetle, Chafer, Cock- 

 chafer, Jack-horner, JefFry-cock, May-bug, Tree Beetle, Brown 

 Clock, Dor, in various parts of England. Millers, from their powdery 

 white colour.— The Grub is called the Counaueht worm in Ireland. 



