CARABID.E. — CALOSOMA. f)7 



These large insects are pre-eminently distinguished by the supe- 

 rior splendour and brilliancy of their colours, whence their name is 

 derived; and they may be known from the Carabi by their trans- 

 verse suborbiculate thorax, the convexity and rotundity of their 

 body, the compressed third joint of the antennae, the deep emar- 

 gination of the labrum, and the dissimilar form of the maxillae: 

 they are also furnished with perfect wings, and, contrary to the 

 manners of the Carabi, they usually seek their prey upon trees ; 

 their larvae feeding almost exclusively on those of the Lepidoptera. 

 I have hitherto seen but two indigenous species ; but Mr. Dale 

 informs me that, during a late tour through the north of England, 

 he observed a species allied to, but distinct from, Ca. inquisitor in 

 one of the collections he inspected. 



Sp. 1. Sycophanta. Nigro-violacenm, antennis pedihusque nigris, elytris viridi- 

 cnpreis punctato-siriatis, punctisque majorihus triplici serie impressis. (Long, 

 corp, 9 J lin. — 1 unc. 2 lin.) 



Car. Sycophanta. Linne. — Cal. Sycophanta. Kirhy and Spence, i. pi. 1. /. 1. — 

 Steph. Catal. No. 78. 



Head and thorax deep blue-black, the margin of the latter a little greenish : 

 elytra brilliant golden-green, externally glossed with bright copper, the margin 

 itself bluish; they are finely punctate-striated, and each is adorned with 

 three rows of impressed dots, placed between the fourth, eighth, and twelfth 

 striae from the suture : the antennae and legs are black : the body beneath 

 deep blue-black. 



:{ Sp. 2. scrutator. Violaceum; thorace viridi-aureo marrfinato ; elytris sub- 

 aureo-viridibus cupreo marginatis, punctato-striatis, punctisque majoribus 

 triplici serie; abdomine cupreo viridique vario. (Long. corp. 1 unc. 2 lin.) 



Cal, scrutator. Fabricius. — Leach, Zool. Misc. ii. pi. 93. — Steph, Catal. No. 79. 



Head black anteriorly, bluish posteriorly, with two golden spots near the eyes : 

 thorax blue, with the margin golden-green : elytra deep green, with a splendid 

 coppery-purple border ; they are striated, and each adorned with three rows 

 of impressed dots : the body beneath is brilliant blue-green with golden spots : 

 antennae black : legs black, with the femora violet ; sometimes red, with dusky 

 tibiae and tarsi. 



Dr. Leach obtained a pair of this species from the British collection of the late 

 Dr. Lettsom, and I procured one from an old cabinet reputed to contain in- 

 digenous insects only ; but I presume that aU these specimens were of exotic 

 origin, as the proper locality of the insect appears to be North America ; I 

 am therefore of opinion that Ca. Sycophanta had been formerly found in 

 Britain, and, in accordance with the bad taste of the day, specimens of this 

 insect were introduced into collections in lieu of that which was unattainable 

 from its rarity, and the state of entomological knowledge at the time being 

 such that the difference of the species was not observed. 



