146 POPULAR entomology; 



be the case. These interesting questions wil]^ no doubt, be 

 the subject of further research, and every inquiry is sure to 

 open fresh sources of wonder and admiration. 



COLEOPTEEA. SiLPHIDiE. 



NECROPHOEUS. 



Generic Distinctions. — Antennce but httle longer than the head, 

 the four last joints being perfoliated (not closely applied to each 

 other) ; mandibles not toothed ; elytra of an oblong square form, 

 leaving the last three or four segments of the body uncovered ; 

 colour dark brown, varied with yellow. 



Neceophorus humator. (Plate II.) This species is 

 brownish-black, with the three last joints of the antennae 

 orange-yellow; the elytra are deeply punctured, and each have 

 three slightly elevated lines ; the breast, and also the legs, 

 are covered with yellowish hairs. This insect is of frequent 

 occurrence in England, and all the species are designated 

 by the name of Burying Beetles, from their habit of interring 

 small animals after death, as a receptacle for their eggs, 

 thereby fulfilling a very important office in the economy of 

 nature. Any small dead animal, such as a mole or a mouse, 

 is soon visited by the Sil^hidce, who creep beneath the body. 



