COLEOPTERA. 491 
away as far as possible. It is difficult to watch their proceed- 
ings; for they are very mistrustful, and retire immediately into 
their hole when alarmed. They remain in ambush at the 
entrances of these subterranean passages, which they hermetically 
seal with their head and thorax. It is a species of pitfall which 
sets itself in motion the moment anything endeavours to pass 
it. The unfortunate who ventures is precipitated into the well, 
and the Cicindela forthwith devours it. These habits remind 
one of those of the ant-lion. When the time arrives for the 
metamorphosis, the larva of the Cicindela enlarges the bottom 
of its hole, and stops up the entrance with earth before 
changing. The pupa (Figs. 531, 532) is of a pale glossy yellow, 
covered with small spines. The metamorphosis takes place 
between August and October; the perfect insect emerges in 
spring. 
Nearly akin to the Cicin- 
delas are the Tetrachas (Figs. 
033, 034, 5385), from Africa 
and tropical America; the 
Manticoras (Fig. 536), which 
are distinguished by their robust and thick-set appearance ; the 
Pogonostomas (Fig. 537), which live in Madagascar; the 
Ctenostomas, peculiar to America (Fig. 538), remarkable for the 
length of their pendant and bristly palpi; the Omus, of California ; 
the Therates (Fig. 539), insects of the East Indian Islands, &e. 
The tribe of Tenebrionide, called formerly Melasomas, because 
they are nearly all black, resembles in some points the Caradici. 
They seek after dark places, and avoid the light, and are found 
on the ground under stones ; their movements are slow, and they 
walk with difficulty. The best-known insect of this group is the 
Blaps, of repulsive smell, inhabiting dark damp places, such as 
cellars, and only coming out of its retreat during the night. 
The elytra are joined together, and they have no wings. The 
vulgar regard them as an omen of ill-luck. Fig. 540 represents 
the Blaps obtusa. According to the report of a traveller, the 
women in Egypt eat the Blaps sulcata cooked with butter to 
make them fat. They are employed also against the ear-ache, the 
bite of scorpions, &c. 

Fig. 535.—Tetracha bifasciata. 
