37 



size, less in length but the same width, was obtained near 

 Callington ; and a third, about one inch, at Ardrossan. 

 All three of a dull black hue. In one instance only a single 

 Eucnemis was taken (near Nuriootpa), a genus distinct from 

 Elater, by the absence of the power to project itself forcibly 

 upwards, when placed upon the back, and the more cylindrical 

 shape of the body. 



The Buprestidje which are the pets of most entomologists, 

 on account of their varied brilliant coloration, are represented 

 by 143 species in at least ten genera, and form one of the most 

 numerous families. The genus most prolific in species is 

 Stig modem with 71. Among the Buprestids are some of the 

 largest South Australian Coleoptera, viz., two Stigmodera 

 and one Stemocera, species attaining or approaching the 

 respectable length of two inches and a width of three- 

 quarters of an inch. Two species are peculiar to the 

 pines (Frenela robusta), three or four to Gasuarina striata 

 (sheoak), a large number to the Acacias (A. pycnantha and 

 others), and one or two — viz., Gyria imper talis and another, 

 live upon BanJcsia mdrginata (honeysuckle), but by far the 

 largest number have their wants of life supplied by the flowers, 

 &c, of Eucalyptus, Leptospermum, Melaleuca, and Callislemon. 

 The larvae of most live (for years it seems) in the living wood 

 and bark of the trees, apparently eating their way downward, 

 as the beetle generally makes its appearance through an 

 opening near the roots. Some larvae live in the adhering, dead, 

 corky bark of Eucalyptus rostrata and other trees, and the 

 beetles of these are in many instances distinguished by metallic 

 colours. Only one or two live upon grasses, and are very 

 minute. 



B-hipiceea is only represented by two species, of which one 

 hails from Mount Gambier and the other was obtained at 

 Monarto. The latter is possibly only a variety. 



The Cleeici show a tolerable variety of forms, presenting 35 

 species in about ten genera. Natalis, including the largest in 

 size, and Tricliodes are the most conspicuous. They are widely 

 different in their habits, some being carnivorous, others licking 

 the nectar of flowers. The larvae of some live under the bark 

 of trees ; that of one species inhabits a large spongy fungus 

 growing parasitically on the branches of large Eucalypts, and 

 another finds the ne plus ultra of existence in putrid carcases of 

 animals, which the perfect beetle also frequents. 



The Lamellicorisita, or Coleoptera with leaf -like extremities 

 to their antennae, are well represented by at least 29 genera with 

 144 species. The most numerous family is Melolontha, com- 

 prising, with its near allies, 69 species, some of which attain a 

 considerable size (exceeding one inch), but most are small. All 



