296 



COLEOPTERA 



150. — J^tipsalis minuta. 



length and slenderness of some of its forms, and for the 

 extreme difference in the sexes that frequently exists. It ^ is 



well represented in the tropics 

 only, and very little is known 

 as to the natural history and 

 development. These beetles are 

 stated to he wood-feeders, and 

 no doubt this is correct in the 

 case of the majority of the 

 species ; but ilr. Lewis observed 

 in Japan that Ze mioses celt is and 

 Cyphagogus scgnipes are pre- 

 daceous, and enter the burrows 

 of wood-borino- Insects to search 



North , ° , 



America. A, Larva; B, pupa; c, for larvac as prey: they are 



female imago ; D, head of male. (After ^g^, j^^jqI^ modified in structure 

 Riley.) •' ... , , , J_^ 



to permit this ; and as tlie other 

 members of the group Taphroderides are similar in structure, 

 it is probable that they are all predaceous. ISTothing what- 

 ever is known as to the larval history of these carnivorous 

 forms. Indeed an uncertainty, almost complete, prevails as to 

 the early stages of this family. Pdley has given a sketch of a 

 larva which he had no doubt was that of Eupsalis minuta, the 

 Xorth American representative of the family ; if he is correct 

 the larva differs from those of Curculionidae by its elongate form, 

 and by the possession of thoracic legs : these, though small, are 

 three-jointed. Descriptions, supposed to be those of Brenthid 

 larvae, were foraiierly published by Harris and Motschoulsky ; 

 but it is now clear that both were mistaken. 



In the higher forms of Brenthidae the rostrum of the female 

 is perfectly cylindrical and polished, and the mandibles are 

 minute, hard, pointed processes placed at its tip. This organ is 

 admirably adapted to its purpose ; it being used for boring a hole 

 in wood or bark, in which an egg is subsequently deposited. The 

 males in these cases are extremely different, so that considerable 

 curiosity is felt as to why this should be so. In some cases their 

 head is thick, and there may be no rostrum, while large powerful 

 mandibles are present. 



In other cases the rostrum is slender, but of enormous 

 length, so that it may surpass in this respect the rest of 



