178 



AKTHROroDS; INSECTS. 



shrubs and trees, but in their grub, or larva, state they 

 devour the roots of grasses and other plants, and thus 

 di immense injury to the crops. Fortunately, the 

 crow and many other animals devour them eagerly. 



Buprestidans. 



These Beetles, in the larva state, 

 live in the trunks of trees, eating 

 holes in all directions, and injure the 

 trees. Different kinds bore the 

 peach, plum, oak, and pine. The 

 perfect Beetles are long and very 

 solid, with a sunken head, and often 

 Fig. 302— Buprestis. with metallic colors. 



Spring or Snap Beetles, or Elaters. 



When placed upon the back, these Beetles at once, 

 with a snap and a jerk, throw 

 themselves upwards ; and they re- 

 peat the operation till they come 

 down right side up. They per- 

 form this feat by means of a spine- 

 like organ situated on the under 

 side of the breast. Spring Beetles 

 vary from half an inch to two 

 inches in length, and the head is 

 almost concealed in the thorax. 

 One of the most curious kinds has 

 two eye-like spots on the thorax, 

 as seen in Figure 303. 



Some of the Elaters, and others closely related to 

 them, give out a brilliant light at night, and are known 



Fig. 303. — Eyed Spring 

 Beetle. 



