96 
LECTURE IX. 
into several distinct plates or laminae, as in the 
comn^on CockchafFer, which being one of the 
most frequent insects in this country, must be 
supposed to be known to almost every one. It 
proceeds from a yellowish=white larye, of a disr 
agreeable appearance, which resides under ground, 
and feeds on the roots of corn and other grasses, 
and is supposed to continue at least three years in 
that state before it gives birth to the complete 
insect. Among the_ exotic Scarabcei or Beetles 
many are found of a gigantic size in comparison 
with those species which are natives of Europe; 
some measuring four, five, or even six inches in 
total length. The genus is also extremely exr 
tensive, and so singular is the appearance of many, 
that hardly any variety of horn or process can be 
conceived, which is not found exemplified in some 
particular species. As a proof of this we may. _ 
take a view of some of the exotic Beetles repre- 
sented in the works of Monsieur Olivier, Mr. 
Drury and others. I shall also particularize one 
insect of this genus, which, I believe, exists only 
in the splendid collection of Mr. Francillon, and 
which, from its very peculiar appearance, has been 
named the Kanguroo Beetle. 
