52 P LIA E) XX 
This f{pecies, like moft other coleopterous infeéts, delights 1n filth, 
and is rarely found except in the dung or dead bodies of larger 
animals, whofe decaying entrails they voracioufly devour. They 
feed on the larve of infeéts likewife; they fecrete themfelves beneath 
the furface of the ground, and not unfrequently deftroy each other. 
The grubs of Silpha Vefpillo are fecreted in holes perforated in 
the earth by the female, and are to be found in following the track 
of the ,plough-fhare, by which they are turned up in abundance: 
after remaining for fome time in the grub ftate in the earth they 
affume the pupa form, and laftly appear in the winged ftate in June 
or July. About mid-day, when the fun fhines, they are found on 
dry banks, and in path-ways. They fly well by means of the filmy 
or tranfparent wings which are concealed under the fhort wing-cafes 
when the infect is at reft. The male is rather fmaller than the female, 
and the orange belts are of a deeper hue: though both male and fe- 
male vary a little in brightnefs of colour when alive; they alfo fade 
in fome degree after death, whatever may be the care of the colle@or 
to prevent it. 
PL Ate 
