Order COLEOPTERA. 



{Beetles.) 



ClIAK. Wings four, anterior pair (elytra) meeting 

 in a straiglit line down the back. Elytra much thick- 

 ened forming a case, under which the posterior wings 

 are longitudinally and transversely folded. Posterior 

 wings membranous. 



Mouth-parts formed for biting. 



Metamorphosis complete. 



Only a few variations from these typical characters exist in this order. 

 The following arc familiar examples: In Meloe the elytra overlap each 

 other. In many of the Carabidtc, Curculionidce, &c., the posterior pair of 

 wings are wanting, and in some the elytra are soldered together. The 

 female of the Glow-worm is wingless. And in Buprestis the posterior 

 wings are only longitudinally folded. 



This order is the highest of the mandibulate series. The mouth-parts 

 are all well developed. We do not find some of these organs enormously 

 enlarged at the expense of others, as is the case in insects we have already 

 studied. 



Larv;^ usually furnished witli six thoracic legs, and often with a single 

 terminal prop-leg. -Some, however, as the larvK of the Curculionidse, are 

 entirely destitute of articulated legs. Mouth-parts same as in the adult ex- 

 cept that they are more rudimentary. 



The pupx- have the wings and legs free, and usually transform in rude 

 cocoons made of earth or bits of wood fastened together by a viscid sub- 

 stance excreted by the larva;. Many wood burrowing species transform 

 in the tunnels made by the larv.v. A few species (some Coccinellida;) 

 transform in the old larva sUin. 



