THE STAG' UKKTIYKS. 



009 



are, like those of the other Lucanidae, pectinate and not opposable, 

 but the triangular mentum, the small size of the aiouth organs and 

 the form of body are distinctly Searabaeiad. The antennae are 10- 

 jointecl, the club three- jointed, longer in the male than in female. 



1722 (5611). Nicagus obscurus Lee, Journ. Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci., Ser. 2, 

 I, 86. 



Oval, convex. Piceous or dark brown, sparsely clothed with very short, 

 pale suberect hairs ; entire upper surface coarsely and rather densely punc- 

 tured. Thorax one-half broader than long, widest at middle, apex one- 

 half narrower than base, margins finely eremite, front angles prominent, 

 hind ones obtuse. Elytra not striate, the pubescence more dense than on 

 thorax. Length 7-9.5 mm. 



Vigo and Marion counties; scarce. May 1— June 7. Occurs 

 about piles of drift in damp,, sandy localities. In the East it is said 

 to frequent the vicinity of dead mussels {Unios). 



Family L. SCARAB JEIDJE. 

 The Lamellicorn Beetles. 



A very large family, comprising beetles that vary greatly in 

 size, form and habits. All agree, however, in having the antennae 

 end in an oval club, composed of three to seven leaves or "lamel- 

 la;." (Fig. 359.) These leaves can be folded 

 closely together so that in repose the club ap- 

 pears solid. It is this form of antenna! club 

 which gives rise to the common name "lamelli- 

 corn beetles." Another character possessed by 

 all members of the family is the form of the 

 front tibia?, which are fossorial, or fitted for dig- 

 ging in the ground, being almost always broad, 

 compressed and strongly toothed or scalloped on 

 the outer edge. The tarsi of the middle and 

 hind legs are generally long and always five- 

 jointed. For the most part the beetles are short, 

 convex and stout-bodied, the well-known "June 

 bugs" or May beetles being familiar examples. 

 Taking this form in connection with the lamel- 

 late antennae and fossorial legs, the members of 

 the family are easily recognized. 



In addition to the characters mentioned, the Scarabaeidae have 

 the antennae 7- to 11-jointed, usually 10-jointed, and inserted before 

 the eyes under the sides of the front; abdomen with six (rarely 

 five) ventral segments; front and middle coxae large, transverse, 



Fig. 359. Antenna of a La- 

 mellicorn beetle, showing the 

 structure of club. (After 

 Smith.) 



