CAM TH ARID JE. 



137 



Pig. 59. 

 Lampyrid larva. 



Coleoptera with large and ample wings and elytra. The most 

 larva-like female is perhaps that of the extraordinary American 

 genus Phengodes *. 



The Lampyrjn.e are, as might be expected, almost entirely 

 nocturnal in their habits. As Lacordaire points out (Gren. des 

 Coleopt. iv, p. 307) they were at first believed to 

 be phytophagous, but they are probably carni- 

 vorous as larvae, and eat nothing in the perfect 

 state. The Canthari:n^e are elongate and in 

 some cases very delicate insects (Malthodes, etc.). 

 They are of simple structure, do not differ in the 

 sexes and are for the most part fiercely carni- 

 vorous, sometimes tearing each other in pieces ; 

 the members of the genus Cantharis (Telephorus) 

 are the well-known " soldier-beetles." Thelarvae 

 of the genus are lampyriform, of a velvety con- 

 sistency, black or variegated, with an exposed 

 scaly flat head, short antennae, and a single 

 ocellus behind each antenna; the anal segment is 

 furnished on the underside with a Meshy tubercle 

 or proleg, but there are no cerci or processes. 

 The composition ot* the DrilixtE is somewhat 

 uncertain, as it is doubtful whether three or four of the genera 

 that have been assigned to the subfamily ought not to be referred 

 to other families. The genus Drilus is chiefly remarkable for the 

 very peculiar female. The male, of .Drilus flavescens is a small 

 Cantharis-l\ke insect, with long pectinate antennae, only 5-6 mm. 

 in length, whereas the female is large (18 mm.), larviform, 

 apterous, and hairy, composed of twelve seg- 

 ments, of which the last is terminated by two 

 short processes and a short cylindrical appen- 

 dage ; the body is widened behind, and 

 gradually narrowed in front. The larva of 

 the female is very like the perfect insect in 

 general appearance ; it is very voracious and 

 devours snails, within the shells of which it 

 undergoes its transformations, closing the 

 entrance (according to Westwood) with its 

 exuviae, and apparently having the power of 

 spinning a sort of web of filaments. 



It is probable that the Camtharid^e of 

 India will be found to be much more 

 numerous than would appeal- from the list of species at present 

 known. Lycus is well represented and widely distributed, and 

 among other genera which occur sparingly the following may be 



Fig. 60. 



Lamprophorus 

 feucbrosus. 



* l'hengodes is placed by L<icoi\laire among the Cantiiauin.e, but this is 

 •evidently an error. 



