148 



INTKODUCTIOtf. 



extensively used for the embroidery of dresses, ornamental table- 

 cloths, etc., by natives of India and other countries. Owing no 

 doubt to the hardness of their integument, remains of these 

 insects are very abundant in certain geological strata. 



Certain genera are very sombrely coloured on the upper surface, 

 but extremely brilliant beneath ; as a rule, however, both the 

 surfaces are brightly coloured, the underside being more golden 

 and fiery, while the upper side is more often green or golden- 

 green. Many of the species are quite smooth, while others are 

 very strongly and deeply sculptured (e. g. Stigmodera gratiosa, 

 Gory). Some of the genera of the Buprestidje are very large ; 



Fig. 64. — Catoxantha bicolor. (Natural size.) 



Agrihis, for instance, comprises more than 650 species ; the 

 Australian genus Stigmodera, and the widely distributed Old- World 

 genus Splienoptera have about 300 each ; while Acmcwdera and 

 Chrijsobotliris are not far behind these. 



The prosternal process is very strongly developed in some of the 

 BuprestibvE, but- they have not, apparently, any power of leaping, 

 like the Elatekid.e. 



The larvae are remarkable for the great development of the 

 thoracic segments, especially the first, which presents the appear- 

 ance of a large head ; the real head, however, is very small *, and 



* It has, however, been pointed out by Dr. Sharp and others that the 

 morphology of the head and front parts of the Buprestid lame is not yet fully 

 understood, and that the aid of embryology is necessary to settle the point. 



