Chap. XII.] GOLDEN BEETLES, ETC. 
405 
periodicals, a series of papers on the Coleoptera of the 
island, in which every species introduced is stated to be 
previously undescribed. 1 
Coleopteea. — Bujorestidce ; Golden Beetles. — In the 
morning the herbaceous plants, especially on the eastern 
side of the island, are studded with these gorgeous beetles, 
whose golden wing-cases 2 are used to enrich the em- 
broidery of the Indian zenana, whilst the lustrous joints 
of the legs are strung on silken threads, and form neck- 
laces and bracelets of singular brilliancy. 
These exquisite colours are not confined to one order, 
and some of the Elateridse 3 and Lamellicorns exhibit 
hues of green and blue, that rival the deepest tints of 
the emerald and sapphire. 
Scavenger Beetles. — Scavenger beetles 4 are to be 
seen wherever the presence of putrescent and offensive 
matter affords opportunity for the display of their re- 
pulsive but most curious instincts ; fastening on it with 
eagerness, severing it into lumps proportionate to their 
strength, and rolling it along in search of some place 
sufficiently soft in which to bury it, after having de- 
posited their eggs in the centre. I had frequent op- 
portunities, especially in traversing the sandy jungles in 
the level plains to the north of the island, of observing 
the unfailing appearance of these creatures instantly on 
the dropping of horse dung, or any other substance 
1 Kepublished in the Ann. Nat. and figured by Mr. "Westwood in 
Hist. his Cabinet of Oriental Entomology, 
2 Sternocera Chrysis ; S. stemi- pi. 35, f. 1).' In the same work is 
cornis. ^ figured another species of large 
8 Of the family of Elateridce, one size, also from Ceylon, this is the 
of the finest is a Singhalese species, Alaus sordidus. — Westwood, 1. c. 
the Campsosternus Templetonii, of pi. 35, f. 9. 
an exquisite golden green colour, 4 Ateuchus sacer ; Copris sagax ; 
with blue reflections (described C. capucinus, &c. &c. 
D D 3 
