194 
of the very curious case formed by the larva from vegetable 
fibres, in which the change to the perfect insect takes place. 
He said that “ both the larva and the insect itself are con- 
sidered great delicacies by the Indians of South America, 
where it is found. The gizzard of the beetle, shown with 
the microscope and illustrated by a drawing, is divided into 
eight oval sections each surrounded by a strong rib strength- 
ened by a central longitudinal rib, which is connected with 
the margin by powerful muscles, and from the marginal rib 
projects a fringe of scimitar-shaped cilia, the whole forming 
a most beautiful and powerful apparatus for the preparation 
of the food for digestion. A large number of parasites exist 
on the insect, and these are found congregated in groups of 
four or five with their tails entwined.” Specimens and a 
drawing were shown. 
