112 
NATURAL HISTORY OF 
following cut). A similar structure is observable in 
the anterior legs of the common Blister-beetle ; but 
in this instance the notch is in the basal joint of the 
tarsus, and is closed by a strong conical spine aris- 
ing from the interior angle of the tibiae (fig. 2). 
This apparatus is confined to the male, and, ac- 
cording to the observations of M. Victor Audouin, 
it is employed to lay hold of the antennae of the fe- 
male, which it effectually secures. 
Fig. 1. Fig. 2. 
To answer a similar purpose, the tarsi of many 
male carabideous insects are considerably dilated, 
and clothed with hair in such a manner that they 
act as suckers.' In the males of the large water- 
beetles especially, (genus Dytiscus ), there is a singu- 
lar and elaborate apparatus of this kind, the exami- 
nation of which, to use the words of Messrs Kirby 
and Spence, will almost compel the most inattentive 
observer to glorify the wisdom and skill of the All- 
father, so conspicuously manifested in the forma- 
tion of these complex organs. The three first joints 
