184 
NATURAL HISTOEY 0 T 
HISTEIt RENIFORMIS. 
PLATE IX. Fig. 5. 
This genus is readily recognised by the peculiar 
form of the body. It is almost square, and the ely- 
tra are short and truncated at the extremity. The 
legs are contractile, that is, they are short and com- 
pressed, and capable of being drawn close to the 
body. The lower joint of the antennae is very long, 
and forms an angle with the upper portion which 
terminates in a rounded knob. All these insects 
are of small size, and find their nourishment in ca- 
daverous and excrementitious matters. The outer 
covering is very rigid, and when the legs are con- 
tracted, they can bear a great degree of pressure 
without injury. When alarmed, they lie perfectly 
still, and often deceive their enemies by simulating 
death with great accuracy and perseverance. About 
120 species are known to entomologists, and of these 
upwards of 30 inhabit this country. The species 
figured as an example, is of a glossy black colour, 
with two spots of red on the elytra. The latter have 
two or three longitudinal ridges, and are rather 
thickly punctured at the sides. The under side of 
the body and legs are likewise black, the latter den- 
tate on their outer ed^e. It is found in various 
parts of Europe. 
