202 
NATURAL HISTORY OP 
thorax is very large, and, like the head, usually pre- 
sents some sexual differences in the form of its ap- 
pendages. 
The genus comprehends about fifty large and 
finely coloured species, which belong exclusively to 
the tropical regions of the new world. They dig 
holes in the earth in a diagonal direction, sometimes 
to the depth of two or three feet. They frequent 
the dung of quadrupeds, and are often observed to fly 
about in the evening, producing a rather loud noise. 
The fine species figured is found in Cayenne, and 
is named 
PHANJEUS LANCIFER. 
PLATE X. Fig. 3. 
Scarabaeus lancifer, Fab. — Linn. — Olivier , Entom. vol. 1 
No. 3, pi. 4, fig. 32. 
This conspicuous insect is about an inch and a 
half long, and upwards of an inch broad. The 
body is very thick and massive, and the half of it at 
least is occupied by the thorax. The head is black, 
and armed with a long, recurved, angular horn ; 
the clypeus or anterior portion is furnished with 
two distinct projecting teeth. The colour of all the 
upper side, except the head, is a fine violet, with 
greenish reflections in certain lights, especially on 
the elytra. The thorax is deeply excavated or con- 
cave, and dilated at the sides anteriorly ; the hinder 
