164 
BRITISH BEETLES. 
are not found on all the joints, appear to be invisible 
in the majority of Coleoptera, being hidden by very 
fine velvety pubescence : but here they are perfectly 
distinct, and are diffused over the upper and lower 
surface of the joints on which they are situated, or 
concentrated in a little depression situated either on 
the inner side, or on the anterior part of the lower 
side, or on the front edge of the joints. 
In the Buprestidcc the scutellum is often absent or 
very small ; the elytra seldom cover more than the 
back, and often leave the sides of tho abdomen pro- 
jecting; and the antennae, which vary considerably 
as to their point of insertion, fit into cavities in the 
prosternum. 
In tropical regions, and even in Southern Europe, 
they occur in great numbers, often of large size and 
splendid colours ; but in England we possess not a 
dozen really indigenous species (all of small stature), 
although several have been from time to time intro- 
duced into our lists, on account of their frequently 
being captured alive in this country. This arises 
through their larvae being easily imported in foreign 
timber, &c. ; and through the long period during 
which they remain without changing to the perfect 
state, so that the beetle often makes its appearance 
at a considerable interval both of time and space from 
its introduction. 
The larval are usually smooth, slender, elongate, 
cylindrical or depressed, and very suddenly enlarged 
in front; the head sunk in the thorax, distinctly 
divided into two portions, with two short hard mandi- 
bles and small antennae, but no eyes ; and tho logs 
entirely wanting, the end of the body being furnished 
