T H E T A S M A NIA N N AT U R A LIST 
45 
as forming small orders by themselves, or have been treated as aberrant 
groups of some of the larger ones. But in general the orders are 
well defined, and in consequence easy of identification. They are as 
follows : — 
Coleoptera, or Beetles. 
With beetles the front wings are modified into horny sheaths known 
as elytra, which meet straight down the middle, and usually conceal the 
abdomen and a pair of wings that are used for flight (the wings, how¬ 
ever, are often absent). They are also possessed of jaws, and undergo 
striking changes before attaining the mature form. 
There is first of all an egg, from 
this hatches out a six-legged larva, who, 
when full fed, turns into a pupa, a stage 
in which the wings and elytra are first 
seen, although not in their final forms. 
In the pupal stage no food is consumed, 
and in due course the pupa turns into 
a beetle. The period during which these 
changes take place varies from a few 
weeks to several years, according to the 
species 
There are more beetles than insects 
of any other order, and although the 
majority are not so strikingly beautiful 
as many butterflies and moths, they are 
so easily preserved that they have long 
attracted many collectors. 
Most beetles feed on vegetable 
matter, either living or dead, but many feed on other insects. As larvae 
they consume a considerable amount of food, but as a rule seldom 
approaching the quantities consumed by the larvce of moths and butter¬ 
flies. When adult many cease to take food of any description. 
The beetles are divided into numerous families, many being without 
representatives in Tasmania. 
Lepidoptera, or Butterflies and Moths. 
In this order the mature insects possess four wings; and, except 
in very few species, the wings are completely covered with scales, 
becoming fine hair or down in places. The scales are frequently of 
brilliantly metallic colours, and are arranged in patterns, so that they 
have long been favourites with collectors. Owing to their extreme 
fragility, however, they are very easily injured, and great care is needed 
to preserve their scales in perfect condition. In a few groups the wings 
are almost or quite absent from the females. 
The species have four stages, as with the beetles, and as with those 
insects the pupal stage is an inactive one. But while the beetles feed 
by means of jaws, both in the larval and adult stages, the larvae of this 
order are provided with jaws, whilst as adults they have a double sucking 
Thk Grkkn Bickti.k 
(Diphucephala Colaspidoides) 
