5 66 
THE STUDY OF INSECTS . 
thorax visible from above. This indentation makes it un¬ 
necessary for these insects to raise or expand their wing- 
covers when flying, as most beetles do, as they are able to 
pass the wings out from the sides. 
The Sad Flower-beetle, Euphoria melancholica (Eu-pho'- 
ri-a mel-an-chol'i-ca).—This is a much smaller species than 
the Bumble Flower-beetle, measuring hardly half an inch in 
length. It is almost black, with irregular transverse white 
lines on the wing-covers. We have received several reports 
of its producing injuries similar to those of E. inda . 
The Fig-eater, Allorliina yiitida (Al-lo-rhi'na nit'i-da).— 
This species extends over the Atlantic slope, and is very 
common in the South. It is a green, velvety insect, measur¬ 
ing from two thirds of an inch to one inch in length. It is 
somewhat pointed in front, and usually has the sides of the 
thorax and elytra brownish yellow. These beetles often fly 
in great numbers at night, making a loud buzzing noise similar 
to that of the May-beetles. In fact, in the South the term 
June-bug is often applied to this insect. The larvae feed 
upon the roots of grass and other plants. Sometimes they 
leave the ground and crawl from one place to another. 
When they do so they, strangely enough, crawl upon their 
backs, making no use of their short legs. On one occasion 
we saw them crawling over the pavements on the Capitol 
grounds at Washington in such numbers that bushels of 
them were swept up and carted away. 
The family Sl’ONDYLlD/E (Spon-dyl'i-dae), or aberrant 
long-horned beetles, includes only four North American 
Fig. 686 . 
Fig. 687. 
Fig. 688. 
