CANTHARlDJS. 
345 
which are winged, and the wingless Melee. There is considerable con¬ 
fusion in the nomenclature of the recorded species, and the specific 
names adopted here are liable to revision when the nomenclature of 
the family is revised. 
Meloince- -Wingless. Metasternum very short, middle coxae covering 
the hind coxae. Meloe is the important genus, of which 2 Indian 
species are recorded. 
Mylabrince.—Mylabris is winged but has the antennae short, curved 
and thick. Marseul monographed the sub-family in 1873 (Mem. Soc., 
Liege (2) III, pp. 363—662). 
The common form is Mylabris pustulata, Thunb., doubtfully dis¬ 
tinct from M. sidee. M. rouxi, Cast., is a similar but smaller, black 
and yellow species, while 16 other species are recoided. 
M. pustulata , Thunb., is a conspicuous beetle, measuring about 
one inch in length, coloured black with large orange marks on the wings 
and prothorax. The wings and body are softer than in many beetles, 
the typical head and antennae are those characteristic of the Cantha- 
ridee, and the yellow fluid exuding from the joints of the legs further 
characterises this common insect. The life-history is unknown, and 
the life-histories of those Cantharidce which have been studied are so 
various that there is no indication as to what the life-history of this 
insect is likely to be. The fluid exuded from the joints of the legs, with 
its blistering properties and probably unpleasant flavour, serves as a 
protection from birds and other enemies ; the colouration is that known 
as “warning,” that is, it serves to plainly advertise the unpleasant 
nature of this insect, so that birds, etc., may not eat it. In its habits 
this insect is, as would be expected, conspicuous ; it may be seen 
on plants, fully exposed, so that its warning livery is clearly seen. It feeds 
upon the flowers of plants, notably Cucurbitacece such as the melon, 
pumpkin, cucumber, white gourd, etc. It is common in the plains 
and occurs throughout India where vegetation is abundant. There 
is one brood in the year and these beetles appear sometimes in great 
numbers and are very destructive. 
