J)4 PALPI. GENERA OF COLEOPTERA. 
they are filiform^ that is thread shaped5 
and of equal thickness, they are also 
jointed so as to be very moveable. They 
are always placed at the mouth, and are 
usually four in number, though some 
species have only two, while others have 
so many as six. 
Lucy, Of what use are these little 
feelers ? 
Mother. It is thought by naturalists, 
that it is with the palpi that insects 
smell ; and they certainly seem to use 
them as guides, in regard to their food, 
as they never eat without having first 
patted and examined the substance all 
over with their palpi. 
Lucy. That is very curious. Are there 
many genera, mamma, in this order of 
coleoptera ? 
Mother. Yes, my dear, a great number, 
more than thirty ; and each genus has 
several species. 
Lucy, Oh, mamma, I never shall be 
able to remember such a number. 
Mother, Nor do I mean to tax your 
