GENUS IV. PTINUS. Tab. 7.
Linn. Syst. Nat. page 565.
The antennae of this genus are filiform, the extreme articulation
being longer than the others.
The thorax is orbicular, with an indented margin, into which
the head is occasionally drawn back.
The larvae, or maggots, of the Ptini conceal themselves in decayed
trees, and old wooden furniture ; some live and pass their transr
formations among dried vegetables, 8cc.
GENUS V. HISTER. Tab. 8.
Linn. Syst. JVat. page 566.
The first articulation of the antennae is curved, and flattened ;
the last is much larger than the others, with the appearance of a
solid knob, which is composed of several rings, so formed that the
insect can open and display that part at pleasure.! ■
The head is concealed within the body, and the maxillae, or jaws,
which are like forceps, are only seen.
The fore legs are dentated, as in the Scarabaeus.1
The insect, as well as its larva, are found in the dung of horses,
and other animals.
GENUS VI. GYRINUS. Tab. 7.
Linn. Syst. Nat. page 567.
The antennae are club-formed, stiff, and shorter than the
head.
They have four eyes, two on the top, and two under the head.
21
The insect called Water-flea,, of a shining black colour, whose
swiftness and circular motion often attracts our notice in standing
waters, is of this genus;
GENUS VII. BYRRHUS. Tab. 6.
Linn. Syst. Nat. page 568.
The antennae are clubbed, and end in a capitulum, or oval knob,
which is a little compressed, and of a solid substance.
The larvae are found on plants, and in decayed animals: their
transformations often take place in the bodiessof preserved insects,
which they sometimes' destroy.
GENUS VIII. SILPHA. Tab. 9 and 10.
Linn.■ Syst.jNat. page-569.
Their antennae are small at the base, and gradually increase in
thickness to the end.
The head is prominent.
The thorax is a little flattened, and margined; as is also the
elytra.
; These insects are found in the spring under the. loose bark of
trees: they and their larvae live on decayed animals/
GENUS IX. CASSIDA, or Tortoise Beetle. Tab. 11.
Linn. Syst. Nat. page 574.
The antennae of this genus are nearly filiform, increasing in
thickness towards their end.
The elytra have a broad margin.