Msloe proscarabwus, commonly called th Oil-beetle, from an oily fluid, of a fragrant smell, that, on handling the insect, exudes from it, and has been thought efficacious in rheumatic cases. r1] is is a large beetle, of a very dark violet colour; the wing-sheaths oval, and so short, in the female especially, as scarcely to cover one-third of the body. Late in the spring, she is often seen in fields and pastures, creeping along, with her body so swoin with eggs, that she moves with difficulty These eggs she deposits in a heap, beneath the surface of the ground; and, as soon as the larvae are hatched, they are nourished by attaching themselves to other insects, and absorbing their juices. The Spanish Fly, used for blisters, belongs to this genus, and is extremely beautiful, being of the richest gilded green, with black antenna.

There are but few species known of the next genus, MordeUa, or Nibbler. They are small, black insects, endowed with the power of leaping to some distance, and are usually found on beds of flowers.

The genus Stapliylinus contains numerous species of a voracious tribe, which are not satisfied with devouring every kind of insect inferior in strength, but often make their own species their prey. Their projecting jaws ac

D 2   cord