. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. PHYTOPHAGA CERAMBVCIDAE 285 forming similar nests on a species of Thrinax in St. Domingo. Candeze says ^ that when it has completed its growth the lai^a ejects on to the leaf a quantity of semi-liquid matter, and this, on drying, sticks the nest to the leaf, so that the metamorphosis is effected under shelter. Fam. 79. Cerambycidae {Longicoms).—Form usvxdly ohlong, not much curved in outline at the sides; s%irface rery frequently ren- dered dull hy a very minute hairiness, vjhich of ten forms a pattern; antennae icsually long, and their insertion much
. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. PHYTOPHAGA CERAMBVCIDAE 285 forming similar nests on a species of Thrinax in St. Domingo. Candeze says ^ that when it has completed its growth the lai^a ejects on to the leaf a quantity of semi-liquid matter, and this, on drying, sticks the nest to the leaf, so that the metamorphosis is effected under shelter. Fam. 79. Cerambycidae {Longicoms).—Form usvxdly ohlong, not much curved in outline at the sides; s%irface rery frequently ren- dered dull hy a very minute hairiness, vjhich of ten forms a pattern; antennae icsually long, and their insertion much embra-ced ly the eyes. This great family of beetles includes some 12,000 or 13,000 known species. The elegance and variety of their forms and the charm of their colours have caused them to attract much attention, so that it is probable that a larger proportion of the existing species have been obtained than is the case in any other of the great families of Coleoptera. Still it is not likely that one-half of the living forms are known. It is not possible at present to point out any one character of importance to distinguish Cerambycidae from Chrysomelidae, though the members of the two families have, as a rule, but little resemblance in external appearance. Most of them live on, or in, wood, though many are nourished in the stems of her- baceous The larvae live a life of con- cealment, and are soft, whitish grubs with powerful mandibles, and usually with a comparatively small head, which is not much exserted from the thorax. Most of them are without legs, but a good many have three pairs of small legs, and there are numerous cases in Avhich the surface of the body is furnished above or below with swellings believed to act as pseudopods (Pig. 84), and help the larvae to move about in their galleries; but this is probably not the sole function of these organs, as their surface is varied in character, and often not of a kind that appears specially adapted to assist in lo
Size: 1247px × 2004px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1895
