Читать книгу A Guide for the Study of Animals - Worrallo Whitney - Страница 41

1 Upon what plant or in what surroundings is your kind of beetle generally found? If you can, give its common name.

2 What is the length, breadth, and thickness of your beetle? Would you describe it as a "small" insect or a "large" one?

3 Of what general color is it? Describe any color markings you see.

4 If any of the legs differ from the others or are of peculiar shape or length, describe them and tell what you think they may be fitted to do.

5 As a rule, beetles have harder "shells" than other insects. Does this shell completely inclose the body, or can you find any soft parts exposed? How are the head, thorax, and abdomen joined so as to carry out the apparent purpose of protection? What is the outline of the body—a continuous line or one with many irregularities?

6 If possible, try to lift up one side of the "shell" from the hinder end of the body. You will discover that this portion of the shell is a pair of hard sheath wings, and beneath them is another pair. How are the under ones unlike the upper in size and texture? in use? in arrangement when not in use?

7 Does a beetle spend most of its life on the wing, like bees and flies? How might the body covering and the structure of the outer wings affect or determine the beetle's habits, even against its will?

8 Are the feelers or are the eyes of your specimen more easily distinguished? Upon which of the special senses does it seem to place most dependence?

9 Is your kind of beetle good for anything, either in nature or in human affairs? Make a statement regarding what good or what harm it may do.