a genus of insects belonging to the order of coleoptera. The antennae are filiform: The last or exterior articulations are longer than the others: The thorax is nearly round, without a margin, into which the head is drawn back or received: The feet are made for leaping. The most remarkable species are,

1. The pectinicornis. This is produced from a worm that lodges in wood and the trunks of trees, such as the willow, where it makes deep round holes, turns to a winged insect, takes flight, and roosts upon flowers. It is distinguished by its antennae pectinated on one side. Ptolemy, whence it has the name of feathered. The elytra and thorax are of a deep clay-coloured brown, the antennae and legs are of a pale brown.

2. The pertinax. The form of this insect resembles the preceding one, having that its antennae are filiform. It is all over of a deep blackish brown colour resembling foot. It attacks household-furniture, clothes, furs, and especially animals dried and preserved in collections of natural history, where it makes great havoc. When caught, this insect bends its legs, draws back its head, and lies as if it was dead till it thinks itself out of danger. It cannot be forced out of this state of inaction either by pricking or tearing; nothing but a strong degree of heat can oblige it to resume its motion and run away. There are many beautiful varieties of this genus; but they in general escape our attention by their minuteness, and living among hay, dried leaves, and divers other dusty matters, where they undergo their metamorphoses. The larvae of some are found in trunks of decayed trees, in old tables, chairs, &c. See Plate CCCCXVI.