i. The Coprides form an immense group of about 5000 species; they differ somewhat in habits from other Lamellicorns, inasmuch as most of them live on dung, or decaying animal matter; the sub-family connects with the Lucanidae, so far as superficial characters go, by means of two of its groups, Trogini and Nicagini, the latter being very near to the Ceratognathini in Lucanidae. So little is known as to the morphology and development of these groups that it is not possible to pronounce an opinion as to the validity of this apparent alliance. _Trox_ stridulates by rubbing two raised lines on the penultimate dorsal segment across two striate ribs on the inner face of the elytra; _Geotrupes_, on the other hand, produces an audible sound by rubbing together a file on the posterior coxa and a fine ridge on the contiguous ventral segment. The larva in this genus has a different organ {196}for stridulation from the imago; it is placed on the second and third pairs of legs, the latter pair being much reduced in size. The most interesting division of the Coprides is the group Scarabaeini. No member of this group inhabits the British islands, but in Southern Europe, and in still warmer lands, these Insects are well known from the curious habit many of the species have of rolling about balls of dung and earth. The long hind legs are chiefly used for this purpose, and it is on the peculiar structure of these limbs that the group has been established. Many of the stone Scarabaei found in Egyptian tombs represent some kind of Scarabaeini, and it has been said that the ancient Egyptians looked on these Insects as sacred because of their movements. These must certainly appear very strange to those who see them and are unacquainted with their object. It is stated that the dwellers in the valley of the Nile thought the actions of these Insects, when rolling their balls, were typical of the planetary and lunar revolutions; and that the sudden appearance of the beetles after a period of complete absence was emblematic of a future life. Many accounts have been given of the habits of members of this group, but according to Fabre all are more or less erroneous; and he has described the habits and life-history of _Scarabaeus sacer_ (Fig. 89), as observed by him in Southern France. These Insects act the part of scavengers by breaking up and burying the droppings of cattle and other animals. The female _Scarabaeus_ detaches a portion of the dung and forms it into a ball, sometimes as large as the fist; this it rolls along by means of its hind legs, by pushing when necessary with its broad head, or by walking backwards and dragging the ball with its front legs. The strength and patience displayed by the creature in the execution of this task are admirable. Frequently the owner of this small spherical property is joined, so Fabre informs us, by a friend, who is usually of the same sex and assists her in pushing along the ball till a suitable place is reached.