RECORD: Darwin, C. R. n.d. Abstract of Kirby, An introduction to entomology, etc. CUL-DAR81.172. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 2.2022. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volumes CUL-DAR80-86 contain material for Darwin's book Descent of man (1871).
Darwin cited this in Descent, vol. 1.
Kirby, William and Spence, William. 1815-26. An introduction to entomology; or, elements of the natural history of insects. 4 vols. London. [Darwin Library in CUL]
[172]
Coleoptera
The males of some Staphylinidæ are horned, as in Bledius - (look at ?) & very variable.
On Horns & Head & Thorax Kirby vol. 3. p. 313, 327.
Elongated snout in [illeg]
Trochanters &c in [segmented] legs
Kirby Vol. 3. p. 299 Female almost always larger (Silk-moth separated by [Balaninus], Robinet), exceptions Dynastidæ & Lucanus.
[footnote 12: "Kirby and Spence, 'Introduction to Entomology,' vol. iii. p. 299."]
300 Some Bees —Hive & Anthidium manicatum & others of genus male larger
Colour. Rhagium & Leptura both [illeg], Cantheris & Meloe
Leptura rubra. —is it bright & in female testacea
[Descent 1: 367, n: "I will specify the few other cases in which I have heard of a difference in colour between the sexes of beetles. Kirby and Spence ('Introduct. to Entomology,' vol. iii. p. 301) mention a Cantharis, Meloe, Rhagium, and the Leptura testacea; the male of the latter being testaceous, with a black thorax, and the female of a dull red all over. These two latter beetles belong to the Order of Longicorns."]
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 5 November, 2022