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The Descent of Man

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In the case <strong>of</strong> the Heliopathes and Oryctes there<br />

can hardly be a doubt that the males stridulate<br />

in order to call or to excite the females; but with<br />

most beetles the stridulation apparently serves<br />

both sexes as a mutual call. Beetles stridulate<br />

under various emotions, in the same manner as<br />

birds use their voices for many purposes besides<br />

singing to their mates. <strong>The</strong> great Chiasognathus<br />

stridulates in anger or defiance; many<br />

species do the same from distress or fear, if<br />

held so that they cannot escape; by striking the<br />

hollow stems <strong>of</strong> trees in the Canary Islands,<br />

Messrs. Wollaston and Crotch were able to discover<br />

the presence <strong>of</strong> beetles belonging to the<br />

genus Acalles by their stridulation. Lastly, the<br />

male Ateuchus stridulates to encourage the<br />

female in her work, and from distress when she<br />

is removed. (79. M. P. de la Brulerie, as quoted<br />

in 'Journal <strong>of</strong> Travel,' A. Murray, vol. i. 1868, p.<br />

135.) Some naturalists believe that beetles make<br />

this noise to frighten away their enemies; but I<br />

cannot think that a quadruped or bird, able to

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