The Wax Beetle-Platybolium Alvearium, B in South India.

Abstract

In August 1937 specimens of a Tenebrionid beetle found inside the hives of the Indian honey bee in Coimbatore were sent to the Imperial Institute of Entomology, London, for identification. On examination it was found to be a new genus and Blair (1938) has described it under the caption A new genus and species of Tensebrionid beetle in bee hives in India. In the concluding paragraph of his note he has called for more pre- cise observations as to the status of the beetle in the hive. A study was therefore made of the beetle with special reference to its status and this paper gives information on the observations made so far.