The thoracic segments are provided with wider plates, but unarmed.
The adults discovered in the company of their larval family, in this putridity that was a Rat, are all abominably verminous.

So shiny and neat in their attire, when at work under the first Moles of April, the Necrophori, when June approaches, become odious to look upon.

A layer of parasites envelops them; insinuating itself into the joints, it forms an almost continuous surface.

The insect presents a misshapen appearance under this overcoat of vermin, which my hair-pencil can hardly brush aside.

Driven off the belly, the horde make the tour of the sufferer and encamp on his back, refusing to relinquish their hold.
I recognize among them the Beetle's Gamasis, the Tick who so often soils the ventral amethyst of our Geotrupes.