Note 70 — Chapter V · GEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS.

Many of the Calosomata would appear to possess this power of crossing, either by flight or by abandoning themselves to the waves (though more probably by the assistance of both), even marine barriers with impunity. Numerous instances are on record to this effect; and I am informed by Mr. Darwin that a Calosoma flew on board the 'Beagle,' off the Bay of San Blas, in South America, whilst they were ten miles from shore. It seems likely, therefore, that the occasional occurrence of the C. Syncophanta in our own country, along the southern and eastern coasts, is due to this generic capability,—and consequently (as indeed it is usually acknowledged to be), the result of accident.