GYRINUS. GLIMMERCHAFFER. 
Generic Character. 
Antemne clavatse, rigidse, 
capite breviores. 
Oculi quatuor; duobus su- 
pra, duobus infra. 
Antennae clavated, stiff, 
shorter than the iiead. 
(apparently) four; two 
above, and two below. 
TPhE genus Gyriniis is furnished with extremely 
sliort, stiff antenme, appearing to consist of an 
undivided pi(?ce or joint; but, if accurately in- 
spected by means of a magnifier, they will be 
found to be composed of very numerous close-set 
joints: the eyes are so placed as to appear double 
on each side the head; viz. one above and the 
other below the base of the antenna. 
The most remarkable European species is the 
Cryriniis natator^ a small Insect, about a quarter 
of an inch in length, of an oval shape, with some- 
what sharpened extremities, and of a black or 
grey-black colour, with so lucid a surface as to 
shine like a piece of looking-glass in the full sun- 
shine. It is an inhabitant of the waters, and is 
chiefly found in rivulets, being generally seen in 
great multitudes, and in very brisk motion. It is 
difficult to catch, diving with astonishing celerity 
when disturbed; the hinder legs being very broad. 
