STAPHYLINUS. STAPHYLINUS 
Generic Character. 
Antenna moniliformes. 
Elytra dimicliata. Ala 
tectJE. 
Cauda simplex, exserens 
duas vesiculas oblongs. 
Antenna moniliform. 
J Finy- Sh eaths halved. 
Wings covered. 
Tail simple, protimding oc- 
casionally two oblong 
vesicles. 
In the genus Staphylinus, which is pretty numer- 
ous, the wings, which are rather large, are curi- 
ously pleated or convoluted beneath the short, 
abruptly terminated wing-sheaths. The larger 
species are of an unpleasing appearance, and 
generally run with considerable swiftness. • One 
of the most remarkable, as well as the largest of 
the British species, is the Staphylinus major of 
Degeer, which is more than an inch long, entirely 
of a deep black colour, and when disturbed, sets 
up the hinder part of its body, as if in a posture of 
defence: it is very frequently seen, during the 
autumnal season, about sunny pathways, fields, 
and gardens, and is furnished with a large head, 
and very strong, forcipated jaws. This species has 
often been quoted as the Staphylinus maxillosus 
of Linnaeus, but it appears from late observations 
to be a larger, and totally distinct species from 
that insect. 
