STAPHYLINUS. 
109 
Staphylimis erythropterus is smaller than the 
preceding, and is readily distingLiished by the 
colour of its wing-sheaths, which are of a dull 
brick-red: it is found about dunghills and in 
damp places. 
Staphylimis murinus is rather smaller than the 
erythropterus, and is of a dull blackish colour, 
clouded with obscure, ash-coloured, villose bands 
and spots. 
The Staphylini are of a predacious nature, living 
on the smaller insects, worms, &c. Their larvae 
are subterraneous, and bear a considerable re- 
semblance to the complete animals. The British 
species, according to Mr. Marsham’s Entomologia 
Britannica, amount to no fewer than eighty-seven. 
