INTr.ODUCTION. 



THE HABITS OF BEETLES, AND HOVr 

 TO CATCH THEM. 



The best months for collecting are May and June. 

 The Carabidce^ or Ground Beetles, are common in 

 gardens, and may often be seen running on roads ; 

 they may also frequently be met with under stones, 

 &c. The Silphidce, or Carrion Beetles, live on any 

 kind of refuse, and the ScarahceidoB (Dung Beetles) 

 fly in the evening, and settle on dung. 



Many species may be obtained by sweeping the grass 

 with a net, and also by beating or shaking trees and 

 shrubs whilst an umbrella is held underneath. 



The Longicornia rest on the bark of trees, and the 

 Ciirculionidce (Weevils) and Scolytidce may be found 

 on freshly-felled trees and wood piles ; whilst the bark 

 and rotten wood of diseased trees will well repay a 

 close scrutiny. A large number of beetles will be 

 found upon flowers, particularly on the UmhellifercR, 

 whilst others are only to be found upon the food- 

 plant of the larva. A great many species fly by day, 

 e.g. the BiiprestidcE, and may be caught w^ith the net. 



Many of the smaller beetles live under dead leaves 

 or among moss at the foot of trees. This may be 

 shaken over a sieve, and what passes through taken 

 home and carefully examined on a large sheet of white 



