341 



between the eyes; — mandibles white at base, black at the points; lip white, 

 with a single tooth. Thorax cupreous, obscure, with the margin and breast 

 green. Elytra obscure, somewhat cupreous; a humeral lunule apparently 

 formed of two spots connected by a curved line, on the middle of the ely- 

 tron a flexuous or s-shaped band, behind this a marginal spot, and near the 

 middle of the tip another larger spot almost touching the anterior portion 

 of the terminal lunule. Pectus and postpectus green, the latter with white 

 decumbent hairs at the sides; ventral segments sanguineous. Thio-hs o-reen, 

 feet obscure. 



This pretty species is found in dry paths in woods; but does not appear 

 to be common. From what was observed under the preceding species it 

 will be seen that these two must be called C. denticulata, and hcemorrJwidalis, 

 Hentz. 



The other insects of this genus, found in this vicinity, are C. vulgaris, Say; 

 C. purpurea, Olivier; C. hirticollis, Say; C. formosa, Say; C. sexguttata, 

 Fabricius; and C. punctulata, Fabricius. 



[New England Fsmner, Vol. VII, No. xv, pp. 117, 118, Oct. 31, 1828.] 

 CONTKIBUTIONS TO ENTOMOLOGY. NO. II. 



Family Carabidce. 



This extensive family contains numerous species which are arranged 

 under various genera. The perfect insects usually conceal themselves dur- 

 ing day under stones, and iiy abroad at night. Like the CicindeliE they 

 live by rapine, and devour such insects as they can conquer, not always 

 sparing those of their own family. Some species are to be found in the 

 day-time searching for their prey in highways, or on plants. Some inhabit 

 beneath the bai-k of trees, and a few appear to feed on the pollen of tlowers. 

 Most of them exhale an offensive odour, which remains on the fingers a 

 long time after handling them. Others emit from the mouth or tail a 

 caustic acid liquor, highly volatile, and irritating to ihe skin. Having in- 

 cautiously taken up Carabus sylvosus it assailed me with a sudden jet of 

 this fluid, several drops of which reached my ficc, produced an acute scald- 

 ing sensation, and left spots which remained inflamed for some hours. The 

 species of the genus Brachinus have been long celebrated for their crepita- 

 ting powers. Mr. Kirby calls them " the true counterparts of the skunk, 

 exploding a most fetid vapor from the ordinary passage." This is the 

 insect's mode of defence against its assailants, which it bombards with 

 repeated discharges of smoke and noise, gun-boat like, from behind. The 



