1839.] RITCHIE — COLEOPTERA OF MONTREAL. 29 



kuowu and described in European cabinets. Since then, accord- 

 ing to the best modern authorities, the number has been more 

 than doubled, and is now set down at 90,000 species. When we 

 imagine each of these species differing in appearance and to a 

 great extent in habits, the question naturally arises, what is the 

 use of so many beetles ? 



We may divide the whole order into two principal groups ; the 

 Carnivorous and the Herbivorous species, with certain modifica- 

 tions. 



It would seem that a portion of almost every substance in the 

 animal and in the vegetable kingdom is assigned as food for 

 beetles. 



Among the carnivorous species we have cannibals, which prey 

 on their fellows ; others enjoy a repast on the remains of some 

 unfortunate field mouse, or small bird, that death has overtaken ; 

 some, as for instance the Dermestes, feed in our kitchens, on lard 

 and bacon, and destroy preserved specimens of Natural History. 

 The last trace of the carnivorous habits may be seen in the 

 ravages of the little beetles which infest the leather binding of 

 books. 



The Herbivorous division comprises those species which feed 

 on leaves, flowers, fruit, and vegetables. Members of the large 

 family of the Capricornes, feed on the solid wood of our forest 

 trees. The last trace of the herbivorous habit may be seen in 

 certain Scarabceidce which feed on the excrement of herbivorous 

 animals. 



I shall now briefly notice the several families represented in the 

 li.st. The first in order are the Cicindelidae (or tiger beetles) 

 and very tigers they are, both in their larval and perfect states. 

 They live by stratagem, and as they run and fly well, are more 

 than a match for most insects of their size. They are found in 

 sandy situations, especially when the sun shines. 



The next family Carabidae, is one of the largest in the order ; 

 beetles of this group are principally carnivorous, some, however, 

 prefer vegetable diet. Calosoma Calidum (commonly known as 

 the ''copper spot") is a good example of this family; it feeds on 

 caterpillars, which it hunts with great avidity. Beetles of the 

 genus Harpalus and Amara feed on vegetables. The distribution 

 of species is very wonderful ; for instance along the stone wall at 

 the quarries, under stones, individuals of the genus Harpalus 

 prevail in great numbers. The genus Brachinus is rare near 



