

ATTEMPTED DIVISION OF BRITISH INSECTS. 419 



earth, at the margins of ponds, among roots of trees and grass. 

 Imago, with filiform antennae ; mandibles short and strong ; 

 maxillae arcuate and very acute ; galea palpiform and articulate ; 

 the fore-tarsi patellated in the males ; the middle and hind-legs 

 flattened and ciliated ; form oval. Inhabits water, feeding on 

 aquatic animals ; swims with great ease and swiftness, moving 

 the corresponding legs simultaneously. Acilius, Dytiscus, Colym- 

 betes, Noterus, Hydroporus, Haliplus ? 



Natural Order. — Carabites, Ground-beetles. 



Larva with strong arcuate mandibles ; active and carnivorous. 

 Inhabits roots of grass, rubbish-heaps, decaying vegetables, moss, 

 under stones, &c. in which situations it pursues and seizes its 

 prey. Pupa changes in the earth. Imago, with moniliform 

 antennae ; mandibles moderately short, very strong ; maxillae 

 terminate in a blade, sometimes acute, but never articulated ; 

 galea articulate and palpiform. Universally distributed, running 

 on the ground in pursuit of prey ; chiefly nocturnal, and during 

 the day found principally under stones and timber, at the roots of 

 grass, in the sand of gravel-pits, &c. ; sometimes flies, but not to 

 avoid pursuit. Elaphrtis, Bembidium, Harpalus, Carabus, Dys- 

 chirius, Brachinus, Dromius, Odocantha, Drypta. 



Natural Order. — Cicindelites, Tiger-beetles. 



: Larva with strong arcuate mandibles, and frequently with two 

 remarkable recurved hooks on its back ; it is carnivorous, and 

 lies in wait for its prey in holes or dens, which it constructs in 

 loose earth or sand, in sunny places. Pupa changes in the holes 

 . of the larva. Imago, with strong, long, arcuate, and deeply- 

 toothed mandibles, which cross each other at about half their 

 length ; blade of the maxillae acute and articulated ; galea palpi- 

 form and articulated ; legs very long and slender : diurnal, car- 

 nivorous, of light and elegant form ; brilliant colours. Runs 

 with amazing activity; flies to avoid pursuit. Cicindela. 



Natural Order. — Staphilinites, Devil's Coach-horses. 



Larva with strong mandibles ; active, mostly carnivorous. Found 

 under stones, at the roots of grass, and in rubbish-heaps, &c. 

 Pupa changes in the same situations. Is remarkable for the 



• compactness with which the limbs are attached, giving it the 

 appearance of the Amorpha adermata. Imago, with moniliform 

 antennae; strong and acute mandibles; obtuse maxillae ; rounded 

 and never palpiform galea. These beetles are distinguished at 



