﻿GEODEPHAGA. 47 



rately large, averaging half an inch in length, of rather 

 flattened appearance, and more or less bright in colour, 

 being green or olive-brown with metallic reflections ; 

 their elytra are shagreened in texture, with white or 

 cream-coloured spots, or interrupted bands, and their 

 legs long and hairy. 



The larva of the common green Tiger-beetle [C. cam- 

 pestris) is found during the summer months in the same 

 situation as the perfect insect, viz. hot sandy places. 

 It is a whitish, soft-skinned grub, with a darker, horny, 

 flat, broad head and first segment, the former being 

 armed with strong sickle-shaped mandibles. The eighth 

 segment of its body is larger than — and considerably 

 elevated above — tlie rest ; with two curved, hook-like, 

 spines, surrounded by stiff bristles on the top : this 

 gives the entire larva a zigzag shape, and affords a strong 

 support when it is on the look-out for prey in its cylin- 

 drical burrow, which is a foot deep (or more) in the sand, 

 and perpendicular at the entrance. The larva digs with 

 its flat head ; and, as the work gets below the surface 

 scrambles up the shaft, by its hooked segment, to eject 

 the dirt : when the pit is completed, it takes a firm hold 

 with the hooks inside, and fills up the mouth with its 

 broad head and first segment, which are kept level with 

 the surface, the sharp jaws ready to seize any passing 

 insect. The victim, when captured, is immediately 

 dragged to the bottom of the den and devoured, the 

 larva finally closing the mouth of the burrow, and 

 turning into a pupa. 



The Cicindelce frequent hot sandy banks and shores, 

 flying and running alternately with great rapidity. 



One species only, C. germanica, the smallest and most 

 elongate, is found in marshy places (especially at Black 



