﻿GEODEPHAGA. 51 



being notched on the inner side, — differing from the 

 Cicindelidce, the only other family which exhibits a 

 similar structure in this rsspect, in not having their 

 maxillae terminated by a moveable hook. It is worthy 

 of notice, also, that in both the Cicindelidce and Cara- 

 bides the unnotched anterior tibiae are accompanied by 

 the absence of the metathoracic epimera; whereas all 

 the other Geodephaga, in which the anterior tibiae are 

 notched, possess both episterua and epimera to the 

 metathorax. 



This family contains the giants of the section, some 

 of them being very large and convex, and a few small and 

 flat. Two or three of the species of the genus Cai'abus, 

 often called " garden '^ or " ground " beetles, are well 

 known, being abundant in gardens and cultivated grounds, 

 where they should be encouraged (and not destroyed), as 

 they devour all manner of insect pests, and never touch 

 vegetable produce. On being handled they emit a pecu- 

 liarly acrid black liquor, which is sometimes squirted for 

 a considerable distance. Perhaps the most often noticed 

 are C. violaceus, monilis, and nemoralis, all of which are 

 about an inch in length, and of a long oval shape. 

 Violaceus is nearly smooth, dull blue-black, with the 

 sides of the thorax and elytra bright purple; monilis, 

 coppery- green, with three series of slightly elevated and 

 interrupted lines, separated by three elevated striae, on 

 each wing-case ; and nemoralis (rather broader and 

 shorter than the other two) has a purplish thorax and 

 coppery or brassy elytra. All three of these may be 

 seen dead on pathways in the suburbs early in the 

 morning, having been trodden upon in the dark, in the 

 course of their nocturnal roamings, seeking what they 

 may devour. Another, and much rarer species, C. nitens, 



