I AMII.V STAPHYLINID/E. 61 



Melsh., which is ii short nyal insect al)init one-eighth of an iiichiu length, of a fuscous color, 

 anil marked by several waved wliitish fasciae. The larva of anotlier small and much nar- 

 rower insect, Dermophii<j;iis /</C4-(i/f of Mki.siikimkk, is also very destructive to entomological 

 collections. 



8taj)hyliiiid?e. 



The characteristics of the insects helongini.,' to this family are, their long, narrow, and 

 depressed f>rm; the shortness of their el) tru, and hence the great exjosure of the ab- 

 dominal segments. Their true wings are closely folded beneath the curtailed elytra, al- 

 though thiy are largi' when exjianded. Their heads too are remarkably large; and when 

 set out by their projecting mandibles, it is no easy matter to persuade oneself that it is 

 safe to cntch them. Their antenna" are not very conspicuous, but are sometimes enlarged 

 towards the extremity. The thorax is strong, ami as wide as the first segment of the ab- 

 domen. Fjom the shortness of the wing-covers, the abdomen is etjually hard above as 

 beneath, and is not conlined by them : it therefore admits of free motion, and is employed 

 as an instrument to assist in f dding and unfolding the wings. When the insect is captured, 

 a curious organ jirotj-udes from tlie extremity of the abdomen, consisting of two vesicles, 

 whicli arc extruded at the will of the insect, and from which it is not uncommon to per- 

 ceive that a I eculiar vapor escapes that is by no means pleasant. 



Westwood regards this family eipud in rank to the Caraeidje, and susceptible of sub- 

 divisions of the same value : the iiauii- Uu.\( iivKLYTRA has been generally employed in 

 denoting it. 



Gknvs STAPHYLINUS (Linn). 

 ' Body nearly glabrous ; antenna* snbfiliform, with the fourth and tenth joints subequal ; 

 'thorax subijuadrate ' ( Wkstwoou). 



Staphvi.ims vii.i.oses. 

 Head and thorax black and glovsy : back, sides, and abdomen beneath vilIose,or covered 

 with a dense co.it of hair ; abdomen banded with greeni.sh bull'. Length six-tenths 

 of an inch. 



Stapiivlini s cvANiPKN.Ms. ( Plate xxxi. lig. 6.) 



Ileai! and thorax black and glossy ; elytra steel-blue ; abdomen hairy and black. 



Stapuyi.i.m s cnuvsi liis. ( Plate xxxi, fig. 3.) 



Above an olive brown, clothed with sh^rt yellow hair ; sides and extremity of the abdo- 

 men goldin viHow •. tliiijlis l.la(k. excel t lit their tips, and a dorsal line. 



