153 



LiMNiiD^, Stephens. 



Sph^ridium, Fah. 

 SpHiERiDiiDiE, Leach. 



The transition from the Hydrophilidae to this 

 family by the genus Chsetarthria is easy, and should 

 another connecting link be required, we may pass 

 by means of those species of Cercyon which are sub- 

 aquatic in their habits. The insects of this group 

 abound in animal stercor and putrescent vegetable 

 matter. They occur in the Old and New Continents, 

 the major part of them preferring northern regions. 

 In tropical climates they are considered very useful 

 auxiliaries to the Coprophagus lamellicorns, mate- 

 rially conducing to purify the air by feeding on 

 putrescence, and thereby preventing miasma. I 

 know of no species more abundant in individuals 

 than Sp. Scarabseoides. At Aldboro' on the Suffolk 

 coast, at the departure of the tide, I have repeatedly 



