204 ^OOLOGY. 



56. Hydrophilus. Antennce clavate, perfoliate, fig, 19, 

 plate 3 ; hind-legs as in the last genus. 



The insects of this and the preceding genus, are inhabi- 

 tants of ponds, and stagnant waters j they swim with 

 great dexterity ; their hind legs are particularly fitted for 

 their residence in the water, being thin and flat, and having 

 the inner edges furnished with stiff hair-like appendages, which 

 act as fins or oars ; the males are distinguished from the 

 females, by having a horny flap or shield on the fore legs, 

 near the setting on of the feet. The larva;, (as is common 

 with aquatic insects,) remain a long time in the imperfect 

 state, some two to four years ; they secrete themselves in 

 holes in banks, and devour other insecf?, worms, and the 

 young fry of fish : which they destroy by sucking out their 

 juices. 



27. Carahus. Antennce setaceous ; thorax flat, subcor- 

 date, margined ; wing-covers margined ; abdomen ovate. 



A numerous tribe of insects, exceedingly active ; they 

 devour the larvae, and likewise all other insects they can 

 overcome ; their larvae are found under-ground, or in decay- 

 ing wood. 



28. Tenebrio. Antennce monlliform, having the last joint 



rounded, fig. 20, plate 3 ; thorax plano-convex, mar- 

 gined ; head projecting ; wing-covers stiffish. 



29. Meloe. Antennae moniliform, the last joint ovate, fig. 

 21, plate 3; thorax roundish, wing-covers soft, flexile; 

 A^ac/ inflected. 



