44 



INSECTS AT n03IE. 



This is a very common Beetle, and is rather interesting to 

 entomologists, because, like the Brachinus, it has the power of 

 defending itself by means of mimic artiller}^, and can produce a 

 number of the explosions in succession. There are more than 

 twenty British species of this genus. 



]. Anchomenus dorsalis. 2. Pterostichus madidns. 3. Amara obsoleta. 4. Harpalus 

 aniens 5. Steiiolophiis Skrimshiranus. a. Pterostichus, right mandible. Ii. Ptcrosti- 



clms, maxillary pali)iis. c Harpalus, uuder side of leg. d. Harpalus, right mauilible. 



c. Harpalus, maxillary palpus. 



The family of the Feroniidse, which comes next in order, 

 comprises a number of Beetles, none of which are remarkable 

 for beauty, though there are several wliose liabits are very 

 curious and interesting. They may be known by tlie sinuatcd, 

 or wavy, form of tlie elytra at the apex, and by tlie basal joints 

 of the front tarsi of tlie males. These joints are not squared, 

 like those of the Chla3niid;e, but are somewliat heart-shaped,. 

 and furnished with two rows of bristles beneath. 



