48 INSECTS AT HOME. 



of another ; so that no dependence can be placed upon so 

 uncertain a characteristic. 



The present species is a very common one. Its colour varies 

 from green to black, glossed with brass. The elytra are 

 striated, and the striae are bolder and deeper towards the apex 

 than at the base. The head is nearly smooth, but has a few 

 striae drawn across it in front. 



We next come to the large family of the Harpalidae, of 

 which we shall take one or two examples, illustrating the 

 principal genera. The males of the Harpalidae have the four 

 basal joints of the front tarsi dilated, and sometimes the 

 corresponding joints of the middle pair of legs. These dilated 

 joints are covered with stiff bristles. The appearance of one of 

 these tarsi can be seen by referring to Woodcut No. IV. Fig. c, 

 whicli represents the under side of a male Harpalus's leg. The 

 mentum is deeply notched, and has a small lobe in the centre. 



Unlike the preceding family, which are for the most part 

 lovers of light and fond of darting about in the full radiance of 

 the sunbeams, the Harpalid* withdraw themselves from the 

 light, and hide themselves during the daytime in any crevice 

 that may present itself. Should, for example, the season be a 

 dry one, the cracks in the earth are sure to be tenanted by 

 Harpalidae; and when the spade is employed, many of the 

 Beetles are turned up together with the soil in which they 

 have sought a refuge, and sought it in vain. 



On Woodcut No. IV. Fig. 4, is shown an example of the typical 

 genus, Hcu^alus ceneus. In this genus three joints of the 

 tarsi of both the front and middle pairs of legs are dilated in 

 the males. 



The pretty species which has been chosen as our example is 

 polished on its upper surface like a mirror, the colour being 

 exceedingly variable. Some specimens are brassy, otliers 

 coppery, others green of various sliades, and otlu-rs again l)lue 

 of various shades, deepening into violet so dark tliat it a]ipears 

 to be black. There are some faint striae on the elytra, and in 

 the flat interstices between tlie striae are punctures, very few 

 towaixls the suture, and plentiful towards the margin. Hen.eath 

 it is pitchy-black. In this insect, as indeed in rnosl nf the 

 members of this genus, the females are much duller tlnm their 



