"WEAPON OF THE DYTICUS. C'j 



family, it will be described at greater length than can be af- 

 forded to the generality of insects. 



Several details which mark the Beetles of this genus are 

 given on Woodcut No. G. At Fig. a is a magnified .representa- 

 tion of a most curious development of structure. If one of 

 these Beetles be examined on the under side, the metasternum 



1. Agabiis biguttatus. 2. Hydrcphilus duodecim-pustulatus. 3. Haliiilus variegatus. 

 4. Cnemidntus ca?su.s. .5. Pelobius Hennanui. a. Dj-ticus, process of nu'tastfrnr.m. 6. 



Dyticus, maxillary ) alpus. c. Dyticus, anterior leg of male. d, Uiticus, labial palpi. 



e. Gyrinus, posterior leg. /. Gyriuus, auteuna. 



will be seen to have a forked and rather sharp projection from 

 its centre, the points being directed to the end of the abdomen. 

 What may be the object of this curious appendage is not easy 

 to say ; certain, however, it is, that it can be used as a 

 weapon on some occasions. 



When, for example, an unpractised entomologist catches 

 one of these Beetles in his hand, and has taken care to keep his 



