14 TIGER-BEETLES. 



COLKOrXERA (TRUE BEETLES). 



Among- the true beetles we possess a large number of friends, 

 and, as it is just as important to know our friends as to know our 

 foes, so as to protect the former and combat the latter, a descrip- 

 tion of them should find a place in these pages. 



I. ISOMERA. (Similar joints). 

 A. CARNIVOROUS BEETLES. 



{Adcphaga). 



Beetles of this group are numerous, and a number of species 

 will be described and illustrated. Most of these insects prey 

 upon others, and destroy large numbers of plant-eating insects. 

 A few of them have, however, a mixed diet, and also eat the 

 pollen of flowers, seeds of grasses, grains still in the milky state, 

 and similar substances. Such exceptional beetles can usually be 

 recognized by their form, which is quite stout and heavy. In 

 fact they must have more space in their stomach, and must have 

 longer intestines to accommodate such bulky food than beetles 

 that live on the concentrated food obtained by eating other in- 

 sects. But the former also eat insects, when not as adults they 

 do so as larva;; hence they are friends, though they are not so 

 beneficial as those having a strictly animal diet. A number of 

 families belong to the Carnivorous beetles. 



FAMILY TIGER-BEETLES. 



{Cicindelidae) . 



These are most active beetles, which use wings and legs with 

 equal rapidity and facility. They are active only during the sunny 

 and warm portions of the day, and are so swift in all their mo- 

 tions, either in flight or running, that they are not readily seen. 

 During- the night, and also during dark and rainy days, they hide 



