TIGER-BEETLES. 



15 



under loose pieces of hark and flat stones, or hnrrow in the sand, 

 sometimes to a depth of four or five inches. A few species are 

 stricth- nocturnal, hut some t)thers are found running ahout in the 

 sun during' the day and may also he attracted to lights at night. 



As a general rule tiger-heetles prefer sandy spots or sandy 

 roads, over which they run very swiftly, and as their senses are 

 verv alert, they discover approaching persons very soon, and 

 escape molestation hv running or flying away. But they run or 

 fly hut a short distance, never leaving the sandy spots, so that the 

 eyes of the ohserver can follow their motions, and he can ap- 

 proach closer by taking the proper precautions. Their alertness 

 is shown bv the fact that when settling again after a short flight 

 thev almost iuNariablv face the intruder. Thev are of medium 



Fig. 1 1 .—Tiger-))ectles, all stages. Enlarged. After Brehm. 



size, frequently less than three-fourths of an inch long, and pos- 

 sess brilliant metallic colors. Their wing-covers are usually 

 spotted with white. Their popular name, "Tiger-beetles," is a 

 well-chosen one ; they are veritable tigers on account of their fero- 

 cious habits, their swift movements, the markings on the elytra, 

 and the stealtliv manner in \\hich their lar\';e lie in wait for insects. 



