164 MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



distribution of these groups, proving either that these species do not 

 constitute the tpyes of these stirps, as has been generally supposed 

 both from their size and liabits, or that the ordinary definition Ox 

 typical groups, namely, those which are furthest removed by their 

 characters from the adjoining divisions, is not correct. In like 

 manner the genus Micropeplus has been alternately placed amongst 

 the Necrophaga and Brachelytra. Latreille in some of his works 

 placed the Brachelytra in connection with the Hydradephaga ; the re- 

 lation between which may at first seem doubtful, but which appears 

 to be confirmed by the great similarity between the larvae of the two 

 groups. (See Heer. Obs. Ent. p. 23.) The relation of the Brache- 

 lytra to certain Adephaga has been already pointed out ; and it must 

 be further noticed that from the anatomical researches of Ramdhor 

 and L. Dufour, as well as from the structure of the manducatory 

 organs, Mr. Kirby is induced to think the Brachelytra more preda- 

 ceous than has been ordinarily considered, and as even more nearly 

 allied to the Adephaga than to the Necrophaga, with which, however, 

 they have many points of relation. 



These insects run and fly with equal agility. They are very 

 voracious, preying upon decaying animal and vegetable matters, 

 especially fungi, agarics, iSrc, in which they chiefly reside ; they 

 are also found in profusion under heaps of putrescent plants, so 

 that they may be regarded as amongst the most pre-eminently 

 rypophagous insects. Some species are, however, found in flowers, 

 others upon the margins of running streams, and others under the 

 bark of decaying trees ; in which latter situation I have found 

 the singular species Siagonium 4-corne Kirby {Introd. to Ent. vol. i. 

 pi. 1. f. 3.) in Kensington Gardens in profusion. Some also at- 

 tack living insects, and in the collection of Mr. Ingpen I have ob- 

 served a small species which still retains an Acanthia in its jaws. 

 The exceedingly rare species of large size, Velleius dilatatus, is para- 

 sitic in the nests of the hornet (Vespa crabro), whence the secret of 

 its rarity; other smaller but nearly equally rare species, Dinarda, Lome- 

 chusa, reside in the nests of ants. (See Chevrolat, in Silberm. Rev. 

 Ent. No. 17.) One of the commonest, and at the same time largest 

 insects of the family, is a black species, rather more than an inch long, 

 commonly called the Devil's Coach Horse, Goerius olens, which is fre- 

 quently to be seen running about garden walks, S:c. On the least ap- 

 proach of danger this insect, like the rest of the group, immediately 



