THE ORDERS OF INSECTS. $ 



stages. The species of Dytiscus are large, broad, flattish 

 beetles, found in fresh water, and are of a brown or olive colour, 

 with yellowish borders. They are veiy voracious, feeding on 



Dytiscus Marginalis (Female), natural size. 



smaller insects, and sometimes on small fish. They fly 

 strongly, and in the evening often quit the water and fly to long 

 distances. Many smaller species of Dytiscida inhabit our ponds 

 and streams ; but the most interesting of the smaller water 

 beetles are the Gyrimdce, or Whirligig Beetles, little black 

 beetles with very long fore legs, which may often be seen rapidly 

 circling about on the surface of the water. 



The great group of Staphylinidce may be known by their very 



Devil's Coach-Horse (OcyJ>its Oletts), natural size. 



short elytra, which gives them a superficial resemblance to an 

 earwig without the forceps. They may be found among all 

 kinds of animal and vegetable refuse, though some are also met 



