42 



THE VOVNG COLLECTOR'S 



legs and antennae. The beautiful green Tiger Beetle (Cidndela 

 Campestris) is very common in sandy places, flying or running 

 with great agility. Its larva forms a burrow in loose earth, very 

 much like that of an Ant-Lion. 



The species of Carabus are the largest of the Carabidce, several 

 measuring an inch or more in length. They are long, oval 

 insects, and are black, often with . violet borders, or are 

 more or less metallic in their colouring. The metallic species 

 vary from dull bronze to brilliant green. Their wings are 

 rudimentary, and they come out at dusk, and prowl about 

 in search of prey during the night, though they may some- 

 times be found running beneath walls, or along paths dur- 

 ing the daytime, especially in spring. Many smaller species 

 of Carabidce, belonging to the genera 

 Pterostichusi Harpalus, Amara, etc., 

 are very common on paths in cornfields, 

 and in similar localities. Many are 

 black, bronzed, or green, while others 

 are more brightly coloured. Although 

 they are carnivorous, and probably de- 

 stroy large numbers of injurious insects, 

 yet it appears to be pretty well ascer- 

 tained that they will sometimes attack 

 corn; and one black species (Zabrus 

 Gibbus), about half an inch long, is said 

 to be very destructive to young wheat. 

 Harpalus ^Eneus, a very common 

 species, varies considerably in colour, 

 but has always red legs and antennae. 



Many Geodephaga, and other beetles, will attempt 

 to defend themselves by discharging a disagreeable 

 acrid fluid when handled ; but the Bombardier 

 Beetles (Brachinus) have a more unusual mode of 

 defence. They are small beetles, about a quarter 

 of an inch in length, and are found under stones. 

 The head and thorax are reddish, and the elytra 

 are bluish or greenish. If they are alarmed, they 

 discharge a slightly acid fluid, which immediately 

 Bombardier volatilize s into smoke, each discharge being accom- 

 Bectle (Brachi- panied by a slight explosion. 

 nus Sclopetd), Many small species belonging to the genus 

 (Mag.) Bembidium, though not exactly aquatic insects, 

 frequent marshy places. They are generally black or bronzy, 

 with yellowish spots and markings. The species of Aepus are 



