COLEOPTERA. 



39 



It is through the right wing cover (Fig. 9) that they should 

 be pinned for the cabinet. They are found in every variety^ 

 of situation ; on plants, in decomposing animal and vegetable 

 matter, in mushrooms, under bark of trees, under stones, es- 

 pecially in moist and shady situations ; many are found creep- 

 ing on the ground, in deserts and other arid spots in western 

 America ; some are attracted by candles at night, while others 

 (in all parts of the country) fly actively on being approached 

 and light again on the ground a few paces off. 



" Many peculiar species, not found in other situations, live 

 under material cast up by the ocean ; others are found along 



Fig. 36. 



Fig. 37. 



Pig. 38. 



Goldsmith Beetle. 



Tiger Beetle. 



Fire Fly. 



the shores of lakes and rivers ; many also are found living in 

 the water." (Leconte.) 



Mr. Edward Newman says that "moss is a great resort of 

 beetles in the winter ; whenever you have the opportunity go 

 into the thickest woods, and pulling up the moss by handfuls 

 cram it into a canvas bag, which you have taken with you for 

 this especial object. Then on a winter's day, when nothing 

 tempts you abroad, shake out your moss, bit by bit, on a white 

 cloth, and you will soon possess yourself of wonders." 



" A large number of species are very minute, and are usu- 

 ally found in abundance ; these should not be neglected, as to 

 scientific men they possess quite as much interest as the larger 

 species. The specimens should be thrown into strong alcohol ; 



