254 CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



Imago with antenna clavated or moniliform, externally in- 

 crassated ; mandibles strong, pointed and prominent ; head 

 capable of being bent vertically and concealed by the pro- 

 thorax, but not withdrawn into it ; prothorax as wide as 

 the body. Inhabits putrid animal substances, as dead 

 birds, mice, rats, &c., which it buries in the earth as recep- 

 tacles for its eggs ; flight diurnal and nocturnal ; scent very 

 offensive. Silpha, Necrophorus, represented in all its sta- 

 ges at page 53, Choleva, Catops, Ptomaphagus, Scaphidium, 

 Scaphiosoma. 



Globe-beetles or Spheridiites. Larva inhabits and feeds 

 on the dung of horses and cows. Pupa changes in the 

 same situations. Imago with antennae clavated ; club dis- 

 tinct and abrupt ; form nearly spherical or oval. Inhabits 

 and feeds as in the larva state ; runs and flies with rapid- 

 ity in the sunshine. Sphceridium, Cercyon. 



Herbivorous water-beetles or Hydrophilites. Larva elon- 

 gate, attenuated posteriorly, active, carnivorous, aquatic; 

 head large, with long curved mandibles. Pupa changes in 

 the earth or under dung. Imago with clavated antenna; 

 mandibles strong and obtusely toothed ; maxillary feelers 

 very strong, and used in the water as antenna ; the form 

 oval, the sides and back very convex, the surface glabrous. 

 Inhabits water, swimming with ease, the feet being moved 

 alternately ; female covers her eggs with silk, forming a 

 kind of cocoon, which she carries about with her in the 

 manner of some spiders. Feeds on the decaying leaves of 

 water-plants. Spercheus, Hydrophilus, Hydrous, Hydro- 

 bius, Berosus. 



Diving-bell beetles or Helophorites. Larva less elon- 

 gate ; sluggish ; margins of the segments fringed with hair. 

 Inhabits duckweed, and other plants on the surface and 

 banks of ponds, also the surface of stones, mud, &c. Pupa 

 changes sometimes in 'the same situations, but mostly in 



