472 



THE INSECT WORLD. 



black ; the Necrophorus Germanicus (Fig. 462) is larger, quite black, 

 and rarer. All these insects exhale a disagreeable musky smell. 

 Their bodies are often covered with parasites, which are carried along 



Fig. 461. Necrophorus vespillo. 



Fig. 462. Necrophorus Germancus. 



by them by hooking on to their hairs, and which make use of the 

 Necrophorus as a vehicle in which they get their food. 



The Staphyttnida live in the carcases of animals, on manure, in 





Fig. 463. Staphylinus (Ocypus) olens, imago, pupa, and larva. 



detritus, and attack living insects. They are, for the most part, of 

 small size, and are distinguished by their elytra, which are short, and 

 resemble a waistcoat or a jacket ; but their wings are fully developed. 

 The large species have strong mandibles. When irritated, the 

 Staphylini disgorge an acrid black liquid ; and by the abdomen they 

 emit a volatile fluid having a musky odour. 



