The Wonderful Ways of Insects and Spiders [ 25 1 



in large numbers before going into hibernation under rocks and 

 forest litter and inside hollow trees. 



The Ground Beetle Nighttime Hunter: If you turn over a stone, 

 log, or board lying on the ground especially damp ground you 

 are likely to discover a beetle hideout. The "ground beetle" 

 family has many different members, and most of them remain 

 under cover during the day. Usually a ground beetle is plain 

 black or brown and its long, flattened body is carried rapidly 

 over the ground on its slender legs as you will observe if you 

 disturb one; it runs away as rapidly as possible when it is dis- 

 covered. 



Ground beetles feed mostly by night, looking for food under 

 rocks and refuse or in the soil. Several species are famous for their 

 caterpillar-hunting; the larvae as well as the adults climb up tree 

 trunks searching for caterpillar prey. 



Beetles with Gas Bombs: The "bombardier" beetles are among 

 the strangest members of the family. At the first sign of danger 

 these creatures eject a drop of liquid that quickly changes to a 

 tiny cloud of evil-smelling vapor. The source of the liquid is a 

 gland at the tip of the abdomen, and four or five discharges can 

 be made before the liquid "bomb" supply is exhausted. 



This unpleasant counterattack will often discourage a bird or 

 other aggressor at least long enough for the beetle to scurry to 

 safety. Many members of the ground beetle family have this 

 power, but one species makes its discharge with a distinct "pop." 

 This is the true bombardier. It has a yellowish head and a bluish 

 body. 



Beetles Near Water: You may find the tiger beetle along the shores 

 of streams, lakes, or the ocean, and also on woodland trails. About 

 half an inch long and often brilliantly colored with metallic greens 

 and purples, this handsome beetle is a prize for any young col- 

 lector; but, being a swift runner and quick to take flight, it is 

 not easily trapped by a novice. 



Sometimes, as you look down at fresh-water ponds or streams, 

 you may see black, oval whirligig beetles cruising around tire- 



