476 



THE INSECT WORLD. 



feeds on flowers, and counterfeits death when seized. All possible 

 means have been tried for getting rid of the Anthrenus by placing in 

 the collection camphor, benzine, tobacco, sulphur^ &c., but benzine 

 very soon destroys them. 



The Hydrophili, very different to the group which we shall 

 presently consider, are herbivorous, and are to be found on the 

 leaves of aquatic plants. The Hydrophilus piceus (Fig. 471), which 



Fig. 471.— Hydrophilus piceus. 



attains to an inch in length, is common in our fresh waters. It must 

 not be seized without taking precautions, as its breast is provided 

 with a strong point, which pierces the skin. It draws in air by 

 thrusting its antennae out of the water, and placing them against its 

 body, the bubbles of the air, which get involved in a sort of furrow, 

 slip under the body, and fix themselves to the hair, in such a manner 

 that the animal seems to be clothed in pearls. It is thus the air 

 reaches tlie spiracles. The female of the Hydrophilus is sometimes 

 seen clinging to aquatic plants, head downwards, forming her cocoon, 

 terminated by a long pedicle, in which she places her eggs, by 



