INSECTS COLEOPTERA DIAGRAM 6. 113 



seized. When the time comes for them to undergo their first 

 metamorphosis, they leave the witer, and dig a hole in the ground 

 on the bank, closed on all sides. There the larva changes into a 

 pupa, and this into a perfect insect. 



The Staphylinidce may be known by their square elytra much 

 shorter than the abdomen, the segments of which extend beyond 

 the wings. Their antennas are inserted in front of the eyes. They 

 run quickly and fly easily. When they alight, they immediately 

 hide their wings under their elytra, but as the latter are very 

 short, the wings must be folded three or four times to fit under 

 them. When threatened by danger, they raise the end of their 

 abdomen straight up. There are many kinds of staphylinidaa, 

 most of which are very small ; the largest and commonest is 

 popularly called the Devil's Coach-horse ; it is quite black, and is 

 found running on pathways. They are all very voracious, and eat 

 either insects or carrion, they also eat one another. The staphy- 

 linidas are generally to be met with in damp places, especially 

 under stones. 



In looking for insects, it should be remembered that one of the 

 best methods of finding them is to turn up as many stones as 

 possible, and the largest which can be found ; for a great number 

 of insects always select such hiding places, and are sure to be met 

 with there. 



The Buprestidce have elytra which cover the whole abdomen, 

 and have also antennas serrated like saws. One common species 

 is a small insect of a beautiful bronzy green. The larva lives in 

 wood ; the perfect insect lives on trees and flowers ; the Bupres- 

 tidaa are very like the click-beetles, but do not jump like them. 

 They fly swiftly. When seized, they contract their legs and sham 

 death. They remain thus for a very long time motionless, and it 

 is only by little and little that they begin to move one leg, then 

 two, and then they fly away very quickly as soon as they believe 

 that the danger is over. 



The Elateridce, or Click-beetles also sham death like the Bupres- 

 ticfce when an attempt is made to seize them, and let themselves 



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