THE MOLE-CRICKET. 275 



In this section they form, with some other genera, the family 

 of BrachelytrcB* so called because their elytra, or wing-sheaths, 

 are much shorter than the abdomen. 



Our Staphylinus olens is finely punctuated, somewhat hairy, 

 and of a dull black colour. Though very common in our gar- 

 dens, and wherever any putrefying substances are to be found, 

 its habits are not very well known. For if it were generally 

 understood that it is an essentially carnivorous animal, that it 

 carries on a determined warfare against the caterpillar, larvae, 

 and especially the white-worm, far from seeking to destroy it, 

 men would surely attempt to increase its numbers. It is a 

 proof that the Staphylini are useful insects, that they are rare 

 in seasons when the white-worms abound, as was the case, for 

 example, in the years 1867 and 1868. The larva of the 

 Staphylinus is as carnivorous as the perfect insect, which it 

 likewise resembles in form. 



To sum up : in every phase of their existence, the Staphylini 

 render immense services to the agriculturist. It is very desir- 

 able that this fact should be generally recognised, and their 

 rehabilitation generally proclaimed. 



THE MOLE-CRICKET. 



The habito of the mole-cricket are nearly the same as those 

 of the mole. When winter approaches, it takes refuge under- 

 neath the surface of the earth, and remains benumbed and 

 lethargic in its nest so long as the cold lasts. On the welcome 

 return of spring, it makes its way back to the light by a vertical 



gallery, on which a great number of lateral galleries abut, the 



s 



