38 COMMON BRITISH INSECTS. 



They are very active, and very brilliantly coloured, 

 and, like most bright-coloured Beetles, love the sun- 

 shine, in which they dart about with exceeding 

 rapidity. The popular name of Sun Beetle is given 

 to these and other insects, in consequence of this 

 peculiarity. They are sociable little creatures, and,, 

 when one is seen, others are tolerably sure to be close 

 at hand. Some of them frequent wet and marshy 

 places, and may generally be found at the roots of 

 willows that are planted at the water-side. 



One example of this interesting genus is AncJio- 

 menus dorsalis, which is shown, rather magnified, 

 in the accompanying woodcut. 

 The real length of the insect can 

 be known by reference to the 

 line that is drawn on its right 

 side. In this species the head 

 and thorax are dark-green, and 

 the flattened elytra are pale 

 rust-red, diversified with a large 

 spot of blue-black towards the 

 apex, but not quite reaching the 

 tip. They are striated, and the 

 dorsalis. interstices between the striae are 

 flat and smooth, without any punctures. Beneath, 

 it is shining black. 



THE family of the Feroniidae, which comes next in 

 order, comprises a number of Beetles, none of which are 

 remarkable for beauty, though there are several whose 

 habits are very curious and interesting. They may be 

 known by the sinuated, or wavy, form of the elytra at 



