BEETLES 155 



and great precipitation. The unlucky victim at the same time 

 falls down the hole, and is forthwith seized and devoured. When 

 fully grown, the larva closes the orifice of its hole, within which it 

 then Undergoes its metamorphosis. 



The Carabus Beetles are for the most part large, brilliantly 

 coloured insects, and their peculiarly-shaped heads, long legs, and 

 beautifully armoured bodies give them a handsome and some- 

 what fierce aspect. They may often be found concealed under 

 stones or the fallen branches of trees, and in similar situations, 

 while the common Carabus auratus is constantly seen running 

 about the roads and fields in search of prey. This beetle is really 

 of value to the farmer and gardener, for it destroys a number of 

 soft -bodied insects which are harmful to various crops. It is of a 

 beautiful golden-green colour, with russet -tinted antennae and 

 legs, and the elytra are decorated with three rounded, sculptured 

 ribs. In France it goes by the name of " the Gardener," or " the 

 Sempstress/' though why the latter it is hard to say. The Carabus 

 devours caterpillars and snails, and any unfortunate cockchafer 

 that may bump against something in its flight and fall to the 

 ground on its back is at once pounced upon, torn open, and 

 devoured. The larva is of a shiny black colour, and during the 

 daytime hides away under stones, or turfs, or in holes in the 

 ground, coming forth to hunt its prey at night. 



The Common Water Beetle (Dytiscus marginalis) lives in more 

 or less stagnant ponds and slow-moving streams. It is provided 

 with large wings, with which it can fly from one pond to another, 

 and so is equally at home on land. It is formed like a regular 

 land beetle, and is therefore obliged to come to the surface of the 

 water every now and then in order to breathe, and a very simple 

 arrangement enables it to obtain a fresh supply of air. The 

 spiracles, or breathing organs, are situated on the upper part 

 of the body, and are protected by the elytra, or wing cases, which 

 fit the upper part and sides of the body, so that no water can get 

 beneath them. When the insect wishes to breathe it floats to 

 the top of the Water, so that the upper part of the back projects 

 above the surface ; then the elytra are raised, expiration takes 

 place, and a supply of fresh air is inspired; the wing cases are 

 then shut down enclosing a supply of air, which the beetle can 

 use while beneath the surface. The Dytiscus is carnivorous in its 



