CARNIVOROUS BEETLES. 



121 



even in their larva state. These CARNIVORA are characterised 

 by the possession of six palpi, there being two to each of the 

 maxilla? (Fig. 315), and by the termination of the jaws in a 

 sort of claw or hook. Some of them are terrestrial, and others 

 aquatic ; in the former, the legs are adapted only for running ; 

 in the latter, they are modified for swimming. The terrestrial 

 division of the family is composed of two very large tribes, the 

 Cicindelidw and the Caralidce, characterised chiefly by the form 

 and mode of attachment of the hook at the end of the jaws. The 

 Cicindelidce have the body usually of a dark or light-green colour, 

 varied with shining metallic tints, and with white spots upon 

 the elytra ; they frequent dry situations exposed to the sun, run 

 very quickly, fly off when they are approached, and alight again 

 at a short distance. The larvae burrow in the earth, forming a 

 cylindrical hole of considerable depth ; in the process of excava- 

 tion they use their jaws and feet, and load the concave back of 

 their heads with the grains of earth which they have detached ; 

 thus loaded, they ascend backwards, 

 resting at intervals, and fixing them- 

 selves to the inner walls of their 

 burrow by the assistance of two 

 hooked tubercles on the back ; when 

 arrived at the orifice, they jerk off 

 their load to a distance. Whilst 

 lying in ambush, the flat plate of the 

 head exactly stops the mouth of the 

 hole, forming a flat surface with the 

 surrounding soil. When their prey 

 comes within their reach, they rush 

 upon it with great ferocity, and seize it between their powerful 

 jaws ; and their voracity is even extended to larvaa of the same 

 kind. They close the orifice of their burrow when they change 

 their skin, or undergo their metamorphosis into the pupa state. 

 There are several British species of this group ; as well as a 

 large number of brilliantly-coloured tropical species, of which 

 many are apterous. 



644. The tribe of Cardbidce is of very great extent ; above 



Fro. 336. CICJNDELA CAMPESTRIS, 

 AND LARVA. 



