122 CARNIVOROUS BEETLES; CARABID^. 



2000 species having been brought together by a single collector. 

 Their bodies are of very firm consistence, 

 whereby they are enabled to creep under 

 stones and through fissures, and are also 

 prevented from being injured by the 

 insects they attack. They prowl about 

 on the surface of the ground, under 

 stones, &c., beneath the bark of trees, or 

 the moss growing at their roots, in 

 search of their insect prey, which con- 

 sists chiefly of the herbivorous species of 

 their own order. Some of them are 



FJG. 337- CARABCS. -, ,-, v r. * j- 



nocturnal in their habits, feeding upon 



Cockchafers and other species of herbivorous beetles that fly 

 abroad during the night. The habits of this tribe are not 

 exclusively carnivorous, however, for some species, generally 

 found in corn fields, are clearly ascertained to feed upon growing 

 grain. Many species of this tribe are provided with a very 

 curious means of defence ; being enabled to exhale a very fetid 

 odour, and to discharge from the abdomen, to a considerable 

 distance, an acrid fluid, capable of producing much irritation. 

 In the Brachinus this fluid is so highly volatile, that, immedi- 

 ately on coming in contact with the air, it passes into a bluish 

 vapour of very pungent scent, and makes a sort of 

 explosion ; hence the species possessed of this power 

 have been termed Bombardier Beetles. The larger 

 species are found only in tropical regions; but the 

 small species represented in the accompanying figure, 

 is a native of England. The Bombardier Beetles for 

 BEETLE. ^ ne mos t part live in societies, especially in spring ; 

 and are found concealed under stones. Of the entire family, a 

 considerable proportion are found in Britain and other temper- 

 ate countries ; but the largest and most brightly-coloured species 

 are confined to warmer climates. 



645 . The aquatic Garni vora form a tribe far less numerous than 

 the terrestrial species ; and are at once distinguished by the pecu- 

 liar modification of the legs, which adapts them for swimming, 



