CARNIVOROUS BEETLES. 



121 



apply only to the majority of the species of the groups, so that 

 most of them include some species which do not strictly fulfil 

 the conditions implied in their names. 



701. Section I. PENTAMERA. The first family of this sec- 

 tion consists of Beetles which are exclusively carnivorous ; 

 hunting after, and devouring, other insects ; and being carnivorous 

 even in their larva state. These CARNIVORA are characterised 

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

 maxillae (Fig. 415), and by the termination of these 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 divi- 

 sion of the group, the tribe of the GEODEPHAGA, is composed of 

 two very large families, the Cicindelidce and the Carabidce, charac- 

 terised 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 ap- 

 proached, and alight again at a short distance. The larvaa burrow 

 in the earth, forming a cylindrical hole of considerable depth ; 

 in the process of excavation 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 as- 

 cend, resting at intervals, and fixing 

 themselves to the inner walls of their 

 burrow by the assistance of two 

 hooked tubercles on the back ; when 



Pv||r \ 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 larvae of 



FIG. 436. CICINDF.LA CAMPESTRIS, 

 AND LARVA. 



