122 CARNIVOROUS BEETLES; CARABUXffi. 



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. 



702. The family of Carabidce is of very great extent ; above 

 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 

 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, 

 immediately 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 tropi- 

 BEETLE. ca j regions ; but the small species represented in the 

 accompanying figure, is a native of England. The Bombardier 

 Beetles for the most part live in societies, especially in spring ; 

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



