INSECTS COLEOPTERA DIAGRAM 6. 113 



seized. When the time comes for them to undergo their first 

 metamorphosis, they leave the water, and dig a hole in the ground 

 on the bank, closed on all sides. There the larva changes 

 into a pupa, and this into a perfect insect. 



The titaplyUnidce may be known by their square elytra much 

 shorter than the abdomen, the segments of which extend beyond 

 the wings. Their antenna) are inserted in front of the eyes. 

 They run quickly and fly easily. When they alight, they im- 

 mediately hide their wings under their elytra ; but as the latter 

 are very short, the wings must be folded three or four times to 

 fit under them. When threatened by danger, they raise the end 

 of their abdomen straight up. There are many kinds of sta- 

 plylinidee, most of which are very small ; the largest and com- 

 monest is popularly called the Devil's Coach-horse ; it is quite 

 black, and is found running on pathways. They are all very 

 voracious, and eat either insects or carrion, they also eat one 

 another. The staplylinida) are generally to be met with in damp 

 places, especially under stones. 



In looking for insects it should be remembered that one of the 

 best methods of finding them is to turn up as many stones as 

 possible, and the largest which can be found ; for a great num- 

 ber of insects always select such hiding places, and are sure to 

 be met with there. 



The Buprestida have elytra which cover the whole abdomen, 

 and have also antennse serrated like saws. One common species 

 is a small insect of a beautiful bronzy green. The larva lives 

 in wood ; the perfect insect lives on trees and flowers ; the 

 Buprestidee are very like the click-beetles, but do not jump like 

 them. They fly swiftly. When seized, they contract their legs 

 and sham death. They remain thus for a very long time motion- 

 less, and it is only by little and little that they begin to move 

 one leg, then two, and then they fly away very quickly as soon 

 as they believe that the danger is over. 



The Elateridce, or Click-leetles also sham death like the Bupres- 

 tidee when an attempt is made to seize them, and let themselves 



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