114 BRITISH INSECTS. 



plate IV., fig. 13. It is sometimes requisite to dig six or seven 

 inches into the wood before they are found. 



BANKS OF PONDS AND ROOTS or GRASS. These are a never 

 failing source of collecting, which may be followed at all sea- 

 sons of the year, and in general with great success ; those 

 banks are to be preferred which have the morning or noon- 

 day sun. 



BANKS OF RIVERS, SANDY SEA SHORE, &c. These situa- 

 tions afford a great variety of Cokoptera, Crustacea, &c. The 

 dead carcases of animals thrown on the shore should be 

 examined, as they are the receptacles and food of Silphiodce, 

 Staphilinidce, &c. May and June are the best seasons for col- 

 lecting these insects. 



DEAD ANIMALS, AND DRIED BONES, should be constantly 

 examined, for these are the natural habitats of several insects. 

 It is not uncommon for country people to hang dead moles on 

 bushes ; under these the Entomologist should place his net, 

 and shake the boughs on which they are hung, as many of the 

 Coleopteru generally inhabit these. 



FUNGI AND FLOWERS. These are the constant abode of in- 

 sects, and many curious species will be found on them. 



It is a mistaken idea that insects are only to be found in 

 summer, as they are to be met with, either in a living or pupa 

 state, at all seasons. Dried moss, beneath the bark of trees, 

 and under stones, are extremely likely places to find insects in 

 winter; and even then, the Entomologist is more likely to 

 procure some of the rare species, than in, summer, as these 

 are ranging in search of food, and in situations hidden from 

 view. 



At this season, if the weather is mild, the pupae of Lepidop- 

 tera will be found at the roots of trees, more especially those 

 of the elm, oak, lime, &c., or beneath the underwood, close to 

 the trees, and these frequently at the depth of some inches 

 under the ground. 



In the months of June, July, and August, the woods are the 

 best places to search for insects. Most of the Butterflies are 

 taken in those months, flying about in the day-time only. 

 Moths are either found at break of day, or at twilight in the 

 evening. The following method of taking Moths is pointed 



