240 POPULAR ENTOMOLOGY. 



In spite of this alarming account, the best wish I can 

 give the young naturalist is, that one of these beautiful 

 creatures may come within his net, that he may have an 

 opportunity of admiring its magnificent size and singular 

 colouring, and of adding a somewhat rare insect to his 

 collection. 



COLEOPTERA. HELOPHOEID^E. 



HELOPHORUS. 



Generic Distinctions. Antennae of nine joints, and clubbed; 

 palpi moderately long, the last joint thickened and oval ; body 

 oblong and depressed ; legs not ciliated (hairy), though the beetle 

 is aquatic. 



HELOPHORUS AQUATICUS is about a quarter of an inch 

 in length, of a dull brassy-brown, with the elytra greyish. 

 This family comprises a few genera of minute aquatic 

 beetles, which seem to form a connecting link between the 

 true water and land-beetles ; they creep very slowly, and 

 may often be observed in muddy water, and on aquatic 

 plants ; sometimes in fine weather they leave the water 

 and take flight ; in some genera the palpi are very long. 



