VIOLET GROUND AND BOMBARDIER BEETLES 



in ambush for their prey. The species under review is 

 fond of sandy, or gravelly, soil, and revels in hot sun- 

 shine. It is adorned with a bright green dress, spotted 

 with yellow. Both as a larva and imago it partakes of 

 an insectivorous diet, and may be regarded as a friend 

 of the gardener. Of the larger number of Carnivorous 

 Ground Beetles. Family Carabidce, whose clean bodies 

 are so often commented upon when one suddenly dis- 

 turbs a specimen from beneath the soil, we may select 

 the Violet Ground Beetle [Carahus violaceous, see Frontis- 

 piece), and the Bombardier {Brachinus crepitans). These, 

 too, are of predaceous habits, the majority feeding at 

 dark, and hiding under stones, logs, and elsewhere by 

 day. It is always a good idea when in the country to 

 turn over stones, logs, fallen tree-stumps, old sacks, and 

 other debris so as to ascertain if any creatures are in 

 hiding underneath. The searcher is more often than 

 not rewarded. The Violet Ground Beetle should not 

 be killed as, being carnivorous, it does good in feeding 

 upon soft-bodied insects and grubs contained in the 

 soil. The popular name of " Slug Killer " given by 

 gardeners to the larva of C. violaceous is sufficient testi- 

 mony of its usefulness. The adult is, as its name im- 

 plies, dark violet-blue, and as proving that there are 

 exceptions to every rule, this species has its elytra fastened 

 together, and the under wings are not developed. There- 

 fore it cannot fly. 



The Bombardier Beetle {Brachinus crepitans), is chiefly 

 notorious because it has the habit of discharging from 



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