COLEOPTERA. 321 



the mouth of which they watch for prey. This 

 tribe of Beetles is usually green or purple, with 

 some white spots. 



The Carabi, or Ground-beetles, seem to have the 

 same instincts, but are not quite so evidently gifted 

 and fitted for them. They rarely, if ever fly, and 

 though they are swift in running, are less so than 

 the preceding ; their legs are shorter, their jaws less 

 sharp, their eyes less prominent. Still they are 

 highly predaceous, devouring any other insects ; the 

 larger species even often preying on the smaller. 

 Some are furnished with a highly caustic liquor, 

 which is discharged in self-defence ; it causes a 

 smarting pain to the skin, and gives out a strong 

 acid smell. Sometimes it is attended with a smoke, 

 like the discharge of a little gun, as in the Bom- 

 bardiers (Brachinus). Some of this tribe are of ra- 

 ther large size, ornamented with beautiful colours, 

 golden-green, coppery, or black with purple gloss. 



Another tribe of powerful and rapacious Beetles 

 is known by the name of Water-beetles (Dyticus). 

 They are of a flattened oval shape, convex above 

 and below, with no prominences, a form well adapted 

 for swift motion in water : their hind feet are fringed 

 with stiff hairs, forming broad and powerful oars. 

 They swarm in every pool ; and may frequently be 

 seen coming to the surface, where they thrust the 

 extremity of the abdomen out of water, to breathe ; 

 but on the slightest alarm, down they dart and scuttle 

 awa}/ among the mud. The larvtz have a soft body 

 tapering to the tail, somewhat hairy, with a hard 



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