120 



COLEOPTERA. 



The young of these water beetles are as active and fero- 

 cious as the adult insects; although widely differing in 

 point of form. These larvse, not inappropriately distin- 

 guished by the name of " water tigers," have some resem- 



FlG. 80. LAKY A OF DYTICUS. 



blance to a scolopendra, being composed of a succession 

 of scaly rings, and they are, moreover, furnished with six 

 strong and well-jointed legs, by means of which they run 

 about with considerable rapidity. The head, which is 

 attached to the body by a flexible neck, is broad, and 

 composed of strong horny plates, adapted to support the 

 formidable jaws, which are powerful hooked fangs, moving 

 laterally, and so sharp that woe -betide the unfortunate 

 creature upon which they lay hold. Thus armed, these 

 butchers live upon other aquatic animals, upon which they 

 rush with all the vivacity of a shark or pike, not sparing 

 even individuals of their own species. After having 

 several times cast their skin, these larvae prepare to 

 assume their pupa state ; for that purpose, they creep out 

 of the water, and bury themselves in the moist earth, in 

 the vicinity of their native pond, each scooping out for 

 itself an oval cavity wherein to pass the assigned time of 

 helplessness and inactivity. (Fig. 80, 6.) 



