U'A TER-BEETLES. 



FIG. Co. LAKVA OF DYTICI'S. 



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 Jive 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 larva? prepare to assume their pupa state ; for that pur- 

 pose 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, b.) 



Some naturalists are pleased to find in the rapacious race of 

 beetles, the representatives of the eagles and the falcons among 

 the feathered tribes : both are equally organized to combat and 

 to kill both strike at living game, and consequently must stand 

 pre-eminent in strength and courage. But, as amongst the flesh- 

 devouring birds, species exist possessing more ignoble attributes, 

 not formed for open battle, but content to appease their ravenous 

 appetites with carrion and such offal, so among the insects nume- 

 rous tribes exist, whose prey is garbage, and whose whole employ- 

 ment seems to be to search for and remove the dead remains of 

 other animals. Everywhere these scavengers are busy : some 

 frequent the muddy margins of our pools and ditches, eagerly in 



