BEETLES 193 



or fruits ; but against this must be set a multitude of species which are bene- 

 ficial. The latter feed on carrion, dung, and other refuse, acting thus as 

 Nature's dustmen, others devour aphides and other insects, whilst the Glow- 

 worm, for example, is the foe of snails and slugs. 



Some Common British Beetles. 



Sub-order i. ADEPHAGA (from the Greek adephagos, " ravenous "). 



This name is given because many of the beetles included are carnivorous 

 and predaceous creatures, moving swiftly after the caterpillars, snails, and 

 small insects on which they feed. Some live on the ground (geodephaga), 

 others in water. They have filiform or thread-like antennae ; five joints to 

 their feet, the legs being long and slender ; mouth parts, as is obvious, adapted 

 for their carnivorous habits. 



Family : Cicindelidce" TIGER " BEETLES. 



The eggs are laid in the ground. The larvae have dark horny heads, 

 and curious angular bodies, the eighth segment carrying two spines curving 

 backwards. They make a burrow about a foot deep, using the spines as climb- 

 ing hooks. When complete, the larva remains at the top with its head pro- 

 truding, awaiting its prey, which is seized and conveyed into the burrow. 

 The full-grown beetles have long thin legs, adapted for running. 



C. campestris (Fig. i), the Green Tiger Beetle. About inch long ; bright 

 green, tinged at the edges and on the legs with coppery red, five whitish 

 yellow spots on the wing-cases. Common, found in sandy places ; especially 

 fond of sunshine. 



C. germanica (Fig. 2), Small Tiger. The smallest British "Tiger," dark 

 green, with a few faint spots. Found in grassy places ; seeks safety by run- 

 ning, unlike the other species, which usually take to the wing. 



C. sylvatica, the Wood Tiger Beetle. Larger than the Green Tiger Beetle ; 

 coppery black, with irregular whitish marks on the elytra, well-pitted. Found 

 locally on sandy heaths in Surrey and Hants. 



Blethisa multipunctata (Fig. 3). Thorax flat and squarish. Found near 

 pools and in damp meadows, often in decaying vegetation. 



Family : Carabida CARNIVOROUS GROUND BEETLES. 



A large family (thirteen thousand known species in the world) ; generally 

 black. Very useful, as they feed on worms, larvae, and insects. Foot five- 

 jointed ; antennae thread-like. Many species have only rudimentary wings, 

 having lost the power of flight. Found under moss, stones, bark, dung, etc. 



Cvchms rostratus (the only British representative of this genus). Black ; 



(2,178) 13 



