22 INSECTS AT HOME. 



the latter ought to he encouraged and protected as far as pos- 

 sible. Their bodies are long and flattish, so as to enable them 

 to run about under the bark in search of prey. The maxilla of 

 a Dromius is shoA\m on Woodcut II. Fig. a. 



On the same illustration, at Fig. 1, is shown a Beetle which 

 may be accepted as the type of the genus. Its name is Dro- 

 mius quadrimacidatus, the latter name being given to it on 

 account of the four white marks upon the elytra. The head of 

 this species is black, and the thorax is rust-red. The elytra 

 are brown, and each of them has two white spots, as shown in 

 the illustration. The length of the Beetle is designated by 

 the line drawn by its side. It can be taken in various localities. 

 Throughout the year it can mostly be found by removing the 

 dead bark of trees, but in winter it can sometimes be found 

 under stones and in heaps of decaying«leaves. 



The word Dromius is of Greek origin, signifying a runner, 

 and is given to the members of this genus in consequence of 

 their activity. 



The members of the genus Tarus can be known by examining 

 the structure of their mouths, and especially by looking at the 

 labial palpi, which have the last joint very large, and sbaped 

 like an axe-head. This shape is technically termed by ento- 

 mologists ' securiform,' from the Latin word securis, an axe or 

 hatchet. The figure d, of Woodcut No. II., represents the 

 labial palpi of a Tarus, and will at once explain the shape 

 which the word securiform expresses. 



On the same Woodcut, at Fig. 3, is drawn the owner of the 

 securiform palpi in question, Tarus axillaris. 



Three members of this genus are known to inhabit England. 

 They are little Beetles, long bodied, and very flat, so as to 

 enable them to creep into small crevices. They are sombre in 

 hue, and not very easily distinguished from each other. Indeed, 

 even expert entomologists have been perplexed about these 

 Beetles, and some confusion has, in consequence, arisen respect- 

 ing their nomenclature. 



The present species is rather less than the third of an inch 

 in length. Its colour is pitchy-black, but the thorax, legs, and 

 antennse are reddish, and the latter are downy at the tips. 

 The elytra are very polished, and have bold striae covered with 



