WEAPON OF THE DYTICUS. 



55 



family, it will be described at greater length than can be af- 

 forded to the generality of insects. 



Several details whicli mark tlie Beetles of this genus are 

 given on Woodcut No. G. At Fig. a is a magnified representa- 

 tion of a most curious development of structure. If one of 

 these Beetles be examined on the under side, the metasternum 



1. Agabiis biguttatus. 2. Hydrophilus duodecim-pustulatus. 3. Haliplus variegatus. 

 4. Cnemidotus cresus. 5. Pelobius Herniaiini. a. Dyticus, process of mota^^tprir.-.m. *. 



Dyticus, maxillary ) alpus. c. Dyticus, aulerior leg of male. d. D>ticus, laLial palpi. 



e. Gyrinus, posterior leg. /. Gyrinus, antenna. 



■vvill be seen to have a forked and rather sharp projection from 

 its centre, the points being directed to the end of the abdomen. 

 What may be the object of tliis curious appendage is not easy 

 to say ; certain, however, it is, that it can be used as a 

 vreapon on some occasions. 



When, for example, an unpractised entomologist catches 

 one of these Beetles in his hand, and has taken care to keep his 



