CHAP XV. FAMILIES OF COLEOPTERA. 



SUB-CLASS II. (Clavicornes.) 



95 



These insects may be divided into two Tribes, as follows: 



TRIBE I. Water Scavenger-beetles. These Beetles are 

 aquatic in their habits, and usually feed upon decayed vege- 

 table matter; they generally have the rntennse strongly clavate, 

 and the palpi are sometimes longer ti.an the antennae. They 

 belong to two Families, as follows:. 



LONG-TOED WATER-BEETLES (Parnidse, . These insects have 

 the last joint of each foot very long, the feet sometimes are 

 only four-jointed, the palpi are moderate in length and the legs 

 are not fitted for swimming 



The larvae are furnished with six legs, and the adults are 

 arc usually found in moist or wet places. 



SHORT-TOED WATER-BEETLES (Hydrophilidds). In these 

 Beetles the last joint of each foot is not much longer than the 

 other joints; the palpi are very long, and the legs are usually 

 fitted for swimming. 



Fig. 245. 



The larva? of a few species are predaceous, but the greater 

 number of them feed upon decomposing matter; they are pro- 

 vided with six legs. The Triangular Water-beetle (Fig. 245)* 

 belongs to this Family. 



* The larva (a) and pupa (c) are not those of the beetle figured at b; e is au eeg 

 case; d the same cut open; /, an antenna; g, anterior foot of female; h, same of a 

 male; i, side view of the spine on the breast. 



