228 GRAMMAR OF ENTOMOLOGY. 



bones, and also strongly-scented flowers. Cathe- 

 retes, Meligethes, Strongylus, Nitidula, Thy- 

 malus. 



761. Carrion-beetles (Silphites). Larva gla- 

 brous, depressed, attenuated posteriorly ; very 

 active. Inhabits putrefying animal substances. 

 Pupa changes mostly in the earth. Imago with 

 antennae clavated or moniliform, externally incras- 

 sated ; mandibles strong, pointed, and prominent ; 

 head capable of being bent vertically, and con- 

 cealed by the pro thorax, but not withdrawn into 

 it; prothorax as wide as the body. Inhabits 

 putrid animal substances, as dead birds, mice, 

 rats, &c. which it buries in the earth as receptacles 

 for its eggs ; flight diurnal and nocturnal ; scent 

 very offensive. Silpha, Necrophorus, Choleva, 

 Catops, Ptomaphayus, Scaphidium, Scaphiosoma. 



762. Globe-beetles (Spheridiites). Larva in- 

 habits and feeds on the dung of horses and cows. 

 Pupa changes in the same situations. Imago 

 with antennae clavated ; club distinct and abrupt ; 

 form nearly spherical or oval. Inhabits and feeds 

 as in the larva state ; runs and flies with rapidity 

 in the sunshine. Sphceridium, Cercyon. 



763. Herbivorous water-beetles (Hydrophilitei). 

 Larva elongate, attenuated posteriorly, active, car- 

 nivorous, aquatic ; head large, with long curved 

 mandibles. Pupa changes in the earth or under 

 dung. Imago with clavated antenna? ; mandibles 

 strong and obtusely toothed ; maxillary feelers 



