66 POPULAE ENTOMOLOGY. 



from the freedom with which it moves its formidable jaws. 

 The female Beetle spins a silken bag for her eggs, in which 

 they float about until hatched ; the perfect insect may be 

 found as early as January in ponds and stagnant waters. 



COLEOPTEEA. SlLPHID^. 



SILPHA. 



Generic Distinctions. — Antennce slightly compressed, and thick- 

 ening gradually from the seventh joint to the apex ; palpi, two 

 pair fixed to the maxillee and under lip ; mandibles not notched ; 

 elytra rounded behind ; tarsi five-jointed -, body formed somewhat 

 like a shield. 



SiLPHA QUADRiPUNCTATA. (Plate II.) Black and shin- 

 ing, with the elytra and sides of the thorax light yellow or 

 buff, with rounded spots of black. Length, five or six lines 

 (the line is the twelfth part of an inch) . 



There are about a dozen species of Silpha in Britain, 

 most of which are pitchy, or black, in colour ; they frequent 

 carrion, and are of infinite service in freeing the earth from 

 putrid substances. 



