COLEOPTERA. 471 
whose larva, covered with yellowish hairs, has at its extremity a 
sort of broom, which assists it in moving. 
The Anthrenus museorum, the fifteenth of an inch in length, 
black, with three grey bands, drives collectors to despair, for its 
larva destroys their collections. It is covered with grey and 
brownish hairs, which it bristles up the moment it is touched. 
The perfect insect feeds on flowers, and counterfeits death when 
seized. All possible means have been tried for getting rid of the 
Anthrenus by placing in the collection camphor, benzine, tobacco, 
sulphur, &c., but benzine very soon destroys them. 

























































































Fig. 470.—Hydrophilus piceus. 
The Hydrophili, very different to the group which we shall 
presently consider, are herbivorous, and are to be found on the 
leaves of aquatic plants. The Hydrophilus piceus (Fig. 470), which 
attains to an inch in length, is common in our fresh waters. It 
must not be seized without taking precautions; as its breast is 
provided with a strong point, which pierces the skin. It draws 
in air by thrusting its antenne out of the water, and placing them 
against its body, the bubbles of air, which get involved in a sort 
of furrow, slip under the body, and fix themselves to the hairs, 
