G(i 



zooLor;r 



than those of the two prececlinc; famihcs, l)ut they have other 

 very similar instincts. On account of their Uving on decaying 

 vegetation they do not mo\'e so rapidly tlirough the water as 

 the Dytiscidie. Tluy have heavier and clumsier bodies. They 

 carry a film of air on the lower surface of the bod}' where the 

 air-tubes open, and thus they are enabled to spend a long time 

 on the bottom ^vithout ha^^ng to come to the surface. 



The short-winged beetles (Staph"3din'ida:'') are so called be- 

 cause the elytra cover onl}' a short part of the abdomen (Fig. 

 07). Consequently they are not eapalile of 

 long flight and are found chieflj'on the ground. 

 The family consists of a vast number of species 

 varying greatly in tlieir beha\aor, but for the 



I//, |;...i most part they are lovers of darkness, contact, 



/^|v-J:;' A and moisture. In consecjuence of these in- 

 stincts they are abundant under stones and in 

 decaying wood and along shores of lakes and 

 seas where debris is cast on the beach. They 

 devour both animal and vegetable matter. 

 Indeed, the family includes the great terres- 

 trial scavengers among beetles. Their elon- 

 gated bodjr permits them to penetrate into woody fibre or into 

 the earth for deca3dng vegetable mold. Since their reactions 

 are much like those of ants and of termites they are frequently 

 found associated with these two gi'oups, being even permanent 

 and regular guests in the nest of such insects. Some species 

 mimic ants and wasps not onl>' in general form and color, but 

 also in the movements of the tip of the al)domcn, which, when 

 the animal is irritated, is raised as though to sting fFig. 68). 

 The larva? are not unlike the adults and inhabit siinilar situations. 



^ Stapl'ijlinui', a kind of insect, fi'om slaplti/h:', bunch, of grapes. 



Fio. 67.— Aataptiy- 

 linid Anthophagus. 

 From Packard. 



