Systematic Course. 25 
ed by tiger-beetles to any large extent in India, but other injurious 
species are also likely to be kept down by them. The larva is said to 
construct holes in the ground, where it lies in wait for passing insects. 
To aid it in climbing up the steep sides of its burrow, it has a pair 
of large hooks on the dorsal surface of the abdomen, which give it a 
curious hump-backed appearance. Some.of .the beetles mimic ants. 
The School Museum contains specimens of the beetle for the students 
to examine and sketch. 
Carabide (Ground-beetles).—These insects are very numerous in India. 
They are much like Cicindelide in appearance, but can be readily 
distinguished by their smaller heads and horizontally set mandibles. 
Like the Cicindelidz, they are predaceous in their habits and devour 
other insects. The larve of the migratory locust of North-West 
India (Acridium peregrinum, Oliv.) have been noticed as very largely 
destroyed by a species of Carabide belonging to the genus Calosoma, 
and other destructive insects also are likely to be kept down by them. 
The Museum contains a number of specimens for examination. 
Dermestid@.—These are small obscure insects with deflexed heads and 
weak legs. Most of the common Indian species are covered with 
"pubescence. The larve are hairy grubs which attack dried animal 
and vegetable matter of all kinds, When full fed, the larve hide 
themselves away, sometimes burrowing into hard wood to obtain a 
safe retreat, They area great nuisance in museums, and also do a 
good deal of damage to leather and other stored goods, including 
wheat. Skins that have been thoroughly treated with arsenical soap 
are not attacked by them. The Museum contains specimens of the 
species Dermestes vulpinus in various stages of development, which 
the students should examine and sketch. 
Lucanide (Stag-beetles).—These are large insects, the males with enor- 
mously developed mandibles. They can be recognised by their 
peculiar elbowed antenne with flattened terminal joints. The females 
are said to lay their eggs in the bark of trees near the roots. The 
larve are curved fleshy grubs with strong mandibles. Most of the 
species are believed to live in rotten wood, but the fact that ten per 
cent. of the oaks around Naini Tal have been reported as tunnelled by 
them shows that they also damage more or less sound wood, The life 
of the larva is said to last for from ‘two to six years, but no very 
definite observations seem to have ‘been made upon the subject in India. 
Wher full grown, the larva is said to construct a cocoon of chips in 
the burrow from which the beetle afterwards emerges. The beetles 
are said to feed on the sap which exudes from wounds on trees. The 
students should sketch a few representative specimens in the Museum, 
paying particular attention to the antenna. 
