BEETLES. 



173 



the top of the back ; and there is generally a little tri- 

 angular piece between the bases of the wings, called the 

 scutclkim. The hind, or under wings, are thin, and 

 when the insect is not flying are folded and concealed 

 by the horn-like upper wings. The colors of Beetles 

 are often exceedingly beautiful and brilliant, rivaling 

 even those of precious stones and of birds. 



Beetles have two pairs of jaws, which move sidewise, 

 by means of which they bite their food, which in some 

 cases consists of other insects, in others of leaves or 

 other parts of plants. In the larva state. Beetles are 

 called grubs. The kinds are very numerous, probably 

 not less than a hundred thousand in all. 



Tiger Beetles. 



These are very common in warm sandy places, and 

 may be seen in the roads in the country every pleas- 



Fig. 2g2. — Common 

 Tiger Keetle. 



Fig. 293. — Larva of 

 Tiger Beetle. 



Fig. 294. — Hairy-necked 

 Tiger Beetle. 



ant day. They are very beautifully and often splen- 

 didly colored, and have a large head, large eyes, and 

 toothed jaws. They run rapidly, and fly when ap 

 proached, but soon alight again. They devour great 



