()0 COLEOPTERA. 



they were designed, may be seen in the orga- 

 nization of their mandibles. They are large, 

 arched, strongly toothed, and come together 

 when the mouth is closed ; but the moment tlie 

 insect calls them into action, they fly open, se- 

 parate to a considerable distance, and seize 

 their prey with a pinch not to be resisted. 



The Cicindelae are very active, running along 

 the ground with great celerity. They often use 

 their wings in fine warm weather, but never 

 fly far without settling. In general they are 

 found in dry and sandy places. 



The larva? are cylindrical, soft and whitish; 

 they have six legs, a sort of scale or plate on the 

 top of the head, and a mouth armed with two 

 strong jaws. Their appetite is the same as that of 

 the perfect insect ; they are equally voracious, 

 but being less active, are obliged to use the fol- 

 lowing stratagem to secure their prey. The larva 

 digs a deep cylindrical hole in the ground, mak- 

 ing the opening perfectly round, which it ex- 

 actly fills with the scaly plate on the top of its 

 head, so that the surface of the ground appears 

 perfect. In this state, the larva waits with the 



