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Genus XXIX. STAPHYLINUS. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Antenna moniliform. Palpi four. Elytra half 

 the length of the abdomen, and covering the 

 wings. Tail simple, with two oblong vesi- 

 cles, which the insect can protrude or con- 

 tract at pleasure. Tarsi with five articula- 

 tions in each foot. 



General Observations, 



This genus, which bears some resemblance 

 to the following, may be easily distinguished by 

 the want of pincers at the end of the abdomen, 

 with which the earwig is always provided. 

 The Staphylini have a long body and short 

 wing-cases, which in some species are so small, 

 that without particular attention they may be 

 overlooked. They are very voracious, devour- 

 ing without mercy every weaker insect, not 

 excepting their own species. When irritated 

 they erect their tail in a menacing manner, 

 and protrude from it the two vesicles mention- 



H3 



