84 PLATE DXL. 
Dytiscus LATERALI-MARGINATUS. Degeer. I. 4s p. 396. 
Dyrtiscus ee “ae zool dan. prodr. p. 70. n. 664. 
Dytiscus punctatus. Oliv. $. 40. 22. 4.4. If. 6. 6. and f. 
Dytiscus ne eee Marfh. Ent. Brit. T. I. p. 412. 
7. OF 
This in common with the other fpecies of the Dytifcus genus 18 
found in marthes, ponds, and other waters, particularly thofe of the 
ftagnant kind, and which abound moft with the refufe of animal 
{ubftances, and aquatic plants. 
The larva, like the reft of its tribe, is active, fierce, and vigorous ; 
entirely aquatic and fubfifts on the other fimall imhabitants of the 
regions in which it lives, fuch as the larva of the Ephemere, the Phry- 
ganz and many other creatures of the infeét race that fpend the earlier 
ftage of their exiftence in the watery element ; and alfo on the vermes 
which in fuch fituations occur invariably, and in confiderable numbers. 
In their turn the larve of the Dytifci become the food of fithes, and 
aquatic birds, but rarely fall a prey to the infe¢t race, as their 
natural ftrength, and the powerful armament of their jaws, at leaft im 
the larger fpecies, enables them to maintain a decided fuperiority 
over thefe puny enemies. 
c ‘ : AY 
_ Previous to its paffing into the pupa ftate, the larva of this fpecies 
emerges from the bottom of the water, and forms a convenient 
receptacle for the purpofe in fome adjacent bank, or fpot of ground 
near the water's edge; this accomplifhed, it changes to the pupa, and 
after a while appears in the winged ttate—-Having affumed this 
form 
