o2 COLEOPTERA. 



The habits of the insects comprising this order are various. We find 

 among them some of the most beneficial insects as well as some of the 

 most noxious. 



The number of living species has been estimated at between 60,000 and 

 80,000. In the Check List of the Coleoptera of America, North of Mex- 

 ico, by G. R. Crotch, 7,450 species are enumerated as belonging to that 

 region. 



The order is divided into many families, only a few of which can be dis- 

 cussed here. 



CiCINDELlD.E {Tiger Beetles.) 



Green, purplish or black beetles, with large heads, 

 prominent eyes, large mandibles armed with strong 

 teeth, and the terminal hook of the maxillai articulated 

 at its base. The elytra are usually marked with white 

 or yellow bars, lunules or dots. The legs are long and 

 slender. They frequent dry sandy places, the banks 

 of streams and road sides. They are predaceous, cap- 

 turing their prey either by running or flying. 



The larvae also are predaceous, capturing their prey 



by lying concealed at the entrance of a hole which 



they dig in the ground. They may be recognized by 



a dorsal hook on the fifth abdominal segment. 



y^u^ Our common species belong to the genus Cicindela.* 



CarabiD/E {Ground Beetles.) 



' ^1 The beetles of this family vary much in appearance. 



The most familiar examples are the long-legged black 

 beetles, so common under sticks and stones. Most 

 species are predaceous, and thus render great service 

 /-^■■■^ I ^Q ^y,g agriculturist. They run very swiftly. In many 

 species the wings arc wanting, and in some the elytra 

 are soldered together. 



"fur a synopsis of the nutivc species of Cicindela. See Say's Entomology Vol. U., P 



