42 



Haipalus caliginoszis, Fabr. (fig. 24) is another member of the family under considera- 

 tion, and is true to its family instincts. It is narrower in outline, 

 than the two preceding insects, and is not so handsomely marked ; it 

 is of a dull black colour. This beetle is an enemy to the Colorado 

 Potato Beetle and the army-worm. 



An allied species, Harpalus Pennsylvanicus, DeGeer, is more com- 

 mon than the last. In Fig. 25 we give an illustration of the perfect 

 insect, and in Fig. 26, of the larva. 



The larva is about an inch and a quarter in length, is of a shin- 

 ing brown-black colour above, and a dull-whitish beneath. According 

 to Mr. Riley it is an efficient destroyer of the larva of the Plum Cur- 

 culio, which it seeks in their underground hiding-place and merci- 

 lessly devours. 



In the Western States this larva has been found feeding on 

 the eggs of the Eocky Mountain Locust, Caloptenus Sjyretus, Thomas, 

 and another Harpalus larva was found engaged in the same credit- 

 able labour. 



Another member of this family, the Elongate Ground Beetle, 

 Pasimachup, elongatus, Lec, is also one of the insect enemies of the 

 Colorado Potato Beetle, also of the Bocky Mountain Locust, and of 

 the Army Worm. This beetle is of rather elegant form, and is 

 bright-black in colour, with a deep blue margin. 



The last insect of the Carniverous Ground Beetles which we 

 will mention specially, is a little Bombardier beetle : Brachinus 

 Fig. 25. fumans, Linn., of which we give an illustration in Fig. 27. 



This insect with other members of the 

 Brachinus family, have an extraordinary 

 power of ejecting, from glands near the tail, 

 an irritating fluid, which is doubtless a 

 means of defence against its more powerful 

 neighbours. A writer in the American 

 Fig. 26. - Entomologist, vol. 2, p. 30, thus relates his 



experience with one of these Bombardier beetles : — " Upon one occasion when 



we were collecting insects and — as often happens — saw at the same moment 

 two rapidly running beetles, both of which we were desirous to capture, we 

 thoughtlessly put one of the two, which happened to be a Bombardier, between 

 our lips so as to hold him securely while we caught and disposed of the other 

 one. Forthwith he fired away the customary discharge of blue smoke from his 

 tail ; and the next intant our lips felt as if a bottle of the strongest aquafortis 



had been emptied upon them. But we were not to be fooled thus. The more 

 he blazed away the tighter we held him ; and after a copious discharge of saliva 



" * from our mouth, the disagreeable sensation passed off in some five minutes, 

 without any further unpleasant results." 



This ejection of fluid is accompanied by a crackling explosion and blue smoke or va- 

 pour in which the little artilleryman makes good his escape from ordinary insect enemies. 



In Kansas, the Brachinus Kansanus, Lec, has been found attacking the larvae of the 

 ubiquitous Colorado Potato Beetle. 



A great deal more might be added of the services rendered to the agriculturist and 

 gardeners by various members of the Carabidce family, but we think sufficient has been 

 given to show that they are among the most valuable of our insect friends and worthy of 

 protection. 



The Carabidce are the carnivorgps land insects par excellence, while their great voracity, 

 their powerful physique, and their great numbers, make them one of .the most efficient 

 means of keeping insect pests within bounds. The family is very large, fortunately, and 

 is compared by Michelet to an immense tribe of warriors, armed to the teeth, which, 

 under their heavy cuirasses, have a wonderful activity, are a perfect rural constabulary. 



