2500LOGY. 



26. Hijdrophilus* Antennae clavate, perfoliate, fig. 10.^, 

 plate 3 ; hind-legs as in the last genus. 



The insects of this and the preceding genus, are inhabi- 

 tants of ponds, and stagnant waters; they swim with 

 great dexterity ; their hind legs are particularly fitted for 

 their residence in the water, being thin and fiat, and having 

 the inner edges furnished with stiff hair-like appendages, which 

 act as fins or oars ; the males are distinguished from the 

 females, by having a horny flap or shield on the fore legs, 

 near the setting on of the feet. The larvae, (as is common 

 with aquatic insects,) remain a long time in the imperfect 

 state, some two to four years; they secrete themselves in 

 holes in banks, and devour other insects, worms, and the 

 young fry of fish : which they destroy by sucking out their 

 juices. , , 



27. Cardbus, Antennce setaceous; thorax flat, subcor- 

 date, margined ; wing-covers margined ; abdomen ovate. 



A numerous tribe of insects, exceedingly active; they 

 devour the larvae, and likewise all other insects they can 

 overcome ; their larvae are found under-ground, or in decay- 

 ing wood. 



28. Tenehrio. Antennce moniliform, having the last joint 

 rounded, fig. 20, plate 3 ; thorax plano-convex, mar- 

 gined ; /lead projecting ; wing-covers ^ii^sh* 



29. Meloe. Antennce moniliform, the last joint ovate, fig, 

 21, plate 3 ; thorax roufldishj wing-covers soft, flexile ; 

 /leac/inflected. ^ ^ 



