298 



COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 



The mandibles are well developed, and the integument 

 generally is hard. The legs are strong, for the Beetles 

 are among the most powerful running Insects. The lar- 

 vae are worm-like, and the pnpa is motionless. The high- 

 est tribes are carnivorous. The most prominent forms 



Fig. 268.— Sexton Beetles (Necrophorus vespillo), with larva and nymph. They are 

 burying a mouse, preparatory to laying their eggs in it. / 



are the savage but beautiful Tiger Beetles (Cicindela) ; 

 the common Ground Beetles (Carabus), whose hind wings 

 are often absent; the Diving Beetles (Dytiscus), with 

 boat-shaped body, and hind legs changed into oars; the 

 Carrion Beetles (SMpha), distinguished by their black, flat 



