GARDEN INSECTS. 



177 



short work of any vegetable-feeding beetle, mollusc, or earth- 

 worm, which they may come across. Nor is it only as perfect 

 insects that they are of service : the larvae are equally useful. 

 These elongated creatures, like the perfect insects, are pro- 

 vided with formidable jaws, while at the other extremity of the 

 body are two horny processes each armed with a sharp point. 

 Unfortunately little is known of the larval life of beetles 

 generally, as, unlike the larvae of many lepidopterous insects, 

 their habits are such that they cannot be readily observed. 



On the Continent there is another most useful garden 

 Carabus (C. auratus). It is a veritable gem as regards colouring, 

 the brilliant metallic green wing- 

 cases, with golden reflections, 

 being indescribably beautiful. 

 From time to time specimens of 

 this insect have been captured 

 on produce consigned to the 

 London and other markets ; but 

 we cannot with good grace claim 

 it as a native. In France it is 

 as common as the three species 

 with us already noted ; and it is 

 always welcomed by the horti- 

 culturist, as it keeps in check 

 hose pests the cockchafers. 



Equally well known as the 

 Ground beetles, though not as 

 useful, are the pretty and somewhat variable " Sunshiners " 

 (Amara), which from childhood's day one is taught to protect ; 

 for to kill them is to bring rain. On any fine warm day in 

 spring these beetles may be found darting hither and thither in 

 bright sunshine, or maybe making use of their ample wings. 

 Amongst these we find both animal and vegetable feeders, but 

 the good done by the majority more than atones for the 

 delinquencies of the one or two which eat the seeds of certain 

 plants. A. aulica is the largest of the familiar " Sunshiners " ; 

 it measures about half an inch long, and is of a pitchy-black 

 colour. These little beetles are often found under stones and 

 garden rubbish. 



Closely allied to the " Sunshiners " is an insect often 



Fig. 



36. — ClCINDELA CAMPESTRIS 



(much enlarge;!). 



