GEODEPHAGA. 
57 
a, p. 32) ; an outer or palpiform lobe or galea to the 
maxillm divided into two joints ; and the coxae of the 
hinder legs extended inwards, and becoming trans- 
verse on approaching the middle legs. In the males, 
the basal joints of the front tarsi (i.e. those nearest to 
the tibiae) are nearly always widened. 
Superficially, the Geodephaga may be known by 
their active habits, slaughtering propensities, thin 
legs and antennae, and hard outer covering. They 
are the highest in development, and may be con- 
sidered as the Carnivora of the beetle race ; passing 
their lives, both in the larval and perfect state, in the 
pursuit and destruction of their weaker insect brethren. 
Their chief haunts are wet marshy places, salt and 
fresh ; on the banks of streams and ponds ; under 
stones, bark, and felled trees ; in the cracks of mud- 
banks and chalky cliffs, and on sands and dry 
heaths. 
The greater part, and the larger species, are nocturnal 
feeders, prowling about on the ground and up the 
trunks of trees in search of their victims and victual, 
and concealing themselves by day : some few, how- 
ever, are pure lovers of sunshine, being most active in 
the greatest heat. They are ’usually provided with 
ample wings, which are readily used by those of 
diurnal habits; but several of the dark-loving species 
(especially the true Carabi) are apterous, and in that 
case often have the wing-cases soldered together. It 
may be remarked that this wingless condition does 
not always afford an indication of the habits of the 
members of a genus ; since, of two species, closely 
allied, and found under similar conditions, one will 
often be apterous and the other winged : as a rule, the 
