136 
HABITS OP THE ADEPHAGA. 
Rudd states, that “ on turning up the sandy tracks or burrows above high water¬ 
mark to uncover the Hesperophili (species of Brachelytra , Steph., Staphylinacea , 
R,), I found their ferocious enemy, the aforesaid Dyschirius , pursuing his work 
of destruction. These Dyschirii burrow after, sieze, shake, as Cicindelo campes- 
tris does its prey, and devour the luckless Hesperophili. So intent are they 
upon their purpose, that I have frequently observed them to shake their victim 
after they were both brought to light.” The above facts constitute sufficient 
evidence of the carnivorous propensity of* some of the species; and that others 
are vegetable feeders appears probable from a statement of Latreille’s, that 
Ditomus Bucephalus had been seen to climb on the blades of Grass, and carry 
off the little balls from them; in addition to which, the testimony of Dejean 
deserves consideration. There can, however, be no doubt that the majority of 
Scaritidce are decidedly carnivorous. 
Most of the species are of a shining and uniform colour, which may be ac¬ 
counted for by their nocturnal habits. During the day they lie concealed in 
holes, or under stones near water; many of the species occur upon the sea-shore : 
Ditomi inhabit the dry and sandy plains in S. Europe or Africa, and are there¬ 
fore an exception to the above observation. 
Scaritidce are peculiar to the warm climates of both continents; the largest 
species being found in America and Africa. Enceladus gigas (well-worthy of its 
name) occurs in Angola; Siagonce are chiefly found in N. Africa or the East 
Indies, one species only having been discovered in Europe. The typical Scarites 
occur in Sicily, on the borders of the Mediterranean, and in other parts of Europe. 
Carenum appears to be confined to New Holland, and Acanthoscelis to the Cape 
of Good Hope. Apotomus and Dyschirius are principally European, the species 
in these genera being of small size. A new genus established by Mr. G. R. 
Gray, of which only one species—a very fine one—is known ( Goniotropis Bra - 
ziliensis), is confined to the country from which the specific name is derived. 
Bewsey House, Warrington , 
July 13, 1839. 
SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
Gould’s “ Birds op Europe,” Part Y. 
By Neville Wood, Esq. 
(Continued from p. 66.) 
The fifth part opens with a very spirited and characteristic figure of the 
Bearded Lammer, Gupista barbata ,—Gupiste barbu, Fr .—~Avoltojo barbuto, It. 
