286 
COLEOPTERA. 
Sphoeridiince. —-Terrestrial beetles, except Cyclonotum , which is 
aquatic. C. orbiculare, Fabr., occurs in India, as also Europe. 
C. capense , Deg., and C. abdominale, Fabr., also occur. 
Sphceridium 5 maculatum, Fabr., is common in the plains, a small 
black and brown species. Cercyon is well represented in Ceylon and by 
five Indian species. Pachysternum apiatum, Motsch, also occurs. 
SlLPHIDiE. 
Antennoe usually clubbed. Abdomen of five or six segments , free. Eyes 
finely granulated. Tarsi of four or five joints. Anterior 
coxoe conical and contiguous. 
A larger family of beetles of varied form, usually of small size. The 
elytra are sometimes truncate, exposing the apex of the abdomen, but 
usually cover the whole abdomen. The 
posterior coxae are contiguous. The 
known larvae are flat, tapering to the 
hind end, with a pair of anal cerci and a 
distinct labrum ; no Indian larvae are 
known. The beetles have, in general, 
similar habits to the Staphylinids but a 
few (Necrophorus , 
etc.) of the larger 
are the so-called 
Sexton or Bury. Fig. 161. —-Silpha tetraspilota. 
ing Beetles, which 
by removing the soil below small animal 5 s 
corpses bury them, and then feed and breed 
in the decomposing body. The latter are not 
known inTropical India. One species has been 
sent in as being destructive to dry Cured fish 
in Sylhet, with Necrobia ruficollis, Fabr. 
(Cleridoe). 
Fig. 16*2.— Necrodes 
LITTORALIS ; LARVA. 
[After Chapuis,) 
Necrophorus is represented by N. nepalensis . 
Ho., in the Himalayas, and N. encaustus , Fairm., 
from Simla. Necrodes osculans, Nig., is Indian, 
