TRICHOPTERY GrIDiE. 
291 
insects ; in one instance they fed upon the egg masses of Caradrina 
exigua and destroyed large numbers. 
Fig. 168. —Myrmedonia 
LiEVIGATA KR. 
(From Kraatz). 
Fig. 169.— Staphylinus semipur- 
PUREUS. 
Collecting. Staphylinids are found most readily by searching in 
damp decaying vegetation, in rotting fruits, under stones, at small 
carcases ; many come to light and a few are found on plants or running 
on the surface of the soil. Moisture seems to be a necessary condition 
for their well being. None appear to have been reared in India. For 
the collection all but the largest forms should be very carefully gummed 
on card, the abdomen being carefully drawn out as it is apt in drying 
to shrink. It is to be hoped that more attention will be paid to the 
habits of these small and insignificant insects, which maybe found to 
play an important role. Careful observation and rearing is required 
coupled with through and exhaustive collecting ; results of great inter¬ 
est and possibly of economic value will reward the patient investigator. 
Trichopterygid^e . 
Antennce with a three jointed club. Elytra abbreviated or complete 
Wings fringed with hair. 
The smallest known beetles are here included, measuring from 1/25 
to 1/75 of an inch in length. A characteristic feature is to be found in 
the wings, which consist of a narrow stalk bearing a blade set with long 
