INSECT SIPPERS AND GNA WERS. 
257 
the way, when its helpless season comes, lest some 
of these creatures should return the compliment. 
This beetle is strong and powerful, and looks like 
a dangerous enemy ; but who would think that the 
Fig. 88. 
Carnivorous Beetles. Natural size. 
D, True water-beetle ; * g, grub of the same, showing its powerful 
pincers and strong head ; w w y whirligig beetles, f 
tiny bronze-coloured whirligig beetlesf which look so 
bright as they dance on the top of the pond, are 
also voracious insect- feeders ! Watch a group of 
these bewildering little animals carefully, and you 
will see one here and one there dart up to catch 
* Dyticus marginalis, t Gyrinidae. 
