. Elements of zoology, or, Natural history of animals / ed. by Reese. Zoology. 312 ZOOLOGY. ing at their roots, in search of their insect prey, which principally consists of the herbivorous species. Some of them are nocturnal in their habits, feeding upon cockchafers and other species of herbivorous beetles that fly abroad by night. The habits of the family are not exclusively carni- vorous, however; for some species generally found in corn fields are clearly ascertained to feed upon growing grain. Many larger species of this tribe are provided with a very curious means of defence ; being
. Elements of zoology, or, Natural history of animals / ed. by Reese. Zoology. 312 ZOOLOGY. ing at their roots, in search of their insect prey, which principally consists of the herbivorous species. Some of them are nocturnal in their habits, feeding upon cockchafers and other species of herbivorous beetles that fly abroad by night. The habits of the family are not exclusively carni- vorous, however; for some species generally found in corn fields are clearly ascertained to feed upon growing grain. Many larger species of this tribe are provided with a very curious means of defence ; being enabled to exhale a very fetid odour, and to discharge from the abdomen, to a considerable dis- tance, an acrid fluid capable of producing considerable irritation. In the Brachinus this fluid is so highly volatile that, immediately on coming in contact w^ith the air, it becomes a bluish vapour of very pungent scent, and makes a sort of explosion; hence the species possessed of this power have been termed Bombardier Beetles. They mostly live in societies. 518. There is a group of the Carabidae which has received the name of Grandipalpi, from the size of the palpi, and which is remarkable for the brilliant colours of the beetles contained in it. This group contains the genus Carabus, of which one of the largest and best characterized species is here figured. Nearly allied to this is the calosoma, a beetle of about three-fourths of an inch long, of a velvet black, with the elytra golden green or brilliant copper. Its larva lives in the nests of the processionary caterpillars, upon which it feeds, devour- ing many in the course of the day ; and other larvae of its own species, smaller and younger, attack and devour it when inactive in consequence of satiety. These larvae are black ; and are sometimes found running upon the ground. Carabus Clathratus. 552. What varieties of beetles in this family ? 5.)3. Name the various species here Please note that these images are extrac
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