The Insect World / Being a Popular Account of the Orders of Insects; Together with a Description of the Habits and Economy of Some of the Most Interesting Species

by Louis Figuier

Fig. 457.—Necrodes littoralis (male).		Fig. 458.—Necrodes littoralis(female).		Fig. 459.—Necrodes lacrymosa.

Fig. 460.—Burying Beetles (Necrophorus vespillo) interring the body of a rat.

The Necrophorus vespillo ([Fig. 461]) is variegated with yellow and black; the Necrophorus Germanicus ([Fig. 462]) is larger, quite black, and rarer. All these insects exhale a disagreeable musky smell. Their bodies are often covered with parasites, which are carried along by them by hooking on to their hairs, and which make use of the Necrophorus as a vehicle in which they get their food.

Fig. 461.—Necrophorus vespillo.		Fig. 462.—Necrophorus Germanicus.

Fig. 463.—Staphylinus (Ocypus) olens, imago, pupa, and larva.

The Staphylinidæ live in the carcases of animals, on manure, in detritus, and attack living insects. They are, for the most part, of small size, and are distinguished by their elytra, which are short, and resemble a waistcoat or a jacket; but their wings are fully developed. The large species have strong mandibles. When irritated, the Staphylini disgorge an acrid black liquid; and by the abdomen they emit a volatile fluid having a musky odour.