The perfect insects are amphibious, and fly from one pond to another to satisfy their voracious appetites. The most common species of this genus is the Dytiscus marginalis ([Fig. 474]), of a dark greenish brown, yellowish on the sides. The elytra of the male are smooth; those of the female are fluted. The front leg of the male is provided with suckers. The larva is brown; the pupa of a dirty white.
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| Fig. 478.—Acilius sulcatus (male). | | Fig. 479.—Acilius sulcatus (female). |
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| Fig. 480.—Acilius fasciatus (male). | | Fig. 481.—Acilius fasciatus (female). | | Fig. 482.—Noterus crassicornis. |
The Dytiscus marginalis sometimes attacks Hydrophilus piceus. It pierces it between the head and the thorax, that is, in the weak point of the cuirass, and devours it, in spite of its being the stronger. The largest of the Dytisci, the Dytiscus latissimus ([Fig. 476]), is almost confined to the north of Europe. The Cybisters abound especially in warm countries. The Cybister Rœselii ([Fig. 477]), a European species, has the reputation of having been taken in England. This group contains also a great number of insects more or less resembling the preceding in their conformation and habits. We will confine ourselves to representing a few by figures.
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| Fig. 483.—Colymbetes cinereus. | | Fig. 484.—Colymbetes notatus. | | Fig. 485.—Colymbetes striatus. |
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| Fig. 486.—Haliplus fulvus. | | Fig. 487.—Hydroporus griseo-striatus. |
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| Fig. 488.—Hydroporus confluens. | | Fig. 489.—Suphis cimicoides. | | Fig. 490.—Laccophilus variegatus. |
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| Fig. 491.—Laccophilus minutus. | | Fig. 492.—Hydaticus grammicus. | | Fig. 493.—Pelobius Hermanni. |