This interesting metamorphosis may be seen going on in the summer time, in every pond, brook, and reservoir. A fine sunny morning calls up millions of these little boats from beneath the surface, and the diver within that wonderful little bell breaks its sealed doors, and flies away to enjoy the bright sunshine.
1319. Why are beetles denominated "coleoptera?"
Because they have wings protected by horny sheaths; the term coleoptera signifies wings in a sheath.
"They shall lie down in the dust; and the worms shall cover them."—Job xxi.
1320. Why have beetles hard horny wing-cases?
Because they live underground, or in holes excavated in wood, &c. If, therefore, their wings were not protected by a hard and firm covering, they would be constantly liable to destruction from the movement of the insect within hard and rough bodies.