2. CARABIDAE (Ground beetles)
Adults are often black in colour and some brightly spotted.
Some cannot fly because they have fused elytra and atrophied hindwings.
Legs are suited for running.
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Larvae have caliper like mandibles, well developed legs and terminal cerci like structures
called urogomphi.
They are nocturnal. Ground beetles are voracious predators both as adults and larvae.
They feed on soft bodied caterpillars and other insects.
Six spotted carabid :
Anthia sexguttata
3. DYTISCIDAE: (True water beetles, Predaceous diving beetles)
Body is long, oval, smooth and shiny.
Head, thorax and abdomen are compactly joined.
Antenna is filiform.
In some male beetles the foretarsi are provided with cup like suckers which are useful in
clasping the mate.
Hindlegs are flattened, fringed with hairs and suited for swimming.
Air is stored beneath the elytra.
Adults and larvae are aquatic predators
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