attacks, which were eventually {21}successful, the unfortunate tortrix becoming finally completely exhausted. The beetle devoured but a very small portion of the caterpillar, and abandoning the remainder went off in search of fresh prey. Eight other closely allied species of _Cicindela_ are described by Captain Broun in the "Manual of the New Zealand Coleoptera," but they offer no especial peculiarities, and _C. tuberculata_ may be taken as a type of the genus. Family CARABIDÆ. _Pterostichus opulentus_ (Plate I., fig. 3, 3a larva). This fine beetle is very common in most wooded situations in the Nelson district; it may be at once distinguished from the numerous other closely allied species by the beautiful metallic coppery tints that adorn its thorax and elytra. During the day it is usually discovered concealed under logs and stones, and when disturbed, rushes into the first crevice to get out of the light. At night time, it comes abroad to feed, killing an immense number of flies, caterpillars, and other insects, to satisfy its voracious appetite. Although of a most ferocious disposition, it is not wanting in maternal affection. The female, when about to deposit her eggs, excavates a small cavity nearly three inches square, in which they are placed. These she broods over until hatched, and probably some little time afterwards, as I have found a specimen close to a nest, which contained both eggs and larvæ, and the zealous mother furiously bit at anything presented to her. The eggs are oval in shape, quite smooth, and yellowish white in colour. The young larva is drawn at Plate I., fig. 3a; it is remarkable for its superficial resemblance to a small Iulus, and being found in similar situations to that animal, its mimicry has probably some useful object. The older larva differs chiefly in having the head and thoracic segments proportionately {22}smaller. Twenty-one closely allied insects belonging to two genera are described by Captain Broun in his Manual, the largest being _Pterostichus australasiæ_, which is found in similar localities to the present species, but is not so common. Group HYDRADEPHAGA. Family DYTICIDÆ. _Colymbetes rufimanus_ (Plate I., fig. 4, 4a larva).