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species described less than 50 In the Indian region. A few collected in
Khandesh.
D. indicus. Bluish black, sloping on sides slightly, oval, abdomenal end
exposed. O. limbatus. Elongate, brown, 3-4 mm. O. discifer. Elongate,
elytra truncated, abdomenal end exposed. L. 9-10 mm.
Fam. Hydrophilidae. Basal joints of antennae long, apical broadened,
clubbed. Resemble Dytiscidae but less compact. Aquatic or terrestrial. The
latter black, less than 15 mm., smooth, shining. The former with
legs slightly flattancd, hair) 1 for paddling. Live in water or damp, marshy
places. Mostly herbivorous, a few carnivorous. About 2,000 species
known, about 100 in India, 12 in Maharashtra, mostly in Khandesh.
Hi piceus. Large, black, head bent, a large spine running below thorax
beyond hind coxae. Stethoxus spp. Black, elongate, about 30 mm,
Sternolophus spp. Black. Elongate, 7-11 mm, Paracynus spp. Brownish,
slightly longer than broad 1-6 mm. P. luteus. Brownish, elongate, 3-4 mm.
Fam. Paussidae. Small, rectangular, antennae peculiarly expanded, elytra
generally truncated, last abdominal segment exposed. Legs often
expanded, leaflike, usually slender, meant for walking. Found wandering
in ant nests, Fly suddenly and settle down quickly as IX dropped down.
Discharge fluid from the anus which explodes. Secrete liquid to attract
ants which tend them. Attracted to light. Life history not studied well.
Larvae described as carnivorous adapted for myrmego- philus life. Broad,
segments swollen, eyes rudimentary if present, Similar to Carabid larvae.
About 400 species described, sixty found in India, about 10 in
Maharashtra.
C. andrewesi. Reddish brown, black band from head. Antennae a broad
flat club. L. 5 mm. P. denlicornis. Reddish (variable), 2 longitudinal
patches. Antennae broad, oval, convex, L. 7-10 mm. P. mellyi with round
antennae. Passus spp. Red and black or brownish, antennae like inverted
jug without handle or triangular. L. 6-7 mm.
FAUNA 479