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A genus of California pitcher plants consisting of a single species. The long tubular leaves are hooded at the top, and frequently contain many insects drowned in the secretion of the leaves.

Any grass of the genus Lolium, esp. the Lolium temulentum (bearded darnel), the grains of which have been reputed poisonous. Other species, as Lolium perenne (rye grass or ray grass), and its variety L. Italicum (Italian rye grass), are highly esteemed for pasture and for making hay.

The snakebird, a water bird of the genus Plotus; -- so called because it darts out its long, snakelike neck at its prey. See Snakebird.

A tropical aroid (of the genus Caladium, syn. Colocasia) having an edible farinaceous root. It is related to the taro and to the tanier, but is much superior to it in quality and is as easily cooked as the potato. It is a staple food plant of the tropics, being prepared like potatoes, and has been introduced into the S…

A carnivorous marsupial quadruped of Australia, belonging to the genus Dasyurus. There are several species.

A genus of solanaceous plants, with large funnel-shaped flowers and a four-celled, capsular fruit.

A genus consisting mostly of tropical perennial herbs (Commelina), having ephemeral flowers.

A neuropterous insect of the genus Ephemera and related genera, of many species, and inhabiting fresh water in the larval state; the ephemeral fly; -- so called because it commonly lives but one day in the winged or adult state. See Ephemeral fly, under Ephemeral.

A genus of plants (Hemerocallis) closely resembling true lilies, but having tuberous rootstocks instead of bulbs. The common species have long narrow leaves and either yellow or tawny-orange flowers.

A ruminant of the genus Cervus, of many species, and of related genera of the family Cervidæ. The males, and in some species the females, have solid antlers, often much branched, which are shed annually. Their flesh, for which they are hunted, is called venison.

An American genus (Rhexia) of perennial herbs, with opposite leaves, and showy flowers (usually bright purple), with four petals and eight stamens, -- the only genus of the order Melastomaceæ inhabiting a temperate clime.

lower type of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera.

Pertaining to the dolphin, a genus of fishes.

A genus of Cetacea, including the dolphin. See Dolphin,

A name formerly given to certain Silurian brachiopod shells of the genus Spirifer. Delthyris limestone (Geol.), one of the divisions of the Upper Silurian rocks in New York.

A beautiful, small dragon fly of the genus Agrion.

A marine mollusk of the genus Dentalium, with a curved conical shell resembling a tooth. See Dentalium.

A genus of marine mollusks belonging to the Scaphopoda, having a tubular conical shell.

A genus of coleopterous insects, the larvæ of which feed animal substances. They are very destructive to dries meats, skins, woolens, and furs. The most common species is D. lardarius, known as the bacon beetle.

Pertaining to or resembling the genus Dermestes. The carpet beetle, called the buffalo moth, is a dermestoid beetle. Pop. Sci. Monthly.