53 8 THE STUDY OF INSECTS. 



The most conspicuous of our common species is Cucujus 

 clavipes (Cu'cu-jus clav'i-pes) (Fig. 647). This insect is 



about one half inch in length and of a bright red 



color, with the eyes and antennae black and the 



tibiae and tarsi dark. 



The most important member of this family is 



^ ie Corn Silvanus, Silvanus surinamensis (Sil-va'- 

 nus sur-i-na-men'sis), which is one of the small beetles that 

 infest stored grain. This species is readily distinguished 

 from other small beetles with similar habits by its flattened 

 form and the saw-like edges of the prothorax. Besides 

 grain it often infests dried fruits and other stores. It meas- 

 ures from one tenth to one eighth of an inch in length. 



The family CRYPTOPHAGID^E (Cryp-to-phag'i-dae) in- 

 cludes insects of small size, usually less than one tenth of an 

 inch in length, and of variable form, but never very flat. 

 The thorax is nearly or quite as wide as the wing-covers 

 and the first ventral abdominal segment is somewhat longer 

 than the others. They are generally of a light yellowish- 

 brown color, and live on fungi and decomposing vegetable 

 matter. 



The family MYCETOPHAGID^E (My-cet-o-phag'i-dae) is 

 composed of small, oval, rarely elongate, moderately convex 

 beetles. They are densely punctured and hairy, and are 

 usually prettily marked insects. They live on fungi and 

 under bark. 



Family DERMESTlDvE (Der-mes'ti-dae). 

 The Dermestids (Der-mes'tids). 



There are several families of small beetles that feed on 

 decaying matter, or on skins, furs, and dried animal sub- 

 stances. The most important of these is the Dermestidae, 

 as several species belonging to this family destroy house- 

 hold stores or goods. 



The Dermestids can be distinguished from most of the 



