HOW TO KNOW THE IMMATURE INSECTS 



57a. Epicranial halves meeting ventrally forming a transverse bridge. 

 Fig. 240 Family CANTHARIDAE 



HAJLf^ 



\ 



Fig. 240. a, Contharis sp.; 

 b. Ventral aspect of head 

 (appendages omitted). 



The family is composed of 1,300 de- 

 scribed species. Their adults are com- 

 monly called soldier beetles. The eggs 

 are deposited in masses in the soil. 

 The newly hatched larvae of some spe- 

 cies are feebly developed and are 

 called "prolarvae". The larvae are 

 primarily carnivorous and have a vel- 

 vety appearance due to a covering of 

 fine hairs. Pupation takes place in 

 cells in the soil. 



57b. Epicranial halves not meeting ventrally. 



58 



58a. Frontal sutures present. Fig. 241 Family LAMPYRIDAE 



There are about 2,000 described species. The adults 

 are known as fireflies and glowworms. The eggs, 

 larvae and pupae are also sometimes luminous. The 

 larvae are predacious and feed upon small animals 

 including earthwoims, snails, crustaceans and insects. 

 They are subterranean but several Asiatic species 

 are reported to be aquatic. Pupation usually takes 

 place in a soil cell beneath rubbish or on the surface 

 in moist situations. 



Fig. 241. Pho- 

 sp. 



58b. Frontal sutures absent. 



.59 



97 



