HOW TO KNOW THE IMMATURE INSECTS 



1 23a. Mandible without a dorsal, molar-like process; epipharynx with- 

 out a large sclerome; lacinia mandibulae absent. 

 Fig. 328 Family BOSTRICHIDAE 



Fig. 328. Lead cable 

 borer, Scobicia dec- 

 livls (Lee.) 



There are about 400 known species. They are 

 known as branch and limb borers. The larvae are 

 scarabaeoid in form, feed in dead wood and may 

 be injurious to furniture and building materials. 

 The very interesting lead cable borer, or short- 

 circuit beetle, Scobicia declivis (Lee.) here shown, 

 bores holes into the aerial lead telephone cables 

 causing the linemen frequent trouble. 



123b. Mandible with a dorsal, molar- 

 like process, grinding against a 

 large sclerome in epipharynx; 

 lacinia mandibulae present and 

 fleshy. Fig. 329 124 



Fig. 329. a, Mandible; b, 

 Epipharynx. 



124a. Abdominal spiracles subequal in size. 



Group Pacini, LYCTIDAE 



This small group lives in our western states. 



124b. Last abdominal spiracle much larger than the others. 



Fig. 330 FamUy LYCTIDAE 



The family consists of 60 species and the adults 

 are known as the powder post beetles. Their larvae 

 scarabaeoid in form with 3- segmented legs, live 

 in dead wood and are particularly destructive to 

 furniture. 



Fig. 330. Lyctus 

 cavicoilis Lee. 



120 



