HOW TO KNOW THE INSEQS 



37b Lateral suture of prothorax distinct; base of prothorax as 



wide as elytra. Antennae filiform 41 



38a Hind coxae large and prominent 39 



38b Hind coxae but slightly prominent, if at all 40 



39a Tarsal claws simple; head horizontal. (The Fire-colored 

 Beetles) Fig. 128. Family 43, PYROCHROIDAE 



Fig. 128. Deiidroides blcolor Kewn. 



Reddish yellow. Head, antennae and elytra 

 black. Specimen here shovm, female. 

 Branches of antennal joints longer In male. 

 Length 0-13 mm. 



This Is a small family of beetles that In 

 softness of body and shape somewhat resem- 

 ble the fireflies . Red or yellow Is 

 usually a part of the color pattern and 

 probably suggested the name. They are 

 found under bark of partly decayed trees. 



Figure 128. 



39b Front vertical. Claws toothed or cleft. 

 (See Fig. 128^). (The Blister Beetles) 



^'^- '^^^- Family 39, MELOIDAE 



Fig. 129. Eplcauta vlttata Fab. 



Sub-cyllndrlcal. Dull clay yellow with 

 black markings. Underparts black. A pest of 

 potatoes and other garden plants. Length 

 12-18 mm. (From U.S.D.A.) 



The Blister beetles are m.ostly medium sized 

 Insects, and contain cantharadlne which 

 raises blisters when applied to human skin. 

 The larvae pass through several Intere-stlng 

 stages In one of which they feed on grass- 

 hopper eggs, and so like many other Insects 

 are neither wholly good nor v.rholly bad. 



Figure 129. 



40a Anterior coxae globular, not prominent. (The Flat Bark 

 Beetles) Figs. 130, 121 and 127. Family 72, CUCUJIDAE 



Fig. loO. Brontes dub 1 us Fab. 



Very thin. Dusky brov/n. Legs and margins of 

 elytra paler. 



Antennae very long. Common under bark. Length 

 4-6 mm. 



Figure 130, 



70 



