506 AN INTRODUCTION TO ENTOMOLOGY 



body is usually soft and thin. Sharp ('99) states that the larvae are 

 aquatic, and are remarkable for possessing antennae consisting of a 

 great many joints. Our fauna includes thirty-two described species 

 of this family. 



The family CHELONARIID^ is represented in our fauna by a 

 single species, Chelondrium lecontei, found in Florida. See table, page 

 471, for distinguishing characters. 



Family DERMESTID^ 

 The Dermestids 



There are several families of small beetles that feed on decaying 

 matter, or on skins, furs, and dried animal substances. The most 

 important of these is the Dermestidae, as several species belonging to 

 this family destroy household stores or goods. 



The dermestids can be distinguished from most of the other beetles 

 with similar habits by the fact that the wing-covers completely cover 

 the abdomen. They are chiefly small beetles, although one of the 

 common species measures 8 mm. in length. They are usually oval, 

 plump beetles, with pale gray or brown markings, which are formed 

 of minute scales, which can be rubbed off. These beetles have the 

 habit of pretending that they are dead when they are disturbed; 

 they will roll over on their backs with their legs meekly folded and 

 lie still for a long period. 



The larvae do much more damage than the adults. They are ac- 

 tive, and are clothed with long hairs. These hairs are covered 

 throughout their entire length with microscopic barbs. 



This family is represented in our fauna by about one hundred thirty 

 species; the following are some of the more important of these. 



The larder-beetle, Derniestes larddrius. — This pest of the larder is 



the most common of the larger members of this family. It measures 



from 6 mm. to 7.5 mm. in length, and is black except the 



basal half of its wing-covers, which are pale buff or brown- 



■WT ish yellow. This lighter portion is usually crossed by a 



/ft^ band of black spots, three on each wing-cover (Fig. 605). 



vw[ The larva feeds on dead animal matter, as meat, skins, 



. • feathers, and cheese. It is often a serious pest where bacon 



Fig- 605. Qj. \^^-^ is stored. When full-grown it is about 12 mm. in 



length, dark brown above, whitish below, and rather 



thickly covered with long, brown hairs. It is said that these insects 



can be attracted by baits of old cheese, from which they may be 



gathered and destroyed. 



The carpet-beetle, Anthrenus scrophuldrice. — This is a well-known 

 household pest. It is an introduced European insect, which was first 

 recognized as a serious pest in this country about 1874. It feeds in 

 its larval state on carpets, woollens, furs, and feathers; and for a 

 considerable period was exceedingly destructive. In recent years its 

 ravages have been greatly reduced by the more general use of rugs 

 instead of carpets. As rags are taken up and cleaned frequently, the 



