24 



GROUND-BEETLES. 



found in orchards eating the larvae of the codling - moth and of the 

 plum-curculios, is also shown in Fig. 22. 



It would take too much space to even mention all the beetles 

 belonging here. Most of them are useful, though a few may oc- 

 casionally cause some damage. The insect illustrated in Fig. 23, 

 (Agonoderus pallipes Fab.), is one of them, as it sometimes 

 eats into the sprouting seeds of corn. This insect is at times ex- 

 ceedingly common, as people who have strong electric lights in 



Fig. 22. — Harpalus pennsylvanicus. 

 lie G. a, anterior tarsus and part 

 of tibia showing notch; b. beetle; 

 A, larva, reduced size; B, head; 

 c-j, details. After Riley. 



Fie. 23. — Agonoderus pallipes. Fab., and 

 beetle inside of corn. After Riley. 



front of their houses are apt to find out. Immense numbers of 

 them and of other insects are attracted, and sometimes they are 

 so numerous as to cover the sidewalk with their dead and dying 

 bodies. Rooms with open windows, and illuminated with lamps, 

 are sure to attract multitudes of them ; they seem to be of a de- 

 cidedly inquisitive nature, as they run over our bodies, possibly 

 in search of hiding places, and in doing so cause a sensation very 

 far from being pleasant. 



In a general way nearly all such insects are either beneficial, 

 or at least harmless, hence are our friends and should be known 

 as such. 



FAMILY PREDACEOUS WATER-BEETLES. 



(Dytiscidac). 



Predaceous Water-beetles are simply ground-beetles modi- 

 fied to live in water. They have the same blood thirsty instinct 



