64 



CHECKERED-BEETLES. 



til to owners of fruit-producing plants is derived from the food- 

 habits of the larvae of such insects. The larvae of the "Two- 

 lined Soldier-beetle {Telephorus bilineatus Say), are very com- 

 mon, and may be seen late in fall running over sidewalks, evi- 

 dently in search of winter quarters. These small, very dark 

 brown and velvety beings, narrowed at each end, with the edges 



Fig. 71. — Telephorus bilineatus, Say. After Kilev. 



of the segments quite prominently marked, are very beneficial in 

 our orchards, and devour immense numbers of such destructive 

 beings as the larvae of the plum-curculios, when these enter the 

 ground to pupate. The fat worms of the codling-moths are 

 also to their taste ; in fact they are very ravenous, and destroy 

 man}- noxious insects. The larva of this insect is shown in Fig. 71. 



1'AMILY CLERIDAE. 



( Checkered-beetles) . 



A large number of beetles are included in this family. 

 Most of them are carnivorous, but a few eat dried skins, decay- 

 ing meat and similar substances. The adults are found on flow- 

 ers and on the trunks of trees, running about rapidly, somewhat 

 resembling brightly colored ants (Figs, yz and 73). Some, if 



Fig. 72. — Clerus spec. After Brehui. 



Fig. 73. — Trichodesspec. After Brehm. 



