40 



Dermestcs canimis Germ. April 4. 



A species of the family Dermestidae. Like all the members of 

 its family, this beetle is a scavenger. The one specimen found was 

 under a log, hibernating in the bunch-grass. 



Dermestcs rulpinus Fab. April 5. 



Very similar in size and appearance tO' the preceding species. 

 Taken under log, hibernating. Only one record. 



Histcr biplagiatus Lee. June 28, April i, 4, 7, 8. 



The adults hibernate during the winter in sheltered places, or 

 under ground. Histcridac, owing to the surroundings in which they 

 were commonly found, were formerly thought to be scavengers ; 

 they are now recognized as predaceous insects. In distribution, this 

 species is limited to sandy soil. Blatchley records an Indiana speci- 

 men which was dug from a sand bank. In New Jersey, Smith usually 

 found it on the beach. It is never abundant. 



Saprinus pcnnsylvanicns Payk. July 5. 



Common in sandy regions, especially on beaches and shores; 

 found in numbers on carrion. Those from the Devil's Hole were 

 taken with Trox and Necrophorus on the body of a field mouse, 

 trapped two or three days previous. 



Saprinus illinoensis Wolcott, type unique. July 19. 



A black species of moderate size, taken under a board at the 

 Devil's Hole. Closely related to S. lakensis Blatchley. For descrip- 

 tion, see Wolcott ('12). 



Histeridae, especially those of this genus, are very characteristic 

 of sandy shores, where they are often found in remarkable abun- 

 dance. A number of species are found on the banks of the Illinois 

 River, and the Lake Michigan sand beach also shows an unusual 

 development. About half the species listed by Blatchley for Indiana 

 have been taken in the Lake Michigan region; many of the others 

 being taken from sandy localities in the interior of the state. 



Melanophthalma distimjucnda Com. April 5. 



A small scavenger beetle of the family Lathridiidae. Common 

 under bark and logs; hibernates in the adult state. In summer the 

 beetles are taken in flowers, particularly those of the black haw, 

 Vihiiniuui prunifoVuiui. Taken under a log southeast of Havana, 

 near border of black-jack woods. 



Lacon rectangidaris Say. June 25, April i, 4, 5. 



This broad, dark-colored elaterid is one of the most character- 

 istic sand insects, being restricted to sandy soil. Found abundantly 



