2S0 



north of Mexico, about 1,100 named species. These vary greatly in size, some when perfect 

 are but little larger than fleas, while others attain a length of an inch and a quarter or more. 

 The members of this immense family are, with very few exceptions, insect eaters in their 

 caterpillar as well as beetle state. In both coaditions they are very active, wandering 

 about from place to place seeking whom they may devour. Some apply themselves to 

 this useful work during the day time, while others are nocturnal in their habits. The 

 larvae of many of them, being soft-bodied and comjiaratively defenceless, live under stones 

 and logs, or hide themselves in loose earth or rubbish. Every person interested in the 

 destruction of noxious insects should so far acquaint himself with the general appearance 

 of the members of this useful family as to be able to recognize them. The copper-spotted 

 carab, Calosoma calidum, is shown in Fig. 25, and the green caterpillar hunter, Calosoma 

 scrutator, in Fig. 26 ; these are among the largest and most familiar species. They often 

 climb trees in search of canker-worms, tent caterpillars, and other injurious species, and 

 consume them with great gusto. 



Fiff. 25. 



Fis. 26. 



A third very useful family of beetles is that of the lady birds Coccinellidce. These 

 nearly all feed on insects, both as larvse and beetles, and are especially fond of plant lice. 

 Aphides. In Figs. 27, 28 and 29 some of our most useful species are shown in the 

 larval, chrysalis and beetle stages, others are represented in the beetle state only, in 

 Figs. 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34. Some of the beetles are known to devour the eggs of the 



Fig. 29. 



Colorado potato beetle, and in all probability they eat the eggs of other destructive 

 insects as well. Were it not for these useful creatures we should soon have our trees 



Fk'. 30. 



Fig. ai. 



Fig. 32. 



Fig. 34. 



