LARDER-BEETLES. 



39 



In running- over persons engaged in mills it will bite, even without 

 provocation, and may cause bad sores. It is a small and flat 

 beetle,, of a light brown color, with highly polished wing-covers, 

 with a light space upon each. Related beetles are found also in 

 stores of grain and dried fruit. 



FAMILY DERMESTIDAE 



(Lardcr-hectJcs; Carpct-bcctlcs : etc.). 



Most of the beetles composing this family feed upon decaying 

 substances, or on skins, furs, and dried animal matter of all kinds. 

 The wing-covers completely cover the abdomen, and are not 



Vis. 4,4,.— Dermestes lardarius, \.\nn. Afier Uivision of Eutomoluav V S De- 

 part.ment of Agriculture. =. . - • 



shorter than it, as was the case in most of the scavenger beetles 

 mentioned thus far. They are usually small, but few reaching 

 a length of one-third of an inch. They are oval or elongated. 

 ornamented with pale gray, yellow, or ^\■hite markings formed by 

 minute scales \\hich rub oft" very easily, and are sometimes 



