ORDER X. COLEOPTERA. 



The reasons for giving the order Coleoptera itS 

 position in the classification, as shown in Diagrams 

 I.-IIL, are stated on pp. 165-169. The group of 

 Coleoptera geniiina shows the relationship of the 

 order to the Thysanuran insects more plainly than the 

 more speciahzed group of weevils. 



The Coleoptera are so abundant throughout the 

 United States that teachers will find but little diffi- 

 culty in obtaining specimens. We have chosen as a 

 type the common May-beetle, Lachnos tenia fusca, 

 P'rohl (PL VI., Figs. 84, 85, enlarged, p. 145), usually 

 called the ]May-bug, June-bug or Dorbug, though there 

 are others equally good. Even the potato-beetle (Fig. 

 91, p. 150) can be used when larger species are not 

 at hand. In the last of May or first of June scholars 

 should be encouraged to collect specimens of May- 

 beetles. The insects are attracted by lights in the 

 evening, and in seasons when they are very abundant 

 a large number may sometimes be obtained under 

 electric lights, and in this way a class can be pro- 

 vided with the necessary material. The mature pupae 

 are often found by spading and by following the plough 

 in the spring of the year. 



The insect is dark brown in color, with many little 

 pits or depressions on its back. The head (PL VI., 



145 



