88 



in this state are of medium size, varying from one-third to three- 

 fourths of an inch in length; rather gaily colored, generally olive 

 green or bronzed with yellowish or white spots or marks on the 

 elytra. 



All the species of this family, both in the larva and perfect state, 

 are highly predaceous, subsisting wholly on other insects, and, as a 

 matter of course, are beneficial, and should not be destroyed. The 

 larvae reside in the ground. 



As example I mention the following : 



Oicindela 6-guttata Fab. A bright polished green beetle with three 

 marginal white dots on each wing case, the two first nearly equal the 

 last, transverse and terminal ; length about half an inch, 



0. vulgaris. Dull copper color, with three whitish bands on each 

 wing case, two of which are curved, and the other suddenly bent. 

 Length about three fifths of an inch. 



CARABID.E. 



The head not bent down vertically, as in the preceding family, but 

 extending forward horizontally or slightly inclined, usually narrower 

 than the thorax, the antennae inserted under the sides of the front ; 

 eyes of moderate size; mandibles simple or slightly toothed; mouth 

 having apparently six palpi. The colors usually black, sometimes 

 blue, green or brown, but seldom spotted. This family, which is 

 very numerous, contains the predaceous ground beetles. These vary 

 greatly in size, some being quite small, while others are large. Dur- 

 ing the day they usually remain hid under shocks cf wheat and 

 corn, and logs, rails and rubbish, and when we turn over or remove 

 one of these shocks, etc., may be seen running rapidly away, pushing 

 into any opening they may find to escape from view. During warm 

 spring and summer nights, especially when the air is moist, they fly 

 in at the windows, dropping on the floor, table, etc., around the light"; 

 and as soon as they alight they commence running rapidly hither and 

 yonder. The elytra are usually longitudinally striated or grooved. 



The larvae are active grubs, generally elongated, laving sharp pro- 

 jecting mandibles; and are usually furnished at t\e hind extremity 

 with a pair of conical bristly appendages. 



With very few exceptions these insects are higlly predaceous both 

 in the larva and perfect states ; and on account a the large number 

 of individuals and species furnish most efficien/ aid in keeping in 

 check the injurious species. 



This family on account of its great extent his been divided into 

 several sub-families, the characters of which ire given by Dr. Le 

 Baron. 



The number of species which are known to iihabit Illinois is about 

 two hundred, one hundred and sixty-four haviig been mentioned in 

 my catalogue published in the Fourth Report of the Illinois State 

 Agricultural Society, I860, I shall only descibe such as are known 

 to prey upon our most injurious insects. 



CALOSOMA SCRUTATOR — Jabr. 



The head is narrower than the thorax ; tie thorax is transversely 

 oval, but is considerably narrower than fie elytra; the latter are 

 slightly widened toward the tip, which irregularly rounded so that 



