122 



Pt. brunneus — Darfs. (p frontalis — Melsh.) 



[Fig. 12.] 



Is a somewhat smaller spe- 

 cies than Pt. fur., being only 

 about one-eighth of an inch 

 long ; is of a dark -brown color, 

 quite convex above ; the thorax 

 somewhat narrowed posterior- 

 ly, being narrower next the 

 wing cases than in front; 

 densely covered with minute 

 hairs. The larva, which is 

 similar to that of Pt. fur, has 

 been observed by Mr. Shinner 

 injuring books by boring into 

 them, preferring leather-bound 

 or half-bound books, along the back of which they usually run their 

 furrows, just beneath their binding. It will also burrow into cork, 

 and reside in it for months. Mr. Shinner says that in the northern 

 part of this state they come to the perfect state in April or May. 



Spec. char. Imago. — Similar to Pt. fur, but is distinguished from that 

 species by being wholly of a light-brown color, and destitute of the 

 whitish bands on the elytra. 



a, ANOBITJM PANICEUM, Fab 

 PTINUa BEUNNEU8, JJlirl's. 



b, its antenna' ; c, 



Anobium (sitodrepa) paniceum — Linn. 



Is more or less cylindrical or globular ; the antennae have the three 

 last joints enlarged and somewhat serrate ; the head is much narrow- 

 er than the body ; it is brownish and clothed with a fine pubescence, 

 and delicately striated or marked with longitudinal lines or furrows 

 composed of minute punctures; antennae and legs brownish red. 

 Length about one-eighth to one-tenth of an inch ; width about half 

 the length. 



The larva is somewhat hairy — but less so than the larva of the 

 preceding species — of a yellowish-white color ; six feet, and is curved 

 so that it cannot walk on a smooth surface ; considerably wrinkled on 

 the sides. Feeds on bread — especiall}' stale bread — crackers and 

 various spices, and, in fact, on all such substances, apparently thriv- 

 ing as well on capsicum as on wheat or barley bread. When fully 

 grown they usually form a cocoon. 



These insects have the power of producing that peculiar sound like 

 the ticking of a watch, which has given them the name of "Death 

 Watches." It is made by striking their hard mandibles against some 

 hard substance. There is another insert belonging to an entirely dif- 

 ferent order (Neuroptera) which produces the same sound and winch 

 is quite common in Southern Illinois in warm damp weather. 



The remedy for preserving insect cabinets against the attacks of 

 these and other species, will be found under the general direction. 



To preserve books, the best plan is to take them down frequently 

 from the shelves and strike them down sharply on a table, which not 



