40 Descriptive Zoology. 



the ground in the summer and fall. The caterpillar hunter has green 

 wing covers and is over an inch long. The fiery hunter has on the 

 wing covers rows of red or copper-colored spots. 



The Tiger Beetles. These beetles get the name from their active 

 predaceous habits, as well as from their bright-colored and yellow-barred 

 wing covers. They run actively and fly well for beetles. They are 

 often to be seen on the ground, especially on sand along streams. When 

 you attempt to capture one it may remain quiet till you get near it, 

 when it darts away, flying a short distance, and usually lights with its 

 head toward you. 



The Borers. There are many beetles whose larvae bore into trees, 

 where they do great damage. Among these, perhaps the locust borer 



FIG. 33. HICKORY TREE BORER; LARVA, PUPA, AND ADULT. 



From Hyatt's Insecta. 



and the painted hickory borer are found as frequently as any. The 

 woodpeckers do good service in destroying these grubs. 



The Stag Beetles. Many children know these beetles as "pinch 

 bugs." The large, incurved mandibles are very characteristic. The 

 larvae usually live in decaying wood. 



The Dung Beetles. No boy or girl who has spent much time in the 

 country has missed seeing these odd beetles, called "tumble-bugs." 

 On the way to and from the district school the child meets the pairs 

 of beetles rolling the big ball that they have made from the drop- 

 pings of horses and cattle. It is interesting to see them, one pushing 

 and one putting; as he patiently follows and watches them, he sees 

 them at last bury the ball. Later the child learns that the female lays 

 eggs in the ball, which the larvae consume as food. 



The "Weevils." Some of these are small beetles, not more than 

 one fifth of an inch long. They lay their eggs on the pea pods ; the 



