THE COLEOPTERA 



103 



Family Silphidae (Carrion-beetles). Most of the members of this family 

 are of good size, ranging from half an inch to three times that length. Two 

 rather distinct types of insect are common in the group, one (Silpha, Fig. 88) 

 having a broad, rather flat body and with the sides of the prothorax very thin. 

 These insects average less than an inch in length and the elytra are usually 

 black. In the other type (Necrophorus, Fig. 89) the insect is larger, stout, with 

 a body more cylindrical, and the elytra generally have dull red markings and 

 are frequently shorter than the abdomen. Both types feed on dead animals in 

 most cases, and their larvae have the same food, so that the group may therefore 

 be regarded as beneficial. It is not a very large family, in the United States 

 at least. 



FIG. 88. Carrion-beetle (Silpha 

 americana L.), about natural size. 

 (Original.) 



FIG. 89. Carrion-beetle (Necrophorus 

 marginatus Fab.), slightly enlarged. 

 (Original.) 



Family Dermestidae (Dermestids). These insects are small, the largest 

 common species in this country being only about one-third of an inch long. Most 

 of them are rather short, thick-set beetles, covered with very small scales which 

 give them a gray or brown color, with occasional black, white or red scaly areas 

 in some cases, prodwing spots or bands of these colors. They feed on decaying 

 substances, but those most important as pests attack wool, furs, feathers and 

 meat, cheese and fats. In some cases the adults feed on pollen and only the larvae 

 are destructive. 



The Larder Beetle (Dermestes lardarius L.). This common insert is fre- 

 quently found in pantries on foods, particularly of a fatty nature. The adult 

 (Fig. 90) is dark brown, with a pale-yellowish band across tha elytra near their 

 bases, in which are a few black dots. The larva (Fig. 91) is longer and more 

 slender than the adult, with numerous, rather long, black hairs; is brown in 

 color, and attacks ham, cheese, beeswax, feathers, and almost any material oily 

 or fatty in its nature. 



Control. Little can be done in the way of controlling this pest, except by- 

 cleanliness and close watch of all fatty substances kept in stock, removing and 

 destroying the insects whenever they are discovered. Tightly closed receptacles, 

 giving no opportunity for the insects to enter, should be used in which to 

 keep such substances. 



