[ 686 ] 

 65 b\ is a minute rhnlrid fly whirh is parasitir upon the 



FIG. 65. HYMENOPTERA. 



(a) Pteromalus oryzae. (b) Cotesia flavipes. 

 (Both magnified.) 



sugar cane, sorghum and brinjal borer (Chilo simplex). It is 

 very effective in keeping this destructive borer in check. 

 The other chalcid insects collected and described by the 

 authorities of the Indian Museum are nearly all parasitic on 

 tea or coffee plants. Platygaster oryzae, a minute flylike 

 four-winged insect, which attacks the Cecidomyia oryzae, 

 belongs to another family of Hymenoptera. 



1.194. Coleoptera (beetles). These are also four-winged 

 insects, the first pair or elytra of which are horny or leathery 

 wholly or partly covering the membranous hind-wings when 

 closed, and meeting down the back in a straight suture. 

 The larvae are either with or without legs ; the pupae are 

 inactive Occasionally they are wingless (e.g. glow-worms) 

 or with elytra soldered together. Weevils have branched 

 antennae. 



1.195. Nearly half the insects known are beetles j 

 it being more interesting to collect beetles, they are better 

 known than any other order of insects. The larvae of most 

 beetles live on vegetation and they are very destructive, as a 

 rule. Some are carnivorous, such as Dermestes, living on 

 other animals or on flesh. Others feed on dung and other 

 refuse matters ; others again such as the larvae of cockchafers 

 live on roots of plants ; and some live in long galleries in 

 the solid wood of trees, feeding on the substance of the 

 wood. 



