BEETLES 205 



C. septem punctata (Fig. 224). One of the commonest species; elytra red, 

 with seven spots in all (the one at the base being common to both elytra). 

 C. l8-punctata (Fig. 225). Reddish brown, with light ochreous spots. 

 C. 12 punctata (Fig. 226). Red elytra ; black spots. 



C. variabilis (Fig. 2266). In this species the black spots run into one 

 another, forming a grill ; yellow beneath. 



Scymnus frontalis (Fig. 227). Black, with grey down. Elytra with one or 

 two red spots. Common at the roots of grass. 



Coccidula rufa (Fig. 228). Orange-red ; found in marshy places, on plants. 



Family : Dermestidce BACON BEETLES. 



These are small oval or oblong-oval beetles found in furs, hides, cheese, 

 bacon, etc. ; some on flowers. Fourteen species in all, divided into six genera, 

 in all of which, except the genus Dermestes, there is a simple eye on the front 

 of the head, besides the usual compound eyes. The antennae are short and 

 clubbed. 



Byturus tomentosus (Fig. 96). (See notes on Fig. 91.) Yellowish brown 

 (sometimes black), with some light down on elytra ; orange legs and antennae. 

 Found on flowers. 



Omosita discoides (Fig. 97). Blackish brown, covered with grey down; 

 two light brown patches on the elytra. 



Dermestes murinus (Fig. 98). A dull black species, covered sparsely with 

 grey down. Feeds on animal substances and is found everywhere. The under 

 surface is covered with dense white hair. 



D. lardarius (the Bacon Beetle) (Fig. 99). Rusty black, with a broad band 

 of yellowish brown across the elytra. On this lighter patch are six blackish 

 spots. Attacks any kind of animal substance, hides, bacon, and stuffed speci- 

 mens ; in reality a scavenger. The larvae have thick, erect hair, and are fre- 

 quently met with in the larder. When touched they feign death. 



Attagenus pellio (Fig. 100). Oblong-oval in shape; black, covered above 

 with fine black down and beneath with yellowish hairs. There is a shade of 

 red on the elytra, in the middle of each being a dot of white down. Often found 

 in winter on furs and skins, or museum specimens. 



Byrrhus pilula (Fig. 101). One of twelve species belonging to the Byrrhidce 

 or Pill Beetles, which can draw their head and legs in close to the body so as to 

 appear round, bead-like objects. This species is dark brown, with yellowish 

 or brown down on the upper surface, found in pastures, at roots of grass, moss, 

 etc., in spring. Feigns death when touched. 



Sub-order iii. LAMELLICORNIA. 



Leaf-horned Beetles. So called because the ends of the antennae are flat- 

 tened into leaves, which are movable, or can be opened and closed like a fan. 



