750 



i'AlUlLY XXXVII. ELATERTD.E. 



*1414 (482,1). Melanotus communis Gyll., Schon. Syn. Ins., Ill, 1S17, 138. 



Resembles flssilis but more sleuder 

 and. paler brown in color. Thorax not 

 wider than elytra, not longer than wide 

 and with a distinct median impressed line 

 on basal half; disk less densely and more 

 finely punctured than in flssilis or decii- 

 tiiaiius. Length 11.5-14 mm. (Fig. 2SG.) 

 The most abundant click beetle in 

 the State. Hibernates in the same 

 places as lissilis and often occurs in 

 company with that species. January 

 1-1 -December 25. Both this species 

 and fissilis are attracted by electric 

 light in May and June. Their larvae 

 are among the most injurious wire- 

 worms ])reying upon corn. The larval 

 stage extends over three or four j'ears 



and the change to a pupa takes place in July or August. From 



these pup.e the hibernating beetles begin to emerge in about one 



month. 



""-^ 



lig. 286. X 4. (After Forbes.) 



*1 



(4:;22). 



Melanotus fissilis Say, Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc. 

 183; ibid. II. 021. 

 Elongate, rather robust. Dark smoky 

 lirown oriiiceous, sparsel.v pub3!-;cent. Third 

 joint of an ten use m;;re than twice the 

 length of second, one-third shorter than 

 fourth. Thorax slightly wider than long, 

 widest at middle, sides rciunded ; basal fis- 

 sures very distinct ;, surface coarsely punc- 

 tured, more densely on sides. Elytra grad- 

 ually attenuate from base to apex, stria; 

 with c r e n a t e punctures ; intervals flat, 

 sparsely and finely punctulate and trans- 

 versely wrinkled. Length 13-17 mm. (Fig. 

 287.) 



Throughout the State, cominon : 

 more so in the southern counties. 

 January 5-November 23. Hibernates 

 beneath loose bark, mullein leaves and 

 rubbish and in cracks of logs in dry 

 localities; u.sually three to a dozen or 

 more close together. The females are 



VI. i8;.!<;. 



Fig. 287. X 4. (After Forbes.) 



much larger and have the disl; 

 punctate than the males. 



of thora.x- more, coarsely and denseh 



