4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL Dil 
one plant usually is not serious. Control of the spotted cucumber 
beetle on most crops is difficult, but on such plants as melons damage 
can be prevented by means of treatment with arsenicals. This insect: 
belongs to the order Coleoptera; its scientific name is Diabrotica 
— duodecempuncta. 
Ground beetles.—Among the beetles is another family that is mostly 
beneficial. These are the ground beetles, so named because many of 
them have the habit of running around over the ground . 
in search of food. Most species are shiny black with long © 
legs, but there are a few species that are blue, green, or 
brown in color. Both the adults and larvae of the 
ground-living species hide under stones and debris dur- 
ing the day and come out at night in search of food, 
which for the most part consists of other insects. The ¢ 
species shown here, however, is an active tree climber; 
it is Calosoma scrutator, known as the caterpillar hunter. - 
It is about 114 inches long. The wing covers are green - 
with rosy metallic margins. Like the other beetles, both Veta a 
the adults and larvae have chewing mouth parts. The ue 
adults have four wings, the front pair leathery and completely cover- 
ing the abdomen, and the hind pair clear. When at rest, the hind 
wings are folded up under the forewings. Although it more com- 
monly moves about on foot, this beetle can fly. It overwinters as 
adult or pupa underground. 
Tiger beetles.—Along streams and sandy shores one often finds 
insects about half an inch long that run very 
rapidly, and fly to escape capture. They are 
called tiger beetles. These beetles vary greatly in 
color, some having brilliant metallic hues. The 
tiger beetle shown here, Cincindela tranquebarica, 
is about half an inch long, brownish with whitish 
bands, and has chewing mouth parts and four 
wings. It feeds on various small insects and other 
small animals. It has complete life changes. 
Both the adult and larva hibernate in holes in 
the ground. Since this beetle feeds on other in- 
sects, it may be considered beneficial. 
June beetles.—During the early part of the 
summer there is an insect that flies clumsily about, 
knocking itself against screens, lights, and the walls 
of houses. Close examination reveals that it is a 
rather stout, dark-brown to light-reddish colored 
beetle, ranging from 5 to 1 inch long, with four 
wings, the fore pair leathery and the hind paid clear. 
This insect feeds on the leaves of various trees and 
shrubs. The larvae of the June beetle is the white 
grub that abounds in the soil, where it feeds on the 
roots of plants. It hibernates in the ground, usually 
lives over two full winters, and pupates late in the | 
summer. The adults emerge and lay eggs late in ® | 
the spring or early in the summer of the following Ficurn 50.—June i 
year. Cultural practices assist in the control of the ae r 
grubs. The June beetle shown here belongs to the order Coleoptera, ‘i 
and is Phyllophaga drakii. ii | 
FIGURE 49.—Tiger beetle. 
