4-H CLUB INSECT MANUAL 2 Pak 
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 
undecimpunctata. 
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 a few are blue, green, or brown 
in color. Both the adults and larvae of the eround- 
living species hide under stones and debris during the 
day and come out at night in search of food, which for 
the most part consists of other insects. The beetle 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 the adults Fieurn 4s.— 
and larvae have chewing mouth parts. The adults have Se 
four wings, the front pair leathery and completely covering the 
abdomen, ‘and the hind pur clear.. When at rest, the hind wings are 
folded up under the forewings. Although it more commonly 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 brillant metallic hues. The 
tiger beetle shown here, C?ncindela 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 in length, with 
four wings, ; the fore pair leathery and the hind pair 
clear. This insect feeds on the leaves of various 
trees and shrubs. The larva 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 ‘follow- F1avnn 50—June 
ing year. Cultural practices assist in the control of eee 
the grubs. The June beetle shown here belongs to the order Cole- 
optera, and is Phyllophaga drake. 
FIGURE 49.— Tiger beetle. 
