750 



FAMILY XXX VII. — E LATEBID2E. 



*1414 (4323). Melanotus communis Gyll., Schon. Syii. Ins., Ill, 1817, 138. 



Resembles ftssilis but more slender 

 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 

 linely punctured than in ftssilis or decu- 

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



The most abundant click beetle in 

 the State. Hibernates in the same 

 places as fissiUs and often occurs in 

 company with that species. January 

 1 -J.— December 25. Both this species 

 and fissiUs are attracted by electric 

 light in May and June. Their larvae 

 are among the most injurious wire- 

 worms preying upon corn. The larval 

 stage extends over three or four years 

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

 these pupae the hibernating beetles begin to emerge in about one 

 month. 



Fig. 2S6. X 4. (After Forbes.) 



*H.'5 (4322). 



VI. 1830, 



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

 1S3 ; ibid. II. 621. 

 Elongate, rather robust. Dark smoky 

 brown or pieeous, sparsely pubescent. Third 

 joint of antennae mjre than twice the 

 length of second, one-third shorter than 

 fourth. Thorax slightly wider than long, 

 widest at middle, sides rounded ; basal fis- 

 sures very distinct ; surface coarsely punc- 

 tured, more densely on sides. Elytra grad- 

 ually attenuate from base to apex, striae 

 with crenate punctures ; . intervals flat, 

 sparsely and finely punctulate and trans- 

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

 287.) 



Throughout the State, common ; 

 more so in the southern counties. 

 January 5-November 23. Hibernates 

 beneath locse bark, mullein leaves and 

 rubbish and in cracks of logs in dry 

 localities ; usually three to a dozen or 

 more close together. The females are 

 much larger and have the disk of thorax more coarsely and densely 

 punctate than the males. 



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



