192 



AX ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. 



The larvae of only a few species are known, and these are pre- 

 daceous. 



Next come the Cleridcs, many of which are also flower-beetles, 

 but with longer legs, more prominently enlarged antennae, more 



slender cylindrical form, and much 

 Fig. 177. firmer texture. They are bright 



colored, as a rule, often prettily 

 banded, and sometimes quite abun- 

 dant. Many species are found on 



the trunks of trees, running about rapidly and somewhat resem- 

 bling ants. Their larvae in such cases prey upon wood-boring 

 insects, principally such as live in sap-wood, and they are slender, 



with short legs and a 

 Fig. 179. prominent, somewhat 



pointed head. They are 

 extremely useful in keep- 

 ing in check bark-beetles 

 and other borers, and are 

 thus worthy of our dis- 

 tinguished consideration. 



Red-legged ham-beetle, Corynetes rufipes-a Most of the Other SpCcicS 

 larva; pupa ; c, cocoon ; a, e, beetle, enlarged ^ 

 and natural size; /toy, structural details. are also predaCCOUS in 



the larval stage, but 

 hardly beneficial, since they live in the nests of bees, devouring 

 both the larvae and the food stored for them. Clerus apivorus 



