114 
THE ORDER OF COLEOFTERA. 
much below the level of the thorax, and by the abdomen usually termi- 
nating in a considerably prolonged point. They are, moreover, the only 
Trachclides which have the upper part of the thorax separated from 
the lower, on the sides, by a prominent line or margin. The tarsal 
claws are small, but when strongly magnified they are usually found 
to be prettily serrated on their lower edge. Their colors are mostly 
black or slate color, but some of them are slightly variegated with 
whitish or rufous. The perfect insects are usually found upon flowers, 
and some of the species are 
[Fig. 50.] 
der circumstances which seemed to preclude the supposition of their 
being otherwise than liguivorous in their diet. 
It would seem, therefore, that in a natural classification of the Cole- 
optera according to their food-habits, the Mordellidse should be sepa- 
rated from the parasitic Trachclides, and united with the heteromerous 
bark-beetles, which they also resemble in some of their organic charac- 
ters, such as their proportionally smaller heads, margined thorax, and 
sombre colors. In this case their location would be adjoining the Ciste- 
lidie, which they resemble in the peculiar character of their serrated claws. 
There are upwards of ninety described N. American species of this 
family, most of which are contained in genera Anaspis and Mordella, 
the former being distinguished by not having the abdomen prolonged 
to a point. 
Family XLIV. MELOIDiE. 
TV! blob : — 1, inalo beotlo; 2, larva— 
after Packard. 
This family contains the well-known Lyttso 
or Cantharides. They have elongated flexi- 
ble bodies, with a very distinct neck, and 
with the claws deeply cleft, the upper portion 
being often pectinate, or comb-toothed. They 
are rather large or medium -sized insects. 
Our most common species are blackish or 
ash-colored, but some are prettily striped, 
and others are richly variegated with green 
and yellow. The larvae, so far as known, arc 
