TBOG-OSITIDiE. 
299 
Trogositid^e (Temnochilim, Ostomim). 
Tarsi with four apparent, hut five actual (the first small), joints. An¬ 
tennae with terminal segments dilated at one side. 
These beetles may be recognised with care, though superficially 
they closely resemble those of other families. They are small dark 
coloured beetles, with short antennae, a well 
developed prothorax, the elytra closely 
fitting over the abdomen and short running 
legs and are predaceous in their habits. The 
species are in general found under the bark 
of trees and in decaying woody matter. Ten- 
ebroides (Trogosita) mauritanica, Linn., is a 
cosmopolitan insect of which much is written 
but little known. It is commonly found 
in stored grains such as wheat, etc., and in 
almonds and similar seeds, but is generally 
accounted as a predaceous insect, really useful since it feeds on other 
insects that feed on the wheat; against this must be put the fact 
that it has been reared in India more than once from almonds and 
rice in which no other insect was found ; it is probable that, in view 
Fig. 176.— Trogosita 
MAURITANICA, X 3. 
MAURITANICA LARVA, X 3. 
Fig. 178.— Alindria parallel a, x iy 
