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COLEOPTERA, Phalacridae -- <Images> & <Juveniles>

These are called the "shining flower beetles," which are common on goldenrod flowers and other composites. Their larvae develop in the flower heads. Eustilbus apicalis Melsh is a common predator of the pea aphid, Illinoia pisi Kalt. in Wisconsin. These beetles were especially abundant in alfalfa fields where younger aphids were most frequently attacked (Fluke 1929).

References: Please refer to <biology.ref.htm>, [Additional references may be found at: MELVYL Library]