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DESCRIPTION

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Wings usually soft and loosely covering the abdomen. Antennae are sawtoothed or threadlike and the head is somewhat concealed from dorsal view. There are two main groups of melyrids, Malachiinae and Dasytinae, which are quite different in overall appearance. Malachiinae are usually widest posteriorly and frequently bear red or orange markings on the pronotum and elytra. Some Malachiinae have sac-like vesicles on the sides of the pronotum and abdomen which may be extruded with hemolymph pressure. When present, these brightly marked vesicles make them easy to identify in the field. Dasytinae are quite small, parallel sided beetles frequently with patterns of light setae on the elytra.

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