There are two each of two species of pyrochroids (yellow Dendroides canadensis and dark green-brown Schizotus cervicalis), and four reddish-tan Cucujus clavipes in the bottom of this small plastic cup. I at first stated that the Schizotus cervicalis were bo*rids, but was corrected by Dan Young, U. of Wisconsin. Although similar in color, they do have differences from the borid larva I posted last year). I found all Saturday Mar. 11 under bark on logs and dead trees. I actually found scores of Dendroides canadensis, which is normal, but only kept two for this photo demonstration. These are the first I've collected of S. cervicalis however.

There is frequent confusion between pyrochroids and cucujids in particular. Note especially the dimensions of the terminal segment relative to the other segments in each. In Pyrochroids this segment is much longer than the next one. In cucujids the segments are about equal. Take note also of the caudal spine length, arrangement and direction.

Cucujids are the flattest and most uniform in width of the three types and have a slightly shorter head than pyrochroids. The pyrochroids taper significantly, with their smallest segments forward.