CASSIDA. CASSIDA. 
Generic Character. 
Antenna moniliformes, ex- 
trorsum crassiores. 
Caput sub thoracis clypeo 
piano reconditum. 
Thorax et Elytra dilatato- 
marginata. 
Corpus ovale, convexum, 
subtus planum. 
Antenna moniliform, thick- 
ening towards the tip. 
Head concealed beneath the 
shield of the thorax. 
Thorax and Wing-Sheaths 
dilated and margined. 
Body oval, convex, flat 
beneath. 
TPniS genus is readily distinguished by the 
singular manner in which the thorax and wing- 
sheaths cover the head and body, which, when 
the insect is laid on its back, appears somewhat 
like a tortoise in miniature. The genus is numer- 
ous, and among the exotic species are several of 
great beauty. Some of the European species are 
also of an elegant aspect, as the common green 
Cassida, or Cassida viridis of LinnaeiLS, which is 
often seen during the summer months in gardens, 
&c. especially on mint and other verticillate plants. 
Its length is nearly a quarter of an inch; its shape 
oval, and its colour bright green above, the body 
or under part being coal-black. The larva, which 
is of a highly singular appearance, is oval, of a 
yellowish brown colour, and has the body edged 
