MORDELLA. :M0RDELLA. 
Ge.ncric Character. 
Antennts filiformes serratae. 
Caput deflexum in territo. 
Palpi compresso-clavati, 
oblique truncati. 
Elytra deorsum curva api- 
cem vei'sus. 
Lamina lata ante femora ad 
basin abdominis. 
Antemice filiform, serrated. 
Head bent down, when dis- 
turbed. 
Feelers compressed-clavate, 
obliquely truncated. 
Wing-Sheaths curving 
downwards towards the 
tip. 
Lamina broad, before the 
thighs, at the base of the 
abdomen. > 
H E present genus consists of but few species, 
and those of small size. The most common 
of the British species is tlie Mor della aculeata', 
measuring two or three lines in length: it is en- 
tirely black, and of a smooth surface; the abdo- 
men is compressed, and terminates in a spine or 
sharp process extending beyond the wing-sheaths; 
the legs are rather long, and the insect, when 
disturbed, has the power of leaping or springing 
to a small distance. It is usually found on plants, 
in gardens, &c. It is observed to vary occasion- 
ally in colour, having the wing-sheaths sometimes 
marked by two transverse, cinereous, villose bars. 
This supposed variety is by some considered, and 
perhaps justly, as a distinct species. 
