THE BEETLES 



157 



to the larvae of the locust-beetle (Odontoid dorsalis). On morning- 

 glory and sweet-potato vines are found some striking little beetles, 



c, 



FIG. 226. The leaf-mining locust-beetle (Odontota dorsalis}. 

 (Five times natural size) 



a, beetle ; l>, larva ; r, pupa. (After Chittenden, United States Department of Agriculture) 



called tortoise-beetles, from their tortoiselike shape, several of 

 which are a brilliant gold or silver color. The larvae feed on these 



FIG. 227. The golden tortoise-beetle (Coptocycla bicolor Fab.) ; 



egg at right. (Enlarged) 



a, b, larvae ; c, pupa ; d, beetle. (After Riley) 



plants, and are curious little creatures, carrying a mass of excre- 

 ment over the back, which has given them the name "peddlers." 



