86 



VARIATION IN I.EPTINOTARSA. 



Individual Variation in the Color Pattern of the Legs. 



In the majority of the species of this genus the legs are unicolorous, and are 

 only slightly variable. Such variations as occur on them are minute fluctua- 

 tions, too slight to be seriated. In several of the species of the lineata group, 

 however, the legs show a color pattern of some interest. On plate 15, figs. 

 45 to 52, inclusive, are given the variations found in L. multitceniata, which is 

 the most variable of the species in respect to the color pattern on the legs. 

 Here we find a series from total melanism to total xanthism, with all possible 

 intergradations. The stages in color modifications are in this case perfectly 

 evident and need not be described. Of the other species with a color pattern 

 on the legs the condition in L. intermedia is represented by figs. 48 to 51, in 

 undecimlineata by figs. 48 to 52, in oblongata by figs. 47 to 50, in rubicunda 

 by figs. 45 to 49, in juncta by figs. 50 to 52, and in defecta by figs. 51 and 52. 



As in other color characters in this genus, variation in this is limited to cer- 

 tain directions, as shown on plate 15. Some species show wide variability, 

 others slight ; but none go beyond that indicated in the figures. 



The frequency of the variation in the different species, together with the 

 range and the per cent of variates in the modal classes for the different species, 

 are shown in the following table : 



Table 29. Frequency of variation in the color pattern of the legs in the lineata group. 



Individual Variation in thk Color Pattern of Mature Larvae. 



The larvae of these beetles also show marked variations, especially in the 

 later instars. The newly hatched larvae show few variations in the dark 

 markings, but as they grow modifications in the color markings appear and 

 culminate in the final instar. These modifications are purely of an individual 

 character and are due to acceleration or retardation in growth or to extension 



