76 COLEOPTERA. 



field at Miilheim, near Cologne ; how introduced was, I believe, 

 not ascertained. The whole field was immediately ploughed up, 

 drenched with petroleum, and burned over — a prompt measure, 

 which fortunately proved successful. 



Professor Eiley is the best authority on the Potato Beetle, and 

 those who wish for further information on the subject may consult 

 his little book, published in London in 1877. 



One of the largest European Chrysomelidce is Timarcha Tene- 

 bricosa, Fabr., the Bloody-nose Beetle. It measures about half an 

 inch in length, and is of a dull black ; roundish, convex, apterous, 

 and very sluggish, and when touched it emits a red fluid, from 

 which it derives its popular name. 2\ Turhida, Erichs., is a black 

 Algerian species. 



Family V. — Halticidce. 



Antennae long, cylindrical, inserted near together between the 

 eyes ; body short, oval or hemispherical : hind legs longer than the 

 others ; hind femora thickened. 



The most familiar representatives of this family are the beetles 

 known as Turnip Flies, or Turnip Fleas. They are of small size, 

 often measuring less than one-twelfth of an inch in length, and 

 their thickened femora enable them to leap with groat agility. 

 The Turnip Beetles belong to the genera Haltica, (leoffr., and 

 Plujllotreta, Foudr., and are of a bronzy-black colour, often Avith a 

 yellow stripe on each elytron. Many plans have been proposed 

 for their destruction ; but as they feed on other plants besides 

 turnips, it is very desirable to keep the edges of turnip-fields as 

 clear of weeds as possible, as many of these would simply answer 

 the purpose of nurseries for the beetles. 



Family VI. — Galerucidce. 



Antennae long and generally slender, cylindrical, inserted close 

 together between the eyes ; body rather long, somewhat depressed ; 

 legs rather long and slender ; hind femora not thickened. 



The Galerucidce are generally larger and longer beetles than the 

 Halticidce, and are destitute of the power of leaping. They are 

 adorned with varied colours, and several species have a great 

 resemblance to the Crioceridce, from which they may be at once 

 distinguished by their long filiform antennae. 



Galeruca Tanaceti, Linn., which may be taken as a representa- 

 tive of the family, is black (sometimes with brown elytra), coarsely 



