Pomona Collecu Joirnai. of Entomology 397 



The entire body is thickly covercil witli stout s()ines, wliicli arc largest 

 Mil tlie lateral niarf^ins of the abdominal segments. 



The color is the same as that of the leaves at first and gradually assumes 

 the siiade of the adult as it becomes transformed into that stage. 



.\dult. (Fig. 13.^ D and Fig. 137 C). The following brief (jrincipal char- 

 acters of this .species are given by Casey as follows : 



"lilack throughout, broadly oval, the legs piceous, each elytron with 

 two transverse discal spots which are almost, or com])letely divided, each 

 into two small pale s]X)ts. the outer of which are the more linear and oblique ; 

 punctures fine and dose-set, the jnibescence rather coarse, cinereous and con- 

 spicuous but easily deiuided. Length 1.8 mm., width 1.2 mm. .\bdominal 

 lines extending outward externally parallel to the edge of the segment and at 

 a slight distance therefrom ; prosternum relatively slightly wider between 

 the coxae, flat and wholly devoid of carina; ; genital or sixth ventral segment 

 usually developed." Jr. N. Y. Ent. Soc, \ol. VII, pj). 139, 155, 189<). 



The palpi and antennae (Fig. 137 a, b. d) are large and very hairy. The tarsi 

 are well developed and covered with numberless hairs. 



The adults are very active, and difficult to find in the field. This form 

 is liable to be confused with a native species Scymiiits sordidus Horn, which 

 is plentiful in Southern California and which also feeds upon the mealy 

 bugs. The former is nearly black, with the brownish-red markings, while 

 the latter appear reddish-brown throughout or even paler. 



I have not been able to find any economic treatment of this insect in 

 entomologica! literature, and am inclined to believe that it is of little im- 

 portance as an enemy of the citrus mealy bug. though it may he an excellent 

 predator on other insects. 



