THE CRIOCERIS MERDIGERA. 



329 



set off by the beautiful vermilion tint of the corselet and 

 elytra. The larva is certainly not beautiful, but it is interesting 

 in consequence of its extraordinary instinct of self-preser- 

 vation. 



The larvae, some of which may be seen on the left hand 

 leaves in the engraving below, have soft integuments, and, there- 



THE METAMORPHOSES OF Crioceris merdigera. 

 A nymph seen from above. A nymph (magnified) seen from below. 



fore, some extraordinary protection must be had against the at- 

 tacks of other insects and the weather. The vent of the larva 

 is nearly on a level with its back, so that all digested matters 

 which pass from the intestines slide over or collect upon the body. 

 The larva of Crioceris merdigera thus lives under most miserable 

 clothing, but which is safely and easily replaced, and the insect 

 appears to know this, for if disturbed and cleansed, it sets to 

 work and eats as quickly as it can, knowing that Nature will soon 



