36 



Fig. 9. 



Foremost in the list of enemies we must place the lady-birds which feed on little else 

 than aphis either in the larval or perfect states. Probably the commonest species is that 

 known as the nine spotted lady-bird Coccindla 9 notata fig. 8, a nearly round insect, of a 

 brick red colour, with nine black spots, fig. 9, shows the same in the 

 larval condition. Another common species is the two spotted lady- 

 bird Cuccinella hipimdatav ery similar in form and colour to the pre- 

 vious species, but smaller and with two black spots instead of nine. 

 The spotted lady-bird Hip2)odamia maculata fig. 10, is also 

 frequently met with, and being found both in Europe and America has prob- 

 ably been imported from one country to the other. The colour of this 



nk withlarge black spots. The thirteen spotted lady-bird Uippodamid 1.3 

 lata fig. 11, is rather larger than either of the preceding species 

 ind has thirteen black spots on a brick red ground. 

 Fig. 10. The trim lady-bird Cocchiellu nmnda, Fig. 12, maybe readily]' 



distinguished from most of the other species by its having no black spots on its 

 red win" cases. The convergent lady-bird Hippodamia convergens, Fig. 13, is 

 of a deep orange red colour, marked with black and 

 white. Its larva a, is blue, orange and black in colour, 

 "JVl' ll'lll^ h, shows the pupa or chrysalis suspendep liy the tail, 

 -L /fXlililliSilP IL and c, the perfect beetle. This insect is also very useful 

 in destroying the eggs and young larvae of the Colorado 



Fig. 1-2. 



|o;ato beetle. 

 Tiie fifteen 



spotted Mysia, Mysia 



14, is one of 



Fig, 



Fig. 14. 



the largest .species. The perfect 

 insect varies much in colour 

 from a light grey to a deep 

 chestnut brown. An ordinary 

 observer might readily conclude 

 that the different forms belonged 

 to those of distinct species, the 

 more prominent of these varia- 

 tions are shown at rf, e,f,g,\a 



the fii;ure. This predacious species also devours the young of the Colorado beetle, at a, the 

 larva of thisladybird is represented in the act of devouriug one of these young enemies. In 

 addition to those we have enumerated, there are a number of other less common species, in 

 colour mostly yellowish or reddish with black spots or bands. In the larval state tliey all 

 resemble each other very much, being elongated in form and active in habit, usually of a 

 dull colour withmore or less yellowish or bluish markings, Fig. 9 may be referred to as a 

 type of the whole. 



There is still another species, belonging to another genus of ladybirds, which, from its 

 abundance and great usefulness deserves mention, we refer to the twice-stalibed lady-bird 



"ML 



Chiloc 



Fig. 15. 



bivdnerus, Fig. 1-5, a highly polished black insect with two red 

 spots, and which in form much resembles the half of a split pea. This species 

 preys more particularly upon bark lice, and hence is most commonly found on 

 the trunks and branches of trees. The larva, Fig. 16, is a verycurious, 

 prickly looking creature, extremely active and voracious in its habits. 

 Its chrysalis may often be seen on thetrunk of trees partly covered 

 by the prickly larva skin. 



Prominent also among the insects which subsist upon plant lice, are the aphis 

 lions, the larvae of the golden-eyed and lace winged 

 flies. The perfect insects are very pretty and delicate- 

 looking creatures, with prominent fiery eyes, slender 

 bodies, and two pairs of large, beautifully netted, pale green wings 

 Many of them, however, when handled, impart an intensely dis- 

 j'n; 17 agreeable odour to the fingers, and one of a remarkably permanent 



character, Fig. 17 represents this insect in theperfect state. ■ 



