260 PINE-LEAF SCALE BARK-LOUSE LADY-BIRd's LARVA. 



which is also the name under which it is entered in Dr. Mel- 

 sheimer's Catalogue (p. 130) published by the Smithsonian In- 

 stitution. Although the name stigma is but incidentally given 

 by Mr. Say in the extract above quoted, it still is a published 

 name, accompanied with such a description as makes it perfectly 

 clear to what species this name is applied. This is all that is 

 requisite, in my view, to establish Mr. Say's claim in the premi- 

 ses. In how many instances have authors bestowed names ac- 

 companied with no other description than a mere statement of 

 one or two points in which the species designated differed from 

 another known species. I consequently regard the correct sci- 

 entific designation of this insect to be Chilocorus stigma. 



The larvae are of a dull white color, with black shining heads, 

 black legs and six rows of long black thorn-like spines running 

 the whole length of the body, one spine of each of the rows 

 arising from each segment. The spines are branched, sending 

 off numerous small slender sharp points on every side. Covered 

 thus formidably with prickles, it is probable that these little 

 alligator-like animals are never devoured by birds, and are able 

 to pursue their useful labors incessantly and without molesta- 

 tion from enemies. 



At almost every step when studying this department of the 

 works of nature, we are meeting with phenomena which excite 

 our astonishment and admiration. These lady-birds are destined 

 to remain dormant and motionless in their pupa state, for a pe- 

 riod of about two weeks, in the middle of summer, when all 

 nature around them is full of life and activity. We should ex- 

 pect they would at this time select some obscure retreat where 

 they would not be apt to be noticed and devoured by birds or 

 annoyed by any other creature. We have already observed that 

 the leaves of the pine which are infested by the scale insect 

 perish and fall, and that the twigs thus denuded become with- 

 ered and dry. We should suppose that these dead leafless twigs, 

 where it will be so conspicuously exposed, would be especially 

 avoided by the lady-bird when seeking a place to repose during 

 its pupa state. But, to our surprise, we find these insects at this 

 time all crowding together upon the ends of these naked twigs. 

 And they here fix themselves by their tails, and become motion- 



