S76 MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 



ceridae ; the outer lobe of the maxillae is narrow, and nearly cylin- 

 dric, and articulated, so as nearly to resemble a palpus ; the internal 

 lobe is larger, and without any terminal scaly hook ; the lower lip is 

 rather square or ovate, and entire in front, or but slightly emargi- 

 nate. 



These insects are generally of small or but moderate size, few ex- 

 ceeding an inch in length. They are commonly ornamented with bril- 

 liant metallic colours, with the body polished, and not provided with 

 a coating of silken pile or hairs. In their movements they are slow 

 and timid, falling to the earth on the approach of danger. Ordina- 

 rily, however, the structure of their tarsi enables them to retain firm 

 hold upon leaves, &c. 



All the larvae of these insects with which we are acquainted are 

 hexapod, with the body soft, tubercular, and varied in colour ; sub- 

 sisting, like the perfect insects, upon the leaves of various plants, to 

 which they are generally affixed by a viscid matter^ which they emit 

 in such situations: the pupa? of some species may also be found having 

 the exuviae of the larvre rolled up into a small mass at the extremity 

 of the body. Other species pass the pupa state under ground. 



The following variations occur in the habits of the larvae of these 

 insects ; — 1. Those which conceal themselves beneath an excremen- 

 titious covering (Cassida) ; 2. Those which reside in tubes which 

 they carry about with them (Cryptoceplialus) ; 3. Those which are 

 naked and exposed (Chrysomela, &c.) ; and 4. Those which are con- 

 cealed in the interior of leaves, upon the parenchyma of which they 

 feed (Haltica). Hence, and in conjunction with the mode of insertion 

 of the antennae, Latreille has divided this division into three groups, 

 which appear to be of equal rank with the families, and are named 

 Cassididas, Galerucidae, and Chrysomelidae. 



The first family, Cassidid/E* (Cassidiadte Leach), is distinguished 

 by the broad, subdepressed form of the body [Jig.^Q. i. Cassida 



* BiBLioGR. Refer, to the Cassidid^. 

 Brahm, in Der Naturforscher, St. 29- 

 Schon7ierr. Syn. Ins. vol. iii. Appendix. 

 Vigors, in Zool. Jouvn. vol, ii. 

 Perf>/. Del. An. art. Braz., and Obs. Col. Ind. Orient. 



