3122 



dozen or more species of the genus Cassida, one of which (C. nebulosa) in its different 

 stages is illustrated in our figure. A Brazilian species (Desmonota variolosa)* 



remarkable for its deeply-sculptured elytra and bright 

 golden-green color, is also shown in the same figure. 



SECTION TRIMKRA 



Two families, of which one only need be noticed' 

 here, are included in this section. The Coccinellidce or 

 ladybirds are so familiar to everyone that it is quite 

 unnecessary to describe their general appearance. They 

 are resembled in shape by some other beetles, but in 

 such cases the ladybirds may be distinguished by their 

 three-jointed tarsi, clubbed antennae, and the hatchet- 

 shaped terminal joint of their palpi. These charming 

 little insects have always been held in much respect, as 

 the different names given to them testify, and it is well 

 that it should be so. For while the species of a few 

 genera (Epilachna, Lasza) are herbivorous in their 

 habits, the great majority live especially in the larval 

 state upon green fly and plant lice, and, by keeping 

 these noxious insects in check, perform a useful service 

 to man. The ladybirds are found in nearly all parts 

 of the world, and over a thousand different species are 

 known. Among several species occurring in Britain the two commonest are, per- 

 haps, the large seven-spotted Cocdndla septempunda and the small two-spotted C. 

 bipundata. The latter varies in color to a great extent, so that between the 



COLORADO POTATO BEETLE IN 



ALL ITS STAGES. 



(Natural size.) 



LIFE HISTORY OF THE TORTOISE BEETLES ( CdSsidincz) . 



I. Cassida nebulosa; 2. The beetle (enlarged); 3. The larva (natural size); 4. The pupa, and 5, the larva (boths 

 enlarged); 6. Desmonota Tariolosa, with leg and portion of elytron enlarged. 



