THE DOG-BANE JEWEL 



103 



The beetle is nearly half an inch long, and is unsur- 

 passed in the intensity of its color by any native insect 

 of its tribe, while it suffers little by comparison even 

 with some of the most brilliant tropical species. 



As with the Cassida, the collector must act with 

 promptness in capturing the beetle, for while it lacks 

 the agile wing of the gold -beetle, it has an odd trick of 

 drawing up its legs and dropping among the grass as 

 you would lay your hand upon it. 



Unlike the preceding, the intense color of the dog- 

 bane beetle is perfectly retained in the cabinet speci- 

 men, and a few of them judiciously disposed add greatly 

 to the effect of a collection of insects. 



