2 CHRYSOMELIDj;. 



and tapering at the apex. All these structures are not as a rule 

 found in the CJirysomelidce. 



In the larval state these insects are always found on or within 

 plants, generally crawling on leaves or stems ; this distinguishes 

 them conspicuously from the larvae of the Longicornia. In shape 

 the larvae are either elongate and subcylindrical or short and 

 convex. The larvae of the Donadince live below the water on steins 

 of water-plants ; they are elongate in shape and have two spines 

 at the end of the body which they insert into the plants, sucking 

 the air out of the latter with the help of a large opening (stigma) 

 situated at the base of each spine (Dewitz, Berlin. Zeitsch. 1888, 

 p. 5). 



Many of the larvae of the other tribes construct a covering of 

 their excreta, carrying it about with them and undergoing their 

 metamorphosis within it (Camptosomes). Others construct a 

 cocoon within the widenings of the stems (Sagrince). Of the 

 majority of species inhabiting the tropics the larvae are not 

 known. 



The family Chrysomelidce like the Curculionidce or Weevils 

 comprises a vast number of species, but in the teeming vegetation 

 of the tropics their depredations, though great, do not prominently 

 attract the notice of travellers. I am informed however, that they 

 can be exceedingly destructive to plantations of young trees. In the 

 temperate regions a few genera are injurious to certain agricultural 

 products and the same may be said of some species in tropical 

 parts where cultivated plants are concerned. 



The sexes are not always easy to distinguish but in many 

 genera the males have dilated anterior tarsi or longer hind femora. 

 In others the head has curious excavations or projections and the 

 antennae have differently constructed joints. In the Camptosomes 

 the female has a more or less deep excavation on the last 

 abdominal segment. In a few genera of true Chrysomela the 

 young caterpillars are hatched almost at the moment that the 

 female deposits the eggs. 



Chapuis (Gen. des Coleopt. x, 1874, p. 23) arranged the 

 Chrysomelidce under four great divisions : 



i. EUPODES in three subfamilies : Sagrince, Donaciince, and 

 Criocerince. 



ii. CAMPTOSOMES in six subfamilies : Megascelince *, Megalopince, 

 Clytrince, Cryptocephalince, CUamydince, and SpTicerocharince *. 



iii. CYCLICA in four subfamilies : Lamprosomince, Eumolpince, 

 Chrysomelince, and Galerucince. 



iv. CEYPTOSTOMES in two subfamilies : Hispince and Cassidince. 



As will be seen from the subjoined key an arrangement in five 

 divisions is adopted here, the Galerucince being separated from 

 the CYCLICA to form a fifth division TBICHOSTOMES in two groups : 

 Galerucince and Halticince. 



* Not known from India. 



