THE VINE BEETLE. 259 



The colour of this splendid insect is not easily described, 

 because it varies together with the direction of the light. The 

 surface is always brilliantly metallic, but its exact hue seems to 

 depend entirely on the light, so that it may be green, copper, 

 gold, or blue. There is always a narrow bright line along the 



Fig. 125.— Eumolpus fulgidu*. 

 (Metallic copper and green.) 



edges of the elytra. There are many species, some being deep 

 indigo blue, some purple, and a few brown. 



An allied insect, which inhabits Southern Europe [Eumolpus 

 vitis), is very destructive to the vine. It is very small, but 

 exceedingly plentiful. The larva feeds upon the young leaves 

 and twigs, just as they are shooting forth in the spring-time, so 

 that the proper development of the foliage is prevented. But 

 this is not the worst of its ravages ; for as soon as the grape- 

 bunches are fairly formed, the insect fastens upon the stems, and 

 gnaws them all round so as to prevent the flow of sap. In form 

 it resembles Eumolpus fulgidus. 



The word Eumolpus has no reference either to the qualities or 

 the appearance of the insect, being only a classical proper name. 



There is a curious genus of Chrysomelides called Metacycla, 

 from the shape of the insects which belong to it. The name 

 comes from two Greek words signifying any object that is 

 capable of being rolled about. The females of these insects have 

 the head and thorax small, but the abdomen of enormous size, 

 being capable of becoming almost globular. The present species 

 is called Metacycla Sallei, and is a native of Mexico. The 

 abdomen of the female is so large, round, black, and shining, that 



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