204 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



are they sel together, that if the insect be viewed from above, 

 especially when seen through the glass of a cabinet drawer, they 

 might easily escape observation in spite of their great develop- 

 ment. "When, however, the insect is viewed edgewise, the horn- 

 like projections are exceedingly conspicuous, and show out as 

 may be seen by reference to the illustration. 



There are several species of Bato- 

 aota, all being Brazilian. The present 

 insect is dark, almost black olive, and 

 the surface is covered with deep 

 punctures. The shape of the elytra 

 is rather remarkable, as they run out 

 on either shoulder into a sharp, elon- 

 gated point, looking very much like 

 the blade of an Indian dagger. The 

 outline of the elytra is very graceful, 

 forming a succession of bold curves, 

 and very much resembling that of the well-known insects which 

 are popularly called Bishops' Mitres, and which are so troublesome 

 in orchards. The generic name Batonota is Greek, and literally 

 signifies " thorn -back," so that it is a very appropriate one. 



Fig. 129 — B itcmnta bidens 

 (Blackish olive) 



There is a very remarkable genus of Tortoise Beetles, called 

 by the appropriate name of Aqndomorpha, i.e. " shield-shaped," 

 the particular kind of shield to which reference is made being 

 circular and having a boss on the centre, like the target which 

 was formerly used by the Highlanders. 

 They are found in many parts of the 

 world, as we shall presently see, and 

 there are many species, the present 

 example being at once the largest and 

 most conspicuous in point of colouring. 



The sides of the elytra and of the 

 thorax are flattened and widened, and 

 are so delicately thin that they look 

 just as if they were made of very pale 

 yellow gelatine, such as is used for 

 the ornamental eases in which bon- 

 bons are enclosed. So translucent, 

 indeed, are these flattened portions, that not only the legs 



In. 180 -Aspiili i] ninplKi Sancta 

 Craots. 

 transparent j allow, with dark 

 brown centre.) 



