CASSIDA. CASSIDA. 



Generic Character. 



Antenna moniliformes, ex- 



trorsum crassiores. 

 Caput sub thoracis clypeo 



piano reconditum. 

 Thorax et Elytra dilatato- 



marginata. 

 Corpus ovale, convexum, 



subtus planum. 



Antenna moniliform, thick- 

 ening towards the tip. 



Head concealed beneath the 

 shield of the thorax. 



Thorax and Wing-Sheaths 

 dilated and margined. 



Body oval, convex, flat 

 beneath. 



X HIS genus is readily distinguished by the 

 singular manner in which the thorax and wing- 

 sheaths cover the head and body, which, when 

 the insect is laid on its back, appears somewhat 

 like a tortoise in miniature. The genus is numer- 

 ous, and among the exotic species are several of 

 great beauty. Some of the European species are 

 also of an elegant aspect, as the common green 

 Cassida, or Cassida viridis of Linnasus, which is 

 often seen during the summer months in gardens, 

 &c. especially on mint and other verticillate plants. 

 Its length is nearly a quarter of an inch j its shape 

 oval, and its colour bright green above, the body 

 or under part being coal-black. The larva, which 

 is of a highly singular appearance, is oval, of a 

 yellowish brown colour, and has the body edged 



