12 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



thorax and ten on the wing-covers. Such numbers of these 

 little fellows have frequently been found huddled together under 

 the rubbish at the base of some tree in a last year's cornfield 

 that they might be taken up by the handful without difficulty. 



FIG. 4. The spotted ladybird (Megilla maculata): a, larva; 6, pupa; c, adult; 

 enlarged. (After C-ittenden, U. S. Dept. Agr.) 



Many other species feed upon plant-lice, but the above are the 

 most common, and all bear a resemblance to one another, being 

 generally orange or red with black spots, and of a characteristic 



round or oval form, flattened below, 

 so that the legs may be drawn in 

 under the wing-covers. 



Those ladybirds which feed upon 

 scales are much smaller and are 

 black, though sometimes spotted 

 with red or orange. 



As far as known, there is no 

 way in which these useful allies 

 may be encouraged or increased in numbers, but it is trusted 

 that the above may give such a brief view of their habits that 

 fewer may be killed through ignorance concerning their true 

 worth. 



a. 



FIG. 5. The twice-stabbed 

 ladybird (Chilocorus bivulne- 

 ru). a, adult; 6, larva; en- 

 larged. (After Riley.) 



