THISTLE WEEVIL. 135 



space that can be given to the whole of the Beetle 

 tribe. 



Tiny as they are, the Apions often do much damage 

 to the agriculturist, many of them living in peas and 

 beans, as has been stated of the Bruchus, some boring 

 into the stems or roots of plants, or making a gall-like 

 excrescence on the leaves or twigs. They specially 

 frequent clover, and in a field of this plant, and along 

 the adjoining hedgerows, the entomologist can take 

 sufficient Apions in a morning to give him full em- 

 ployment during the winter months with his micro- 

 scope. I may here mention that some knowledge of 

 drawing is a potent help in the study of insects ; and, 

 indeed, the note-book and pencil should be always 

 at hand. No matter how rude may be the sketch, it 

 is sure to be useful, and has a wonderful power in 

 fixing details in the mind. 



In the accompanying woodcut is shown Apion 

 carduorum, being about one-seventh of an inch long, 

 while the generality of Apions are 

 not much more than half that length. 

 The head and thorax of this insect 

 are black, with short shining hairs 

 scattered very thinly over the surface. 

 Near the base of the head the . -_ -.-* 

 antennae are set upon two rather (Uji,.;:'J j 

 bold tubercles. The elytra are of a 

 verdigris-green, with a tinge of blue 

 -a colour which is rather common Apion carduorum - 

 to this genus and the spaces between the striae are 

 very flat. 



Some eighty British species are known to ento- 



