A NATURAL UMBRELLA. 163 



of the elytra taking a slightly reddish hue. It may be 

 found plentifully on thistles. 



At Fig. b of the same illustration is shown the 

 extraordinary larva of the Tortoise Beetle. It is very 

 flat, and has the sides covered with flattened spines. 

 But the most curious portion of its structure is the 

 forked apparatus that proceeds from its tail and passes 

 over its back. This fork serves a very curious pur- 

 pose. Like several other larvae, both carnivorous 

 and vegetable feeders, this creature is sheltered by a 

 sort of umbrella formed of the refuse of its food. 

 But, instead of lying directly on the back, the 

 umbrella is supported on the fork at some little dis- 

 tance from the body, and, when it becomes too weighty 

 it can be shaken off and a new one gradually pro- 

 duced. The pupa is scarcely less curious in appear- 

 ance, and is drawn at Fig. c. 



There is only one British genus of this family, and 

 it contains about thirteen species. 



M 2 



