The Crioceres 



smallest of the group. I do not know enough 

 of her habits to say anything more about her. 

 These botanical details tell us that the 

 Crioceres, which hatch early, in the middle 

 of summer, have no reason to fear famine. 

 If the Lily-beetle can no longer find her fa- 

 vourite plant, she can browse upon Solomon's 

 seal and smilax, not to mention the lily of 

 the valley and, I dare say, a few others of 

 the same family. The other three are more 

 favoured. Their food-plant remains erect, 

 green and well provided with leaves until the 

 end of autumn. The wild asparagus even, 

 undaunted by the extreme cold, maintains a 

 sturdy existence all the year round. Be- 

 lated resources, moreover, are superfluous. 

 After a brief period of summer freedom, the 

 various Crioceres seek their winter quarters 

 and go to earth under the dead leaves. 



445 



