512 



THE INSECT WORLD. 



Asparagus beetle, tawny, and barred with black, resembles it in 

 habit. 

 The last genus of Coleoptera comprises the Coccinellidce, or 



Fig. 563. Lady-bird. 

 (Coccinell a septem- 

 dunctata.') 



Fig. 561. Larva of 

 Lina popnli. 



Fig. 562 Larva and imago of 

 Crioceris merdigera. 



Fig. 564.- Larva of the 

 Lady-bird. 



Lady-birds (Fig. 563). These little globular, smooth insects, 

 red or yellow, with black spots, are very useful to us, for they 

 clear the trees of the aphides and other mischievous insects. 

 Their larvae (Fig. 564) make use of their front legs to carry their 

 prey to their mouths. "When danger threatens a Coccinella, it 

 hides its feet under its body, and remains sticking to the stem of 

 the bush. If you touch it, it allows itself to fall to the ground, 

 but sometimes opens its elytra, and flies off rapidly. It also 

 exudes from the articulations of its abdomen a yellow mucilaginous 

 liquid, of a pungent and disagreeable odour. This is the only 

 means of defence possessed by this little inoffensive being, which 

 deserves in all respects the name " Bete a bon Dieu," which the 

 French children give it. 



