179 



snails, &c., feed upon and deface them. iVn abun- 

 dant application of salt is the best remedy. 



Crioceris asj)aragi. — The Asparagus Beetle. For 

 the following description and particulars relative to 

 this occasionally destructive, though beautiful little 

 coleopterous insect, we are indebted to Mr. J. O. 

 Westwood, F.L.S. It is usually about a quarter of 

 inch in length, of an oblong form, with the head 

 rather broader than the thorax, which is cylindrical, 

 and narrower than the elytra. Its general colour is 

 a fine blue black : this is the colour of the legs and 

 head ; the antennae are black ; the thorax, or, more 

 properly speaking, the upper surface of the pro tho- 

 rax, is of a fine red, with two dorsal black spots, 

 which, in some individuals, are so small as to be 

 scarcely visible. The elytra are long, each having 

 several row^s of impressed spots ; the external margin 



N i^ 



