MARCH. 67 



COLEOPTERA. COCCINELLID^E. 



COCCINELLA. 



Generic Distinctions. Antenna very short, and terminated by a 

 compressed club ; palpi with a very large terminal joint, which is 

 hatchet-shaped ; body nearly hemispherical ; thorax angulated behind ; 

 elytra smooth ; tarsi three- jointed. 



COCCINELLA SEPTEM-PUNCT ATA. (Plate II.) Lady-bird. 

 Of a red colour, the elytra having seven black spots. This 

 is one of the commonest species ; when touched, it will 

 emit a yellow fluid of a very disagreeable odour, which is 

 said to be good for the toothache. 



COCCINELLA VIGINTIDUO-PUNCTATA is a beautiful species, 

 of a light yellow colour, having five black spots on the thorax, 

 and eleven on each elytron ; it is common in England. The 

 members of this genus, of which there are about thirty 

 species, vary from one-third to one-eighth of an inch in 

 size, and are ornamented with various colours, black, yellow, 

 and red being the most conspicuous. In France they are 

 considered sacred to the Virgin, and are called " Betes de 

 la Vierge," " Vaches a Dieu/' etc. ; in England they are 

 well known under the name of Lady-birds. 



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