204 THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



Cychramus luteus (Fig. 91). A small tawny-yellow species, common on 

 flowers, and flowering shrubs, such as hawthorn-blossom ; the elytra almost 

 cover the abdomen, and have a slight covering of fine light hairs, scarcely 

 visible to the naked eye. This beetle is very similar to Byturus tomentosus 

 (Fig. 96), but a darker colour, and rounder in shape. 



ips quadriguttata about | inch is a longish-shaped species, bright black, 

 with four reddish spots ; found under oak and pine bark, and feeding on the 

 sap of various trees. 



Trogosita mauritanica (Fig. 92). About \ inch long, a flattish, elongated 

 species, black or brownish, sometimes with a red tinge ; reddish legs, antennae 

 slightly clubbed, the club being three-jointed. Found among drugs and other 

 merchandise all over the globe, in granaries, warehouses, etc. ; also under the 

 bark of decaying trees ; elytra grooved and faintly punctured. 



Ditoma crenata (Fig. 93). Black with reddish brown antennae and legs. 

 Elytra grooved and pitted, with two red spots or bands on each. Local, under 

 the bark of dead trees. 



Cryptophagus lycoperdi (Fig. 94). Belonging to a genus (n-jointed antennae) 

 found in damp places, cellars, fungi, and decayed wood. Reddish brown; 

 elytra slightly pitted. 



Mycetophagus quadripustulatus (Fig. 95). The name means mushroom 

 eaters ; they are found not only on fungi but also under bark, in granaries, 

 and rubbish. Eleven species in all. M. quadrip. is a long oval in shape ; elytra 

 black with two brick-red spots on each; grooved and pitted; legs reddish. 

 Local. 



Family : Coccinellidce LADY-BIRDS. 



This family of nearly hemispherical beetles is highly beneficial, since both 

 the larval and adult forms devour the aphides. They may often be found on 

 rose trees and other plants infested by the green-fly. 



Hippodamia iq-punctata (Fig. 221), has nineteen black spots on its yellow 

 wing-cases. 



H. i^-punctata, with thirteen black spots on the yellow or orange elytra, 

 is rare. 



Subcoccinella 2^-punctata. The only species of its genus found in Britain ; 

 is a vegetable feeder. About | inch long, with thick reddish down ; spotted 

 with variable dots and patches (sometimes absent). Common in certain 

 localities among herbage, especially in South. 



Anatis ocellata is the largest British lady-bird ; found on fir trees ; not very 

 common. Head black ; thorax with white markings ; elytra red, spotted with 

 yellow-ringed black dots, or " eyes." 



Coccinella Upunctata (the Two-spot Lady-bird) (Fig. 222). Elytra red. 

 Common. 



C. oblongo-guttata (Fig. 223). A tawny brown, with lighter streaks and 

 patches on the elytra. 



