X 



2i2 THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



Family: Chrysomelidce. 



Donacia menyanthidis (Fig. 192). Length -f inch. Bronze-green in 

 general colour; elytra pitted; legs red-brown. Found on reeds and water 

 plants, as is general with the genus Donacia. The larvae feed under water, 

 and the perfect insects live in air, but can take to the water readily. 

 Under side covered with silvery down, which resists water. 



D. semicuprea (Fig. 193). About | inch. Coppery green, but the 

 centre parts of the elytra are purplish copper ; under side silvery ; thorax 

 closely and plainly punctured. Found in similar situations. 



D. sericea (Fig. 194). A similar species, about J inch, lacking the 

 purplish hue on the elytra, which are metallic green. 



Zeugophora subspinosa (Fig. 195). Less than inch. Orange body and 

 legs ; elytra black and pitted ; tips of antennas black. Lives on trees, 

 the larvae undermining the leaves. 



Lema cyanella (Fig. 196). Black, with a distinct blue lustre. Lives (like 

 the others of its genus) on plants, and is said to be able to produce a sound 

 of chirping by rubbing its elytra together. 



L. melanopa (Fig. 197). Slightly larger, with the same blue metallic 

 tinge, but with red shoulders and legs; feet and antennae black. These 

 live on blades of grass and corn. 



L. asparagi (crioceris) (Fig. 198). The Asparagus Beetle. This has a 

 pretty pattern on the yellowish wing-cases, consisting of a cross and six black 

 spots connected together. Thorax chestnut red ; legs black. 



Clythra quadripunctata (Fig. 199). Nearly \ inch. Head and thorax 

 black ; elytra yellow-orange, with two black spots on each. Lives on hazel, 

 willow, birch, etc. The larvae make hairy, leathery cases to live in, which 

 they draw about with them when they move. 



Cryptocephalus aureolus (Fig. 200). About inch. Oval shape ; a rich 

 metallic green in colour. Found on flowers. 



C. pusillus (Fig. 201). About T V inch. A glossy yellow, the thorax 

 being darker than the elytra. The antennae are as long as the body. This 

 genus lives on low plants, and the larvae live in a case, like those of the pre- 

 ceding genus. 



Timarcha tenebricosa (Fig. 202). Known as the "Bloody-nosed Beetle," 

 from its habit when disturbed of ejecting a red fluid from its mouth. This 

 genus (Timarcha) consists of wingless beetles, very convex in shape. This 

 species is nearly i inch in length ; a dull black in colour. Found on grass 

 and bushes in early spring. 



T. coriaria (Fig. 203). Length -| inch. Shiny black; roughly pitted. 

 Found on heaths and commons. 



Chrysomela staphylea (Fig. 204). About \ inch ; oval. Glistening red- 

 dish brown, with a bronze lustre; thorax a darker bronze than the elytra; 

 legs lighter red-brown. Found under stones and on herbage. 



