CHAP. XV. FAMILIES OF COLEOPTEBA. 



Ill 



(Fig. 286), the Twelve-spotted Diabrotica (Fig. 238), and the 

 Tortoise-beetles (Figs. 287 and 288), belong to this Family. 



CLASS IV. TRIMERA. 



These insects are usually of a small size and more or less 

 hemispherical in form; the last joint of the palpi is broadly 

 hatchet-shaped; the joints of the feet are dilated and cushion- 

 like beneath, and the second joint is deeply bilobed. 



The insects belong to the Lady- Fig. 289 



bird Family (Coccinellidse), and 

 their colors are usually red or black 9 

 never, or very seldom, marked with 

 stripes. They all prey upon Plant- 

 lice, scale-insects, small caterpil- 

 -ars, etc., although in a very few 

 instances they have been known to 

 attack fruit (as the California Lady-bird, Fig. 289); but this 

 habit is very exceptional. 



Fig. 290. 



The larvae are furnished with six legs; and when about to 

 turn to pupae they attach themselves to some object by the 

 hind part of tjie body. The Fifteen-spotted Lady-bird (Fig. 

 290) is a good representative of this Family. 



