292 DIVISION UI. ARTICULATED ANIMALS.—CLASS IV. INSECTA. 
the skin, and particularly to the lower lip, makes the epidermis rise instan- 
taneously, and produces a small blister filled with watery liquid. In spite 
of the corrosive principle which the Cantharis contains, it is attacked, like 
other dried insects, by the Dermestes and the Anthrenus, which feast on 
them without suffering the smallest inconvenience. 
C. Vittata is a species peculiar to our own country, and quite equal to 
the foreign insect in vesicating power. It inhabits the stocks and leaves of 
the potato. 
In the last tribe of Coleoptera is placed the genus 
CoccrveLLa. — These very diminutive insects appear to inhabit all parts of 
the world. They live upon trees and plants, and beneath the bark of decay- 
ing trees, and under stones. They are easily known by the hemispherical form 
of their bodies, the number and arrangement of the spots on the elytra, 
which resemble a kind of inlaid work of black upon yellow or orange, and 
also by the quickness of their motions. These little insects are not only 
inoffensive, but extremely useful to man, as they destroy large numbers of 
plant lice and other small animals injurious to vegetation. They are the 
delight of children everywhere, by whom they are called Lady-birds. In 
the United States and England, the children greet the appearance of one 
with the couplet, — 
“ Lady-bird! Lady-bird! fly away home! 
Your house is on fire! your children cry, ‘Come!’” 
In France they call it the “ Béte d bon Dieu,” i. e., “the creature of the 
good God.” 
ORDER VI. ORTHOPTERA.— COCKROACHES. LOCUSTS. 
The name of the Order Orthoptera signifies “ straight wings,” and refers 
to the manner in which the wings are folded on the back of the insect. All 
orthopterous insects undergo a semi-complete transformation, the metamor- 
phosis consisting merely of the increase and development of the wing-covers 
and wings, which are seen in a rudimentary form in the pupa. In all other 
respects the pupa and larva resemble the matured insect, eating and walking 
in the same manner. They are wholly terrestrial, and mostly vegetable 
eaters, although some are omnivorous. 
They are divided into two families — Cursoria (?unners), and Saltatoria 
(Leapers). The first section comprises three genera. 
Forricuta. — The lower wings of this insect are very broad, and fold at 
the same time like a fan, and doubled up. The abdomen terminates in a 
