The larvae of these insects are of a dirty colour, and are ren- 

 dered more disgusting by being covered with their excrement, 

 to protect them from heat and cold : they live upon the leaves 

 of vegetables, and are frequently in great abundance, especially 

 those of the type, which can scarcely have escaped the notice 

 of the cultivators of the Asparagus. An interesting history of 

 their economy is given by Latreille in the 11th volume of the 

 Histoire Natm-elle, p. 324 ; and figures of the larvae, &c. in 

 Roesel, vol. ii. class 3, tab. 4. 



Our species may be thus arranged : — 



I. Thorax incised on the sides. 



1. C. Merdigera Li7in. — Fah. — Panz. 45. 2. — Sam. pi. 2. 



Inhabits the white and other Lilies in the gardens of Europe, 

 and has been imported into England with those flowers. I 

 found it in vast abundance in every state, the beginning of last 

 June, upon the Lilium candidum in the Botanic Garden at 

 Rennes. 



2. C. puncticollis Sp. — Curtis Brit. Ent. pi. 323. 



This insect was discovered by Mr. Spence many years since. 

 I have invariably found it upon Thistles in Norfolk and Suf- 

 folk ; but at Bexley it is found in sand-pits from July to Sep- 

 tember. If Gyllenhal's female of C. cyanella be intended for 

 this insect (and I think it is), he is mistaken ; for I have taken 

 both in pairs, and have never found the common one upon 

 Thistles. Mr. Spence's insect is much larger, the thorax is 

 differently formed and sculptured, and the elytra are not so 

 deeply punctured as in the following species. 



II. Thorax not incised. 



3. C. cyanella Linn. — Panz. 71. 1. 



Very common under the bark of Willows in Norfolk : also 

 on grass in June, July, and August. 



4. C. obscura Stepk. 



I have taken this insect twice in Norfolk. 



5. C. Melanopa Linn.^Panz. 9i. 12. — Middle of May, 



under the cliffs at Covehithe, Suffolk, and skirts of 

 woods, July, August, and September. 



6. C. Asparagi Linn. — Don. 1. 28. — Panz. 71. 2. — May, 



end of June, and September, upon the Asparagus : 

 very common in Norfolk. 



7. C. 12-punctata Linn. — Panz. 45. 3. 



Found upon the Asparagus in June and July, but is very 

 rare in England. 



The plant is Carduiis acanthoides (Welted Thistle). 



