546 INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS. 
by Candèze to live about New Orleans in the diseased trunks of 
the palmetto. It is not known what tree it inhabits in this state. 
BENEFICIAL INSECTS. 
The Aphis-eating Lady-beetle— Among the insects which do 
incalculable benefit to agriculture, are several kinds which prey 
almost exclusively upon the Aphis or plant-louse. The Syrphus 
flies in the maggot state devour great quantities, and so do the 
larve of the lace-winged fly (Chrysopa). Scarcely less valuable 
Fig. 151. aids to the gardener are the young of the “ Lady- 
bird” beetle (Coccinella). During the past 
summer we have traced the transformations of a 
species (Psyllobora 20-maculata Say) which lived 
in all its stages on the leaves of the horse-chestnut 
during the month of August. As no aphides 
were seen on the leaves, I am inclined to think 
that in this instance the food of the young lady- 
bird was certain freshly hatched Psoci (Coeci- 
lius), aphis-like neuropterous insects which were 
one running about over the leaves, masses of their 
Larva of “Lady-bird.” egos being attached to the leaves, and as usual 
covered with a thin web. Indeed some Coccinelle feed on the 
eggs and young of their own kind. This lady-bird is a very small 
beetle, a tenth of an inch long; pale, whitish yellow, including the 
legs and antennz. There are four black spots on the prothorax, 
and nine on each wing-cover, two on each wing cover usually 
running together, thus making twenty distinct spots in all. 
The Larva (fig. 151) is long and slender, with a rather small head, which is a litle 0 over 
half a t ( is spate te trapezoidal in 
being widest in front, : a little longer than broad, mith z ~ 
ing of four or five raised facets. The stout, minut ER jointed, the Joints 
being of equal thickness, the seċond a little see spr Rt the first. The upper lip 
(labrum) is small, transversely broad ovate, with the front edge rounded. The jaws 
are quite small. The maxille are very large, obtuse cylindrical, projecting far beyond 
i d short. 
ae 
ents gradually pko in le: ; while the abdo 
ments are nearly equal in length, and very co lat A ‘orm of the emus 
$ segment I could make out, as y specimens were eaen g to 
themselves to the surface of the leaf, and this > ag was greai rged and elon- 
gated, ending in a soft and membranous ruffle-like dilatation by shes the insect was 
evidently ut o the le 
to gum 
The body is covered with short, stiff hairs, It is white, with two dark t pen on pan 
n the five 
