MANUAL OF NATURAL HISTORY. 205 



quently concealed beneath front of thorax ; thorax 

 often as broad at base as elytra ; body oval or ovoid, 

 more or less globular \ antennae filiform, or gradually 

 thickened at apex; palpi thickened in middle; la- 

 brum distinct ; labium thick, square or oval ; eyes 

 simple; legs moderate, femora sub-equal, or hind pair 

 much thickened. 



85. Family. — Tortoise-Beetles (Cassididae). Anten- 



nae inserted near together, short, slightly 

 thickened towards tips ; head concealed be- 

 neath front edge of thorax ; thorax generally 

 semi-circular ; body shield-shaped ; sides of 

 thorax and elytra dilated. Generally remain 

 motionless, lying close upon the leaves of 

 plants. 



86. Family. — Spiny Tortoise-Beetles (Hispidae). An- 



tennae filiform, porrect; head exserted; mouth 

 not concealed ; palpi short ; thorax trapezi- 

 form ; body oblong, more or less armed with 

 spines ; tibiae compressed. Larva mines the 

 leaves of plants. 



87. Family. — Flea-Beetles (Galerucidae). Antennae 



approximating at base, exserted, filiform, ra- 

 ther long ; palpi with terminal joint thickest 

 in middle ; body somewhat oval or hemi- 

 spherical ; elytra wider than thorax ; thorax 

 mostly transverse ; legs simple ; hind thighs 

 often considerably thickened. Often possess 

 the power of leaping. Herbivorous, feeding on 

 the leaves of plants. 



88. Family.— Golden-Beetles (Chrysoinelidse). An- 



