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Genus IX. CASSIDJ. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Antenna moniliform, thickening towards the 

 tip. Head concealed beneath the thorax. 

 Thorax flat and margined. Elytra with a 

 broad margin. Tarsi with 4 articulations. 



General Observations. 



The Cassida is called tortoise beetle, from 

 a general resemblance which it bears to that 

 reptile, when laid upon its back. The genus 

 is numerous, and contains many species of great 

 beauty. The Cassidae are readily distinguished 

 from any other of the Linnaean genera, by the 

 singular manner in which the thorax and wing- 

 cases cover the head and body. The Cocci- 

 nellae, perhaps, approach them nearest in ap- 

 pearance, but may be easily distinguished, in- 

 asmuch as the Tarsus of the latter has but three 

 articulations instead of four. 



The Cassidae live on plants. They are sel- 

 dom seen running, and still more rarely in flight. 

 The fine golden, or silver colours, with which 



