250 MEANS OF DEFENCE OF INSECTS,— 
it is said, to kill a frog, and is probably the means of 
securing the nest from the attack of many enemies.— 
Dr. Arnold observed a species of bug (Scutellera, ¥.) 
abundant upon some polygamous plant which he could 
not determine, and in all their different states. They 
were attended closely by hosts of ants, and when dis- 
turbed emitted a very strong smell. One of these insects 
ejected a minute drop of fluid into one of his eyes, which 
occasioned for some hours considerable pain and inflam- 
mation. In the evening, however, they appeared to sub- 
side ;—but on the following morning the inflammation 
was renewed, became worse than ever, and lasted for 
three days. 
Other insects, when under alarm, discharge a fluid 
from the joints and segments of their body. You have 
often seen what has been called the unctuous or oil beetle 
(Meloe Proscarabaus, L.), and 1 dare say, when you 
took it, have observed orange-coloured or deep-yellow 
drops appear at its joints. As these insects feed upon 
acrid plants, the species of crowfoot or Ranunculus, it is 
probable that this fluid partakes of the nature of their 
food and is very acrimonious—and thus may put to flight 
its insect assailants or the birds, from neither of which 
it could otherwise escape, being a very slow and sluggish 
and at the same time very conspicuous animal, Another 
beetle (Pimelia collaris, F.)* has likewise this faculty.— 
The lady-bird, we know, has been recommended as a 
cure for the tooth-ache. This idea may have taken its 
rise from a secretion of this kind being noticed upon it. 
I have observed that one species (Coccinella bipune- 
* Fab. Ent. Syst. Em. i. 104.26. In Syst, Eleuth. (i. 135. 5.) it is 
made an Asis, 
