30 SOME INSECTS EtfJTJBIOTJS TO TRUCK CEOPS. 
Individuals that were kept in a vial with the leaves of this plant fed 
freely for two weeks, whereupon one deposited eggs. A mass of 23 
eggs was obtained, laid irregularly, some in rows of three or four with 
similar rows overlapping. TVhen first noticed, the eggs were about to 
hatch and were blood-red — an unusual color for the eggs of Chryso- 
nielida?. They differ from those of the closely related D. xamtkome- 
Ueruij or spinach flea-beetle, chiefly by their sanguineous color, but 
agree, as far as could be easily seen, in all other important particulars. 
The larva?, as well as the adults, feed on portulaca. Apparently 
the larva does not differ to any noticeable extent from that of xantho- 
mehema save in color and in possessing less prominent tubercles. The 
general color is rather dull yellowish-red with no apparent striation. 
The size is also a little smaller. 
September 20 3 1906. Mr. F. W. Roeding sent beetles of this species 
from TVichita Falls. Tex., with the report that thev occurred in beet 
fields. 
Xo further observations were made on this species until Xovember 
5. 1907. when the writer observed it on chickweed (Alsine [SteTlaria] 
media . one of the favorite food plants of xantTiomdzena. Several 
other beetles were observed in the same location and these fed upon 
chickweed when provided with it. In April. 1909. this species was 
taken under boards placed over chickweed and Avken confined fed 
more freely than did the lot found in Xovember. presumably because 
the latter had begun hibernation. The following year. May 30. Mr. 
McMillan observed the beetles feeding on portulaca at Brownsville. 
Tex., shoving, in the writer's opinion, and as he had previously sur- 
mised, that this is a favorite natural food plant. 
DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION. 
This species was given the specific name which it now bears by 
Say. in l>3o. a Later it was redescribed by Le Conte as stmicarbon- 
ata. b Of the eighteen species of this genus. meUicoUis differs from all 
others, except collata Fab., in having entirely yellow femora or thighs. 
It is smaller than either xardhomdsena or collata. The color varies. 
In fresh specimens the legs and thorax are reddish, but in older speci- 
mens they are much paler and the thorax varies from metalhc green 
to dark blue. The species was redescribed by Horn in 1SS9. C 
This species is as widely distributed as the average Halticine. but 
it was not until rather recent years generally recognized by collectors 
as distinct from xardl.omdztna. It is recorded by Dr. G. H. Horn 
■ : Altica null ieoU^, Bost. Journ. Xat. Hist., p. 199: Coinpleie Writings LeConte Eel. . 
Vol. II, p. 668, 1859. 
*> Halt ica semicarbonata, Col. Kan?. & E. New Mex.. p. 25, >" 
^ Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., Vol. XVI. pp. 211-212. 188 
