NATURAL HISTORY. 
1 93 
Genus X. 
COCCINELLA. 
HIS genus comprehends thofe fmall bee- 
tles which have red and yellow grounds, 
fpotted with black ; and are known even by 
children, who call them lady-birds. 
Of all the different larvae of the coccinel- 
la, the moft curious is that which, from its 
tufts of hair, and fmgularity of figure, Mr. 
Reaumur calls the white hedge hog. It 
feeds on the leaves of trees; and having ex- 
ifted a fortnight in its vermicular ftate, it 
turns to a chryfallis, without di veiling itielf 
of its fur ; and, three weeks after, it takes 
flight from its tomb, as a perfeft coccinclla. 
When firft produced, the colours of the elytra 
are nearly white ; but, in a little time, they 
change to that lively brilliancy for which 
they are fo juftly admired.- Their eggs are 
oblong, and of an amber colour. This 
beautiful little infedl is frequently found on 
thillles. 
