173 
These hatch in a few days, producing Usually small blackish larva?, 
which are somewhat elongate in form, and narrowed posteriorly, and 
possess six legs situated on the three anterior segments. As they grow 
they gradually assume the colors indicative of their specific differences 
and thev also develop on the sides, and in some species 
over the back, rows of tubercles or spines, (hee fig. o2, a., 
34 and 39). When they have completed their growth, they 
shorten their length, the back becoming more convex; and 
fixing themselves by the tail to the bark, twig or leaf, 
enter the pupa or chrysalis state, from which in a short 
time the lady-bird is developed. These larva?, from the 
time they issue from the egg until they have completed 
their growth, feed upon plant-lice or other tender insects, 
the former being their favorite and usual food. Some species prey 
chiefly upon the bark-lice. Nor do their carniverous propensities cease 
with the close of their larva state, but continue in the perfect state 
also. Half a dozen of these will clean a currant or rose-bush of lice 
in three or four days. I have seen a large rosebush badly infested 
with lice, cleared of them in two days by four spotted lady-birds 
(Hippocl&mia maculata) which the owner placed on it at my suggestion. 
The following species of this family may be mentioned as those 
most common in Illinois. 
Lady-bird 
larva. 
Hippolamia (Megilla) magulata. De G. The Spotted Lady-bird. 
Fig. 33. 
The spotted 
Lady-bird. 
Is oval in form, of a brick red color, with two black spots 
on the thorax, and ten on the wing covers. The latter are 
arranged four on each side and two on the center or mid¬ 
dle line where the two wing-cases meet. 
Is a general feeder, destroying eggs of various insects, 
and eating plant-lice, chinch bugs, etc. V ery common 
throughout the State. 
Hippo.damia convergkns, Guer. The Convergent Lady-bird. 
Fig. 34. 
The convergent Lady¬ 
bird, larva and pupa. 
A little smaller than the preceding, and broadly 
oval in shape; orange or orange-red; thorax black, 
with two oblique white dashes; five black dots on 
each wing case, placed 2, 2 and 1, the anterior two 
the smallest, all less in size than those of //. mac¬ 
ula ta. 
