112 COLEOPTERA. 
Lucy, I believe the antennae are mom- 
liform^ and also clavated; and that is all 
I can distinguish. 
Mother. That is pretty well for a 
first attempt ; but you may observe, that 
the elytra are margined or bordered, and 
so is the thorax ; the power of concealing 
the head is also to be noticed. 
Lucy. I understand ; and 1 hope I 
shall do better the next time. 
The other little animal I know is 
called a ladybird, or ladycow ; and from 
its hard shells it also must be in the 
order coleoptera. It was flying, and 
alighted on a bush near me. 
Mother. It is called coccinella punc- 
tata^, and, as you know, is very com- 
mon ; some have red shells with black, 
or with white spots ; others are black 
with red spots ; and the smallest kinds 
are of a dull yellow speckled with black. 
Lucy, Oh yes, I have often seen the 
* From Punctum, a point, or speck. 
