CE'TOC1S, De 3Iontfort's generic name for those Belemnites which are plicate(' at the summits.
CETOSI'ADiE (3PLeay), a family of Coloopterons Insects of the section Mditophili (Latreille). The species belonging to this family have the sternum more or less prolonged into an obtuse point, between the second pair of legs; the mentum is emarginated, and never transverse; the terminal lobe of the maxilhe is furnished with a tuft of fine hairs • the labrum is concealed ; the antenna) are small and tea jointed • basal joints are short ; the three terminal joints are large, placed close together, and form a triphyllona knob. The thorax ie generally somewhat triangular, with the anterior part (which would form the apex of the triangle) truncated. The elytra are usually rather straight at the sides, and obtusely rounded at the apex, thus presenting a somewhat square form ; their disc is rather flat. A triangular scale is interposed between the base of the thorax and that of the elytra at their outer angles.
The Ceton jade form one of the most extensive groups of the Beetle Tribe, and nothing can exceed the brilliant colours with which many of them are adorned—in this respect vyeing with, if not surpassing, the Buprestidcr.
In the larva and imago states these insects feed upon vegetable aubstancess the grub or larva of the common Rose-Beetle very much resembles that of the cockchafer; and when about to assume the pupa state incloses itself In a cocoon formed of particles of earth and rotten wood, or any surrounding substances, fastened together by means of a glutinous secretion.
In viewing a large collection of insects of this family it is difficult to say what colours prevail most. In Cetonia, tire typical genus of the group (in which the acutollum is of moderate size) the colours are generally burnished, and Consist for the most part of various shades of green. atonia aurata, the common Rose-Beetle, affords a good example of this genus. It is about three-quarters of an inch in length, and of a bright green and sometimes copper-like colour, with two white irregular fasciae towards the latter part of the elytra, and extending from the side inwards : these fascia) (and several little spots of the same colour which are observable on the elytrn) are com posed of a number of small scales, which in old specimens are often nearly all rubbed of£ This species is too well known to require further description. It Is seen very commonly in the south of Eng
land, flying about In the sunshine during the months of 3lay and June, frequently settling on roses, the loaves of which it greedily devours; it is also very fond of elder and lilac flowers. If perchance the bark of a tree be wounded so that the sap oozes out, this insect will frequently be observed licking it up, and collecting it by means of the tufts of hair with which the maxillas are terminated.
ltiieel informs us, that he kept one of these inaecta alive for upwards of three years, during which time he fed it upon fruit and moist white bread.
Cetonia slictica, a small species, about half an inch in length, and of a black colour, with numerous white spots on the thorax and elytra, in said to have been taken in this country. Its occurrence is how ever so rare, that it is doubted by some if it be truly indigenous. It is common in Franco and Germany, and is found on thistle& C. fastuosa, a species which somewhat resembles atonia aurata, but is of a larger size and without any spots, occurs in the south of France.
CETItARIA, a genus of plants belonging to the family of Lichens. The species have the following characters : — Thallua foliaceous, lobed, and laciniated ; on each side smooth and naked ; the shields are orbicular, obliquely aduate with the margin of the thallus, the lower portion being free; the disc coloured, piano-concave, with a border formed of the thallus, and infiexed.
C. hlandica, Iceland Moss. It is the Lichen hlandicua of older botanists. It has an erect, tufted, olive-brown thallus, paler on one side, laeiniated, channeled, and dentato-ciliated ; the fertile lacinin very broad. Shields brown, flat, with an elevated border. It grows on the ground in exposed situations in northern countries. The aqueous decoction when cold forms a thick jelly. It has a bitter flavour. It has been employed medicinally. [leEt.ssn Moss, in ARTS AND So. Div.] C. n'eap's is an allied species growing on mountains in northern countries. It has similar properties to the butt.