in zoology, a genus of insects of the plate order of coleoptera; the characters of which are these: CXLIII. The antennae are subclavate; the palpi are longer than the antennae, the last articulation heart-shaped; the body is hemispheric; the thorax and elytra are margined; the abdomen is flat. This genus is divided into sections, from the colour of the elytra, and of the spots with which they are adorned. The females, impregnated by the males, deposit their eggs, which turn to small larvae, slow in their progress, and are enemies to the plant-louse. These larvae are frequently found upon leaves of trees covered with plant-louse. On the point of being metamorphosed, they settle on a leaf by the hinder part of their body, then bend and swell themselves, forming a kind of hook. The skin extends, grows hard; and in a fortnight's time the chrysalis opens. Coccolobo opens along the back. The insect in its perfect state receives the impressions of the air, that gives its elytra a greater degree of confidence. It seldom flies, and cannot keep long on the wing. Of all the different larvae of the coccinella, the most curious is the white hedgehog, a name given it by M. de Reaumur on account of the singularity of its figure, and the tufts of hair which render it remarkable. It seeks its food on the leaves of trees. After a fortnight, it settles on one spot, and without parting with its fur, turns to a chrysalis; three weeks after which, it becomes a coccinella. The flough appears nowise impaired by its transformation. M. de Reaumur has observed it on a plum-tree. It is likewise found upon the rose-tree.

When the coccinellae first arrive at the state of perfection, the colours of their elytra are very pale, nearly bordering upon white or cream colour; and the elytra are very soft and tender, but soon grow hard, and change to very lively brilliant colours. Their eggs are of an oblong form, and of the colour of amber.