412 



Handbook of Nature-Study 





The Colorado potato-beetle. 



Photo by Slingerland. 



4. If the beetle cannot run rapidly, how does it travel? Describe the 

 wing-covers. Why is this insect called the ten -lined potato beetle? 



5 . Describe the wings. How are they folded when at rest ? How are 

 the wing-covers carried when the beetle is flying? 



6. Take a beetle in your hand. What does it do? Of what advan- 

 tage is it to the insect to pretend that it is dead? If you squeeze the 

 beetle what happens? How does the fluid which it ejects look and smell? 

 Try and discover where this fluid comes from? Of what use is it to the 

 beetle ? Why will birds not eat the potato-beetle ? 



7. Where does the mother beetle lay her eggs? Are they laid singly 

 or in clusters? What color are the eggs? How long after they are laid 

 before they hatch ? 



8. Describe the young larva when it first hatches. What color is it at 

 first? Does it change color later? Describe the colors and markings of a 

 full grown larva. 



9. How does this larva injure the potato vines? Does it remain in 

 sight while it is feeding? Does it act as if it were afraid of birds? Why 

 is it not eaten by birds ? 



10. Where does the larva go when it is full grown ? How many times 

 does it shed its skin during its growth? Does it make a little cell in the 

 ground? How does the pupa look? Can you see in it the eyes, antennae, 

 legs and wings of the beetle ? 



11. Write an English theme giving the history of the Colorado 

 potato-beetle, and the reasons for its migration from its native place. 



