OF WASHINGTON. 249 
which in the larva and imago states feed on clover, peas, Medicago, Meli- 
lotus., and allied plants, the beetles feeding on the leaves, the larvae under- 
ground on the roots. They probably can also subsist on other plants be- 
sides those mentioned. In our country we have on the Pacific coast a few 
species* which sufficiently deviate in characters to distinguish them from 
the European species. East of the Rocky Mountains the genus is repre- 
sented by four species which are identical with European species. Three 
of them (S. lineellus, flavescens, and tibialis) are especially abundant in 
specimens in the more northern part of the country, and they are either old 
importations or belong more probably to the circumpolar fauna. At any 
rate, they have hitherto never done any serious damage here to clover, peas, 
or other cultivated plants, whereas in Europe several species of Sitones are 
greatly injurious. It is a well-known fact that if a European insect which 
is injurious to cultivated plants in its native home is introduced into North 
America, its injury here is by far more serious than in Europe. For this 
reason I am inclined to believe that these three species are not imported 
ones, but belong to the circumpolar fauna. The fourth species, 5. his$i- 
dulus, is evidently a recent importation. Up to 1876 its occurrence in this 
country was not recorded. In that year it was first mentioned by Dr. Le- 
Conte as having occurred near Long Branch, N. J., about the roots of 
grass growing on the dunes. In subsequent years the species was found 
under similar conditions, on Long Island, N. Y., by the New York and 
Brooklyn entomologists ; at Brigantine Beach, N. J., by Dr. Hamilton, and 
at Atlantic City and Cape May, N. J., by myself. Three years ago I found 
it at Piney Point, Md., also on the beach, but this year it has suddenly- 
made its appearance in the city of Washington. In the spring I found 
two or three specimens on the walls of the Department of Agriculture, 
and in May Mr. Ulke found it swarming on red and white clover on the 
White House lot. At that time it was also common on red clover in the 
Agricultural grounds. Both Mr. Ulke and myself failed to find it in May 
and June in the surroundings of the city, although especial attention was 
paid to this insect. But in the middle of July I found some specimens at 
Bladensburg, Md., six miles from Washington, and in August Mr. Ulke 
found it on the mountains near Pen Mar, Pa. The beetle feeds on the 
leaves of clover, but does not appear to be so voracious as an allied species, 
Phytonomus punctatus. A few larvae which I found underground feed- 
ing on the roots of clover, are doubtless those of the Sitones. The effect 
of the work of the larva on the plant could not be ascertained from the 
fact that the lawns of our city parks are frequently mowed. 
Mr. C. G. H. Brischke tells us (Entomol. Monatsbl., I, 1876, p. 42) 
what amount of damage the larva is capable of doing to clover in its na- 
tive home, and should the species continue its spread in this country it is 
to be feared that we shall have another most unwelcome addition to the 
already long list of clover pests. 
* Their number has recently been greatly increased by Capt. Casey, but 
it is doubtful whether most of his species will ever be recognized as such. 
