MAINE) AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 191O. 327 



The adult insect (represented at c, fig. 2), measures from a 

 little less to a little more than a half inch in length. It is flat- 

 tened above, the upper surface of the body is a dark metallic 

 brown, and fresh specimens are coated here and there with a 

 powdery gray substance, which is easily rubbed off. The wing- 

 covers are ornamented as shown in the illustration, and under- 

 neath, as may be seen when the insect is in flight, the body is a 

 bright metallic greenish blue. The under surface is coppery 

 bronze. 



The larva differs greatly from that of the round-headed borer. 

 Its name, flat-headed borer, is derived from the peculiar flat 

 expansion of the second thoracic segment — which is close to 

 the head. In color it is light yellow and in length measures 

 nearly twice that of the mature insect. It habitually rests in 

 a curved position (fig. 2, a). The pupa (&) shows the form of 

 the future beetle and is of the same yellow color as the larva. 



This borer attacks diseased or dying trees by preference, in- 

 habits all parts of a tree from the base of the trunk to the limbs, 

 and is not restricted to fruit trees. In all these respects it 

 differs from the round-headed borer, but agrees with the latter 

 in that it is injurious chiefly to young trees, its injuries being 

 practically confined to newly transplanted nursery stock and tO' 

 trees which have been weakened through any cause, such as 

 careless pruning, or insufficient nourishment due to poor soil or 

 drought. Infestation may be detected by the discoloration of 

 the bark. 



REMEDIES. 



The remedies advised for the round-headed borer are also of 

 value and are generally employed against the present species. 

 It is necessary, however, that deterrent coverings and washes 

 should be applied farther up the trunk and to as many branches 

 as can be conveniently reached. 



Careful cultural methods. — Careful, clean methods of orchard 

 management are essential as a measure of protection, and in- 

 volve the cutting out of dead, dying, and injured deciduous 

 forest and shade as well as orchard trees known to be chosen as 

 food by this species. Care should be exercised in transplant- 

 ing, and especially in pruning ; and fertilizers should be used 



