230 THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



and stems. The greatest damage is done by the adults boring down 

 into the soil and feeding upon the tender appearing foliage. Through- 

 out the entire summer they continue as foliage destroyers and do much 

 damage. They also act as carriers of the bacterial wilt disease of 

 cucumbers. 



Distribution. — Throughout the State. Not as common as Diabrotica 

 soror but enough so to do much damage. 



Food Plants. — Squashes, cucumbers, cantaloupes, pumpkins and 

 watermelons are its favorite food* plants and suffer most from its 

 attacks. Peas, blossoms and leaves of the apple and numerous other 

 cultivated and wild plants are devoured. 



Control. — In many instances control measures are necessary. Cheap 

 coverings are especially desirable for small plantings and may be very 

 practicable for extensive tields. When no coverings are used the plants 

 ;may be started early in hot houses and set out after they are well 

 established. If the plantings are made directly in the field an excess 

 of seed should be used to allow for the destructiveness of the beetles. 



Poison sprays, such as arsenate of lead or paris green aid much in 

 controlling it, but successive applications are necessary, because of the 

 rapid growth of the plants. The poisons are sometimes added to 

 Bordeaux mixture and serve as a remedy for fungous diseases as well. 

 In small patches pyrethrum is an excellent remedy. 



Repellents such as land plaster or gypsum soaked in turpentine or 

 kerosene or tobacco dust placed around the hills will tend to drive the 

 beetles away. Bordeaux mixture is also considered a good repellent. 



THE SMALL STEEL-BLUE GRAPEVINE FLEA BEETLE. 



Haltica cariiiata Goriii. (Family Chrysomelidae) . 



General Appearance. — The adult beetles are less than one fourth of 

 an inch long, metallic bluish or purplish in color with antenna and 

 legs black. The last ventral segment of the males has a deep elongated 

 depression. 



Life History. — The adult beetles emerge from hibernating quarters 

 in the spring and deposit their eggs upon the vines. These hatch very 

 soon and the young grubs begin to feed upon the foliage, completely 

 skeletonizing the leaves. When full-grown they drop to the ground 

 and spin a cocoon in the soil in which to pupate. The adult beetles 

 are very active, jumping quickly when disturbed. They also fly freely. 



Distribution. — This beetle has been especially abundant in the grape 

 growing sections of the southern part of the State, where much damage 

 has been done in years past. 



Food Plants. — All stages of the pest are very destructive to the 

 young and tender foliage of the grapevine — though they also attack 

 various vegetables and elms. 



Control. — Same as for the grape root-worm {Adoxus ohscurus). 

 Poisoned sprays are especially recommended for the flea beetle. 



