200 



LEAF-MINING INSECTS 



Octotoma 



The trumpet-vine leaf-miner, Octotoma plicatula, is a 

 related form that mines the leaves of Tecoma radicans. 

 Its mines "consist of several sinuous branches starting from 

 the midrib. " The pupa is "always to be found in a pocket 

 adjoining the midrib." 



Microrhopala 



Of the genus Microrhopala, we have several North Ameri- 

 can species. Such larvae of this genus as are known mine 



Fig. 63 



Fig. 64 



Fig. 63. The leaf-mining linden beetle Baliosus ruber. (From Chitten- 

 den.) 



Fig. 64. The leaf-mining beetle of the Virginia Creeper, Octotoma 

 plicatula. (From Chittenden.) 



the leaves of various composites. The adults eat elliptical 

 holes in the leaves. The larvae make long inflated mines. 

 Microrhopala vittata has been found attacking various golden- 

 rods. 



The eggs are covered with a brown substance, evidently 

 excrement al. They have been found among the hairs on 

 the lower surface of the leaves and are usually placed in 

 groups of three or four near the tip. Microrhopala xerene 

 has been reared from various goldenrods and asters and also 



