LAMELLICORN-BEETEES. 



93 



THE SPOTTED VINF.-CHAFER. 



(Pelidnpta punctata Linn.). 



This is a grape-vine pest in more southern and eastern 

 staltes, where it devours the foliage, but is by no means a com- 

 mon beetle in Minnesota, hence not as destructive as elsewhere. 

 It is a stout beetle, large specimens almost reaching an inch in 

 length, of a clay-yellow color, with three large black dots near 

 the margin of the elytra. These spots are very prominent in 

 northern specimens, but are frequently very small or even ab- 

 sent in southern ones. The whole under side of the insect, in- 

 cluding the legs, is black with a metallic green tint. The base 

 of the head, between the eyes, the margin of the scutellum, and 

 one spot on each side of the thorax are also black. The insect 

 is nearly oval in form, with a polished surface. 



%^ 



Fig. 100. — Pelidaota punctata, Linn. After Riley. 



These beetles fly during July and August, and are only 

 active during the day, flying from vine to vine with a heavy 

 flight and a loud buzzing noise. Being so large and showy, they 

 are easily detected at their work, and should be reduced in num- 

 bers by hand picking. 



