168 



LEAF-BEETLES. 



"The larva- when hatched, eat their way into the interior of 

 the leaf, where they feed upon its green pulpy substance, leaving 

 the skin above and below entire, which soon turns brown and 

 dry, forming a blister-like spot. The larva, when full-grown, 

 which is generally during the month of July, is about one-fifth of 

 an inch long, oblong in form, rather broader before than be- 

 hind, flattened, soft, and of a yellowish-white color, with the head 

 and neck" blackish and of a horny consistence. Each of the three 

 anterior segments has a pair of legs; the other segments are pro- 

 vided with small fleshy warts at the sides, and transverse rows oi 

 little rasp-like points above and beneath. 



"The larva changes to a pupa within the leaf, from which, 

 in about a week, the perfect insect escapes. Within these blis- 

 ter-like spots the larva, pupa, or freshly transformed beetle may 

 often be found." 



Kig. 172. — Odontota nervosa, I'anz. 

 After Harris. 



Fig. 17.-5. — Coptocrcla clavata, Fab. 

 After Kilev. 



This interesting beetle is quite common in Minnesota, and 

 occurs also in regions where no apples grow, hence it must be 

 able to make mines in other plants as well. The adult beetle hi- 

 bernates, and is frequently found among dead leaves and rub- 

 bish covering the ground along the edges of forests. 



THE TORTOISE-BEETLES. 



These remarkable beetles contain species that are among the 

 most beautiful of all insects, being green, golden, or iridescent. 

 Some in the tropics are so brilliant that at one time it was stylish 

 to use them for jewelry. Although not injurious to fruit-produc- 



