392 



FRUIT INSECTS 



spots on the wing-covers; the latter vary greatly in size, 

 shape and distinctness. The beetles hibernate under mulch 

 or other convenient shelter and become active in early 

 spring. They feed voraciously on strawberry leaves and 

 show a special fondness for the opening leaves of the red 

 raspberry, occasionally attacking blackberries (Fig. 337). 

 The leaves of young strawberry plants are sometimes riddled 



and we have seen red 

 raspberries so com- 

 pletely defoliated in 

 May that the canes 

 were killed back 

 nearly to the ground. 

 They are most abun- 

 dant in late May and 

 early June, at which 

 time most of the eggs 

 are probably laid on 

 or near the surface of 

 the ground near the 

 plants. The grubs 

 burrow through the 

 soil, feeding on the 

 roots, and become 

 full-grown during July 

 and August. When mature they construct small smooth-lined 

 earthen cells, within which the transformation to the pupa and 

 later to the adult takes i)lace. The beetle remains some time 

 in the cell in order to become fully hardened and then emerges 

 to feed on the leaves for a time before going into hibernation 

 at the approach of cold weather. Most of the beetles emerge 

 during August, but a few stragglers may appear later. There is 

 but one brood a year. 



berry r(K3t-worin beetles. 



injurec 



straw- 



