62 



FOREST ENTOMOLOGY. 



ally one of the smaller branches, reacts by forming a gall-like swelling, 

 which, however, is not found on willows. See fig. 59. 



In the second summer the larva changes its course, boring upwards 

 along the middle of the stem for about an inch. The flight-hole is 

 circular, and situated on the swollen por- 

 tion. Pupation in April of the third 

 year. 



This insect is usually found in open 

 J A 1 I'^iPL sunny places, and is not uncommon in 



1 •jR\ ■'' ^ the Midlands and south of England. It 



seldom kills the trees, but cripples the 

 l^ranches and prevents growth. Where 

 it is al)undant, hardly a branch can be 

 found free from its gall. Fig. 59 is 

 a representation of injuries. 



Tribe CHRYSOMELINA. 



Genus Melasoma. 



Fig 59. —Injin ij en, 

 (f^pcn poplai by hi 

 populnea. 



acters need not be given. 



the following: is taken from Fisher.^ 



There are three species in this genus, 

 all of which are arboreal ; but as two 

 are very local, the species described may 

 be taken as typical, and generic char- 

 Xot having found the species considered, 



Melasoma populi, L. (Red Poplar-leaf Beetle), 



Description. — Beetle 10 to 12 mm. long, of an obovate shape, 

 blackish-blue, the elytra brick-red, their extreme tip black ; thorax 

 narrower than the elytra, its sides rounded, broadly raised and coarsely 

 punctured ; antennae short, compressed, thickened towards the ends. 



Larva 6-legged, of a dirty white colour, Avith many black spots, and 

 two white lateral projections on the second and third segments. 



Pupa sharply narrowed towards the posterior extremity, brownish- 

 yellow, with regularly distributed black spots and stripes. 



Life-history. — The season for flight is in May and June. 

 ' Forest Protection, 1907 ed. 



