CHAPTER X 

 ASPARAGUS INSECTS 



The important insects infesting asparagus are relatively few 

 in number, and, like their host plant, are of P]uropean origin. 



The Common Asparagus Beetle 



Crioceris asparagi Linnseus 



This common beetle is a native of Europe and was first found 

 in this country at Astoria on Long Island in 1860, although it 

 had probably been present in that locality for several years. 

 The insect has gradually extended its 

 range until it is now widely distributed 

 from North Carolina to Massachusetts 

 and Canada and westward to Illinois. It 

 was introduced into California about 1904 

 and is now widely spread throughout the 

 central part of the state. It has also 

 been reported from Colorado. 



The asparagus beetle (Fig. 127) is 

 about ^ inch in length. The head, under 

 parts, legs and antennae are bluish black 

 frequently tinged with green. The tibise 

 are reddish at base. The thorax is 

 reddish usually with two black spots near ^^^^ ^^^'^ ' ~ ^^'\ZZ 



*^ , i , moil asparagus beetle 



the center. The markings on the wing- (X5). 



201 



