TURNIP SLOWER BEETLE. 



87 



elbow ; and the wing-cases usually bend down at the 

 sides, so as to cover the sides of the abdomen. 



Some, like the Cadelle, and Corn 

 Cucujus (Fig. 70), are Corn feeders, 

 and various kinds frequent flowers. 

 Of these some species of Meligcthes, 

 or Turnip Flower Beetles, are very 

 injurious, and furnish one of the few 

 examples of infestations which may 

 be satisfactorily lessened when esta- 

 blished on the plant by remedial 

 measures. The little green Meligc- 

 thes Beetles may sometimes be found 

 on the flowering shoots of Eape, 

 Cabbage, and Turnip, and cause great loss where the 

 crops are being grown for seed. 



The Beetles feed on the pollen in the flowers, and 

 lay their eggs in the unopened blossoms; the maggots 



Fig. 71. — Sexton 

 Beetle, magnified. 



Fig. 72. — Meligethes ceneiis : Beetle and maggot, magnified, and in- 

 fested flower, aftei" Dr. Taschenberg. 



from these feed in the bud and base of the flower, the 

 stalks of the flowers, and the seed pods. As a remedy 

 it is found to answer well to have the infested tops 

 and early blooms of the Turnips picked, and put, with 

 the Beetles and maggots, into bags which are tied up 

 as soon as full, and the contents destroyed. Under 

 ihis treatment the growth of flowering shoots is 

 much thickened, a great deal of the infestation is got 

 rid of, and the crop is thrown back about a fortnight. 



