88 



BEETLES. 



which gives the rootlets increased time for action, and 

 the plan is considered certainly beneficial in increase 

 of crop, independently of clearing the insects. 



Fig. 73. — Beet-Carrion Eeetle : 5 and 6, Beetles ; 1-4, larva, nat. size 

 and magnified. 



In the Beet-Carrion Beetle, which takes its double 

 name from its double habit of feeding, we have again 

 an example of the mischief which is, or may be, often 

 caused to a crop by bringing out manure in which 

 there is a two-fold kind of feeder. 



The egg of this Beetle is commonly laid in putrid 

 matter, such as dead birds, hedgehogs, or the like ; but 

 sometimes the grubs attack Beet or Mangold Wurzel 

 leaves in such great numbers as to clear off all but the 

 fibres, and thus ruin the crop. In some cases noted 

 it appears likely that offal, or carrion, may have been 

 mixed with the manure, and thus attracted the Beetle, 

 and the eggs, or grubs, were carried out in the rotting 

 substances. Though the attack is not common, when 

 it occurs it is bad, and, unless care is taken, is apt 

 to recur for some years, though possibly proper treat- 

 ment of the manure would prevent recurrence. As this 

 attack only lasts for a few weeks (the grubs are full-fed 

 about the end of June), the crop may often be saved 

 by timely dressings of superphosphate, or some good 

 fertilizer. The figure shows the Beetle and two 

 slightly different shapes of grub. 



