212 INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE CHERRY. 



safras, locust, oak, curraut, clover, cotton, and other plants, 

 shrubs, and trees. It is much more plentiful in some seasons 

 than in others, but, in consequence of its using so many dif- 

 ferent sorts of food, it is seldom noticed as very injurious to 

 any particular kind of tree, shrub, or plant. Should it prove 

 troublesome, it may easily be subdued by hand-picking, the" 

 operator using a pair of gloves while engaged in the work. 

 The larva is attacked by parasites, particularly by a small, 

 undetermined, four-winged fly. The long-tailed Ophion, 

 Ophion macrurum, referred to under No. 28 (see Fig. 73), 

 also preys upon it. 



No. 113.— The May-beetle. 



Laclmosterna fusca (Fruhl. ). 



Every one must be familiar with the May-beetle, — or May- 

 bug, as it is commonly called, — a buzzing beetle, with a slow 

 but wild and erratic flight, which comes thumping against 

 the windows of lighted rooms in the evenings iu May and 

 early in June, and, where the windows are open, dashes in 

 without a moment's consideration, bumping against walls, 

 ceiling, and articles of furniture, occasionally dropping to 

 the floor, then suddenly rising again. It sometimes lands 

 uninvited on one's face or neck, or, worse still, on one's head, 

 where its sharp claws become entangled in the hair in a most 

 unpleasant manner. It is a thick-bodied, chestnut-brown or 

 black beetle (see Fig. 219, 3 and 4), from eight to nine tenths 

 of an inch in length. Its head and thorax are punctated with 

 small indentations ; the wing-covers, though glossy and shining, 

 are roughened with shallow, indented points, and upon each 

 there are two or three slightly elevated lines running length- 

 wise. Its legs are tawny yellowish, and the breast is covered 

 with pp,le-yellowish hairs ; the under surface is paler tlian the 

 upper. During the day the beetles remain in repose, but are 

 active at night, when they congregate upon cherry, plum, and 

 other trees, devouring the leaves, — occasionally, when very 

 numerous, entirely stripping the trees of foliage. Their 



