INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OP CALIFORNIA. 



24.T 



Distribution. — This species is apparently confined to the Sierra, 

 foothills of the central and northern parts of the State. 



Food Plants.— Rosaceous plants comprise the normal food. Dr. Van 

 Dyke has observed it to be a serious pest to roses and Geanothus in the 

 high Sierras. 



Control. — Control measures are the same as for Hoplia callipyge Lop. 



THE PUBESCENT HOPLIA 



Hoplia pubicollis Leconte 



(Fig. 232) 



Description.— The ground color of the dorsum is light brown and 

 that of the prothorax and head often darker, but not so dark as in 

 II. saekenii. Light colored scales are arranged on the elytra to give a 

 mottled effect. The ventral surface is covered 

 with silvery scales. This species is distin- 

 guished from the rest by having compara- 

 tively long hair on the head and prothorax 

 and shorter hair on the elytra. The length 

 varies from | inch to £ inch. It most resem- 

 bles H. callipyge in size and color and may 

 be distinguished by the length of hair on the 

 dorsum of the elytra and prothorax, and by 

 being more elongated in shape. 



Life History. — Adults issue in April and 

 May and begin feeding, often in great num- 

 bers, upon the buds, blossoms and leaves. 

 When disturbed they drop to the ground and 

 bury themselves. Like most beetles of this 

 family, they feed principally by night, but 

 also work in the daytime, especially in cloudy 

 weather. 



Nature of Work.— The buds and blossoms 

 seem to be preferred and are either entirely 

 destroyed or the pistils and stamens are de- 

 voured. The leaves are also eaten and appear 

 very ragged. 



Distribution.— This species is quite abun- 

 dant in the Sierra foothills, but is also more 

 or less common in the lower Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and 

 in the southern part of the State. It is the most common species in 

 the State, especially in the lowlands. 



Food Plants.— Blackberries, wild and cultivated, are sometimes 

 seriously injured by this beetle. The writer collected great numbers 

 of this species in the Yosemite Valley, where they were feeding upon 

 the flowers of azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) and yarrow (Achillea 

 millefolium) . 



Control.— Control measures are the same as recommended for 

 Hoplia callipyge Lee. 



Fig. 232. — The pubescent 

 Hoplia, Hoplia pubicollis Loo. 

 Adults on blackberry. Nat- 

 ural size. Specimens taken 

 at Placerville by J. E. Hass- 

 ler. (Original) 



