INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



245 



and other plants during the remainder of the summer and remain in 

 the soil in a dormant condition during the first winter and begin to 

 feed upon the roots again the following spring and summer. They 

 transform into pupae the fall of the second year. The adults emerge 

 in September and October. Thus two years are required for the larval 

 stage and one year for the completion of the adult stage. Mr. J. J. 

 Davis has found considerable variations in the life history of the 

 Lachnosterna beetles, and the above may not at all fit the California 

 species, but it will serve to give a general idea of the development, 



Nature of Work. — The larvae destroy the roots of plants under- 

 ground and the adults feed upon the foliage, usually eating ragged 

 holes in the leaves. 



Distribution. — This species is limited to the middle and northern 

 parts of the State. 



Food Plants. — The grubs have been reported as doing much dam- 

 age to lawns. They also feed upon the roots of various other grasses. 

 The adults attack the leaves of fruit trees, ornamentals and native 

 shrubbery. 



Control. — The control of this pest is rather difficult, due to the fact 

 that the grubs live in the soil and are difficult to kill. Sod lands are 

 excellent breeding places, and when first plowed should be planted to 

 some crop which the grubs do not readily attack, as clover and potatoes. 

 Pad plowing is also reccmmended. In lawns, carbon bisulfid may be 

 applied with deadly effect to the grubs if the 

 soil is fairly loose but not too sandy. About 

 a teaspoonful to every two or three square feet 

 should be used. 



THE MUCK OR CARROT BEETLE 



tdgyrus gibhosus DeGeer 



(Fig. 234) 



Description. — The beetles greatly resemble 

 the California Lachnosterna, being robust. 

 dark reddish-brown throughout, but with a 

 distinct short horn on the front of the head, 

 which readily separates it from the former. 

 They average from | to jj inch in length. 



Life History. — The adults begin to appear 

 early in the spring (April and .May) and are < 

 common until winter, when they go into hiber- ^^Jtitl^Agy^giblofua 



nation. The damage is done by the adults, DeGeer. Adult, enlai 

 which bury themselves in the ground and eat 



off the roots of plants just below the surface. The larvae are white 

 grubs and live upon the roots of plants in the soil. In general habits 

 they resemble the common Eastern June beetle, Lachnosterna fused 

 (Fro.), and appear to be responsible for much damage to crops in 

 this State. 



Nature of Work. — The adults cu1 off the roots of the food plants 

 beneath the surface of the soil, in much the same manner as cutworms. 



