INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



251 



THE BLACK-LEGGED TORTOISE-BEETLE 



Cassida nigripes Olivier 



(Fig. 248) 



Description. — The beetles are golden, but less brilliant than the 

 golden tortoise beetle. The three black spots on each wing cover are 



larger and more conspicuous. The 

 legs are black. The length averages 

 fV inch. The larva? are straw-yellow, 

 with black tipped spines. There is a 

 dusky mark along each side of the 

 back, two dark spots just behind the 

 head, and below these two large black 

 crescent-shaped spots. The excrement 

 is extended laterally in long threads 

 or plates on the anal or faeci-fork over 

 the back. The pupae are dark brown 

 with light markings. The spines are 

 transparently white. 



Life History. — In this species the 

 eggs are laid in rows upon the stems 

 of the plants, thus differing from mosl 

 species, which deposit them singly. 

 This accounts for the many larvae 

 present upon a plant, and also for the 

 more apparent injury. The larvae, or 

 "peddlers," as they are called by 

 some, feed upon the foliage. 

 Nature of Work.— The young and adults eat holes in and around 

 the edges of the leaves. 



Distribution. — Tb e 

 throughout the State 



Food Plants. — The foliage of the sweet 

 potato is apparently the only recorded eco- 

 nomic host of this species, though its normal 

 food plant is morning glory. 



Control. — Remedies are the same as for the 

 golden tortoise-beetle. 



THE GREEN TORTOISE-BEETLE 



Cassida pallidula Bohemau 



(Cassida texana Crotch) 



(Fig. 249) 



Description. — The beetles are of a beautiful 

 rich green color, with the eyes and apical por- 

 tions of the antennae black. The average length 

 is about j\ inch. The larvae are light green 

 throughout, with black anal forks. 



Life History.— The beetles emerge from hibernation early in the 

 spring and lay eggs, so that the larva? and pupa? are present by the 



Fig. 248. — The black-legged tortoise- 

 beetle, Cassida nigripes Oliv. a and b, 

 larvae ; c, pupa ; d, adult. Enlarged 

 three times. (After Riley) 



species is distributed 



Fig. 240. — The green tor- 

 toise-beetle, Cassida palli- 

 dula Boh. Adult, enlarged 

 three times. (Original) 



17—13664 



