INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



265 



hair on the antennae is whitish, while that on the tibiae is light brown. 

 The adults are about A inch long. The larvae are dark brown or olive 

 green, with head and tubercles black. They are somewhat flattened 

 and about j% inch long. The pupae are white or yellow and about the 

 same length as the adults. 



Life History. — The adults hibernate and appear in the spring about 

 the time the leaf buds begin to open and feed on the foliage upon which 



Fig. 257. — The alder flea-beetle, Haltica bimarginata Say. 

 Adults and the work of the larvae and adults on alder 1 

 Slightly enlarged. (Original) 



the eggs are also laid. The larva 1 , upon hatching, feed on the leaves 

 and their work, combined with that of the adults, is often so severe as 

 to nearly defoliate large trees. There are several broods a year. 



Nature of Work.— In cases of an average infestation the work is 

 well illustrated by Fig. 257. AVhere severe infestation occurs all of the 

 leaf tissues excepting the larger veins are devoured. 



Distribution. — This is a very common species throughout the entire 

 State. 



