142 



rXSECTS INFESTFiXG THE PLUM TREE. 



Fig. 118. 



Fig. 119. 



measures about five lines in length. As soon as it reaches its 

 full growth, the larva deserts the fruit — which usually falls to 

 the ground before ripening — and enters the eartli to tlic depth 

 of a few inches, where it forms a small cell in which to pass 

 the pupa state (Fig. 118). It remains in this state about 

 three weeks when the change to the perfect state takes place. 

 Fig. 118. — Pupa of Plum Curculio. enlarged — 

 color, yellowish-white. 



Fig. 119. — Plum Curculio, en- 

 larged — colors, lu'own, yellow, black 



[ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ white. 



I Wgait The perfect beetle (Fig. 119) or 

 curculio is about two lines long, 

 and is of a dark brown color, vari- 

 gated with white, yellow and black ; the snout is 

 rather longer than the thorax — the latter is uneven ; the wing- 

 cases have two black tubercles on them, one on the middle of 

 each near the suture ; behind these is a broad band of dull 

 yellow and white ; the thighs liaA'e two small teeth on the 

 under side. 



This insect lives not only in the tVuits mentioned at the 

 head of this article, but also in the black knot infesting plum 

 and cherry trees. The perfect beetle feeds not only upon the 

 fruit, but also upon the leaves, and even the bark of newly- 

 formed twigs does not escape its attack.*. 



The number of broods which this insect produces in one 

 year is not definitely known, but most authors regard it as 

 being single-brooded; the perfect beetles hiix-rnating beneath 

 pieces of wood, etc., lying upon the ground. 



I am not aware that this insect has been found in this State 

 up to date ; but as we have received so many injurious insects 

 from the East, it is not at all improbable tbat the plum cur- 

 culio will make its appearance among us. The greatest care 

 should be taken to prevent its importation on nursery stock 

 from infested districts. 



Rkmkdiks.— Use Nos. 101) and llo. 



