INSECTS INFESTING THE CHESTNUT TREE. 



The Brown Chestimt Biiil Beetle (f'iti/oplitliorus pubipennin) Chap. 148 



CHAPTER CXLVIII. 



The Brown Chestnut Bud Beetle. (Cal.) 



{Fifyophfhoras pi(blpeniiis. — Leconte.) 



Order, Colkoptera ; Family, Scolytid.e. 



[A small dark-brown beetle eating into the base of the buds 

 of chestnut trees, especially the variety known as the Italian 

 chestnut.] 



Last year (1882), specimens were receiyed of branches (Fig. 

 220, Plate 3,) of chestnut trees, the buds of which were infested 

 by a small beetle. The beetle (Fig. 221, Plate 3,) measured 

 from three fourths of a line to onevline in length, and is not 

 half as wide as long — color, dark-brown ; and as its specific 

 name, pubipennis, indicates, the wing-cases are covered with a 

 fine hairy-like down. 



The perfect insect infests the bud at the base of the outer 

 side, and eats into the heart, entirely destroying it, as only the 

 outer shell remains. This beetle is probably a native species, 

 as Dr. Leconte found it twenty years ago in this State, living 

 under the liark of oak trees. It is also found feeding on the 

 oaks in the vicinity where it is found feeding in the buds of 

 chestnut trees. This species hibernates in the perfect state, as 

 I found the beetles in buds last March in a semi-dormant con- 

 dition. I am not nwarc^ that the larva? have l^een found upon 

 the chestnut. 



Remedies. — Use No. G7, No. 11 or 12 ; or No. 13 — five pounds 

 of the mixture to each six gallons of water used. These 

 solutions should be used when the tree is dormant. 

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