49 



THE SUN-SCALD BEETLE. 



Xyloborus Xylographus. (Figure No. 35.) 



For some years it has been noticed that early in the spring 

 trees, especially plums and apples, have suddenly shown all 

 symptoms of drying. A close examination would generally re- 

 veal the bark clear to the sapwood in a state of putrefaction. 

 Invariably the tree also would be found more or less pierced with 

 minute holes, and in this the little beetle figured here would be 

 ^. found, 



igure o. oj. r^Y^Q qIqqq resemblancc of this to the eastern blight beetle led 

 me to believe that this insect was the primary cause of the tree failing; 

 but I have recently arrived at the conclusion that the tree has been dam- 

 aged to such an extent by the sun that the sap, being then rich in sugar, 

 has fermented, causing decay, and that the insect has been attracted from 

 this cause. 



The remed}^, therefore, here again, is having the trunk well protected. 

 If trees are seen to be affected in this manner, they must be cut back to a 

 few branches at once, and the wound dressed with grafting wax. 



TWIG BORER. 



Polycaon Confertus (Leconte). Order, Coleoptera ; Family, Piinidse. 



A chestnut-colored beetle, less than half an inch in length, with a very 

 large head. 



This insect is a native of this State, being found originally boring in oak 

 twigs. Of cultivated trees its preference seems to be the olive, but it attacks 

 nearly all kinds of trees, especially apples, plums, and prunes. 



Unlike other borers, this beetle bores in its adult state, cutting down 

 into the one-year old twigs below a bud, and tunneling in for a number 

 of inches into the wood. Its work is by no means fatal to the tree; but, 

 unless proper pruning and attention be afterwards given, it will spoil 

 its shape at least. My practice has been, whenever finding them, to re- 

 move the afifected branches below the burrow of the beetle, provided 

 the branch can be removed without harm to the tree. When it would 

 be difficult to replace a branch, as is often the case, 1 should leave it on, 

 but see that the beetle is destroyed and the entrance to the hole stopped 

 up— this to prevent decay and a weak branch following. 

 Figure No. 36. 



Spraying with soap solutions will prevent their attack until the material 

 leaves the tree, and may at times be used to advantage. The insect is 

 kept in check by certain conditions, it seems, as its appearance is hardly 

 noticed in some years. The present season it has been very troublesome, 

 and while generally not seen after the middle of May, I have found it at 

 work as late as the end of July. 



Description.— The figure gives a good idea of this voracious and troublesome beetle, 

 which can often be seen with half of its body buried in a twig, and witli its strong jaws 

 working farther in. Often when taken out it will bite viciously on the knife. Its general 

 length IS about one third of an inch or less, but it varies much in size. The color^is 

 chestnut brown. The head is conspicuously broad, almost merging into the thorax. I 

 have never been able to find the beetle in its larval state. 



