V. The Striped Cucumber Beetle. 



{Diabrotica Yiltata, Fabs.) 



INTRODUCTION. 



The striped cucumber beetle is one of the best known of the in- 

 sect pests of the garden. In some sections of the State where 

 cucumbers, squashes, melons, etc, are extensively grown, it is much 

 dreaded. This is especially true on Long Island where these crops 

 are very important ones. Here the destructive work of this little 

 black and yellow beetle is annually apparent. In some sections of 

 Long Island where cucumbers are extensively grown for pickles, the 

 ravages of this little insect cause heavy losses every year, and the 

 insect has come to be one of the important factors in pickle growing. 



During the past season, letters from growers in different sections 

 of the State have come to this Station complaining of the depreda- 

 tions of this insect and inquiring for the best methods of combating 

 it. Although no experiments with preventive measures or remedies 

 have recently been undertaken by this Station, it has been thought 

 desirable to publish a brief report at this time giving a short 

 account of the life history and habits of this insect together with 

 descriptions of some of the preventive and remedial measures 

 which have proven a success when properly used. 



Distribution. 



This insect is found in destructive numbei^ in many parts of the 

 United States, Indeed it is said to be one of the most broadly dis- 

 tributed of our leaf-eating insect pests. In the central, southern 

 and some of the western States, as well as here in the east, it is con- 

 sidered one of the most troublesome insect enemies of the garden. 



Ahindant on Long Island. — In some sections of Long Island, 

 where cucumbers are extensively grown, this little beetle annually 

 causes heavy loss. An illustration of its destructive work is 

 given in the following extract taken from a letter to the writer 



