LEAF-BEETLES. 139 



Though very common, the beetle is not very often seen, as it 

 is very watchful and shy, dropping to the ground upon the slight- 

 est disturbance ; in falling it doubles up its legs, and thus rolls 

 from the leaves, pretending to be dead. Knowing this habit 

 large numbers can be captured by jarring them with a stick into 

 an inverted umbrella. To make sure that they do not fly off 

 again it is but necessary to line the inside of such an umbrella 

 with some absorbent material, and soak this in kerosene oil. By 

 doing so the oil will be kept in position, and any insect coming 

 thorouffhlv in contact with it is doomed to die. 



Figr. 142. — Fidia loagipes, Mels.— After 

 Saunders. 



Fig. 144. -Par/a cane7/a-var. 6 aetata Fig. 145. — Paria. caaeUa, Fab. — After 

 Say.— After Saunders. Forbes. 



The beetle is about a quarter of an inch long, is chestnut- 

 brown, but so densely covered with short whitish hairs as to ap- 

 pear gray and hoary. It is found early in June, and only for a 

 short time, after which it disappears. 



THE GRAPE-ROOT WOR^f. 



(Fidia vificida Walsh). 



This beetle is very similar to the one described, and is a 

 rather long-legged creature, covered with short hair, so that it 

 appears gray. It is sometimes very injurious, especially in some 

 of the Central States, as Ohio, but as it occurs over a large por- 

 tion of our country it may cause injury almost anywhere and at 



