162 



LEAF-BEETLES. 



cordate, deep black, but not brilliantly polished, pro-legs well de- 

 \eloped, faintly annulated at the joints with dingy white. The 

 larvae move about considerably, but in a slow and rather clumsy 

 fashion, with the tip of the abdomen appressed to the surface of 

 the leaf or stem to assist in keeping them in position. 



"The pupa is enclosed in a frail earthen cocoon or cell, just 

 beneath the surface of the ground. The pupal stage lasts only 

 two weeks, when the adults make their appearance. The insect is 

 also double brooded, the last generation passing the winter in the 

 oTound." 



Fig. 165. — Haltica fotiacea, Lee— After Marlatt. 



As this beetle. Fig. 165, is apt to become a serious enemy to 

 our nurseries, their owners should be on the lookout to destroy it 

 as soon as it is noticed. It seems to be changing its habits, de- 

 serting its normal food to become an enemy to cultivated plants. 



As far as remedies are concerned, the experiments of Prof. 

 Popenoe, of Miss Murtfeldt, and of Prof. Bruner are quoted : 

 Beetles like the three species just described, can be successfully 

 jarred into cloth collecting frames, and if these are saturated 

 with kerosene, the beetles striking them will not be able to fly 

 away, but will perish. 



