299 



ment that the beetles also devour the blossoms of Pyrethrum cinerarice- 

 folium. 



The foliage of most, if not all, of our cultivated fruit trees and 

 especially Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry, and Plum at times suflfer 

 greatly, the two last-named trees being apparently more attractive 

 than the others. The foliage of cultivated grape-vines is almost as 

 eagerly devoured as the blossoms, and the leaves of Oak, Alder, and 

 other forest trees also serve as food. Of low-growing plants the beetles 

 cut the leaves of strawberries, rhubarb, and of nearly all garden veg- 

 etables, as also of sweet potato, corn, wheat, grass, and many wild 

 plants. 



Not satistied with this amount of damage, the beetles attack the fruit 

 of peaches, cherries, apples, and grapes when just forming. * 



Among ornamental plants (he Rose is the greatest sufferer. Har- 

 ris states that the beetle was first noticed on the Rose (hence its popular 

 name), and that it afterward acquired the habit of feeding on grape- 

 vines and fruit trees. 



In 1887 a statement went through the daily press and agricultural 

 journals (apparently originating in the Philadelphia Press from a com- 

 munication by E. Williams) that the beetle was poisonous. It is said 

 that a lady who smashed some in her hands had these badly swollen 

 up, and further, that chickens fed with the beetles all died. There is, 

 however, nothing to justify the assumption that the beetle is really poi- 

 sonous, and if the above reports be true, the affliction was no doubt due 

 to mechanical irritation caused by the long and sharp claws and the 

 spines of the beetle. 



NATURAL CHECKS. 



As with other insects, there are fluctuations in the numerical abun- 

 dance of the Rose Chafer ; but so far as we yet know they seem to be 

 caused by meteorological conditions, for the species has few natural 

 checks, and no true parasites ; while but few enemies of its own Class 

 have been observed. Harris says (Treatise, etc., p. 39) : 



Our insect-eating birds undoubtedly devour many of these insects. Rose bugs are 

 also eaten greedily by domesticated fowls ; and when they become exhausted and fall 

 to the ground, or when they are about to lay their eggs, they are destroyed by moles, 

 insects, and other animals, which lie in wait to seize them. Dr. Green informs me 

 that a species of Dragon-fly, or devil's needle, devours them. 



Toads have been observed to swallow the beetles (see Mirror and 

 Farmer, v. 35, July 26, 1883), and it may be inferred that the larvai are 

 eaten by various ground beetles. While at Boscawen, N. H,, in the 

 fall of 1882, we found in the ground in company with the Macrodacty- 

 lus larvae a number of an undetermined Elaterid larva. Upon placing 

 both kinds in a tin box filled with earth it was found upon our return 

 to Washington that the Elaterid larvae had killed and devoured most 



