102 



The remedies mentioned under P. fusca are equally applicable to all 

 the other species, and in fact to any and all the species of this group 

 (genus) found in that State. 



There is also a group or genus closely allied to those just mentioned 

 which contains some species that occasionally prove more or less in- 

 jurious. This genus-Serica (silky leaf-chafers), as its name indicates, 

 is distinguished by the soft, silky pubescence with which the body is 

 covered ; it agrees with Phyllophaga in the general form of the body, 

 and in the characters of the antenna? and claws, but differs from that 

 genus in having the wing-cases distinctly grooved or furrowed length- 

 wise, and in the size of its species, which are smaller. 



serica sericea — Knoch. (The Silky Leaf-chafer). 



This is a small beetle about one-third of an inch long, varying in color 

 from a light-brown to almost black, with a silky lustre, changeable 

 like satin, and when living, reflecting the colors of the rainbow in 

 favorable light. The head has a few hairs upon it. 



Spec. char. Imago. — Antennae, tibiae, claws, and form as in the pre- 

 ceding species; hind coxae very broad; of small size; varying in 

 color from a light brown to almost a black, with a"silky lustre, irides- 

 cent or changeable like satin. The head has a few hairs upon it, is 

 densely punctured, the front margin slightly notched and slightly 

 turned up. The thorax with numerous small and somewhat equally 

 distributed punctures ; lateral edge not dilated in the middle. Scut- 

 ellum longer than wide, triangular, punctured each side. Elytra 

 distinctly striated, the striae or grooves confluently punctured. Length 

 from one-third to nearly two-fifths of an inch. 



s. vespertina — Sch. (The Evening Silky Leaf-chafer). 



Is similar in most respects to sericea or silky leaf-chafer. The head 

 and thorax are reddish-brown ; the wing-cases paler or more of a red- 

 dish-yellow, with rather more distinct or deeper grooves than the for- 

 mer species. The length varies from three to four-tenths of an inch. 



I do not find that any serious complaint has been made against 

 either of these species in the West, and so far as my observations have 

 extended they do not appear to be very common. Dr. Harris states 

 that in the perfect or beetle state they attack the leaves of the sweet- 

 briar or sweet-leaved rose, on which they are found in profusion of an 

 evening in the latter part of June. I have generally found them in 

 the Southern part of the State on low shrubbery and about black- 

 berry patches. It is probable their attacks are confined to one group 

 of the Rosaceae. 



I am not acquainted with the larvae, but they are doubtless similar 

 to that of P.fusca in form and general character, and also as we may 

 safely presume, in habits. 



Spec. Char. Imago. — Similar to S, sericea in every respect except^ as 

 follows: Is a little smaller (Harris and Le Baron say the same size. 

 but my specimens appear as a rule to be smaller); head and thorax 

 reddish-brown, elytra paler; head truncate in front, with a minute 

 notch or scallop at each side near the tip, front margin slightly re- 

 flected ; thorax with the punctures deeper; scutel punctured and 



