11 



of an inch in length. The general color is nearly uniform dark olive 

 brown, the conspicuous piliferous tubercles being pale yellow, and the 

 head and portions of the legs black. The eggs (b) are dull brownish 

 gray, and the surface, as seen through a lens, is covered with septagonal 

 and hexagonal areas. 



A common variety of this species, not thus far noticed, however, in 

 beet fields, is illustrated in figure 2. It has been observed in Nebraska, 

 Texas, and Florida. 



Remedies. — This and the Western beet leaf -beetle are apt to become 

 important enemies of sugar-beet culture unless remedial measures are 

 instituted. The general methods for the control of leaf and flea- 

 beetles (see page 169) are all applicable, but a few remarks should be 

 added in regard to particular remedies for these two species. Paris 

 green, London purple, and paragrene have all been employed against 

 the larger species with apparently good results when applied dry, 

 mixed with flour, in the same manner as for the 

 Colorado potato beetle. Against the AVestern spe- 

 cies a spray of Paris green with whale-oil soap has 

 been used with success, the beneficial effect lasting 

 about six weeks, the beet leaves not being injured. 

 There is no especial advantage in the addition of 

 the soap, and the arsenical used alone or with Bor- 

 deaux mixture would have answered still better. 



Two interesting facts brought out in the course 

 of Professor Gillette's observations on the larger 

 insect in Colorado are of value as indicating methods 

 of control. It was observed that the beetles accu- 

 mulated quite largel}^ upon "mother" beets early 

 in the spring, which suggests that if a few beets be 

 left in the ground over winter the}' will serve as 

 trap crops for the protection of the j^ounger plants 

 in spring. It was noticed also that the insect appeared to confine its 

 injuries to plants growing in alkali ground oi" in close proximity to 

 such soil. Hence such ground is to be avoided for the cultivation of 

 beets. 



THE WESTERN BEET I.EAF-BEETLE. 



{Monoxia consputa Lee. ) 



Garden as well as sugar beets are injured by this species, particu- 

 larly along the Pacific coast. It first attracted attention in the years 

 1890 and 1891 in Oregon, where it did considerable injury (F. L. 

 Washburn, Bui. 11, Oregon Agl. Expt. Sta., p. 11.). It eats holes 

 through the leaves, in some instances leaving only a network of the 

 original leaf, and this seriously interferes with the growth of young 

 plants, which are sometimes killed. 



Fig. 2. — Mono.ria punc- 

 ticoUis, variety — 5 times 

 natural size (author's 

 illustration, Division 

 of Entomology). 



