264- PROTECTION AGAINST INSECTS. 



broad, parallel-sided, closely and deeply punctured, with a 

 smooth median ridge. Elytra deeply punctate-striate, with 

 wrinkled and somewhat tuberculate interstices. 



b. Life-history. 



This species and H. opacus, Er., have a similar biological 

 history, which is as follows : They fly in March, April and 

 May. Eggs are laid in stumps and roots of the Scots pine, 

 in preference in those of trees felled in the previous year ; but 

 in the case of H. ater, eggs are sometimes laid in young pine 

 transplants. 



The larvae appear in April, and the mother and larval 

 galleries then form a confused pattern. 



The newly hatched beetles may first be seen in June, and 

 according to Eichhoff they may produce a fresh brood, which 

 comes out in October or November. The irnagos hibernate in 

 stumps or in plants which they have injured. 



The generation is annual or double, or it may be biennial 

 according to various observers ; it requires further elucidation. 



c. Relations to the Forest. 



This beetle is only hurtful in the imago stage ; before the 

 middle of June they begin to wander from their breeding 

 places to the neighbouring plantations and eat the bark of 

 2- to 6-year-old Scots and Austrian pine, and of other species 

 of pine, especially at the collum and on the roots. The 

 needles of the plants which have been attacked turn yellow 

 and fall off ; the plants die, or become so loose in the soil that 

 they can be easily pulled up. H. ater is common in Britain, 

 and its ally //. opacus, Er., is nearly as frequent. The latter 

 species is also recorded from elm and ash. 



d. Protective Rules. 



i. Timely and thorough removal of stumps and roots, 

 burning of the bark, or thickly smearing all exposed wood 

 with tar. 



ii. Thorough cleaning of the felling area. 



iii. Careful planting, and avoidance of all deep planting. 



