442 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



presence gf the pest in the vineyard. The larvae devour the smaller 

 roots and eat out pits and burrows in the larger roots, and where 

 abundant may kill the plants in a year or two, but more commonly 

 they cause an enfeebled growth and a consequent failure to produce 

 profitable crops. Injury has been most severe in the grape belt 

 of western New York, Pennsylvania, and northern Ohio, but the 

 species occurs generally throughout the Mississippi Valley and 



FIG. 371. Eggs of the grape root-worm, natural size as seen on grape canes 

 above enlarged below. (After Slingerland.) 



the Eastern States, and has been reported from California. "The 

 insect thrives best in vineyards which are neglected, and in the 

 absence of cultivation and timely spraying it is likely to become 

 a serious pest in any vineyard throughout its range of distribu- 

 tion. This is especially the case in light, sandy soils and in regions 

 where grape growing is a considerable industry." A nearly 

 related species,* has been known to injure the foliage seriously. 

 * Fidia cana. 



