INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE GRAPE 



453 



it transforms to a white pupa, from which the adult beetle 

 emerges in one or two weeks. In New York there is but a single 

 generation, but more than one generation may occur in the 

 South. Upon emerging the beetles feed on the grape and other 

 plants, doing no particular damage, and enter hibernation in 

 the fall. 



Control. Where vineyards are regularly sprayed with arsen- 

 icals there will be but little trouble with the flea-beetles, as the 

 grubs are very easily destroyed on the foliage. In neglected 

 vineyards the beetles often become very abundant and may be 



FIG. 380. Eggs of the grapevine flea-beetle, natural size at a, and enlarged 

 at b. (After Slingerland.) 



quite destructive in such localities. Where it is necessary to 

 combat the beetles to prevent injury to the buds, close watch 

 should be kept for them and the buds should be thoroughly 

 sprayed at once, using 4 pounds of arsenate of lead per barrel. 

 Usually this will need to be applied just as the buds are becoming 

 well swollen, and must be applied promptly and thoroughly, 

 as the beetles work quickly and a day's delay may mean the 

 destruction of the buds. In a small vineyard or on a few vines 

 the beetles may be collected by hand in the early morning when 

 they are sluggish, or may be jarred to canvas-covered frames 

 kept saturated with kerosene placed beneath the vines. 



