192 NATURE STUDY AND LIFE 



The larva is supposed to require three years to complete its 

 growth, during which time it feeds in the bark and trunk 

 of the tree. The children should be directed to search 

 over the trunks of their apple trees, especially after a rain, 

 for- the sawdust-like chips that mark its presence. The 

 large borings often penetrate deep into the heart of the 

 tree, but the grub can be reached and destroyed by means 

 of a wire. The beetles are to be found in June and July, 

 remaining concealed by day and becoming active about 

 dusk. They are about three-fourths of an inch long, pale 

 brown, with two broad creamy-white stripes running the 

 whole length of the body, so plainly marked as to be 

 easily recognized. 



The Flat-Headed Apple-Tree Borer, Chrysobothris femomta. 

 This is an even more formidable enemy to the apple trees 

 than the last species and attacks also the pear, plum, and 

 peach. Whether the larva requires one or two years to 

 complete its growth is not determined. The beetle may 

 be found from the latter part of May on through the 

 summer. It is very active in the daytime, running about 

 the trunks and branches of the trees in the hot sunshine 

 and depositing its minute yellow eggs under the scales and 

 in the cracks of the bark. It is generally about one-half 

 inch in length, but varies a good deal. The color is shin- 

 ing greenish black, with two transverse, depressed brassy 

 spots above, under parts and legs appearing like burnished 

 copper, with the feet shining green. This borer does not 

 confine its attacks to the trunk, but may be found in the 

 larger branches as well. 



The Broad-Necked Prionus, Prionus laticollis, is of interest on 

 account of its huge size, the larva often reaching a length 



