INSECTS INJURIOUS TO CORN 177 



larvae burrow, becoming full grown and transforming to pupae, 

 from which the adult beetles appear in August and September. 

 When the rush becomes too hard for the beetles they often attack 

 a common reed (Phragmites communis), piercing and splitting 



FIG. 130. Sections of sugar-cane showing work of Sphenophorus obscurus: 

 a, larva; 6, pupa; c, probable points of oviposition. (After Riley and 

 Howard, " Insect Life.") 



lengthwise the unfolded terminal leaves, and eating out the suc- 

 culent portions within. The injury to corn is done by the beetles 

 while the corn is still young, feeding upon it in the same manner 

 as do the other species. " Standing with the head downward and 

 the feet embracing the lower part of the stalk," says Dr. Forbes, 

 " they slowly sink the beak into the plant, using the jaws to make 



