INSECTS INJURIOUS TO BEANS AND PEAS 313 



The markings are quite variable, but the most common form is 

 that shown in Fig. 226. This is an exotic species occurring from 

 Mexico to Brazil and in the Mediterranean countries. In 1885 it 

 was found at the Atlanta Cotton Exposition in black-eyed beans 

 from Texas, and has since become acclimated as far north as Iowa. 

 It seems to breed more readily in fresh and slightly moist seed and, 

 like the preceding species, its work in stored beans seems to soon 

 cause decomposition and a consequent rise of temperature. The 

 life history and remedial measures are similar to those of the bean- 

 weevil. 



The European Bean-weevil * was imported into New York and 

 New Jersey in 1870, at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 

 1893, and has been observed at College Station, Texas, but does 

 not seem to have become established in this country. It closely 

 resembles the pea-weevil in appearance and life history. 



The Bean Leaf -bee tie t 



Small yellowish or reddish beetles, marked with black, as 

 shown in Fig. 228, and from one-seventh to one-fifth inch 

 long, are often found eating the foliage of beans, and are commonly 

 known as Bean Leaf-beetles. The species occurs throughout the 

 United States east of the Rockies, but has been chiefly injurious 

 in the Middle and Southern States. Besides beans, the beetles 

 feed upon cow-peas and various native plants such as beggar- 

 weed 'or tickseed, tick trefoil (Meibomia), bush-clover (Lespedeza), 

 and hog-peanut (Falcata). They usually become quite numerous 

 before they are observed, for during most of the day they rest or 

 feed on the under sides of the leaves. They are sluggish and 

 seldom fly, and when disturbed often drop to the ground, though 

 they soon crawl back to the plant. Large round holes are eaten 

 in the foliage until finally nothing but the veins and midrib of a 

 leaf is left, the manner of defoliation being quite characteristic 

 of this species. Low-growing and dwarf varieties are worse injured, 

 as pole beans put out new leaves after the injury has stopped. 



* Bruchus rufimanus Boh. 



t Ceratoma trifurcata Forst. Family Chrysomelidce . 



