FAMILY GALERUCIDiE. 135 



(Edionychus thoracica. 

 Color of the elytra blue purplish, immaculate : thorax luteous, marked with eight black 

 dots ; outer margin luteous. The outer half of the tarsal joints and antenna? luteous ; 

 the rest purplish. 



Halticidcs. 



Genus HALTICA. 



'Form oblong-ovate : thorax narrower than the elytra j posterior tarsi short' ("West- 

 wood). 

 This genus comprises many species, all of which are small, and whose posterior legs are 

 formed fur leaping. They feed upon the leaves of vegetables, more especially upon the 

 cruciform plants, as mustard, radish and turnip ; the latter of which often suffers exceed- 

 ingly, in consequence of the insects eating the young and succulent leaves, perforating 

 them like a sieve. Their colors are often brilliant. 



Haltica chalybea. 

 Body oblong oval : thorax marked with a transverse furrow. Color steel-blue, but variable 

 and passing into greenish blue : underside green ; antennae and feet black. Length 

 from one-sixth to one-fifth of an inch. 



David Thomas, of Cayuga county, has given in Sllliman's Journal an account of this 

 species of Haltica. This excellent observer noticed that his vine leaves were infested with 

 a small smooth chestnut-colored larva ; and on feeding them in a tumbler partly filled 

 with earth, they came to maturity and buried themselves, and in two weeks afterwards 

 came out the perfect insect, after having undergone their transformation. The larva feeds 

 upon the tender fi-uit buds while in a growing state, and hence destroys the fruit for the 

 season. The use of a solution of whale-oil soap would undoubtedly protect the vine, and 

 drive away the insects. 



The cucumber is infested with another species of Haltica, whicli has received the name 

 of H. cucumeris from Dr. Harris. It is black, one-sixteenth of an inch long, with clay 

 yellow antennae and legs, except the hindmost, which is brown : the thorax is marked by 

 a deep transverse furrow ( Harris). 



Another is the wavy striped beetle, Haltica striolata, and feeds upon the liorse-radish, 

 mustard and turnip ; in which respect it resembles the European species, whicli feeds 

 upon and destroys the turnip crop. 



