cbcKCSAFERS. 



199 



1*4, 



FIG. 231. 



A Cockchafer Beetle. 

 (Magnified four times.) 



rare in the plains but more common in the hills, where the beetles are more 



abundant. Cockchafers thrive best in the long open stretches of grass land, 



and though found throughout the 



plains, rarely come in large numbers. 



The time of emergence depends upon 



climatic conditions and is usually 



regular. A species that emerges at 



the commencement of the rains does 



so always, whatever the date of the 



rains. It is accordingly possible to 



expect these insects at regular 



seasons, as at the beginning of the 



rains, and to take measures accord- 

 ingly. In fruit gardens, certain 



plants are especially attacked and 



these must be protected. Only ex- 

 perience can tell which plant will be 



attacked in any locality as the species 



have differing habits. As a rule it 



is useless to spray plants with lead 



arseniate, as the beetles feed and 



poison themselves but still strip the plants. Spraying with weak contact 



poison is better as it makes the plants distasteful but the effect does not 



last. The best and only real method is to use the light trap, an arrange- 

 ment of a lantern, two reflectors and a pan of jaggery or kerosene and 

 water. Where measures are required on a larger scale, fires are useful. 



Fortunately the beetles do 

 not fly for many nightsand 

 fires are not required for 

 long ; this is practically the 

 only method of protecting 1 

 crops. 



Cultivation of waste 

 lands, together with proper 

 cultivation of arable latidj 

 are radical cures for such 

 pests. The occurrence of 

 cockchafers in destructive 

 numbers depends largely upon the extent of uncultivated land and may 

 be looked for in perhaps every other season in places where the conditions 

 for increase are suitable. Where the soil is ploughed or deeply cultivated 



2x4 



FIG. 232. 

 A CoclccJiafer Beetle. (Magnified four times.'} 



