Western Beet Leaf-beetle Flea-beetles 



METHODS OF CONTROL 



The same control measures employed against the preceding species 

 should be used in case this insect attacks sugar beets in sufficient num- 

 bers to damage the crop. 



(c) FLEA-BEETLES 



The individuals of one group of leaf-beetles are characterized by hav- 

 ing the joint of the hind legs next to the body much enlarged. This 

 enables them to jump long distances. The habit these beetles have of 

 making sudden leaps whenever disturbed suggested the popular name 

 "flea-beetle" which is applied to the members of this group. 



Most flea-beetles are small, but some species are of moderate size. 

 The color is variable, some species being dull black or brown; others are 

 shining black, often with a metallic sheen; some are deep shining blue; 

 while in others parts of the insect are red or yellow or striped. 



These active little insects are familiar objects to every person en- 

 gaged in either gardening or farming, appearing in swarms on crops dur- 

 ing spring and early summer. Several species attack sugar beets, often 

 threatening serious damage. 



NATURE OF INJURY 



The work of flea-beetles is quite characteristic. The leaves of the 

 plants attacked are eaten full of small holes popularly known as "shot 

 holes" (Fig. 1, Plate IV, Page 17). The leaves of the seedling beets are 

 sometimes completely destroyed. In severe cases the plants may be 

 killed. Usually, however, plants which appear dead will put forth new 

 leaves in the course of a week or ten days. 



METHODS OF CONTROL 

 Destroy Weeds 



Flea-beetles, in both the adult and larval stages, feed upon many of 

 our common weeds. Clean culture, especially keeping down all weeds 

 along fence rows and ditch banks, will effectively check the multiplica- 

 tion of this pest. Poverty-weed is a favorite food plant of the banded 

 flea-beetle. (See page 92). 



Spraying 



Beets are usually attacked while still quite small. For this reason 

 spraying is seldom advisable, since the plants will often be stripped of 

 their leaves before the beetles have eaten enough poison to kill them. 



Scattering 



The beetles are easily disturbed and the swarms readily scattered 

 either by the hand labor while thinning or by the cultivator in cultivating. 

 In case the beetles appear in a field before the beets are thinned, it is al- 

 ways advisable to disperse them before this work is done. This can be 

 accomplished by cultivating the field. If pieces of rope or strips of can- 

 vas are fastened to the frame of the cultivator so as to drag on the ground 

 the insects will be more completely scattered. 



91 



