EYEMIES OF THE SUGAR BEET. 



275 



these insects. This class belongs to the second sub- 

 family (Falticides) of (Galerucidse) Pseudotetramera, 

 the last mentioned being the third general section of 



Fis. 69. 



Silpha thoracia. 



the Coleoptera.^ The species that attack the beet are : 

 1st, Altise, having a gold-like head; 2d, Altica ole- 

 raca.^ 



These insects were so numerous at Montpellier some 

 thirty years ago that prayers were oftered in all the 

 churches that the assistance of God would come to 

 the help of the people and rid them of them. 



The larvae of these insects eat any vegetable. There 

 exists a great variety of them. In fig. 70 we give the 

 general type, showing the development of the hinder 

 legs. 



■ Westwood's classification is the above. The German classification is sixty- 

 eighth family (Chrysomelidae) of Coleoptera. 



* Altica oleraca. See for further information Cornel's Stett. Zeitt., 1864, 

 p. 98 ; Oliv. Ext. 6, p. 705. 



