BEETLES ATTACKING BLOSSOM AND FRUIT 



323 



Fig. 495. — The Rose-chafer. En- 

 larged and natural size. Original. 



Because of its long legs the insect looks larger than it is. In habits 

 it is sluggish. Holes are eaten in fruit, and the sides of unopened 

 grape blossoms are eaten out so as 

 to get at the stamens and pollen 

 within. In flowers the beetles at- 

 tack especially the central parts. 



The insect breeds in sandy ground. 

 The larva is a small, whitish grub, 

 and feeds on grass roots. In the 

 fall it goes down below frost line, 

 returning in spring and transform- 

 ing. The adults come out in June. 

 Eggs are laid in the ground, \ to 4 inches below the surface. Egg- 

 laying continues over a considerable period. There is one generation 

 each year. 



Direct control is possible by spraying thoroughly with arsenate 



of lead, 5 pounds to 50 gallons of water, 

 to which should be added 1 gallon 

 of molasses. Without the molasses 

 the spray is not so effective, as the 

 beetles will avoid the parts of the plant 

 that are coated with poison and seek 

 out places where none of the spray has 

 lodged. Spray first when the beetles 

 are due, and again in one week. 



Hand picking is feasible in flower 

 Fig. 496^- Larva of tho Rose- .j^^^g If possible, break up the ad- 



chafer. Original. " 



jacent breeding grounds, especially 



sandy fields in sod or weeds. The insect does not breed in ground 

 kept in clean cultivation. 



The Indian Euphoria {Euphoria inda Linn.) 



Ripening peaches and pears sometimes are eaten into by brownish, 

 heavy-bodied beetles, about half an inch long, their wing covers marked 

 with irregular darker patterns. They are slow moving and not easily 



