122 PLUM, PEACH, AND CHERRY INSECTS 



Control. As in treatment for all plant lice, tobacco extracts 

 are recommended as sprays or as dips. Also use soap solution. 

 (See under plum louse.) 



ATTACKING THE FRUIT 



The Plum Gouger (Coccotorus scutellaris Lee.). This snout- 

 beetle resembles somewhat the plum curculio, but lacks the humps 

 on the back. The insect is one-fourth of an inch long, with a snout 



Fio. 146. Plum curculio, adults, larva, pupa, and infested fruit. (Lugger.) Hair lines indi- 

 cate natural size in each case. 



about half the length of the body. The wing-covers are lead 

 gray, finely spotted with black and brown. Yellowish markings 

 are on the thorax and head (Fig. 145). They feign death when 

 disturbed. 



Injury. The beetles puncture the calyx and feed on the ovary 

 of the flower, destroying it. Later, for purpose of obtaining food 

 and for egg-laying, they puncture the growing plum. These small 

 holes made by the proboscis exude gum. The affected plums do 



