154 INSECT PESTS OF BERRIES AND GRAPES 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE GRAPE 



Attacking Roots and Vines. 



The Grape Root Worm (Fidia viticida Walsh) . This is one of 

 the most serious pests of the grape in many parts of the United 

 States. Grubs, by destroying the roots, may completely ruin a 

 vineyard (Fig. 172). 



Description and Life History. The adult of this grub is a small 

 brownish beetle with hairy coat. The beetles emerge during the 

 summer, beginning at once to feed, eating chain-like holes in the 



FIG. 172. Different stages of grape root worm. (U. S. Bu. Ent.) 



grape leaves, apparently preferring young plants. They have also 

 been reported eating the skin from the fruit. When disturbed, 

 they endeavor to conceal themselves. 



The female deposits from sixty to one hundred eggs during the 

 season, evidently at three different periods, from twenty to forty 

 being laid at one time. These eggs are yellow and are placed in 

 clusters under the loose bark or hi crevices on the canes. They 

 hatch in from eight to ten days. The grubs, upon hatching, fall 

 to the ground, entering the soil, and make their way to roots where 



