GRAPE CANE-BORER 155 



they feed. They are, for the most part, full grown before winter, 

 reaching a length of about one-half inch. They come to the surface 

 in spring, form earthen cells, pupate, and emerge as adults a few 

 weeks later. 



Control. Cultivate early to destroy the pupal cells. Spray 

 for the adult with arsenate of lead. Use three pounds of lead 

 arsenate in fifty gallons of water. Add one gallon of molasses or 

 cheap syrup to sweeten the mixture. The adult beetles may ba 

 jarred from the leaves on sheets placed beneath the vines. 



These measures may, for the most part, also be recommended 

 for the moth known as the grape-vine root worm. 



Attacking the Leaves of the Grape. 



The Grape-vine Flea-beetle. The adult of this insect (Haltica 

 chalybea Illiger) is a steel-blue beetle appearing in early spring, 

 feeding on the first-appearing buds. It is a voracious eater, and 

 is most active during the heat of the day. When disturbed, it 

 drops to the ground. 



Life History. Eggs, according to Slingerland, are laid side by 

 side, tucked into cracks in the bark, some in cavities eaten into the 

 buds. They hatch about the time the young leaves are expanding. 

 The small, dark brown grubs feed on the young leaves, eating 

 irregular holes from the upper side. They become full grown after 

 several moults, which require from three to four weeks. They 

 then fall from the leaves and enter the ground about one inch, 

 forming & smooth cavity in which they pupate. They remain in 

 the pupal stage about one or two weeks, appearing as adults in 

 midsummer, at which time they feed to some extent on grape 

 leaves. The winter is passed under 'any protecting litter. Figure 

 173 illustrates this insect. 



Control. Keep the vineyards free from rubbish in the winter. 

 As soon as the work of the beetles is noticed on the buds, spray 

 with arsenate of lead. Use six pounds to fifty gallons of water. 

 Vineyards regularly sprayed with arsenicals and well cultivated 

 show but little injury from this insect. Beetles may also be jarred 

 on sheets or into large pans and then killed. 



Grape Cane-borer. This widely distributed insect (Schisto- 

 cerus hamatus Fab.) is also known to attack the twigs of apple. 

 It was described by Say and named Amphicerus bicaudatus, as 

 a distinct insect, but these are now shown to be identical. It 

 tunnels and kills young shoots of grapes in the spring. It also 

 works in peach and pear, and to some extent in shade trees. 



