236 



INSECTS AFFECTING TRUCK CROPS 



with a broad, wavy, yellowish stripe on each wing-cover. Like 

 other flea-beetles, it is very active and is hard to catch. The larval 

 form is found in the roots of young cabbage plants. The female 

 lays her eggs in openings in the root of the cabbage or other crucif- 

 erous plants, near the crown. When the larva is mature it trans- 

 forms into an earthen cocoon close to the plant, and in a few days 

 the beetle emerges. 



Injury. While the beetle eats the leaves of turnips, cabbages, 

 etc., and is sometimes found on strawberries, its chief injury, 

 perhaps, is inflicted through mining into cabbages, turnips, and 

 radishes. It may occur in such numbers as to become a serious 

 pest, causing considerable injury. 



FIG. 244. The harlequin cabbage bug, 

 different stages. (After Riley, U. S. Bu. 

 Ent.) 



FIG. 245. The striped flea-beetle. (U. 

 Bu. Ent.) 



Control. The adults may be controlled by dusting with helle- 

 bore. It is also advisable to dust with air-slaked lime, soot, or 

 ashes on foliage when beetles are present. The beetle and grub 

 are shown in figure 245. 



The Zebra Caterpillar (Mamestra picta Harr.). This cater- 

 pillar is conspicuous on account of its striking colors. When full 

 grown it is two inches or more in length. The body is yellow, with 

 a black stripe down the back and another down each side. The 

 head is red. The first generation feeds in early summer and the 

 second in the fall. The species hibernates in the pupal stage. 



It attacks cabbage, spinach, celery, and peas. 



Control. Hand-picking is the usual remedy, but it may be 

 controlled by spraying with strong solutions of arsenate of lead 

 or Paris green (Fig. 239, /). (See, also, colored plate.) 



