XIV 



INJURIOUS INSECTS 



WHILE a number of different insecls feed upon the 

 __^__ asparagus plant, there are onl}* two species 

 ^^ which have so far become extensively dis- 

 tributed and caused serious damage in the 

 United States. Both of these were imported from 

 Europe, and are limited for their food supply to the 

 asparagus plant. 



THE COMMON ASPARAGUS BEETLE* 

 {Crioceris asparagi) 



This beetle is by far the most important enemy 

 of the asparagus plant. It was first noticed in this 

 country at Astoria, L. I., now a part of New York 

 City, in 1S59, but its actual introduclion into that 

 locality occurred about 1856. The injury inflicted by 

 this insect is due to the work of both adults and larvae 

 upon the tender shoots, which they render unfit for 

 market, early in the season. L,ater they destroy, b}- 

 defoliation, growing plants, and are particularly in- 

 jurious to seedlings, the roots of which are weakened 

 by having their tops devoured. Larvae, as well as 

 beetles, attack the tenderest portions of the plants, but 

 the latter gnaw with seemingly equal relish the epi- 

 dermis, or rind, of the stems. The beetles are also 



* Condensed from an official report by J. H. Chittenden of the United 

 States Department of Agriculture. 



