230 



INSECTS TXJURIOUS TO STAPLE CROPS. 



of the larvae, as of the nearly allied Potato Flea-beetles 

 {E. cucnmeris and fuscula) , but when the beetles become 

 more numerous the larvae sometimes feed upon tobacco- 

 roots, doing them more or less damage, but generally not 

 to a noticeable extent. The breeding of this insect upon 

 these common weeds further emphasizes the caution 



Fig. 129. — Tobacco Flea-beetle {Epitrix pnriml'i). a, adult beetle; 

 b, larva, lateral view; c, head of iarva; d, posterior leg of same; 

 e, anal segment, dorsal view;/, pupa — a, b, f, enlarged about 

 fifteen times; c, d, e, more enlarged. (After Chittenden, 



U. S. Dept. Agr.) 

 already given in previous chapters to see that they are kept 

 cut down. Spraying with Paris green as advised for the 

 Horn-worm will also keep this insect in check. 



Grasshoppers. 



Grasshoppers have often been known to eat tobacco- 

 leaves quite badly. Of these, our most common species, 

 the Red-legged Locust [Melanoplus femur-rii'brum), has 

 been recorded most often. If the plants have been sprayed 

 with Paris green, it will usually be sufficient to prevent 

 serious injury by grasshoppers. If they are very numerous. 



