CABBAGE-STEM WEEVIL. 5iO 



The method of life of this kind (taken from various writers) is for 

 the beetles which have lived through the winter and come out in spring 

 to lay their eggs in the axils of the leaves, or even in the stems, of the 

 plants of the Cabbage kind on which they may prey, if the outer rind 

 is not too hard to gnaw through. The maggots, which soon hatch, 

 gnaw their way into the stem and side branches, which are for the 

 most part entirely eaten out, and filled with crumbly matter. In July 

 the greater part of the maggots turn in a cavity to the pupal state, from 

 which development to beetles takes place in about a fortnight. The 

 beetles appear customarily to remain in their shelter; still not unfre- 

 quently they come out and hide themselves up for the winter. It is 

 further mentioned by Dr. Taschenberg that he has found nearly full- 

 grown maggots in Rape so early in the year, that he considers that 

 many of the autumn beetles take the opportunity afforded by presence 

 of winter Cabbage for egg-laying, and that the maggots from these eggs 

 live through the winter. 



Another species of Baridius, the B. picinus, differs in the beetle 

 being of a shining black colour, and also differs from the above in fre- 

 quenting Cabbage and Cauliflower, whereas the B. chloris more 

 especially attacks Rape and Turnip.* The habits in other respects, 

 and also the general appearance in larval and pupal stages of both the 

 species above named, appear to be almost similar. 



Prevention and Remedies. — The chief measure of prevention is 

 carefully drawing and burning all infested plants. It would be useless 

 throwing these aside or burying them, unless very deeply down, as the 

 beetles would come out much as if nothing had been done to them. 

 At present we know very little of the attack in this country, excepting 

 that much mischief was done in the district mentioned at p. 24 by an 

 infestation agreeing in such points as were noticeable with Baridius 

 attack ; and information was also sent from a locality in Essex of 

 damage to Cabbages, which were found to have the stems hollow. 

 Under these circumstances it seems desirable to note tlie possible 

 presence of an infestation, which may be much kept in check by a very 

 little care. 



Observations were also sent regarding a good deal of damage caused 

 by the maggots of the Cabbage and Turnip Flies [Anthomyia of various 

 species) to Cabbage roots, and also of severe mischief caused by the 

 fungoid disease, and distorted growth, commonly known as " Club " 

 when affecting Cabbage, and as Anbury, or Finger and Toe, in 



* The words in the German are " Kiibsen und liaps " ; several varieties may be 

 included under these names. 



