maine agricultural experiment station. "] 



Flat-Headed Apple-Tree Borer. 

 (Chrysobothris femorata Fab.) 



The adult insect (represented at c, fig. 2), measures from a 

 little less to a little more than a half inch in length. It is flat- 

 tened above, the upper surface of the body is dark metallic 

 brown, and fresh specimens are coated here and there with a 

 powdery gray substance, which is easily rubbed off. The wing- 

 covers are ornamented as shown in the illustration, and under- 

 neath, as may be seen when the insect is in flight, the body is a 

 bright metallic greenish blue. The under surface is coppery 

 bronze. 



6 c 



Fig. 2; a, larva; b, pupa; c, adult. (After Riley). 



The larva differs greatly from that of the round-headed borer. 

 Its name, flat-headed borer, is derived from the peculiar flat 

 expansion of the second thoracic segment — which is close to 

 the head. In color it is light yellow and in length measures 

 nearly twice that of the mature insect. It habitually rests in 

 a curved position (fig. 2, a). The pupa (b) shows the form of 

 the future beetle and is of the same yellow color as the larva. 



This borer attacks diseased or dying trees by preference, 

 inhabits all parts of a tree from the base of the trunk to the 

 limbs, and is not restricted to fruit trees. In all these respects 

 it differs from the round-headed borer, but agrees with the latter 

 in that it is injurious chiefly to young trees, its injuries being 

 practically confined to newly transplanted nursery stock and to 

 trees which have been weakened through any cause, such as 

 careless pruning, or insufficient nourishment due to poor soil or 

 drought. Infestation may be detected by the discoloration of 

 the bark. 



REMEDIES. 



The remedies advised for the round-headed borer are also of 

 value and are generally employed against the present species. 



