

The B ology of Maine Species of Altica. 199 



Color description of the second instar larva. The second 

 instar larva, both early and late, is colored exactly like the third 

 instar larva. 



The molt to the third instar (second molt). The process 

 of molting is the same in all of the flea-beetles studied and is 

 described in detail under the second molt of the elm flea-beetle 

 (see page 188). 



Coloration after the second molt. When the larva molts 

 from the second instar to the third, it is entirely bright orange 

 yellow at the time of the molt, including head, legs, and shields. 

 The cuticula gradually becomes pigmented, and the normal col- 

 oration is attained about 2 hours after the larva has shed its 

 skin. 



Color description of the third instar larva, early. Head, legs, pro- 

 thoracic and anal shields shining black; all of the tubercles dull black; 

 general aspect dark brown or almost black above, scarcely lighter ven- 

 trally; anal proleg yellow. 



Color description of the third instar larva, late. Head, legs, pro- 

 thoracic and anal shields shining black ; all of the tubercles brown ; 

 general aspect dark golden brown above, lighter ventrally; anal proleg 

 yellow. 



Feeding habits. The larvae feed voraciously on the open- 

 ing buds and flowers of the blueberry, and later on the leaves. 

 When they are abundant they can cause severe losses, as they 

 destroy the blossoms and hence preclude the possibility of the 

 plant setting fruit. Even when they do not sterilize the blos- 

 soms, they so injure the vitality of the plants that such berries 

 as are produced are small and sour. Unlike the larvae of most 

 flea-beetles, they do not skeletonize the leaves, but eat holes 

 through them or eat out irregular notches in the sides. 



The Prepupa. 



Formation of the prepupal cell. As soon as the prepupa 

 enters the soil, it constructs a rude cell not far below the sur- 

 face of the ground. The formation of the cell is discussed in 

 more detail under the dogwood flea-beetle (page 168) . 



Coloration. The color fades out during the prepupal, and 

 in the late prepupa, the tubercles are dull brown, and the gen- 

 eral aspect of the body is golden brown dorsally, and golden 

 ventrally. 



