4 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



ELM LEAF BEETLE IN NEW YORK STATE 



Galerucella luteola Mtiller 

 Ord. Coleoptera: Fam. Chrysomelidae 



This insect has committed such extensive injuries to elms in 

 cities and villages along the Hudson that it may be regarded 

 as the most important natural enemy of shade trees in this 

 state. Its depredations in this section probably outrank those 

 of. all other natural agents combined. Residents of places 

 where this pest has established itself have repeatedly observed 

 the grubs working on their elms and in many instances have 

 seen two, or even three, crops of leaves destroyed in a single 

 season without taking steps for the protection of their trees. 



The causes for this condition of affairs are not hard to find, 

 as the majority, if they notice the work of this pest at all, are 

 inclined to trust in Providence and hope that its ravages will 

 not be as severe the next season. Others see the grubs at work 

 on the under side of the leaves or crawling about the tree but 

 not being quite sure of the best method of controlling them, 

 and as any method takes considerable labor, usually make no 

 effort to subdue the pest. 



Bad reputation of its family. This beetle is a member of the 

 large, leaf eating family of Chrysomelidae, which com- 

 prises a number of our most injurious insects. It includes such 

 well known pests as the asparagus beetle, Crioceris as- 

 p a r a g i Linn., the Colorado potato beetle, D o r y p h o r a 10- 

 1 i n e a t a Say, the 12 spotted Diabrotica, D. 12-p u n c t a t a 

 Oliv. and the striped cucumber beetle, Diabrotica vit- 

 t a t a Fabr., all well known insects against which the farmer 

 must wage a more or less perpetual warfare. Another member 

 of this famil}^, the cottonwood leaf beetle, Lina scripta 

 Fabr., recently inflicted serious damage on the large basket 

 industry in the willow growing districts about Syracuse, Roches- 

 ter and other localities in that part of the state. Judging from 

 the well known records of its allies, we may expect that the elm 

 leaf beetle will continue to be very destructive. 



Recent injuries about Albany. The elm leaf beetle was recog- 

 nized in Albany by the late Dr Lintner about 1892, having 



