BEETLES MISTAKEN FOR GRAPE ROOT-WORM BEETLES. 



17 



the different pests, so that an application intended for one may not 

 at all affect another. The descriptions with figures of the following 

 beetles and of their more characteristic habits will aid the vineyardist 

 in distinguishing the grape root-worm from other injurious species. 



The grapevine flea-beetle (Haltica chalyhea 111.) (fig. 4), measuring 

 about one-fifth of an inch in length, is readily recognized b3^its brilliant 

 metallic color, which varies from steel blue to green. It is of a robust 

 shape, with thickened thighs well adapted for jumping. With the 

 opening of the buds of the grapevine in the spring the beetle generally 

 makes its appearance. The larvae, which are found in the early part 

 of the summer, feed, 

 like the adult, upon the 

 leaves of the grape. 



The rose-chafer 

 ( Macrodactylus suhspi- 

 nosus Fab.) (fig. 5) ap- 

 pears as a rule at the 

 time of the blossom of 

 the grape. It is a slen- 

 der beetle about one- 

 third of an inch long, 

 with the body tapering 

 a little toward each ex- 

 tremity. It is covered 

 with a grayish-yellow 

 down, which gives rise 

 to its color. The pale 

 reddish legs are long, 

 at the joint armed with 

 prominent spines, and 

 terminate in very long 

 black claws. The an- 

 tennae, or '^feelers," are 

 short and have at the 

 end a laminated club- 

 like structure. The beetle readily attracts attention because of its 

 activity and great abundance wherever present. It preferably feeds 

 upon the clusters of the blossom, and to some extent upon young 

 grape-berries and leaves. 



The red-headed Systena (Systena frontalis Fab.) (fig. 6) somewhat 

 resembles the previously described beetle. It is, however, smaller, 

 measuring about one-sixth of an inch in length, and is black in color 

 except for a pale reddish area between the eyes. This beetle has of 

 late become quite injurious to young grapevines, feeding upon the 

 leaves to such an extent that it often kiUs the vines. The feeding 

 51282'*— Bull. 89—10 2 



Fig. 5.— The rose-chafer {Macrodactylm subspinosiH' 

 beetle. Much enlarged. (Original.) 



Adiilt or 



