276 



THE SUGAR BEET. 



Altica oleraca. — This insect is of a greenish-blue, 

 and confines itself to leaves. 



Fig. 70. 



Fig. 71.. 



Altica. 



Cassida. 



Cassida? — This insect belongs to the first family 

 (Cassididse) of the second division (Cyclica) of the 

 Pseudotetramera phytophaga^. The species that at- 

 tack the leaves are : 1st, Cassida nebulosa ; 2d, Cassida 

 equestrie (see fig. 71.) 



These insects are flat, and of various colors. The 

 method adopted for their destruction is similar to that 

 pursued with the Melolontha ; but, in order to save 

 time and labor, between the rows of beets another grain 

 is planted (mustard) which this insect prefers. 



Agriote.^ — This species belongs to the third family 

 (Elateridas) which belongs to a sub-tribe called Prio- 

 cerata (serrieornes). The species that attack the 

 beet are: Ist, Agriote sputaleur; 2d, Agriote segnitum. 



' To obtain further information see Syst. Nat. ed. (12), p. 575; Cornel's 

 Stett. Zeitt., 1864, p. 397. 



' The above is Westwood's classification. The one adopted by Blanchard 

 is the forty-second family (Chrysometii), second sub-family (Chrysomelinis) 

 second tribe (Cassidides), second group (Cassidites). 



' Westwood's classification, 



