226 



CORN 



the earth. The wire worm coming forth, feeds on the roots of grass. 

 They nia)- be found in an}- of our tame and wild grasses, but they are 

 seldom found here in sufficient numbers to make a very great impres- 

 sion on the appearance of the grass lands. However, when the 



grass land is broken up and 

 the comparative number of 

 plants which the field con- 

 tains is few, as with corn, the 

 wire worms have to concen- 

 trate their labors more on 

 the individual plants, and 

 then it is that their presence 

 is felt, the damage being- 

 done not only to the corn 

 ])lants, but not uncommonly 

 the seed is attacked and de- 

 stro3^ed before the j^oung 

 ])lant can present itself. The 

 wire worm attacks the corn 

 kernel either before or after 

 it has sprouted and not in- 

 frequently will a kernel be 

 found into which the wire 

 worm has made an entrance. 

 The roots of the plant are 

 seriously injured, the smaller 

 roots are often eaten away, while the larger ones are bored and fre- 

 quently this boring is done through the underground part of the stalk. 

 The total destruction of the plant generally results. This larval stage 

 lasts for two years. The pupating occurs in July or August, and in 

 the course of three or four weeks a reddish beetle comes forth, known 

 as the "click beetle," commonly remembered by the clicking sound and 

 sudden springing of the beetle when placed upon its back. The beetle 

 may either remain in the ground during the winter or may come to 

 the surface, passing the time in sheltered places. This is the beetle 

 that lays the eggs from which comes the brownish colored larva (wire 

 worm) mentioned above. Other cereals are attacked by this pest, 

 as are also some of the root crops. It bothers wheat, rye, barley, oats, 

 timothy, clover, etc. ; and may be found attacking potatoes, turnips, 

 beets, cabbage, onions, and many other crops. 





CORN PLANT SHOWING EFFECTS OF 



ATTACKS BY THE BILL BUG. 

 Note that the holes in the leaves are in 

 rows. 



