The Elm Leaf Beetle. 



BY 



W. E. BRITTON, 



state Entomologist. . 



Twelve years ago an account of this insect was publislied 

 by this Station in Bulletin No. 121, which has for some time 

 been out of print. Since then only a few scattered notes have 

 appeared in the bulletins and reports. The object of the pres- 

 ent paper is to place in the hands of the people of Connecticut 

 a fairly complete and comprehensive account of the elm leaf 

 beetle with up-to-date remedies and methods of treatment. 

 There is a constant demand for such information from public 

 school teachers, members of village improvement societies, and 

 men employed in the street and park departments of our cities 

 and towns, as well as from private individuals who desire to 

 give the best care to trees on their home grounds. 



HISTORY AND DISTRIBUTION IN AMERICA. 



The elm leaf beetle was introduced into this country probably 

 more than seventy years ago. In its native country, Europe, 

 where it had long been known, it had from time to time caused 

 serious injury in Italy, Austria, and the southern portions of 

 France and Germany. In Northern Europe the insect occurs 

 sparingly, but can hardly be called a pest. Harris states* that 

 the elm leaf beetle attacked and seriously injured the elm trees 

 of Baltimore, Md. in 1838 and 1839. The beetle seemed to 

 spread chiefly northward, though slowly, until Southern New 

 England was reached in the early nineties, and much damage 

 done. In the coast towns of Connecticut many fine old elms, 

 including some historic trees, were killed by its depredations. 



* Insects Injurious to Vegetation, page 124. 



