84 DISEASJES OF CROPS. 



is a small cockchafer belonging to the family Rutelidce. 

 This beetle measures less than half an inch m length, and 

 is a blmsh-green colour, with reddish-brown wing-cases 

 (elytra). The larvae feed on the flowers of buckwheat, 

 causing considerable damage to the graui. The ravages 

 of this beetle are chiefly confined to Germany and other 

 parts of the Continent. For further information the reader 

 is referred to Dr. Calwer's Kiiferbuch., or Taschenberg's 

 Praktische Insekten-kunde. 



(3) The Parasites of Grasses. 



The Grain Aphis {Aphis granaria) has already 

 been described. 



The Crane Fly, or Daddy Long-legs {TipvZa 

 oleracea), belongs to the Tipulidce. The proboscis of 

 the crane fly is very short, terminatkig by a pair of 

 •fleshy lips which enclose two bristles. "In the larval 

 condition, the crane flies are fearful pests, living just 

 below the surface of the ground, and feeding on the roots 

 of grasses. Whole acres of grass have been destroyed 

 by these larvae" (Wood). The larvae, or grubs, known 

 as " leather-jackets," are of a brownish colour, and 

 measure 1| inches when fully grown. They are devoid 

 of legs, but move by wriggling along, somewhat after 

 the fashion of the earthworm. The larvae of Tipula are 

 injurious to cabbages, beans, lettuces, and corn crops, 

 as well as grasses. The pupae appear from July to Sep- 

 tember, at which time hundreds or thousands of empty 

 cases " may often be seen protruding half-way out of the 

 earth amongst grass, and by the sides of gravel walks." 

 The female fly lays eggs during the autumn in or on the 

 ground, and on damp grass. The eggs are oval, black 

 grains. 



