1348 Tur VecEetaBLte Inpustry in New Yorx State 
agus, often in great numbers. In a few days they hatch 
and the grubs begin at once to feed on the tender plants. In ten 
to fourteen days the grubs complete their growth and go down 
into the earth where they change to pupe in dirt-covered cocoons. 
In about one week the beetles emerge, thus completing the life 
history. Two and perhaps three broods appear in a season in 
New York State. 
The other asparagus beetle is known as the 
twelve-spotted species and does not seem to be 
as destructive as the former. The chief 
damage by this species is done by the over- 
wintering beetles feeding in early spring on 
the young and edible asparagus shoots. The 
beetles and grubs that appear later seem to 
feed entirely on the berries of the asparagus 
} Mee plant. 
Fic. 404—Spotren Control. On small beds of asparagus the 
Asparacus BEETLE Jeetles may be hand-picked. Destroy all 
volunteer plants about the beds in order to force the beetles to 
lay their eggs on the shoots that are being cut daily and sent to 
market. Spray the asparagus plants after the cutting season is 
over with arsenate of lead, 244 pounds to 50 gallons of water. In 
order to make the poison stick to the tiny branches of the 
asparagus it would be well to dissolve 2 or 3 pounds of hard soap 
in the mixture. 
POTATO FLEA BEETLE 
The potato flea beetle (Hypitrix cu- 
cumeris) is a small insect about one- 
twelfth of an inch long with a black 
body and dull yellow legs. Its hind 
legs which are unusually stout enable 
this small bettle to jump suddenly 
when disturbed, like a flea; hence the 
name “‘ flea beetle.” It attacks toma- a 
toes, egg plants, turnips and radishes Fic. 405 Two Common Z i 
as well as potatoes. ee ere ae Bue 
The adult beetles pass the winter  ¢¢4 Hudsonias (b) 
hidden beneath rubbish or under leaves, and appear during 
