OF THE PAKM AND GAEDBK. 



241 



THE GRAPE-VINE FLEA-BEETLE. 

 (Oraptodera [formerly Haltica] chalybea, lUig.) 



Of the numerous insect enemies with which our grape- 

 growers have to deal, this occupies a prominent place. 



The beetles which have hibernated begin their destruc- 

 tive work in the spring as soon as the buds commence to 

 swell, and it is at this early period that the greatest dam- 



)' '^c<-M^ 



Fig. 148. — GBAPE-vnra plea-beetle {Graptodera chalybea, UMg.) 

 a, Young Larvae on Leaf ; 6, Larva, enlarged ; c, Chrysalis ; d, Beetle. 



age is done by the beetles boring into and feeding on said 

 buds. Later in the season the beetles feed upon the 

 leaves, and upon these, in the month of May, the female 

 lays her small orange-colored eggs in clusters. These 

 soon hatch, and the young dark-colored larvse riddle the 

 leaf as shown in figure 148, «, or when, very numerous 

 completely devouring it, leaving only the largest ribs. 

 11 



