430 



Insect Pests. 



Lira-HiSTOEY AXi) Hai;jts. 



This Ijeetle is frequently calle.l the Eose Beetle and belongs to 

 the same section as tlie Chafers, namely, the Lnadlioirnia and to 

 the genus Cdoain. It is of a brilliant metallic green colour with 

 ffoldwi sheen m sunlight, witli more or less distinct white spots on 

 the elytra ; the metallic green legs have tiliial spines, which are 

 veiy pronounced and augmented by others on the front legs. The 

 antenna.' are pro\-ided with three fan-like lamelhe at the apex. The 

 wings are ^•erv powerful, so that the beetles are capable of Hying 

 some distance and with considerable force. They appear first of all 

 in May, sometimes as early as the first week in the month. Flight 

 only takes place in Avarrn bright vreather when they may be seen 

 flvhii:;- from blossom to Idossom. The beetles then feed ravenously, 

 and go on feeding until the end iif June or the 

 middle of July. I have seen some as late as 

 the end of August, but only stragglers. The 

 eo-gs are laid in the earth from the last week 

 of June until August ; they are placed some 

 depth under the soil, the beetles being capable 

 of burrowing into loose earth some distance, 

 making use of the spines on the front legs. 

 The larvie hatch from the eggs in from twelve 

 to fourteen days and feed upon the roots for 

 two years at least, according to Curtis (3j as 

 much as tliree years. They resemble the larva 

 of the Cock (Jhafer. f)eing dull white in colour, 

 much wrinkded, with large liro^u head, browu 

 legs on the first three segments, swollen apically and minutely hairy; 

 on the first segment is a distinct fuown spot nn each side. When 

 full fed they are \h inch long. The pupal staue is undergone deep 

 in the soil in an oval case made of earth, stones and debris united 

 by secretions formed by their liodies ; the outside of these earthen 

 cells is usually very rough, the inside smooth. The ])Upa is pallid 

 with dusky eyes and apex, and three more or less dark longitudinal 

 lines on the back and is aliout n inch long. Tiesides feeding on 

 li^'ing roots the larva- occur in heaps of leaf mould and un- 

 ddubteilly feed on decayiiiLt vegetable matter. 



i;--. F.. 



FIi;. -i.^l.— THE K(.>.<K rH.\FER 

 {Cetnitia fturain). 



TjiEVi'XTidX ,VNii 1;i;mei)1i;s. 



It is well known that this beautiful liectle seeks shelter beneath 

 wliiuh to deposit its eggs, it is tlms \-ery important to see that weeds 



