INSECT PESTS OF CIGAR-TYPE, TOBACCOS P45) 
detrimental to the beetles, this being especially true when they are 
present on small plants which offer little protection. 
The beetles remain rather inactive for a period of about 24 hours 
after emergence, then begin feeding on the lower leaves which touch 
FIGuRE 26.—Mature larva of the tobacco flea beetle, X 15. 
the ground. In most of this early feeding the beetles confine their 
eating to the lower leaf surface. In a short time, however, the feed- 
ing punctures go entirely through the leaf. The beetles remain on 
the lower leaves for 3 or 4 days and then gradually 
spread over the entire plant. In the case of sun- 
grown tobacco the feeding is largely confined to the 
lower portion of the plant. In the case of shaded 
tobacco, however, the upper leaves are frequently 
punctured to a considerable extent, and even the 
bud leaves are sometimes fed upon. Under shade 
conditions there seems to be little choice between 
the upper and lower leaf surface, although in high 
tobacco there is apparently some sheht pr eference 
for the upper surface. 
SEASONAL HISTORY AND HABITS 
: : FIGURE 27.—Pupa of 
The tobacco flea beetle passes the winter in the “ the tobacco flea 
adult form. The insects find shelter under piles of _ beetle. 
leaves and trash and in the upper surface of the soil 
and often hibernate along the edges of wood- 
land adjoining tobacco fields (fie. 29).- The 
beetles doubtless hibernate in considerable 
numbers in the few tobacco fields where the 
stalks are allowed to remain undisturbed 
throughout the winter. In these situations 
they remain in a more or less dormant condi- 
tion during the winter. In warm periods, 
however, the beetles become more active and 
may be found feeding in sheltered spots. 
The beetles are ustially first noticed early 
in the spring when the tobacco plants are 
beginning to appear in the seedbeds. They 
RGuEE. OS =A dult-of the. come from their winter fast with ‘avenous 
tobacco flea beetle, X 23. appetites and seek food immediately. 
The first beetles to issue from hibernation 
in the spring may begin laying eggs in the plant beds while the plants 
are still small. The. moist, sheltered beds furnish excellent breeding 
places, and often produce large numbers of this insect. No doubt it 
4.25552—42_4 
