78 



beetle, four times natural size; h the larva or wire worm, and c the 

 anal segment of the same in profile. 



A large proportion of these wireworms are shiny yellow in color, 

 and the present form is no exception, while many of the adults, like 

 the species figured, are brown and covered with close brown or yel- 

 lowish pubescence. 



The life history of injurious subterranean species is in some respects 

 similar to that of white grubs, the beetles being among the earliest 

 spring arrivals, occurring in April and May, flying rapidly in the heat 

 of the day. 



The eggs are deposited by preference in moist places grown up with 

 grassy vegetation, weeds, or corn, and the larvae upon hatching feed, 

 like the white grubs, upon the roots, developing slowly and requiring 

 about the same period for the perfection of the life cycle — about two 

 or three years. Like the white grubs, also, the wireworms transform 

 to pupa? in autumn, and change to the beetle form takes place before 

 winter, the beetles usually remaining in a quiescent state until their 

 emergence the following spring. 



In the warmer temperature of the greenhouse this life cycle might 

 vary somewhat from the normal cycle out of doors. 



REMEDIES. 



Owing to the extremely hardy character of the larva?, indicated by 

 the hard, firm texture which has given them the name of wireworms, 

 as well as to their subterranean nature, these insects are even more 

 difficult to treat satisfactorily than the white grubs. 



Of direct applications, poisons are of little value, but salt in large 

 quantity has been used by some persons with success for many years, 

 and has been reported to be one of the most effective applications that 

 can be made. Strong brine, it should be stated, must be used with 

 caution, as it sometimes destroys certain forms of plant life. 



Different forms of salty fertilizers are also said to be of value, both 

 as stimulants to the affected plants and as insecticides. Among these 

 are kainit and nitrate of soda. 



The sterilization of the soil, clean cultivation, and poisoned baits are 

 also indicated, the same as for white grubs. In fact, where remedial 

 measures are in use against either cutworms or white grubs, they 

 apply about equally well to wireworms. 



One of the best forms of bait to be used consists of slices of potatoes 

 or other vegetables poisoned in the same manner as advised in the con- 

 sideration of the variegated cutworm. 



