NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Two spotted curculio 



Attelabus bipustalatus Fabr. 

 Portions of the terminal lobes of oak leaves rolled into neat, cylindric cases 

 containing an egg, may be the work of this species. 



The peculiar rolled, usually cylindric cases of this species are occasion- 

 ally met with in early spring on oaks of various species, it having been 

 recorded on the red, post and laurel oak. The work of this beetle has 

 been observed, though it is not abundant in the vicinity of Albany. The 

 insect has been listed from New Jersey, District of Columbia and also from 

 the vicinity of Cincinnati .O. Dr Packard has recorded this species from 

 near Providence R. I. 



Description. Larva. Average dorsal length, .22 inch; diameter on 

 abdominal segments, .06 inch, tapering anteriorly from fourth segment. 

 Yellowish white ; thoracic segments slightly depressed on the back and 

 smaller beneath ; abdominal segments convex above and flat beneath, each 

 one divided into three irregular shallow transverse folds, lateral surfaces 

 with a double row of smooth polished oval tubercles, most symmetric in 

 form and position from segments 4 to 1 1 inclusive ; above the tubercles on 

 each segment is a deep depression. Head horizontal, rounded, small, about 

 half the diameter of segment next behind, into which it retreats ; white, the 

 mandibles and other mouth parts reddish brown, surrounded by long hairs. 



The pupa is cream white, .12 inch long; abdominal segments sharply 

 ridged ; posterior extremity terminates in a pair of bristly points, white, 

 tipped with brown. Murtfeldt 



The egg has been described by Riley as almost globular, slightly ovoid, 

 tender, pale yellowish and translucent. It is deposited near the tip on the 

 underside of the leaf, which is then cut transversely near its middle, punc- 

 tured a short distance each side of the midrib, which causes it to fold with 

 its lower side out, then curled round and the outer edges tucked in. 



The beetle is about 3/i6 inch long, rather stout, highly polished, black, 

 with two large orange-red spots at the base of the wings. 



Life history and habits. This beetle has the curious habit of rolling up 

 a leaf, trimming and tucking in the lower ends with her beak. The egg is 

 first deposited near the tip of the leaf, and a little to one side ; the blade 

 of the leaf is then cut through on both sides of the midrib, about \]/ 2 inches 



