OF THE FARM AI^D GARDENS". 



241 



THE GEAPE-VINE FLEA-BEETLE. 

 {Graptodera [formerly Haltica] chalybea, Illig.) 



Of the nnmerons insect enemies with which onr grape- 

 growers have t(3 deal, this occupies a prominent j^lace. 



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- 



Fig. 148.— GRAPE-VESTE FLEA-BEETLE (Graptoclera chahjbea, Illig.) 

 a, Young Larvae on Leaf ; b. Larva, enlarged ; c, Chrysalis ; cl, 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 larvae riddle the 

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

 completely devouring it, leaving only the largest ribs. 

 11 



