V. S. D. A.. B. B. Bui. 86, Part VI. 8, 1909. 
SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. 
THE HOP FLEA-BEETLE. 
(Psylliodes punctulata Melsh.) 
By F. H. Chittenden, Sc. D., 
In Charge of Truck Crop and Special Insect Investigations. 
INTRODUCTORY. 
A minute, metallic blackish flea-beetle. Psylliodes punctulata Melsh.. 
known by different local names, has been reported in recent year- as 
doing very extensive injury to the hop plant and considerable injury 
to sugar beet. Since 1004 it has been reported in numbers on sugar 
beets grown in several localities in Idaho. Utah, and Colorado. In 
the Northwest, and particularly in British Columbia, it does serious 
damage in hopyards, and has been especially destructive since 1903. 
During the past three years, indeed, this species has become unusually 
abundant, with the result that in the Chilliwack and Agassiz Valley 
hop-growing regions of British Columbia it has accomplished damage 
which has been estimated by Mr. H. J. Quayle as about SO per cent 
of the crop. Mr. Theo. Eder informs the writer that this means a 
cash loss of not less than $1*25.000 in that district. The species during 
that period has been the subject of considerable correspondence be- 
tween this Department and persons practically interested in the grow- 
ing of hops in the affected region. 
The insect has received the name of rhubarb fiea-beetle. from it- 
common occurrence, especially in the East, on rhubarb. In the Wot 
it is called the hop flea-beetle, or " hop flea." or simply " Ilea." and in 
literature it has received mention as the punctulated and the small- 
punctured flea-beetle. 
While the species is not known to be of the highest importance a- a 
sugar-beet pest, the probabilities are that it may become so. and at the 
present time it is probably the most important hop pesi in the entire 
world. The incorporation of some new matter, gained from con- 
versation with Mr. Theo. Eder and by correspondence with Mr. II. J. 
"18°— Bull. 66— 10 6 71 
