BEETLES MISTAKEN FOR GRAPE ROOT-WORM BEETLES. 17 
the different pests, so that an application intended for one may not 
at all affect another. The descriptions with figures of the following 
beetles and of their more characteristic habits will aid the vineyardist 
in distinguishing the grape root- worm from other injurious species. 
The grapevine flea-beetle (Haltica chalybea 111.) (fig. 4), measuring 
about one-fifth of an inch in length, is readily recognized by its brilliant 
metallic color, which varies from steel blue to green. It is of a robust 
shape, with thickened thighs well adapted for jumping. With the 
opening of the buds of the grapevine in the spring the beetle generally 
makes its appearance. The larva?, which are found in the early part 
of the summer, feed, 
like the adult, upon the 
leaves of the grape. 
The rose-chafer 
(Macrodactylus subspi- 
nosus Fab.) (fig. 5) ap- 
pears as a rule at the 
time of the blossom of 
the gr^pe. It is a slen- 
der beetle about one- 
third of an inch long, 
with the body tapering 
a little tow T ard each ex- 
tremity. It is covered 
with a grayish-yellow 
down, which gives rise 
to its color. The pale 
reddish legs are long, 
at the joint armed with 
prominent spines, and 
terminate in very long 
black claws. The an- 
tennae, or "feelers," are 
short and have at the 
end a laminated club- 
like structure. The beetle readily attracts attention because of its 
activity and great abundance wherever present. It preferably feeds 
upon the clusters of the blossom, and to some extent upon young 
grape-berries and leaves. 
The red-headed Systena (Systena frontalis Fab.) (fig. 6) somewhat 
resembles the previously described beetle. It is, however, smaller, 
measuring about one-sixth of an inch in length, and is black in color 
except for a pale reddish area between the eves. This beetle has ot* 
late become quite injurious to young grapevines, feeding upon the 
leaves to such an extent that it often kills the vines. 
51282°— Bull. 89—10 2 
Fig. 5.— The rose-chafer (Macrodactylus subspinotms): Adult or 
beetle. Much enlarged. ^Original.) 
The feeding 
