21 
In its life history it doubtless closely resembles the European 
importation in feeding on both carrion and vegetation. Whether or 
not the beetles also injure plants does not appear to be known. 
Attack by the larva begins in the latter part of May, extending 
through June, and probably into July in the more southern and 
warmer range of the species.^* 
REMEDIES. 
The remedies in use against the Colorado potato beetle are appli- 
cable to these carrion beetles. Paris green, applied either dry or in 
spray, as directed for leaf beetles, and clean culture are about all that 
are necessary, but it is also advised in the treatment of the native 
species that the weed Monolepis be sown in the vicinity of spinach, 
beets, and gourd crops subject to attack, to serve as a lure to draw 
the insects from the crops. On the trap plants they can be more easily 
destroyed, and by various means. 
BLISTER BEETLES. 
Blister beetles are among the most conspicuous of all enemies of the 
sugar beet, no less than a dozen species having been observed doing 
more or less injury to this crop. One or more species are generally 
found in beet fields, and, in fact, the arable regions of the United 
States are probably never free from them. In the East four or five 
species are common, and in the Southwest there are a few more 
extremely destructive species. Most blister beetles are better known 
as potato pests, but next after potatoes beets appear to be the favorite 
food of many of them. After this they attack other vegetable crops, 
some favoring beans, peas, and other legumes, while almost any of 
them will attack whatever comes next in their line of march. They 
are gregarious, congregating in great numbers, and some have the 
truly migratory habit, feeding voraciously, running with great rapid- 
ity, and flying from time to time. Thus it happens that they fre- 
quently^ descend in such numbers on a field that an entire crop is ruined 
beyond recovery in a few days, when the insects disappear and are 
perhaps seen no mo-re until the following year. After the departure 
of one species of blister beetle another frequently follows, to be 
replaced by a third, and so on. 
Some species, though apparently very destructive, appear so late in 
the season that, although beet plants are sometimes nearly defoliated, 
a fair crop may be gathered in spite of the loss of the leaves, a new 
growth of which is sometimes put forth. The roots, morever, are non 
touched. 
« General accounts of this insect have been pubUshed by Dr. James Fletcher. 
(Kept. Ent. Can. Exp. Farms for 1893 [1894], pp. 20, 21; for 1897 [1898], page 
198, etc.) 
