19 
the species concerned, and with locality and season. In general terms, 
it may be said that the best time is after the beetles have laid their 
eggs and before the young or larvas have attained full development. 
For most species this would be about three weeks after the lirst appear- 
ance of the beetles in numbers. A spraying of the upper surface is 
sufficient for most flea-beetles, but for the spinach flea-beetle it is neces- 
sary to apply a spray to both the under and upper surfaces in order to 
reach the larvte which feed in exposure on the lower surfaces of plants. 
THE BEET AND SPINACH CARRION BEETLES. 
Among insects particularly attached to beet and spinach are two, 
known respectively as the beet and the spinach carrion beetles. They 
are nearly unique among carrion beetles (Silphidse) which subsist 
chiefly on decomposing animal matter, this being the normal habit 
of the family. The two species in question are also found under 
carcasses and in garbage. From their dual habit of living both on 
carrion and on beets and spinach they derive their English naro^s. 
THE BEET CARRION BEETLE. 
{Silpha opaca Linn.) 
This species is mentioned in the preface as particularly attached to 
the beet. In some parts of Europe it is a very serious pest, more par- 
ticularly in Germany, France, Austria, and England, although it is 
rather generally distributed on that continent, occurring in Siberia. 
In Germany it has been described as "by all odds the most trouble- 
some pest" with which beet growers have to deal. The species was 
identified in 1880 from specimens collected in California and ''Hud- 
son Bay," and it seems probable that it was introduced on the Pacific 
coast, and has recently made its way to Nebraska, where it was 
found attacking beet in 1891." There is some danger that at some 
future time it may become a more serious pest, such as Jt now is in its 
native home. 
The beetle is black and of similar appearance to our common car- 
rion beetles. The body is elongate, or oblong-oval, with the sides 
comparatively parallel. It is much flattened, and the elytra at the sides 
are thin and slightly reflexed or turned up. There is also a small prom- 
inence near the end of each, the middle costa or ridge of the elytron 
extends nearly to the posterior margin, and the tip of the abdomen is 
dull red. The length is about three-fourths of an inch. 
The larvse are shining black, and of similar appearance to our com- 
mon sowbugs (Oniscus), creatures commonly found in fence corners 
and in cellars, and they, with their parents and others of their kind, 
«Bruner, Bui. 30 (old series), Div. Entomology, p. 40. 
