11 
of an inch in length. The general color is nearly uniform dark olive 
brown, the conspicuous piliferous tubercles being pale yellow, and the 
head and portions of the legs black. The eggs (h) are dull brownish 
gray, and the surface, as seen through a lens, is covered with septagonal 
and hexagonal areas. 
A common variety of this species, not thus far noticed, however, in 
beet fields, is illustrated in figure 2. It has been observed in Nebraska, 
Texas, and Florida. 
Remedies. — This and the Western beet leaf -beetle are apt to become 
important enemies of sugar-beet culture unless remedial measures are 
instituted. The general methods for the control of leaf and flea- 
beetles (see page 169) are all applicable, but a few remarks should be 
added in regard to particular remedies for these two species. Paris 
green, London purple, and paragrene have all been employed against 
the larger species with apparently good results when applied dry, 
mixed with flour, in the same manner as for the 
Colorado potato beetle. Against the Western spe- 
cies a spray of Paris green with whale-oil soap has 
been used with success, the beneficial effect lasting 
about six weeks, the beet leaves not being injured. 
There is no especial advantage in the addition of 
the soap, and the arsenical used alone or with Bor- 
deaux mixture would have answered still better. 
Two interesting facts brought out in the course 
of Professor Gillette's observations on the larger 
insect in Colorado are of value as indicating methods 
of control. It was observed that the beetles accu- 
mulated quite largely upon "mother" beets early 
in the spring, which suggests that if a few beets be 
left in the ground over winter they will serve as 
trap crops for the protection of the younger plants 
in spring. It was noticed also that the insect appeared to confine its 
injuries to plants growing in alkali ground or in close proximity to 
such soil. Hence such ground is to be avoided for the cultivation of 
beets. 
THE WESTERN BEET LEAF-BEETLE. 
{Monoxia consputa Lee. ) 
Garden as well as sugar beets are injured by this species, particu- 
larly along the Pacific coast. It first attracted attention in the years 
1890 and 1891 in Oregon, where it did considerable injury (F. L. 
Washburn, Bui. 14, Oregon Agl. Expt. Sta., p. 11.). It eats holes 
through the leaves, in some instances leaving only a network of the 
original leaf, and this seriously interferes with the growth of young 
plants, which are sometimes killed. 
Fig. 2. — Monoxia punc- 
ticoUis, variety — 5 times 
natural size (author's 
Illustration, Division 
of Entomology). 
