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TARE WEEVIL. 
137 
the 16th of August three specimens of Apion pomonce hatched.” These 
were at first of an ochreous colour, but eventually became black.* 
These beetles are partly distinguishable from most of the other of 
our Apions by the peculiar shape of the proboscis, which is short, and 
thickened at the base; in fact, as Mr. Hamlin describes above, “ a sharp 
snout similar to that of a mole.” The figure on p. 134 conveys this 
and the projection of the eyes very fairly. The colour of both male 
and female black; length variable, sometimes nearly a quarter of an 
inch. The beetles fly readily, and especially frequent Whitethorn; 
also hedges, which agrees with Mr. Hamlin’s observation that the 
infestation started from the hedgerows. 
Deformed flower head of Tare, magnified. Drawn from specimens sent by 
Mr. Hamlin. 
If the reader will compare John Curtis’ figure, given at heading, of 
a Tare blossom head distorted by this infestation, and the figure drawn 
by myself from life, given above, he will see a remarkable 
similarity in method of attack; but still I do not find notes in any 
work I have at hand of this Apion infestation distorting the leaf stalk, 
which, as I have shown in my figure, was a noticeable point in the 
Lingfield specimens sent me. As this Tare attack is a very trouble¬ 
some one, I have given all bearing on the subject which I have access 
to, though by no means thoroughly clearing up the matter, and shall 
be very glad of fuller information. 
* ‘Farm Insects/ by John Curtis, p. 488. 
