April, ’20] WEIGEL AND CHAMBERS: STRAWBERRY ROOT-WORM 229 
History and Habits 
The strawberry root-worm was first described by Fabricius 1 in 1801, 
under the name of Cryptocephalus canellus from a specimen in the col¬ 
lection of D. Bose, recorded as collected in Carolina. Subsequently, 
and in recent economic accounts, this pest is commonly referred to 
under the name of Typophorus canellus Fab. According to Blatchley’s 
classification, “to this genus belongs the species listed by Henshaw 
under the name of Paria.” It appears as “Paria canellus Fab.” in 
“ Coleopterorum Catalogus” p. 156 by H. Clavareau (1914). The 
species is very variable in its coloration and many varieties are listed. 
From the observation made at Alexandria, Va., as well as those from 
Richmond, Xnd., it appears that this pest is single brooded, unless 
possibly an early generation may occur during the spring months of 
the year. At the time of our first visit (July 25, 1919) a copious num¬ 
ber of adults were present, although several larvae and pupae were still 
to be found in the soil. 
The florist in charge of the Richmond houses has observed the follow¬ 
ing habits: “In the spring throughout the first part of April the 
adults reappeared and about the middle of May and the first part of 
June do noticeable injury to the leaves.” 
Unfortunately, the authors were unable to make observations prior 
to the time at which it was called to their attention except as to injury 
displayed on the roots. The adults are rarely seen and have never 
been observed feeding during the brighter hours of the day. Occa¬ 
sionally they may be collected in dead or dried and curled up leaves 
or under debris, etc., among the surface soil. Beginning at dusk and 
extending to the early morning hours they may readily be observed 
feeding on the plants. On being disturbed they play possum or 
feign death. 
Observations at the Alexandria houses on the varieties most seriously 
attacked showed the beetles displayed a fondness for the Sunburst, 
Red Radiance, Killarney and Ophelia, of which the first named suffered 
most severely. At Richmond, the Premier and Ophelia seemed to be 
most heavily injured, with the Columbia, Victor, Hoosier Beauty and 
Killarney in the order named. 
Experiments on Control 
Inasmuch as a serious infestation existed in the above-named green¬ 
houses, the entire crop of roses was threatened, because the ravages 
of the insects were progressing at such an alarming rate. Moreover, 
roses at this season of the year were being forced as the weather condi¬ 
tions were very favorable. Therefore a delicate situation presented 
1 Loc. cit. 
