. Injurious and useful insects; an introduction to the study of economic entomology. Insects; Beneficial insects; Insect pests. THE TURNIP-FLEA 39 the resistance is suddenly overcome, the spine enters the socket with a choking noise, the body is flexed, and the bases of the wing-covers strike the ground suddenly and sharply, so that the body is jerked into the air to a height of several inches. After one or two leaps the beetle generally regains its usual walking attitude. It is possible that this mechanism is not only used for righting the body, but also for escaping from enemies. The destruc
. Injurious and useful insects; an introduction to the study of economic entomology. Insects; Beneficial insects; Insect pests. THE TURNIP-FLEA 39 the resistance is suddenly overcome, the spine enters the socket with a choking noise, the body is flexed, and the bases of the wing-covers strike the ground suddenly and sharply, so that the body is jerked into the air to a height of several inches. After one or two leaps the beetle generally regains its usual walking attitude. It is possible that this mechanism is not only used for righting the body, but also for escaping from enemies. The destruction caused by wire - worms has stimulated many efforts to keep their numbers down. Gas lime has been ploughed into the soil; harrowing, rolling, and trampling by sheep have been recommended, especially in March and April, when the beetles are appearing. Slices of potato or mangold, and pieces of rape-cake have been successfully used as traps in hop-grounds; they should be plainly marked and frequently examined (not less than once a week). Rape is ^-^ . attractive to wire-worms, and a mixture figure, maxiuary palp of rape sown with wheat, etc., or rape-dust ^^'^^'S^^'^L'^^e" scattered broadcast, will often save the crop. °f thorax, with spine The pest is, however, encouraged thereby. °° " ^'S""'" â Rooks, plovers, starlings, and various other birds devour great numbers of wire-worms. 8. THE TUKNIP-FLEA (Phyllotreta nemorum). The Turnip-Flea or Turnip Flea-beetle, which is one of two or three insects called turnip - fly, is a small active creature, which infests turnip-fields in vast multitudes, especi- ally on dry soil and in times of drought. It may be recog- nised by its leaping powers, which suffice to raise it a foot or more in the air. The faculty of leaping is associated, as in grasshoppers, with thickened muscular thighs on the hind legs. Thousands of flea-beetles descending upon the leaves make a sound like the patter of summer
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectinsects, bookyear1902
