The food of the larva consists of the roots of grasses and probably also of other low plants. Whether it also feeds on the rootlets of trees and shrubs has not been definitely ascertained, although the larva? have been found quite numerously around the bases of oak trees near Washington, both by Mr. Keobele and Mr. Schwarz. We found them quite numerous in the sandy low lands of the Merrimac valley. New Hampshire, on cultivated ground, where they must have fed on the roots of various weeds or on those of meadow grass and cultivated rye and maize. It is probable, however, that they occur yet more numerously in unplowed pasture and meadow land than in cultivated fields.

The beetle has a partiality for flowers, but also feeds upon leaves of various trees and bushes, and attacks certain fruits. It has a predilection for the flowers of roses, wild as well as cultivated,* and, in the experience of many observers, prefer white roses to red ones. Another favorite food is the blossom of the grape vine, with a decided preference for that of the Clinton. This last fact was first pointed out by Walsh in his first report on the insects of Illinois (p. 24), and has been confirmed by many other observers and by our own observations, Dr. Lintner, in his first New York Entomological Report (p. 229), contradicts this experience, which only goes to show how the habits of the same species will differ in different sections of the country. Flowers of raspberries and blackberries do not escape its ravages. The beetles also devour the blossoms of Pyrethrum cinerariafo/ium, the plant from which pyre-thrum insect powder is made.

Various Stages.

Macrodactylus subspinosus; a, full-grown larva from the side ; b. head of larva from the front; c, left mandible of larva from beneath ; d, left maxilla of larva from above; e, last ventral segment of larva; f, pupa from beneath ; g, lip of last dorsal abdominal segment of pupa: h, last segment of pupa from the side - all enlarged (original).

The foliage, of most, if not all, of our cultivated fruit trees and especially apple, pear, peach, cherry and plum, at times suffer greatly, the two last named being apparently more attractive than the others. The foliage of cultivated grape vines is almost as eagerly devoured as the blossoms, and the leaves of oak, alder and other forest trees also serve as food. Of low-growing plants, the beetles cut the leaves of strawberries, rhubarb and of nearly all garden vegetables, as also of sweet potato, corn, wheat, grass, and many wild plants. Not satisfied with this amount of damage, the beetles attack the fruit of peaches, cherries, apples and grapes when just forming.

Among ornamental plants, the rose is the greatest sufferer. Harris states that the beetle was first noticed on the rose (hence its popular name), and that it afterward acquired the habit of feeding on grape vines and fruit trees.