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Phratora Vitellinae

(the Willow-leaf Beetle). A small beetle, elliptical in form, but flattened, about 1/6in. or 1/5in. long by 1/10in. broad, and deep blue or metallic green in colour. The wing-cases are marked lengthwise with rows of dots. The beetles and their larvae feed on the leaves of Willows and of Poplars, gnawing the tissues of the leaf from below till only the network of veins is left, with the thin, transparent membrane of the upper surface stretched upon it. The larvae are rather long in the body, with six true legs on the front part. The head is black, the body whitish or yellowish, with black marks on the back, and black spots on the sides. They become pupae in the soil. There are usually two broods in a year, and the beetles of the second hybernate, protected under loose bark, or among rubbish on the ground near the plants. All sorts of Willows and Poplars are liable to injury from this insect.

Remedies. The larvae may be shaken off the leaves, upon anything spread to receive them, and should be collected and destroyed. The mere shaking them off while immature is of use, as many fail to find their way back to the trees; but such a proceeding would do little harm to the mature larvae, which are ready to burrow into the earth. In some parts of the country, the Willow-growers have their trees hand-picked or shaken over vessels containing a little paraffin. Others make use of Paris green, in suspension, in water, about 1/2lb. to 1lb. being used in 40gals. of fluid; this must be sprinkled over the plants. The hybernating beetles should also be removed in the loose bark and surface rubbish, and all the rubbish in which they lie should be burned. In various parts of the country, the Osiers were threatened with destruction till Paris green was employed as a remedy.