Phyllobius
A genus of small beetles, belonging to the great family of Weevils. The form, size, and general appearance are shown It will be observed that the beak is short and thick, and that the antennae arise not far from the eyes, and are sharply elbowed. The body is often ornamented with scales of metallic lustre. The very numerous species are to be found on trees and bushes. One of the commonest is Phyllobius oblongus This insect has the body black, covered with grey hairs, and occasionally shows a brown or red tinge on the wing-cases. The legs and antennae are reddish or brownish-yellow. In summer, it gnaws the buds and the young leaves of most fruit-trees, often doing considerable damage. Other species that, at times, are hurtful in the same way, are P. Pyri (which is much like the last, but bears narrow, green, blue, or coppery scales, and has rusty-red legs and antennae) and P. viridicollis (smaller, with a black, shining body, covered on the sides of the thorax and the breast with green scales; and red legs and antennae). Remedy. The most effectual is to beat the trees in the early morning, especially in dull weather, over an inverted umbrella, and to kill the beetles so collected in boiling water. A box or tray, tarred inside, may be used instead of an umbrella.