Silpha
A genus of Beetles, the larvae of which usually feed in the rotting bodies of animals, and are especially numerous in dead moles, birds, and other so-called "vermin," hung up as scarecrows. The insects of this genus are, for the most part, considerably depressed or flattened from above downwards, oval in outline, about 1/2in. or 2/3in. long, with a small head, and furrowed wing-cases. They are almost entirely black, or brown-black, with a dull yellowish, downy coating, which is easily rubbed off. The grubs are more slender in form than the adult insects, and all the rings, except the three next the head, have the edges sharp, and prolonged forward into a tooth, and the tail ends in two sharp points. They are usually entirely black, or black with a narrow, tawny border. They are active in their habits, running about by means of three pairs of short but well-formed legs, situated on the front part of the body. When full-fed, they form cocoons in the soil, in which they become pupae, and in due time beetles. As long ago as 1844, larvae of a Silpha were found feeding on Beets, in France; and in the same year they proved seriously injurious to Mangel-Wurzel crops near London-derry, in Ireland. They devoured the young leaves almost as soon as the latter appeared, till only the larger ribs remained, and the plants, in consequence, died off largely. Mangel-Wurzel and Beets alone suffered; and such crops as Oats, Wheat, Potatoes, and Turnips escaped unharmed in fields where the former plants were entirely destroyed. From larvae feeding on Beets, in France, there were reared beetles belonging to the species S. opaca, known as the Beet Carrion Beetle; and the same insect was also identified as the culprit in Ireland. It is rather under 1/2in. long, flattened, and brownish-black, with the tip of the body dull red. There are three ridges down each wing-case. This beetle had long been known to frequent dead bodies of animals. It is probable that other species of Silpha also injure Beets and other garden produce. Treatment. For the sake of prevention, only manure free from such substances (e.g., offal) as might attract the beetles should be used for ground on which Beets and Mangel-Wurzel are to be grown. Should the plants be attacked, dressings of gas-lime and of sulphur or soot, scattered over the wet leaves in dewy mornings, would probably be of service in checking the evil, as would also be paraffin dressings. All methods of strengthening the plants and promoting the growth of new leaves are great importance, and manures may enable the crops to pass through an attack without serious results. But should the attack prove fatal, it will be well to utilise the ground for some other crop, which may be sown or planted with safety in the infested soil immediately after the removal of the Beets or Mangolds.