Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. THE INSECT PEST SURVEY BULLETIN LIB- ^ RECEi V -k MAR 13 1936 burhau of sl s:^ Volume 16 March 1, 1936 Number 1 BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT QUARANTINE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE STATE ENTOMOLOGICAL AGENCIES COOPERATING 7ol. l6 IIo. 1 March Ij IS'^b SSPCHT2SS POP vHE IPSZCP PPST SUP73Y . United States Alaoaira Arizona Arl^ansas Pl-ie Pnto'noloaists of tlie P'arear. of Entomology and Plant Q'aarantine , U. Sc Department of Dg'fi edit'd re Dr. Uc P. PohinGonj Alahaira. Polytechnic Instibnte, Aifonrii lire Cu Dj Lehert, P^ 0. Bon POOb, Phoenix Dr. 17. Jo Baerg, University of Arlcaiisas , Eayetteville Mr. Dnight Isely, University 'of Arkansas', Ea^^etteville California Colorado Connecticut Dr. We Be Hems, University of Calif orhia^, Berkeley Prof. Z, Oo Essig, University of Calif or'nia", Berkeley Mr. S, LoclcTood, B'areau of Plant ■5,U3n'’antine and Control, Depa.rtaient of Agriculture, Sacrpjnsnto Pro H, So Smitn, Citrus Experinent Station, Eiverside Mr. H. J. Eyaii, Comity Agric'altural Buildi'ig, Los Angeles Hr, D. B. Mackie, Lepartoent of Agriculture', Sacramento Itr. U. L. Jones, Department of Agrlc'alture , Sacramento Hr. A. Eo luichercacker , University of CaAif ornia. , Berkeley Dr. A. Wo Morrill, ol5 Hill Street, Los Angeles Mr. L. M. Smith, University o'f California, Deciduo'as Emit Field Stafion, Peute 1, Box PSP, San Jose Mr. F. H. Wjanorp, College of Agricultu'he , ' Davis Dr« Co P. Uillette, State Agricultural College, Fort Collins Di'o G-. i'k List, State Agricultural College, Fort Collins Dr, W, So Britton, Agric'altural Experiment Station, Hev/ Haven Dr, ,S, Pc Felt, Bartlett Hesearcli Lahorato'ry, Staimord Drc Po C-c.rman, ■ Agricultural Experinent Station, Neu Haven Mr. IT. Turner, Agric'alt'aral Experiment Station, Her/ Haven Mr, M. P. Za,ppe , Agricultura.l Experiment Station, lieu Haven Dr. L. A, Stea^rns, Agric'alt'aral Experiment Station, Heuark Delaxa.re ■2. Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentnchy Maine Maryland MassaCiin.se tts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana ilehraska. I'Tevada Dr» Wiliron Newell, Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville Mr. J. R. V/atson, Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville Dr, E. Vif, Berger, State Plant Board, Gainesville Dr. H. T. Eernald, 707 3ast Concord Avenue, Orlando Mr. M. S, Yeomans, State Board of Entomology, Atlanta Mr, C. H. Alden, State Board of Entomology, Cornelia Mr. J. B. Gill, Box 57^, Alheiay Mr. Tlieo, L. Bissell, Sta/ce Experiment Station, Experiment Dr, Claude Nakeland, University of Idalio, Moscow Mr, W, P, Flint, State Natural History Survey, Urhana Dr, T. H, Frison, State Natural History Survey, Urhana Dr. C, L. Metcalf, State Natural History Survey, Urhana Prof. J. J. Davis, Purdue University, Lafayette Dr, Carl J. Drake, Iowa State College, Aanes Mr. H. E. Jaoues, Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant Prof. G. A. Dean, Sterte Agricultural College, Manhattan Dr. H, B, Hungerford, University of Kansas, Lawrence Prof. H. H, Bryson, State Agricultural College, Manhattan Prof, W, A. Price, University of Kentuclry, Lexington Dr, H. B, Peirson, State of Maine Forest Service, Augusta Dr, E, N. Cory, University of Maryland, College Park Mr, A, I. Bourne, Agricultural Experiment Station, Amlierst Prof, E. K. Pettit, State College of Agriculture, East Lansing Mr. Ha3^ Hutson, Stake College of Agriculture, East Lansing Prof, A, G. Puggles, University of Minnesota, University Farm, St , Paul Mr, Clay Lyle, State Plant Board, State College Dr, L, Haseman, University of Missouri, Columbia Dr. A. L. Strand, State College, Bozeman Prof, M, H, Swenk, University of Nehraslca, Lincoln Mr, D, B, ’Unelan, University of Nehraslca, Lincoln Mr. L. M, Gates, Department of Agriculture, Lincoln Mr, G, G, Schweis, P, 0, Box 1027 > Heno lTe\7 Hampshire Dr, W. C, O'Kane, Entomologist , College of Agriculture, University of Hew Hampsliire, Durham Mi. L. C, C-lover, Agricultural Experiment Station, Durham Hew Jersey Dr. T, J. Keadleoj University of Hew Jersey, Hew Brunswick Mr, H, B, Feiosj Chief, Buream of Statistics and Inspection, Department of Agriculture , Trenton Hew Mexico Dr. J. R, Ever, College of Agriculture, State College Hev; York Prof. C, R. Croshy,' Cornell' University , Ithaca Mr. P„ J, Parrott, Agricultural' Experhnent Station, Geneva Di’c R, D.. Glasgow, Hew York State’diuseum , Albany Mr. P. Jo Chapmar, I:cx '51, Ya,ssar College, Poughlceepsie Mr, R. Eo horsey, U“ghiand Park, Rochester Horth Carolina Dr. Zo P» Metcalf, State College, State College Station, Rclei.ch Dr. R,, U. Leihy, Depg.rtment of Agriculture, Raleigh Horth Dakota Profc J. As Munro, Horth Dakota Agricultural College, State College Station, Eargo Ohio Prof. T. H. Parks, Ohio State University, Columbus Mr. J„ S, Duussr, .Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster Dr, I-I, Osborn, Ohio State University, Columbus Mr. E„ Wo Mendenhall, Ohio Stake Department of Agriculhire-, 97 fright on Road, Columbus Mpo Ja Hn Knull, Ohio State University, Columbus Oklahoma Dr. E. A. Eenton, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, Stillwater ... Mpc Co Eo Stilesj Extension Entomologist, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, Stilln/ater Oregon Dr. Do Go Mote, State Agricultural College, Corvallis Pennsylvania Dr. R. M. Balcer, Stake Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg Prof. Ho E. Ho'lr.'kiss, Pennsylvania State College, State College Mr, J. R, Stear, c/o Koppers Experiment Farm, Ligonier Mr. C, A, Thomas, Pennsylvania State College, Kennett Square Mr, H, Ho Worthley? Permsylvania State College, State College Rhode Island Dr, A. E, Stene, State Department of Agriculture, Providence South Carolina South Dakota Prof, Pranlslin Sherman, Clems on College Prof, Ho C. Severin, State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Brookings Sou til Dakota Tennessee Prof. G« M. Bentley, Universitj^- of Tennessee, Knoxville Texas Br, P. L, Thomas, Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station Utah Br. G. E. Knoulton, Agricultural Experiment Station, Logan Prof, C, J. Sorenson, Agricultural Experiment Station, Logan Vermont Br, H. L. Bailey, State Bepartment of Agriculture, Montpelier Virginia Br, W, J. Schoene, Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, B lacks Durg Br, H. G. Walher, Virginia Truck Experiment Station, Norfolk Mr, C. P. Willey, Bivision of Plant Industry, 1112 State Office Washington Building, Riclimond Mr, M, H. Hatch, University of Washington, Seattle Prof, P, L, WeUster, State College of Washington, Pullman Mr, A, J, Hanson, Bepartment of Entomology, WgStern Vfeshington Experiment Station, Puj^allup West Virginia Br, L, M. Peairs, ’West Virginia University, Morgantown Prof, W, E, Purase^r, Agricultural Experiment Station, Morgantown Wisconsin Mr. E, L. Chamoers, State Bepartment of Agriculture, Madison Br, C. L, Flulee, Universit^r of Vasconsin, Madison W3roming Mr, C, L. Gorkins, Office of State Entomologist, Powell Miss M. Greenwald, Office of State Entomologist, Powell Puerto Pico Mr, G. H, Wolcott, Insular Experiment Station, Pio Piedras Hawai i Mr, 0, H. Swezey, Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association, Honolulu Mexico Br, Alfonso Bampf, Avenicia Insurgentes I7I, San Jacinto, Mexico, B, Eu Costa Pica Br, C, H, Ballou, Apartado I36S, San Jose Brazil Mr, E, Jc Hanhleton, Institute Biologico de Befesa Agricola, Sao Paulo Pgypt Mr, A, H« Posenfeld, Botanical and Plant Breeding Section, Ministry of Agriculture, El Giza ■5-* THE MOKE II/IPOHTAHT EECOHDS EOS JAEUAEY AMS FEBRUASY I936 Me v/ish, at this time, to express our thanlcs to our collaoorators for the excellent cooperation they gave .us last year in the collection of Fhyllophaga adults. We hope to continue this v/orlr during the coming year and should appreciate receiving adults from all of dur collahorators, . We also T.'ish to call your attention to a' mimeographed puhlication (E~364) on the periodica,! cicada. In this circular we 'have recorded the localities where Broods X and Xhl I appeared in previous years, ¥e should appreciate any data on places of appearance this year. Despite the very severe winter that prevailed over most of the Wheat Belt, reports from Indiana, Aj^lcansas', and Ohlalioma indicate that the hessian fly suffered hut little mortality, ■ On the other hand, the chinch hug in Indiana suffered severe mortality, which ran from 49 to 9^ percent in parts of the State, The corn ea,r worm was prevalent during January in extreme south- eastern Texas, The alfalfa weevil was reported as prevalent in the San Francisco Bay district of California, and by the middle of February parasitization by Bathyplectes was running over 50 percent. One of the most irnportemt sugarcane mites, Tarsonemus Bancroft i Mich-ael, has been found established on the ea.stern edge of the Everglades in Florida. , . Reports from Virginia indicate that the rosy apple aphid.?/! 11 be more numerous than usual in the southern Appalachian apple-growing districts this year. Several small infestations of California red scad.e continue in the Hioenix area of Arizona and an eradication campaign is under ?ray. The vegetable weevil was numerous enou^ in the Gulf region and Georgia to attract considerable attention. The banded cucumber beetle was reported to be attacking a number of truck crops in Florida, Alabama, and California, Reports from the South Atlantic and Gulf States indicate that the boll weevil has been less active during the late winter than for many years, Du.ring January screw worm population was, in general, very lo?/; hov/ever, a minor outbrealc occurred in Uvalde Coiunty, Tex,, where rather serious infestations were found on recently do.cked sheep. CEEEAL AND EORAGE-CROP INSECTS ’vVHEAT HESSIAN FLY ( Fhytophafe'a destructor Say) Indiana. W, B. NoLle (January 20): Apparently most of the late fall "brood succeeded in completing their growth and forraing puparia. Volunteer wheat taken from the field today ’bhov/ed only a.hout 10 percent still in the larval stage. These larvae v/ere from half grovm to mature and were apparently still alive, (Fehruary I7): Dissection of puparia taken from volunteer wheat in a field near La Fayette on Fehruary 8 showed practic- ally no mortality, notwithstanding severe weather, Ifeny of the larvae they contain are now pupating in the greenhouse. Missouri and Kansas. E. T, Jones (January): A survey early last November indicated that a moderate though potentially important infestation in southeastern Kansas and southwestern Missouri had developed from second- brood hessian flies over aji area where infestation by the first brood was comparatively light. The larvae were from half grown to full grown and later developed into second-generation puparia. Arlcansas. Dv/ight Isely (Februa.ry 29): For many years hessian fly was not considered a problem in Arlcansas because so little wheat was grown. During the past few years, however, the wheat acreage has increased considerably, owing to removal of other crops from the land. Much of this wheat has been sov;n early for pasture. Practically all of the early sown wheat in Washington County (in northwestern Arkansas) is infested. In some fields 50 percent of the plants are dead and the others are infested, Oklahoma. F, A. Fenton (February 29): A few observations made last fall in- dicated a heavier infestation tlian for many years. The infestations are apparently scattered, but occur in Garfield County in the heart of the wheat belt of the State; however, we do not anticipate serious damage in the State this year, CHINCH BUG (Blissus leucouterus Say) Indiaioa. C, Benton (Febru.arj^ IS): A mortality of 49 percent, evidently due to the severe winter, was observed in e, total of 1,44S chinch bugs present in 25 samples of bunch grasses taken in Tippecanoe County on February 10 and 1^!-. In tv70 samples from exposed situations the mortality was 9s percent. Oklahoma, F, A, Fenton (February 29): The past winter has been marked by longer periods of cold weather than any winter for some years. General observations indicate that it has had no serious effect on the chinch bug. Records talcen by students show sxi average of l44 chinch bugs per square foot on the college farm at Still^Tater, the ra.nge being from 20 to 267* thess records v/ere talcen in the most favora,ble type of hiber- nating quarters that v.^e could find, i. e. , in a good bunch-grass vicinity ■7' that had "been in Sudan grass last summer. It is apparent that there are more chinch hugs in hibernation than there were a year ago, COBH .COBH EAR ¥0HM (Heliothis ohsoleta Fah, ) Texas, T, C. Barber (January)* The corn ear worm ivas freqtiently found in corn in Januarj'- in the vicinity of Brownsville, thou^i it was not ob- served on cotton during the month. The com was planted la.te in the fall for the winter crop. Larvae of a,ll sizes are present and pupa- tion is talcing place in the iiisectary. ALFALFA ; ALFALFA WEEVIL (Hyuera nostica G-yll,) California, A, E, Michelbaclier (February 22); Larvae and adults could be collected throughout the fall and winter in middle lowland California, They were most abundant in the San Francisco Bay area, where by Janu- ary 17 as higji as 28 larvae were collected to 100 sweeps of a net. On the 2Uth of January the count jumped to 95 ^hd on the 30^^ "to 132. On the 10th of Febmaary the count rema.ined about the same, but about one-fourth of the larvae were dead, Hhetlier this was the result of weather conditions or of a fungus has not yet been determined. In the northwestern part of the San Joaquin Valley larvae and adults ?/ere collected with ease. On the 24th of Janiiarj'- a.s high as I5 larvae and I5 adults were collected to 100 sweeps of a net. This is the earliest I have taken the ?reevil in this area. On the 17th of January adults of the parasite Bathyplectes curculionis Thoms, could be collected, Para,sitization of the alfalfa weevil larvae, however, v;as not high. In one field in the San Francisco Bay anea 5 larvae out of 26 were found to be parasitized, while in another 6 out of 34 were parasitized. Adult parasites were plentiful, but on the 24th of January only 33 alfalfa weevil larvae cut of 302 were para- sitized, and on the 30th of January in one field 33 alfalfa weevil larvae out of 213 were parasitized; in another, I3 out of 4l were para- sitized; and in a third field 25 larvae out of 63 v/ere parasitized. On the 10th of February II6 larvae out of I92 were parasitized, while in a second field 4o out of 32 were parasitized. Up to the present time some fields have consistently shown higher parasitization than others. In all instances, however, the parasitization increased rapidly as is indicated hy the figures given above. The extent of parasitization was obtained from rearing records--thi.'t is, large alfalfa weevil larvae were brought into the laboratory and the extent of parasitization was determined on the number of alfalfa weevil cocoons containing cocoons of the parasite, A surprising number of the parasite cocoons are the dark-colored, overwintering form., and I suppose months will elapse before adults wull em.erge from them. Overwintering cocoons obtained from alfalfa weevil larvae collected during the latter pe.rt of May 1935 were placed on a window sill ha.ving .--s- a northern exposure. Emergence started about the 10th of Je.nua.ry, has continued to he heavy, ojid is about completed. CLOVER LEAE ITEEVIL ( Hyue ra uunctata Fab, ) California. J. C. Hamlin (February 4): Samples of larvae collected by G-. G. Schreis nea.r Sacraraento uere; determined by A. G. Boving, A, E. Michelbaclier (February 24); The clover leaf- weevil was found generally throughout tlie .alfalfa fields, ALFALFA LCOPER (Autogrenha calif orni ca Speyer) California. A. E. Michelbaclier (February 2-:-): In checking through alfalfa fields during January and the first, part of February, I fo-'und the larvae of the alfalfa semilooper quite common. Ivla.ny of them were para- sitized by a tachinid. SU&ARCAI'IE SUCARCAI'IS BORER (piatraea sa.cchara.lis Fa.b,) Louisiana, B. A. Osterborger (Februaiy 24); Larvae of the sugarcane borer hibernating in dry corn staldcs show an Increase in mortality, but among those in the stubble of volunteer corn a few live larvae are found. The mortality from the cold is not so high as it was last season, SUGARCAIIE ROOTSTOCK WEEVIL (Anacentrinus subnudus Buchanan) Louisiana. B. A. Osterberger (February 24); Adults, larvae, and pupae were found in a.bout every variety of sugarcane examined. Injured root- stocks ranged from 30 to 67 percent, A MITE ( Tarsonemus bancrofti Mictiael) Florida, P. II. Annand (January 2S): Word has recently been received of the discovery of T, bancrofti on soi'i^um hj'-brids and New Guinea canes in four locations on" the expe rimentaul plats maintained by tlie United States Department of Agriculture at Canal Point, on the eastern edge of the Everglades. An infestation wa.s also found in an adjoining field of commercial cane. Owing to the rather general occurrence of the mite, it is feared that its eradication may prove to be difficult. FRUIT INSECTS APPIE CODLING MOTH (CarToocapsa aomonella L, ) Georgia. C. H. ’Alcien (EeLmary I9); The ninter ca,rry-over of hihernating larvae of the codling moth is moderate a,t Cornelia. Practically none have been killed hy winter temperatures hut some are dead from fungus, Oregon, D. C. Mote (Fehruary 25): S. G. Thompson reports that at the last examination the larvae were coming through in good condition. ROSY APPLE APHID ( i^aiur g;ohi s roseus Balcer) Virginia, W, J. Schoene (February 2S): Last fall returning migrants of the rosy aphid were found in numbers on apple foliage in manj;" sections of the State, and. during the winter aphid eggs have been observed to be more numerous than usual. Accordingly, grov/ers are showing considerable interest in the aphid spra^y. We expect this to be a rosy-aphid year, SAN JOSE SCAIE (A sioidiotus pe rniciosus Comst.) Georgia. 0. I, Snapp (January 2H): The San Jose scale is more abundant , than usual on peach trees at Fort Valley. The percentage of living scale on unsprayed peach trees in January '.ms lov;er than that of an aver- age year, eh may be d.ue to the unusually cold winter. Of 30>600 scale counted under the binoculan during the period January l4 to 24, 23j168, or 75*7 percent, were found to be alive. C. H. Ald.en (February I9): Scale wan very bad on peach and apple at Cornelia in the fall, but spraying and e^:tremely severe winter weather have greatly reduced the numbers and have prevented breeding. Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February’' 25): San Jose scale is moderately abundant on fruit trees at Auburn, Grand Day, and some other places in the State* PEACH PLUIi CURCULIO (Conotrachelu,s nenuphar Hbst, ) Georgia. C. H, Alden (February I9): Plum curculio still in hibernation at Cornelia, PEACH BORER (Aegeria exitiosa Say) Alabama. J. M. Robinson (Febru.ary); The peach tree borer was moderately abunciant at Auburn, requiring treatment. -10- GEEEN PEACH APHID (Myztis persicae Sulz.) California. E. 0. Essig (February ■ 26) : Because of the mild uinter, aphids have survived in considerable numbers in the San Francisco Bay area. The green pea'ch apliid has been abundant at Berkeley. Adults of the black peach aphid (Aphis persica-e-niger Smith) have been noted on peach trees that have held their- leaves' all winter, HASPBE5RY RASPBERRY CAIIE BORER (Oberea bimaculata Oliv. ) Utah. G, F, Znowlton (January 10): The follovkng letter v/as recently re- ceived: "While pruning raspberries I noticed some of the new canes fell over. On examination, I Yound in various canes,- but principaJly in the weaker ones, larvae ranging from about 3/l^ i* inch long. The smaller ones were v/hite , 'v;hereas the larger ones were dull white with dark heads. The larvae entered and v;orked in the canes from 1 to 8 inches above the ground," GRAPE GRAPE LEAFHOPPER (Er'vthroneura comes Say) California, S, LoclOTOod (Februaij’ 25): The grape leafhopper was over- wintering in considerable numbers in sections of the San Joaquin Valley. Reports stake that the excessive rainfall of the last 2 weeks has apparently reduced the numbers markedly. • ^ PECAH' • - OBSCURE SCALE ( Chrys omphalus obscurus Comst.) California. M. L. Jones (February -'25)^ The foci of known -inf-estations in California are limited to Pacoima, Los Angeles County, and the vicinity of Flinn Springs, San Diego County. The infestation i-s found only on pecan trees, WALIdJT FROSTED SCAIE (Lecanium pruinos'om Coq.) California. H, J. Ryan (February 21): Infestations on English walnut trees in the PononcL district became so severe during the winter that about 250 acres of walnut orchemds were sprayed vdth oil in January, This scale has been well established for uia.ny years in southern California, but tliis is the first record of 'any build-up to population requiring treatment. 11- CITRUS FRUIT FLIES (Anastrepha spp.) Texas. P. A, Hoidale (January): All species of fruit flies found in the Rio Grande Valley previously uere trapped in increased numbers there during January. The total for this month -over December for Anastre- pha ludens Loew jumped from S to 49; A. pernentina lied. , from 43 to j6; A. fraterculus auct., from 9 to 15; A. sp. "Y" , from J to 3O; A, pallens Coq, , from 4S9 to 5^0; and Toxotrypana. curvicauda. Gerst. , from 11 to 26, T’,70 specimens v/hich have been listed as probably ' ne’.7 species were also trapped, llo larval irifestations \7ere, found throughout the month, I'EALYBUGS (pseu dococcus s pp . ) California. H. J. Ryan (February 21): Occasioiiel infesta.tions of P. mari- tirmis Ehrh, , and P, citri Risso still require liberations of the ladybeetle Cryptolaeimis mo ntrouzieri Imls, Control of ?, gaha-ni Green has been maintained by tlie parasites Coccpnbagpn gurneyi Compere and Tetracnemus pretiosus Timb. A SCALE IITSECT (Lenidosa'dies halli Green) California, M. L, Jones (February 25): Surveys are in progress to estab- lish the possible distribution of Hallos scale in the Chico d.istrict of Butte County. To date, all evidence indicates that it has not spread from the United States Plant Introdiuct ion Garden, Eradication of this scale during one season was attempted in the spring of 1935* The only survivors found to date \7ere four individuals on one tree. The group containing this tree is isolated and has been given a very drastic treatment. All stone-fruit trees leaving the station, about 3}b00 in nunber, have been treated by vacuom fumiga,ticn, CALlFCRillA RED SCALE ( Chrysom'ohalus aurant i i Mash, ) i Arizona. C, D. Lebert (February 24): Approximately 10,000 citrus trees are being fumigated in the Phoenix area. It is hoped that complete eradication of this pest will be achieved, GREEN CITRUS APHID (Anhis spiraecola Patch) Florida, J. R. Watson (February 24): The first part of the winter was very dry. Since then it has been cold and wet. These conditions were very unfavorable for the development of the citrus aphid, as there v/as no food in the ear 13?- part of the -winter and it has been too cold for rapid development since. Aphids are at present about as scarce PS I he.ve ever seen them. -12^ A FLOWEE THRIPS (Franizliniella tritxci calif ornicus Moult.) Arizona. C. D. Lebert (Fe'braary 24),: Thrips were observed in great numbers on citrus at Castle Hot Springs nn .January 9* Little foliage injury was found but the citrus fruits, upon which the thrips had congregated by the thousands, shov/ed pronounced speckling and soften- ing of the rinds* The thrips ^TOre also observed on nearby truck . crops. Tliis thrips has also been observed on citrus in the -Hhoenix district but not in abundance. V CITEUS EUST MITE ( Hiyllocoptes oleivorus Aslini. ) Florida. J. E. Hatson (February 24): Be cause. of v;eather conditions, citrus rust mites have given very little trouble this winter. T E U 0_ K - C E 0 P I H S E C' T S VSGETABIjE WEEVIL (Li strode res obliquus Gyll.) Georgia. T. L. Bissell (January 29): On November 25* 26, and 2J , 1935j a survey was made in several middle-Georgia towns for the vegetable weevil. Larvae were found on turnip at Griffin, Orchard Hill, Milner, and Barnesville, but none .at' Experiment . larvae were collected at l4 of 24 properties visited. Ho serious injury was observed. 0^ December 12 larvae were sent to me from Clarkston, De Kalb County, on Chinese cabbage. (February 20): Vegetable weevil larvae, appar- ently of the second and third instars, were found in turnip crowns today near Milner. Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 25): The vegetable weevil has devel- oped slowly through the winter months and some individuals are pupating. Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 24): The vegeta.ble weevil has been res- ponsible for most of the insect complaints received, Eeports.have been received from l4 properties in the vicinity of Booneville, Kosciusko, Vicksburg, Lexington, Carthage, and Ethel, Louisiana. B, A, Osterberger (Februarj^ 29): Today larvae of the vegetable \7eevil were received from Iota, Acadia Parish, where they were attacking turnips, ■ California, S, Loclcwood (February 25): The vegetable weevil was found in home gardens and small commercial plantings of vegetables in the city of Santa Barbara County, and close environs. The annual survey made December 1935 the Santa Maria and Lompoc Valleys gave negative results. -13-< 3AITDED CUCUlfflSR BBETLS (PiaBrotica Palteata Lee.) Florida. J. R. TiTatson (FeLr-uary 24): Several complaints of the "belted cucumher "beetle on truck crops have "been received. One grower in Highlands County reported’ the complete destruction of 20 acres of lima "beans, Ala"bpjm. J. M. Ro"binson (Pe"bruaiy 25).: ihe "banded "bean "beetles were very active on fall greens up to l'Tovera"ber IS, California, R, 3, Ca.mp"bell (January J): In several pea fields in Orange County the "belted cucum"ber "beetle Yia.s numerous, though doing little feeding, SPOTTED CUCUIvfflER BEETLE (Dia"brotica duo dec impunc tat a Fa"b,) Virginia, H, G, W^^lker (Fe"bruary 2S): Twelve-spotted cucum"ber "beetles were active and feeding on plantain on Fe"bruary 26 a,t Norfolk, Georgia, T, L, Bissell (Fe'bruary 17): Beetles were found hi"bernating under dead leaves and grass at Experiment .l)et\/een January l4 and Fe"bru- ary 17 , CUT'J OFliS ( No c tui dae ) Georgia. T. L, Bissell (Fe"bruary 12): Arrayworms are rather plentiful, hi"bernating in dead grass and leaves at Experiment, Between Januaiy 17 and Fe"brua.ry 12, 26 larvae were tal3n from 22 plots, each 1 yard square, Tennessee, G, M, Bentley (Fe'bruo.ry 2S): I have seen a number of differ- ent species of noctuids in flight "but do not know the species. These moths were medium-sized and smaller indiviOuals, SOUTHERN GREEN STIilKEUG (Nezara viridula L. ) Florida, F, S, Cliam"berlin (January): The southern green plant "bug was unusually a"bundant during the fall and is nov; found in semihihernation in sheltered places, Texa,s, F, L, Thomas (Pe"bruary 26): The southern green plant bug was ob- served near Crystal. City recently, FALSE CHINCH BUG (Nysius ericae Schill.) Arizona. 0. D, Lebert (February 24): Adult fase chinch bugs were first - noticed in considerable numbers on weed cover crops in several of the citrus groves in the north Phoenix area. -l4- G-ASDEIT CENTIPEDE ( Scutif^erella imnnaculata Newp, ) California. S, LoclaTood (PeDruai-y 25):: The lowlands of the Sacramento Valley have been inundated for several^ days. It is helieved; that if the water is not pumped out too soon, the asparagus fields will he rid, to a degree at least, of the garden centipede, A. E. Michelhacher (Fehruary 24): In checking- over some infested fields in the delta area of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, I found a marked reduc-.tion of the pest in several places, TOFATO A CHIROITOMID (Spaniotoma sp, ) Ohio, J, N. Knull (January I5): Numerous tomato plants in a greenhouse at Lancaster were infested with chironomid larvae, prohahly of the genus Spaniotoma. The larva.e entered the stems just ahoye .the ground level and worked up into the liviiig tissue. The injury caused the young plants to break and wither, ONION THRIPS (Th.rips tahaci Lind.) Virginia. H, 0. Nallcer (Eehruary P'S): The onion thrips was found to he seriously injuring young toma.to and celery plants in a greenhouse at Norfolk, Apparently the thrips had been breeding on cucumber vines and when the old vines were removed and replaced with young tomato and celery plants, large numbers of the thrips transferred their attention to them and caused serious injury before their presence was detected and control measures were applied, Texas, F, L, Thomas (February 26): Onion thrips are beginning to increase in numbers in the Winter Garden district. The infestation is much lighter than in 1935 at this time, averaging less thau 5 per onion plant on February 24, . . > BEANS BEAN LEAF BEETLE (Cerptpma trifurcata Forst,) Virginia, H, G, Wallcer (February 2S): La.rge nunbers of bean leaf beetles were found hibernating under trash in an old bean field at Norfolk on February 27* Georgia., T, L. Bissell (February 17): Beetles were fo'und hibernating beneath dead leaves and grass at Experiment bet\7een Januauy l4 and Feb- ruary 17. -15- HilAS PBA APHID (Illinoia pisi Kalt.) California. A, 3. Miclielliaclier (feliruary 24); The pea aphid is quite common on alfalfa. G-eorgia. T. L. Bissell (fehruary 20): The pea aphid is sca.rce on Austrian peas at Experiment, This insect usually 1)600x1165 abundant the first or middle of May, • ■ ■ ■ • California, H. S. Campbell (January 7): Irx several pea fields in Orange Count:/ the pea aphid has grad'oally been increasing, until by the first of the year it uas numerous enough to cause injury. CABBAGE IMPORTED CABBAGE uOWi (Ascia rauae L.) Florida, P, S. Chamberlin (January): Tlie cabbage worm is moderately abun- dant on CO Hards and cabbage, Mississippi, C. Lyle (Pebruai^^ 24): The imported cabbage v/prra. was observed on turnips at State College during’ IJovember and December, but was less abundant tlmn the cabbage looper, Louisiana, B. A, Osterberger (Eebrua.ry 24): During the entire winter adults of the cabbage buttei’flj?’ liave been noticed in flight on warm cHys. Eggs and young stages could be found at any time during the v;armer part of the winter, CABBAGE LOOPER ( Autograplia brassica-e Riley) Florida, J. R. V/atson (February 24): Pne caEobage looper has been less troublesome than usual, owing to the cold rainy v/eather, Mississippi, C. Lyle (February 24-): -Tlie cabbage looper was, fairly abundant on turnips a.t Stat e College in ITovember and December, Texas. F. L. Thomas (February 26); The cabbage loopers are practically absent from, the lo’ver Rio Gra.nde Valley and from the Winter Garden district, DIAMOED— BACK MOTH ( Plutella ma cu 1 i pe nni s Curt.) Florida. J. R, f/atson (FeDrua.ry 24); The diamond-bach moth has been less troublesome than usual, owing to the cold rainy weather. Texas. P, L, Thomas (February 26); The diamond-back cabbage worm is practically absent from the lov;er Rio Grande Valley and from the Winter •Garden region. CABBAGD AI^HID T -Rrevicoryne Brassicae L. ) Oeorgia. T. 1. Bissell (February 20); Collards at BKperiment are lightly infested witli apliids* IIARLEQUIH BUG (Murgantia Mstrionica Haliii) Georgia. T. L. Bissell (FeBru^y 17): M* Mstrioni^ v;as found hiBe mating •under dead leaves and grass at Experiment Betv/een Januaiy. 9^-. FeBruary 17. Mississippi. B. H. Srhnes (Fehruaiy 2'4): Shis pest was ohsorvad on tnr- nips at Kosciusko on FeBruary 13* Texas. F. L. Tlw^s (FeBruary 2S): ’ .Tlie liarleq-uin Bug is aBundant on old plantings of turnips in tlie V/inter Garden district, - • TUmilP TUEITIF Aldll'I) (BhapaApsipBum useudoBrassica^ Davis) Oeorgia. T. L. Bissell (Fehruary): The turnip aphid did considerable damage to greens at Experiment in UovemBer. T • • -R A OqterBer^er (FeBruary *24) : Tlie turnip apBid is moderately "^''Srdlnt m wms. ?lie convergent ladyBeetle (Hippo^ converge Guer.) is present, ‘ ^ ■ Texas. F. L. Tlioraas (FeBruary 26):' The turnip a^id is aBundant on olc. plantings of turnips in the Sinter Garden district. CELSBY SOUTHEBK ABIvIYI/OBlI ( Frodenia eridania Cram.) d'uals are still present. SWEETFOTATO S^'JESTPOTATO WEEVIL (G?rla_s. form! car ius EaB.) Florida. F. S. Ohafflherlln (January): Boring 1iie year 1S3'+ the sueetnotato weevil occurred in tlie northern pe. o u indicate Eradicatih methods were employed for a short Ume. Sd rae j that the Insect is beomlng viell establisnec. witnin ■ > ffeld of potatoes has been reported as a total loss pest reprhonts a potential menace in this section, where sweetpotatoes are among the important crops. 17- HOPS HOP APHID (Phorodon h-unmli Schr.) Oregon, D. C. Mote (Pebrnary 25): H. Larson reports' live Hop aphids present after the freeze, which occurred on October 30 and continued into the first fev; days of November v/ith a minimum temperature at Cor- vallis of IS^ F. STRAVfBFPRY STRAV/BESHY ROOT APHID (Auhis f orbesi ' Weed) Virginia. . H, G. Walker (February 2S) : , Eggs of the strav;berry root louse j v.'hich are not nearly so abunda,nt at ilorfolk this 3''ear as last, v;ere beginning to hatch on February 27. COMON RED SPIDER ( Tetranyclius telarius L.) Virginia, H, G, Walker (February 2S); Red spiders are rather _ abundant in many strawberry fields on the Ea.stern Shore of Virginia arfl in the Nor- folk trucking a.rea., Oregon, D, 0, Mote (February 25): I observed tiie common red spider mite alive after the freeze of October 30. PEPPER PEPPER WEEVIL (Anthonomus eugenii Ca.no) Florida, J. R. Watson (Februarjr 24): Tire pepper weevil, which was found in Manatee County last year, has not been seen since August, Complete des- truction of all the pepper fields during the summer is undoubtedly res- ponsible for this scarcity e.nd possible elimination. COTTON INSECTS BOLL WEEVIL (Anthonomus grandis Boh.) South Carolina,. F, F, Bond^' (Januarj,^); No activity during January in the weevil hibernation cages at Florence, the first time in years that no weevils \7ere seen in the cages in this month. Alabama. J. M. Robinson (Februe.ry 25): Boll vreevils were moderately abun- dant in the fields. They were forced to go into hibernation without food after the middle of November, Louisiana. R, C. Gaines (Januarjr): A few v.reevils rare active in the hiberna- tion cages at Tallulah until January I7, but there was no activity’' after that date. No weevils were taken on the flight screens at Tallulah during the month. This is the first time during the 5 years the screens have been in operation that no weevils were caught in Janua,ry. Texas* H. V/, Moreland (January): Active weevils were observed in most of the hibernation cages at College Station on the warm days in January, the largest number being seen on January IJ , when the maximum tempera- ture was 79° . K. P, Ev/ing and E. L. McGarr (January); At Port Lavaca v/eevils V7ere breeding in fields of green cotton until the freezes oh January I9 and 20. After tliat only one adult weevil was observed in the field. T. C, Barber (January); Boll vveevil larvae and adults abundant at Brownsville. ' INSECTS AFPECTI N .G G R S"E N H 0 U S E AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTS GROUND MEALYBUGr (Rliizoecus terrestris News. ) California. E. 0. Essig (February 26); The ground mealybug has been taken on the roots of lawn grasses and ma.ny kinds of annual end peren- nial ornamental plants in the San Francisco Bay area during the fall and winter. 'It does considerable damage to some plants and is diffi- cult to control. BIACK SCALE ( Saissetia oleae Bern. ) Mississippi. C. Lyle (February 24); Specimens of this scale on poinsettias were received from Sanatorium on January 8. EUONB/IUS SCALE (Chionasnis euon.ymi Comst; ) ••Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 25): Euon^mius scale \7as generally active on ornamental japonicas, particularly at Prattsville, Canoe, and Montgomery’- during December. DEODAR WEEVIL ( Pissodes deodarae Ho pic, ) Alabama. J. M, Robinson (February 25): This beetle was attacking ornamen- tal cedars at Uriah during 0 ctober, AN APHID (Forda olivacea Rohw. ) California. E. 0, Essig (February 26): This aphid has been ab-undant on the roots of Bromus carinatus in the vicinity of Berkeley this winter, but only apterous viviparous females are in evidence. ■19- COMON EED SPIDEE (Tetranycims telarltis L») Louisiana* B. A, Osterberger (PeLruary 24): The red spider is moderately abundant on azalea plants and evergreen shrubs* Tiiississippi. C. Lyle (Pebraary 24): An infestation of red spiders on cedar vras reported from Meridian on Pebruaiy I3. AUOUBA AIT APHID ( Macro siphum aucubax Bartholoraeu) California. P. 0. Essig (Pebruary 26): Because of the mild.uinter, aphids have survived in considerable numbers in the San Francisco Bay area* The aucuba a.phid has been abundant at Berkeley. PBPIT PEHN SCALE ( Hemi ch i 0 na s pi s aspidistras Sign.) Alabama. J. M. Robinson (Febraaiy 25): The fern scale was reported dam- aging the fronds of ferns at Poley ea„rly in January. GLADIOLUS GLADIOLUS TPIRIPS (Taeniothrips gladioli M. Sj S. ) Florida. J. R. Uatson (Pebruarj’- 24): Gladiolus thrirjs ha\''e been active all winter but infestations are .not heavy. RHODODSITDROIT PdiODODEHDROlT WHITSPLY (Pialeurodes chittendeni Laing) Tennessee. - G. M. Bentley (Pebruarjr 28); In the latter part of December we made a trip to Johnson City, Washington County, and looked over sec- tions of Carter County, examining rhododendrons. We found a lii^it infesta^ticn of D. chittendeni passing the vdnter on the underside of rhododendron leaves. 5PIHEA COTTOl'TY-CUSHIOiT SCALE (Icerya purch-asi Mask. ) Mississippi. C. Lyle (Pebruary 24): An infestation of cottony-cushion scale on spirea was reported from Columbia on January 4, Ladybird beetles v/ere promptly colonized on the property. «2CV* , I IT S S C T S ATTACKING MAN AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS MAN AiTTS (Eormicidae) District of Columbia# R, A, St. George (Februar:/ 27): Several species of household and lawn ants ha,ve been swarming in the basements of build- ings in Washington, Specimens of Lasius sp. were received during the week of February 24 among forms raistalcen for termites. Virginia, C. R. V/illey (Februa.ry 27): A species of ant has been swarming in houses and around Ricbnond for the past several weeks, Mississippi, C, Lyle (February 24): Numerous complaints of Solenopsis xyloni McCook were received during the winter, A report from Vicks- burg on February l4 stated that the ants had I’uined articles of cloth- ing, especially woolen blankets. ARGENTINE ANT (iridomyrmex huanilis Mayr) Alabama. J. M. Robinson (February 2^): The Argentine ant continues to be a pest at many points over the State, Mississippi. C, Lyle (February 24): NuR:ierous complaints of the Argentine ant VTere received during the winter from tovms where control campaigns were not conducted last year. About February 1 a correspondent in Hattiesburg reported that they v-’ere "iiialcing life almost unbearable," Missouri, J. C. Dawson (December ll): Ants determined as the Argentiinant v;ere collected on December 11, 1935 j at University City, Saint Louis County, Texas, R. Melvin (February); One infestation of the Argentine ant reported at Dallas, HOUSE CRICICET (.Gryllus domesticus L, ) Alabama, J, M. Robinson (February 25): Crickets ha.ve been reported doing damage to household furnishings' at Dotlian during February, ROXELDER BUG (Leptocoris trivittatus Say) Utah, G, F, Knowlton (February 24): Large nun;ber3 of boxelder bugs ar® emerging from hibernation and. ai-e sunning themselves upon south walls of buildings on vrarm afternoons at Salt Lai® and Logan, This pest has caused some annoyance indoors during the past few weeks. -21- California. R. E. Campbell (January 23): After several v/arra, dry days, adults are active and flying about at Alhan:bra. TROPICAL RAT MITE (Liponyssus Lacoti Hirst.) California. D. B. Mackie (Pebruary 25): This blood-sucking nite.v;as submitted’ to the Entomological Service of the Department of Agricul- ture in Sacramento on Jejiuary 16 v/ith the inforraakion that it is ca.us.ing considerable trouble in an a,partment house. Typical dermatitis nas present on two members of the custodian* s family. Considerable trouble also is experieiiced from rats. This is a second record for Sacramento. The previous one vras made in 195^''* The only other State record is one from San Diego in ISJiO, ■ CATTLE SCREV/ Y/ORiviS (Cochliornyia spp. ) Florida. F. C. Bishopp (February 27 )i The number of screv; v/orm infesta- tions in Florida fron Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, Putnam, and Flagler Counties southv/ard, was decidedly lower during the v/eek ending Febru- ary 15 than for any other \7eekly period of the winter. F. S. Chamberlin (January): The screw worm is apparently' causing no injury to livestock in Gadsden County. Alabama,. J. M, Robinson (February 25): The screw worm was rather scarce over the State until October, v/hen it appeared in a few scattered counties in rather large numbers. It was found a,s far north as Flor- ence, Lauderdale County, Texas. A. W. Lindquist (January): A minor outbreak of C. americana C. and P, occurred in Uva,lde County in January, The cause of most of the trouble was docking sheep, although other types of wounds also became infested. The weather appa,rently was ideal for sere?/ v/orm attack, being characterized by hot da2/s above average and cool nights belo?/ average. Most of the ranchmen reported more or less screw worm trouble. One man had 26 cases in 100 docked sheep. Five collections from these showed C. americana , and probably all cases v/ere of this species, A ranchman near Rio Frio reported tha,t of 4l docked sheep, 25 ?/ere lost because of screw ?^orm attack. Some of the cases observed v/ere very bad, harboring from 1,000 to 2,000 0. americana larvae and many eggs. At Sonora, and Menard, about 15O miles north of Uvalde County and at a considerably higher elevation, no sere?/ v;orm cases v/ere observed in January. *-22- . HOUSEHOLD AND STORED-PRODUCTS INSECTS TERMITES (Reticulite'rmes spp. ) • • Virginia, C. R. Vfilley (Fe'br-aarj'- 27): Terniites have heen swanning in houses in and around Richraond. for the past 'several weeks. District of Colunibia. R. A, St. George (Pehruary 2J): ■ During the v;eek of February 24 many requests have been received for information concerning the control of the subterranean termite, R, flavines Kol, , adults of which have been swarming in numbers in households in Washington, D, C,, and vicinity, Michigan, E, I, McDaniel (March 4): Vt^e have received our first report of emergence of termites for the year. It came from Muskegon with a statement that a basement was filled v/ith the wings of termites on ^iarch 1 and that this is the second season they have made their appear- ance , Georgia, T, L, Bissell (February 21): Termites have just begun to be noticed in dwellings. On February 1$ I had a call fron Gj^iffin, and today I received an inquiry fr.cm Columbus, Alabama, J. M, Robinson (February 25): Termites continue to worry property owners all over the State, They vrere reported swarming as late as November 5 in Mobile County, Mississippi. C, Lyle (February 24): Numerous complaints of injury by R, flavines vure received during the vmnter, Louisiana, B, A, Osterberger (Februaiy 24); A fevr termites have been noticed in flight from a steani-heated building in Baton Rouge, •Oklahoma and .Texas, J, A. Beal (January): R, tibialis Bks, has done a greak deal of damage during the ptxst summer to nurseries, in Oklahoma and Texas, This damage was peculiar in that it was not associated v.'ith buried wood or seedbed frames, but occurred on the roots of seedling hardwood trees, in cultivated rows, often where the soil appeared to be almost free fran rotting vegetation. Injury has been most severe to green ash, mulberry, hackberry, and honeylocust ► seedlings, although almost no species showed immunity. In some nurseries it is estimated that losses during the grooving season ran as high as 25 percent, Utah, G, F, Knowlton (Fgbruary 17); Termites v/ere found infesting timbers in a basement in Salt Lake City, r23- A DSHIi'ISSTID (Trogocle rim sid.) Kansas. K. T, Cotton (Januaxy): Altliougli dermestid lieetles lia,ve iDeen generallj' considered to "be cliiefly feeders on aninial products, it has "been found that Trog:o derma sp. , prohahly T. versicolor Creutz. , is one of the vrorst pests of stored seeds 8.t Manhattan. This species uas also found in a local tire-repair shop, where it was breeding in large numbers in the compound used for vulcanizing tires, PSA WSSVIL ( Bruchus pisorum L, ) Oregon. D, C.'Mote (February 25): B. G. ThornTJson reports that on January 27 he found considerable nniabers of pea vreevils in hibernating quarters near Athena, in Umatilla County, Of those collected and brought into the laboratory, 9^,3 percent were alive. ■ ' A P0T7DSH-P0ST BS3TLE (Lyctus plaiiicollis Lee.) Alabajna,, J. M. Robinson (February 25): In December the powder-post beetle ^7as destroying hickory furniture in Birmin^iarn, Liississippi. C. Lyle (February 2^:): Specimens of this insect were tal:En from a hardwood floor in Yazoo City on Jaiutary 3» The floor' had been put down only, a fev; months before. ■24- ‘ NOTES EEOM EGYPT, lECE^ffiER 23, 1935, ^7 ■ A. H. Rosenfeld • A recent sTirvejr lias revealed ^.that P:y'rausta nuljilalis Ilbn, is generally distrib-ated ever Loner Egypt, extending as far sonth as Giza ■ Province (near Cairo), Investiga,tions lea,d to the conclusion that four generations occur annually in Egypt,. Exarjination of individual Infested i cornstalks at Damietta and Alexandria reveaAed from 10 to 12 live larvae per stallc. In a '.number of cases Sesamia sp, and Philo sp, were found feeding in the same internode vTith the corn borer and at times their , ; galleries were joined. In Alexandria complete infestations ma,y be found and f ■' 30-percent infestation is common, ‘ ‘ J The degree of infestation by Po lyclirosis botrana Schiff, in the ' :;n vineyards around Amria (Lo’.'/er Egypt) last season’ averaged about 12 percent, ,| whereas the fnaxiiiiym dama.ge reached 3O percent. In a recent survey the long-winged form of mole cricket (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L, ) was. noted ever5.avliere in sma,ll numbers, but- the- short-v/inged form (G, gryllotalpa cophta Haan) seems to be by far the most common and widely distributed type, especially in Lower Egypt (Alexandria, Port Said, Suez, and Ismailia)* G, africana' Bdv, Was seen more particular !ly in the Eayum (Middle Egypt) and in some parts of Lower Egypt, such as Dessulc, Eareslsur, and Mit Gamr, NOTES PROM PUERTO RICO P, M. Vandenberg, of the Mayaguez, P, R, , laborator^r, reports that in the investigations of the insects affecting corn recently undertaken in Puerto Rico, the work of a dipterous maggot was observed in ears of green corn. This maggot has been identified ,^9 the yoimg of a fly, Euxesta stigma-tias Loew, A closely allied species in this country is well known as a scavenger. The Puerto Rican species, however, has been reared on fresh green corn from egg to adult. H. K. Planlc sent in specimens of Cryptotermes cavif rons Bks, and C, brevis V/alk, , which \7ere talcen on January 20 a.s they \7ere flying around lamps in a house at Mayaguez, P, R, (Det, by T. E, Snyder,)