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TNIANAN NY \ 240 a AAV WV VY Ve SREY SUNSEC yi< Id bad Na Ne eet G aon | \ | Nh ANed| { Mo ISR waoaeonss S isl LA ti bald) IG re RMCICICI | Wey) Soe | We) Shy h| | | [ he A AA | i I { Daal bad bad bel bad hl | v \y}\ gh WS | Meee We iccoo ose! é CGS MOIR Sacra vw NS iv SIZ SZ} svuvvvguv¥¥¥™ vue Vy v oe | sceuyy Webley AAS WiC WS Ay vile Jj} vuue 7 = vey iv, | i heieb My te Mi sani al ii ad brit i J POLLS) AIDE Lee me aie ht wee “S ise. io i i S&S ls wei of the State of New York a : Beta as second-class matter August 2, 1913, at the Post Office : at Athany, N. Y., under the act of August 24, 1012 Published fortnightly : ALBANY, N. Y. JANUARY TI, ‘1916 New York State Museum Joun M. CLarke, Director EPHRAIM PoRTER FELT, State Entomologist Museum Bulletin 180 30th REPORT OF THE STATE E ON INJURIOUS AND OTHER OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK IQI4 PAGE fi ra PAGH Introduction........ ditt: cae eee 7 Ornamental and shade tree pests 71 Injurious insects........ ucaea eons 16 Forest tree pests... +... an Rae 87 WEmpeenea yous ei) fie da IS 16 IMirsecliaweous sci cie aici s ie 89 White grubs and May or June List of the Coccidae in the Collec- “CRETE a ENT Are OEY ue I Nee 18 tion of the New York State Forest tent caterpillar......... 25 Museum. °F. T. Hartman...) 92 Brown-tail moth......:....... 2 Publications of the Entomologist 110 ae Ue fees) shoot eee eee 3? Additions to the collections, Octo- eB a oe 39 ber 16, 1913—October 15, 1914.. 114 Guileatamidgse. 2k). .5../. Mien 42 j f Rrmssmappe4nrs.. 4.24.5 .,.'..- 46 | Appendix: A study of gall midges Mees torthelyear,.). 66... . ose 58 NA ent ite rege re 12 apne MISO, ts ef oe ee 58 | Explanation of plates........... 289 Grass and garden insects...... 67 Index ASMA Shes Vic Ee 325 ALBANY THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW TOTS Ms6r-Myr5-1500 YORK THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK Regents of the University With years when terms expire ~ 1926 Puiny T. Sexton LL.B. LL.D. Chancellor -— Palmyra 1927 ALBERT VANDER VEER M.D. M.A. Ph. D: LL.D. Vice Chancellor” = == - - -— — — Albany 1922 CHESTER S. Lorp M.A. LL.D. - - — -— — New York 1918 Wiii1am NottTincHaM M.A. Ph.D. LL.D. — — Syracuse 1921°FRaNcISs M. CARPENTER - = — — — — = Mount Kisco 1923 ABRAM I. Erxus, LL.B. D.C.L.- - - - —- New York 1924 ADELBERT Moor LL.D. — — -— —- -— — Buffalo 1925 CHARLES B. ALEXANDER M.A. LLB. LL.D. Litt.D. - - - —- -—- -— — -— Tuxedo Tor9 JOHN Moore |=) =e ==) =) == = ee 1916 WALTER Guest Kettocc B.A. - — -— — -— Ogdensburg 1917 (Vacant) 1920 ‘( Vacant) President of the University and Commissioner of Education Joun H. Frntzy M.A. LL.D. L.H.D. Assistant Commissioners , Aucustus S. Downine M.A. L.H.D. LL.D. For Higher Education — CHARLES F. WuHEELocK B.S. LL.D. For Secondary Education Tuomas E. Finecan M.A. Pd.D. LL.D. For Elementary Education — Director of State Library James I. WyeEr, Jr, M.L.S. Director of Science and State Museum Joun M. Crarxe Ph.D. D.Sc. LL.D. Chiefs and Directors of Divisions Administration, Gzorce M. Witey M.A. Agricultural and Industrial Education, ArTHurR, D. DEAN D.Sc., Director Archives and History, James A. HoLpEn B.A., Director Attendance, James D. SULLIVAN _ Educational Extension, Witt1am R. Watson B.S. “Examinations, Hartan H. Horner M.A. Inspections, Frank H. Woop M.A. Law, FRanK B. GILBERT B.A. 3 Library School, Frank K. Water M.A. M.L.S. School Libraries, SHERMAN Wixiiams Pd.D. | Statistics, Htram C. Case Visual Instruction, ALFRED a ABRAMS Ph. B. The University of the State of New York Department of Science, April 8, 1915 Dr John H. Finley President of the University Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript and illustrations of the Report of the State Entomologist for the year r9gr4 and to recommend that this be published as a bulletin of the State Museum. Very respectfully John M. Clarke Director THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Approved for publication this roth day of April 1915 President of the University University of the State of New York Bulletin Entered as second-class matter August 2, 1913, at the Post Office at Albany, N. Y., under the act of August 24, 1912 Published fortnightly No. 606 ALBANY, N. Y. JANUARY I, I916 _ New York State Minceuan Joun M. Crarke, Director EPHRAIM PoRTER FELT, State Entomologist Museum Bulletin 180 30th REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IQI4 Dr John M. Clarke, Director of the State Museum I have the honor to present herewith my report on the injurious and other insects of the State of New York for the year ending September 30, 1914. The extended injuries by the apple tent caterpillar and the forest tent caterpillar, noted last year, were continued during the past season. The work of the latter species was particularly evident on Long Island and in the Adirondacks. Popular warning notices were sent early to the press, and at Westbury and Elizabethtown power spraying outfits were used most successfully against the forest tent caterpillar. The ten-lined inch worm was locally abundant in the Catskills and in Washington county. Oil injuries. The serious results following the application of ' petroleum compounds to the bark of dormant trees, noted in earlier reports, have again come under observation the past season. One of the most interesting of these was at Dalton, Mass., and resulted from the application in May 1913 of burlap strips soaked in lubri- cating oil to sugar maple trees set some ten or eleven years previously. The Entomologist has also examined a number of fruit trees in widely separated orchards where conditions favored the belief that the serious condition of the trees was due to an earlier application of a miscible oil. Fruit tree pests. The studies of the parasitic enemies of the San José scale, begun in 1913, have been continued during the past year and. have resulted in the finding of a number of orchards where these beneficial forms were abundant and apparently very effective 8 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM agents in checking this pest. The most efficient species is the recently discovered and newly characterized Prospaltella perniciosi Tower, a form which is widely d’stributed in certain sections of the State, at least. In spite of the abundance of these natural enemies we believe that, as a rule, fruit growers must con- tinue to rely upon the application of lime-sulphur washes for the control of this scale insect. Field studies of red bug injury have shown that in the Hudson valey, at least, the lined red bug, Lygidea mendax Reut., is the species responsible for most of the damage to the fruit. Orchard experience indicates that a nicotine preparation, such as black leaf 40, is one of the most effective sprays. It is probable that in the case of badly infested trees, a special application of nicotine and soap must be made somewhat later than it would be safe to use the lime-sulphur wash at winter strength. The pear thrips continues to be a serious pest of the grower in the Hudson valley, appearing here and there in a most erratic manner and injuring Seckle and Bartlett trees, in particular. Observations show that orchards practically free from the pest one season may be seriously affected the next. A detailed account of this insect is given in the report for 1912. In at least one instance pear midge injury, supplementing the damage caused by the thrips, resulted in an almost total loss of the crop. The pear psylla has continued its réle as a serious enemy of the grower, being particularly abundant and injurious in certain extensive orchards in the vicinity of Milton and Marlborough. The practical value of late spring applications of a lime-sulphur wash for the control of this insect was demonstrated earlier, and observations in the above-mentioned orchards showed the necessity of carefully eliminating artificial shelters such as stone walls, brush heaps and > even check trees if the best results are to be secured. The banded grape bug, Paracalocoris scrupeus Say, noticed in detail in the report for 1913, has continued its injurious work. Through the cooperation of Mr L. F. Strickland of the State Department of Agriculture, a series of nymphs were received and detailed descriptions of the early stages are included in this report. Gipsy moth. One of the worst infestations of the gipsy moth yet discovered in this State, was located last spring, through the cooperation of Mr F. A. Bartlett, at Mount Kisco. The infestation was of several years’ standing and a few egg masses were found at a considerable distance from the center of the colony. Prompt and REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IQI4 9 vigorous action by agents of the Department of Agriculture has resulted in nearly exterminating this menace, and it is most earnestly hoped that in another year or two this outlying colony will be utterly destroyed. Brown-tail moth. A scattering infestation of the brown-tail moth was discovered early in the year on Fisher’s island and the eastern end of Long Island. The pest very probably drifted with the winds from the adjacent infested mainland of Connecticut. Systematic scouting and the destruction of over-winter nests by agents of the State Department of Agriculture and the Federal Government have prevented extended multiplication the past season. The abundance of oak on Long Island renders it very probable that this pest will breed freely unless checked artificially. The prevalence of this insect i large numbers would mean an inevitable drop in the high land values prevailing in that section. The Entomologist, co- operating with other local and State agencies, is endeavoring to arouse a general interest in the control of this insect while the infestation is in an incipient stage. Grass and grain pests. There was an extended and serious outbreak of grasshoppers on the border of the Adirondacks, portions of Fulton, Saratoga and Warren counties, in particular, suffering greatly. Warning notices giving directions for checking the pests were issued before the situation was serious, and later at the request of the Governor, the Entomologist made a special study of the problem. and in cooperation with agents of the State Department of Agri- culture, conducted a most satisfactory demonstration of the efficiency of poisoned baits. The grasshoppers of the State have been care- fully studied in this connection and a detailed account of these insects, their capacity for harm and control measures are given on following pages. There were numerous local and, in some instances, severe injuries by army worms in mid July and early August. These outbreaks invariably arouse considerable apprehension because of the masses of caterpillars, though as a rule the damage is restricted to com- paratively small areas. The work of the past season demonstrated the utility of poisoned baits similar to those employed against grass- hoppers. Newspaper bulletins giving full information respecting this insect and methods of control were issued at the inception of the attack. Studies of white grubs and June beetles begun “n 1912 were continued, one of the most interesting developments being the rearing of a number of a rather scarce robber fly, Promachus Io NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM fitchii O.S., from the large, white maggots observed in association with and preying upon white grubs during both 1912 and 1913. Ob- servations were also made upon the numbers and injuries by the beetles, and late in the season upon the abundance of small white grubs, which latter when numerous invariably cause serious injury the following season. Local conditions were characterized in brief, practical accounts sent to papers circulating in sections where these pests were most abundant. ; Grass webworms were prevalent and injurious to a number of cornfields in Dutchess county. Control measures, as has been demonstrated by earlier work, must be restricted largely to planting immune crops on badly infested land. These small insects are by preference grass feeders and, under normal conditions, may become exceedingly numerous on land allowed to lie in grass for a number of years. An interesting and rare type of injury was also observed in one of the infested fields. It was caused by a small, yellow field ant, probably Solenopsis debilis Mayr., eating out the con- tents of the kernel, and the corn sprout, thus deprived of its normal nourishment, developed very slowly. Brief accounts of these insects are given in this report. Shade tree insects. Injuries by the elm leaf beetle continue as in previous years, though local restrictions are perhaps fully as marked as in earlier seasons. There was a great decrease in this pest in 1912, due, as we then believed, to abnormally low tempera- tures in mid June, and the same phenomenon, though to a somewhat less extent, was observed last season. The beetles appeared in large numbers, deposited eggs freely, and yet the subsequent damage was much less than would be expected from the early indications. Checks of this kind are temporary, more or less local and unreliable, as a rule. The spruce bud scale, Physokermes piceae Schr., is a com- paratively unknown pest in New York State. It has been found during the last two or three years in widely separated localities and appears to be responsible for some of the dying branches so fre- quently seen upon healthy trees. A somewhat detailed discussion of this insect is given on a following page. The Norway maple, hitherto regarded as comparatively free from ° insect pests, has been shown by the developments of the past season to be subject to attack by a leaf hopper, Alebra albostriella Fall., and a scale insect, Leucaspis japonica Ckll,, the former apparently very serious at times and the latter somewhat resembling REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IQI4 Il the common scurfy scale of the apple. Both of these pests are noticed elsewhere in this report in some detail. Forest pests. The hickory bark beetle still continues as an important pest in the vicinity of New York City, and here and there in the Hudson valley, though the resultant damage does not appear to be so extensive and severe as in earlier years. It is to be expected that natural enemies will soon begin to regain the ascendency, which already seems to be the case to a limited extent. It is undoubt- edly true that conditions have also been materially benefited by the somewhat general cutting and burning of badly infested trees. The establishment of the recently introduced bayonet or posthorn pine borer, Evetria buoliana Schiff., in several New York localities adds another potentially important enemy to our list of pine pests. This European species has evidently been established in the country for several years, probably being brought here with nursery stock. The infestation is so limited that there is a possi- bility of exterminating the borer. A detailed account of this insect is given on subsequent pages. The maple and oak pruner, a rather common enemy of oaks, in particular, has been unusually abundant and injurious, especially in the lower Hudson valley and, as a consequence, many inquiries have been received concerning this insect and methods of control. A brief practical account of this borer is given elsewhere. The large European hornet, Vespa crabro Linn., became estab- lished in this country several years ago, and during the last year or two has attracted notice by its habit of removing the bark from small, living twigs or branches, birch suffering, in particular. Ordi- narily this damage does not amount to much though it might be considered serious in the case of specimen trees or shrubs on lawns. A brief account of this insect is given in this report. Garden or greenhouse pests. The large, brilliantly colored Say’s blister beetle, Pomphopoea sayi Lec., has again attracted notice because of its unusual abundance in various localities in the State. The depredations of the past season were noteworthy, in that this insect was reported as having threatened with destruction the yield from an acre of beans. Another unusual outbreak was that of the Juniper plant bug, Chlorochroa uhleri Stal., a stout, greenish, pink-margined stink bug which became excessively abundant and injurious at Quaker Street, Schenectady county. These bugs, ordinarily rare, were so nu- merous as to destroy many of the young peas while still in the pod and seriously affect the yield of several garden crops. Living speci- 12 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM mens were forwarded to the office and the Entomologist was able to confirm by actual observation, reports of injury to both corn and tomatoes. The orchid Isosoma, I. orchidearum Westw., is rarely brought to the attention of the economic entomologist, partly be- cause of its scarcity and probably also on account of the fact that orchid growing is a highly specialized and therefore fairly well- understood business. Pseudo-bulbs of orchids infested with this insect were received from Mount Kisco last July and later in the season orchid roots infested with the Cattleya midge, Parallelo- diplosis cattleyae Moll., were transmitted by another person. Both of these insects affect the vitality of the plas and are briefly noticed elsewhere in this report. Flies and mosquitos. The interest in the control of the house fly has continued, and early in the season the Entomologist prepared a brief folder concerning the house fly. This was widely circulated in a monthly bulletin of the State Department of Health and also issued as a separate. Practical control of mosquitos has received its due share of atten- tion, the Entomologist personally investigating a peculiar problem on the shores of Sodus bay. The investigations started the past season will be continued another year in an attempt to abate the mosquito plague associated with swamps lying practically at lake level. Gall midges. The European box leafminer, Monarthropalpus buxi Lab., has become well established on Long Island and is seriously injuring box hedges, since many badly infested leaves drop and the plants soon become very scraggy. Aseriesof experiments have shown the practicability of destroying these miners while still within the plant, by the use of fumigants, carbon bisulphid being the most promising of these materials. A detailed account of this insect is given on subsequent pages. Studies in this group (Itonididae) have been continued and ; a number of new species, mostly reared, and several new genera described. There have been a number of important additions in this group to the New York fauna. The American zoophagous species, mostly beneficial because of their preying upon other forms, especially scale insects, plant lice and plant mites, have been tabu- lated. This compilation shows a possible importance as natural checks hitherto scarcely suspected. Lectures. The Entomologist has delivered a number of lectures. ‘upon insects, mostly economic forms, before various agricultural REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IQI4 13 and horticultural gatherings, some of them being in cooperation with the bureau of farmers institutes or county farm bureau agents. Several lectures have also been given under the auspices of local improvement associations. Publications. A number of brief popular accounts regarding such common pests as the house fly, apple and forest tent caterpillars, the elm leaf beetles and June beetles, have been widely circulated through the press. The more important publications of the year are the Gall Midge Fauna of New England and several papers describ- ing new genera and species of gall midges. Faunal studies. The investigations of earlier years along these lines have been continued and there is now in manuscript a list of the insects of the Adirondack region, based mostly upon material in the State collections. There was some special collecting in the Adirondacks in connection with the investigation of grasshoppers noted above, and Assistant State Entomologist Young continued his studies of the fauna at Wells, paying attention to the hitherto largely neglected Mycetophilidae and obtaining a number of new species, and also of known forms not previously recorded from the State. Collections. A large series of insects was obtained by purchase from the Kny-Scheerer Company of New York. These are for the exhibit collection now being prepared and were selected primarily because of their value in supplementing or elucidating the material already at hand. The similarities obtaining among insects in differ- ent sections of the world, the remarkable developments in certain highly specialized forms, and the enormous size of some species are well illustrated in these recent acquisitions. Through exchange with Mr C. W. Johnson of the Boston Museum of Natural History, the State Museum has acquired a series of 83 species (listed elsewhere) of two-winged flies, mostly unrepresented in the collections. These being determined by a well-known author- ity in the group, constitute a notable addition to the State collections. We have been fortunate in receiving, through exchange, from Prof. S. I. Kuwana of the board of plant inspection, Imperial Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce, Tokio, Japan, specimens of 30 species of Coccidae, a number of them representing species described by Professor Kuwana and therefore particularly desirable. Accessions, such as the above, add greatly to the value of the State collections, especially when the group is economically important, as is the case with the Coccidae or scale insects. There have been numerous additions during recent years in this family. Miss F. T. I4 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM Hartman was assigned the duty of assembling and listing the species now represented in the State collections. The list reproduced on subsequent pages shows that we now have 181 species, 72 of which have been mounted on microscopic slides, 4 being represented only by such preparations. There are 41 species from Japan, 28 from California, 7 from the Philippine islands and:9 types and 7 cotypes. This assemblage is a most valuable aid in determ ning scale insects so frequently submitted for name. The Coccidae are so readily transported with nursery stock, that species of extralimital forms are very desirable. Only last summer there was found on Norway maple, a Japanese species which may prove of considerable economic importance. Additions are constantly being made to the State collections, especially of specimens representing the early stages and work of various injurious forms, since biological material of this character greatly facilitates identification of the different insects and is ndis- pensable in a well-prepared exhibit illustrating the life histories of different species. The State collection now contains a large amount of material which is invaluable because of the associated data. Many miscroscopic preparations of smaller insects have been made and incorporated in the collections as in earlier years. The arrangement and classification of the collections requires a large amount of time. The many additions must be interpolated and there are numerous groups still far from being thoroughly classified. The large series of Lachnosterna captured during the past summer were determined by Mr Young. The collection of grasshoppers taken in connection with the grasshopper investigations referred to above, necessitated the rearrangement of the Orthoptera by Mr Young. The need of additional boxes or trays referred to in the previous report still exists. The wooden cases containing the insect collec- tions should be replaced by steel cabinets and more provided to accommodate the extra boxes and trays required. No adequate provision has as yet been made for the constantly increasing bio- logical material, which is also true of the large number of micro- scopic slides, many of them containing types of species and genera ~ and therefore impossible of duplication. A metallic filing case for the collection of negatives and photographs is also greatly needed. Nursery inspection. The nursery inspection work of the State Department of Agriculture results in numerous specimens represent- ing any stage in insect development, some in a very poor condition, being submitted to the Entomologist for identification. As such REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IQI4 15 material may originate in a foreign country, determinations of this character are laborious and require for their successful prosecution _ a large collection and an excellent library of both domestic and ‘oreign works. The correct identification of such material is very important, since the disposal of entire shipments of nursery stock must depend in considerable measure upon the character of the infestation. General. The work of the office has been materially aided as in past years, by the identification of a number of species through the courtesy of Dr L. O. Howard, chief of the bureau of entomology, United States Department of Agriculture, and his associates. A number of correspondents have donated valuable specimens and many have rendered efficient service by transmitting local data respecting various insects. It is a pleasure to note that there has been, as in the past, a most helpful cooperation on the part of all interested in the work of the office. Respectfully submitted EPHRAIM PoRTER FELT October 15, 1914 State Entomologist 16 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM INJURIOUS INSECTS LINED RED BUG Lygidea mendax Reut. The observations of the past season show this species to be common and rather generally distributed in the Hudson valley and the one usually responsible for the increased red bug injury to apple orchards. A number of field studies were made for the purpose of securing data which might be of value in controlling the pest. Examinations of northern spy and greening trees in the orchard of Mr W. H. Hart, at Arlington, on May 14th showed a rather general infestation. The young bugs were evidently just hatching, as some of them were of a pale yellowish red color, while a few were beginning to show the characteristic deep red. The more tender unfolding leaves were indistinctly reddish-brown spotted here and there, and presented somewhat the appearance of having suffered from sun scald. Such injury was almost invariably closely associated with the presence of one or more small red bugs. Eleven days later, evidences of injury were more marked and the young bugs were mostly in the second stage, a few apparently just entering the third. On June 25th adults of this species were common y present through- out the orchard, two or three being easily found on many of the trees. A number were captured and in no case were we successful in securing specimens of the other red bug, Heterocordylus malinus Reut. They all belonged to the above named species. It was found that the adults coud be rather easily caught by holding a hat just below the insect and then jarring the foliage from above. It was necessary to move rather quietly and quickly and ‘ust after the jarring be ready to knock the bug back into the hat or it would escape. Some qu ckness and care are necessary to capture the speci- mens without crushing them badly. By July 16th there were com- paratively few red bugs to be found in this orchard, though the insects had been numerous a short time before and occurred at that time rather abundantly in one orchard only about a mile away. Examinations of various orchards in the Hudson valley resulted in our finding numerous evidences of the work of this insect, and in a number of cases adults were taken, they in each instance proving to be the lined red bug. In addition to infesting a number of orchards near Poughkeepsie, the species was found to be rather nu- — REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IQI14 7 merous at Bangall and also at Milton, Ulster county. Similar con- ditions, though without excessive injury, were observed in localities in both Columbia and Rensselaer counties. Specimens were received from a Washingtonville, Orange county, orchard and also from Mount Vernon, Westchester county. The general distribution of this insect in this apple-growing region is favorable for serious and sporadic injury, such as has obtained at Poughkeepsie for the last two or three years. If the grower would avoid a heavy loss it is necessary to watch this pest and prevent its becoming excessively abundant. Signs of red bug injury. The earlier signs of damage by this species are found in the indistinct reddish brown spotting of the more tender opening or recently unfolded leaves. This discoloration has been compared to the appearance presented after a light dusting with red pepper. As the injured leaves age the discoloration becomes somewhat darker and after a time the central portion of the more seriously affected tissues may die and drop, leaving an irregular series of reddish, brown-margined holes in the somewhat curled, crumpled leaves. Affected foliage, unless very badly injured, usually remains upon the tree throughout the summer and affords one of the readiest means of detecting the work of this pest. The damage to the foliage, while of some consequence, amounts to little compared with the injury to the young fruit. The earliest evidence of injury to the small apple is a slight exuda- tion accompanied by a local discoloration and hardening. The young fruit is frequently pierced to the core and as growth continues, depressions with pithy centers extending deep into the tissues may be noted. There is also a marked irregularity in the shape of the apples. This damage may be distinguished from somewhat similar appearing aphis injury by the fact that the blossom end is not puck- ered or deformed, a modification frequently following plant louse attack. Many apples are dwarfed and drop about midsummer. _ The red bugs them elves rarely attract notice, though the young, which are bright in color, shelter themselves largely in curled leaves and may generally be found near the tips exhibiting the charac- teristic injury. The adults are about a quarter of an inch long, reddish in color, and likewise are most often found near affected foliage. This lined red bug may be separated from the sometimes associated true red bug, by the black line along the posterior margin of the pronotum, while the other is distinguished by the rather numerous fine, whitish scales on the head, thorax and wings. Both young and adults are active and are very likely to dodge to the other side of a leaf or twig when approached. } | 18 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM Remedial measures. Experiments and practical experience have shown that many of these insects can be destroyed with a tobacco preparation, 40 per cent nicotine used at the rate of three-fourths of a pint to 100 gallons of water. This may be applied as a separate spray to which 5 or 6 pounds of soap are added to increase the spread- ing properties, or it may be put into either the usual lime-sulphur, San José scale or codling moth sprays. If the latter is done, it is advisable to delay the winter application for San José scale as late as possible, in order to catch the young bugs hatching just before the blossoms break from the bud, and then to spray for the codling moth just as soon as practical after the blossoms fall. Last year Mr W. H. Hart added the tobacco to the usual lime-sulphur and arsenate of lead spray, making the application as soon as practical after the dropping of the blossoms. This work was done under our supervision, May 25th, at a time when the young bugs were mostly in the second stage, a few just entering the third. Examinations showed that some of the insects were destroyed by this treatment, though not all, because living red bugs were found in the orchard later. Mr Hart was of the opinion that great numbers of the pests were killed by the nicotine, which is undoubtedly true. Special spraying for this insect is particularly advisable when there is a light crop, since the grower, under such conditions, can not afford to have many apples deformed. In cases of bad infestation, especially in extensive orchards, it will probably be necessary to make a special spraying with nicotine and soap somewhat later than it would be safe to use the lime-sulphur wash at winter strength, and then to supplement this by as early spraying for codling moth with nicotine added as practical. WHITE GRUBS AND MAY OR JUNE BEETLES The white grub outbreak in 1912 was so severe and general iU Albany, Columbia and Rensselaer counties as to arouse much interest in the pest and in practical methods of preventing serious damage. The trouble of that year, as has been explained repeatedly, had its inception in a large flight of May or June beetles in 1911 and the depositing of their eggs in many of the best mowings. White grubs were consequently so abundant the next season (1912) as to gnaw off most of the grass roots so that mowing machines and horse rakes frequently tore up large areas of what should have been vigorous and productive grass land. The outbreak of 1912. Aside from the damage caused, a was con- sidered advisable to watch developments for the purpose of securing additional data which might prove of value in practical control REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IQI4 19 work. At the outset it should be stated that these grubs, at the time the injury was most apparent, were about a year old. They had hatched from eggs laid the preceding June and were destined to live a second winter as grubs and change to beetles in August or September 1913. The adults, though fully developed in late summer or early. fall of that year, did not appear above ground till May and June 1014. A number of sample diggings were made in the spring of 1913, for the purpose of ascertaining the conditions of the insects and the relative mortality. Numerous full-grown grubs were found, as many as nine being uncovered in an area of approximately one and one-half square feet. A few adults of Lachnosterna fusca Froh. occurred with the white grubs and there is a possibility that some individuals of this species may complete the life cycle in two years, though the developments of the past season (1914) conclu- sively establish a three-year cycle as the normal. The most interesting development was the discovery of num- erous large Diptercus maggots in 1912. ‘These preyed upon the white grubs and were carried through the season of 1913, and - adults were secured in the spring of 1914, showing the species to have, like its host, a three-year life cycle. This efficient enemy of the white grubs proved, upon rearing, to be a common robber fly known as Promachus fitchii O. S. Observations in 1914. The abundance of beetles in 1911 and the occurrence of many white grubs in the soil in 1912 and early the following season, made it comparatively safe to predict a large flight for this year. About May 14th, the beetles began to be abund- ant in and about Nassau, and on the 16th to the 18th they were common on the streets and reports of unusual numbers began to be received. Similar conditions were noted at Clinton Heights and on the Capitol grounds at Albany. Collections May roth at Nassau resulted in taking in the early evening Lachnosterna fraterna Harr. almost exclusively from bushes on low ground near a stream, while later in the evening almost equal numbers of this species and L. fusca Froh. were collected under electric lights somewhat remote from the above-mentioned low ground. There were marked differences in the abundance of the insects about various lights, even in cases where there were approximately equal areas of grassland near by, though in a general way the pests were more abundant around the outlying village lights. The feeding of the beetles, while injurious to trees, may be taken _ advantage of to some extent to indicate the approximate amount of injury which may be expected from the grubs the following season. 20 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM A considerable variety of trees are subject to attack by May and June beetles, the following list giving the trees in about the order of their preference by the beetles, so far as southern Rensselaer county is concerned: oak, ash, hickory, butternut or black walnut (both are probably equally susceptible), elm and birch. The sugar maple appears to be almost exempt from injury. Trees standing by themselves in pastures or grasslands or on the edges of mowings showed the most severe injury, and the damage was frequently con- fined largely to the sides next the sodland. The feeding in the case of large trees standing by themselves was most marked on the outer portions and especially the tops of the trees, indicating that the beetles as they emerged from the grass flew moderately high and confined themselves largely to the more tender outer foliage. A number of oaks, in particular, were so badly injured that practically all the leaves were destroyed on the upper two-thirds of the branches, while the remainder were almost uninjured. The concentration of attack upon the tops of the trees is also noteworthy in woodlands. This injury was so severe in a number of places that farmers were of the opinion that the tops of some trees, at least, had died as a result of the attack. This injury, so far as the agriculturist is con- cerned, is much less important than the damage caused by the white grubs. The amount of feeding on forest trees, as pointed out above, is significant as an index for approximating the probable abundance of white grubs the following season. Captures of Lachnosterna and associated species BOSTON | BRONX-. ALBANY NASSAU CORNERS| viru | ORIENT | HOELIS ; Totals May | June} May | June} June} June June June May 31 2 19 2 9 Io 7,10 25 30 Lachnosterna ! fusca Froh...... 346 | 176 | 206 | 176 Gaal pe shattictn TO | ever ecces 228 1374 242 | 272 ka 272 BG) IlWrismnceane 362 62 8¢ 1332 fraterna Harr....| 314 44 | 362 ASA wenn 2g TOs, seen Srcr gt eee 784 132 62 | 15g 6g ae eon eek era tach al fission ee enlace cc-