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At Lon ul > 14 3% Pamphlet ee COLOR Cowhide Black Buffing \, Red Nosel - 2 Morocco | <7 Pigskin ight Blue Roan } Dark Blue | Calf Tan Sheep Light Brown — Med. Brown (Lby. Buck dS “2 S Dark Brown Art Canvas | Light Green Art Vellum \ Olive Cloth \ Dark Green Duck \ Grey SIDES Cloth Vellum \ Marble Paper BA Raised Bands or ‘smooth Back HING TO\ BE: Gold or << IAL_ INSTRUETI Ss Bend corny Lee a i e: J.D . ren ane pean en nn cea ewemewen nn nnennnecessasesnaseesee==--5-) | ——————___________ ROT Tat sa dwab Saad zy ® 4 ee} = = . . aaa ' ia Mpa mes’ nay oy pe: ile a4 ort Pe tae ‘ ee oe i en Oe: as 4: pe it a sane, ue Bibs h eANNU AL REPORT ON THE INJURIOUS AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE STATH OF NEW YORK. Made to the State Legislature, Pursuant to Chap. 377 of the Laws of 1881. By J. A. Lint NER: STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF J. A. Lintner, Albany, 3. 1. ALBANY: WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY, PRINTERS 1882. sie isi 40 th Ketek sy ary ane a Hannan AeA ta saat wily | ‘ " to ‘ STATE OF NEW YORK. No. 93. Pow hot JANUARY 138, 1882. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Hon. GEORGE G. HOSKINS, Lieutenant-Governor, and President of the Senate: Str —I have the honor to present to the Legislature of the State of New York, the First Annual Report of the State Entomologist, made in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 377 of the Laws of 1881. , Very respectfully, J. A. LINTNER. ALBANY, N. Y., Jan. 12, 1882. (Sen. Doc. No. 93.] 3 ‘, ae ‘ TABLE OF CONTENTS. IMPORTANCE OF ENTOMOLOGICAL STUDY........... The study no longer ridiculed except by those ignorant of its recent progress, 1. The literature of entomology, 2. The serial publications devoted to it, 2. The number of American entomologists, 2. State en- tomologists employed, 2. The entomological work of the General Goy- ernment, 2. EXTENT OF INSECT DEPREDATIONS.......... Oe sera? ve roct The power of insects in combination, 2. Their omnipresence, 2. Their antagonism to man, 3. Their dependence upon vegetable food, 3. No vegetable growth free from attack,3. Number of species occurring upon cereals, garden vegetables, fruit-trees, forest-trees, shade-trees, etc., 3. Extent of injuries illustrated by reference to the grape phylloxera, 4; when first known, 4; introduced into Europe, 4; its spread and ray- ages in the vineyards of France, 5; rewards offered for discovery of means of prevention, 5; its introduction into Australia, 5. Losses FROM INSECT DEPREDATIONS....... Reap aoe: EIS ae Not a crop cultivated that is not tithed by insects,6. The occasional entire destruction of crops, 6. Insect ravages should be regarded as a direct tax upon agricultural products, 6. The tax may be greatly diminished, 6. Loss to the wheat crop in the State of New York from the wheat-midge, estimated, 6. Loss in Ohio and Canada from the same insect, 7. Losses in Illinois and Missouri from the chinch-bug, 7. Esti- mated value of crops destroyed in Western States by the Rocky Mountain locust, 7. Estimated damages from the cotton-worm in Southern States, 7. Annual losses to agricultural products in the United States, 8. ExceEssiIvE INSEcT DEPREDATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES.... The necessity of the study of insect injuries in this country, 8. The injuries greater here than in any other part of the world,8. Most of our agricultural products are of foreign importation, and with them their at- tacking insects have been introduced, 8. Some of the principal imported insects mentioned, 8. Few native species have been returned to Europe, 8. ‘‘America the home of insects,” 9. Insects with their importation display increased destructiveness, 9. Shown by the greater injuries here of the cabbage-butterfly, the asparagus-beetle, and the carpet-beetle, 9. The conditions more favorable.to their increase than in their native homes, 10; in more abundant food, 10 ; in leaving behind them their nat- ural parasites, 10. Crops massed in large areas promote insect ravages, 10. Illustrated by the increase of apple-insects, 10. Nowhere else in the world are special crops cultivated in so large an acreage, 11. The ww vl TABLE OF CONTENTS. largest apple orchard in the world, 11. A peach orchard of 790 acres, 11. A California vineyard of 1,010 acres, 11. A cotton plantation of 6,500 acres, 12. The Dalrymple farm of 36,000 acres of wheat and oats, 12. A California wheat field seventeen miles long, 12. A Colorado potato field, 12. The increase of insect injuries may compel cultivation in smaller areas, 12. THE IMMENSE NUMBER OF INSECTS...............-00- Bm es ele Insects more numerous in species than all the other classes of animals combined, 12. Rapid increase of “ new species,” 15. Thousands of unde- scribed species in our Museums, 13. Increase in known species during the last fifty years, 13. Probable number in the world, 13. The amaz- ing number of individuals, 13. Estimated number of aphides upon a single cherry-tree,13. The myriads of Chironomus nivoriundus,13. Flights of the Rocky Mountain locust, 18. The mosquito preventing cultivation in the Southern States, and exploration in British America,14, The tiny insect of more importance than the beast of prey, 14. NECESSITY OF A KNOWLEDGE OF INSECT HABITS....... eset! Insects need to be scientifically named before they can be properly studied, 14. Their diverse habits, 14. Their complicated life-histories, 14. Theearly stages of many of the more injurious species still unknown, 14. Laborious nature of these studies, 15. The small number of economic entomologists in the United States, 15. PROGRESS MADE IN ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY ......15-25 Progress during the last twenty years, 15. Directions in which made, 15. Its utilization in the promotion of agriculture and the allied arts, 15. Its commencement in this couniry, 19. THE WRITINGS OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS.........ce+-c« 15 The Harris Reports on the Insects of New England, 16. High esti- mation in which they are held, 16. Theirservice to agriculture,16. The Fitch New York Reports, 16. The writings of B. D.Walsh, 16; the loss sus- tained in his early death, 16. The publications and labors of C. V. Riley, 16; their influence, 16; the life-histories given, and remedies for depre- dations, 17: their value attested, and economic entomology honored by a gold medal from the French Government, 17; notice of the medal, 17. The Illinois Reports of Dr. Le Baron, 17. Reports and other publica- tions of Dr. Thomas and his assistants, 17. ‘The economie contributions of Dr. Packard, 17; his publications in general entomology, 18. Prof. Comstock’s Reports, 18. Mr. Howard’s paper upon parasites of the Voccidw, 18. Reports of Mr. Townend Glover, 18. Glover’s “ Ilustra- tions of Insects” and ‘‘ Manuscript Notes from my Journal,’ 18. Gold medal awarded to Mr. Glover, 19; notice relating to award,19. Writings of Prof. A. J, Cook, 19; of Mr, Wm. Saunders; of other entomologists, 19. Bibliography of publications in economic entomology in preparation, 20. Investigations in this country recognized in Europe, and tribute paid to them, 20. Appreciation of European publications, 20. Reason for advanced progress of applied entomology in the United States, 20. Europe greatly in advance in general entomology, 20. INCREASED INTEREST IN ENTOMOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS.... 21 The labors of entomologists recognized, encouraged and utilized, 21. Frequent calls upon entomologists for information, 21. Inquiries and re- plies through agricultural journals, 21. Aid desired by agricultural and TABLE OF CONTENTS. vil horticultural societies, 21. Efforts leading to the resumption of ento- mological work by the State of New York, 21. Movements elsewhere for State entomologists, 21; economy of their employment by each of the States, 21; their present number too small for the work to be done, 22, THE ACQUISITION OF LIFE-HISTORIES OF INSECTS..........2.. 22 Desirability of acquaintance with all the stages of insect life, 22. Im- portance of a knowledge of the larval form, 22. Study now given to life-histories, 22. Value of such study, 22. Mr. W. H. Edwards’ studies, 22. Studies of our moths, 22. Coleopterous larve studied by F. W. Schaupp and Dr. Horn, 22. FORMATION OF BIOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS......0..000.cseeees 23 In what these collections consist, and their arrangement, 23. The bio- logical collection of the New York State Agricultural Society, 23. The collection of the Entomological Division of the Department of Agricul- ture, 23. The deposit of the general collection of Prof. Riley in the United States National Museum, 24; its biological material,24. The un- equaled biological collection of the Museum of Comparative Zoélogy, at Cambridge, 24; Agassiz’ appreciation of entomological science, 24 ; labors of Dr. Hagen, 24; extent of the collection, 24; its appreciation by students, 24. DISCOVERY OF VALUABLE INSECTICIDES... .......25-55 Their recent discovery an evidence of progress in economic investiga- tions, 25. Discovery of the insecticidal properties of Paris green, 25. Use of Pyrethrum extended from household pests to field and garden in sects, 25. First introduction of London purple, 25. Its subsequent use, 25. Employment of oils for destroying insect life, 25. PARIS GREEN VAS) AN SiNGHOTICTDH vr. «3 ty)aaas 6 -\+ sie SE: 26 Its popularity the result of its need in potato culture, 26. Its value in destroying the Colorado potato-beetle, 26. Amount of combined arsenic, 26. Enormous demand for it, 26. Adulteration, 26. Different methods of use, 26. Diluents, 26. Arrangements for mixing, 26. The dry mix- ture, 26. The best diluent and its proportion, 26. Plaster of Paris as a diluent, 27. Proportions of the wet mixture, 27: its preparation, 27. Advantages of the wet mixture, 27. Application of the powder, 27. A convenient dusting-box, 27. Precautions necessary, 27. Various dusting machines, 28. Cost of the dry application, 28. Application of the liquid, 28. Simple appliances ordinarily needed, 28. Sprinkler for use in fields illustrated and described, 28. The Hydronette for use upon trees, de- scribed and figured, 29; also, the Aquaject, 30. The Whitman Fountain pump, 30. A desirable nozzle for scattering the liquid, 31. Sprinklers devised for cotton plantations, 31. No danger in properly using the poison, 81. Precautions desirable to be taken, 31. Potatoes treated with Paris green not poisonous or unwholesome, 32. Change undergone by Paris green in the soil, 32. Experiments upon its effect upon plant- growth, 32. Large amount that may be applied, before affecting plant- growth, 32. Is not absorbed by plants, 32. Insects that may be destroyed by it, 32. Useful against several potato insects, 32; also, the white- marked tussock-moth, canker-worm, basket-worm, insects on the Virginia- creeper, the army-worm, etc., 33. General conditions permitting its use, do. Vili TABLE OF CONTENTS. LONDON PURPLE’ AS AN INSECTICIDE... ascetic eee OF Its analysis, 34, A refuse material in the manufacture of analine dyes, 34. About equal in efficacy to Paris green, 34. In what respects prefer- able to Paris green, 34; evidence of its being less poisonous, 34. Diluents employed in dry mixture, 35. Degree to which it may be reduced, 35. Different degrees of water dilution for different insects, 85. Should not be used in greater strength than necessary, 35. Useful in the destruction of the apple-worm, 35. Prof. Cook’s experiments with it upon apple- trees, 35. Directions of Hemingway’s London Purple Company for its use, 36. PYRETHRUM AS AN INSECTICIDE......... TH OOTOLE » Gh OCE aIS Species of Pyrethrum from which the Persian and Dalmatian insect powders are derived, 36. The Persian powder long known, 36. Until very lately only employed against household pests, 36. Its effects upon flies in a closed room, 36. May be inhaled with safety, 36. Probability that its range of usefulness will be greatly extended, 37. The plants be- ing cultivated in this country, 37. Mr. Milco’s “ Buhach,” 37. Promise of its production at a low cost, 37. Seed distributed by the Department of Agriculture, 37. Circular by the Department, with instructions for the cultivation of the plants, preparation and modes of application of the powder, 37. May be applied as a dry powder, either with or without di- luents, 87. Diluents used, 37. The mixture improved by standing for two days, 37. Application in fumes, 38. Method of burning, and effects of the smoke, 38. Convenient means for destroying insects infesting furs, feathers, books, etc., 38. Production of an alcoholic extract, 38. Dilu- tion, application, and effects of the extract, 38. A water solution deemed preferable to other preparations, 38. The powder dissolves in water, 38. Small quantity of the powder required, 38. The solution injured by standing, 38. Tea or decoction from the unground flowers, 38. How the tea may be made in large quantity, and used, 39. Effects of the water solution upon insects, 39. Valuable for the destruction of cabbage cater- pillars (Pieris rape), 39. Prof. Cook’s experiments and conclusions, 39. It will kill the Colorado potato-beetle, 39. Does not kill the squash-bug or the harlequin cabbage-bug, 39. Serviceable against aphides, striped blister-beetle, flea-beetles and the grain weevil, 40. Hymenoptera readily affected by it, 40. Order in which some insects are affected by its fumes, 40. Reference to the recent literature upon the subject, 40. HELLEBORE AS. AN INSECTICIDE............. Saxnicte ¢, ia) oheanisus nee What it is, 40. When its insecticidal properties were first discovered in England, 41. When introduced in the United States, 41. Dr. Fitch’s enthusiastic praise of its virtues, 41. May be conveniently applied with a dusting box, 41. Directions for its application, 41. Test of its strength, 42. Cost and quantity for garden uses, 42. How prepared for liquid ap- plication, 42. Made more effective by the addition of flour, 42. A specific for the destruction of the currant-worm, 42. Equally efficacious against most of the “ saw-fly ” larve, 43. Useful for destroying the ‘‘slugs ” in- festing rose-bushes, pear-trees and raspberries, 42. Directions for use on rose-bushes, 42, The “ poke-weed” should also have similar properties, 43. Reference to writings upon the insecticidal properties of Hellebore, 43. TABLE OF CONTENTS. IREROGENE. AS. ANG UNGHOUICIDE. ce clas cee ccs nea tatter ios Particularly deadly to insects, 43. Is one of the cheapest insecticides and very efficient, 48. Prejudice against its use from occasional injuries to vegetation, 43. Has been used in an undiluted state, 43. Testimony to its value for the destruction of scale-insects, 43. Method of mixing it with water, 44, An emulsion made with the aid of milk, 44. Prof. Com- stock’s experiments in producing and diluting emulsions, 44. In all cases, when not applied to vegetation, kerosene a valuable insecticide, 44. Use- ful for collecting the Colorado potato-beetle, 44; also, the rose-bug, 45. Cloths saturated with it for killing Curculionide jarred from trees, 45. A saturated cloth arranged for sweeping infested low-growing crops, 45. Useful for destroying lice upon domestic animals, 45. Convenient for use in henneries infested with vermin, 45. May be applied to fowls for kill- ing vermin, 45. Apparently disagreeable to some insects, acting as a re- pellant, 45. Flies excluded from stables by its use, 45. PARAFFINE OIL AS AN INSECTICIDE............ SPH TO), (th tom A popular insecticide in England, 46. " Obtained by distillation of Cannel coal, 46. The products of the crude oil, 46. Successfully used against the carrot-fly, currant-worm and onion-worm, 46. May be greatly diluted with water, 46. Effectual against aphides on larches, 46. Method of mixing the oil with water, 46. When applied to the soil better results obtained by mixture with absorbents, 46. May be conveniently used with sand, 46. Protects from wire-worms, 46. BISULPHIDE OF CARBON AS AN INSECTICIDE .............. First employed in France for destroying the grape phylloxera, 47. Method of use, 47, Serviceable for other root-infesting insects, 47. A remedy for the apple-root plant-louse, 47. Successful experiments with it upon the larve of the Anthomyian flies, 47. Strongly recommended for use against the cabbage-fly, 47. Promises protection of plants from egg-deposit, 47. CARBOEICZACED .00h-anlaap 26cabies Wit - Bibliography, 172. A long-known onion pest, 173. Introduced from Europe, 173. Its periods of great abundance, 173. Successive broods, 173. The eggs and the larve described and figured, 174. The puparium and pupa, 174. The fly represented, 175. The first indications of an attack on onions, 175. Progress of the attack,176, An attack often quite local, 176. Freedom from parasites, 176. An European parasite, 176. The eggs eaten by Chrysopa larve, 177. Preventives recommended : powdered charcoal, onions grown in hills, ashes, gas-lime, and pig-stye liquid, 177. Methods of cultivation for preventing attack, 178. Dry soot a preventive, 178. Prompt and careful removal of infested onions, 178. Hot water and soap-suds for killing the larve,179. Paratfin oil success- fully used, 179. The American fly compared with the European, 179. Mr. Meade’s comparison with H. antigua, 180. Described as a new species, 180. Included in the genus Phorbia, 180. Allied species placed in other genera, 181. XV 168 172 XVl TABLE OF CONTENTS. PHORBIA CILICRURA, the Locust-egg Anthomyian....... eed te 181 Synonymy and bibliography, 181. Discovery of its attack upon locust- eggs, 181. The eggs destroyed by it in Western States, 182. Locust- eggs destroyed in Asia Minor by another fly, 182. Description and illus- tration of P. cilicrura, 182. Its occurrence in New York, 183. The larva feeds also upon vegetables, 183. Different species codperating in an at- tack, 183. Changes of name since its first notice, 184. ANTHOMYIA BRASSIC, the Cabbage-fly....... eho elt tee SeEeLOs Bibliography, 184. Its operations upon cabbages, 184. Is associated with “anbury,’ 185. Attacks also turnips and cauliflowers, 185. When and where first described, 185. Closely resembles A. radicwm,186. De- scription of the larva, puparium and the fly,186. Its European parasite, 187. One of the Staphylinide parasitic upon it here, 187. Features and habits of the Staphylinida, 187. Discovery of the parasite, Aleochura anthomyia, 188. Habits of the parasite, 188. Other native species of Alcochara, 188. Parasitic habits of the Staphylinide, 189. A recent introduction of parasites from Europe probable, 189. The attack of the fly prevented by application of lye of ashes, tobacco dust, and superphosphate of lime, 190. } Infested plants should be removed, 190, Bisulphide of carbon and car- bolic acid used for killing the larve, 190, ANTHOMYLA) RADIOUM, wthe Root-fy 2 20th skis. dees eae i91 Bibliography, 191. Described in Europe, in 1761, 191. Not noticed there as very injurious, 191. Found by Curtis to infest “anbury,”’ 192. The larva and fly described, 192. Briefly noticed by American writers, 193. Salt and lime asa remedy for its attack, 194. Strong smelling sub- stances used as preventives, 194. Superphosphates found serviceable, 194. ANTHOMYIA RAPHANT, the Radish-fly.......... See eae Aree ee i)! Bibliography, 194. The most injurious of radish insects, 195. Other radish insects mentioned, 195. Harris’ description of the fly, 195. The larva and fly described by Dr. Fitch, 196. Natural history of the insect, 197. Its brief literature, 197. May prove to be identical with A. radi- cum, 198. Hot water for killing the larve, 198. Experiments with bi- sulphide of carbon, 199. Carbolic acid probably the best preventive of attack, 199. ANTHOMYIA ZE#, the Seed-corn fly.......... apeiele tick eae eee us) Bibliography, 199. Its attack discovered in New Jersey, 200. The larva described, 200. Nature of its attack, 200. Description of the fly, 200. Gas-tar water and copperas water recommended as preventives, 201. Sprinkling the corn with sand saturated with kerosene oil, 201. HYLEMYIA DECEPTIVA, the Deceptive Wheat-fly........ Pet eee Bibliography, 201. Has been observed only by Dr. Fitch, 201. Its earlier stages are unknown, 201. The fly numerous in wheat-fields, 201. The fly described, 201. Type specimens in the Museum of Zodlogy, at Cambridge, 202. Its resemblance to H. antiqua, 202. TABLE OF CONTENTS. xvii ANTHOMYIA SIMILIS, the Similar Wheat-fly....... SME GTAN es ce sn -COm Bibliography, 202. Its habits similar to the preceding, 202. Its descrip- tion by Dr. Fitch, 202. Has not been recognized subsequently, 202. No specimens known in collections, 202. NOTICE OF SOME ANTHOMYIANS MINING BEET-LEAVES........ 203 Discovery of infested leaves at Middleburgh, N. Y., 203. Appearance of the larva, 203. Its manner of feeding, 203. Its first observation, 203. The puparium and the escape of the fly, 204. The flies observed, 204. The eggs described and figured, 205. Description of the mine, 205. The flies from the pup, 205. Two or more annual broods of the insect, 206. Three species of flies obtained, 206. Description, for comparison, of Anthomyia betw, of Europe, 206. One of the species identical with the European Phorbia floccosa, 207. Bibliography of the species, 207. Not previously known as a leaf-miner, 207. Its original description, 207. European food-plants, 208. Description of Chortophila betarum, nov. sp., 208. Description of Pegomyia vicina, nov. sp., 209. The most abun- dant of the three species, 210. Noticed also in Central New York mining beet-leaves, 210. Similar leaf-miners observed at Bennington, Vt., 210. Many species of Anthomyiide operate as leaf-miners, 211. BEAR EOUAMPOSTEOAMAI Gleb sctecroMeOehh Wicks icites WS ETeTSR siti tadars 211 Its synonymy and bibliography, 211. Habits and features of the Syrphide, 211. Larval habits, 212. The respiratory tube not confined to aquatic forms, 212. M. posticata larvee found in a decaying tree, 212. Other rat-tailed larve observed in an apple-tree, 215. Habits of rat-tailed larvee, 213. Description of the Mallota larva, 215. Its pupation and puparium, 214. The fly figured and described, 215. Geographical dis- tribution of the species, 215. DROSOPHILA AMPELOPHILA, the Pickled-fruit Fly............... 216 Bibliography, 216. Occurrence of the fly in decaying and pickled fruit, 216. . The fly described, 216. Its original description by Dr. Loew, 217. Its distribution in Europe, Africa and North America, 217. Is readily at- tracted by fermentation, 217. Notice of the larve, 218. Otber species of Drosophila, 218. Apple-infesting Drosophilas, 218. A species infest- ing strawberries, 219. Habits of European Drosophilas, 220. A species occurring in flour-paste, 220. Mode of attack upon pickled fruits, 220. Preventives of attack, 221. MerromyzA AMERICANA, the Wheat-stem Maggot............-. . 221 Bibliography, 221. Attack upon wheat in Western New York, 221. Nature of the attack, 222. The larval and pupal forms, 222. Time of appearance of the fly, 222. The fly described and figured, 223. Limited literature of the species, 223. Its occurrence in Missouri in 1867, 224. Not noticed for several years, 224. Injuries from similar grain-flies in Europe, 224. Lack of knowledge of our grain-flies, 225. Chlorops proxima operating in Kentucky, 226. The common name of Mallota and other insects, 226. But little may be done to arrest the injuries of this species, 227. Cc XVili TABLE OF CONTENTS. INJURIOUS COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS. MACRODACTYLUS SUBSPINOSUS, the Rose-beetle.............00. 227 Bibliography, 227. Long known as a serious pest, 228. Its systematic position, 228. The beetle described and figured, 228. Its preference for roses, 229; other food-plants, 229. Notice of its ravages in Massa- chusetts, 230; in other localities, and in New York recently, 230. Often quite local, 231. Appears suddenly in immense numbers, 231. Its nat- ural history, 231. Hand-picking and jarring as remedies, 231. Plaster and tansy water as preventives of attack, 232. Protection by inclosure in netting, 282. HUPHORTIA InpA, the Indian Cetomias. cos. sion caheence cis,\s amis > Lee Synonymy and bibliography, 232. Its popular name, 233. Alarm ex- cited by “anew corn-bug,” 233. Habits of associated species, 234. De- seription and figures of the beetle, 234. Surprise at its appearance as a corn depredator, 235. Earlier notices of its injuries to corn, 235. Its at- tack probably follows injuries by birds, 235. The English sparrow pre- paring the way for the attack of the beetle, 286. Only occasionally in- jurious to corn, 236. Time of its appearance, 236. The beetle reported as eating the bark from apple-trees, 237: the report not credited, 237. The larve may be injurious to the roots of cultivated plants, 237. A grass-feeding larva of an allied species, 237. The Indian Cetonia injurious to flowers, 238. In seasons of its abundance corn should be protected from birds, 238. The beetles may be caught in nets, 2388. Hand-picking from flowers, 238. Collecting the larve after heavy rains, 288. CRIOCERIS ASPARAGI, the Asparagus Beetle.............. (Leos Bibliography, 239. Its gradual extension to new localities, 239. Its present distribution, 240. Long known in Europe, 240. Its introduction into the United States about the year 1859, 240. Its spread throughout Long Island, 240. Is attacked and checked by a parasite, 241. Its ex- tension into New Jersey, 241. Description and figures of the egg, the larva and the beetle, 242. The “cross.bearer,” 242. The six-spotted variety, 243. Its family relations, 243. Allied injurious species, 244. Recent introduction of another asparagus beetle, Crioceris 12-punctata, 244. Natural history of @. asparagi, 244. Remedies. hand-picking recommended in Europe, 245 ; fowls useful for hunting them, 245; dust- ing with lime very effectual, 246 ; cutting away the young seedlings a preventive, 246 ; removing the seed-stems has been found beneficial, 246. PHYTONOMUS PUNCTATUS, the Punctured Clover-leaf Weevil.... 247 Bibliography, 247. A recent addition to our insect-pests, 247. When and where discovered in this country, 247. Description and figure of the beetle, 247. Its singular net-work cocoon described and figured, 248. . Similar cocoons made by other Curculionidae, 248. Not known as injurious to clover in Europe, 248. Change in habits often attends introduced in- sects, 249. First notice of the clover-leaf weevil in this country, 249. De- scription of the egg and larva, 249. Figures of the insect in its different stages, 250. Life-history of the species, 250. Possibly imported many years ago, 251. Described by Dr. Le Conte, 251. Localities of its occur- rence in New York, 252. Observed in Vermont, 253. Rolling and burn- ing as remedies for it, 253. TABLE OF CONTENTS. xix SPHENOPHORUS SCULPTILIS, the Sculptured Corn-curculio...... 253 Synonymy and bibliography, 253. Its operations in New Jersey, 254. Different names given to the insect, 254. Description and figure of the beetle, 255, Earliest notices of its injuries, 255. Its later depredations 207. Its geographical distribution, 258. The larva thought by Mr. Walsh to live in decaying wood, 258. Wild grass probably its original food-plant, 259. Food-plants of allied species, 260. Habits of Ziavus con- caus, boring in rhubarb, 260. “A bill-bug” living in stalks of corn, 260. Sphenophorus robustus found to breed in corn, 261. 8. sculptilis has probably the same food-plant and habits, 262. Its larvee should be _sought for in corn, 262. Its injuries are perhaps underestimated, 262. Remedies, through destruction of the beetle, 263. Destroying the eggs and young larve, 263. Destroying the pupe by burning the stalks im the autumn, 263. INJURIOUS HEMIPTEROUS INSECTS. MURGANTIA HISTRIONICA, the Harlequin Cabbage-bug...... pe. 204 ? Bibliography, 264. A Southern insect gradually progressing northward, 264. Its injuries in Virginia, 264. Description and figures of the insect in its several stages, 265. Its natural history, so far as known, 266. Its geographical distribution, 266. The different food-plants which it at- tacks, 267. The insect a difficult one to destroy, 268. Is not attacked by parasites, 268. Means of destruction ; sprinkling with hot water, 269; trapping with cabbage leaves, 269; burning in its retreat in rubbish piles, 269. Importance of destroying the first brood, 269. Hand-picking practicable and highly successful, 270. Miss Ormerod’s suggestions of remedies : clean culture, trenching, and application of gas-lime, 270; use of paraffin, 271. PG@CILOCAPSUS LINEATUS, the Four-lined Leaf-bug............ 271 Synonymy and bibliography, 271. Its attack upon a black currant bush, 272. First notice of the attack, 272. Description and figure of the perfect insect, 272. Varieties described, 275. Description of the pupa, 275. Observations upon the change from the pupa to the perfect insect, 275. The change of color attending the transformation, 276. Continu- ation of injuries, upon geraniums, etc., 276. The life-history of the in- sect not fully known, 276. An extensive list of its food-plants, 277. Ac- count of its severe injuries to dahlias, 277. Its destructiveness to rose- buds, 278. Energy of the attack upon a day-lily, 278. Geographical dis- tribution, 279. Remedies and preventives ; futility of poisonous and other applications, 279. Burning their shelter in garden rubbish, 279. Destroying the insect before oviposition, 280. The jarring method and its success, 280. Success in destroying an allied species, Lygus lincolaris, 280. ENCHENOPA BINOTATA, the Two-marked Tree-hopper.......... » 281 Synonymy and bibliography, 281. The insect infests a bitter-sweet vine, 281. Description and figure of the insect, 282. Say’s original de- scription, 282. The egg-coverings of the insect described, 283. Such protection exceptional among the tree-hoppers, 284. Nature of the egg- covering, 284. It was mistaken for an insect by Dr. Fitch, 285; named xox TABLE OF CONTENTS. as species of Dorthesia, 286. Dorthesia cataphracta, of Europe, 286. Eggs of the insect described, 287. Its food-plants, 287. Its life-history incom- plete, 288. Remedies and preventives: hot water; removal of the pro- tective egg-covers by brushing; driving away the insects, 288. APPENDIX. (A.) ENTOMOLOGICAL REPORTS OF DR. ASA FITCH... 291 Reason for their notice in the present Report, 291. Of interest at this time, to recall their origin, 291. Entomological Survey, 291. Legisla- tive appropriation for an examination of the insects of the State, 291. Dr. Fitch appointed by the State Agricultural Society to perform the work, 291. Instructions for its performance, from a Committee of the Society, 292: equal prominence to be given to economic and scientific en- tomology, 292: the habits and instincts of insects to be studied, and their entire life-histories to be traced out, 292: insects infesting fruit-trees te be first examined, and afterward, those of forest-trees, grain and other crops, 292: an opportunity for studying any other unusual insect depre- dator should not be neglected, 292 : time to be devoted to collecting and classifying the insects of the State and describing new species, 293: an- nual reports to be presented, embracing both economic and scientific en- tomolory —under the latter, cataloguing all the insects of the State, 293 : a commencement to be made of full descriptions of the species of some one of the orders, 293: collections to be made and arranged for the State Cabinet of Natural History, and the State Agricultural Society, 293: such further examinations as may be deemed necessary by Dr. Fitch, for the object in view, may be made, 293. The 1st Report pub- lished and favorably received, 293. Subsequent Legislative appropria- tions for a continuance of the work, 294. Tabular statement of the date, volume of publication, and pages of the fourteen Reports, 294. Title-page of the 1st Report, 294. Say’s Heteropterous Hemiptera of North Amer- ica, an Appendix to the 4th Report, 294. Title-pages of the three vol- umes of Reports, with mention of the food-plants of the insects’ treated of, 295. ‘'Title-page of 9th Report, published as a separate pamphlet, 295. Title-page of 10th and 11th Reports, published as a pamphlet, with mention of the insects noticed, 296. Difficulty in procuring full series of the Reports, 296. How the Reports still procurable may be ob- tained, 296. An appropriation made for the revision and republication of the Reports, 296. The revision compieted and presented for publica- tion, but not ordered printed, 296. The manuscript of the revision sub- sequently mislaid or destroyed, 297, MISCELLANEOUS ENTOMOLOGICAL PAPERS OF Dr. FitcH........ 297 The publications in which most of them are contained, 297. The List presented [giving title, place and date of publication, and of the shorter ones, extent in centimeters] is necessarily incomplete, 297. In- sects Injurious to Vegetation, Nos. 1, 2, 5 (three papers) , The Wheat Fly and Chinch Bug, 297. The Wheat Fly; Insects Injurious to Vegetation, Nos. 4and 5 (two papers): Winter Insects of Eastern New York: List of Noxious Insects ; The Hessian Fly, 298. The Grain-moth ; The Cur- TABLE OF CONTENTS. xxi rant-moth: Catalogue of the Insects of the State Cabinet of Natural His- tory : Insects Infesting Sheep and other Domestic Animals, 299. Cata- logue of the Homoptera of the State Cabinet: Wheat insects: Cantharis vittata: Apple-tree Pests, 300. Insects of Algiers for the State Agricul- tural Society: Osage-orange Insect: The Hunter Weevil, 301. The Chinch Bug: The Apple Plant-louse; Insects which destroy Plant-lice: Gaylord’s Wheat Caterpillar, 302. The Wheat Thrips and three-banded Thrips: Cut-worms: The American Vaporer Moth: Borer in Apple-trees; The Rose-bug, 303. The Joint-worm in Barley: The Prickly Leptos- tylus: Insects Imbedded in the Interior of Wood: Grasshoppers: Weevil in Seeds from the Patent Office, 304. The May Beetle: The Hunter Weevil in young Corn, etc.: Wheat-midge, 305. Experiments — Soap on Apple- trees, etc.: The Fall Web-worm: Wheat-midge: Say’s Heteropterous Hemiptera: The Golden Tortoise-beetle, 306. A new Barley insect : The Thousand-legged worm: Beetles infesting Grape-vines, 307. The parasitic destroyer of the Curculio : Maple Leaf-cutter: Address on our most Pernicious Insects: Address on the Curculio and Black-knot on Plum- trees, 308. The most Pernicious Species of United States Insects, and the Curculio—two addresses: Ravages of Insects on Forest and Fruit trees: Locust Leaf-miners: The Seventeen-year Cicada, 309. The Hunter Weevil: Ravages of Insects on Forest and Fruit trees— Remedy: The Striped Flea-beetle : The Pear-blight Beetle, 310, The Quince Tingis: The Wheat-midge: Disappearance of the Wheat-midge, 311. The Apple- tree Borer: The Army-worm and Cut-worm: The Army-worm Moth, 312. The Hunter Weevil: The Grain Aphis, 313. The Grain Aphis: Snap- ping-beetle — Blight on Apple-trees: An Important Caution: Insects the past Year [1861]: Entomological Events of the past Year: Insect Tumors and Wounds in Raspberry stalks, 314. The Buffalo Tree-hop- per: The Asparagus Beetle: The Maple Psocus, 315. human race from the face of the earth. Air, earth and water teem with them ; there may be claimed for them almost an omnipresence ; they swarm in the tropics, and find a suitable home in the Arctic re- gions. They abound in our homes, our gardens, orchards, fields, vine- yards, and forests. In the vegetable kingdom they are found in the seed, the root, the stalk or trunk, the pith, the bark, the twig, the bud, the leaf, the blossom, and the fruit— within or upon every portion of the vegetable organism. They are parasitic on our persons and upon or within all of our domestic animals. They attack and destroy fishes and birds. They have their natural home in many of our articles of food. By their disgusting presence and annoyance they may render our homes unten»ble. They burrow within our household and agri- cultural implements. They occasionally take possession of our books. EXTENT OF INSECT DEPREDATIONS.- 3 No asylum is so secure that they may not intrude; no condition in life is exempt from their presence and attack, From this general diffusion there necessarily results extensive losses. Provided often with wonderful means for self-preservation and for the perpetuation of the species, they are ever ready in the exercise of their powers to dispute with man his claim of exclusive right in property. Never without the imposition of a heavy tax upon the products of his labor, they often manifest a determination to wrest from him the en- tire results of a season’s toil. Many of the more injurious species liv- ing solely upon such vegetable productions as man regards as esseatial to his welfare and almost indispensable to his existence, there follows us the consequence of the “struggle for life,” continual collision and antagonism. Have the study and labor of a long series of years at length brought the products of his garden and his.orchard to such a degree of perfection that only traditionary lore can trace therein spe- cific identity with the wild, uncultivated parent-plant, it would seem, at times, as if all this improvement served no other end than to pro- vide more sumptuous repasts to augmented hordes of insects with greatly increased powers of destructiveness. ‘ To the vegetable world, insects are mainly indebted for their suste- nance, and a vegetable growth entirely free from insect attack would be an anomaly in nature. From careful and extended observations, it has been eStimated that there are, upon an average, six species of in- sects attacking each: species of plant. Upon most of our cultivated @lants, such as garden vegetables, shrubs, trees, grasses, cereals, ete., they have become quite numerous, for the qualities resulting from careful culture which have madethem more valuable to us, have, at the same time, rendered them more attractive to insects. ‘Ten years ago (since which time great progress has been made in economic entomol- ogy), Dr. Packard stated*: “I could enumerate upwards of fifty species of insects which prey upon cereals and grasses, and as many which infest our field crops. Some thirty well-known species ravage our garden vegetables. There are nearly fifty species which attack the grape-vine, and their number is rapidly increasing. About seventy- five species make their annual onset upon the apple-tree, and nearly as many may be found upon the plum, pear, peach, and cherry. Among our shade trees, over fifty species infest the oak; twenty-five the elm ; seventy-five the walnut, and over one hundred species prey upon the pine.” The above stated numbers have already been found to be much be- low the truth. Several, if not all of them, may be safely doubled, for * First Ann. Tep. Ins. Mass., 1871, p. 5. 4 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. on the apple tree above one hundred and sixty species are now known to occur.* Tifty-two species of Tineide alone are recorded upon the oak, by far the larger number of which are leaf-miners.t+ Perhaps the extent to which the depredations of a single insect may extend cannot be better illustrated than by reference to the grape phylloxera — Phyllozera vitifolie (Fitch), a minute insect, belonging to the family of Aphidide, or plant-lice. The earliest notice of this species was that givea by Dr. Fitch, in the year 1855, who briefly no- ticed it under the name of Pemphigus vitifolie, as forming small galls on the margin of the leaves of some grape-vines, in Washington county, N. Y.[ By some means the species was carried to Europe, and it was detected in France, in 1868, by Prof. Planchon, infesting the roots of grape-vines, Believing it to be an undescribed species, it was Fic. 1.— Sexep PaHytuoxer:—a, female vitifoliw, ventral view, showing egg through transparent skin; 4, dorsal view; ¢, greatly enlarged tarsus; d, shrunken anal joints, as they appear after oviposition; ¢, male P. caryecaulis, dorsal view. The dots in circles indi- cate the natural size, *In the Appendix (B.) will be found a list of the apple-tree insects of the United States as far as [have noted them. It contains one hundred and seventy-six species. Although quite incomplete, it is published at this time in order to invite additions by those who may discover omitted species. I purpose, as soon as practicable, to present a report on our apple-tree insects, which shall contain notices of all of our known species, with figures il- lustrating them as far as possible, together with the most effectual methods for preventing their injuries. +Chambers’ Food-plants of Tineina—Bull. U. S. Geolog.-Geograph. Surv. Terr., iv, 1878, pp. 119, 120. t Transactions of the New York State Agricultural Society for 1854, vol. xiv, 1855, p. 862. PHYLLOXERA DEPREDATIONS. 5 subsequently published by himas Phylluzera vastatriz. Later, through comparison and study of the different forms, the identity of the root- inhabiting and the leaf-inhabiting forms was established. Since that time, notwithstanding the most earnest efforts to arrest its spread, aided by legislation, munificent grants, and the learning of the most distin- guished scientists, it has continued to extend its area and increase its ravages, until it has invaded every vineyard in France, and threatens the entire destruction of the cultivation of the vine. The female, greatly enlarged, is shown in Fig. 1 with a dot beside it indicating its natural size. ‘The male of a very similar species is also shown. It is just announced that almost everywhere in the French wine dis- tricts, windlasses are at work tearing up blackened vines killed by the phylloxera, and it is estimated that nearly 1,000,000 acres of vineyards haye been cleared and the land turned to other uses. The interest and the alarm caused by these ravages are shown by the reward of 300,000 francs ($60,000), which has been offered by the French Government, for the discovery of a method of destroying the insect ; and the large grants which have, for several preceding years, been placed at the disposal of the French Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, for the purpose of encouraging research and experiments as to the best way of dealing with the phylloxera, have, during the present year, been increased to the amount of 969,750 francs (nearly $200,000). The insect has also made its appearance in Australia, and such are the apprehensions that its introduction has excited, that Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia are to contribute $100,000 toward the expense of exterminating it.* The minute size of this insect, scarcely more than a microscopic dot in several of its stages, and in its winged state less than one-tenth of an inch in length, always needing a microscope for its observation, exemplifies the apparent paradox often met with in the insect world — the smaller the creature the greater its power of injury. 2. Losses from Insect Depredations, Could approximate estimates be had of the pecuniary losses resulting from these depredations on our principal crops, the figures obtained would be the only arguments needed to enforce the importance of in vestiga- * Psyche, iii, 1881, p. 215. C FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. tions to arrest them. There is probably nota single crop cultivated 77 a ez TL Fig. 2.— Tue Wueat-Minge (after Fitch): a, male midge; 6, female do. ; a’, its natural size; ¢, wing much enlarged; d, antennal joints of male; e, ditto, of female; 7, ovi- positor, with its two slidimg-tubes and terminal finger-like appendages, for guid- ing thé eggs: g, eggs, greatly magnified ; h, a flower of wheat showing the larve upon the kernel; 2, larva in repose; @' its natural size; 7, larva crawling with its horns extended; 7’, its natural size; k, greatly enlarged view of anterior end when moving on a dry surface with its horns but partially extended; 7, posterior end with teeth protruded to aid in motion. which the infesting insects do not diminish by at least one-tenth —an amount of injury which would hardly be noticed. They often injure crops to the extent of one-fourth or one- half, and occasionally entirely destroy them, as during the ravages of the wheat-midge — Diplosis tritici (Kirby) in this State, in 1854-1857, when entire fields were left unharves- ted.* One of ourex-Governors, in his agricultural addresses, has frequently urged that insect depredations upon crops of one-fourth or one-half their value should be regarded as a direct tax of twenty-five per cent or fifty per cent levied upon their full value, and collected, perhaps, year after year, without a show of resistance; but which each farmer could, and there- fore should, resist, and thereby relieve himself from at least a portion of the burden. Among the estimates made of these losses occurring throughout the Uni- ted States are the following: The loss to the wheat crop in the State of New York, in the year 1854 from the wheat-midge, was estimated, from carefully collected data, by the Secretary of the State Agricultural Society, at above fifteen millions of dollars.+ The amount would be a third larger if estimated at the price to which wheat afterward arose that winter. (The insect in its natural size and as it appears when magni- fied is shown in Fig. 2, together with its eggs and larve). From estimates made by the Sec- retary of the Ohio State Board of *In 1856, in Livingston county, N. Y., 2,000 acres, on flats which would have yielded thirty bushels an acre, were not harvested. +Fitch’s Sixth Report (p. 12), Transactions New York State Agricultural Society, xx, 1860, p. 754. LOSSES FROM INSECT DEPREDATIONS. ; 7 Agriculture, the loss to the wheat crop from the same insect during the same year in that State was even greater than in NewYork. In 1857, the insect having extended its ravages over a larger portion of the State of New York, the loss exceeded that of 1854, In Canada, the same year, it destroyed about eight millions of bushels. The cash value of the wheat and corn destroyed in the year 1864, in the State of Illinois, by the chinch-bug — Llissws leucopterus (Say), is estimated at seventy-three millions of dollars.* The same insect injured the wheat, oats, and corn in the State of Missouri in 1874, asappears from estimates made in the larger number of counties in the State, to theamount of sineteen millions of dollars.t The loss to corn, potatoes and other crops in the States of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri in 1874, from the ravages of the Rocky Mountain locust — Caloptenus spretus Uhler, is computed by the United States Entomological Commission at nearly fifty-six millions of dollars, and the actual loss to the four States is estimated at one hundred millions of dollars.[ The insect is shown in Fig. 3, at a, in a. b. Fic. 3.—Tue Rocky Mountain Locusta, compared with the Red-legged locust ( Caloptenus Semur-rubrum b). comparison with the shorter winged red-legged grasshopper (Caloptenus femur-rubrum), at 6, common in the State of New York and in most of the Northern United States east of the Mississippi river. For the same insect, from county returns of loss upon grain alone in the western portion of Missouri, in 1875 (omitting several counties that made no returns), Professor Riley figures an aggregate in twenty-six counties of fifteen millions of dollars.§ Single counties suffered to the extent of ¢wo millions of dollars. Careful estimates of damage sustained from the cotton-worm — Alctia argillacea Hiibner (the moth of which is represented in Fig. 4), upon an assumed value of $50 per bale on the number of bales less than an average crop, give, as the annual loss for the fourteen years prior to 1878, in several of the cotton States, the follow- ing amounts: Georgia, $3,912,000; Louis- Fic. 4. Tus Morn or rae Corron 1204, $4,487,000; Alabama, $4,789,000 ; Worm (Aletia aryillacea Wiibn.) * Mississippi, $6,150,000 ; Texas, $7,406,- 000; and in nine of the principal cotton States, the following result : * Riley’s Second Step. Ins. Mo., 1870, p. 28. + Seventh Report Ins. Mo., 1875, p. 25. t First Ann. Rep. U.S. Ent. Commis., 1878, p. 121. § Riley’s Lighth Tep. Ins. Mo., 1876, p. 90. 8 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. a possible loss of thirty millions of dollars in years of general prevalence of the caterpillar. * From the census returns of the value of the agricultural products of the United States, and estimates of injuries inflicted by certain insects in several of the States, it has been computed that the aggregate an- nual losses from injurious insects throughout the Union equals two hundred millions of dollars. t B. D. Walsh, who was one of the most able of our economic ento- mologists, gave it as his opinion that the United States suffer from the depredations of noxious insects to the annual amount of three hundred millions of dollars .t 3. Excessive Insect Depredations in the United States. The study of insects assumes an importance in this country far greater than in any part of the world. Nowhere else are insect inju- ries so serious as *n the United States. Our several crops are attacked by a larger number of insect pests, and the losses that they inflict upon each are almost invariably in excess of those occurring in the countries of Europe. Three causes have concurred and are mainly in- strumental in producing this condition : I. The Importation of Injurious Insects.—Very few of our vari- ousagricultural products are native to oursoil, Nearly all of our fruits, grasses, cereals, garden vegetables, and probably three-quarters of our weeds are of foreiga importation — mainly from Europe. With their introduction very many of their attacking insects were also introduced or subsequently brought hither, as, for example, the wheat-midge (Diplosis tritici), the currant-worm (Nematus ventricosus), the oys- ter-shell bark-louse (Mytilaspis pomicorticis), the apple-tree plant- louse (Aphis mali), the hop-louse (Aphis humuli), the grain-Aphis (Siphonophora avene), several other species of plant-lice, the codling- moth of the apple (Carpocapsa pomonella), the cabbage-moth (Hphestia interpunctella), the cabbage-butterfly (Pieris rape), the currant-borer (Zgeria tipuliformis), the asparagus-beetle (Crioceris asparagi), the clover-root borer (/ylastes trifolii), the onion-fly (Anthomyia ceparum) and several other root-flies, the boll-worm or the corn-worm (Heliothis armiger), and a number of destructive cut-worms (Agrotis c-nigrum, A. baja, A. prasina, A. plecta, A. saucia, Ag ypsilon, Mamestra tri- folti, Hadena Arctica), ete. Comparatively few of our native injurious species have been intro- duced in Europe, consequently the number :of those imported to this *Comstock’s Report upon Cotton Insects, 1879, p. 70. +Packard, in Hayden’s 9th Annual Report U. S. G.-G. Surv. Terr., 1877, p. 591. tAmerican Entomologist, i, 1868, p. 2. INCREASED RAVAGES OF INTRODUCED INSECTS. 9 country so greatly exceed those exported, that the preponderance, added to our native forms, seems to warrant the assertion that ‘* America is the home of insects.” 2. The Increased Destructiveness of Introduced Insects.— It is well known to entomologists that those of our insect pests which are of European origin have become far more injurious here than they were ever known to be in their native homes. This may be illustrated by a reference to a few of our injurious species. The wheat-midge, intro- duced to thiscountry about the year 1820, and first observed in North- ern Vermont,* has never, throughout its entire European history, ex- tending over nearly a century and a half, displayed an approach to the destructiveness which it has shown since its advent here. Its injuries have indeed, at times, created alarm and entailed serious losses in por- tions of England and Scotland, but on the Continent its existence was hardly known for a century after its discovery, and subsequent to that time it had not been very prevalent. Curtis, in writing of the species, ealls it the British wheat-midge (indicating a restricted European range), and states that M. Herpin is of the opinion that it is an inhabit- ant of France.t i The ravages of the cabbage-butterfly, Pieris rape Linn., brought to this country by the way of Quebec, about the year 1358, have greatly exceeded those committed by it in Europe. It has proved very destructive to cabbages wherever it has appeared, and it seems destined to spread over all of the United States, as it crossed the Missouri river in 1880 and has entered Nebraska. { The asparagus-beetle, Crioceris asparagi (Linn.), which has at times destroyed entire plantations of asparagus upon our sea-board in the vicinity of New York, has been known for centuries in Europe, but has hardly been referred to by writers on economic entomology as an injurionsinsect. Although common in Russia, a writer in referring to it, in 1880, states, that it is never known to be obnoxious there. The carpet-beetle, Anthrenus scrophularie (Linn.), first noticed im this country in the year 1872, has been recognized as a common species throughout a large part of Europe for more than a century. While in several portions of the United States its ravages on carpets have excited serious alarm in housekeepers and have threatened to compel a resort to uncarpeted floors, no instance is known of its ever having been detected in feeding upon carpets in Europe, although stated to be injurious to ‘‘ furs, clothes, animal collections and even leather and dried plants.” More frequent reference is made by Eu- *Fitch, Sixth-Winth Reports Ins. N. Y., 1865, p. 8. + Farm Insects, 1860, pp. 260, 266. tCanadian Entomologist, xiv, 1882, p. 40. 10 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. ‘ ropean writers of the occurrence of the beetle upon flowers than of the larva within houses.* (The insect, in its several stages, is shown in Fig. 5.) Fig 5.— ANTHRENUS SCROPHULARLE : 4, the larva; 8, the cast skin of the larva at molt- ing; ¢, the pupa; d, the beetle — enlarged from natural sizes shown in accompanying lines, The increased ravages of our introduced insects result from the new conditions under which they are here placed. The relations that dur- ing the lapse of centuries had grown up between them and their food- plants, their insect parasites, the birds and other animals that preyed ‘upon them, whereby a balance and an interdependence had become es- tablished — have all been broken up. When brought to our shores they find, perhaps, more abundant food, of a character more acceptable and attractive to them. But mainly, in their importation, their natu- ral parasites and the enemies which had kept them in subjection have been left behind, and they are free to ply their destructive work and to ‘increase and multiply ” without hindrance or molestation, unless some of our native parasites shall at length acquire the habit of prey- ing upon them, and other foes discover that they are “ good for food.” 3. The Large Areas Devoted to Special Crops.— The exces- sive ravages of insects in the United States are largely owing to the culti- vation of their food-plants in extended areas. We may illustrate this by a reference to our apple-tree insects. Two hundred years ago not even the wild crab, the earliest representative of the apple, existed in this country, and consequently there were no apple-insects. Later, when a few apple-trees became the adjunct of the simple homes of the early settlers, those of our insects to which they offered more desirable food than that on which they had previously subsisted, were obliged to wing their way often for many miles in search of a tree upon which to deport their eggs. If birds were then abundant, how few of the in- sects could safely accomplish such extended flights. But in the apple orchards of the present day — some of them spreading in an almost un- broken mass of foliage over hundreds of acres — our numerous apple *Hagen, in Canadian Entemologist, x, 1878, p. 161. LARGE AREAS DEVOTED TO SPECIAL CROPS. 11 insects may find the thrifty root, the vigorous trunk, the succulent twig, the tender bud, the juicy leaf, the fragrant blossom, and the crisp fruit spread out before them in broad array, as if it were a special offering to insect voracity, or a banquet purposely extending an irre- sistible invitation to the tent-caterpillar, the codling-moth, the canker worm, the striped-borer, the bark-beetle, the twig-borer, the leaf-aphis, the bark-louse, the root-louse and every other of our one hundred and sixty species of apple insects. Here they may luxuriate as nowhere clse. The required food is greatly in excess of insect need. Careful cultiva- tion has made it the best of its kind; appetite is stimulated ; develop- ment is hastened ; broods are increased in number; individuals are multiplied beyond the conservation of parasitic destruction ; facili- ties of distribution are afforded with hardly a proper exercise of locomotive organs, and when these almost useless members have be- come aborted, as in the wingless females of the bark-louse (Mytilaspis pomicorticis) and the canker-worms (Anisopteryx vernata and A, pometaria), the interlocking branches afford convenient passage from tree to tree. In like manner, every crop cultivated on a large scale, holds out strong invitation to insect attack, and wonderfully stimulates insect fecundity. Nowhere in the world are crops massed in so large an acreage as in this country —their extension ever keeping pace with the invention of special mechanical contrivances for their gathering, and the extent to which hand-labor and horse-power may be replaced by steam. ‘The following are a few instances of extensive areas devoted to special products: The largest apple-orchard in the world is believed to be that of Mr. MeKinstry, near Hudson, N. Y. It embraces about 300 acres and con- tains 26,000 apple-trees. Extending for nearly a mile along the public highway and for one-half a mile in the rear, it appears, when viewed from some favorable point, like a vast sea of orchard. Six miles of road extend through the grounds for access and for carrying away the gathered fruit.* The peach orchard of the Orchard Hill Fruit Farm, at Orchard Hill, Georgia, is believed to be the largest in the world. It contains 54,000 peach-trees, and occupies 540 acres. The proprietor, Mr. John D. Cunningham, informs me that he will probably plant 250 additional acres the coming fall, which would then give him 84,000 trees. A. fruit-grower in California (Mr. G. G. Briggs, of Davisville) has 1,010 acres of grape-vines, in four parcels of respectively 120, 160, 270, und 460 acres. Nearly all are museats of Alexandria and are culti- * Proceedings Western N. ¥. Horticultural Society, at 26th Ann. Meet. in 1881, p. 81. 12 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. vated for raisins, the product of which, when all shall come to full bearing, is estimated at 200,000 boxes, or 4,000,000 of pounds. * The cotton plantation of Col. B. G. Lockett, near Albany, Ga., con- tained in 1872, 6,500 acres of cotton.t From the Dalrymple farm, in Nebraska, there were harvested 12,000 acres of oats and 24,000 acres of wheat. ‘he grain was cut by 125 reaping machines moving in divisions, and a number of steam-thresh- ing machines were employed. { In the San Joaquin Valley, in California, there were three wheat fields containing respectively 17,000, 23,000 and 36,000 acres. The crop of the latter was 1,440,000 bushels. One side of the field is seven- teen miles long. When plowed, ten four-horse teams were attached to ten gang-plows, each gang having four plows. Lunch was served ata midway station and supper at the terminus.§ A Colorado potato field, near Denver (belonging to Mr. Rufns Clark) is 150 acres in extent, and its yield for 1864 was estimated at from 25,000 to 30,000 bushels. During the season more than $2,000 were expended in defense against the potato-beetle.** In 1877, in Dighton, Mass., 1,000,000 quarts of strawberries were raised — over 30,000 bushels. The tendency in our country appears to be toward the cultivation of special crops on a scale only limited by the means of handling them. It is but the natural result of the proverbial industry and energy of the American people ; the great improvements recently made in agri- cultural implements; the rapid increase in population; increased facilities of transportation ; and an increasing foreign demand for our products. But it is questionable, in view of the alarming increase of insect depredations, to what farther extent this aggregation of single food-plants may be carried, without the attendant multiplication of at- tacking insects to a point where it shall be impossible by any human means or by parasitic aid to prevent their obtaining the entire mastery of us. 4. The Immense Number of Insects. In number of species, insects far exceed that of all the other classes of the animal kingdom combined, viz.: mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, crustaceans, worms, ete.++ The number already known is +For yield in former years, see Country Gentleman, xlvii, 1882, p. 208. + Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for 1872, p. 448. {Zhe Rural Nebraska for November, 1880. § Country Gentleman, xxxvil, 1872, p. 633. ** Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the year 1874, p. 280. +t+There are about 55,000 species of animals known, exclusive of insects. (Packard's Guide to the Study of Insects, 1869, p. 103.) THE IMMENSE NUMBER OF INSECTS. 13 immense, and the new species that are being continually added to our lists, as the results of an increased number of observers, more thorough collections, and more extended explorations, is constantly enlarging the estimate which naturalists from time to time present of the proba- ble number occurring throughout the world. The discovery of new forms is ever in advance of the ability of entomologists to give them description, name, and classification. ‘There are to-day in the British Museum no less than 12,000 species remaining undescribed, and like unworked material is to be found in every collection of any extent in both hemispheres. Fifty years ago, 70,000 species had been described, and it was then thought that there were at least twice that number in existence. The scientific activity of the past half century has more than quadrupled that number, and there are now 320,000 de- scribed species. In view of this rapid increase, it will not be safe to assume that even yet one-half of the actual number have been de- scribed. From our present knowledge, and from the vast extent of the globe which is still, in natural science, terra incognita, it does not seem improbable that the number of inseets in the world may reach a mii- lion of species. Leaving the species and passing to individuais — if we proceed to a calculation of number, we almost question the results shown by our figures. Dr. Fitch has given us a computation of the number of cherry-tree aphids — Aphis cerasi Fabr.— occurring upon some trees upon his grounds. He writes:* ‘“ Among the cherry-trees alluded to, was a row of seven young ones which had attained a height of about ten feet. By counting the number of leaves upon some of the limbs and the number of limbs upon the tree, I find a small cherry-tree of the size above stated is clothed with about seventeen thousand leaves. These leaves could not have averaged less than five or six hundred lice upon each, and there was fully a third more occupying the stems and the tips of the twigs. Each of these small trees was, therefore, stocked with at least twelve millions of these creatures.” Even our knowledge of insect fecundity fails to explain such wonder- ful multiplication, and our reason cannot assign the purpose for which such seeming excess is designed. It is related of alittle midge (Chiron- omus nivoriundus), that, on one occasion, in traversing a forest it was observed in such countless myriads as to prove of the greatest annoy- ance to the tourist, getting into his mouth, nostrils, and ears at every step, and literally covering his clothing. + The Rocky Mountain locust, in its migratory flights, hides the sun, and fills the air as far as the eye can reach. From the highest peaks * First and Second Report on the Insects of New York, 1856, p. 127. +Fitch: Winter /nsects of Eastern New York ; Amer. Jour. Agr.-Sci., ¥, 1846, p. 282, 14 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. of the Sierra Nevada, it has been seen filling the valleys below and the air above as much higher as they could be distinguished with a good field-glass.* Rich and fertile portions of Southern United States are incapable of cultivation from the hosts of mosquitoes that abound in them. The same insect effectually shuts out portions of British America from exploration, while in Eastern Europe and in Asia the attacks of its hosts have caused insanity in travelers, and the death of domestic animals unprovided with means of defense, The experiments of Reaumur have shown that a single aphis (a plant-louse) may, in a single year, through its frequent generations without pairing, be the progenitor of 5,904,900,000 (nearly six billions) descendants. Through such prodigious multiplication, the tiny, often despised, in- sect attains an importance in the economy of nature to which the ravenous beast of prey may not attain, although surpassing it many thousand fold in size. 5. Necessity of a Knowledge of Insect Habits. No great success can be expected in our-efforts to resist insect depre- dations, until we know who and what our insect enemiesare. We are told who they are, when they have been given the scientific name which they shall bear wherever they may occur throughout the civilized world; and we are first prepared to learn what they are, when they have been so intelligently described and faithfully illustrated that they may be unmistakably identified by the agricultural, as well as the scien- tific, student. Hundreds of persons, in different localities, may then be simultaneously engaged in the study of the same insect ; or fact after fact may be separately ascertained and recorded, which, when collated and arranged, may so nearly furnish an entire life-history as to leave but a few inconsiderable details for special study to supply. ‘The habits of the different species are so diverse as to necessitate separate study of each one of the immense number with which we have to do. Each history is a complicated one, as it embraces, for the greater part, four distinct forms of animal existence — the egg, the larva, the pupa, and the imago — which may differ so greatly one from the other, that, by the uninitiated, no relationship would be suspected. One or more of these forms may be artfully hidden, or existing under such peculiar circumstances as to clude discovery. Among the first hundred of our most injurious insects, there are those which we only know in their final stage, and there is not the naturalist among us who could iden- tify them in their larval or their pupal state; while at least one-half of the number could not be determined in the egg. Such a confession * First Ann. Rep. U. S. Entomealog, Commis,, 1878, p. 213. PROGRESS IN ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. 15 is a strong argument in favor of continued investigation of insect lives, for it must be evident that until the several stages are known, the en- tomologist is not prepared to point out the particular phase in which the insect is the most yulnerable,and recommend the remedy or the preventive that has been found by experiment to be the most efficient and the simplest in its application. These studies are laborious. They often involve earnest, long-con- tinued and painful cloister work, in microscopic observation of the more minute forms, Other information can only be obtained in the field, orchard, and forest. So many are the details that enter into a complete life-history, that a single one may be the accretion of the united labors of individuals extending over a series of years. The number of persons who are devoting their entire time, or any large pro- portion thereof, to economic entomology in the United States is less than a dozen—a number ludicrously small in view of the extent of our country, its varied interests, its range of agricultural products, and an amount of insect losses in large excess, as has been shown, of those occurring elsewhere, and which, for geasons already given, are increasing among our larger crops to an extent that will, ere long, com- pel the study for ‘their arrest which is so unwisely withheld. PROGRESS MADE IN ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. We do not overstate the truth, we think, in asserting that the last twenty years have been signalized by a progress in entomology, equal, at least, to that made during the preceding century. In every direc- tion it has displayed a marked advance —in the extensive collections made in every quarter of the globe; in the species described and illus- trated; the distinguished scientific ability devoted to the study; the systematic and biological collections arranged in our museums and private cabinets; the classificatory work accomplished; the valuable contributions to its general literature; the monographs, manuals, and catalogues of families and orders published through the Smith- sonian Institution ; the embryological and anatomical investigations ; and, lastly, the utilization and application of all that has been accom- prehdt in these several directions, to the promotion of the arts of ag- riculture, horticulture, and others, which minister to the eopaiuets happiness and well-being of mankind. 1, The Writings of Economic Entomologists. Economic Entomology, in this country, had its commencement in the labors of Dr. T. W. Harris, and directly, in the publication of his Report on the Insects of Massachusetts Injurious to Vegetation, in 16 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. the year 1841. Successive editions of this admirable work have been subsequently published. Of these, the last, issued in 1862, with addi- tions and copious illustrations, finds place in most of the principal libraries both here and in Europe, and its pages may ever be consulted with pleasure and with profit. It still remains the first volume which the entomologist recommends to those who desire to learn of the rela- tions which we bear to the insect world. skin asa short black stripe. Near the Tar Til. OE One head, the projecting breathing organs fly: a, eggs, natural size, 6, enlarged; c, are visible. A stripe seen along the d, the larva, natural size andenlarged ; . . : . é,,f, the puparium natural size and en- middle of its back is the alimentary larged. (After Fitch.) vessel with its contained substance. The hinder end of the body is obliquely truncated, and on its flat surface are two small elevated brown points (the spiracles or breathing tubes of this extremity of the body), and on the margin are eight small pro- jections, like teeth, of which the lower two are the larger. Slightly in ad- vance of these latter are two small processes which appear to be of service to the larva in its travels. Some prominent folds — one on the under side of each segment — are also aids in locomotion. Pupation. In about two weeks in summer, the larva has attained its growth, and is in readiness for its pupation. Ina number of recorded instances it has assumed this stage within the onion, but it usually with- draws itself into the surrounding ground. It has soon contracted in length and become of an oval form, moderately pointed at its anterior end, and somewhat flattened at the other, where projections resem- bling those of the larva may be seen. The skin has hardened and has changed to a chestnut-brown color, and in this condition resembles some of the pupal forms. It 1s not the pupa, however, but only its envelope or case protecting the true pupa, which, upon breaking open the outer covering a few days after its formation, would be found as a soft and white body showing the jointed abdomen, with the wings and legs of the future fly appressed to its surface. This case, which shelters the inclosed pupa like the cocoon of a moth, is known asa puparium.* It is shown in Fig. 47, ate in its natural size, and at f enlarged. *It is described by Westwood as “‘ of a chestnut color, having its posterior end blackish with the extremity red, and two large black spots observed in the larva; the oral tentacula are also observable at the other end, they being somewhat exserted.” (Mag. Nat. Hist., Vii, p. 428.) THE ONION-FLY: FIRST INDICATIONS OF ATTACK. 175 The pupa state ordinarily continues for about a fortnight in summer when the front end of the puparium is broken open, and the fly emerges and , escapes from the ground. The general appearance of the fly is shown in Fig. 48 (after Fitch), and in Fig. 45, ante, page 169, a more accurate view of the wing is given, in enlargement. The last brood of Jarvee pass the winter in the pupa state, and the flies emerge in early June, or about the time when the Fig. 48.— The Onion-fly, PHorsra 5 * ner és : : cerarum (Meigen), enlarged. young onions are in readiness to receive their eggs. Commencement and Progress of an Attack. The first indications of an attack by the larvee upon young onions, the method of their procedure, and the progress of the injury, are so well presented by Dr. Fitch (Eleventh Report on the Insects of the State of New York, in Zrans. N. Y. State Agricul. Soc., for 1866, p. 489) that we give it here :— “The first indication which we have that our onion bed is invaded by this enemy, we discover that two or three of the young plants are wilted down and lying on the surface of the ground, perhaps changed to a yellow color, and the plant next in the row to those prostrate ones probably has its lower or outer leaf similarly wilted and prostrate, al- though it is green and shows no wound or other indication of disease, and the other leaves of this plant are erect, and to the eye appear per- fectly healthy ; but on feeling them we find that they are soft and flaccid, not firm and substantial, like those of the unaffected plants. Thus by the feeling of the leaves we readily detect those plants which have worms in their roots. ‘‘On carefully digging up and examining the affected plant, if it is young and the roots small and cylindrical, we commonly find it completely cut asunder, as represented in Fig. 49, only the thin outer skin remaining, whereby the slightest pull upon the top draws it up out of the ground, Later in the season, when the round bulb is be- ginning to be formed, as in Fig. 50, we find a hole perforated in its side, opening into a cavity in the interior, and the earth around this perforation is wet and slimy, forming a mass of filthy mud in which those worms are lying which are not engaged Fic. 49. _Y oung onion jn feeding. And by this interior cavity the ate attacked by the onion- . : worm (after Fitch): leaves of the plant are severed from their connection ‘176 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. with the fibrous rootlets, as shown in the figure, whereby it is now these central and not the outer leaves which first turn yellow and die; and all the upper portion of the root becomes soft and putrid, while the bottom part, continuing to be nourished by the fibrous rootlets, remains sound, and the worms now crowd into this part to feed, whereby it sometimes presents a wonderful appearance, being thronged with worms wedged together side by side in a com- pact mass, all with their heads downward, eagerly consuming the last re- mains of food there is there, onion crowded and only the rounded hind yvith (coe ; ends of their bodies exposed Fitch). as The Pad aie cateee to view, these forming an even surface Fitch). similar to the cobble-stones of a street pavement, as represented in Fig. 51.” Although the onion, in all its stages and in its different varieties, is subject to attack, yet the fly occasionally selects a limited locality or even a particular onion for the deposit of its eggs, Dr. Fitch has given a remarkable instance which illustrates this selection: “An escallion, a month after it was set out, having wilted and turned yel- low, the whole of its root was found to be a soft putrid mass of a most offensive smell, everywhere thronged with these maggots of all sizes, some of them newly hatched and no larger than the eggs from which they came, others full grown, and others changed to pupe and lying in the wet dirt in contact with the root. I judged that there was up- ward of two hundred of these maggots in this one onion, which was little more than half an inch in thickness. And though there was now no sustenance remaining for their nourishment, unless they fed upon the putrid as well as upon the sound substance of the onion, every crevice above ground, around the bases of the leaves, was occu- pied with eggs to the number of about fifty, and many empty shells from which worms had recently issued. It was a mystery to me why such a multitude of worms should occur in this particular onion, and why flies continued to deposit their eggs upon it, when it was already so overstocked as to furnish no food for their young.” Insect Enemies, No parasite is known to prey upon the onion-fly. In Europe there is a small four-winged Ichneumon fly, Alysia manducator Panzer, which destroys its pupa. It has not been detected in this country, but the genus is represented by at least three determined species* of * Proc. Entomol. Soc. Phila., i, p. 211, 1862. THE ONION-FLY: ENEMIES AND PREVENTIVES. uy (pe which the habits are as yet unknown, and by several undescribed species that are to be found in our collections. It is believed that the larve of the Golden-eyed flies, of the genus Chrysopa, are of service in destroying the eggs of the onion-fly, as they are known to devour eagerly the contents of similar eggs, and their own eggs attached to their hair-like pedicel, have been frequently seen upon the lower part of onion plants convenient to the eggs of the fly. Preventives of Attack, Many methods have been recommended for use against this pest. Several of them will be given, for often it is only by trial of various methods that one may be selected which will prove efficacious in a particular locality. An application which will be entirely successful under one condition of soil may be of no service whatever where the conditions are quite different ; and the convenience for obtaining the materials to be employed may also vary greatly with the locality. Kollar, in his Treatise on Insects Injurious to Gardeners, Foresters and Farmers, recommends asa preventive strewing the onion-bed with powdered charcoal, leaving small portions without the application, where the flies may deposit their eggs, and the infested onions subse- quently taken up and destroyed by burning or deep burying. Dr. Fitch suggests that instead of sowing onion seed in rows, where the young seedlings grown in contact, give every facility for the larve to pass from one to another, that they should be grown in hills of only three or four seedlings and among other vegetables, so that when the young larve have consumed one hill, they would be unable to travel through the soil the distance required to find another, and would, therefore, die before maturing. Scattering dry, unleached ashes over the beds as soon as the plants are up, while they are wet with dew or from rain, and at intervals thereafter of a week throughout the month of June, has been found serviceable in preventing the deposit of the eggs upon the plants. Miss Ormerod, of Dunster Lodge, near Isleworth, England, who, during the past few years, has published several quite valuable Annual Reports of “ Notes and Observations on Injurious Insects,” has given in each, such methods for the prevention of the attacks of this fly as have been tested and have yielded the best results. Among them are the following :— Pulverized gas-lime scattered among the onions was found to act well in keeping off the insect. Watering with the liquid from pig-styes, collected in a tank provided for the purpose, was found to answer still better. 23 178 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Deep cultivation in autumn, with a good manuring and sowing in drills on a firm, well-trodden surface in spring, insured a good crop, free from the attack of the maggot. In a bed, one-half of which had been prepared in the above manner, and the remaining half only _ trenched but not manured, the plants in the former were uninjured, but on the latter feeble and attacked by the maggot. A correspondent of Miss Ormerod presents the following experience : ‘‘T find the best preventive in our light soil is to manure well with well-made manure, principally cow manure. We work the ground deeply and trench if need be. After lying exposed to the frost for some time, the ground is pulverized (with a steel fork) on the surface without turning up the manure, then trodden down well previous to sowing, which we do as early as possible in March, providing the ground is in good condition. We sow in lines a foot apart. After covering in the seed, we pass a heavy iron roller a few times over the ground to firm it well. We sow thinly, so that we seldom require to thin the plants. In this way we never fail to have excellent crops of onions, although the garden has been very subject to attacks from onion-fly ; and there are many gardens in the neighborhood where the fly has all its own way with the onion crops.” Another correspondent makes use of ‘‘ hen manure which had been well turned during the winter and covered with soil to retain the am- monia.” In place of the roller, the soil is well trodden with the feet and raked over. The trampling of the feet makes it quite hard, and it is considered to do good by preventing progress of the larva. An- other person recommends horse manure not over fermented for use on heavy damp soils. A writer in the Gardener’s Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette (vol. xili, 1853, p. 197) states that a simple preventive of attack of the fly, satisfactorily tested by him, is dry soot, dusted over the soil lightly once a fortnight from the time of sowing until all danger is past. Remedies for Attack. When an onion-bed has been attacked by the fly, which may readily be known by the leaves wilting and turning yellow at the tip, every onion giving indication of the attack should be taken up at once and destroyed by burning or otherwise. If this be done promptly and thoroughly it will terminate the attack. The onions should not be pulled wp, but carefully lifted by means of a broad-bladed knife, so that the entire bulb with the larve within it, may be removed. If simply drawn by hand, the stem, which often is only held in place by its thin skin, will separate from the decayed base, which, with the con- tained larvae, will be left behind and no good whatever accomplished. THE ONION-FLY: REMEDIES FOR ATTACK, ETC. 179 Water nearly at the boiling temperature poured from a tea-kettle along the rows of onions which have attained considerable size, has been found to kill the larvee without injury to the plants. It is also stated that watering with strong soap-suds, when the attack is first noticed, has entirely arrested it. Miss Ormerod believes that the most successful remedy is to be found in a proper use of paraffin oil, Care is required lest it should be used in excess, when it will injure the plants. It may probably be applied with greater safety by saturating sand with the oil to be sown among the onions, and afterward sprinkled from the rose of a water- ing pot. In one instance reported, a pint (English measure) of the oil was put in two gallons of water, and with it the onions planted in rows were watered through the nozzle of a watering-pot. In another, a good glassful of oil was mixed with about six gallons of water and thrown in a spray over the beds; two or three applications ended the attack. To test the efficacy of paraffin oil in the destruction of the larve, a number of them were placed in a flower-pot in soil with young onions. Some days thereafter three drops of the oil were in- troduced in the pot, and after twenty-four hours, upon examination, all the larvee, except two, were dead. The American Fly Compared with the European, The Anthomyia ceparum of Authors (the name by which the onion- fly has long been known) has for some time been regarded as probably identical with the Anthomyia antiqua of Meigen, having been given as a synonym of that species by two eminent European Dipterologists, Zetterstedt (Diptera Scandinavie, viii, p. 3297) and Schiner (Faun. Austr., i, p. 643). In the Catalogue of Diptera of Baron Osten Sacken (1878) the species appears as Anthomyia ceparum (Meigen, Bouché), with a reference to a note which simply mentions Schiner’s reference of itto A. antigua. The species seems not to be in the col- lections of the Cambridge Museum, for it was not among the exam- ples of the family submitted to Mr. Meade for his examination (see page 70) and it does not appear that a critical comparison of our species with the A. ceparwm and A. antiqua of Europe had ever been made. Mr. Meade, after a special study of the Anthomyiide for several years,* being at present engaged upon a Revision of the British Species,t it seemed a favorable opportunity for making the desired comparison, and, accordingly, several examples of ‘‘ A. ceparum,” bred by me from onions, were recently sent to him for the purpose. The *See a paper on the “ Arrangement of the British Anthomyiide,”’ in Hntomol. Month. Magq., xi, 187475, pp. 199, 220. + ‘Annotated List of British Anthomyiide,” Hntomol. Month, Mag., xviii, 1881-82, pp. 1, 27, 62, 101, 123, 172, 201, 221, 265; xix, 1882-83, pp. 29, 145, 213. 180 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. result of the comparison is given in the following interesting commu- nication received from him :— “The specimens of onion-fly which you sent to me are [very nearly] identical with Hylemyia antiqua Mgn. The only difference between your specimens and those that I have, named by the late Professor Rondani, is that in yours, the arista is rather less pubescent. Curiously enough, I have bred several specimens myself this summer (since the part of my paper on the genus Hylemyia was published) from onions, some of which were sent to me by Miss Ormerod, Entomologist to the Royal Agricultural Society in England, which are all exactly like yours. They must be placed with Hylemyiaantiqua, unless, on account of the shorter pubescence of the arista, they may be considered as a new species, They must, however, be removed from the genus Hylemyia (the arista not being plumose) and placed in that of Phordia (part of Chortophila according to Rondani).” As the result of further study, the species has been found to be dis- tinctly separable from H. antiqua. Its chief points of difference are stated to be in its simply pubescent antenne, its interrupted dorsal stripe upon the abdomen, and its clear wings, as opposed to the sub- plumose antennex, a continuous abdominal stripe,and the brown wings of antigua. It is represented as par excellence an onion-fly, as all the -specimens seen, had been bred from the bulbs of that vegetable. In some instances, it had been discovered feeding upon bulbs in associa- tion with Phorbia cilicrura, both species passing through their trans- formations at the same time. In the Lntomologist’s Monthly Magazine for March, 1883, Mr. Meade has carefully described the species, and, in consideration of its having for some time been confounded with H. antigua, has givenit the name of Phorbia cepetorum, n. sp. Inasmuch as the A. ceparwm of Meigen is, at the same time, given by Mr. Meade as a synonym, with doubt, of the new species,— as he also admits that it may be identical with the A, ceparum of Bouché and Meigen, which he has not identified,— and as there are other reasons which render it quite probable that it will prove to be the same, it seems proper that the specific name, so familiar to us from its long use, should still be employed for this species, and so continue, unless it can be clearly shown to pertain to another. Its New Generic Position, The genus Phorbia, to which the onion-fly has been referred as above, was proposed by Desvoidy, to include a portion of the old genus Anthomyia, which had been found to be so large as to be in- convenient and to contain greatly varying forms. The subdivisions that had been made by Desvoidy, Macquart and Rondani seem to Mr. Meade to be either too many or too artificial. In the new arrange- ment, which, in consideration of the critical study which has been given to it, will doubtless be generally received, he proposes to retain THE ONION-FLY AND THE LOCUST-EG@G ANTHOMYIAN. 181 the name of Anthomyia for a small group of the black-legged species, more highly developed than the others, having the alulets rather larger with the scales unequal in size. The remainder of the black- legged species are separated in two divisions, for the first of which Chortophila Macquart is adopted, to include those which have the abdomen more or less thickened and cylindrical; and to the second division, to include all those with black legs not belonging to either of the other two groups, Desvoidy’s name of Phordia is given. The species of this genus have the abdomen narrow and elongated, or oblong and flattened. The pale-legged species (without the limitation of Desvoidy and Macquart to those that have the body also more or less yellow) are placed in the genus Pegomyia Desy. In the above genera, all the species to be noticed at the present time are arranged. ‘The student who may desire to study this group may find them tabulated in the Hntomologists’ Monthly Magazine for July, 1882, p. 31. Phorbia cilicrura (Rondani). The locust-egg Anthomyian. Ord. DIPTERA : Fam, ANTHOMYIID&. Chortophila cilicrura RonvD. Att. Soc. Ital. Sci. Nat., ix, 1866, p. 165. Anthomyia radicum var calopteni RrLEY: Ninth Rept. Ins. Mo., 1877, pp. 92-95, f. 23 (discovery and description); Supp. Mo. Repts.,1881, p. 89 (description). Anthomyia angustifrons MEIGEN: in First Rept. U. S. Entomolog. Commis., 1878, pp. 285-289 (from 9th Mo. Rept.); in Second Rept. U. S. Ent. Commis., 1880, p. 263 (mention), Chortophila angustifrons Meig. OSTEN SAcCKEN: Cat. Dipt. N. Amer., 1878, p. 107 (citation). Chortophila angustifrons (Meig.). MEADE: in Entomol. Month. Mag., xiv, 1878, p. 252 (in Cambr. Museum); in Canad. Entomol., 1881, p. 49 (identical with A. rad. var. calopteni). Phorbia cilicrura (Rond.) MEADE: in Entomol. Month, Mag. xix, 1883, pp. 218, 216. A species belonging to the same genus with the preceding, but owing its economic importance to very different habits, may next be briefly noticed.* Discovery of its Attack upon Locust Eggs. During the summer of 1870, when the Rocky Mountain Locust was proving so exceedingly destructive in several of our Western States, and public attention had been drawn to the study of its habits and natural history, in the hope of discovering some means of controlling its excessive ravages, the interesting discovery was made, that the eggs, which had been laid in immense numbers, had been attacked by a small ‘* white worm or grub,” which was destroying a large propor- *Later observations have disclosed a larval food-plant in common, which intimately con- nects the two species. Mr. Meade has discovered P. cilicrura feeding on onions, and during the past summer, he has bred a number of the flies from onion-feeding larve. 182 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE-STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. tion of them. The following are some of the statements relating to their earliest discovery, made to Professor Riley in the summer and autumn of 1876, from correspondents in Minnesota and Kansas: Yesterday we discovered that our locust eggs were hatching out maggots. We break open the cocoons, and the eggs on exposure to the sun for a few moments crawl away a worm. In warm places along the hedges, the earth is alive with them.—S. M. P., Hiawatha, Kansas, Oct. 30, 1876. I find the parasites more plentiful to-day than before. The ground seems to be full of them, from five to twenty of the small white worms in a single cell. In every cell in which I have found any, the eggs were nearly or quite destroyed.— OC. E. L., Rockport, Minn., Oct. 16, 1876. A large proportion of the eggs have been destroyed by a small white larva. Many of the egg-cases, which ordinarily contain from twenty to thirty eggs, had no eggs in them, but were full of these worms or larvee, each one of which took the place of the egg which it had de- stroyed. — F. H.5., Lawrence, Kansas, Nov. 1, 1876. During the autumn of 1876, these larve, it was estimated, destroyed about ten percent of the locust eggs in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. They also rendered excellent service in Minnesota, Iowa, Coloradoand , Texas. That they had not been previously discovered may be owing to the fact that but little attention had been, before this time, given to the locust eggs.* Description of the Insect. The larva and the perfect insect have been popularly described by Professor Riley as follows: ‘‘This good little friend, which simul- taneously prevailed over so large an extent of country, is a small white maggot, of the same general form of the common meat maggots or “gentles,” but measur- ing, when full-grown and extended, not quite one-fourth of an inch in length. The head with some of the anterior joints of the body, tapers and is re- tractile, and the jaws 4 consist of two small “ ys Zz hooks joined to a V- Fic. 52.—Locust-egg Anthomyian parasite, PHorBra CILI— shaped, black, horny cruRA: a, the fly; 6, puparium; ¢, larva; d, head of same. : ts aes —all enlarged. © (Rites ; piece, which, as it is PUs see tlie ee en. eee *A similar attack upon locust eggs in Asia Minor, made by a parasitic Bombyliid fly — Callostoma fascipennis, Macq., which had entirely destroyed the locusts throughout an area of eighty square miles, was last year brought to the notice of the Entomological Society of London. For some of the observations made upon the parasite, see the American Natural- ist for 1882, p. 916. THE LOCUST-EGG ANTHOMYIAN : ITS DESCRIPTION. 183 retracted or extended, plays beneath the transparent skin. The hind or tail end is squarely docked off, and contains two small yellowish- brown, eye-like spots, which are the principal breathing pores. The perfect insect issues from its puparium as a small grayish two- winged fly (Fig. 52, a), about one-fourth of an inch long, the wings expanding about one-half of an inch, and in general appearance re- sembling a diminutive house-fly, except that the body is more slender and more tapering behind, and the wings relatively more ample. More carefully examined, the body is seen to be of an ash-gray color, tinged with rust-yellow, and beset with stiff, bristle-like hairs, those on the thorax stoutest, and those on the abdomen smaller, but more uni- formly distributed. The wings are faintly smoky and iridescent. There are three dusky longitudinal stripes on the thorax, most distinct an- teriorly, and another along the middle of the abdomen, most distinct in the male, which also differs from the female in the larger eyes, which meet more closely on the top of the head, and in the face being whiter. The above general description will serve for the identification of the insect when it occurs in association with locust eggs. A detailed description of the fly, by Professor Riley, for scientific use, may be found in the 9th Missouri Report and in the General Index and Supplement to the Missouri Reports (loc. cit.); also in the First Annual Report of the U. S. Entomological Commission, pp. 288-89, under the name of A. angustifrons Meigen. We refrain from quoting it here, for while it would be of service to the entomological student to collate, as opportunity offers, the descriptions of allied species which are scattered through many volumes not conveniently accessible, and although this species is known to occur in the State of New York, yet it has not shown itself in the eastern portion of the United States, in such numbers, or with such habits, as to renderit of economic import- ance. The Larva feeds also upon Vegetables. It is not at all improbable, that, in conformity with the known economy of many other insects in different localities, it may adapt its habits to the changed conditions surrounding it, and that in our State it may exist as a depredator upon the roots of some of our cruciferous plants, where it may not, as yet, have been distinguished from the similar species with which it is acting in concert. As we have recently found no less than three species, differing but slightly in specific characters, infesting the leaves of beets, in company (and two other species are known in Europe), it is probable that several of the Anthomyians may be jointly operating upon the roots of the cabbage and the radish. In- deed, Professor Riley states (9th Missouri Report, p. 95), that speci- 184 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. mens in his cabinet, bred from cabbage and radish roots, do not differ specifically from those reared from the locust-egg feeding larve. Synonymy of the Species. From its general resemblance to the Anthomyia radicum of Europe, it was at first regarded by Professor Riley as simply a variety of that form, and it was accordingly characterized by him as A. radicwm var. caloptenit. Examples having been submitted to Mr. Meade, they were by him referred to Anthomyia angustifrons of Meigen, which had been placed by Rondani in the genus Chortophila. Recently Mr. Meade in- formed me that 0. angustifrons Meig. has been found by Rondani to embrace three or four distinct species, differing in slight points of structure, and that our locust-egg feeding species seems to correspond to the one named by Rondani, as Chortophilu cilicrura.* In the recent re-arrangement of the Anthomyzida, it falls into the genus Phorbia. Aricia fusciceps Zetterstedt, is believed to be asynonym of this species. Anthomyia brassicx Bouche. The Cabbage-Fly. Ord. DIPTERA: Fam. ANTHOMYIID. Boucui: Naturgeschichte der Insecten, 1834, p. 74, pl. 5, f. 34. Krrpy-Sp.: Introduc. Entomol., 1846, p. 140 (infesting cauliflowers). Curtis: Farm Insects, 1860, p. 141, figs. 1, 2 and 3 of no. 26, p. 148. Frrcu : Eleventh Rept. Ins. N. Y., in Trans. N. Y. State Agricul. Soc. for 1866, xxvi, 1867, pp. 496-499. Riney: First Ann. Rept. Ins. Mo., 1869, p. 156 (mention); Fourth Rept. do., p. 22 (parasite); Ninth Rept. do., p. 95 (mention). SPRAGUE: in Amer. Entomol., ii, 1870, pp. 302, 370 (Aleochara parasite). Giover: MS. Notes Journ.— Entomolog. Index, 1877, p. 5 (references). OstTEN SACKEN : Cat. Dipt. N. Amer,, 1878, pp. 167, 258. BARNARD: in Amer. Entomol., iii, 1880, p. 199 (abundance of parasites). Cook : in Amer. Entomol., iii, 1880, p. 264; in Canad. Entomol., xiii, 1881, p. 190 (remedy). GARFIELD : in 16th Rept. Mich. St. Board Agricul. , 1878, p. 61 (experiments with remedies). OrmEROD: Manual Inj. Ins., [1881], p. 31, figs. 1, 2, 3 (habits, transformation and remedies). Its Operations Upon Cabbages. This is probably the most injurious species of the Anthomyvida, as its distribution is very extensive both in Europe and America, and it has shown at times such capacity for multiplication as to cause entire *This species should not be confounded with the Homalomyia cilicrura of Rondani (which is a synonym of H. floricola Meig.), for, according to Mr. Meade, Rondani very strangely gave the same specific name to two quite distinct Antbhomyians. THE CABBAGE-FLY : ITS INJURIES TO ITS FOOD-PLANTS. 185 destruction of cabbage crops. It commences its attack upon the young plants while yet in the seed-bed, and continues to infest them, in several successive broods, until they are taken up in the autumn. The > larvz operate by consuming the rootlets of young plants, and by ex- coriating the surface and eating into the rind of older ones, or even penetrating into the interior of the root. When they abound to the extent of seriously burrowing the stalk, the decay of the root frequently follows, in wet seasons, and entire fields are thus destroyed. They are usually to be found in the swellings upon the roots, and the species is one of those which Curtis notices as infesting “ anbury.” Its Injuries not Confined to Cabbages. It also attacks the turnip, mining into its interior in an irregular burrow, or occupying eroded spots upon its outer surface. “ Sometimes a small roughened spot is seen, appearing like a crack in the skin of the turnip, with its edges rough and ragged and turned outward, and on paring off the roughened spot a plump white maggot is come upon, lying in a cavity it has there made for itself. At other times a larger eroded spot occurs, which is filled with wet and slimy dirt. On re- moving this dirt, the surface is found to be rough and warty, with little grooves here and there, in each of which is a maggot.” (Fitch). Kirby and Spence (Jntroduc. Hntomol., 1846, p. 140) evidently re- fer to this species, when they mention that “one of the most delicate and admired of all table vegetables, concerning which gardeners are most apt to pride themselves, and bestow much pains to produce to perfection — the cauliflower —is often attacked by a fly, which, ovi- positing in that part of the stalk covered by the earth, the maggots, when hatched, occasion the plants to wither and die, or to produce a worthless head.” é When and Where First Described. A. brassice was described by Bouché, in 1834, as above cited. It is thought by Schiner,* that it may have been previously described by Meigen, in 1826, as A. ruficeps. If the two are hereafter shown to be identical, then the northern range of the cabbage-fly will be extended into Greenland, whence examples of A. ruficeps have been received. There is an older A. brassice, viz. that of Weidemann (Zodlog. Mag., i, p. 87), which is a different species, and has recently been referred by Mr. Meade to A. radicum Linn.+ * Schiner, Fauna Austriaca, Dipt., i, p. 644. tWith A. ruficeps Meigen, Mr. Meade is not acquainted. 24 186 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Its Resemblance to A. radicum. Dr. Fitch (loc. cit. p. 497) declares his inability to separate A. bras- ‘sice from A, radicum, the root-eating species, either by a comparison of the larve occurring in the roots of the cabbage, turnip and radish, or by descriptions given by authors of the two species. The difference in the color of the larve indicated by Curtis — that of the former be- ing yellowish-white and of the latter yellowish-olive — he regards as unreliable, as he has found them pure white when first taken from their burrows in the roots, and from exposure to the light they acquired a yellow tinge, which became deeper as they were longer exposed. Description of the Larva, Puparium and the Fly. ’ The best description of the insect given is that of Dr. Fitch, from which we quote: “The larve occur of different sizes at the same date, the largest measuring 0.30 in length. They are footless and white, composed of ten or eleven visible segments. On the throat or under- side of the pointed end the jaws appear as a bifid black internal streak: The hind end is bluntly cut off and flattened, with two elevated tawny yellowish dots or spiracles on the disk, and around the margin is a row of twelve conical fleshy points, the lower two larger and forked at their tips, the next one on each side equally long but narrower and acute pointed, and forward of these last is another transverse row of similar points. [Kollar states that the truncated anal joint is surrounded by ten fleshy points, of which the four lower are in pairs. According to Curtis, it has two brown tubercles in the center, and several short teeth on the lower margin. | The puparium is described in such general features as not to be ser- viceable for separating it from the allied species. The pupation con- tinues for abeut a fortnight when the perfect insect is given out, ‘‘which is a two-winged fly, resembling the common house-fly, but, somewhat smaller in size, measuring 0.20 in length to the end of its body, and 0.26 to the tip of the closed wings. It is of an ash-gray color, and with three black stripes on the thorax or fore body, and on the hind body a black stripe along the middle of the back, and a black band upon each of the sutures. In the male the head is silvery-white, the eyes coppery-red in the living specimen, and very large, nearly in con- tact above — having between them a black stripe, which is much broader at its commencement at the base of the antenne. The anten- ne, feelers and legs are black. On the crown of the head, the legs, and the hind body are black bristles, and on the fore body are coarser ones, arranged in rows. The hind body is of a cylindric-conic form, its under side with a black stripe in the middle and black bands on the sutures, similar to the upper side. The wings are hyaline, ciliated THE CABBAGE-FLY AND ITS ENEMIES. 187 with fine bristles along the outer or costal edge, nearly to the tip. At the apex of the first vein is a slight notch, where is a coarser bristle. “The female differs in having the eyes smaller and farther apart, and the black stripe between them is much broader, and is tinged with tawny-red in its middle, and forked at its upper end, with a small black spot between the forks. The black stripes on the fore body are obsolete, as are also the black bands on the sutures of the hind body.” Natural Enemies. According to Curtis, the cabbage-fly is not known to have any para- site destroying it in Europe. A small four-winged Ichneumon, be- longing to the Hymenoptera, known as Alysia manducator, lives in the pupz of several flies allied to Anthomytide. It undergoes its transfor- mation in a thin, yellow case, within the pupx, and emerges in the spring and summer, when it’ may frequently be seen about decaying turnip and other roots. It may, therefore, be inferred that it is a general parasite of these flies, and that the cabbage and turnip larve do not escape its vigilance. In our own country, a parasite upon A. brassice has been discovered, from which much service is expected in checking the depredations of this injurious species. It is a small beetle, belonging to the family of Staphylinide, which are sometimes known as rove-beetles. The Staphylinide.— These beetles are characterized by their nar- row, elongated and somewhat flattened bodies, which vary in size from about an inch in length to a microscopic form. Their wing- covers are very short, often extending only over a small portion of the abdomen, leaving the greater part uncovered and left free to be raised upward in running, or employed for folding and packing up the true wings under their abbreviated covers after flight. The end of the body often bears two bristly processes. The jaws (mandibles) are long and curved, and are used ina menacing and formidable manner when the insect is taken in the hand ; when at rest, or in cabinet specimens, they are usually crossed at the tips. The antenne are short, composed of short rounded or lenticular joints, which frequently increase in size toward the tips. Their food consists largely of decaying animal and vegetable matter, rendering them very useful as scavengers. Some of the species attack and destroy other living insects, and are so canni- balistic as to prey upon their own species. Others are true parasites, and find their food in the larve of ants’ nests, in the nests of wasps, in beetles, and doubtless, from recent observations, and an increased knowledge of their habits —— in many more insects than are now sus- pected. -The family is a very large one, more than five hundred North American species haying been described: Leistotrophus cingulatus 188 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. (Gray.), and Staphylinus cinnamopterus Grav., are among the species frequently met with in the State of New York. ALEOCHARA ANTHOMYI& Sprague.— The particular species which is parasitic on the larve of the cabbage-fly was discovered a few years since, in a garden near Boston. According to the account given (doc. cit.) by their discoverer, Mr. P. 8. Sprague, some cabbage-plants which had just been set out gave indication, by their wilting and discolora- tion, of insect attack. On taking them up, from ten to thirty of the cabbage-fly larvee were found upon each plant. They had destroyed all of the tender rootlets, and were following the center of the main stock to the surface of the ground. Subsequently (June 20th), twenty-six puparia were collected from the soil of the hills and put in boxes of earth, one moist and the other dry. From these, there were obtained, about the middle of July, seven examples of the parasitic beetle, which had eaten their way through rough holes in the sides of the puparia. No wound or marks could be found upon their exterior, to indicate that une attack had been made while in that stage, and the inference there- 5 fore was drawn, that the larve had been parasitized, either by the eggs of the beetle having been fastened to their bodies, or by the direct entrance of the young parasitic | larve An examination of the beetle showed it to be an unknown species, and it was accordingly described by Mr. aw Erie Sprague as Aleochara anthomyie. Fig. 53 represents the Axeocaara Insect — the hair-line beside it Sohdivae iting its natural size. poe sanedle The only knowledge that we have of the habits of this es or insect is given us by Professor W. 8. Barnard, as follows : “Clb ismow, veryabundantat: ithacay 1*y foe ee hesbecbles are often seen running from one young cabbage to another, or entering holes, but more commonly close about the stalk. Half of our young cabbages here, last year and this, have been killed by the maggots, and now, on pulling up an infested stalk, these beetles often come out, sometimes several from about one plant. To test their habits, I put a maggot in a bottle with them. When hungry, a single one alone will attack a full-sized maggot, tearing open its sides and feasting upon it. I have seen five of them like a pack of wolves cling to, and tear, a writhing maggot, killing it quickly. They are wonderfully active, and promise to be the best enemy against the fly which has ruined so many crops here.” (Amer. Hntomol., iii, 1880, p. 199.) Of the other species of Aleochara which occur with us, doubtless some will hereafter be shown to be of similar service. Nine species are recognized in this country, of which two are identical with Huropean forms, viz., A. brachypterus (Foure.), and A. nitida Grav. THE CABBAGE-FLY : PARASITIC STAPHYLINIDZ. 189 Parasitism of the Staphylinide— The above parasitic attack is of much interest in connection with our efforts to check the ravages of these root-eating larve. It would not be confined to the cabbage-fly larva, but would doubtless embrace all the allied species existing under simi- lar conditions. The Staphylinide or rove-beetles have long been known to abound in the diseased and distorted roots of the cabbage and turnip. Curtis states (op. cit., p. 138) that different species of Aleochara and Ozytelus* are frequently found in England, in decayed turnips, and that in one instance, forty or fifty of the larve of a Staphylinus had been taken from below the leaves of a single bulb, Some specimens of the same genera were discovered gnawing the roots in July, and ‘‘ two of the beetles lived three months upon maggots oc- curring in some turnips.” As it is highly probable from the above statements of Curtis and from other knowledge that we have of the habits of the Staphylinida, that a large proportion of their food consists of living larvae — the in- jury that they may at times inflict by gnawing the roots of vegetables is many times compensated by their predilection for living animal food, and particularly for tender larve.t It is, therefore, very desirable, that these serviceable predatory and scavenger beetles should not be harmed when discovered in their favorite retreats, in association with in- juries which would naturally, in the absence of a knowledge of their habits, subject them to unjust suspicion and seem to authorize their de- struction. Possible Introduction of Parasites from Europe. In the large importation of cabbages from Europe, following the widespread destruction of our crop of the past year (1881),{ among the new species of insects that will in all probability be brought over, it is to be hoped that some useful parasites upon the cabbage-fly may at the same time have been introduced, toward compensation for the losses sustained in the sending hither, about twenty-five years ago, the destructive cabbage-butterfly, Pieris rape, and at another time, Plusia brassica, if its recently asserted identity with Plusia ni Hubn. *On page 139 (1. ¢.), Oxytelus sculpturatus and O. rugosus, which infest turnips and the clubbed roots of broccoli in England, are figured. +See statement in the 8¢2 Annual Report on the Insects of Missouri, of these beetles pur- suing and devouring the “‘snake-worm”’ —a name given to an assemblage of the larvx of Sciara (a genus of small gnats), which have the strange habit of traveling in large com- panies, in which all the individuals are attached to one another, heads to tails, and the en- tire body moving together as if guided by a common impulse. {The high price of cabbages — from $15 to $30 per hundred, wholesale — has led to large importations from Germany. They are brought in crates, and some sour-krout is imported ready pickled in tierces. Turnips, celery and carrots are also to be seen among the freight of all incoming vessels.— Wew York Post, December, 1881. 190: FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. shall be established. ‘To the increasing ravages of these two species this novel importation is mainly attributable. Preventives and Remedies. Various means have been suggested for controlling the depredations of the cabbage-fly. Bouché, the original describer of it, tells us that the plants may be preserved by dipping the roots when they are trans- planted from the seed-beds, into oil or lye of ashes. Powdered tobacco, or the fine dust from tobacco factories, scattered over the plants, is said to preserve them from atiack. The use of superphosphate of lime has been advised, as a preven- tive against the deposit of the eggs. If cabbages are not grown upon the same ground for successive years, and the ground meantime thoroughly cultivated with some other crop, the insect will be materially reduced in numbers. In the experiments at the Michigan State Agricultural College, re- ferred to on p. 193, a strong decoction of tobacco was freely applied to the plants, but without appreciable benefit. When the attack of larve has reached that stage of progress that the plants unmistakably show it by wilting and the leaves turning to a faint lead-color, all such should be promptly taken up, and the hole left should be filled with strong brine or lye to destroy any of the larve which might remain in the soil, This last precaution would be unnec- essary if the plants were removed by the method recommended for onions (p. 178), but in that case, the accompanying ground should be thrown with the plants in a deep hole made for the purpose, and covered with solidly packed earth, through which the flies, if any of the buried larve should attain this stage, could not penetrate to the surface. Watering the plants with lime water has been found to be of ser- vice in killing the larve. Professor A. J. Cook has recently recommended the following method for the destruction of the larve. Bisulphide of carbon is used. “To apply it, a small hole is made in the earth near the main root of the plant, by use of a walking-stick or other rod, and about one-half a teaspoonful of the liquid poured in, when the hole is quickly filled with earth, which is pressed down by the foot. In every case the in- sects were killed, without injury to the plants.” Amer. Hntomol., iii, 1880, p. 264. While Professor Cook, as the result of the experiments of the present year, believes carbolic acid to be preferable to bisulphide of carbon for the protection of radishes (see p. 194), heis still of opinion that the lat- ter material is the most reliable in contending with the cabbage-fly, THE ROOT-FLY : BIBLIOGRAPH AND EARLY HISTORY. 191 and that its use, as above recommended, promises to be the cheapest and most desirable means that can be made practicable on all occa- sions. (Canad. Entomol., xiii, 1881, p. 190.) Anthomyia radicum Linn. The Root-fly. Ord. DIPTERA: Fam. ANTHOMYIIDZ. Linn us: “Faun. Suec., Ed. ii, 1761, p. 75, no. 1840. Syst. Nat,, xiied., ii, 1767, p. 992, no. 79.” WEIDEMANN : in Zodlogical Magazine, i, p. 87 (A. brassicae, but according to Meade is A. radicum). CurTIs : Farm Insects, 1860, p. 143, f. 26, nos. 4, 5 (brief description). F¥ircu : Eleventh Rept. Ins. N. Y., in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1866, xxvi, 1867, p. 497 (compared with A. brassicae). GLOVER: in Ann. Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1872, (1874), p. 184 (food-plants); MS. Notes Journ..—Dipt., 1874, p. 3, pl. 10, f. 9 (references, etc.). PACKARD ;: in Hayden’s Ninth Rept. G.-G. Surv. Terr., 1877, pl. 68, f. 2 (imago only). RILEY: in First Ann. Rept. U.S. Ent. Commis. for 1877, (1878), p. 288, f. 22 (im- ’ ago only). HAGEN : in Canad. Entomol., xiii, 1881, p. 48 (identified by Meade), ORMEROD : Manual Inj. Ins. [1881], p. 33, fig. 4 on p. 31 (brief notice). MEADE; in Entomol]. Month, Mag., xix, 1882, p. 32 (general features). As this European species has been referred to in the notice of the preceding species, as a closely allied and possibly an identical form, a brief notice of it will be proper here, particularly as it is known to occur in the United States,* although no injuries have as yet been traceable to it. Described and Noticed in Europe. The species was originally described by Linnzus in the year 1761, in his Fauna Suecica, ed. ii, p. 75, no. 1840, as Musca radicum, — nearly all of the flies known to this distinguished Naturalist, having been ar- ranged by him in the four genera of Tipula, Musca, Tabanus and Culex. It does not appear to have been numbered among the more destruct- ive species of Kurope. Mr. Kollar, in his well-known volume, pre- pared under the authorization of the Emperor Francis I, of Austria, and command for its speedy execution, in the examination of, and report upon, “ the most important enemies of the agriculturist,” does not include this insect while noticing the onion-fly, the cabbage-fly and the lettuce-fly (Anthomyia lactucarum Bouché). *Meade: Hnt. Month. Mag., xiv, 1878, p. 252. 192 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Curtis, in his Farm Insects, gives but a brief account of it. It is placed under the ‘‘ Insects affecting the turnip crops,” and more par- ticularly under those infesting ‘‘anbury.” Anbury is defined as a malformation or large excrescence produced below the bulb of certain vegetables, which, when they arrive at maturity, exhibit a putrid fer- mentation and emit a most offensive smell. When the anburies are divided they are hard ; but with the assistance of a lens, veins or string-like vessels may be seen dispersed through the tumor. It is be- lieved by Curtis that they are not occasioned by insects, but are sub- sequently entered and occupied by multitudes of maggots, which feed upon the putrid substance and contribute in no small degree to the more speedy dissolution of the bulbs. The cause of the disease is probably to be found in certain conditions of the soil, induced, per- haps, by the long-continued repetition of certain crops, The eggs of the root-fly are deposited in the crown of the turnip or close to the young bulb. Hatching, the larve proceed downward to the bulb, into which they enter and where they are to be found, and not in the surrounding soil, as frequently in the onion-fly. They are described by Curtis, from examples taken from turnips on July 21st, as follows: “Similar in form to those of A. brassice, but of a yellowish- ochre color. The head was armed with two black hooks, and at the extremity was a green stripe from the intestines, showing through; the rump was truncated, and furnished with two brown projecting spiracles, and the margin surrounded with small teeth, largest below. I put them, with a turnip root, into a flower pot, and the following April I found four of them in the pupa state, and buried deep in the earth; these pup were also like those of A. brassice, but of a paler color, being lurid ochreous. On the 26th of April I bred a male fly, and soon after two females. ‘The fly is similar in size and form to A. brassicae, but the male (Fig. 54) has an ochreous face, reflect- ing satiny-white ; the stripe on the fore- head is rusty ; the thorax is black, with three darker stripes; the sides are gray; scutel blackish ; abdomen slender, linear shining gray, with a broad black dorsal stripe; the incisures are black also; e | wings, balancers and legs as in A. bras- Fig. 54.—The root-fly, Anrnomy1a sic@. Female still more like that species ; fpures: Ane Cuctie. Nia ynotthe out there are three fuscous stripes on the thorax, and in certain lights a slender dark line down the back of the abdomen ; length, 2 1-2 lines.” Miss Ormerod, writing the present year of this insect, says: ‘These THE ROOT-FLY : DESCRIPTION AND NOTICES. 193 flies are not noted as causing any serious damage in this country, but may be mentioned from their great resemblance to the common cab- bage-fly.” From the similarity in appearance and habits of the two species, it would not be strange if the injuries of A. radicum were much more common than is generally supposed, and that much of the damage ascribed to A. drassice in reality pertains to the former species. Mr. Meade (loc. cit.) remarks of this species as follows: “This ex- cessively common little fly, which, as its name imports, feeds in the larva state upon the roots of plants, especially those of the cabbage tribe, is often confounded with other species. It may be recognized by its projecting epistome [the lower face]; by the unequal sized scales; by the thorax being black and marked in the male by two short, gray, narrow stripes (rather than by three wide black ones, as is usually stated) ; by the rather short, wide, somewhat pointed abdomen, with a longitudinal dorsal black mark, crossed by three transverse straight black lines, extending of an even width to the margin; and by the third and fourth longitudinal veins [see figure of venation, anée, for position of these veins] being slightly convergent at their extremities.” Briefly Noticed in this Country. The above meager account of this insect, which, from its specific name, together with its habits, so far as known, should be of consider- able economic importance, isall that can be compiled from the sources at my command. While quite unsatisfactory, it may at least serve to show our ignorance of the species, and incite to efforts for the attain- ment of a fuller knowledge of it. Dr. Packard’s notice of “ A. radicum,” contained in his Report on the Rocky Mountain Locust (9¢h Ann. Rept. of the U. S. Geolog. and Geograph. Survey of the Territories, for 1875), is that of the radish- fly, A. raphani, in acceptation of Dr. Fitch’s belief in their being the same. Of the figures given in illustration, on plate Ixiii, fig. 2, the same as Hig. 54 above, the fly alone represents A. radicwm, while a, band c, showing larva in double size, and pupa-case in natural size and enlarged, are from Curtis’ figures of A. brassice (b, to show the natural size of the puparium, is very badly copied). The same figures are introduced in the Hirst Annual Report of the U. S. Entomological Commission (p. 288, fig. 22, a, b, c) to illustrate A. radicum. Mr. Glover (doc. cit.) refers to A. radicum as injuring radishes in Europe. Dr. Fitch’s notice of the species is limited to a comparison of it with A. brassice, which has been quoted on a preceding page (p. 186). 25 194 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT*OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Remedies and Preventives, Salt and lime combined, and mixed with the soil previously to sow- ing the seed, or applying it to the surface after sowing, was attended with excellent results. A correspondent of the Gardener's Magazine, recommends “ for the protection of turnips against the attacks of the fly aud other insects, that the plants be made offensive to the parent fly, which may be done by incorporating with the soil soap-boilers’ waste, or any other substance of similar alkaline quality.” It is recommended that the plants be watered with “a mixture of one gallon of soap-suds to one gallon of gas-water, or, in lieu of the latter, two quarts of gas- tar ;-either will do, as the only use of the mixture is to create an of- fensive smell.” It will be seen that the above recommendations are similar to the means adopted by Professor Cook for averting the attack of the radish fly by the odor of carbolic acid. In experiments made by the Zoédlog.-Botan. Society of Vienna, plants were preserved from attack by manuring the ground with superphos- phate. Anthomyia raphani Harris. The Radish-fly. Ord. DIPTERA: Fam. ANTHOMYIIDE. Harris: Rept, Ins. Mass., 1841, p. 415; Treat. Ins. New. Eng., 1852, p. 494; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, p. 617 (brief description of the fly). Fircu: Eleventh Rept. Ins. N. Y., in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1866, xxvi, 1867, pp. 515-517. PACKARD: Guide Study Ins., 1869, p. 411 (mention), TRIMBLE : in Amer. Entomol., ii, 1870, p. 273 (habits in N. J.). GLovER: MS. Notes Journ.— Dipt. 1874. p. 3 (reference and habits). Coox; in Thirteenth Ann. Rept. Mich. St. Board Agricul. for 1874, (1875), p. 121 (natural history and remedies); in Canad, Ent., xiii, 1881, p. 190 (carbolic acid remedy). PacKARD: in Hayden’s Ninth Rept. G-—G. Surv. Terr., 1877, p. 762, pl. 63, £.2 of radicum from Curtis (description from Fitch). GARFIELD: in Sixteenth Ann. Rept. Mich. St. Board Agricul. for 1877, (1878), p. 61 (experiments with remedies). Ost. Sackx.: Cat. Dipt. N, Amer., 1878, p. 168 (references and localities). The most Injurious of Radish Insects. For some reasons not evident to us, the radish is not subject to the attack of as many species of insects, as are most of our vegetables and garden plants. We can recall at the present comparatively few which prey upon it. The caterpillar of the white cabbage-butterfly Pieris rape, is sometimes found feeding upon its leaves. Two of the flea- THE RADISH-FLY : OTHER RADISH INSECTS. 195 beetles, Hpitriz cucumeris (Harris), and Orchestris vittata (Fabr.), are serious depredators upon the foliage, which they eat so full of smali holes as materially to interfere with the vigor of the plant.. A small weevil has been observed by Dr. Packard, in Maine, eating holes through the sides of the seed-pods and devouring the seeds,* which he believes to be identical with the radish-seed weevil, Ceutorhynchus assimilis Payk., of Europe. The Harlequin cabbage-bug, Murgantia distrionica Hahn., injures it severely in the Southern States ; while in the western portion of the United States, another member of the order of bugs, Vysiws destructor Riley,-which resembles the chinch- bug so closely in appearance that it has been taken for it, and has re- ceived the popular name of the false chinch-bug, —sucks the juices from the leaves and causes them to wilt,+ while the Rocky Mountain locust, Caloptenus spretus, eats its leaves with great avidity. Of greater magnitude than all the above combined, are the injuries inflicted upon radishes by the larve of the radish-fly. Throughout at least the northern part of the United States, wherever they are culti- vated, these larvee may be found burrowing into the roots, and render- ing them unsightly, hard, gnarly, stringy, and unfit for the table. They traverse the root in all directions, extending often an inch or two in its interior. In many localities they abound to such an extent that no radishes can be grown without great injury from them, and often they compel the entire abandonment of its cultivation. Description of the Insect. This species was first described by Dr. Harris in his Second Re- port to the Legislature, on the Jnsects of Massachusetts, published in the year 1841. It had been named by him in his List of Insects, con- tained in the Catalogue of Animals and Plants of Massachusetts (page 80), published in 1835, together with several other species of An- thomyia,§ of which this only seems to have been subsequently described. The description is as follows : — ‘“‘Radishes, while growing, are very apt to be attacked by maggots, and rendered unfit to be eaten. These maggots are finally transformed to small, ash-colored flies, with asilvery-gray face, copper-colored eyes, and a brown spot on the forehead of the females ; they have some faint brownish lines on the thorax, and a longitudinal black line on the hind-body, crossed by narrower black lines on the edges of the rings. They vary in size, but usually measure rather more than one-fifth of * Ninth Ann. Rept. Geolog.-Geograph. Surv. Terr., 1877, p. 763. +Fifth Ann. Rept. Ins. Mo., 1873, p. 111. {Seventh Ann. Rept. Ins. Mo., 1875, p. 159. §The other MS. names are the following: Junatifrons, timida, notatifrons, calceola, ts- chiaca, goniphora, and lenis. _ 196 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT/ OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. an inch in length. They finish their transformations, and appear above the ground, toward the end of June. * % e * Tt closely resembles the root-fly (Anthomyia radicum), of Europe.” Dr. Fitch has given a more detailed description of, presumably, the same insect: “ The larva is 0.20 long, elongating itself to 0.25 when crawling. It is about three times as long as thick, appearing to be more short and broad than the larva of the onion-fly. It is white, shining, cylindrical and tapering to a point anteriorly, where the jaws appear under the skin as a short, black, movable line, its anterior end when protruded forward becoming split, and then seen to. be two sharp hooks, which are curved downward, and when the animal is crawling these hooks are pressed downward against the surface to aid locomo- tion. The body is divided by transverse lines into eleven or twelve segments, and when the head is exserted, thirteen segments can be counted. At the hind end of the back a pale, tawny, yellowish dor- sal stripe is faintly visible. The hind end is abruptly cut off, obliquely downward and slightly backward, forming a flat surface, having above its center two conspicuous spiracles or elevated dots, their surface opake and rugose, and their color sometimes tawny-yellow, sometimes black. The flattened hind end has a number of small acute teeth around its outer margin, of which the two lower ones are thicker, of a brownish color, and slightly notched or two-toothed at their tip in the large but not in the smaller young larve. Above these on each side are three teeth, distant from each other, the middle one nearer to the upper than to the lower one.” Although Dr. Fitch adopted the specific name given by Dr. Harris, yet he states that “‘it appears to be identical in every particular with the European A. radicum.” Farther on, he indicates these differences: “The worm and also the pupa differs in no respect from those of the Onion-fly, that I perceive, except that at the hind end the two larger teeth on the middle of the under side are slightly notched or two- toothed at their tips, instead of being tapered to a single point. The flies, too, are very similar, but here three faint brownish stripes are perceptible on the thorax or fore-body, and upon the hind-body in the male is a black stripe along the middle of the back, which is crossed by narrower black lines on each of the sutures.” The following is a detailed description of the flies :— ‘“The male is ash-gray and very bristly; the large compound eyes occupy most of the surface of the head and are almost in contact upon the crown. There are also three minute eyes at the base of the crown. The face is silvery-gray, almost white in some reflections of the light, with a long black streak on the forehead, which is pointed at its hind end. Below this streak are the black three-jointed antenna, the basal THE RADISH-FLY: DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY. OY, joint being small, the second large, the third largest and oval, with a two-jointed pubescent bristle on the back, the first of the joints being very minute. ‘The fore-body is oblong, whitish on the sides, with three faint interrupted dusky stripes upon the back. The hind-body is shining gray, rather small and elliptical, tapering to the apex, with a black stripe down the back, the edges of the segments and the region of the scutel being also black. The two wings are large, transparent, iridescent, laid the one upon the other in repose, the Jongitudinal veins extending to the margin, with two transverse veinlets in the disk. The poisers are pale yellowish. The six legs are black and. bristly, the feet five-jointed, ending in two little claws, and two large pale leathery lobes. “The female is of a uniform ash-gray color, excepting the silvery- white face and pale sides of the fore-body. The eyes are widely apart, with a broad black stripe between them, which is shaded into chestnut color in front. The hind-body is larger than in the male and conical toward its apex. The wings have a tinge of yellowish at their bases. _ The species measures 0.22 in length, and 0.45 in width across the ex- tended wings.” Natural History, The history of this insect does not appear to have been carefully ob- served. Dr. Harris’ only statement is that the fly emerges from the ground toward the end of June. Dr. Fitch states that the pupa state Jasts for two or three weeks. Professor Cook, of Lansing, Michigan, writes: “‘ The flies are around early. in the spring, for our earliest radishes are the ones most liable to suffer from attacks. The eggs are Jaid on the stem close to the ground. ‘These soon hatch, * * * In June they transform to pup and to imagos, and are ready to make a new deposit of eggs. Whether there are more than two broods a year, and whether they attack other plants than radishes, are, so far as I know, still open questions.” The observations of Dr. Fitch, in rela- tion to the early appearance of the fly, are somewhat at variance with the above. It was only from his earliest-sown radishes that he ob- tained any that were fit for use, but he adds, “for several years past, the first sowing has also been a total failure.” It is not improbable that with a more thorough establishment of the fly among us, its first appearance in the spring may be earlier than it was wont to be. Its Literature, Very little, beyond that above referred to and quoted, has been writ- ten of this species. We find nothing in the Reports of Mr. Glover, du- ring his long connection with the United States Agricultural Depart- 198 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT-OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. ment, either of its occurrence, distribution, or habits, beyond a simple mention of it as injurious to radishes (Report for 1872, p. 134). In his “ MS. Notes from my Journal,” a few copies of which were litho- graphed for private distribution, some references to writers are given (p. 3). Professor Riley’s Reports contain no notice of it. Dr. Packard refers the species to Anthomyia radicum, of Europe, and records its frequent occurrence in early-sown radishes in Maine, where the plants were sometimes killed by it. A Doubtful Species. While we still retain A. raphani among our list of depredators on the radish, it is uncertain whether it is distinct from the European species described by Linnezus, in 1761, as Musca radicum. The type is probably not in existence, as it is not contained in the Harris collec- tion in the Museum of the Boston Society of Natural History. There are no specimens of it among the Anthomyiide of the Museum of Com- parative Zoédlogy at Cambridge. Mr. Meade, of England, in reply to inquiries made of him, informs me that he has not seen and does not know the species. A single specimen of it, labeled by Dr. Fiteh, is in the collection of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society, but in too poor condition for satisfactory comparison.* There is, in favor of the identity of the two species, in addition to their qualified identity stated by Dr. Fitch, the fact that an example of A. radicum Linn., was found by Mr. Meade in the collections of North American Anthomytide sent to him for examination from the Cambridge Museum: the particular locality is not indicated (Canad. Entomol, xiii, p. 48, no. 52). Remedies and Preventives. At the State Agricultural College of Michigan, experiments were made with tobacco-water, superphosphate, and gas-lime, upon alternate rows of radishes, hoping that the effect might be, by means of a vile odor, to prevent the flies from laying their eggs. These applications were all failures.t| The earth was partially removed from the roots and salt thrown in and covered up, but to no purpose. Boiling water was poured upon the roots, and when the larve were not too deep in the ground, this was effectual, but was not accounted a successful *A difference is shown in the neuration, which, could it be sustained by other examples, would be of no little importance in the separation of these closely allied forms. The two longitudinal veins 3 and 4 do not converge at the margin, as in most of the allied species, and the hinder transverse. vein (9) is more conspicuously angulated at the middle than in any other of the Anthomiz before me (resembling in these features Fegomyia vicina, here- inafter described). +It does not appear from the statement, that the applications were made before the first files had come abroad for the deposit of their eggs. THE RADISH-FLY : REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES. 199 remedy. Not one-tenth of the radishes were saved (Repé. St. Board Agricul. for 1877, p. 61). It is thought that benefit has been derived from late sowing in clayey soil, as the insect has been observed to be very injurious to earlier crops and upon sandy soil. Professor Cook last year recommended the use of bisulphide of car- bon for the destruction of the larve, but he has subsequently con- cluded, in consideration of the amount of the liquid necessary for thorough execution, that the expense would be too great to warrant its use. The trial was made to lessen the expense by applying the liquid in fewer places in the beds, at some distance apart, but it did not give as good results as when similarly used for the destruction of the cab- bage Anthomyia. During the present year, he has experimented with carbolic acid, asa cheaper agent, known to be very repellant to insects, and remarkable for retaining its disagreeable odor for a long time. It was prepared by adding two quarts of soft soap to two gallons of water, to which, when heated to the boiling point, a pint of crude carbolic acid was turned in. For use, one part of this mixture was taken with fifty parts of water, and applied by sprinkling directly upon the plants. It was used in three localities in the college grounds, and it was found that a single application kept the insects at bay for about two weeks. When applied weekly, the radishes were almost entirely free from at- tack, although the flies were observed and captured in the vicinity, and some beds near by, but not protected by the carbolic liquid, were badly injured. It is recommended to sprinkle the plants as soon as they are up, and to repeat the operation every week or ten days there- after ; and the caution is appended, ‘‘if sprinkled directly upon the plants, the mixture must not be so concentrated as to injure them.” The above method gives promise of enabling us to prevent the rav- ages of the radish-fly (and of many other insects), by simple but effect- ual means. It will be very encouraging if subsequent experiments with the carbolic acid liquid in other localities and under different conditions of soil are attended with results quite as satisfactory as those above recorded. Anthomyia zex Riley. The Seed-corn Fly. (Ord. DIPTERA: Fam. ANTHOMYID#.) Anthomyia zeas RILEY: 1st Rept. Ins. Mo., 1869, pp. 154-156, figs, 86, $7, pl. 2, f. 24. zeas WALSH: in Amer, Entomol., i, 1869, p. 224, figs. 158, 159. zee PACKARD: Guide Study Ins., 1869, p. 411, f. 344 (mention). zee GLOVER: MS. Notes Jour.—Dipt., 1874, p. 3, pl. 8, f. 26; pl. 9,f. 33. zee RILEY: Gen. Ind, and Supp. Repts. Ins. Mo., 1881, p. 89. zeas Ost, SACKEN : Cat. Dipt. N. Amer., 1878, p. 168. ‘The operations of this insect were first detected in New Jersey, in Sa 200 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. the year 1868, in the month of June, by Mr. A. S. Fuller, where it was found as a small white worm eating into and excoriating the surface of seed-corn after its sprouting. In several localities in New Jersey it destroyed the seed-corn, but since that time, its injuries have not been reported, nor has it as yet been discovered in the State of New York. From the rapid increase in numbers and the great multi- plication in certain seasons, which the species of this family show, it is liable at any time to become, over a wide area, a serious check upon corn growing, and it is therefore important that our agriculturists should have such a knowledge of its appearance and habits as to en- . able them to detect its presence. No description has yet been given of the larval form which will per- mit of comparison with allied species. Fig. 55 after Riley, represents its appearance, as enlarged, with a line showing G its natural size. It is described as “a footless maggot, measuring 0.25 to 0.30 of an inch, of a = yellowish-white color, blunt at the posterior and Fig, 55.—Larvaand pu- tapering at the anterior end.” Its manner of parium of the seed—corn fly, : Be cee , ANUHOU SIA Zin feeding upon the corn is similar to that of the larvee of: the Onion-fly, and is represented in Fig. 56. When the corn is injured to thisex- tent, the young shoots die, and the kernels ¢J decay. The larve eat rapidly and soon attain their growth, when they contract into a light- brown puparium, shown at 0d, similar to the — Fre. 56.— Corn as eaten By other species of the genus, Jn from one week Hhejlanya} Cr pans Os a ee to two weeks thereafter, the fly makes its appearance. Whether there are subsequent broods of the species during the summer, and whether in the absence of seed-corn which it may feed on, it attacks some other plant, has not been ascertained. The following is a description of the fly as given by Professor Riley:— Length 0,20 inch (5 mm) ; alar expanse 0.38 inch (9.5mm). Antenne black ; style microscopically pubescent ; front, fulvous, with a distinct, rather narrow, brownish, cinereous margin ; face and orbits brownish-white ; palpi and probos- cis black; ocellar area somewhat heart-shaped ; thorax and abdomen pale yellow- brownish cinereous, with minute black points at the insertion of the bristles ; thorax with an indistinct middle stripe of brown; legs black, tinted with cinere- ous; poisers pale ochre-yellow ; scales small, the upper valve larger than the lower. This species was referred to the genus Anthomyia upon characters observed in two examples of the female sex, which would scarcely afford the material for positive generic reference. Baron Osten Sacken has, in his catalogue, placed it in the genus Anthomyia provisionally. The specific name of zeas originally given to it, has recently been modi- fied by the author into zee (see references above). THE DECEPTIVE WHEAT-FLY: DESCRIPTION. 201 Preventives. As the harm done by this insect would usually precede its detection, it is evident that the means to be employed against it should be of a nature to prevent the attack. For this purpose, soaking the corn be- fore planting in gas-tar or copperas water has been recommended, Any strong-smelling material that may be convenient for use would proba- bly prevent the deposit of the eggs. Where there is reason to appre- hend an attack, a small quantity of sand saturated with kerosene oil and sprinkled over the corn before covering, would, in all probability, not only preserve it from this insect, but might also protect it from destruction by grubs. Hylemyia deceptiva Fitch. The Deceptive Wheat- Fly. (Ord. DIPTERA: Fam. ANTHOMYIIDZ&.) FircH: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc., for 1855, xv, 1856, p. 5383: First and Second Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, p.301, pl.1, f. 3 (description). GuLoveR: MS. Notes Journ.—Dipt., 1874, p. 27, pl. 10, f. 11 (mention). OsTEN SACKEN : Cat. Dipt. N. Amer., 1878, p. 167 (citation). HAGEN : in Canad. Entomol., xiii, 1881, p. 49, no. 62 (in Mus. Comp. Zoél. coll). Our only knowledge of this An thomyian thus far, is that obtained from the notice above cited of Dr. Fitch. It was found by him in abun- dance upon the heads of wheat, in the latter part of June, and received from him its specific name, from the fact that it had been commonly but erroneously believed to be the fly that deposited the eggs within the headsof wheat which produced the little yellow larvee of the wheat-midge, Diplosis tritici. Nothing is known of its larva or of the habits of the fly, except that it was so numerous as to attract common attention to it, as it hovered over and alighted upon the heads of wheat at the time of their flowering. It is described by Dr. Fitch as being ‘a quarter of an inchin length to the tip of the wings. It is ash-gray, with black legs, antenne and feelers. Abdomen with a row of longitudinal brown-black spots form- ing an interrupted stripe along its middle. Thorax in a par- ticular reflection of the light, showing a brown stripe anteri- orly, and on each side of it a brown spot. A tawny-yellow spot upon the front, more con- Fic. 57.— The Deceptive wheat-fly, HyLemy1a gpicuous in the females, and DECEPTIVA, enlarged about four times, with a . : : hind leg still more enlarged. passing into a black stripe upon the top of the head.” It is shown enlarged in Fig. 57, after Fitch. 26 202 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Two type specimens of the species, from the Loew collection, are con- tained in the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy at Cambridge, Mass. Dr. Hagen finds these identical with examples of Hylemyia from Hudson’s Bay Territory, examined by Mr. Meade, and stated by him to resemble H. antiqua Meig. As this latter species has since been placed in the genus Phorbia R. Desy., it is probable, from the above comparison, that the deceptiva of Fitch should also be referred to that genus. Anthomyia similis Fitch. The Similar Wheat-Fly. (Ord. DIPTERA : Fam. ANTHOMYIIDZ). Hymelyia [Hylemyia] similis Frrcu: in Trans. N.Y. St. Agricul. Soc, for 1855, xv, 1856, p. 533 ; First and Second Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, p. 801 (description). Hylemyia similis GLOVER : MS. Notes Journ.—Dipt., 1874, p. 27 (mention). 2? Anthomyia similis OSTEN SACKEN : Cat, Dipt, N. Amer., 1878, p. 168 (referred with doubt to Anthomyia). This species is represented by Dr. Fitch as about equally numerous with the preceding, and as of the same habits. It is also quite similar in appearance, whence its specific name. It is described as being some- what smaller in size, measuring 0.22 inch in length, and of a paler shade of ash-gray. 'The tawny-yellow spot upon the front of the head of Hylemyia deceptiva is replaced in this species by black. The thorax is also without the brown stripe and spots seen in deceptiva. No figure is given of the species; and as it does not appear that it has been seen by Baron Osten Sacken, the reason of his transferring it from the genus in which it was placed by Dr. Fitch, doubtfully to that of Anthomyia, is not apparent. Ido not know of specimens con- tained in any of our collections. NOTICE OF SOME ANTHOMYIANS MINING BEET LEAVES. During the month of August of the past year (1881), my attention was called to an unusual condition of the beet leaves growing in a vegetable garden, in Middleburgh, N. Y. The leaves were said to be infested by some insect attack to such an extent that they could no longer be served upon the table for ‘‘ greens.” On examination, a large number of the leaves were found to be extensively mined in blotches of various sizes and in irregular forms. Most of them had been ruptured by the escape of the miner, leaving the blotch discol- ored, shriveled, and in many cases torn, apparently by the subsequent growth of the leaf. Others, smooth and unbroken, showed, in eleya- tion, the general form of an active larva feeding within. : The Larva. On removing portions of the thin covering cuticle, the larva, evi- dently belonging to the order of Diptera, or flies, were disclosed. The date of my first observation of them was July 19th. They were then of various sizes and in different stages of growth. When taken from their mines the largest were found to be about one-fourth of an inch in length, of a watery color, showing in their transparency the intestinal canal crowded with its contents. The rings of the body were illy defined ; the anterior end was produced in a orig oe point, beneath which the forked black jaws were visible ; the beet-leaf posterior end was truncate, bearing a few small warts margin- mining ally, of which the two subdorsal (spiracular) ones were the myian. Jargest. The accompanying figure of the larva is from an alcoholic specimen, which fails to show several of its characteristic features. Method of feeding.— It was interesting to observe, by holding an in- fested leaf to the light, the method of mining and the rapidity with which it was executed. The anterior end of the larva, when feeding, was extended in an acute point, from which the two black cutting organs were protruded like a pair of nippers, the motions of which were so rapid as to suggest the idea of greediness or long abstinence from food, and extreme Fane In excavating the parenchyma, the extensile anterior portion of the larva permitted the jaws to sweep a curve of an entire semicircle. Larve first observed.—The larve had first attracted attention within the leaves, as was learned upon inquiry, at about the middle of June. As soon as they were brought to my notice (on the 17th of July), and their interesting character ascertained, several of the largest, still 204 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. within the leaves, were collected and placed in glass jars, where their operations could be carried on under observation. Two days later, four of the number had undergone their transformation to the pupal state. The Puparium, The puparia (plural of puparium) average in size, from ten ex- amples measured, 0.21 of an inch long, by 0.08 inch broad. They are of a chestnut- brown color, oval as seen from above, but somewhat elevated dorsally when viewed laterally, a little narrowed at the anterior end, the extreme front of which, under a Fic. 5°.—a, Puparium of beet- Jens, is flattened, corrugated and with a leaf mining Anthomyiau; 4, empty . : puparium. mene ©P" short process (the spiracle) on each side. ‘The division into segments is barely traceable. The last segment shows from above two minute black warts (spiracles) separated by about one-third the greatest diameter of that portion. Fig. 59 @ represents a puparium, with a line beside it indicating its natural size. The Fly. The escape of the fly (imago) from the puparium is through its an- terior end, by rupturing, usually, the three anterior segments (not counting the head) horizontally along their middle, to the junction of the third and fourth segments, and perpendicularly along this line of junction, as shown in Fig. 59 6. Of the two subequal pieces thus loosened, the upper one is sometimes wholly removed, but more fre- quently they each remain attached to the main body, at a portion of their transverse (sutural) line of fracture. The flies observed.— While examining the leaves for larve, a num- ber of flies were noticed, resting upon or walking over the plants, which so much resembled the common onion-fly that they were at once suspected to be the final form of the leaf-miners. Several of them were captured, and nearly all were found to be females (the propor- tion, seven females to one male), which had doubtless been drawn to the plants for the deposit of their eggs, while the males were prob- ably feeding from the flowers of the Composite which the An- thomyids are known to frequent. Upon gently pressing the females upon the abdomen, some long white eggs were extruded, which, under a lens, showed the peculiar reticulation characteristic of P. ceparum and A. betw, of Europe, as represented in the enlarged figures given of them in various publications. Many eggs identical with these were afterward found upon the larval infested leaves, and it was evident that the four stages of the insect had been obtained. | BEET-LEAF MINERS: THEIR EGGS AND MINES. 208 The Eggs. The eggs are white, delicately reticulated, elongate-elliptical in form, 0.08 of an inch in length, and about one-third as broad (.075 mm. by .024 mm). ‘Their general appearance is shown in Fig. 60.* They are placed by the fly on the under sur- face of the leaf, with few exceptions, — sometimes singly, most frequently in twos attached by their sides, often in threes, occasionally in fours, and in a very few Fia. 60. —Eggs instances, five were seen together. Upon one leaf, du- ofan Anthomyian, . greatly enlarzed, Ting the latter part of July, when the eggs seemed most abundant, thirty-seven were counted, of which about one-third had given out their larve or had been killed. They were distributed over the entire surface of the leaf, but rather more numerously toward the margin. A leaf free from eggs could rarely be found. The Mines, When the egg hatches, the young larva enters at once into the leaf. Its burrow is at first quite narrow, scarcely exceeding the diameter of the egg-shell, but it soon enlarges, and after proceeding a short dis- tance, expands into an irregular blotch. When two or more eggs are placed side by side, the larve occupy the same burrow and the same mined cavity. Their channels usually lead toward the outer edge of the leaf and extend to the margin, where the mined portions, after their abandonment by the mature larva, become dried and present the appearance before described. Occasionally, the larve find themselves so crowded in one portion of a leaf as.to interfere with their food-sup- ply, when some of the number emerge from their circumscribed quar- ters and travel to other parts of the leaf, or to another leaf, where they quickly gnaw through the epidermis and burrow beneath it. In one instance in which the operation was watched by me, the larva (a large one) had entirely hidden itself in fifteen minutes. The Flies from Pupe. On August 7th, four of the flies emerged from pups, which had been obtained from the larve about two weeks before. On the 8th, several of the infested leaves were gathered, and portions cut from them con- taining about twenty-five of the larve nearly full-grown. These were placed in a glass jar of loose earth, and as the material was eaten, or became unfit for food, as it speedily did, fresh pieces were supplied. As *The eggs of these species are longer than those shown in the figure; the reticulations also are longer and less regular, so that while their general shape is hexagonal, others are but four-sided and of the form of a parallelogram, and others still of irregular form with four, five or six unequal sides. 206 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. the larvee matured, they left their mines and entered the earth for pupation, except in a few instances in which the puparia were formed between the leaves. On the 26th of August, ten flies were found in the jar, some of which were dead. It had not been possible to note the earliest date of their emergence, and the period of their pupation was therefore not ascertained. It will probably be found not to vary much from two weeks. Successive Broods, There are two or more broods of these flies annually, for at the date of leaving the locality where the above observations were made — September 6th,— the eggs were still numerous upon the leaves, al- though less so than in July. Their examination showed, however, that the larger number had been destroyed, perhaps by some insect puncturing them and feeding upon their contents. Of some, the en- tire flattened shell remained, while of others, portions had disappeared. It is possible that toward the close of the season, many of the eggs may be deposited without fertilization. Three Species of Flies. While rearing and collecting the above flies, I believed them to be but a single species. From the food-plant on which they occurred, and from reference to the very limited Dipteralogical literature acces- sible at the time, I thought them identical with the European species, Anthomyia bete, of Curtis.* It seemed an interesting coincidence that while the past year had developed extensive injuries to the beet-crop in England, from the attack of this species which had re- mained almost unknown since its publication in 1860,t it should at the same time first present itself to us in this country. Later, upon closer observation and critical comparison, I discovered material differences among my examples, which appeared to indicate three species. Knowing the worthlessness of determinations between the closely allied species of this family not based on special study, I *AnTHOMYIA (PeGoMyIA) BeTx. The males are only known at present; they are much smaller than the Onion-fly, being only 2 2-3 lines long, and expanding about five lines; they are of an ashy-gray color, clothed with black bristly hairs; head semi-orbicular; eyes large, brown, nearly contiguous above, with three minute ocelli on the crown; face satiny-white, with a bright chestnut-colored line down the middle, in the center of which are placed the little black drooping horns, the third joint being the largest, elliptical, and producing a naked bristle on the back; the protruding lips and palpi are also black; on the trunk are three or five indistinct longitudinal stripes ; the six-jointed abdomen islinear with a dorsal, black triangular spot at the base of four of the segments; the two wings are ample and transparent, a little tinted with tawny at the base; the nervures are pitchy ; poisers ochreous; six legs, longish, bristly and pitchy, the shanks with a tawny tinge. (Farm Insects, 1860, p. 397.) t Canadian Entomologist, xiv, 1882, p. 96. ] A BEET-LEAF MINER —PHORBIA FLOCCOSA. 207 sent the specimens to Mr. R. H. Meade, of England, for his decision. He kindly returned me answer that the examples submitted to him belong to three different species, as supposed, but that ‘‘ neither cor- responds with the Anthomyia (Chortophila) betw of Curtis (salcans Rondani), the distinctive characters of which* are to have the femora all black in the male (posterior often testaceous in the female), as well as the tarsi, tibie all testaceous or piceous in both sexes; antenne entirely black ; palpi yellow with black ends.” One of the species was found to be identical with an European one, and it may therefore have been introduced in this country from Europe as among the many species which are common to the two continents, a number, doubtless, are of European origin. The species is given below. Phorbia floccosa (Macq.) Meade. Musca floralis? of FALLEN, MEIGEN, ZETTERSTEDT, SCHINER, ef al. Chortophila floccosa MACQUART ; Hist. Nat. des Insectes — Diptéres, 1835, ii, pp. 326-7, Chortophila floccosa. MEADE: in Entomol. Month. Mag., xiv, 1878, p. 252. Chortophila floccosa. LINTNER : in Canadian Entomologist, xiv, 1882, p. 96. Phorbia floccosa MEADE: in Entomol. Month. Mag., xix, 1883, p. 214. In identifying this species, Mr. Meade states that it has been found in England by Mr. Inchbald, feeding in the larva state upon the roots ‘of cauliflowers. It was the first time that it had been brought to his notice as a leaf-miner. He also writes of it: “I see that I noticed one male specimen of this species in the collection of Anthomyitide sent to me from the Cambridge (Mass.) Museum.” In the paper here re- ferred to (Canad. Litomol., xiii, p. 49), the determination of the species is doubtfully given, thus: ‘‘74. Very similar to C. floccosa Meig., 1 male, Mass.” We infer from the above, that the examination of these additional examples has satisfied Mr. Meade of their identity with the one first seen. The specific name of this species refers to a little tuft of hairs like a flock of wool under the base of the hind femora in the male. This sex may be readily recognized by this feature, and by the additional one of ‘‘ the inner sides of the hind tibie being ciliated along the middle part of their inner surfaces with a series of short bristles of unequal length.” The original description by Macquart, above cited, kindly transcribed for me by Professor Riley, is as follows: — Length, 3 lines. Palpi and antennz black. Face and sides of occiput whitish ; frontal band black. Thorax dingy-gray with blackish lines. Abdomen cinereous *These are mainly in addition to those given by Curtis above (differing in the color of the palpi), who only describes the male. 208 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. ‘ with a black dorsal line and black sutures. Legs black; posterior thighs with rather short hairs, tufted near the base. Alute yellowish. Wings slightly brownish ; second transverse vein somewhat oblique and arched— From the North of France. As these pages are passing into the hands of the printer, a paper by Mr. Meade has been received in which the above species is noticed, and some additional facts in relation toit given. It was reared in England last summer from cabbage-plants which were represented as infested with the ‘‘ grubs of the cabbage-fly.” If the very probable identity of the species with Musca floralis is established, then, accord- ing to Zetterstedt and Schiner, it also embraces in its food-plants the radish (Raphanus sativus). Chortophila betarum n. sp. Four examples of this species — one male and three females — were among the material submitted to Mr. Meade. They were unknown to him, and believed to be undescribed. I therefore give them a name, and present the following description : Smaller than P. floccosa, and of about the size of C. betew ; the aver- age expanse of wings of five examples is 0.4 inch. The thorax and abdomen are gray, intermediate in shade to P. floccosa and C. deta. The thorax has a broad dusky mesial stripe with a narrower one on each side, We while the abdomen is with- out line or spots. In the male, the narrow front of the head is silvery-white. In Fra. 61.— Wing of a beet-leaf miner, CHoRTOPHILA the female, the epee be- BETARUM; enlarged 15 diameters. tween the eyes is broad, ex- ceeding one-third the width of the head; the frontal band is black, except a crescentiform portion just above the antenne, which is red ; the lateral borders and front beneath is whitish; the bristles of the borders are quite stout; the arista is hairy to the tip, the hairs rather long; the antenne and palpi are black. The wings are more rounded apically and less prolonged than in the associated species (form and venation shown in Fig. 61); slightly brown in color; the costal margin distinctly spined from the base to the axillary vein, with the two spines anterior to the latter point but slightly exceeding the others in length.* he legs are black ; the hind femora and tibize with strong bristles. Described from eight examples — 2 3’s and 6 ?’s. Hh *P. floccosa has these spines strong and long — the outer one the longer. 5 A BEET-LEAF MINER —PEGOMYIA VICINA. 209 This species has also been reared by Professor Comstock, at Ithaca, in a single example, which emerged from pupa after twenty days’ pupation. Pegomyia vicina n. sp. Of the examples of this form, Mr. Meade writes: ‘‘ They are males of aspecies very similar to Fallen’s Musca (Chortophila) conformis. Fal- len, however, as well as Zetterstedt, only knew the female, which has the femora all yellow as well as the basal joints of antenne, etc., as in your specimens. I have, however, this last summer, obtained both males and females of conformis, bred from the leaves of Arctiwm lappa [burdock] which they mine, and the males have the antenne quite black, and also the anterior femora, so that they differ in these respects from your species.” From its close resemblance to conformis, this species may be desig- nated as vicona. Three examples of it—all males — were among the specimens obtained by me from the mined beet-leaves. ‘The following is briefly its description :— Head with a few black bristles, front whitish, with the frontal stripe pale red- dish-brown ; antenne black, first joint yellow ; arista with very short hairs under astrong magnifier; palpi yellow, black at tip, Thorax cinereous, inclining to yellow, bristly, faintly lined, with a broad mesial and narrower lateral brownish stripes, and spotted laterally with brown. Abdomen subcylindrical, color of the thorax, with a mesial blackish spot on the anterior half of each sesment; hairs black, arranged in five transverse rows, of which those of the hinder row are long; five segments seen from above, the appendages recurved beneath. Poisers yellow. Legs moderately hairy, the femora and tibize yellowish, the tarsi black, middle femora more hairy beneath, with four long bristles near their base; the, posterior femora and tibie with numerous stout black bristles. Wings slightly tinged with brown, quite iridescent, the two longitudinal veins 3 and 4 parallel toward the margin, and diverging at it, and the hinder transverse vein (9) quite angulated. Fig. 62, represents the venation of the species Expanse of wings, 0.48 inch. Described from two males disclosed from pupe, August 7th. Fia. 62.— Wing of a beet-leaf miner, Peaomyr1a vicina, enlarged 15 diameters. re 210 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. During an absence of several days (Aug. 15-25) from Middleburgh, where these collections were made, a number of the flies emerged within the covered boxes in which the larve had pupated, and on my return they were found dead and badly injured by the mold that had attacked them and partially encased them in earth. From the material taken from the box at this time, the best portion of which was laid aside for subsequent examination, I am able to distinguish five males and three females of the above species, but from their poor condition, they can only serve the purpose of verification of the above description. This species was therefore obtained in larger number from the mined beet-leaves than either of the two others. This species also oc@irs, in similar depredations in Central New York. Beet-leaves, in Morrisville, were observed during the summer to be extensively mined, and it was thought that the insect infesting them had caused sickness in several] instances in persons who had eaten them for “greens.” Through the kindness of Professor J. H. Com- stock, in submitting to me three examples of Anthomyiide which he reared from the puparia of some of the leaf-miners sent to him, I am able to recognize this species, and as it happens to be a female, to give herewith its distinctive features :— Female P. vicina. In color paler than the male, approaching an ash shade. The frontal band of the head is whitish, equal in width to one-third the diameter of the head, with six black bristles in each lateral margin, of which the three upper ones are directed outwardly, and the three lower inwardly. The body is narrowly oval, and its hairs are shorter than of the male ; the terminal segment bears at its tip a transverse row of six long black bristles. The puparium (as per notes of Professor Comstock placed in my hands) was received, with three others, July 25,1881, and was believed to have transformed the previous day. It gave out the fly on August 16th, making a pupal period of twenty-two days. A feature in the venation of this species which distinguishes it from other of its associated species examined by me, is the great constriction of cell a (shown in Fig. 62) at the point of thickening of the vein be- low it (the 1st longitudinal). In the other example of the male in my possession, the cell beyond this point toward the base, is quite obliter- ated — the two veins being contiguous. The work of these leaf-miners was also observed by me during the present year, at Bennington, Vt., in a single garden, while it was not found in other gardens where search was made for them. Infested leaves were gathered and a few puparia obtained, but, as they did not produce the fly, the species could not be determined — these Antho- myiz puparia showing but few features of specific value. ANTHOMYIANS. THE SYRPHUS FLIES. 211 It is not improbable that many of our Anthomytide will hereafter be found operating as leaf-miners. I can recall, in former years, meet- ing with miners within the leaves of various succulent plants, of which the mines were so much like those of the above described species, that there can be but little doubt that their rearing would show them to belong to the same group —perhaps to the genus Pegomyia, embrac- ing so many of the leaf-mining Diptera of Europe. Mr. D. W. Coquil- let, of Anaheim, California, has informed me that during the past season, he had bred from mines in the leaves of a wild sunflower (Helianthus sp.?), several dipterous insects belonging apparently to the Muscide. They were probably Anthomyians. Mallota posticata (Fabr.) Wlstn. MS. (Ord. DIPTERA : Fam. SYRPHID&.) Eristalis posticatus FABR: Systema Antliatorum, 1805, p. 237, no. 21. Non &. posticata (Fabr.) of Osten Sacken; Cat. Dipt. N. Amer., 1878, p. 185 (= M. cimbiciformis (Fallen) Wistn. MS.) ; non id., Bull. Buff. Soc. Nat. Sci., iii, 1875, p. 58 (== M. cimbiciformis var. dentipes Wlstn. MS.); non id., Western Diptera, in Bull. G.-G. Surv. Terr., iii, 1877, p. 8388 (=M Suckeni Wistn.). Milesia barda Say : in Journ. Acad, Nat. Sci. Phila., vi, 1829, p. 163 (not the @ ). Eristalis coactus WIEDEMANN: Aussereurop. Zweifliig. Ins., ii, 1830, 165; Ib , p. 194, no. 62 (#. posticatus, translation from Fabr.). Imatisma posticata Macquart: Diptéres Exotiques, 1840, ii, p. 2, no. 68 ( ¢ only). Merodon balanus WALKER: List Dipt. Ins. Br. Mus., iii, 1852, p. 599. Merodon bardus PACKARD: Guide Study Ins., 1869, p. 399, fig. 319; in Amer. Nat., ii, Jan. 1869, p. 595, pl. 12, figs. 10, 10 @ (imago and puparium). Merodon bardus GLovER: MS. Notes Journ.— Dipt., 1874, p. 32, pl. viii, f. 30. Maliota barda OSTEN SACKEN: in Bull. Buff. Soc. Nat. Sci., iii, 1875, pp. 58,64 ; Cat. Dipt. N. Amer., 1878, pp. 185, 249. Mallota posticata (FABR.). WILLISTON : MS. Monograph of the Syrphida, 1883. The Family of Syrphide. The Syrphide, the name of the family to which this species belongs, are commonly known by the name of flower-flies from the habit of the perfect insects of frequenting flowers for the purpose of feeding upon the pollen* and the nectar. They fly with great rapidity, and may often be seen hovering in the bright sunshine, for a long time almost immovably, upon their rapidly vibrating invisible wings. The family *Although entomologists have expressed a doubt as to whether it was possible for in- sects possessing only a suctorial proboscis to devour such solid bodies as pollen-grains, a microscopic examination of the stomach of Diptera belonging to the order of Syrphide, showed them to contain large quantities of pollen-grains, especially of plants belonging to the order of Composite. (Science Gossip, for 1878, p. 41.) 212 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. is a very large one, containing no less than fifty-seven North American genera and three hundred and thirty-six species, as given in Osten Sacken’s catalogue.* Many of them are conspicuously marked with brown and yellow bands or spots upon their flattened bodies. While many are smooth, others, as in the genera Volucella, Hristalis, Helo- philus and Mallota are hairy, and often from their colors and hirsute- ness so strongly resemble bees that they are not infrequently mistaken for them. The larvee of many species are of eminent service in destroy- ing plant-lice (Aphides), among which the parent Syrphus deposits her egg, where the young larve, which are destitute of eyes, have only to reach out with their extensile bodies in order to find their prey. Several species of Hris¢alis and others are aquatic, living during their larval stage in the water, where they burrow in the mud, and breathe through a long respiratory tube with which they are provided, which they protrude from the water for the reception of air. Other species ( Volucella) occur in the nests of bees and wasps where they feed upon the larve and pups. Still others are found in decaying wood, in vegetable mold, in the soil about decaying bulbs, and in the filth of cess-pools. A Strange Location for the Larve. Dr. Packard, in his brief notice of this species, under the name of Mallota barda, states that “the puparium or pupa-case closely resembles that of Hristalis, in possessing a long respiratory tube, showing that the maggot undoubtedly lives in the water, and when desirous of breathing, protrudes the tube out of the water, thus drawing in air enough to fill its internal respiratory tubes (tracheze).” The long breathing-tube would seem to be a fitting provision for such a mode of life, moreover, it is almost identical in appearance with the figure given by Glover (VS. Notes of Diptera, pl. 7, f. 28), of Helo- philus tenax, now included in the genus Hristalis, which is generally regarded as aquatic. The conditions, however, under which the larvee occurred from which I bred the perfect insect, render it probable that the present species is not aquatic. They were taken from a birch tree which stood on a knoll, twenty-five to thirty rods from the nearest water. At about thirty feet from the ground a limb had been broken off, and water had been admitted, causing a decay in the heart-wood for about three feet in extent. From this decayed material the two larvee (together with others of different character which were not pre- served) were taken and sent to me, in the fine black mold in which they were buried. The tree-trunk elsewhere was perfectly sound. *Six genera and a number of new species have since been added. See ‘ Contribution to a Monograph of the North American Syrpbide,”’ by Dr. S. W, Williston, in Proc. Amer. Philosoph. Soc., 1882, xx, pp. 299-832. HABITS AND DESCRIPTION OF RAT-TAIL LARVZ. 213 The natural inference from the above statement, as communicated to me, is that the larve were found in the tree at the time when it was cut. Such a location for one of these peculiar larvee would seem so different from their usually assigned aquatic habitat, that the possi- bility is suggested that the tree may have lain upon the ground suf- ficiently long before its examination to have allowed the larve to have entered the prostrate trunk while searching for a place for pupation. But as tending to confirm a larvation of some of these species in the mold of decaying portions of standing trees, we have the following observations made at Berlin, Conn., by Mr. N. Coleman, of another species of these curious forms : — A singular place for Rat-tatled Larve.— I found several of these curious larvee in a branch of an ojd apple-tree that had just been cut down. They were below a large nest of black ants, who had honey-combed the branch for quite a distance. They were twenty-five millimeters long when crawling, not somuch when at rest, wrinkled and ridged rather remarkably, the tail a little longer than the body and tipped with a row of bristles curved backward. (Psyche, ii, 1878, p. 154.) Habits of Rat-tail Larve. These species belong to a class which Réaumur called “ vers 4 queue de rat,” and which are now commonly known as rat-tail larve, from the long tail-like appendage to their body, consisting of two tubes, one of which can be drawn into the other like a telescope, through which air may be inhaled from the surface of the water when the body is buried in the mud beneath. Réaumur found, in some examples experi- mented with, that the tail terminated in a little knob, perforated by two holes for the reception of air, and having five little tufts of hair which floated on the water. Having placed some specimens of them in a basin of water, he saw that ‘‘they kept in a perpendicular position at the bottom, and parallel to one another, the extremities of their tails being on the surface. He then increased the depth of the water by degrees, and as it got deeper, observed that the tail of each worm became longer. These tails, which at first were only two inches long, at last attained to five.” Description of the Mallota Larva, The examples received by me about the middle of January were sordid white or flesh-color, with a body of an oval form, about three- eighths of an inch in length by about one-fourth of an inch when at rest, and about twice as Jong and of a diminished diameter when in motion. From the narrower end a tail-like projection is given out, an inch in length, which is slightly tapering and transversely wrinkled for two-thirds of its length ; the remainder being a black, cylindrical, bristle-like process, which is susceptible of projection from, or contrac- 214 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. tiun within, the anterior portion. When the grubs were taken from the mold, they extended their front segments like the pushing out of an introverted glove-finger, and made a moderate degree of progress over the paper on which they were placed, by the aid of several pairs of small, low, flattened ventral tubercles, bearing on their circumference a number of closely-set, radiating spinules— these organs serving the purpose of legs. From the fact that the larve did not go into pupation until about a month after their reception, it may be presumed that during this time they fed upon the mold in which they were buried. If this be so, then it does not seem necessary to doubt that the place in which they were discovered was that in which their earlier larval stage had been passed. Pupation. Several times between February 9th and 13th, the larvae emerged from the mold, and traveled restlessly about the jar in which they were confined, as if seeking a more agreeable or suitable retreat. Finally they remained upon the surface, being no longer able to bury in the mold. On the 16th of February it was evident that their pupal change was in progress. ‘They had contracted materially in size, and become more rome behind. The front segments assumed a darker shade, - and of these the first two segments were of a blackish color. ‘The two respiratory horns on the dorsum over the second pair of leg-tubercles had become more promi- nent, and were now about one-twentieth of an inch long. The tube containing the respiratory seta was dark brown. An irregular-shaped packet of excremental matter was attached to the anal orifice. The pupation was brief —twelve days in one example (a male), and fourteen in the other (a female). The flies emerged from their pupal cases, which were left as thin shreds within the puparia, by rupturing the latter in a line above the mouth-parts and again just back of the respiratory horns, and forcing off an oval piece: in one example the horns continued attached to the puparium. The Puparium. Fig. 63 represents the puparium as seen from above, in double its natural size. The respiratory tube is clearly seen to consist of three portions, of which the Fie. 63.— Pu- : ah S . é parium of Ma. Main partis more corr ugated and granulose than shown Lora PosticaTa. jn the figure. Laterally, seven slightly projecting black spiracles may be seen with a lens—one over each leg-tubercle. Ventrally | | | MALLOTA POSTICATA: ITS DESCRIPTION. 215 between the tubercles are transverse rows of bristles, and outside of the tubercles are longitudinal rows, which evidently are of service in loco- motion. ‘The body-portion of the puparium is flattened beneath and rounded above. ‘I'he respiratory horns as figured, are somewhat fore- shortened, and are not, therefore, shown in their full length. The Fly. The flies emerged, in a warm room, on February 27th and March 1st. Fig. 64 represents the male, in twice its natural size. The wings are transparent, without spots. The body is black ; the thorax is covered with yellow hairs, which are sparsely distributed centrally; the first (basal) segment has similar hairs on its sides and base. The female differs in having the thorax, entire basal segment, and base of second entirely covered with yellow hairs, and a small brown spot* on the an- terior central portion of the wing. Wegive herewith Say’s description of it,as M.barda: Body black; hypostoma with silvery hairs and longitudinal, polished, uaked line; antenne piceous; front covered by yel- low hair ; thorax densely covered by yellow hair, black in the mid- dle; scutel piceous covered by yellow hair; wings with a large fuscous spot on the middle, obso- Fre. 64.-Mattora posticata; twice the natural size. lete in the male ; poisers piceous; tergum black, covered by black hairs ; basal seg- ment and second segment at base covered by yellow hairs; feet hairy; tarsi pice- ous ; posterior thighs of the male much thickened and with their tibie arquated. Length 3-5 of an inch. Inhab. Indiana. Dr. Packard, represents the fly as acommon species and “ frequently met with.” I have never taken it abroad. Dr. S. W. Williston, of New Haven, has found it rather common in Connecticut, in the month of June, about the blossoms of blackberry and dogwood, in company with Mf. cimbiciformis (—=M. posticata of Osten Sacken’s Catalogue), He had also received it from Canada and Kansas. Localities given for it (M. barda) by Baron Osten Sacken, are Catskill, N. Y., Massachu- setts, and the White Mountains, N. H. My specimens were determined by Mr. E. Burgess, as M. barda, by comparison with the original types of Say, preserved in the Harris collection, in the Museum of the Boston Society of Natural History. *Usten Sacken’s note, No. 226, on page 249 of the Catalogue of Diptera, in which he states that ‘‘the brown spot on the wings of the females mentioned in Say’s description does not exist in the real female of M. tarda,” might convey the impression of the entire absence of a spot. Say’s mention is that of alarge fuscous spot. The spot is small and obscure, and is not a conspicuous feature. 216 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. In its reference to M. posticata, I have accepted the conclusions reached by Dr. Williston, as a result of his recent studies of the Mal- lota species — kindly given me in advance of publication in his nearly completed Monograph of the Syrphide. Drosophila ampelophila Loew. The Pickled-fruit Fly. (Ord. DIPTERA: Fam. DROSOPHILID#.) Loew: Dipt. Amer. Sept. indig.: in Berl. Ent, Zeit., Cent. ii, 1862, no. 99, p. 101 (original description). OsTEN SACKEN : Cat. Dipt. N. Amer., 1878, p. 205 (cited, with localities). LINTNER : in Count. Gent., Ixv, 1880, p. 7 (general notice). BowLes: in Canad. Entomol., xiv, 1882, pp. 101-104, figs. 10, 11 (description, habit, ete.). WILLISTON : in Canad. Entomol., xiv, 1882, p. 138 (habits). Comstock : in Ann. Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1881-1882, (1882), pp. 198-201, pl. 15, figs. 1-8 (detailed account). Some examples of a small fly were sent to me during the month of December, with the statement that “they had been taken from a pan of decaying peaches, and on opening some of the softest, they were found filled with small white maggots. What was believed to be the same kind of maggot had been found at different times in a jar of sweet jam and in one of sour pickles, while the same flies were abundant around them,” The Fly Described. The flies were about one-eighth of an inch long, with a large rounded thorax, the head and legs of a yellowish color, and the broad wings (form and venation, shown in Fig. 65) iridescent, with shades UL. ALLL of green, purple, ete. They proved to be identical with numerous speci- © mens of Drosophila ampelophila in my collection, having the memo- randum of “bred from a jar of pickled plums, September, 1875.” Mite passer oO Riek They had been determined for me Does. ong ene ictaaged 28 atx. by Baron Osten Sacken, to whom I Te Lene: had communicated some of the ex- > amples, and he has also, as I learn from Dr. Hagen, placed specimens of the same, labeled as above and with the above memorandum, in the collection of the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy, at Cambridge. THE PICKLED-FRUIT FLY: ITS DESCRIPTION. ray ¢ As the original description of this species by Dr. Loew is published in Latin, in a work to be found in very few of our libraries,* I give herewith its translation : — “Drosophila ampelophila n.sp., 8 and 9. From pale yellow to rufescent, antenne pallid, abdomen marked with black bands, the last two segments in the male, the last one in the female, jet-black, u jet-biack apical point on the anterior metatarsus of the male, wings whoily without spots. Length of body 3-4 to 5-6 line. Length of wing 5-6 to 11-12 line. “Front pale yellow, opaque. Antenne pallid, the third article sometimes slightly fuscous. The prominent face pale yellow, with several rather stout beard-bristles on each side. The back of the thorax from pale yellow to rufes- cent, uniform in color, moderately shining. Scutellum of the thorax the same color. Pleura more pallid. Abdomen from pale yellow to rufescent, each seg- ment girt with a posterior black band which is sometimes dilated on the middle segments; the last two segments in the male jet black, the last one in the female black or dark fuscous. The feet yellowish ; the anterior metatarsus of the male has a minute jet-black tubercle on the upper side at the apex. Wings short, rather broad, from cinereous to somewhat yellow, wholly unspotted, the transverse veins not distant from each other. (Cuba ; Poey.) “ Note.— Drosophila ampelophila is very frequent in the southern regions of Europe, nor is it entirely wanting to Middle Europe; it alsoinhabits the southern parts of Africa.” The species will undoubtedly be found to have quite a general dis- tribution over the Western, as in the Eastern Continent. Mr. Bowles has found it in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Williston records it in the New England States in Massachusetts and Connecticut, in great abundance in August, September and October. It occurs in Pennsyl- vania (Bowles), and District of Columbia and Cubat (Osten-Sacken). It may be expected to be found in South America. Attracted by Fermentation. The specific name of this species signifies « lover of the vine. It may have originally been discovered on grapes,{ or a more liberal translation of its name might indicate a lover of substances undergoing a vinous fermentation. As it has already been observed within decay- ing peaches and pears, injured grapes, and pickled plums and rasp- berries, it is probable that it will hereafter be found associated with a large number of fruits, berries, and perhaps garden vegetables also, un- dergoing fermentation, either through pickling, injury or decay. Dr. Williston (Joc. cit.) writes of them: “ Perfectly sound fruit I have *Jam indebted to Professor Riley for its transcription from the volume in the Congres- sional Library at Washington. +Dr. Loew’s types, from these two localities, are in the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy at Cambridge, Mass. t+Examples of the fly have been sent to me from Rev. Samuel Lockwood, of Freehold, N. J., with the statement that the insect had infested his ripe grapes during the autumn of 1881. An account of its attack and of its life-history is promised. 28 218 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. never known to be attacked by them, but the slightest indication of fer- mentation attracts them in great numbers, and about heaps of cider refuse I have seen them in clouds.”* The Larve. I have not observed the larva of this species. Mr, Bowles (Joc. cit.) gives this account of it: ‘“* The larvee, when full grown, are nearly one- fourth of an inch long, somewhat tapering toward the head, which is small, and are sparsely covered with minute hairs, particularly on the divisions of the segments. ‘They have no feet, but can travel quite rapidly on glass, seeming to retain their hold by a glutinous condition of the skin, and moving by extending and contracting their bodies. They seem to exist with ease either in the vinegar or the air, moving through the former in search of food, and sometimes coming ont of it, and either resting or moving about on the sides of the vessel. Their bodies were quite transparent, and under the microscope, their internal organs could easily be seen. At both ends of their bodies are curious projections or tubercles, which are also seen in the pupa. The pu- parium is about three-sixteenths inch long, oval in shape, and yellow- ish-brown in color, with the tubercles at head and tail before referred tO. A jar of pickled raspberries prepared for raspberry vinegar, opened about ten days after it had been put up, was found to be swarming with hundreds of the larve, crawling on the sides of the jar and under- side of the cover, while numbers of pups, singly and in clusters, were found near the cover of the jar. ‘he pupal state lasted ten or twelve days. Other Species of Drosophila. Twenty-five North American species of Drosophila are catalogued, which have all, with the exception of three speciest common to Europe and America, been described by Dr. Loew, the distinguished Prussian Dipterist (lately deceased), and Mr. Walker of the British Museum. They have not been studied by our American entomologists, and con- sequently nothing is known of their habits. I find no reference to a single determined species by any of our writers. f Apple-infesting Drosophilas, In the American Naturalist, vol. ii, p. 641, an unknown species of *At Bennington, Vt., in August of the preseut year (1882), I saw beneath pieces of boards lying upon a large patch of decomposed cider refuse of last year, numbers of what was thought to be this species, but the examples taken were lost before compar!son could be made. +Drosophila funebris Meigen, D. graminum Fallen, and D. transversa Fallen. tSee Note upon page 221. APPLE-INFESTING DROSOPHILA FLIES. 219 Drosophila isnoticed as infesting apples, preferring the earlier varieties. The larve enter the apple usually where it has been bored by the ap- ple-worm (Carpocapsa pomonella), and sometimes through the calyx. They penetrate its interior in every direction, and if several are work- ing together, as is sometimes the case, they render it quite unfit for use. Apples that appeared perfectly sound when taken from the tree were often found to be “all alive” with them after having been kept a few weeks. The writer of the communication referred to, had fre- quently observed the pup in the bottom of barrels in a cellar in the winter, from which the flies appeared in the spring. Dr. Packard, in his Guide to the Study of Insects, p. 415, figures an unknown species of Drosophila as the ‘‘apple-fly,’ which is believed to be the above species. ‘The larvee, of which a brief notice is given by Walsh, in vol. ii of the Practical Entomologist, page 20, were probably those of a species of Drosophila. They are described as nearly one-fourth of an inch long, of the diameter of a common pin, without legs, the color of the puip of an apple, and with a black mark on the top of the head. They had injured an apple crop in the State of Vermont to the extent of about one-half its value by boring the fruit in every direction. They had also proved’similarly injurious to apples on Long Island. On page 55 of the same volume, other ‘‘apple-worms” are noticed, which had been received from Massachusetts, which may have been of the same species, although there are discrepancies between the descriptions given of the two. The above ‘‘apple-worms” should not be confounded with the larve of the apple-midge, Molobrus mah, of Dr. Fitch (First and Second Reports, page 252), which also destroy the interior of the apple, while the exterior is without blemish with the exception, usually, of the per- foration of the Carpocapsa apple-worm, through which, it has been thought, the midge larve effect their entrance. This little species, now known as Sciart mali, belongs to a family quite far removed from the Drosophilide, viz., the Mycetophilide. Strawberry Drosophila. Larvee, stated to be a species of Drosophila, have been found within strawberries.* ‘They were gathered quite late in the season, after they were no longer offered in market; and as all were infested with the larve, it is not improbable that the flies may have been attracted to them through an incipient fermentation of the juices of the later berries. The different species of Drosophila vary considerably in their habits, as we learn from European writers ; and indeed the same species seems * Field and Forest, ii, 1876, p. 102. 220 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. often to occur under apparently quite different conditions. The larve of the European D. cellaris occur in fermented liquids in cellars, as wine, cider, vinegar and beer, and also in decayed potatoes. Drosophila aceti Kol., infests decayed fruits. Its larvee occupy about eight weeks in attaining their growth, and their pupal state lasts for ten or twelve days ; the flies appear in May and June. Drosophila funebris has been reared from pupe taken from mushrooms; it is sometimes known as the vinegar fly. Another European species, the D. flava, is stated by Curtis, to mine the leaves of turnips, raising blister-like elevations on their upper surface. Flour-paste Drosophila. A species of Drosophila seems to occur occasionally in flour-paste. A gentleman wrote me as follows: “I send a package containing larvee of a fly very troublesome around my cellar and pantry. These I found in alittle paste that I had set aside for a short time. I could not ob- tain the flies, but presume that they will be produced from the larve. They are very partial to any thing in astate of fermentation, and if my pickled fruit or jam begins to sour, they find 1t before I do, and fre- quently the entire top of the fruit seems alive with the larve, although they never go deep in the jar.” The paste larvee formed puparia one-tenth of an inch long, which in a short time gave out flies having a spread of wings of one-eighth of an inch. The large thorax and small abdomen are dull yellowish in color, and under a lens showa number of long, stout hairs ; the wings are brilliantly iridescent. These flies are probably an undescribed species of Drosophila, and may be presumed to be different from those above mentioned as infesting the pickled fruit and jam: it is not im- probable that the latter were D. ampelophila. Mode of Attack upou Pickled Fruits. As our pickled fruits are usually preserved in large earthen or glass vessels which are opened from time to time for the removal of a por- tion of the contents, the escaping acetic odor which they give forth, readily attracts the Drosophila flies which are to be found in our houses during the early autumn. The minute fly effects an entrance into the jar beneath a loosely-fitting lid, and deposits its eggs upon the fruit, if accessible, or upon the side of the jar, whence the young larve instinetively, when hatched, make their way to the fruit, or find their needed sustenance in the liquid in which they are sometimes seen to swarm. Or, with a more closely-fitting lid, the eggs may be deposited upon the outer edge, beneath which the newly-hatched diminutive laryee insinuate themselves without material difficulty. PICKLED-FRUIT FLIES: PREVENTIVES. pail In a species of ?Drosophila which has recently been under my obser- vation, occurring in a jar of mustard pickles, the larve, when nearly full grown, left the liquid and passed to the side and top of the glass jar in which I had placed them, where they could be observed in feed- ing upon the condensed moisture, and in comparatively rapid move- ment over the surface. Here they transformed to puparia, from which the first fly emerged in four days. Preventives. If a cloth or paper charged with some substance, the odor of which would overcome the acetic odor, be placed underneath the lid, if prac- ticable, or if not, tied over it, and the exterior of the jar kept entirely free from acid, the contents of the jar will not be attacked. The flies would not be drawn to the jar for the deposit of their eggs. For the above purpose, tarred paper, such as is sometimes used for pre- serving merchandise from wet, would probably prove effectual. Paper steeped in strong carbolic-acid water or in soluble phenyle might be serviceable, or any strong and permanent odor might be thus used. Nore.— Since the writing of the preceding notice, an advance copy of the Report of the Entomologist of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Prof. C. V. Riley, for the year end- ing June, 1882 [issued Oct. 13, 1852], has been received through the kindness of the author. In it is contained an account, by Professor Comstock, of the early stages of Drosophila ampelophila-—the egg, larva and pupa— with references to a plate of several figures, il- lustrating structure, ete., not yetissued. Asecondspecies of the genus, Drosophila amena Loew, the larvze of which, like those of D. ampelophila, were reared from decaying apples, is also described and has been figured in its larval, pupal and perfect states, Meromyza Americana Fitch.* The Wheat-stem Maggot. (Ord. DIPTERA: Fam. OSCINIDZ.) Fircu: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1855, xv, 1856, p. 581; First and Second Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, p. 299. RILEY: in Rural New Yorker for Jan. 28, 1869, p. — ; First Rept. Ins. Mo., 1869, pp. 159-161, fig. 90, pl. 2, f. 28 (depredations, transformations, de- scription, remedies); in Amer. Entomol., iii, 1880, p. 181, f. 85 (mention). GLOVER: MS. Notes Journ.— Dipt., 1874, p. 32, pl. 9, f. 82 (not “33 ”’). Hinv: Insects Inj. to Wheat Crops, 1857, p. 104 (description from Fitch). OsTEN SACKEN : Cat. Dipt. N. Amer.,.1878, p. 207 (citation). LINTNER: in Count. Gent., xliv, 1879, p. 635; in 39th Ann. Rept. N. Y. St. Agri- euwl. Soc. for 1879, (1880), pp. 42-46. Some stalks of spring wheat, from a field in Scipioville, Cayuga county, N. Y., were submitted to my examination about the Ist of *Reprinted, with a few changes, from the 39th Report of the State Agricultural Society, of which but 800 copies were issued. 222 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. August, which were seriously affected by some insect depredator, thought by the sender to be the ‘‘ Southern joint-worm.” An examination of the specimens sent revealed the ravages of a quite formidable depredator on the wheat, and one which is broadly distributed throughout the country, although thus far it has attracted very little attention. It does not appear to be known to our agricul- turists, and has only, we believe, engaged the study of two of our en- tomological authors. Nature of the Attack. The heads were entirely destitute of kernels. Within some of the husks, the remains of the blossoms were discoverable, showing that their development had been arrested before the formation of the grain. Upon removing the investing sheath, the stem was found to be dis- colored and shrunken, and quite dry for three or four inches above the joint, and near the joint it was so eaten and shriveled as to be utterly useless for the purpose of conveying the sap. The Larval and Pupal Forms. Immediately above the joint, and surrounded by the remains of the stem, larvee were discovered, a single one in each stem (shown at ain Fig. 66), of a watery-green color, elon- gate, quite tapering toward the terminal end, and sub- cylindrical at the other, and of a length of about one- fourth of an inch (shown in enlargement at 0). In some of the stems, larve had assumed the pupal stage, not very unlike the larve in general appearance, but showing the wing-cases, a more acute form at its head, and more rounded at its anal extremity (represented at ¢). The pup were also imbedded within the remains of the stem, at about the distance of half an inch from the 4 joint. Fic. 66.— The Time of Appearance of the Fly. wheat-stem mag- a gine eae: While examining the stems the day following their re- natural size; 6, 2 larva enlarged; ception by me, on August dth, two of the mature flies were feed discovered quietly moving over my table. They had proba- bly emerged en route, and had escaped unnoticed by me from the box in which the plants had been sent. Although Dr. Fitch mentions the occurrence of this fly in wheat fields during the latter part of June, it appears that the first week in August is within its period of appari- tion in the State of New York, and, as indicated by the larve still un- changed at that time, the flies will continue to emerge throughout the month of August, and perhaps into September. THE WHEAT-STEM MAGGOT: ITS DESCRIPTION. 223 The Fly Described and Illustrated, The insect, in its perfect state, is a fly, not unlike our common house-fly (Musca domestica) in general shape, but of a more slender form, smaller, and more delicately colored, and more conspicuously marked. It belongs to the family of Oscinid@, which embraces several genera, and quite a Jarge number of American species, of which, by far the larger proportion have been described by Dr. Loew. This species was first described by Dr. Fitch, in the year 1856, in his Second Ieport on the Insects of New York, as aboye cited, under tlic name of Meromyza Americana. The description given is as follows: “Tt is 0.17 inch in length to the tips of its abdomen, and 0.20 inch to the end of the wings. It is yellowish- white, with a black spot on the top of its head, which is continued backward to the pedicel of the neck. Thorax with three broad black stripes, ap- ‘ proaching each other anteriorly but not coming in contact, the middle stripe Fig.67.-The wheat-stem fly, Meromyza prolonged aukewonly to the pedicel of Americana; enlarged to six diameters. the neck and posteriorly to the apex of the scutel. Abdomen, with three broad, blackish stripes, which are confluent posteriorly, and interrupted at each of the sutures. ‘Tips of the feet and veins of: the hyaline wings blackish. Eyes bright green. Antenne dusky on their upper side.” The fly is shown in Fig. 67, Literature of the Species, No account of the habits or transformations of the insect is given by Dr. Fitch, as they were unknown to him, the flies having merely been taken by him in sweeping with a net over growing wheat. Its trans- formations were first observed by Prof. Riley, and published by him in the Rural New Yorker as above cited. In his First Report on the Insects of Missowri, 1869, its transforma- tions are also described, the larval depredations narrated, and the lar- val, pupal, and perfect stages figured. Mr. Townend Glover in hi§ Manuscript Netes from my Journal — Diptera, mentions the species and states: ‘‘ The larvee live in the stem of wheat, and injure it by gnawing the stalk from within, and by de- vouring the substance immediately above the upper joint.” It does not appear, from the above brief mention, that it had come under the personal notice of the writer. Baron Osten Sacken has re- corded the species in the two editions of his Catalogue of theDiptera of North America, as the only known member of the genus, placing it between the well-known genera Oscinis and Chlorops. ‘Tite species is 224 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST, also noticed in Hind’s Znsects and Diseases Injurious to the Wheat Crops {of Canada], Toronto, 1857, but the description is evidently borrowed from Dr. Fitch, and there is no evidence of its having been identified among the Canadian insects. The literature of the species, so far as we can discover, is limited to the above. Its Occurrence in Missouri in 1867, Professor Riley noticed its operations about the middle of June, 1867, in all the wheat fields examined by him between St. Louis and seventy miles westward to Bluffton, on the Missouri river. From one to four per cent of the heads of wheat in these fields had turned yellow and apparently prematurely ripened, and on close inspection were found to be stunted and shorter than the rest, and with their kernels withered and shrunken, The last or ear-bearing joint could be easily drawn out of its sheath in a yellow and dried condition, with its lower end ir- regularly gnawed. The larve causing the injury were discovered very near the joint (within one-fourth of an inch). Specimens of the in- fested stalks were collected, within which the pupal state was soon as- sumed, and perfect insects emerged during the first week in July, after a pupation of from twelve to fourteen days. Its Operations not Noticed for Several Years, From the above notice to the present, we have-no positive informa- tion of its depredations, but there is every reason to believe that they have been meanwhile continued, while inexcusably attributed to other of the well-known wheat insects, as the joint-worm, Hessian fly and the wheat-midge, by those who should have made themselves ac- quainted with the very different modes of operation from which their injuries result. It is somewhat singular that investigations were not continued upon an insect of so great economic importance, and that there has not yet been given to us its complete history, commencing with the deposit of the egg. The occurrence of this insect, in Medina county, Ohio, seems to be indicated by an inquiry made by a correspondent of the Country Gen- dleman (issue of July 27, 1876), from Hinckley, O., for information of the insect which is injuring his spring wheat—a small white worm above the joint nearest the head, causing the head to die before it fills. ¢ Similar Grain-flies in Europe. In Europe several of the species of Oscinis and Chlorops, which are closely #lied to the Meromyza, are known to be injurious to wheat, rye, and barley, and one of them, the Oscinis vastator Curtis, is re- ported as having the same habit with our Jf Americana, the larva IMPERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF THE-GRAIN-FLIES. 225 living near the base of the stem and eating out the plume of wheat, barley, etc., “ thus destroying the future ear.” Oscinis frit Linn., oc- cupies the husks of the barley, injuring the crop in Sweden annually, as calculated by Linnus a century ago, to the amount of half a mil- lion of dollars. Oscinis granarius Curtis, lives in the stems of wheat, but its excessive ravages are restrained by numerous Pteromalus parasites. Oscinis pumilionis and Oscinis glabra Westw., occur ‘ in the lower part of stems of wheat, rye and barley, causing the plants to become stunted in growth.”’? Other allied species (O. teniopus Meig. and others) are said to cause a swelling in the stems of wheat and barley, known in England as the ‘‘ Gout.” Lack of Knowledge of our Grain-flies, The great need of the study of our injurious insects is shown in our almost entire ignorance of the habits and transformations of the de- structive flies which comprise the family of Oscinide. Mr. Glover, in his report for the year 1872 (page 134), writes: “It is singular that we hear no particular or decided complaints from our own farmers of any insects in the stalks of wheat, excepting the well- known joint-worm, which is a hymenopterous insect, and has four wings instead of two. We have several species of Chlorops in this country, the flies of which are extremely abundant among the plants in grain-fields, and no doubt, do attack our grain in the same manner as the European species, but as yet they have not done sufficient damage to attract the attention of the agriculturist.” Dr. Fitch, in his notice of the wheat and barley flies of the genera Chlorops and Oscinis and others (first and Second Report Nox. Ins. N. Y., pp. 297, 298, 300), records and comments upon their abun- dance: ‘I have the present season discovered these small flies in abundance, in every wheat field in my neighborhood. On sweeping with a net anywhere among growing wheat, a multitude of them will be gathered. ‘They are of several different kinds... *.-* * * One of these species [Sapromyza (Chlorops) vulgaris] was so abun- dant the latter part of June, that at almost every step in any of our wheat fields a dozen or more of them could be seen. * * * * “JT doubt not it is from the number of these and other insect depre- dators which abound upon our wheat, that we are no longer able to pro- duce such crops of this grain as were uniformly harvested formerly, when our lands were newly cleared. How is it possible for wheat to grow with any thriftiness when it is incessantly assailed by such hosts of these enemies, bleeding it at every pore ?” Of the above flies, Dr. Fitch names and describes Siphonella obesa, Chlorops vulgaris, C. antennalis, Oscinis tibialis, O. coxendizx, O. cras- 29 226 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. sifemoris, Hylemyia deceptiva, Hylemyia similis and Agromyza tritici (loc. cit., pp. 299-303),— all found upon wheat in wheat-fields, except the latter, which was reared from Jarvee crawling in immense numbers from unthrashed wheat in a barn. Of the other eight species, nothing has been published of their depredations, habits or transformations, but we shall probably not err in accepting them as serious pests which are annually levying no inconsiderable tax upon our wheat crops. One of the undetermined Chlorops observed by Dr. Fitch may be presumed to be the Chlorops proxima, of Say, the larve of which were recently discovered infesting wheat in the month of April, in Fairview, Kentucky, where they were found ‘‘ working between the blades, and seemingly trying to reach the first joint.” The identifica- tion was made, and the larva and pupa described, by Professor Com- stock (in Rept. Commis. Dept. Agricul. for the Year 1879, p. 257), who also gives, in connection therewith (p. 258), the habits of the Euro- pean species Chlorops lineata (so closely related to C. proxima as to snggest the specific name of the latter) as given by the Commission of French entomologists which was appointed by the Society of Agricul- ture to investigate its history and habits, in consideration of the ray- ages committed by it in the wheat districts, The Common Name of this and Other Insects. Now that the Meromyza Americana has been discovered in a for- midable attack upon the wheat crop in our State, and the method cf the injury disclosed, we shall doubtless soon have occasion to make frequent reference to it. For the convenience of ready reference acom- mon name is desirable, which may easily be recalled by those not versed in entomological science; and as the larva is among the largest of the wheat-infesting Oscinide, it may with propriety be called the wheat stem maggot.* The distinctive name may not be agreeable to ears polite, yet it will have the merit of defining the order of insects to which it pertains, and names in popular use should at least convey no erroneous teaching.t The “army-worm,” the ‘‘cotton-worm,” the ‘‘canker-worm,” the “joint-worm,” the “currant-worm,” and the “meal-worm,” all belong to a different animal kingdom from the worms; the ‘ grain- weevil ” is not a weevil, the latter being a beetle and the former a fly ; *An allied European species, Chlorops pumilionis, is known as the wheat-stem fly. +When these names have been long applied and have come into general use, it might not be advisable, even if practicable, to correct them, but we may be able (and the effort should certainly be made) to prevent a further extension of so objectionable a nomenclature- Some of our entomologists hold to a law of priority in common names as in scientific ones, by authority of which, when once bestowed in a proper publication, they have a valid claim for subsequent use against any others that may be proposed thereafter. : THE WHEAT-SIEM MAGGOT: PREVENTIVES. 227 and the “carpet-bug” is a beetle, and not a member of the order of bugs (Hemiptera). The name of “ maggot ” indicates the larval state of a fly, and should be allowed no farther latitude ; a grub is under- stood to be the larva of a beetle, and a caterpillar the larva of a but- terfly or moth. Preventives. In the event of an increase of the wheat-stem maggot to a serivus extent, we regret to have to state, that in all probability, very little can be done to control its ravages, and our main dependence will have to be on parasiticaid. Measures which can advantageously be em- ployed in controlling other of our wheat pests, as turning over the soil er burning the stubble, would be of no avail with this insect. Its pupation and transformation to the perfect stage take place, as pre- viously related, within the plant, and it emerges before the grain is harvested. In some of the countries of Europe, where the ravages of the Oscinide are excessive, whenever they become extremely abundant, relief is found in a resort to the culture of other crops for a few years. INJURIOUS COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS. Macrodactylus subspinosus (Fabr.) The Rose- Beetle. Ord. COLEOPTERA ; Fam. SCARABAEIDZ.) Fase: “Syst. Ent., 1775, p. 89” (Melolontha subspinesus). LOWELL : in Massachusetts Agricul, Repos.—Journ., ix, 1826, pp. 143-147. Harris: in Repts. Commis. Zodleg. Surv. | Mass.], 1838, p. 71; in Mass. Agricul. Repos.—Journ,, x, 1827, pp. 1-12; Treat. Ins. N. Eng., 1852, p. 30; in Bost. Cult., xvii, 1855, p. 283; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, p. 35, f. 16; Entome- log. Cerr., 1869, p. 71. Emmons; Nat. Hist. N. Y.—Agricul., v, 1854, p. 78, pl. 5, f, 18. FircH: in Count. Gent., 1856, p. 75; same, in The Cultivator, 3d ser., iv, pp. 270, 271 (general notice); First- Second Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, pp. 245-252, pl. 2,f.3; in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc., for 1856, p. 682 (comparison with M. barbatus}. RATHVON : in Rept. Commis. Patents for 1861, (1862), p. 602. GLOVER: in Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1868, pp. 567-8 (habits, food-plants, remedies); Id. for 1867, p. 71 (figure and mention); Id. for 1868, p. 87, f. 65 (brief history), pp. 104, 107-115 (food-plants); Id. for 1872, p. 122 (remedy); Id. for 1874, p. 125 (on grapes). WatsH : First Ann, Rept. Ins. Il]., 1868, p. 24 (preference for Clinton grape-vine), HENTZ: in Harr. Entomolog. Corr., 1869, p. 69 (rose-bug) PACKARD : Guide Study Ins., 1869, p. 454 (transformations), Wusi.-RIL. : in Amer. Entomol., i, 1869, p. 251 (on apples). BrTHUNE: in First Ann. Rept. Ins. Ontario, 1871, p. 78 (history). SAUNDERS: in Rept. Entomolog. Soc. Ontario, for 1872, (1878), pp. 10, 11, f. 1 (in- jury to grapes); in Canad. Entomol., xii, 1880, p. 196 (on cherries), RILEY: in Trans. Kans. St. Bd. Agricul. for 1872, (1878), p. 318, f.18; Fifth Ann. Rept. Ins. Mo., 1878, pp. 108-110, f. 39 (natural history, etc.). 228 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Cook: in Second Ann, Rept. Mich. St. Pomolog. Soc. for 1872, (1873), p. 667 (in- jury to grapes and history); in Thirteenth Ann. Rept. St. Bd. Agr, Mich. for 1874, (1875), p. 145, f. 41 (remedies). Crotcu : Check List Coleop. Amer., 1873, p. 59, no. 3445. LeBaron: Fourth Ann. Rept. Ins. Ill., 1874, p. 87 (mention). Horn: in Trans, Amer. Entomolog. Soc., v, 1876, p. 184 (sexual differences). Tuomas: Sixth Rept. Ins. Il. [1877], p. 103 (habits, remedies, description) ; Seventh Rept. Ins. Il1., 1878, p. 34 (description). LINTNER: in Count. Gent., Ixv, 1880, p. 407 (description, babits, transforma- tions, etc.). The appearance of this beetle, in any considerable number, is a suf- ficient cause of serious alarm to the gardener and fruit-grower. It often makes its advent suddenly, in immense numbers: it is exceed- ingly voracious, has an extensive range of food-plants, is very difficult to destroy, and is distributed overa large portion of the United States, occurring, according to Dr. Horn, especially in the Northern States, northward of aline from Virginia to Colorado. It has been known for more than a hundred years, during which time it has often forced itself upon public attention by its depredations upon fruits, field-crops, flowers, etc. Classificatory and Descriptive. The species, according to our present classification, belongs to the extensive group of Lamellicornes, or lamellicorn beetles, as they are commonly called, from their antenne terminating in a club consisting of from three to seven thin, flat, movable plates or leaves, as shown in Fig. 68, which can be unfolded and closed like a fan, at the pleasure of the insect. It isa member of the family of Scarabeidea, and of the sub-family of Melolonthide. The genus Macrodactylus sig- nifies long-footed, referring to the long joints of the tarsus as shown be- low. It comprises only American species, of which but three are known. The common May-beetle, Lachnosterna fusca, is an allied species, be- longing to the same family, Unlike that beetle, however, the rose- beetle, represented in Figure 68, is compara- tively slender and smal]. Its body is about one-third of an inch long. “It tapers be- tore and behind, and is entirely covered with very short and close ashen-yellow down ; the thorax is long and narrow, angularly widened in the middle of each side, which . suggested the name szbspinosus, or some- Fic. 68.—The Rose-bug, Macro. what spined ; the legs are slender and of a DACTYLUS suUBSPINOSUS, slightly he enlarged; enlarged attenna onthe pale red color, and the joints of the feet are a ahis : iO\e) Fe : ment; polerged: nt ea tipped with black and are very long.”* Dr. For several interesting features in which the sexes differ, see Dr. Horn’s Note: in Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., v, 1876, pp. 183-185. THE ROSE-BEETLE: ITS FOOD-PLANTS. 229 Harris also describes the larva, as follows: ‘“‘ They attain their full size in the autumn. being then nearly three-quarters of an inch long, and about an eighth of an inch in diameter. They are of a yellowish- white color, with a tinge of blue toward their hind extremity, which is thick, and obtuse or rounded ; a few short hairs are scattered on the surface of the body ; there are six short legs, namely, a pair to each of the first three rings behind the head, and the latter is covered with a horny shell of a pale rust color.” In general appearance this larva closely resembles the “ white-grub” of the May-beetle, which is a much larger form, being almost as thick at maturity as the little finger. Its Food-plants, The name of ‘‘rose-beetle ” (perhaps quite as commonly known as the “ rose-bug”) has been given it, from its appearing at about the time of the flowering of roses,in June, and from the fondness which it displays for roses of all varieties,* with one exception, it is said,— the cinnamon-rose (Rosa cinnamomea). When Professor Hentz wrote to Dr. Harris (loc. cit.), “‘ our ‘rose-bug’ is not a rose-bug, for it is never found on that flower as far as I know, which is common here [in Alabama], both in a wild and cultivated state,” it would seem that his was a distinct species, or that it had developed different tastes in the Southern States. ‘The rose-beetle is also very fond of other members of the family of osacew, as the apple, plum, and cherry. When abundant, however, it becomes almost omniverous, feeding upon oak and elm and other forest trees; upon wheat and grasses, and on vari- ous garden vegetables, as pease, beans, potato, squash, etc. On asingle leaf of young corn, only six inches high, twenty-five of the beetles have been counted, and one hundred and five on one hill. Grape-vines suffer severely from their ravages, as they attack at first the blossoms and later the leaves, which they completely destroy, leaving only the net-work ; they eat also the young grapes. The Concord vine has been said to be preferred by them to the other varieties, and the sug- gestion has been made that it might be advantageously cultivated as a lure for them and their more ready destruction.+ Entire peach crops have been cut off by them. Young apples, however, seem to attract, them in preference to other fruits, They have been observed in ap- ple orchards displaying so great eagerness to eat the fruit, that at *As showing its fondness for roses, the statement made by Mr. Lowell (doc. ctt., p. 145) may be quoted: ‘‘ Eighty-six of these spoilers were known to infest a single rose-bud, and were erushed with one grasp of the hand.” +Their preference for the Concord vine is not sustained by other observations. Professor Cook, in noticing some deplorable ravages by the insect in some vineyards in Michigan, in the vears 1871 and 1872 (2d Ann. Rept. Mich. St. Pomolog. Soc. for 1872), states that the Clinton and the Delaware vines were entirely despoiled of their foliage and the erop ruined, while the Concord and the Catawba escaped. 230 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. times, where two or three young apples were growing froma single bud, they have mounted upon the back of one another, until a cluster of excited, struggling beetles had accumulated to the size of a man’s fist. When they occur in such force, not a single apple escapes, and even the clothing of a person entering the orchard is nearly covered by them. In fields being cut for grass, it Is stated that they have arisen in such numbers as to get in the faces and cover the clothing of the mowers. They eat the ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) with such a relish that it would be most fortunate if their forces could be concentrated on this noxious weed. They also often oceur on the blossoms of the common elder (Sambucus Canadensis), and on the sumach (hus ty- phina and I. glabra). Its Ravages, The earliest notice of its ravages in this country appears to have been in Massachusetts, in 1810, where it was reported as entirely de- stroying a crop of grapes. In 1825, it was so abundant in the same State, that the State Board of Agriculture offered a premium for the best essay on the insect, which should give its natural history and point out efficient means for its destruction. The award was made to Dr. Harris, for his essay, published in the Massachusetts Agricultural Repository, as above cited. So numerous were the beetles at this time, that a large white ox-heart cherry-tree, fifty feet in height, and usually bearing from four to five bushels of cherries, was stripped of every leaf within five days after its first attack, and upon the second day not a cherry could be found on the tree which did not have upon it from two to ten of the beetles. Mr. Bethune (loc. cit.) records an attack made by the beetles upon his garden, at Oakville, Ont.: ‘‘'They came in vast numbers and de- voured every thing — nothing appeared to come amiss to them; they were especially destructive to the grape-vines.” In Kansas, in certain years, they are stated to have eaten up the fruit of whole orchards of peaches. Tn 1880 the beetle was unusually prevalent in various parts of the State of New York, and particularly in the vicinity of Albany. In Schodack, it attacked the leaves of the fruit trees first, changing to the young fruit as soon as it appeared. Cherries, apples, and pears, were speedily devoured by it. At Loudonville, it was very destructive to the leaves and blossoms of grape-vines, cherry leaves, young apples, rose bushes, various garden vegetables, and the white daisy. “ Millions of the beetles hung in clusters from the apple-trees.” A correspondent, writing from this place, represents the demonstration as a singularly local one, being almost confined to his own farm, while his neighbov’s THE ROSE-BEETLE: ITS NATURAL HISTORY. Aol grounds on either side were nearly exempt from it. At Adamsville, wherever the attack was concentrated, all the young apples were eaten up, and by beating down the clusters of ravenous beetles surrounding the fruit, into sheets, ‘‘ bushels were collected and destroyed.” Characteristics of its Appearance. Many of the invasions of this insect, throughout the United States, have been quite local, and limited to two or three counties of a State. In these instances, the distribution has not been general, but certain towns have alone suffered severely, and in some cases, a single farm, as above stated, has served as a nucleus for the attack. The sudden appearance of the beetle is an interesting fact in its history. In this latitude it usually appears about the second week in June. Mr. Lowell, in his account above cited, states that on the 1st of June, at eight o’clock in the morning, he gathered a mess of pease, and not a beetle was seen on the vines. Two hours later the vines were literally overrun with beetles of both sexes, most of which were paired. Three hours thereafter, thousands were observed on some rows of beans. These were all killed, and returning to the pease, they were as full as before. Young cherry-trees were attacked and stripped of their leaves in twelve hours. After feeding for about a month, the beetles disap- peared almost as suddenly as they came. Its Natural History. The sexual instinct is very strongly developed in this species, for whenever several of the beetles are found in company, they occur paired. They mate almost as soon as they emerge from the ground, and the males die a few days thereafter. The female, according to Fitch, when ready to deposit her eggs, enters the ground for the purpose, to a depth of from one to four inches, where she places about thirty eggs. The eggs hatch in about twenty days, and the young larve produced from them feed on such tender roots as are accessible to them. They attain maturity in the autumn. Late in autumn, they descend beyond the reach of frosts, where they remain through the winter in a torpid state, and in the spring burrow upward to near the surface, and mould an oval cell by the pressure of their body, within which, in the month of May, they transform to the pupal state. During the early part of June, the thin pupa skin is rent, and the perfect insect digs its way out of the ground. Remedies and Preventives. Hand-picking and jarring.— As with most of the beetles whose egg and larva and pupa are concealed beneath the ground, very little, if any thing, can be done to destroy this species in these stages, and it is scarcely vulnerable except in its last and perfect stage. So far as we 232 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. know, the insect enjoys an immunity from parasitic attack, and its de- struction, therefore, when in excessive numbers, is left to human agency. The most efficient means to control its depredations thus far found, is collecting by hand and killing. When they infest rose- bushes, or other low-growing plants and grape-vines, they can easily be collected in a large tin pan containing some kerosene oil. From fruit-trees, they may be brought down by sudden jars of the trunk or separate branches, upon sheets spread underneath. This may best be done in the cooler parts of the day—in the morning and evening — when they are less active. They can be killed by crushing, burning or scalding with hot water. Under this latter method, they may be util- ized to acertain extent by feeding to poultry. The injuries which have been reported to poultry fed upon them is doubtless owing to their having been eaten in their living state, and the irritation consequent on the active movements of theirstrongly spined legs. The beetles should be gathered daily during the continuance of their abundance. Dr. Lowell, previously cited, collected them every morn- ing for about a week, and from a quarter of an acre destroyed, on a moderate estimate, a hundred thousand. Plaster and Tansy applications.— Plaster thrown upon grape-vines when wet with dew is said to make the leaves unpalatable to them and drive them away. A correspondent of the Country Gentleman states that he has had good results from syringing his vines with water in which tansy has been boiled. The application of soap-suds and tobacco-water has not proved of service. Protection by netting.— Where it is desirable to preserve a few vines or plants from attack, it has been accomplished, in some instances, by inclosing them in millinet or some close netting. The above, however, are simply palliatives, and there is scarcely a doubt but that the proper method to combat this, at times one of the greatest scourges of our gardens and nurseries, is to collect and destroy them. Euphoria Inda (Linn.). The Indian Cetonia. (Ord. COLEOPTERA : Fam. SCARABAEIDZ.) Scarabeus Indus Linn : Syst. Nat., Ed. x, i, 1758, p. 352; Mus. Ulrice, 1764, p. 27; Syst. Nat., Ed. xii, ii, 1767, p. 556, no. 71. Trichius Inda FaBR: Syst. Ent., 1775, p. 40, no. 2; Sp. Ins., 1781, i, p. 48, no. 2; Mant. Ins., 1787, i, p. 25, no. 8; Syst. Eleuth., 1801, ii, p. 132, no. 6. Cetonia Inda OLtvIER: in Encyc. Method.—Hist. Nat.—Ins., v, 1789, p. 421, pl. 160, f. 13. Cetonia barbata SAY: in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., iii, 1824, p. 239. Cetonia Marylandica Frouuicn. Cetonia brunnea DEJEAN. Cetonia Inda Harris: Rept. Ins. Mass., 1841, p. 836; Treat. Ins. N. Eng., 1852, p. 35; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, p. 40, f. 17 (description and habits). THE INDIAN CETONIA: ITS BIBLIOGRAPHY, ETC. 233 Erirhipis Inda BoRMEIsTER : Handb. Entomol., iii, 1842, p. 389. Cetonia Inda. Emmons: Nat. Hist. N. Y.— Agricul, v, 1854, p. 79, pl. 12, f. 6. Euryomia (Erirhipis) Inda. GLOVER: in Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1868, p. 90, f. 84 (habits, etc.). Euryomia Inda. PacKaRD: Guide Study Ins., 1869, p. 457 (mention). Euphoria Inda GEMMINGER et HAROLD ; Catalog. Coleop., 1869. Euryomia Inda. Crorcw : Ch. List Coleop, Amer., 1878, p. 62, no. 3646. Euryomia Inda. LEBARon : Fourth Ann. Rept. Ins. I1., 1874, p. 91 (mention). Euryomia Inda, THomas: Sixth Ann. Rept. Ins. Ill. [1877], p. 108 (description, habits, ete.). Euryomia Inda. LINTNER: in Count. Gent., xlii, 1877, p. 585(Cetonia) ; in 38th Ann Rept. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1878, pp. 67-69; Separate, as Rept. Inj. Ins. for 1878, (1880), pp. 10-12 (habits, description, etc.). Euryomia Inda. RIey : in Ann, Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1878, (1879), p. 208, (attacking corn); Separate, as Rept. of Entomologist for 1878, p. 4. Euphoria Inda. AUSTIN: Supp. Ch. List Coleop. Amer., 1880, p. 26 (generic change). Euryomia Inda, SAUNDERS: in Canad. Entomol., xiii, 1881, p. 1, f. 1; in Ann. Rept. Ent. Soc. Ontario for 1881, p. 19, f. 3 (brief notice). For many of the years of the early growth of entomological science m our country, this species was known under the name by which it was first brought to popular notice in the successive editions of Dr. Harris’ valuable Report on the Insects of Massachusetts, viz., Cetonia Inda, and the common name applied to it at the time —the ‘‘ Indian Cetonia.” Although no longer retainedin the genus Cefonia,— having since held place in several genera, — and as it may still be subjected to farther change — there seems to be no good reason why the first popular name applied to it should not be continued. Alarm Excited by “a New Corn-bug.” From various sections of the State of New York and from New Eng- land, complaints were made, during the autumn of 1878, of an insect which was proving very injurious to standing corn, by burrowing be- neath the husks and feeding upon the kernels. All the accounts con- curred in the statement that it had never before been known to prey upon corn. The following notice of it is extracted from a New Haven, Conn., paper of September 7th, 1878 :— ‘«« The Corn-bug.—The corn-fields of the interior of the State are suf- fering from a brown-colored, six-legged bug, having a broad body and a small head, which starts at the tipsof the earsand works through to the butt, devouring the kernels. Meriden and Burlington report the ravages of the pest. A correspondent from the latter place says: ‘Fields of corn are ruined almost in a single day.’ A gentleman, of Woodbridge, picked twenty of the bugs off two ears of corn, August 30th. ‘The general impression among farmers is, that this pest will prove more disastrous than the potato-bug.” From examples received by me, it proved to be no new insect, but 30 234 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. one that had long been known to science, and familiar to all entomol- ogists under the old name of Cetonia Inda. Habits of Associated Species. The Cetonians, as the associated species have been called, belong to the Lamellicornes, in company with the Rose-bug and May-beetle. They are pre-eminently flower-beetles, their mouth-organs being pro- vided with a brush of hairs with which to collect the pollen of the flowers that they frequent, as those of the golden-rod (Solidago), et cet. They are diurnal in their habits, flying actively about, with a loud humming noise like that of bees, in the warm and bright sunshine. They appear abroad very early in the year, and I have captured ex- amples sporting in sunny places in the woods while large bodies of snow were to be found elsewhere. Professor Forbes, of Normal, Il., has found the species in the stomach of blue-birds (Sialia sialis L.), shot at Normal, in the month of March. The Cetonians were formerly arranged in the family of Cetoniade, but later they have been placed by Dr. LeConte in the family of Scarabeide, and in the subfamily Pleuwrostictt (from the position of the abdominal spiracles), in which they constitute the tribe Cefoniini. Description of the Indian Cetonia. Thirty-one species of this tribe are known to North America, of which the (©. Jnda, or as it has been designated since the latest authoritative subdivision of the old genus of Cetonia — Euphoria Inda, is our most common species. It is a thick-bodied insect, measuring about six- tenths of an inch in length, by nearly four-tenths broad. Its appear- ance is shown in Fig. 69. Harris describes it as having ‘a broad body, very obtuse behind, with a triangular thorax, and a little wedge- shaped piece on each side between the hinder angles of the thorax and shoulders of the wing-covers ; the latter, taken together, form an oblong square, but are somewhat notched or widely scalloped on the middle of the outer edges. The head and thorax are dark cop- per-brown or almost black, and thickly covered with short, greenish-yellow hairs; the wing- cases are light yellowish-brown, but change- ar ee oar Ceton’ able with pearly and metallic tints, and spat- size; a, 6, c, enlargements of tered with numerous, irregular, black spots ; esonlee. ae leg, and pos- +14 underside of the body, which is very hairy, is of a black color, with the edges of the wings and the legs dull red.” * American Entomologist, iii, 1880, p. 216. THE INDIAN CETONIA: ITS INJURIES TO CORN. 239d: Surprise at its Appearance as a Corn Depredator. That one of our flower-beetles should present itself to our notice as a corn-pest has excited no little surprise among entomologists. Its habit of frequenting sap-trees in the spring to partake of the sap has long been known, and it is charged with the crime of occasionally burrowing into ripe peaches to feed upon the sweet and luscious pulp.* An entomological correspondent of the New Haven paper from which we have quoted above, Mr. H. F. Bassett, questions the statements made that this insect is the author of the injuries credited to it, and says: “It would be just like it to prowl around and in ears of corn that some bird‘or beast had meddled with, but to strip the husks off and gnaw the cobs would be quite beyond the power of any flower-eating beetle known to me, their mouth not being fitted for hard or difficult work.” Earlier Notices of its Injuries to Corn. The above-mentioned writer also states that he had looked over a large portion of our economic entomological literature, consisting of the New York reports of Dr. Fitch and the Missouri reports of Riley, the reports of the Canadian Entomological Society, and the volumes of the American Entomologist, without finding any reference to this species as particularly destructive to any thing but sweet, juicy fruits. Upon further search of our writers, I find that he had overlooked a statement made by Dr. LeBaron, formerly State Entomologist of Illi- nois, in his Fourth Annual Report (1874), where in a brief reference to H. Inda, he has written of it: “It is sometimes troublesome by burrowing into ripe fruit, and also by feeding upon sweet corn in the milk.” Dr. Harris states that about the middle of September, it may de found in great numbers on corn-stalks, feeding upon the sweet sap; and Mr. Glover has seen it in the South, feeding on the exuding sap of cotton-bolls. Its Attack Probably Foliows Previous Injury. The idea advanced by Mr. Bassett, above quoted, that this insect is not alone answerable for the injury to the corn, finds support in a com- munication to the Cowntry Gentleman of January 16, 1879, from a correspondent at Flushing, New York, which at the same time adds another count to the formidable bill of indictment against that notori- ous avian pest—the English sparrow! The correspondent writes: **T had fifty or sixty hills of corn planted in my garden, which came up and thrived wonderfully, and we found it deliciously sweet; so did the English sparrows. For a considerable time we found, after it was *Dr. Harris states that he has taken a dozen of them from asingle peach, into which they had burrowed so that nothing but the naked tip of their hind-body could be seen; and not @ ripe peach remained unbitten by them on the tree. 236 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. fully ripe, many ears were eaten for five or six inches from the top, ard upon examining the places closely, I found one or two bugs in each one about the size of the Colorado-bug, with a mottled back something like in color to a tortoise shell, with considerable hair on the underside and legs, which I picked off and destroyed. This I fol- lowed up for three or four days, but one morning, going to the corn earlier than usual, I saw on one ear seven of the sparrows making a new opening where there was none before. Of course, here was the solution. After I had put a coat, pantaloons and hat on some sticks nailed together and stood it up in the middle of the corn, I had no more trouble with them. I supposed that the bugs did the mischief, but they had only entered where the birds had made an opening.” It is quite probable that the season (summer of 1878) was one in which the species occurred in unusual abundance, and its ordinary food not being met with in sufficient quantity to supply the wants of such a host, it was led to resort to the juices of the tender corn, as an exceptional article of food.* The excitement created by the advent of the new corn insect in several localities from which examples were received, was allayed by the assurance which we were able to give, that its large numbers at this time would not probably be followed by an increased or even an equal number the next year, it being well known to entomologists, that a year noted for the abundance of some particu- lar species of insect may be followed by many when the same insect will be rarely met with. Time of its Appearance, Dr. Harris’ statement that this insect has its second brood about the middle of September, in Massachusetts, may need some modification. Examples of this brood were found as early as the middle of August, near Bridgeport, Conn. Mr. Bassett records its having been seen by him feeding on the sap which flows from certain woody galls on oak trees. The intense bitterness or acidity of most galls would seem to be very unlike the sweets for which it manifests so great partiality. Mr. Bland, in a communication to the Entomological Society of Philadelphia (Proc. #. S. Ph., i, 1864, p. 42), reports finding the species on the 25th of August, in Camden county, N. J., abundant on Vernonia Noveboracensts. . Another species of this genus, the Huphoria melancholica Gory, of which a figure is given in the American Entomologist, vol. ii, p. 61, *Its abundance at this time is recorded by the Entomologist of the Department of Agri- culture, in his résumé of the correspondence of the Department for the year 1878, as fol- lows: ‘‘One of the commonest flower-beetles (Zuryomia inda) has been received from several correspondents as attacking green corn —a habit which the species was not before known to possess, and which has, beyond much doubt, been recently acquired.” THE INDIAN CETONIA: SUSPECTED INJURIES, Denis fig. 39, is frequently found in I]linois, boring into apples, and is repre- sented as fond of eating into the flowers and fruits of a variety of plants. Other Injuries by the Insect, Professor H. Osborn, of the State Agricultural College of Iowa, in his Entomological Report for 1879, made to the State Horticultural Society (pp. 85-107), records a habit reported to him as recently ob- served in this beetle, which has not been previously recorded, and which will require verification before it can be accepted. The beetle had been sent to him, with the statement that it had done much damage to apple-trees by gnawing off the bark, and that one tree had been entirely ruined. The portion of the branch which accompanied the beetle was so badly damaged as to resemble the girdling done by rabbits and mice. As we cannot accept the tearing open of the husks of the corn to reach the tender kernels, by this flower-beetle, for like reasons it seems far more probable, that the above injuries to the apple-trees had been committed by some other depredator, and that the beetle found upon the wounds had merely been drawn thither to feed upon the oozing sap. From the known habits of allied Cetonians, this species is, in all probability, injurious in its grub or larval state to the roots of many of our cultivated plants, but as its history has not as yet been worked out, we remain ignorant of the nature and extent of its injuries. 248 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. The Cocoon. The singular net-work cocoon constructed by the larva for its trans, formations, resembling some of those made by the pepe of moths, is shown in Fig. 74 at a, and at ) in enlargement, | nearly double its nee size. ‘These peculiar open- work cocoons are made, it is believed, by all the species of the genus. ‘They are composed of loose threads per- mitting the larvaor pupa to beseen through the meshes, and, according to Westwood, they are attached to the underside of various leaves.* Professor Popene, in his List of Kansas Coleoptera,t gives this account of the co- coon of an allied species, Phytonomus eximius Lec., which is found on leaves of Rumex Brittannica: ‘* The pupal stage is passed in a cocoon spun by the larva, on the leaf-surface, usually next to a rib. The cocoon is page Copan formed of yellow-brown threads, loosely interwoven, so eee eat) qeees that the fabric resembles net-work. It is broad oval in Yy*{@ctnatural size, andat 0, en- outline, The pupa within is very nervous, and twists larged toshow its Bs reticulated struc- around rapidly when the leaf is touched.” Phytonomus tare, (After Ri- comptus (Say) spins a similar cocoon. Be These net-work cocoons are not confined to the genus Phytonomus, for they are known to be made by Curculio pimpinelle, of Europe, and also by Cionus scrophularie (Linn.), according to Westwood, occur- ring in both Europe and America. Not Previously Known as a Clover-insect, In Europe, where the gene is more numerously represented than in this country, two species, viz.: P. nigrirostris (Fabr. )»§ and P. meles var. trifolii, are recorded by Sune authors as preying upon clover, but no mention is made of P. punctatus as attacking that plant. Dr. Hagen, as the result of an extended examination, informs me that he finds it not mentioned by any writer as injurious, nor any thing re- corded of its history or food-plant, and that certainly up to 1871 the larva was unknown. In a list of known larvee of Coleoptera published by Mr. Rupertsberger, in 1879, among fifteen species of Hypera, un- der which genus Phytonomus punctatus was formerly arranged, the *Mr. J. A. Osborne has found the cocoons of P. (Hypera) rumicis as often on the upper as on the lower side of the leaf ( Hntomologist’s Magazine, 1879, xvi, p. 16). + Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, v, 1877, pp. 21-40. t+Westwood: Jntroduc. Mod. Classif. Insects, i, 1839, p. 348. Mr. Osborne, however, states (Joc. cit. p. 18), that all the cocoons of C. scrophulariew seen by him were close and membranous, thick and tough. They are sparsely covered in the middle region with raised whitish ‘‘goose-skin”’ points, which appear to be produced by the subsequent filling up of small openings left in the original making of the cocoon. §Occurs also, although rarely, in the United States, from Canada and Massachusetts west- ward to Michigan. (Riley.) PUNCTURED CLOVER-LEAF WEEVIL: ITS FIRST NOTICE. 249 species is included, but no citation is given. Dr. Le Conte, whom I ad- dressed for information, informs me that having gone nearly over the bibliography of the species, he finds no reference to its_habits, except that it occurs abundantly in dry, sandy places. The insect, therefore, furnishes another illustration of a change in habits, unfortunate to us, which has frequently been fond to attend the introduction of Euro- pean insects into our country, whereby species, harmless in their na- tive home, become injurious here, or if injurious there, are much more destructive when brought hither, freed from their former enemies, and with new and more fayorable surroundings. Its First Notice. In the American Naturalist for November, 1881, Professor Riley has given an account of the operations of this insect in Yates county. It was first noticed in the latter part of April,in small patches in a clover field. By the end of July, the entire field had become badly infested, and on one portion of about two acres scarcely a whole leaf re- mained. Other fields in the vicinity were also attacked. The beetles were seldom seen, as they fell from the leaves as they were ap- proached, after the habit of many of the Curculionide, and their color hardly permitted them to be recognized when on the ground. When not feeding, they hid just beneath the surface of the ground. During August and September, numerous eggs were laid by the beetles, some of them placed externally upon the plants, but the larger propor- tion were thrust into the old and hollow stems. I Je tah) g p »4 ‘ 12} ‘ ° e-1a; ; cae : 47 - Peete >i a ier ¢ AS. “ee 22-28, “ec 21°. “ce 40°. ‘“29-Feb. 4, “ 2c ¥ Abr 9 le} (73 fe} Bebsa, 45-1, Riehis Pali Pats Ae T2—TS. a 40°. rf 56. “ 19-25, 73 29°. <6 for! 0 26-Michs ees: ae a 56. & The month of February is recorded as “much the warmest February since the establishment of the Signal Station” at Albany, in 1873, the mean temperature of the 16th having been 50°. The December pre- ceding had also been the warmest during the same period, having had a mean temperature of 39, as against an average of 27° for the seven previous years. Description of the Insect. Dr. Harris gives the following description of the species: Green; thorax keeled above; wing-covers with a broad green stripe on the outer margin extending from the base beyond the middle and including two small dusky spots on the edge, the remainder dusky but semi-transpar- ent at the end; wings transparent, very pale greenish yellow next to the body, with a large dusky cloud near the middle of the hind margin, and a black line on the front margin; antennz, fore and middle legs reddish; hind thighs green, with two black spots in the furrow beneath; hind shanks blue-gray, with a broad whitish ring below the knees, and the spines whitish, tipped with black. Length about one inch; expanse from more than one inch and three-fourths to nearly two inches. Dimorphic Forms. The species, according to Mr. Scudder, is quite variable, but presents an interesting case of dimorphism, in that it appears under two distinct 192 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. forms. For the one, the form above described, he has retained the name under which it had been described by Fabricius, viz., Virginiana (see the Synonymy given), and for the other, infwscata — the name under which it had been described by Dr. Harris as a separate species. The two differ in the presence or the absence of bright green colors, which in the former replace the gray of the latter, in the whole of the head, the front part of the thorax (pronotum), the hind thighs, and on the greater portion of the costo-basal half of the fore-wings, and in spots beyond the middle of their front border. These differences ap- pear to be mainly sexual, for in about one hundred and fifty examples examined by Mr. Scudder, 84 per cent of the males were infuscata, and 77 per cent of the females Virginiana. Synonymy. It will be seen from the table of synonymy given, that the species has been peculiarly unfortunate in the number of names that it has received both generic and specific — Dr. Harris having made three species of it. The generic name under which it is herein included, was proposed for it by Mr. Scudder in consideration of Trayocephala being preoccu- pied in the Coleoptera. Habits and Natural History. As soon as the weather becomes sufficiently warm in the spring, these young grasshoppers come from their retreats and commence to feed. Many of them (the more advanced) have attained their maturity and acquired their wings by the middle of May. A few days after maturity the female deposits her eggs. By means of the horny appendages with which the tip of her abdomen is provided, she drills a hole in the ground the length of her abdomen, which she pro- ceeds to fill with from twenty to thirty eggs ar- ranged symmetrically in four rows, and forming, when ‘the operation is completed, a pod-like mass, firmly cemented together by a mucous matter secreted with the deposit of each separate - ‘ ess ege. Fig. shows the Le 55. —d,a, a, Female in different posers ovlposta ies b, egg- 88 =e & = k pol extracted from the ground, with the end broken open; ec, some z separate eggs; d, e, a section showing an egg-pod placed and another oviposition of the Roc yi )eing placed; f, where a pod has been covered up. — Z wah) TS IL Mountain locust, and as the methods are very similar in the Acridide it may illustrate that of THE GREEN-STRIPED LOCUST: ITS NATURAI. HISTORY. 193 this species. Two or three weeks later, another deposit of eggs is made in the same manner, and a third, and perhaps a fourth, at intervals thereafter.* The eggs hatch in about three weeks, and produce the forms mentioned by Dr. Harris as occurring “in various states of ma- turity, in pastures and mowing lands, from the first of June to the. middle of August,” in the New England States. After leaving the egg, the insect undergoes at intervals two moltings without showing the wing-pads that are later developed. These are known as the three larval stages. An- other molt brings it to its first pupal stage, in which the small wing-pads are in position, turned upward over the back. The fourth molt develops the fifth stage, or the true pupa in which the wing-pads attain their greatest de- F¥1g.56 .—CALOPTENUS SPRETUS: a, a, newly- hatched larve ; 6, fullgrown larva; ¢,the pupa, velopment and the thorax has assumed nearly the form of that of the mature insect. With the fifth molting the mature, winged insect appears. Fig. 56 represents the larvee at dif- ferent stages and the true pupa of the Rocky mouniain locust. The molting operation. — The moltings of insects are so wonderful, and so little understood, and those of the grasshoppers are so very rarely seen — not once where a thousand are observed of the butterflies and moths —that I borrow the excellent illustrations and explanations of Prof. Riley of the final molting of the Rocky mountain locust, from the rst volume of the [Report of the U. S. Entomological Commission. Those who have not access to this volume, or who, among so much other highly interesting material, may have overlooked this portion, will be grateful for this reproduction: When about to acquire wings, the pupa crawls up some post, weed, grass-stalk or other object, and clutches such object securely with its hind feet, which are drawn up under the body. In doing so, the favor- ite position is with the head downward, though this is by no means essential. Remaining motionless in this position for several hours, with antenne drawn down over the face, and the whole aspect betokening helplessness, the thorax, especially between the wing-pads, is noticed to swell. Presently the skin along this swollen portion splits right along the middle of the head and thorax, starting by a transverse curved suture between the eyes and ending at the base of the abdomen. Let us now imagine that we are watching one from the moment of this splitting, and when it presents the appearance of @ in Fig. 57. As soon *Caloptenus femur-rubrum has been observed by Prof. Riley to deposit four ‘“egg-pods,”’ averaging one hundred and four eggs each, within a period of sixty days, giving an egg- laying period for the species of about two months, Or ~ 194 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. as the skin is split, the soft and white fore body swells and gradually ex- trudes more and more by aseries of muscular contortions; the new head Fie. 57. —The molting operation of a “ grasshopper” (the ‘Rocky mountain locust); a, pupa with skin Just split on the back 3 ‘b. the imago extruding ; c, the imago nearly out; d, the imago with wings ex- panded; e, the imago with all parts perfect. slowly emerges from the old skin, which, with its empty eyes, is worked back beneath, and the new feelers and the legs are being drawn from their casings and the future wings from their sheaths. At the end of six or seven minutes, our locust —no longer pupa and not yet imago— looks as at 6, the four front pupa legs being generally detached and the insect hanging by the hooks of the hind feet, which were anchored while yet it had that command over them which it has now lost. The receding skin is transparent and loosened, especially from the extremi- ties. In six or seven minutes more of arduous labor, of swelling and contracting — with an occasional brief respite, the antenne and the four front legs are freed, and the fulled and crimped wings extricated. The soft front legs rapidly stiffen, and, holding to its support as well as may be with these, the nascent locust employs whatever muscular force it is capable of to draw out the end of the abdomen and its long legs, as ate. This in a few more minutes it finally does, and with gait as unsteady as that of a new-dropped colt, it turns round and clambers up the side of the shrunken, cast-off skin, and there rests while the wings expand and every part of the body hardens and gains strength — the crooked limbs straightening and the wings unfolding and expanding like the petals of some pale flower. The front wings are at first rolled lon- gitudinally to a point, and as they expand and unroll the hind wings, which are gathered and tucked along the veins, at first curl over them. In ten or fifteen minutes from the time of extrication these wings are fully expanded and hang down like dampened rags (d). From this point on, the broad hind wings begin to fold up like fans between the narrower front ones, and in another ten minutes they have assumed the normal attitude of rest. Meanwhile the pale colors which always be- long to the insect while molting have been gradually giving way to the natural tints, and at this stage our new-fledged locust presents an aspect fresh and bright (e). If now we examine the cast-off skin, we shall find every part entire with the exception of the rupture which originally took place on the back; and it would puzzle one who had not wit- nessed the operation to divine how the now stiff hind shanks of the ma- GREEN-STRIPED LOCUST: A DOUBLE-BROODED SPECIES. 195 ! ture insect had been extricated from the bent skeleton left behind. They were in fact drawn over the bent knee-joint, so that during the process they were doubled throughout their entire length. They were as supple at the time as an oil-soaked string, and for some time after extrication they show the effects of this severe bending by their curved appearance. The molting, from the bursting of the pupa-skin to the full adjust- ment of the wings and the straightening of the legs of the perfect insect, occupies less than three-quarters of an hour, and sometimes but half an hour. It takes place more frequently during the warmer part of the morning, and within an hour after the wings are once in position, the parts have become sufficiently dry and stiffened to enable the insect to move about with ease; and in another hour, with appetite sharpened by long fast, it joins its voracious comrades and tries its new jaws. Nearly all of the first brood of the hibernating individuals have passed away by the first of August. Eggs had been deposited at vari- ous times by those from about the first of June into July. The first larvee of the second brood may be seen ‘abroad as early as the latter part of June, and continue to appear throughout the following month, The earliest of these maturing and becoming winged about the roth of August, would toward the latter part of the month deposit eggs for the following brood. Oviposition continues through September, and in September also, young larve are again seen. These, from the lower temperature of the advanced season, mature but slowly, and are destined to pass the winter in their immature forms, some of them having pro- gressed to their first pupal stage. They have been observed in Iowa, in very large numbers, abroad in October and November. Mr. A. H. Gleason, of Little Sioux, Iowa (N. Lat. 41° 50’, and Isotherm of 48°) has written as follows of them: They lay their eggs in August and September, and these hatch (at least some of them) the same fall. I saw them last October and No- vember, little fellows in spots of from one square yard to a twenty acre piece covering the ground as thick as ever I have seen the Western plague [Caloptenus spretus|. 1 have found them in the winter, under the leaves and dry straw and husks that have drifted up under the fences and behind logs in the woods, in a dormant state, and upon warm- ing them they would become brisk as ever (frst Report U.S. Ento- molog. Commis., 1878, p. 459). A Double-brooded Species. It will be observed that this species is an exception to most of the Acridide in its having two broods a year. That it is double-brooded has not been previously published, but it follows from the observations above recorded, and it is corroborated by the following notes made by Prof. Riley upon the species in Missouri, which he has kindly sent me, for present use: 196 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST “ Larve in different stages, pupee and winged insects were found May 2d. The winged specimens had not hibernated but matured during. April. The winged insects were found till about the 15th of June. ‘The first larvae were noticed June 26th, although there may have been some earlier. The eggs hatch in about fifteen days. ‘Winged insects are again found in September, and larve in Septem- ber and October. The latest deposited eggs winter over and hatch dur- ing March and April. “This shows the species to be two-brooded. The first brood, from eggs deposited in the fall, some of which hatch, the larve wintering over, while others hatch in spring. Specimens acquire wings from the latter part of April until the middle of June. “Eggs from the spring brood are deposited the latter part of May and early part of June, and the winged insects from these eggs are noticed in August and September.” Other Double-brooded Species. It has been claimed by some writers that the Rocky mountain locust, Caloptenus spretus, produces two generations annually, but a careful examination of the evidence educed in favor of the claim shows it to be, according to Prof. Riley, “overwhelmingly in favor of normal single: broodédness: °F * PF ae Se ee Se Wille = wien aeraing the possibility of a second generation, we believe that it is exceptional, and that the insects composing such second generation seldom, if ever attain maturity or perpetuate their kind” (/%rst Rept. U. S. Hntomolog Commis., 1878, pp. 242, 243). Of Caloptenus atlanis, very nearly allied to C. spretus, Prof. Riley states (loc. cit. sup.), “ we have proved it to be double-brooded.” This statement should be qualified, by referring it to St. Louis and_ its more southern localities, for in a communication received from Prof. Riley, he expresses his doubt if, at St. Louis, the second brood is always successful in perpetuating itself, and adds that “later observations in New England convince me that in northern localities it is invariably sin- gle-brooded.”’ In addition to (C. viridifasciata, we may expect that there will be ? found to be a spring and an autumn brood in at least several of the species of Stenobothrus and Tettix, some of which are known to hibernate in the half- grown condition. Of the former, S. maculipennis Scudder, shown yg. 59, — in Fig. 58, occurs in the State of trim —the New York, together with S. froueetccces equalis Scudd., S. bilineatus Scudd., S. propingwus Scudd., and S. cur- Fiag. 58.— STENOBOTHRUS MACULIPENNIS — a, mature insect ; b, pupa; c, Jarva. THE GREEN-STRIPED LOCUST: REMEDIES. 197 tipennis (Harris). Of the latter, Te/tix cucullata (Burm.), 7. triangu- laris (Scudd.), T. granulata (Kirby), shown in Fig. 59, and 7. ornata (Say) are also New York species. Dr. Harris seems to record two broods of the last-named species in his statement, that of his Tetrix sordida —a synonym of ZT. ornata, he had taken individuals both in May and September. In all cases in which large numbers of a species of the Acridid@ are observed to hibernate in the larval stage, such hibernation may be re- garded as presumptive evidence of two generations annually — of a spring and autumn brood. Remedies. For the remedial measures to be employed against this species when it occurs in unusual and destructive numbers, the agriculturist is re- ferred to the Mirst Annual Report of the United States Entomological Commission, where the various remedies and devices available against the Rocky mountain locust, are discussed at length, in chapter xiii of 7° pages. [AppITIONAL Notr.—A remedy that gives promise of being a most excellent one against the grasshopper visitations that occur in the Middle and Eastern United States, has been published in the Pacific Rural Press of July 4, 1885. The results attending its use in the pro- tection of vineyards and orchards in California have been of a very sat- isfactory character. If future experiments substantiate the claim made for its efficient operation, it will proye to be one of the most valuable insecticides thus far given to our fruit-growers and gardeners. It is as follows, as communicated by Mr. D. W. Coquillet, to whom appears to belong the credit of its discovery: It consists of a mash composed of bran, arsenic, sugar and water, the proportions being one part of sugar, one and one-half parts of arsenic and four parts of bran, to which is added a sufficient quantity of water to make a wet mash. A common washtubful of this mash is sufficient for about five acres of grapevines. Fillthe washtub about three-fourths full of bran, add six pounds of arsenic, and mix it thoroughly with the bran; put about four pounds of coarse brown sugar in a pail, fill the pail with water and stir until the greater part of the sugar is dissolved. Then pour this sugar-water into the bran and arsenic, and again fill the pail with water and proceed as before until all of the sugar in the pail has been dissolved and added to the bran. Nowstir the latter thoroughly and add as much water as is necessary to thoroughly saturate the mix- ture, and it is ready for use. Throw about a tablespoonful of this mixture upon the ground beneath each vine infested with grasshoppers; and in a short time the latter will leave the vine and collect upon the bran and soon commence feeding upon it. Those which are upon the ground six or eight feet from the 198 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. bran will soon find their way to it, apparently guided by the sense of smell, as those to the leeward of the bran have been observed to come to it from a greater distance than those which were upon the side of the bran from which the wind was blowing. After eating as much of the bran as they desire, the grasshoppers usually crawl off, and many hide themselves beneath weeds, clods of earth, etc., and in a few hours will be found to be dead. The mixture costs from thirty-five to forty cents peracre of vineyard, including labor of mixingand applying it. In orchards the cost will be considerably less than this. One man can apply it to eight or ten acres of vineyard in a day. I have seen this remedy tried on an extensive scale at the vineyard and orchard of Messrs. Kohler, West and Minturn, at Minturn station, Fresno county. In that part of the vineyard which was the most thickly infested by grasshoppers from thirty to fifty dead grasshoppers were found beneath almost every vine, while beneath the adjacent weeds were hundreds of others, the greater part dead. It was also very effect- ual when placed beneath small fruit trees, the grasshoppers leaving the trees to feed upon this mixture. The addition of sugar to this mixture is merely to cause the arsenic to adhere to the particles of bran, and not for the purpose of increasing its attractiveness, since it was found that the grasshoppers were not at- tracted to pure sugar. Middlings or shorts have been used in the place of bran, but are not so desirable, since in drying they assume a solid mass which the grasshoppers cannot eat, whereas bran in drying never assumes a solid form.— D. W. Coquillet, Atwater, MercedCo., June 27. | Atropos divinatoria (O. Fabr.). (Ord. NEUROPTERA: Fam. Psocip2.) Termes divinatoriwm MtuuER: Zoél. Dan. Prodr., 1776, p. 184, No. 2179.—O. Fapsr: Fn. Gronl., p. 214, No. 181.—Linn.: Syst. Nat., Ed. Gmelin, p. 2914, No. 8. Atropos divinatoria HAGEN: Neurop. N. Amer., 1861, p. 8, No. 1; Ent. Month. Mag., ii, 1865, p. 121, No. 1; Stett. Ent. Zeit., xliv, 1883, pp. 289-293- — McLacutu.: Month. Mag., iii, 1866, p. 180, f. 1. Troctes divinatorius KoLBE: Psoc., p. 133, No. 1.—PROVANCHER: Faune du Canada, ii, p. 66. Troctes fatidicus BURM.: Man. Ent., 774, No. 2. Liposcelis museorum Morscu.: Etud., i, p. 20. The above synonymy of the species is from Dr. H. A. Hagen’s JZono- graphie der Psociden published in the Stettiner Entomologische Zettung for July-September, 1883. Remarkable Occurrence of the Insect in Beds. Numerous examples of the insect were received from Otsego county, N. Y., with a request to return answer what they were and how to remove ATROPOS DIVINATORIA: INFESTING A BED-ROOM, 199 them from a room and bed where they abounded. It was thought that they had been left in the room by some traveling agents who had occu- pied it a year previous. Effort was made to exterminate the insect by hot water and corrosive sublimate. The means used seemed for a while to be successful, but the following year (in April) they again appeared in large numbers. Answer was returned that they were a low form of the order of Neurop- tera, known as Pscoced@, and bearing the scientific name above given. It was further stated that the insect could not have been introduced in the manner supposed, viz., from the bodies or the clothing of the travelers, for the reason that, although in general appearance it is quite louse-like, yet it does not belong to the Pedcudide, and is not parasitic upon the persons of men or animals. It frequently occurs in books and among old papers, and is known also to feed upon the remains of minute insects, and to attack the insects in entomological collections. Its mouth parts are not fitted for sucking blood but consist of strong cutting jaws. Recommendations for its Destruction. To remove the insects from the bed, it was recommended to wash the entire bedstead with hot water and soap-suds, or to brush over the entire surface with benzine, if it could be done without injury to it. Such portions of the bedding as could not be washed, as the pillows and mattress, should be exposed to the hot sunlight for two or three days, turning them from side to side occasionally. A feather-bed might require some benzine to be poured into it, and the contents of a straw tick should be burned. If the room was infestea to any considerable extent, if papered, the old paper should be removed, and the walls thoroughly washed before re-papering. Carpeting should be treated as recommended for the bedding, and the floors and the entire wood-work washed with strong soap-suds. Particulars of the Invasion. The absolute certainty expressed by the lady from whom the speci- mens were received, that they had been introduced into her house by the travelers above stated, and the certainty, from an entomological standpoint, that they could not have been thus introduced, led to con- siderable correspondence upon the subject, which elicited minute and extended particulars respecting the suddenness of the invasion, its abundance, its persistence, and fruitless efforts to conquer it. These proved to be of considerable interest in their economic aspect, as will 200 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. be seen from the extracts upon these several points, that we make from the letters sent to me. “The room had been newly papered two years ago, and an almost new rag carpet was on the floor. In two recesses were cord bedsteads which had never been used except as ‘spare beds.’ Last spring the room was cleaned, but the carpet was not taken up. The strawbeds were newly filled, the straw of which was all right [in answer to the suggestion that the straw might have been infested], for with three other beds filled with the same there has been no trouble. ‘The floor underneath the bed is not carpeted. The foot-curtains had been ironed and put up the after- noon before the bed was occupied by the men. I know the beds and room were clean as could be, with no vermin present. I never keep any thing but a light spread on my spare beds. I made the bed with clean sheets and a comfortable and bed-quilt from the closet. “ The bed was occupied for the night by two young men who were taking orders for enlarging photographs and finishing in India ink. They had no luggage with them or any packages except the cases con- taining pictures. “In the morning, about an hour after their departure, the bed was opened, and in the sheets were large vermin (lice) [these were not sent]. The sheets were carefully gathered up and brought down stairs, and out of doors. The bed-quilt, comfortable and bed-curtains were literally coy- ered with: the creatures such as.l)sent you. .©* 4429) * ew ben bed mer slept in was worse. if possible, with these little specimens than the one occupied. We think the men must have distributed their garments around the room. That afternoon I washed the sheets, pillow cases, straw-ticks and curtains of both beds. We threw the bedding out of doors, and killed all that we could find, and then ironed them on both sides. The bedsteads we washed in hot water and with hot brine where they would not be injured by it, andthe floor the same. While they were yet damp, we took Persian insect powder and puffed it into every crevice in the floor and bedstead. “No [in reply to question], there are none elsewhere in the house, and never ¢here, until these lodgers left them. We did not settle the room again for weeks, but kept up a diligent search, and every few days would find two or three. The last warm weatherin the autumn, I found quite a number on the fine pillow cases next the ticks. I had the straw tick emptied and washed again, and ironed the bedding. I kept the window raised during most of the winter, hoping that the extreme cold would put an end to thems But to my surprise the first warm day this spring, I found the white spread on the bed where they slept almost coy- ered again, from which I gathered those last sent to you. I never have found them larger [reply to question]. They do not soil a white spread when I kill them on it. ‘They will be in clusters, frequently, of twenty ormore. They appear to like white goods, cotton or linen. I have con- tinued my warfare upon them faithfully while waiting to hear from you. I took up the carpet, but there was nothing in it or under it, not even dust, it was so clean. Weuncorded the bedsteads and examined them, but there was nothing in them. I do not think that they incline to wood or wall. “Gasoline is the most effectual of any thing that I have tried for killing ATROPOS DIVINATORIA: ITS POSSIBLE SOURCE. 201 them. One hundred dollars would be no temptation to me to pass through such a trial again, even if I have suceeded now in subduing them. I had cared for the room twenty-three years, and never saw any thing of the kind before. It was not so when the men retired, and was literally alive an hour after their departure. I know that it seems in- credible, but my testimony can be fully substantiated. There are some that dart so that I cannot trap them. It seems to me that they are in different stages of development, or perhaps different varieties.” The Possible Source of the Insects, I know of no other instance in which A. dvinatorza has occurred in this country, in an abundance equal to the above, nor am I able to offer any explanation for its sudden appear- ance. ‘The only suggestion as to its source that presents itself is this; its possible introduction with the straw used in filling the straw-ticks, not- withstanding the statement that other beds filled with straw from the same source were not infested. Species of Psocide are known to abound in barns. Dr. Hagen informs me that he had, on one occasion, found more than half of the refuse material left in a barn after threshing the grain to consist of a small species of Psocus. Mr. McLachlan, of London, England, has found “ myriads ” of this same spe- Fic. 60.—A TROPOS DIVINATORIA: @, Var. cucur- + oe g : bite; b, side-view of basis of antenna; ¢, eves; Cles, Atropos divinatoria, in the straw d, claw ; e, tarsus of nympha: f, A. divinatoria, 5 drawn from life. bottle envelopes in the wine cellar of his house, associated with C/lothilla picea. Examples of Clothilla pulsa- torta (to be noticed hereafter) have been sent to me for name, taken from cattle-stalls, in Warren, Ohio, where they were abounding, and from the locality that they occupied, were supposed to be cattle-lice. Description of the Insect. The American forms of this species have been found by Dr. Hagen to differ in several particulars from the European ones, but as these differences are mainly colorational, they are regarded as identical. They have been minutely described by Dr. Hagen in “ Beitrige zur Mono- graphie der Psociden — Familie Atropina,” in /xtomologische Zettung, entomologischen Veretne zu Stettin, 44, 1883, pp. 285-332, and figured in the same publication (Plate ii, Fig. 4) of the preceding year. To these, 26 202 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. the student who may desire knowledge of the species, is referred. In lieu of description, the accompanying figures (Fig, 60) are presented, which will serve for the identification of the species. They are copied from the plate above referred to. Habits of the Psocide. Of the general habits of the Psoczde Westwood remarks that they fre- quent the trunks of trees, palings, old walls, stones covered with lichens, old books, &c., for the purpose of feeding either upon the still more minute animalculz which inhabit those situations, or, more probably, upon the decaying vegetable matter to be there met with. They are ex- tremely active, and when approached, they endeavor to hide themselves by running to the opposite side of the tree, or other object on which they are stationed. The perfect insects are produced toward the end of summer, when they sometimes appear in great numbers. The larvee and pupe are equally active with the imago, from which the former differ in being apterous, while the pupez have rudimental wings (Westw. Classification of Insects, ii, 1840, p. 18). The Death-Watch. An interesting member of the family is the Clothilla pulsatoria, of which a figure is presented from Packard’s Guide, which may not, how- ever, be accepted as a strictly ac- curate one. It is a small white in- sect, often found in old_ papers, books, exposed collections of in- sects, etc. It occurs both in this country and in Europe, and _ has obtained, in the latter, the common name of the Death-watch, from the tapping noise which it produces resembling the ticking of a watch. To the superstitious of past ages the tick, audible only in quiet and fre- quently heard in the silence of a sick-room, proceeding from an in- visible source, was regarded as an ill omen, predicting approaching Fig. 61.— The Death-watch, CLOTHILLA PULSA- TORIA, greatly enlarged. i death. A small wood-boring beetle occurring in Europe, Anodiam tes- selatum Fabr., is also sometimes known as the death-watch, and two or three other species of the genus have the ability of producing the same ticking sound. THE PSOCID# AND THE SNOW-FLEA,. 203 Literature of the Psocide. The following is some of the more easily accessible literature of the Psocide that may be consulted by those who would know more of this in- teresting group, and acquaint themselves with some of our species : Westwoop: Introduc. Class. Ins., ii, 1840, pp. 17-20 (general notice of family). GLOVER: in Rept. Comm. of Agricul., 1858, p. 263 (brief notice). HAGEN: Synop. Neurop. N. A., 1861, pp. 7-14 (describes 18 species); in Proe. Ent. Soc. Phil., ii, 1863, pp. 167-8 (observations on 6 species); in Ent. Month. Mag., ii, 1865, p. 122 (Clothilla annulata); in Psyche, iii, 1881, pp. 195-6, 207-210, 219-223 (Psocina of the U. S.); id., iv, 1883, p. 25 (tarsal and antennal characters); in Stett. Ent. Zeit., 1883, pp. 285-332, pl. 2, in 8. E. Z., 1882 (Monographie der Psociden). Fircu; In Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc., xxii, 1862, pp. 668-675; 8th Rept Ins. N. Y., in 6th-9th Repts, 1865, pp. 186-195 (five new species of Smynthurus described and noticed). WatusH: in Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., ii, 1863, pp. 182-186 (describes 7 n. sp., and re- marks on others). Harris: Entomolog. Corr., 1869, pp. 327-332 (describes 7 species). PACKARD: Guide Stud. Ins., 1869, pp. 588-590, fig. 573 (general remarks). Scupp.-Bura.: in Psyche, ii, 1877, pp. 49-51, 87-89 (head-structure of Atropos). AsSHMEAD: in Canad. Entomol., xi, 1879, pp. 228-9 (P. citricola, n. sp.); Orange Insects, 1880, pp. 37-38 (orange Psocus), 71-2 (habits of P. venosus). McLACHLAN: in Entomol. Month. Mag., xix, 1888, pp. 181-185 (descriptions and generic criticisms). AARON: in Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., xi, 1884, pp. 37-40 (new species in Coll. of Soc.). Achorutes nivicola (Fitch). The Snow-Flea. (Ord. NEuROPTERA: Fam. PopuRID#.) Podura nivicola Frrcw: in Amer. Quart. Journ. Agricul.-Sci., May, 1847, v, p. 284; Id., for September, 1847, vi, p. 152; Winter Insects of Eastern New York (sep. from prec.), pp. 10-11. Podura nivicola. ASHTON: in Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., i, 1861, p. 32. Podura nivicola. WAusu-RiLEyY: in Amer. Entomol., i, 1869, p. 188 (in Wisconsin). Achorutes nivicola PACKARD: in Fifth Ann. Rept. Peabody Acad. Sci., July, 1873, _ pp. 29-30. ; Specimens of this winter insect were received from Mr. John M. Dolph, for name, with the information that they were found abundantly at Port Jervis, N. Y., on the 25th of January, both upon the surface of the snow and in pools of water made by the melting snow. 204 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Although this is said to be a common and abundant insect, yet it would appear to be rather a local one, for, when occurring in large numbers upon the snow, it could scarcely fail of arresting attention. It certainly is not often observed, even by entomologists. I can only recall one instance in which it has fallen under my observation. Habits. Dr. Fitch has remarked as follows of it: “ This is an abundant species in our forests in the winter and forepart of spring. At any time in the winter, whenever a few days of mild weather occur, the surface of the snow, often, over whole acres of woodland, may be found sprinkled more or less thickly with these minute fleas, looking, at first sight, as if gun- powder had there been scattered. Hollows and holes in the snow, out of which the insects are unable to throw themselves readily, are often black with the multitudes which here become imprisoned. ‘The fine meal-like powder with which their bodies are coated enables them to float buoyantly upon the surface of the water, without becoming wet. When the snow is melting soas to produce small rivulets coursing along the tracks of the lumberman’s sleigh, these snow-fleas are often observed, floating passively in its current, in such numbers as to form continuous strings; whilst the eddies and still pools gather them in such myriads as to wholly hide the element beneath them.” Notices of its Observation. Mr. T. B. Ashton, of Washington county, N. Y., has given the fol- lowing account of his observation of this insect, in a paper read before the Entomological Society of Philadelphia: Podura nivicola Fitch. — Found on the 18th of April, weather cloudy and cold, with temperature above 50° Fahr. This insect was met with in countless numbers on and near a swampy piece of ground, through which ran a small creek. My attention was first directed to what I sup- posed to be soot floating down the creek, and paid no farther notice to it until I discovered the insect in large numbers in the highway, a few rods distant from the creek, and then suspecting the cause of the soot- like appearance floating on the water, I returned, and to my surprise, found countless millions of them alive and active, piled upon each other to the height of Jhalf an inch, and in spots varying from an inch or less to twelve inches in diameter, floating on the water in every eddy, for a distance of about thirty rods. I also observed them in vast numbers, in every direction for rods around the creek. This was the only place that I met with them on that day, though I passed over, on foot, a tract of country fifteen miles in extent. The following notices, in all probability referring to this species, are from Field and Forest, vol. ii, 1877, pp. 146-7. THE SNOW-FLEA: DESCRIPTION OF THE INSECT. 205 Charles M. Nes, of York, Penn., writes to the Smithsonian Institu- tion, that with the snow-fall of the 8th of January (about twelve inches) there appeared myriads of “ spring-tails,” or Podure, samples of which were inclosed, covering the surface of the snow to such an extent as en- tirely to discolor it. The phenomenon extended over an area of country two miles in length, and half a mile in width. In a later communica- tion Mr. N. says: “ They were in clusters, and where I gathered the speci- mens, I had simply to take them up by handsful; the snow was literally covered. ‘They still exist in great quantities on fences, bushes, stones, etc., in the vicinity where they first fell. J. G. Morris, of Baltimore, also reports a similar appearance about ten miles north of Baltimore, about the same time; and last sea- son they were observed in numbers near Sandy Spring, Maryland. Description. The original description and comparisons are the following: Black or blue-black: legs and tail dull brown. Length, 0,08 inch. Body black, covered with a glaucous blue-black powder but slightly adherent, and sparingly clothed with minute hairs; form cylindrical, somewhat broader towards the tail. Antenne short and thick, longer than the head. Zegs above blackish, beneath dull brown and much paler than the body, 7Zaz/ of the same color with the venter, shortish, glabrous on its inner or anterior surface, with minute hairs on the oppo- ‘ site side; its fork brownish. Though found in the same situations as the European /. wvalis, ours is a much darker colored species. Say’s P. dtcolor isa larger insect than the one under consideration, and differs also in size and in the color of the tail or spring. From the habits of the present species, we should infer that it might be abundant in all the snow-clad regions of the northern parts of this continent; it may, therefore, prove to be identical with P. humicola of Otho Fabricius (Hauna Gréenlandica) of which we are un- able to refer to any but short and very unsatisfactory descriptions, which do not coincide well with our insect (Winter Insects of Eastern New York, pp. t0-11). Other closely allied species of the genus having subsequently been described, the above description would hardly suffice for its positive identification. Its more detailed description by Dr. Packard is there- fore given: Achorutes nivicola. Podura nivicola Fitch, Winter Insects, N. Y. Antenne four-jointed, short, thick, of nearly even width throughout; first joint as long as thick, second and third both of the same length, but second considerably thicker; fourth a little longer than third, and but slightly thinner. Feet with a large claw arising from a small joint of the usual form, with a long, slender, tenent hair arising near the claw. The anal appendages appear to be really two-jointed, and consist of two spine-like appendages, with a common base and _ hollow at basal _ half. Just below their middle is a joint, with a very slightly marked suture externally. They are borne on a broad triangular tergite (that of the 206 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. sixth segment), while low down on the side of the body are the anal valves, rounded and small compared with the tergite. Tenaculum |the catch for holding the spring] with basal joints quadrate in profile, the external edge being a little roughened. From between them project V-like a pair of short, subtriangular blades, a little longer than broad, and with four large teeth on the under side. Elater [the spring] short and broad, the two finger-shaped joints about twice as long as thick; second joint very minute, consisting of a thin lobe rounded at tip and a little uneven on lower edge, and with a prominent spine at base; two hairs on inside of basal joints. Dark lead color, above and beneath. Body long and slender, abdomen rather suddenly contracting just before the three terminal segments. Length, o.08—-o.1o inch. Hundreds of specimens seen with no appreciable variations. Very young, white. On snow in March; under bark of trees, Salem, May 28 and June 6. (Packard: in 5% Rept. Peab. Acad. Sci.) Associated Species. The following named features will serve to separate the above from the other described species: Achorutes boletivorus Packard, is a much smaller species, being only about one-half the size (o.05—0.07 inch) with a thicker body, smaller head proportionately, and shorter antennz. It differs materially in color, be- ing pale gray above with a slight greenish tinge, lined with white beneath, and with gray specks on the sides. Occurring September ro, abundantly between lamelle of Boleti and Agaricus, and under horse manure in August. Achorutes pratorum Packard. Resembling 4. mvicola, but smaller (o.04-0.06 inch), of a considerably lighter lead color, paler beneath, and with a lateral row of dark irregular spots, one to each segment. The hairs upon the body are more numerous. Its spring (elater) is much longer and more slender, the second joint long, slender, cylindrical, distinctly separated from the base by a suture; the third and terminal joints much longer and more slender. It occurs on the surface: of pools, and in open grounds after rains, and is quite active in its habits. July and September. Achorutes marmoratus Packard. Approaches the preceding in form of body and of the spring. It is of a pale gray color, marbled with large lilac-gray patches above; beneath paler. Length 0.05 inch. Achorutes Texensis Packard. A small species (0.04—-0.05 inch), occur- ring in Texas, of the same color with A. zzv7cola, resembling A. prato- rum in structure, but with its spring twice as large as in that species. The Family of Poduride. The Poduride, from their degraded structure, form one of the lower classes of insects. By most writers, they have been classed with, and THE SNOW-FLEA: THE FAMILY OF PODURID&. 207 at the end of, the Neuroptera, but by some systematists they have been united with the Zepzsmatide (bristle-tails) into a separate order, known as Thysanura. They. have been so referred by Dr.Packard in the last edition (8th, of 1883) of his Gudde to the Study of Insects. They are small species, varying from 0.04 to 0.16 of an inch inlength. The largest species, Orchesella flavo-picta Packard, occurs in Albany, un- der bark of stumps. They are commonly known as ‘ *‘Spring-tails ” from the flexible anal stylet which is bent beneath the body, serving as a spring, by means of which they are enabled to make extraordinary leaps when compared with their diminutive size. Theyarecommonly found * _Fia.62.— AcHORUTES PURFURASCENS beneath bark, ' stones, sticks, Murray). boards, in crevices of wood, in cellars, in garden hotbeds, on snow, pools of water, damp earth, manure, Boleti and Agarics, and in various other similar locations. As illustrative of the genus to which the snow-flea be- longs, an European species, Achorutes purpurascens (Lub- bock), is copied (Fig. 62), from Murray’s Economic Ento- mology. In Fig. 63, another view, copied from Science Gossip, of the same insect is presented showing its under surface, and the short forked spring characterizing the © ° : Fig. 63. — ACHO- different species of this genus. aie “a ae x 2 5 5 fa CENS, showing un- A different type of the Poduride is shown in Fig. 64, der side. in Syanthurus hortensis Fitch, in which the short and nearly spherical form approaches the spiders. It occurs abundantly in May and June, in gardens, in the State of New York, upon the leaves of young cabbages, turnips, cu- cumbers, and many other plants. It is be- lieved to be injurious to the vegetation upon which it is found, through its continuing the attack made by the flea-beetles and other insects of similar habits, and enlarging the wounds or perforations made by them, by feeding upon the soft matter formed by the evaporation of the exuding juices. It is an active insect, and quickly skips from the fit CR REE Net, irre, to the ground, For a Fitch). F interesting description of the peculiar ap- paratus —the forked spring and catch— by means of which its leaps are made, see Fitch’s 8th Report (6th—9th Reports, p. 188). 208 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST, Lipura fimetaria (Linn.). (Ord. NeuRoPTERA: Fam. Popurip#). Podura fimetaria LINN.: Syst. Nat., 12th edit., 1766, p. 1014. Lipura fimetaria Pacx.: in Amer, Naturalist, v, 1871, p. 106, f. 38; in 5th Rept: Peab. Acad. Sci., 1873, p. 29. Lipura fimetaria. MuRRAyY: Econom. Entomol.—Aptera, p. 412, f. 21. Lipura fimetaria. LINTNER: in Count. Gent., xliv, 1879, p. 327; id., xlv, 1880, p. 103. This little species of the Poduride, frequently found in damp locali- ties, but scarcely regarded as of economic importance, has in-two in- stances been brought to my notice under circumstances that made it of more than usual interest —in one instance abounding in a cistern, and in the other in a well used for household purposes. With the first, the following communication was sent: Its Occurrence in a Cistern. Please find inclosed some strange insects that I found in my cistern about three weeks since [in January]. The cistern is a large one, with a small, receiving cistern near it, from which the water is filtered into the large one. During the last severe weather the pump froze and broke. I then ordered water to be drawn with pole and bucket. The first bucketful drawn up appeared to have hundreds of these little white in- sects in it, and they continued to come up with every bucketful. These I have had in a glass goblet in a warm room for the last three weeks. The cistern has been built a little over two years, and has a close-fitting iron cover on it. There is no wood in or around it. Where did these insects come from ? The insects were alive when received, and although they had been confined for two days, at least, in a homeeopathic vial, they were found quite active upon the surface of the water. Their tenacity of life is somewhat remarkable, for it is recorded of this species that it has been kept in confinement from September until the following June. In reply to the communication, assurance was given of their harmless character in the location found, as they could only act as scavengers, serving to remove impurities. In answer to the question where they came from, it was stated that the species occurred under damp sticks or wet pieces of wood. A favorable locality for it would be under the roof shingles projecting over a wooden gutter, through which, washed off by the rains, they could be readily conveyed into a cistern, and, from their fecundity and rapid propagation, soon become greatly multi- plied. As they live upon the surface of the water, their presence would LIPURA FIMETARIA; ITS APPEARANCE AND HABITS. 209 not be detected so long as a pump was used unless the water had been reduced to the level of the bottom of the pipe. A bucket dipping from the surface would at once bring them to notice. Occurrence in a Well. Another communication contained the following statement: I inclose to you by mail in a bottle, four or five small insects which are drawn up in the bucket of my well quite frequently. Can you inform me what they are, and in what way they can be most easily exterminated? The well is dug in a sandy clay, and is made of two and a half foot cement pipe, the joints being cemented, and I fully supposed it was worm, insect and vermin proof. At times hundreds are drawn up in a day. They seem to live only on the surface of the water. As to their occurrence in the well, it was suggested in reply, that if the well was an open one, the insects would originally have been at- tracted by the cool, damp sides of its walls, and thence easily have found their way to the water. It was no doubt somewhat disagreeable to see living forms in association with water which we drink, but beyond this, the presence of the Poduride in the well was not objectionable. As in the case of those occurring in cisterns, they would undoubtedly serve an excellent purpose in feeding upon and removing many of the impu- rities that, without them, would accumulate upon the surface, to the det- riment of the healthfulness of the water. In the event, however, of their becoming annoyingly abundant, it was thought that they could be diminished by dropping a moderate quantity of finely powdered lime into the well. Its Appearance and Habits. We find among our writers no detailed description of this species, nor good figure, and we therefore copy a rather crude one from Murray’s Economic Entomology, to aid in its identification. Fig. 65 gives a dorsal view of the insect. Although contained in the =T Tribe Collembola, which consists largely of the “ spring-tails,” this species is without the jumping apparatus of the one pre- viously noticed. Dr. Packard, in his Syxopsis of the Thysa- ee ee of Essex Co., Mass., places it in the subfamily of Lipu- av ee ring, and characterizes it briefly as being white, naked, Ria (Lint enlarged to ten with afew scattered hairs, and of the length of 0.06 of an inch. ter Murray). Tt is rather blunt at the tip, and is without the hooks at the end of the abdomen that occur in an associate species, Lipura ambu- Jans (Linn.). 27 210 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. Its habits appear to be quite varied, for beside living upon the sur- face of water after the manner of Anurida maritima (Linn.), Podura aquatica Linn., and others—according to Murray, it is found upon damp earth, in Europe, throughout the year, often engaged in browsing upon carrots, potatoes, or other roots. Fig. 66, copied from an article upon some English Thysanura in Sczence Gossip for 1873, is of Anurida maritima —— a small, dark blue velvety Podura,, inhabit- ing the wet sea-weed, the loose shales between tides, and the rock-pools of the English, Irish and French coasts; also upon the eastern sea-coast of the United Fic. 66.—Anuripa States, at Salem, Mass., at Nantucket, and on the New Jersey coast, floating on seaweed, or hidden under stones between tide marks (Packard). The figure gives a ventral view of the insect, and shows the absence of the abdominal spring — a distinguish- ing feature which separates the genera of Anurida,Lipura, and Anura from the other Poduride. MARITIMA, enlarged 25 diameters. ACP RN Di xX, GAs) ENTOMOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. The two following papers are republished in this place, for conven- ience of reference, and as being a portion of the work of the Entomolo- gist during the period for which his report is made. LFrom Psyche, Novent.-Decent., 1883, -V, pp. 103-106. ] A NEW SEXUAL CHARACTER IN THE PUP4 OF SOME LEPIDOPTERA. (Read before the American Association for the Advancement of Science at its Montreal meeting, August, 1882.) The sexual characters of insects have always been an interesting study to the entomological student, the more so as they are the less apparent, and discoverable, if to be found at all, only as the result of close observa- tion and comparison. In the larger proportion of insects, in the perfect stage, they are so marked as to leave no doubt of the sex when the male and female are compared. Thus in the Hymenoptera, we have the ovi- positor in its varied forms, often quite conspicuous. In the Lepidoptera; among the Heéerocera, there are usually the more fully developed antennz of the male, and the broader, conical and more capacious abdomen of the female — features attaining their maximum development in the family of Bombyctde. In the Diptera, there are the larger and more approximate eyes in the male, and conspicuous structural differences in the antennz and suctorial apparatus in some of the families. In the Coleoptera, there are often, in the male, stouter legs, broader tarsi, greatly elongated man- dibles and other horn-like caputal and thoracic processes. In the He- miptera, the vocal organs in the Czcaddez, the ovipositor in several of the families, and the great sexual differences in size and in the presence or absence of wings are prominent features. In the Orthoptera, there are the stridulating wing-nerves, the extended ovipositor, and a genital arma- ture greatly varied in its adaptation to greatly differing habits. And in the Neuroptera, distinctive male characters are found in clasping organs, in differences in color and in size, the long mandibles of Corydalus, the abnormal location of the intromittent organ in Zzdelu/zdez, and in the elongated and forcipated genitalia of Panorpa. In addition to such primary features as above noted, there are numer- ous secondary ones, which do not appear to be so dependent upon sex, 214 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. and many of which seem almost to serve no higher purpose than that of ornamentation. Yet it is reasonable to believe that most of these differ- ences have their use in the economy of nature, and that they aid in the continuance of the species. Among such minor antigenetical features may be mentioned, in the Lepidoptera, the usually more angulated wings of the male; the simple frenulum of the most of the male Heéerocera in contrast with the com- pound one in the female; the hairy anterior legs of Grapfia and Vanessa in the Nymphalide , the long hairs between the costal and subcostal nerv- ures, above the cell of the hind wings of Argynnzs, appearing when dis- played in the cabinet, like a long fringe to the inner margin of the front wings; the incrassated, black, scale-patch upon the middle of vein 2 (the Ist median nervule) of the secondaries of Davazs ; the ovoid discal spot on the front wings of many of the 7keciéne: in the Hespertde, the re- flexed costal margin in most of the Wesonzades, Eudamus and Pyrgus, and the tibial epiphysis* of the anterior legs in all but one of our genera; the transverse discoidal stigma on the primaries of most of the species of Pamphila ; the beautiful and peculiar microscopic (often concealed) scales, or androconia, of many of the butterflies; the usually concealed pair of extensile anal appendages found by Fritz Miiller and others in certain Glaucopide, Bombyctde, Noctuzde and in a Danazs,t — each of these several characters indicating the male sex. Features equally interesting, and alike serving no purpose so far as known, might be mentioned in each of the orders of insects. In the earlier stages of insects (egg and larval), sexual features, as would naturally be expected, are less numerous and less conspicuous. They rarely occur in the first stage —that of the egg, or more properly, they have not, in many instances, been recognized by us.{ It was for a long time believed that in the larva of one of our Sphzng- zd@ not unfrequently met with — Thyreus Abbote7-— the sex was so clearly indicated by difference in color and pattern that it could be told at a glance. Of the two greatly differing forms, the one marked with a series of large yellow-green patches on the dorsum extending half-way down the sides, and with another row of smaller subtriangular similarly colored spots resting on the prolegs, was described by Clemens as the male ; the female being reddish brown throughout, with a dark brown subdorsal stripe and numerous short broken stria.§ This sexual determination of * Guenée: Hist. Nat. Ins., 1852 —Lepid., v.— Noct., i, p. xxxv.—Speyer: in Canad. Entomol., 1878, v. 10, p. 124. Edwards’ Catal. Lep. Amer., 1877, p. 64. + Fritz Miller: Nature, 11 June, 1874, v. 10, p. 102 (Psyche, Mar.-Apr. [9 July], 1877, v. 2, p. 24). Morrison: Psyche [9], Oct. 1874, v. 1, pp. 21-22. Siewers: Canadian Entomolo- gist, Mch. 1879, v. 11, pp. 47-48, fig. 12. Stretch: Papilio, Feb., 1883, v. 3, pp. 41-42, fig. { In Phylloxera, the eggs which are to produce males and females may be known by their difference in size. See Riley’s Annual Reports of the State Entomologist of Missouri: 6th, p. 41; 7th, pp. 92-98; 8th, p. 158. § Two colored figures of the larve in my possession, made by Dr. Clemens, show the sexes the reverse of this — the green-spotted one marked as 2, being much the larger of the two. — =” ~— A SEXUAL CHARACTER IN SOME LEPIDOPTERA, 215 Clemens was accepted by me in my paper upon the larve and pupz of this species in the 26th Report of the New York State Museum of Natural History, pp. 114-116, and has also been followed by other writers. That the two forms are indicative of sex, has since been denied,* and it is to be presumed that the denials are based upon results obtained in rearing them to their perfect form. The green-spotted larva may, therefore, be ac- cepted as a dimorphic form, comparatively rare in my own collections and in the examples that have come under my observation. The young collector of insects learns very early the simple method of determining the sexes of his Luna, Polyphemus, Promethea, and Cecro- pia pupz, and of many other bombycid pupz, by observation of the com- parative breadth of their antennal cases. A means by which the sex in the pup of the Sphzngzd@ may be infalli- bly named, was pointed out by me in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Philadelphia, 1864, v. 3, p. 654. I have since found the same characters applicable to the Woctuzde and to other Heterocera. Prof. C. V. Riley, in the 7ramsactions of the Academy of Science of St. Louzs, 1873, vol. 3, pp. 128-129, and in the 6¢h Annual Report of the State Entomologist of Mzssourz, for 1873, 1874, pp. 131-132, has described and figured sexual differences in the pupxe of Pronuda yuccasella, consisting mainly, in the greater length of the “ dorsal projections” on the several segments of the male, in the length of the last two segments as compared with those of the female (its shorter 11th and longer 12th), and in its less rounded apex. He says: “Sexual distinctions are very rarely observable in chrysalids; but after I had learned to distinguish between them, I could readily separate the sexes in this case, and my judgment was con- firmed upon the issuing of the moths.” A few years ago I discovered an interesting feature in the armature of the species of Cossus, by which the sex may at once be determined. I have hitherto withheld its publication, until I had studied others of our spined pupz and could illustrate this feature by proper figures; but the opportunity for this has not been found, and I accordingly defer no longer calling attention to it, that the observations of others in possession of more abundant material may supplement the few that have been made by me, It is known to lepidopterists that most of the pupz of the species of moths which in their larval stage live in the interior of stems of plants and trunks of trees (endophytes), are armed upon their abdominal seg- ments with transverse rows of teeth or spines, by the aid of which, when they are inreadiness for their final transformation, they gradually work their way through the outer packing of their gallery and the bark, pro- ject their anterior segments to at least one-third the entire pupal length through the opening, and hold themselves securely during the eclosion of the moth. * Whitney: Canadian Entomologist, April, 1876, v. 8, pp. 75-76. Grote: éd., May, 1876, p. 100, 216 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. This useful armature in the Cosszv@, and in such of the 4gerzzde as I have had the opportunity of examining, consists of two rows of spines upon most of the abdominal segments, dividing them, when seen in ex- tension, in three nearly equal parts. In Cossus robénde, the species of the Cosstne with which we are probably the most familiar, these rows occur on the fifth (the first stigmatal segment posterior to the wing-cases) and the following segments. In Cossus guerctperda alone of the species known to me, they commence in a single row of minute dentations on the fourth segment. The princi- pal features of this armature are the following: It is always the stronger in the male sex — conspicuously so in C. rodznz@, but less so in C. Centeren- szs: the teeth increase in size from the fifth to the tenth segment : the ante- rior row is always the stronger in each sex; upon the fifth and sixth seg- ments, it does not, in its lateral extension, reach below the stigma,* while upon the following segments it passes in front of the stigma and quite a distance beneath it ; the posterior row is discontinued before reaching the line of the stigmata; the teeth show irregularity in form and size, particu- larly those of the posterior row. The sexual distinction above referred to, presented in this armature, is this: in the male pupz two rows of teeth occur on segments five to ten inclusive ; in the female, two rows on five to nine inclusive. In other words, the male pupa shows TWO rows of teeth on segment ten, where the female shows but ONE [as il- lustrated in Fig. 67, of a pupa-case of C. Centerensts, . from which the moth had emerged]. In each sex, the eleventh and twelfth have Fic. 67.—Pupa-case of Cossus CENTERENSIS, male’ (the moth DULY a single row. Disre- emerged), with tenth segment of a female pupa-case—enlarged. : : oe is MASTS BEDE CES eee ee ret ente eas: SUL pha enn cen merwe should in ordinary usage, the subdivision of what is usually known as the terminal segmeni, into demi-segments, or a segment anda subsegment, and that still further refinement which would make of the extreme por- tion an additional segment with full numerical designation, then it will serve to prevent misapprehension of the particular section showing the sexual feature, if we indicate it as the axtepenultimate segment. It would be the eleventh, if we commence enumeration, as some of our entomolo- gists do, with the head, but the tenth, if, as seems to me more proper, we begin with the first thoracic ring. Besides the Coss¢n@, this same sexual feature occurs in the 4gerzzde. I am not able to say if it extends throughout the entire family. At the time of this present writing, I have at my command only the pupe of geria exttiosa and A. tépuliformiés, and it exists ineach. It probably oc- curs in the pupz of Zewzera (one North American species described), in which the two rows of teeth are found on several of the segments, and per- *In C. Centerensis it reaches below the stigma on the sixth segment. AN EGG-PARASITE OF THE CURRANT SAW-FLY. 217 haps also in Hepzalus, the pupz of which (unknown to me) are character- ized as very similar to those of Cosszs. Another interesting fact connected with the armature of Cossus is that the form, size and position of the teeth vary to so great an extent in the different species, and show such distinctive characters, as to afford excel- lent specific features.* I would not hesitate to pronounce upon specific identity, upon an examination and comparison of the pupal armature alone. [From Psyche, May-June, 1883, iv, Pp. 48-51.] ON AN EGG-PARASITE OF THE CURRANT. SAW-FLY (NEMA- TUS, VENTRICOSUS). (Read before the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at its Montreal meeting, agth August, 1882.) Dr. Asa Fitch, in his. 12¢2 Annual Report on the Insects of New York for the year 1867 (Trans. N. Y. State Agric. Soc. for 1867, 1868, v. 27), pp. 931-932, made the following reference to this insect : As none of the foreign accounts which we have seen allude to any parasitic enemy of this currant saw-fly, it seemed quite improbable that it would in this country meet with any such enemy, to lighten from us the task of combatting it and diminishing its devastations. But our valued friend, J. A. Lintner, of Schoharie, greets us with the glad tidings that he has discovered we have such a foe to this formidable scourge. An egg parasite of this saw-fly inhabits our State, an exceedingly minute hymen- opterous insect, which inserts its eggs into those of the saw-fly, that its young may subsist upon and consume the contents of those eggs. This diminutive little fly has probably existed hitherto upon the eggs of some one of our American saw-flies similar in size to those of the currant saw- fly ; andit has now discovered that the eggs of this newly-arrived foreigner are equally well adapted to its wants. Andso multiplied has this little friend of the gardener become, that in Utica, Mr. Lintner finds that among fifty eggs of a saw-fly upon a currant leaf, there will not be more than four or five that will hatch currant worms, all the rest being occupied by the little maggot, the young of this parasite. At Schoharie, also, where the saw-fly has arrived more recently than at Utica, he finds this parasite is now beginning to appear. Everywhere this little creature is no doubt following upon the tracks of the saw-fly, and within a very few years after the one arrives in any place the other will be there also, and will speedily become so multiplied as to quell and extinguish it. This isa most important discovery, and renders it quite probable that in this coun- try this currant worm can never be but a temporary evil. Whenever cir- * For comparison with other species of the Cossinw it may be stated that an example of C. Centerensis, 4, has thirty-eight teeth in the anterior row of the tenth segment, and twenty teeth in the posterior row —the latter, in their entire range, occupying a transverse space equal to that of nine teeth of the anterior row. The teeth are black, shining, irregu- lar in size, and are slightly bent upward over their base; their length and the distance between their tips exceeds their basal width. 28 218 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. cumstances favor it and enable it to multiply and become numerous in any section of our country, this little enemy, its mortal foe, will speedily be there to subdue and stamp it down. Thus nicely are the works of na- ture balanced, and no creature is permitted to usurp a place in her domain which does not belong to it. The specimens of the parasite obtained by me at the time referred to in the above notice, were submitted to a friend who had made study of the group to which they belong, who believed them to be an undescribed species, and was only able to give them a doubtful generic reference. They were subsequently destroyed, and from that time until the present year (an interval of fourteen years), although I have continued to search for them I have been unable to obtain the species. Its rediscovery by me the present year, and the determination ef the species, lend additional interest to the notes upon it that I made at its first observation, at Utica, N. Y.,in June, 1866, and I therefore transcribe them from my note-book : I had collected a number of currant leaves upon which the currant saw- fly had deposited eggs, and was counting the eggs upon each to obtain the average number per leaf, when I noticed an occasional brown egg among them, appearing somewhat abnormal in shape. On placing them under a lens a resemblance to a pupal form was detected. I at once sus- pected the presence of the parasite for which we had been hoping. Al- though there seemed to be but the merest chance of discovering at large an insect so minute as this must necessarily be, I instituted a careful search of the currant bushes in the garden, and ina short time had the great gratification of seeing a minute speck moving among the eggs, which under my lens revealed a form which left scarce room for doubt of its parasitic character. During the day I detected several more of the kind upon the leaves containing egg-deposits, affording strong. evidence of their relationship. A few days thereafter (perhaps a week), in a small phial in which I had placed some eggs that I suspected to have been par- asitized, I had the delight of seeing several of the familiar forms of my currant-leaf acquaintances, and the ruptured pupa cases from which they had evidently escaped. The following year (1867) there was a marked diminution in the number of currant-worms observed, and a corresponding increase in parasitized eggs. Many of the leaves had not been visited by the parasite, but of those that gave evidence of such visit, the work of destruction was almost complete, for of several leaves bearing each from thirty to forty eggs, all but five or six were transformed into parasitic pup. In June, 1868, I was able to make, at Schoharie, N. Y., the following observations upon the oviposition of the parasite within the eggs of the currant saw-fly : In a small phial in which had been placed some parasitized eggs of the saw-fly, a male and female parasite had emerged. That I might observe their actions I introduced a piece of currant-leaf having upon it some eggs which I had just seen deposited. No evidence was given that the AN EGG-PARASITE OF THE CURRANT SAW-FLY., 219 female was aware of the presence of the eggs, but after several minutes traveling around the glass, she moved upon the leaf, and in passing over and beneath it, seemed to meet with them accidentally. She paused, and then began a careful inspection, walking over them several times, and constantly palpating them with her antenne. Then satisfied with her examination, she attached herself to one of the eggs, appressed the tip of her abdomen to it, and remained in this position motionless for the space of two and a half minutes, during which time an egg, doubtless, was in- serted, although the pocket lens with which the observation was made did not disclose the fact. The motion of her antenne then recommenced and I expected to see the operation just witnessed repeated upon another egg; but, to my surprise, she merely changed position —again applied the tip of her abdomen to a different part of the same egg, and remained at rest forabout the same space of time as before. Three times I wit- nessed this performance, and it is, therefore, probable that three parasitic eggs were placed within the one of the currant-fly. Unfortunately an in- terruption prevented me from noticing if the remaining currant-fly eggs were similarly parasitized, and the number of eggs introduced in each ; and much to my regret, the eggs were accidentally destroyed before my observations could be made upon their transmutation into parasitic pup. The pupa cases are dark brown, disclosing some of the outlines of the contained pupz, somewhat flattened, broader than the original egg, but of about its length. The insect is apparently one of the Chalczdrde, hav- ing a broad head, long and elbowed antennz, ovoid anterior wings, nearly veinless, beautifully iridescent, delicately fringed and haired; the pos- terior wings are almost linear; the abdomen is short, not reaching the tips of the wings. This year (1868) is probably the first appearance of the parasite at Scho- harie, as I could only discover about a dozen individuals. Its progress seems to be from west to east, corresponding with that of the currant- worm. The rediscovery of the parasite the present year (1882) was made in my garden at Albany, upona solitary currant bush growing there. The para- sitized eggs were inclosed ina bottle, and ina few days the insects emerged. That I might multiply and aid in the distribution of an insect which had already shown its capability for usefulness, I visited another garden in the city to obtain eggs of the currant-fly for parasitization by my confined individuals. To my surprise, the parasite was here found in strong force, for in the examination of a long row of currant bushes containing many eggs, I could not find a single egg-bearing leaf which had not been visited and the destruction of the eggs insured. A large number of leaves were collected, each bearing perhaps from forty to fifty parasitized eggs. Re- serving a few of these for study and for propagation, the remainder were made up in small parcels of about a half-dozen each, and mailed to ento- mological friends in various parts of the United States and Canada,* with [(* Canadian Entomologist, xiv, August, 1882, p. 147. ] 220 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE. ENTOMOLOGIST. the request that they be pinned upon currant bushes among the leaves where the currant-fly eggs were to be found. The introduction of para- sites in this manner into localities where they had not previously occurred, has been shown to be practicable ;* and in consideration of the great im- portance of parasitic aid in the destruction of our insect pests, I sincerely hope that my efforts to distribute this very efficient parasite may prove, from observations to be made hereafter, to have been successful. Examples of the insect were sent by me to Mr. L. O. Howard, of the Department of Agriculture at Washington—a gentleman who has made special study of the family to which it pertains, viz., the Chalczdide. He informs me that there is no doubt of its being the species described and named by Prof. C. V. Riley, in 1879 (Can. Entom., Sept. 1879, v. 11, pp. 161- 162) as Tréchogramma pretiosa, examples of which had been reared, at Washington, from eggs of the cotton-worm moth, Aletza argzllacea Hiibn., collected in Alabama. The description is reproduced, with addi- tional information, in Prof. J. H. Comstock’s Report upon Cotton Insects (Washington, 1879), p. 193. It has since been extensively reared from eggs of the same moth collected in Florida, by Mr. H. G. Hubbard. It has also been bred at the U. S. Department of Agriculture from eggs of an unknown Noctuid moth occurring on orange trees, and from Aleyrodes. Prof. Riley, from some structural features, thought that it might be nec- essary to establish a new genus for this species and one or two closely al- lied ones, but Mr. Howard finds it to be a true 7yrzchogramma, as at first referred. Another species of the genus 7. mznuta Riley,t [shown in Fig. 68, and PN Ny S& ? £# hardly to be distinguished in appearance e¢ from 7. prefzosa], has been reared from the eggs of one of our common but- terflies, of extensive distribution, Lzen- ztis disippus. - Parasitized examples of these eggs have given from four to six specimens of the minute creature, which, notwithstanding its specific name fie io ite naturel positing: Be a tront Wing? ca Ol menuta, exceeds in ‘size -the’ “micro- Mind wine de One ofthe Ieee: Des aaceULcAh’ Fe scopic « predzosa, whe latvet Deing apemE 0.25 mm. in length. mt Fic 68.—TRICHOGRAMMA MINUTA Riley: a, the In connection with the above notice of the egg-parasite of the currant- fly, it may be of interest to offer the following note of the oviposition of the currant-fly as observed by me, as its method has not to my knowl- edge been previously published. June 7, 1868. Nematus ventricosus was seen to deposit thirty eggs upon a single currant-leaf within one hour. In the act of ovipositing, it curved the tip of its abdomen downward and forward, directing its ovipositor toward its head, in which position the end of the egg is seen to protrude *Le Baron: Third Annual Report on the Insects of Illinois, 1873, pp. 200-202. + Third Annual Report on the Insects of Missouri, 1871, p. 158, fig. 72. AN EGG-PARASITE OF THE CURRANT SAW-FLY. 221 and attach itself to the leaf-nervure, when the ovipositor is withdrawn, and the egg left in position. Moving backward a very little, another egg is similarly deposited, and in like manner the operation is continued, until the leaf has its assigned quota, or the supply of eggs is exhausted. The eggs produced their larva on June 14th. . Riles f (B.) MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. The following list comprises publications during the years 1882 and 1883, mainly in agricultural journals, most of which were in reply to in- quiries made in relation to insects of economic importance: Insects on Sweet Potato Vines. (Country Gentleman, for Feb. 23 1882, xlvil, p. 149, c. 2-3 — 12 cm.) > The larve infesting sweet potato vines in St. Louis, Mo., are proba- bly those of Coptocycla aurichalchea. Remarks upon the species and means of destruction, viz., application of Paris green and London pur- ple. Entomological The Anatomy of the Mouth Parts and the Sucking Apparatus of some Diptera. (Country Gentleman, for February 23, 1882, xlvii, p. 151, c. 2-3 — 13 cm.) The paper was prepared by Mr. George Dimmock, of Cambridge, Mass., as a dissertation for obtaining the philosophical doctorate at Leipsig University. Init the mouth-parts of Culex, Bombylius, Erzstalis, and J/usca are ably treated, of, and fully illustrated infour excellent plates. A résumé of previous publications on the subject is given. Millions of Grasshoppers in Midwinter. (Albany Evening Journal, for February 25, 1882.) Grasshoppers observed upon the surface of snow in Westchester county, New York, prove to be 7ragocephala viridifasciata, “the green- striped locust ” of Dr. Harris. This species has on different occasions appeared during warm days in winter, but has never been recorded as véry injurious. Their early appearance at this time will cause the death of large numbers, and lessen the brood of the summer months. A Winter Grasshopper — Tragocephala viridifasciata. (Country Gen- tleman, for March 9, 1882, xlvii, p. 189, c. 2 — 16 cm.) Identification of the species, occurring in Genesee county, N. Y., in February — its history —is not often injurious — will probably be killed by frosts before its food appears. The Hickory-Borer — Cyllene pictus (Drury). (Country Gentleman, for March 9, 1882, xlvii, p. 189, c. 2-3 — 8 cm.) The species was for a long time confounded with the locust-borer, C. 224 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. robinte, but is separable by its longer and stouter antennz and body behind tapering to a blunt point. The specimens received are in the pupal stage, showing in transparency, the yellow markings of the wing-covers. The larva is not as injurious to hickories as the locust- borer to locusts. Apple-Leaf Bucculatrix. (Country Gentleman, for March 16, 1882, xvii, p. 207, c. 1— 5 cm.) Small white-ribbed cocoons upon apple-tree bark, sent from Bergen county, N.J., are identified as those of Bucculatrix pomtfoliella Clem- ens. The cocoons show a parasitic attack. Insects that Injure Trees. (Country Gentleman, for April 20, 1882, xlvii, p. 313, c. 1-2 — 46 cm,) Notice of Dr. Packard’s ‘‘Insects Injurious to Forest and Shade Trees,” being Bulletin No. 7 of the U. S. Entomological Commission. The volume presents a summary of what is known of insect injuries to our more useful trees. The notice remarks upon the importance of the preservation of our forests and attention given in Europe to the subject, and refers to the number of species of insects attacking trees in Europe and in the United States; it complains of the inferior char- acter of some of the illustrations ; mentions a revised edition contem- plated. The White Grub — Lachnosterna fusca (/o//.). (Country Gentleman, for April 27, 1882, xlvii, p. 333, ¢. 2-3 — 34 cm.) Belief expressed that the grubs destroying the roots of grass, will not injure potatoes on the same ground the following year. Methods given for their destruction, as shaking the beetles from the trees on which they congregate, rooting out the grubs by hogs, plowing up and exposing to birds, application of salt and other materials to render the food unpalatable to the grubs. Mites in Timothy Fields. (Country Gentleman, for May 18, 1882, xlvli, p. 395, Cc. 1-2 — 19 cm.) The little attention paid to the study of the Acarina in this country: reference to a few common species. This species pronounced by Dr. Hagen, of Cambridge, to be 7rombédium bicolor Hermann, or very near to it. It is black with red legs — was observed April 28th at Con- cordville, Pa., on no other grass but timothy. The Spring Canker-Worm — Anisopteryx vernata. (Country Gentle- man, for-May 18, 1882, xlvii, p. 393, €. 1-3 — 67 cm.) Its distribution is from Maine to Texas, but it is usually quite local ; efficiency of birds in destroying it; ascent of the tree trunks by the wingless moths should be prevented, may be done by bands of tarred cloth; Dr. Le Baron’s band of rope with tin nailed upon it, and how it MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, 225 operates; another trap (illustrated) is a band of tin suspended from a cloth bound to the trunk; when caterpillars are on the tree, beat them down on straw and burn them, or spray the leaves with Paris green ‘water by aforce-pump. Protection from the flat-headed apple-tree borer. Leaf-mining Anthomyiide. (Canadian Entomologist, for May, 1882, xiv, pp. 96-7.) (Thirteenth Ann. Rept. of the Entomological Society of Ontario, for the year 1882. 1883, p. 29.) Discovery of the first American species of leaf-mining Axthomyzide, mining beet-leaves at Middleburgh, N. Y., viz., Chortophzla floccosa Macq., and two new species, to be described in the forthcoming Report of the N. Y. State Entomologist. The Grain Aphis — Siphonophora avenz (/aér.). (Country Gentleman, for June 22, 1882, xlvii, p. 493, c. 2-3 — 22 cm.) Infesting wheat in Virginia; Dr. Fitch’s notice of it in his 6th Report; its attack on the heads continued until the kernels harden; many of the examples are parasitized ; Aphzs granarza a synonym; attacks also oats, rye and barley. The Apple-Tree Case-Bearer. (Country Gentleman, for July 6, 1882, xlvii, p. 533, c. 1-2 — 28 cm.) The caterpillar, bearing its peculiar case, is sent from South Byron, N. Y.; natural history of the species, known as Coleophora malivorella Riley, given, with references to full notices of it; spraying with Paris green and London purple in early spring a good remedy for it. Direc- tions for mailing injurious insects — should not be sent in paper boxes, permitting escape and propagation in new localities. The Spring Canker-Worm— Anisopteryx vernata Peck. (Country Gentleman, for July 6, 1882, xlvu, p. 533, c. 2-3 — 26 cm.) Abundance of the caterpillars in New Canaan, Ct., confined to two orchards. For means of destruction reference is made to notice in the C. G.,of May 18. The pupz, buried three or four inches deep beneath the tree, may be killed by breaking up the ground, or by turning swine in the orchards to root them up. The Rose-Bug. (Country Gentleman, for July 6, 1882, xlvii, p. 534, c. 3—10 cm.) Leaves stripped from cherry trees in Scarsdale, N. Y., by Macrodac- tylus subspinosus. The inquirer of name and habits is referred to C, G., of June 26. Sprinkling foliage with tansy water has been said to prevent its depredations. Paris green sprinkling wouid destroy it; shaking it from trees on sheets recommended. The Seventeen-year Locust. ‘The Ontario County Times, xxviii, for July 12, 1882, p. 3, c. 5 —58 cm.) Gives the seventeen-year and thirteen-year periodicity of Cicadas 29 226 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. and the years of their appearance during the present half-century; broods in the State of New York; injuries of the present brood upon the shore of Canandaigua lake, and preventives of future injuries. A New Household Pest — Attagenus megatoma. (Country Gentleman, for July 20, 1882, xlvil, p. 567, c. 2-3 — 38 cm.) Description of the beetle and of the larva; the larvz occur beneath carpets upon which they feed; abundance of the beetle in Washington Park, Albany, on spiraas with A. scrophularie ; are often found on windows within our houses; probably breeds also in hair-cloth furni- ture; does it injure cotton fabrics ? benzine and kerosene for killing it ; tympans and roofing-paper as preventives. The Hessian Fly in Ohio. (Country Gentleman, for July 20, 1882, Klviiip. 567, .¢. 3—— 14 cm.) The wheat attacked by the second brood of the insect, of which the eggs were laidin May. The flies would emerge in July or August to attack the winter wheat ; may possibly be a third brood. Protection of its parasites recommended; burning stubble would destroy the para- sites. Wheat broken down bythe attack should be cut low and reaped. A Bark Beetle. (Country Gentleman, for August 3, 1882, xlvil, p. 605, c. 2-3 — 18 cm.) Beetles found in Perrowville, Va., underneath the bark of apple-trees which show decay, and thought to be the cause, are Hymenorus ob- scurus (Say). They could not have caused the injury, but were probably drawn thither to feed upon the decaying material. None of the Czsted- zde are known to be obnoxious. The Stalk-Borer. (Country Gentleman, for August 3, 1882, xlvii, p. 605, c. 3 — 15 cm.) A caterpillar, injurious to the potato crop near Syracuse, N. Y., is Gortyna nztela Guen.; often destructive to corn; cannot be reached by external applications; may be removed by cutting into the stem of the potato; burning the vines for killing the pupz remaining in them recommended. Wire-Worms infesting Potato Vines. (Country Gentleman, for August 10, 1882, p. 625, c. 2 — 18 cm.) Reported from Scarsdale, N. Y., as first boring into the vines near the ground, and later into the tubers; belong to the Z/aterzd@ but the species unknown; habits of the beetles; crops attacked by the larve ; no effectual remedy for them known; reference to Dr. Fitch’s paper on wire-worms in his 11th Annual Report. The Horn-Tail Borer — Tremex Columba (Zizm.). (Country Gentle- man, for August 10, 1882, xlvii, p. 625, c. 2-3 — 26 cm.) A maple tree at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., shows fifty or more holes in . MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 227 the trunk bored by this insect ; how the egg is inserted; operations of the larva; the oak, elm and the sycamore also attacked; Glycodbzus spe- czosus More injurious to maples ; Rhyssa lunator and R. atrata associated with the 7remex as parasitic upon it. The Spotted Horn-Bug. (Country Gentleman, for August 17, 1882, xlvii, p. 645, c. 2— 24 cm.) A beetle with a very offensive odor, injuring the foliage of ash trees in Perrowville, Va., is the Dynastes Tztyus. The odor of the specimens sent is so intolerable that they cannot be kept within doors. The beetle is described ; the larva feeds upon decaying trees. The insect is rare in Pennsylvania, and is not known to occur in New York. The depredations of the beetle upon the foliage of the various trees which it attacks, may be arrested by showering with Paris green or London purple. Mites infesting a Poultry House. (Country Gentleman, for August 17, 1882, xlvil, p. 645, c. 2-3 — 13 cm.) The species is not recognized—may be the same that infests the nests of sitting-hens. They may be killed with kerosene in water ap- plied with a syringe or force-pump to every part of the hen-house. If occurring ina close building, fumigation with sulphur would be efficient. A New Worm in Apples. (Country Gentleman, for September 21, £582, xlvil, Pp? 745; C. 2-3 — 25 cm.) A white worm in early apples reducing the interior to pulp while the outside is fair, in Ascutneyville,Vt.; is not determinable from the brief statement sent; may perhaps be the Sczarz maiz, operations of this species as given by Dr. Fitch; its larva and imago described. [Is probably 7ryfeta pomonella. | The Black Blister Beetle — Epicauta Pennsylvanica (DeGeer). (Country Gentleman, for September 21, 1882, xlvii p. 745, c. 3 —15 cm. The beetle injures carrots and cabbages in Baltimore, Md., which have not previously been recorded as among its food-plants ; habits of the beetle; for destroying them beat them into a vessel with kerosene and water or dust with pyrethrum, as was successfully done at Ithaca, N. Y., to large numbers defoliating a passion-vine. The Hag-Moth Caterpillar. (Country Gentleman, for September 21, 1882, xlvii, p. 745, c. 3-4— 20 cm.) The larve of Phobetron pithectum (Sm.-Abb.), feeding on a crab-apple tree, described ; its cocoon and its appendages; the larva found also on cherry-trees ; its power of stinging; unreasonable fear of most cater- pillars. A New Apple Insect — Amphidasys cognataria Gwen. (Country Gen- tleman, for October 5, 1882, xlvii, p. 785, c. 2-3 — 34 cm.) Injuring apple-trees in Chelsea, Wis.; description of larva; now first 228 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. noticed on apple; other food-plants ; characteristics of the Geometridae; will probably not prove very injurious ; may be removed from trees by jarring. Destructive Elm-leaf Beetle — Galerucella xanthomelena Schrank. (Country Gentleman, for October 12, 1882, xlvil, p. 805, c. 1-2 — 38 cm.) Identified from leaf injuries in Bound Brook, N. J. Depredations in N. Y., N. J. and southward; its appearance. Spraying with Paris green and water, jarring and boxing about the base of trees recommended for its destruction. ; A New Principle in Protection from Insect Attack. [Read before the Western N. Y. Horticultural Society, at its Annual Meeting, January 25, 1882.] (Proceed. Western N. Y. Horticultural Society, for 1882, pp. 52-66. Separate, with one-half title p. cover, pp. 15 | March, 1882. ]) Preventives preferable to remedies; strongly odorous substances, available for the prevention of egg-deposit; insects guided in oviposi- tion by the sense of smell rather than by sight; acuteness of this sense in man and animals; the probable location of smelling organs in insects; instances of attraction, sexual and otherwise, by odors; scent- organs and their importance ; counterodorants and how they may pre- vent egg-deposit ; the results of protection by this method; the aim of practical entomology. A Rose Leaf Insect. (Country Gentleman, for March 1, 1883, xlviil, p. 169, Cc. 2— 17 cm.) A caterpillar feeding on rose leaves in a green-house in Westchester Co., N. Y., identified as Penthzna ntmbatana (Clem.). The caterpillar briefly described, its habits mentioned, and method proposed for its destruction. Of Interest to Flower Growers— A New Enemy Found. (Troy Daily Times, for April 2, 1883.) Discovery of a species of caterpillar, feeding in the green-house of Dr. R. H. Sabin, Troy, N. Y., upon heliotrope, geranium, wandering jew (Tradescantia), etc.; features of the caterpillar and cocoon; is probably Plusza dyaus Grote, although seemingly differing somewhat from that species. The Bean Weevil. (Country Gentleman, for April 19, 1883, xlvili, p. 317, C. 3 — 16 cm.) Identification of Bruchus fabe Riley, from Delhi, N. Y. For history of the species, reference is made to C. G.of December 8, 1881. The apartments where they are found at this season should be searched for the living individuals, which should be killed; and all beans should be kept during the winter in tight vessels or bags to prevent the escape and distribution of the beetle. MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 229 Thousand-Legged Worms in a_ Nursery — Julus cceruleocinctus Wood. (Country Gentleman, for May 24, 1883, xlvill, p. 421, c. 2 — 26 cm.) Identification of the species sent from Geneva, N. Y., May roth. How they differ from “ wire-worms” with which they are often con- founded. uléd@ live usually on decaying vegetables, but this species feeds also on living vegetables, often on potatoes. It will probably not injure apple-tree roots, being more of a surface feeder, coming abroad at night, when it may be trapped by means mentioned. Gas-lime recommended for its destruction. The eggs, the young and habits are TeferLed. to. Curious Ichneumon Cocoons. (Country Gentleman, for June r4, 1883, xlvili, p. 481, c. 2-3 — 35 cm.) Cocoons of Afanteles congregatus (Say) occur upon an apple-tree, in Brooklyn, N. Y. The peculiar cluster is described; the habits of the Microgasters given; and the importance of protecting, rather than de- stroying similar parasitic cocoons. On an Egg-parasite of the Currant Saw-fly, Mematus ventricosus. (Psyche, for May and June, 1883, iv, pp. 48-51.) First discovered by the writer in the year 1866, at Utica, N. Y. Its oviposition described. Rediscovered in 1882, at Albany, N.Y. Proves to be Trzchogramma pretiosa, described by Riley in 1879, from eggs of the cotton-worm moth. Parasitized eggs of the Nematus have been distributed to other States and Canada for colonization. Notice of the oviposition of Mematus ventricosus as observed. Rearing Lepidoptera. (Psyche, for May and June, 1883, iv, p. 53 — 13 cm.) Notices the lepidopterological studies and especially the larval collec- tions, and rearing from the egg, of Mr. S. L. Elliot, of New York city. His success in rearing lepidoptera has not been surpassed by any one in the United States. Codling Moth of the Apple. (Country Gentleman, for June 28, 1883, xlviii, p. 521, c. 2— 11 cm.) Numerous codling-moths (Carpocapfsa pomonella) received from the Rochester, N. Y. nurseries of Mr. Barry, with report of injuries, indicat- ing anincrease of this apple-pest in the western part of the State. The threatened increase should be earnestly combatted by the most ap- proved methods. Paper bands around the trees and showering with Paris green in water early in the season, recommended. An Interesting Bug. (Country Gentleman, for June 28, 1883, xlviii, p. 521, Cc. 2-3 — 33 cm.) Insects sent from Burlington, N. J., for identification and habits 230 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. are larve (1st stage) of the Reduvzina, which cannot be positively iden- tified, but may be the ‘‘ wheel-bug,” Przonotus cr¢status (Linn.). The eggs received with them are described and also the larvz. The species deserves protection from its habit of preying on other destructive in- sects. Their habits are briefly given, together with an account of a two hours’ contest observed between one of the larve and a pupa of Penthina nimbatana. The result of a wound inflicted by one of these insects is stated. Book Notice. (Psyche, for May and June, 1883, iv, p. 53 — 11 cm.) Notices the volume on the Insects of our Fruit-Trees, by Mr. Wil- liam Saunders, as soon to be published. The Maple-Tree Scale-Insect —Lecanium innumerabilis Lathvon. (Country Gentleman, for July 5, 1883, xlviu, p. 541, c- 3-4—— 66 cm.) The scales received from Parkersburg, W. Va., June 18th, with in- quiries. They belong to the Cocczde; history of this species given; the different trees attacked by it; reference to papers treating of it. Among the remedies for the insect, are mentioned, scraping and scrub- bing the bark, cutting down and burning badly infested trees, spraying with a whale-oil soap solution or witha kerosene emulsion. Directions for preparing the latter are given. The literature of the species is pre- sented. The Black Long-Sting — Rhyssa atrata (Fabr.). (Country Gentleman, for July r2, 1883, xlvili, p. 561, c. 2-3 —— 28 cm.) Insect from Athens, N. Y., identified as Rhiyssa atrata. Its principal features are given. The habits of the Rhyssa of ovipositing in the larvee of Tremex Columba as usually given, has recently been questioned by Mr. Clarkson, in the Caxadian Entomologést — very properly so, it is thought. Another use for the long ovipositor is suggested, based upon an occurrence noticed by the writer. Hairworm — Vanessa — Alaus — Gordius and Mermis. (Country Gen- tleman, for July 19, 1883, xlviil, p. 581, c. 1-2 — 52 cm.) A Gordius from Bainbridge, N. Y., identified. The popular supersti- tion of the transformation of a horse-hair into the hairworm is referred to. The general character and modes of occurrence of Gordzus and Mermizs are given, and the life-history, in brief, of the former. Vavessa antiopa, sent as injurious to elms is characterized in its larval and but- terfly stage. Alaus oculatus is briefly described and some of its habits given. An Oak Moth — Anisota senatoria (.S.-Add.). (Country Gentleman, for July 26, 1883, xlviii, p. 601, c. 3 — 16 cm.) Received from Roslyn, N. Y. With its name, the principal features of the moth and the caterpillar are given. Its abundance at Karner, N. Y., is stated, together with its several changes, and mention of con- generic species, less injurious. MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, 231 Captures of Feniseca Tarquinius (/@ér.). (Psyche, iv, forJuly—August, 1883, p. 75 — 13 cm.) A number of examples of the species collected at Keene Valley, N. Y., about alders. Had also been takenin one example at Center, N.Y., by Mr. O. von Meske, but never before by the writer. [Platygaster larva destroying galls of Cecidomyia salicis-batatus. | (Psyche, iv, for July-August, 1883, p. 79 — 7 cm.) Reference to Prof. D. S. Kellicott’s observations on the above, as published in the Bulletin of the Buffalo Naturalists’ Field Club, for March, 1883. [Collecting Cut-worms at evening with alight.] (Psyche, iv, for July- August, 1883, p. 80 — 10 cm.) Notice of collections made by Mrs. Mary Treat, about dusk in the evening, from flower buds of phlox, and from beneath the ground around the roots and from the branches of a plum-tree. A Grape Pest — Procris Americana. (Country Gentleman, for August 2, 1883, xlvili, p. 621, c. 2-3 — 18 cm.) ‘ The insect steadily increasing in Champaign county, Ohio. The cat- erpillarand moth are described, and the transformations given. The best remedy for it is to look for the skeletonized leaves at the com- mencement of the attack, to pinch them off and crush the larve. Potter-wasp Cells on Grape Leaves— Eumenes fraternus Say. (Coun- try Gentleman, for August 9, 1883, xlvili, p. 641, c. 4— 22 cm.) Sent from Sandy Hill, N. Y., for determination. The external appear- ance of the cells described, and also the interior, and the contained pupa; is probably the above-named species, which is common in Eastern United States. Remarks upon the structure of the cells; they are crowded with caterpillars for the larval food; the larva matures in about amonth. Reference to figures in Saunder’s “ Insects Injurious to Fruits,” page 70. The Frenching of Corn. (Country Gentleman, for August 16, 1883, xlviii, p. 661, c. 4— 28 cm.) ‘‘Frenching” results from various causes — from disease as well as insect attack. Young stalks of “frenched” corn received from Rock Hall, Md., show numerous perforations made undoubtedly by a Sphen- ophorus, and probably by S. sculptzl’s. The appearance, habits, distri- bution, and life-history, in part, of the beetle, is given, and the best remedies for it. The Striped Squash Beetle. (Country Gentleman, for August 23, 1883, xlvii, p. 681, c. 2 — 15 cm.) Gives the appearance and habits of the larva of Dzadbrotica vittata 232 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.: (Fabr.), and recommends the “application of carbolic acid and water (1 part to 100) about the stems to preventattack. If the larva are eat- ing into the stem, sand saturated with kerosene oil should be spread around it, —the oil to be gradually carried into the soil to kill the larve. The Carpet Bug, Anthrénus scrophulariz. (Country Gentleman, for August 23, 1883, xlvill, p. 681, c. 2-3 — 16 cm.) The larva reported as injuring linen and silk goods, but its feeding upon these articles has not been established, and is doubted. Benzine is named as the best remedy for its attack, and coal-tar roofing-paper, and “carbolized paper” as preventives. The Pine Emperor Moth. (Country Gentleman, for September 27, 1883, xlvili, p. 781, c. 2-3 — 24 cm.) The larva of Lacles zmperzalcs (Drury), is sent for identification from New Jersey, where it was found feeding upon plum. It had not been hitherto recorded upon this food-plant. Its food-plants are mentioned; the caterpillar described, its habits, transformations, and the principal features of the moth given. Reference is made to further information of the species. Saw-Fly Larve on Quince. (Country Gentleman, for October 4, 1883, xlviii, p. 801, c. 2 — 12 cm.) Quince leaves in Erie, Pa., are badly eaten by the larva of a saw-fly feeding on the upper surface of the leaf. The species is not identified. A description of it is given. The larva of Vanessa amtzopa, feeding on elm, and Adalza bipunctata, found on quince, are identified. Bark Louse on Willow. (Country Gentleman, for October 4, 1883, xlvili, p. 801, c. 2-3 — 22 cm.) The apple-tree bark-louse is found incrusting a stem of Kilmarnock willow, from Ansonia, Conn. Other plants upon which it is known to occur in addition to apple, are named. The species belongs to M/yézlas- pis, and according to Prof. Comstock, is identical with fomorum of Bouché. As remedies, scouring with soap-suds and a stiff brush, and showering with a kerosene emulsion are recommended. The Chinch-bug in Northern New York. (Albany Argus, for October 10,1883, p. 3, c. 2-3 — gocm. Watertown Daily Times, for October 12, 1883 [the same article copied]. Country Gentleman, for October 18, 1883, p. 841, c 2-4. [the same copied nearly entire].) Following a letter,from Mr. M. H. Smith, of Redwood, Jefferson Co., N. Y., giving an account of the discovery of the insect and the injuries committed, the report of the writer is given, after his visit to the in- fested locality, embracing the following heads: The insect identified — appearance of the insect — observations upon the attack — just cause for alarm — persistence of the attack — importance of arresting the attack — remedial measures recommended. MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 233 A New Enemy to the Farm. (Albany Argus, for October ro, 1883, p. 4, C. 3 — 30 cm.) A recapitulation of the preceding paper, slightly altered from MS. to serve as an editorial. The Chinch-bug in New York. (Science, for October 19, 1883, ii, p. 540 — 16 cm.) Its detection in large numbers in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where it is proving destructive to timothy-grass. Its rapid increase noticed, not- withstanding that this and the past year have been unusually wet ones in Northern N. York. Its threatened spread is occasioning great alarm, but it is hoped that it may be arrested by the general use of kerosene oil emulsified. Directions for Arresting the Chinch-bug Invasion of Northern New York. (Circular No. 1 — October, 1883. New York State Museum of Natural History: Department of Entomology, 8vo., 3 pp., fig.) Narrates the features of the attack in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., refers to the importance of arresting its extension, and recommends for the pur- pose: 1. Examination for detecting the commencement of the attack : 2. Burning, as directed; 3. Plowing as directed; 4. Harrowing and rolling; 5. When plowing is not practicable, use gas-lime. The above to be done at once. Further directions for attacking the spring brood are promised herafter. ’ The Mole-Cricket. (Country Gentleman, for October 25, 1883, xlviii, p. 861, c. 2 — 20 cm.) The insect sent as being quite plentiful at Woodbury, N. J., is iden- tified as Gryllotalpa boreal’s Burm., and described. Its method of exca- vating its galleries are narrated and the injuries committed by it upon grass and garden vegetables. Hot water poured into the burrows of the insects will kill them when they become too abundant. In Europe _ they are sometimes trapped in manure pits. The ability of the insect to swim and dive readily in the water, as communicated, had not been previously recorded. The Ant Lion. (Country Gentleman, for November 1, 1883, xlviil, p. 881, c. 1-2 — 33 cm.) Larva of Myrmeleon sp.? received from Falls Church, Va. Appear- ance of the ant-lion, structure, the pitfall constructed by it, and its operations with its prey. Means by which the larve may be collected, with remarks upon the winged insect. New Corn Pest— Megilla maculata. (Country Gentleman, for No- vember 22, 1883, xlviii, p. 941, c. 1, 2—48 cm.) The Coccznellide, long regarded as wholly carnivorous, have lately 30 234 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. been found to be partly herbivorous. Prof. Forbes has shown that more than one-half the food of some species is vegetable... In 1874, M/. ma- cudata was reported as injuring corn in the milk. This habit was con- firmed by Mr. Pergande in 1882. The beetles now sent from Fairfield, Conn., by Mr. Sturges, taken by him from within the kernels of corn, are the same species. The nature of the injury to corn is described, also the insect itself, and a cause for its attack suggested. The Apple-Maggot —Trypeta pomonella. (Bulletin No. LXXV. N. Y. Agricultural Experiment Station. December 29, 1883 —- 110 cm.) An attack upon apples in Brandon, Vt., by which they are completely “honey-combed,” is stated to be probably by 7xyfeta pomonella. The habits of the larva, its description, that of the fly, life-history of the species, its ravages and distribution, and remedial measures against it are given. Information (points stated) still needed of these attacks. Sciaré malé should not be confounded with the species. (C.) The following valuable paper of Dr. Fitch upon some rare insects of the State of New York, was almost lost in publication, from the small number of copies published of the volume in which it appeared, and the difficulty of obtaining access to it. A few copies of the paper were also issued as separates with, with pagination of 1-11, but they are to be found to-day in hardly any of our public libraries, or even in private hands. Its republication, therefore, at this time, cannot fail of being acceptable to entomologists. [From the American Quarterly Journal of Agriculture and Science, May, 1847, vol. v, pp. 274-284. | WINTER INSECTS OF EASTERN NEW YORK. BY ASA FITCH, M. D. It is the object of the following paper, to describe those insects of East- ern New York, which occur in their perfect state in the winter, and are peculiar to that season and the early part of spring. They are objects of curiosity, as coming forth to our view in full maturity and vigor, at that time in the year when almost every other member of the animal and veg- etable kingdoms is reposing in torpidity under the chilling influence of solstitial cold. In an economical aspect, they possess but little import- ance, their period of life being limited to that season when the field fur nishes no herbage, the garden no flowers, and the orchard no fruits, on which they can prey. They are chiefly interesting, therefore, merely as objects of scientific research —as forming integral parts of that vast ar- ray of animated beings, with which the Father of Life has populated our world, and rendered it vocal with his praise. Hence it is to the scientific rather than the agricultural reader, that the following pages are addressed. To him they will be sufficiently intelligi- ble, without such illustrations as have accompanied our previous contri- butions to this Journal. A few words respecting the analogies of the two first species here de- scribed, may not be devoid of interest to the general reader. A small insect, destitute of wings, and bearing some resemblance toa flea in its general aspect, is found in the winter season, upon the snow in the northern part of Europe, andalso occurs upon the Alps and the Hartz mountains. It has been known for nearly a century, and from its singularly anomalous characters, naturalists have been much perplexed to determine in which particular family of the insect tribes it might with the most propriety be placed. Linnzeus was the first to classifyand name it. He regarded it as 236 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. possessing more analogies with the species associated in his genus Pa- norpa, {[*] than with any other insects, and accordingly arranged it with them, bestowing upon it the specific name #yemalzs. But, inasmuch as it differed from the Panorpide in some prominent particulars, such as pos- sessing the faculty of leaping, and being furnished with an ovipositor simi- lar to many grasshoppers and crickets, Panzer, at a subsequent day, placed it under the genus Gry/lus. More recent naturalists, however, have con- curred in the propriety of the location originally given by Linnzus, and to obviate, in some degree, the incongruity of its situation, Latreille was induced to construct for it an independent genus, placed beside Pan- orpa, to which genus he gave the name Soreus. The Ayemalzs has re- mained to this day the sole speciesof this genus, no other insect having similar characters, having been discovered in any part of the world. Two years since, inthe month of March, searching carefully upon the melting snow, to find if possible in this vicinity, a rare and singular insect which has been lately discovered in Canada —the Chzonea valga, a fly destitute of wings —though unsuccessful, my labors were rewarded with an equally acceptable return, an insect cogeneric with the curious Boreus hyemalzs of Europe. Since that time, I have met with numerous specimens, and have also found in the same situations, several individuals of a third species pertaining to the same genus. From these specimens I draw the follow- ing detailed characters of the GENUS BOREUS, Latrezille. Polished and shining. ead sunk into the thorax to the eyes, which are prominent; ocelli wanting. Rostrum long-conical, twice or thrice as long as the head from which it gradually tapers, projecting downwards at right angles with the body, or more or less inclined backwards under the breast, its front side clothed with minute hairs. Maxillary pa/f7z reaching beyond the tip of the beak; terminal joint longest and slightly thicker than the others, long ovate ; basal joints cylindrical, half as long as they are broad. Afenne@ inserted in the middle of the front, their bases nearer to the margin of the eyes than to each other, reaching half the length of the abdomen in the females and to its tip in the males, thickly set with very short minute hairs; filiform, hardly thicker toward their tips, com- posed of twenty-three joints ; two basal joints thickest, the first subcylin- dric, the second obovate; succeeding joints short-cylindric, compact ; terminal joint ovate. Zhorax cylindrical, scarcely as broad as the head. Wings, in the males, rudimentary and not adapted for flying. Upper pair represented by two coriaceous pseud-elytral scales which reach rather more than half the length of the abdomen; these are broadest at their base and gradually taper to an acute point, the length being over four times as great as the breadth; they are very convex above and concave on their under sides, and thus when detached, bear some resemblance to ——_____—_____4~ [* Through a typographical error, the genusis given as Paurpano. | WINTER INSECTS OF EASTERN NEW YORK. 237 the chaff-scale or glume of a small kernel of grain; the apex is armed with a straight thorn-like spine which is directed backwards and downwards; the inner margin is studded with a row of small teeth, which are longer and more distinct toward the apex of the pseud-elytron; these teeth are inclined backwards, and at their points they are strongly curved in the same direction; both the outer and inner margins are minutely ciliated with short hairs. The under wings are represented on each side by a curved bristle which lies under the pseud-elytron and within its concav- ity; it scarcely exceeds the pseud-elytron in length, is slightly dilated at its base, curves inwards and downwards, is almost hooked at its tip, and gives off an occasional short hair. In the female the wings are entirely wanting, the only vestiges of them being two minute scales occupying the place of the upper pair; these scales are circular and scarcely the hundredth part of an inch in diameter in ZB. xzvortundus, slightly elongated and a third smaller in &. drumalzs ; they are convex above and concave beneath, and attached to the thorax by a short broad pedicel; their edges are cili- ated with minute hairs: their upper surface is also thickly set with very short, erect hairs, and is crossed by an elevated rib or slight keel. Legs long, particularly the posterior pair, the length of which exceeds that of the body; their several joints cylindric and densely clothed with short minute hairs; the first tarsal joint half as long as the tibia, the four re- maining joints successively shorter, terminated by two small, slender, simple hooks. Aédomen oval, depressed when exsiccated, the segments distinctly marked by strongly impressed transverse lines, and clothed with fine appressed hairs; in the males it is nearly cylindrical, but little broader than the head, truncated as it were at its apex and turned up- wards; tip of the last segment furnished with two stout sharp-pointed hooks, each with an acute tooth in the middle of its inner edge, and pilose along its outer edge; these hooks are susceptible of being extended in a line with the body, but are commonly strongly recurved upon the back shutting down upon and grasping a small scutel-like process which pro- jects upwards at the base of this segment. They are thus recurved in co- ition, the male organ being exserted from between their bases. Ovzfosztor robust, about half as long as the abdomen of the female, projecting back- wards in a line with the body, composed of a three-jointed semicylindrical piece above, and two ligulate valves below; the latter have their lower edges held in contact, thus forming a little gutter, and on the under-side toward their tips they are finely serrated; of the upper piece, the middle joint is much the longest, and is lined beneath on its concave side with a. membrane which becomes distended with fluid when the abdomen is pressed upon; the short terminal joint is susceptible of being inclined obliquely downwards, thus, at least partially, closing the end of the ovipos- itor; the upper and lower pieces are widely separated in coition to enable the tip of the male abdomen to approximate that of the female. 1. BOREUS NIVORIUNDUS. Zhe Snow-born Boreus. Shining black or brownish-black ; rudimentary wings, thorax above, 238 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. with the rostrum and ovipositor excepting their tips, fulvous; legs dull fulvous. Length, male twelve-hundredths of an inch; female, 0.15, or including the ovipositor, 0.18. Head black, highly polished, glabrous. Eyes black. Rostrum fulvous and feebly diaphanous, the mouth and palpi black. Antennz black, two basal joints sometimes fulvous-brown. Zorax black on the sides, above varying in color from dull fulvous to cinnamon-yellow, the basal half of the prothorax being black. Aédomen black, brownish black, or dull ful- vous-brown; terminal segment fulvous or cinnamon-yellow, its hooks in the males cinnamon-yellow, their tips and teeth black and highly polished; ovipositor in the females diaphanous, fulvous, sometimes inclining to rufous, black at its tip. Rudimentary wzzgs cinnamon-yellow; in the males often of a duller hue toward their tips; rudimentary inferior wings in the males of the same color as the superior. Legs lurid-yellow and sub-diaphanous, with a slender black annulus at each of their articula- tions; three last joints of the tarsi wholly black. Closely allied to the B. hyemailzs, which, however, appears from Ram- ‘bur’s Neuroptera, the Penny Cyclopedia, and the beautiful colored figure in Westwood’s Introduction, the only definite authorities to which I am able to refer, to have the basal two-thirds of the antennee of a russet color, andthe rudimentary wings and the legs strongly inclining to red. Our species presents no tinge of rufous, except sometimes in the ovi- positor; and the antennz, black to their bases, is a decided distinctive mark. E This insect is by no means rare, being found upon the snow in forests in warm days, so early as December, and becoming more common as the season advances. I have met with it the most plentiful in April, when there has been a fall of snow in the night, succeeded by a warm forenoon of bright sunshine. Appearing so suddenly, in numbers, upon the clean, dazzling white surface thus spread over the earth, at the first thought it seems to be literally bred from the snow. I have not yet searched for it in the moss of tree-trunks, but doubt not that like the European insect, ours will also occur in this situation. When observed upon the snow, it is almost always stationary; and when approached by the hand, it com- monly makes a leap, to the distance of a few inches only, its saltatory powers appearing but feeble. 2. BOREUS BRUMALIS. TZhe MWid-winter Boreus. Polished deep black-green; legs, antennz, rostrum, and ovipositor black ; rudimentary wings brownish-black. Length, male o. 10; female 0.12, or including the ovipositor 0.15. This species presents no very obvious characters beyond those already given. Its body is highly polished, shining even with a metallic lustre whilst the eyes, antenne, rostrum, and legs, reflect the light but feebly. The ovipositor is pure black, but equally splendent with the black-green WINTER INSECTS OF EASTERN NEW YORK. 239 abdomen. The scales which occupy the place of the wings in the females are but faintly perceptible, appearing like two minute greyish-black spots on the thorax. Inthe living insect, there is a light fulvous vitta, obvious to the naked eye, along each side of the abdomen, at the lateral suture; this is frequently obliterated or but imperfectly discernible in the dried specimen. So far as Ihave at present observed, this appears abroad earlier in the season, and in colder weather than the preceding, though occasionally found associated with it on the last snows that fall in the spring. It is much less common than the other. 3. PERLA NIVICOLA. [*] Zhe Small “ Snow-fly.” Black ; wings grey, unclouded, a third shorter than the abdomen in the males, a third longer in the females. Length 0.20, wings expand 0.45; males smaller. Head shining, clothed with very short, fine hairs. Palpi brownish-black, sub-diaphanous. Antennz reaching half the length of the wings, black, setaceous, about thirty-jointed ; joints obconic, basal one largest. Pvo- thorax flattened, its margins more smooth and shining, its disk rugulose, with a few shallow impressions ; an impressed transverse line near the base and another near the apex. Addomen shining, with a broad pale ful- vous dorsal vitta which does not extend on to the two last segments ; ven- ter with a tint of obscure pallid at base. Setz as long as the abdomen, black, setaceous, clothed with short whitish hairs ; joints from thirteen to about eighteen in number, obconic, gradually shorter toward the base. Legs black, joints cylindric. Tibize obscure pale brown except at the tips, subdiaphanous, grooved longitudinally. Tarsi, basal joint longest, second joint very short. W2ngs reaching half the length of the sete, finely cili- ated at their tips and along their inner margins; gray, diaphanous, im- maculate; nervures black, robust, and very strongly marked, particularly on the upper pair which have five closed cells in the disk. The male is smaller, with the wings reaching but two-thirds the length of the abdo- men, its palpi and entire tergum black, and the tibiz darker than in the female. On warm days in the latter half of winter this species may be observed crawling with hurried steps upon the snow. It becomes most numerous about the time the snow finally disappears, and is then often seen on shrubs, fences, and buildings, and not unfrequently finds its way into our houses. It is extremely common, occurring most abundantly in the vi- cinity of streams of water, in which element the previous stages of its existence are passed. When first excluded from its pupa state, it is of a pale yellowish color, but gradually changes to black, this change com- mencing upon the thorax. Copulation occurs immediately after the female comes from the pupa state. [* Is Capnia pygméa (Burm.) Pictet: Hist. Nat. Ins, Neurop., 1841, p. 324, pl. 40, figs. des 240 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. 4. NEMOURA NIVALIS. The Large “ Snow-fly.” The “ Shad-fiy.” Black ; wings griseous, faintly banded, double the length of the abdo- men. Length, males somewhat under, females over half an inch; wings ex- pand about an inch. Flead covered with minute whitish hairs, which are longer and more ob- vious beneath the bases of the antennze and around the mouth. Vertex with an obtusely impressed transverse line immediately back of the two posterior stemmata, and a longitudinal medial one, reaching from the for- mer to the neck. Antennz black, clothed with very short minute hairs, slender, setaceous, as long as to the tips of the wings in the males and somewhat shorter in the females, composed of about sixty joints; basal joint short-cylindrical, its diameter double that of the third and following joints; second joint intermediate between the first and third in diameter, its length and breadth about equal; the remaining joints obconic, grad- ually diminishing in diameter and increasing in length toward the tips. Palpi clothed with very short, minute hairs, black; basal joints of the maxillaries lurid and slightly diaphanous, penultimate joint rather the shortest and obconic, the joint preceding it longest and obconic, the ter- minal joint oval, and scarcely as thick as the others. Prothorax square, in the females scarcely broader than it is long, somewhat narrower ante- riorly, posterior angles rounded, all the margins slightly and obtusely ele- vated, the posterior one more obviously so, often with a dull fulvous spot at the base, or with this color spread over the posterior part of the raised margin, and more rarely a similar spot at the middle of the apex; disk sometimes showing an impressed transverse line, and a longitudinal dor- sal stria. Exposed portion of the mesothorax much elevated above the plane of the prothorax, forming a transverse ridge between the bases of the wings; clothed with short hairs; often with traces of dull fulvous around the wing-sockets; the portion of the mesothorax and metathorax covered by the wings smooth and shining. Addomen reaching but half the length of the wings; suturesof the tergum in the female more or less widely marked with duil rufous; tip, in the female only, furnished with two short, filiform seta, scarcely equalling in length the segment to which they are attached; setz pale lurid, sub-diaphanous, hairy, composed of about eight joints. Each segment of the venter with two transverse im- pressions, one situated toward each posterior angle. Male organ ex- serted, forming a conical lurid point near the base of the last ventral seg- ment. femurs cylindrical, black, clothed with white hairs, which are longer and more distinct in the females, inner side with a narrow deep groove which is dilated toward the apex. 77éz@ cylindrical, about half the diameter of the femurs, grooved, lurid-brown, diaphanous, the ends and inner sides black; apex slightly incurved and armed with two short spines on the inside. 7Zarsz black, composed of three joints, whereof the middle one is slightly shorter; two claws and an intervening pellet at the tips. Wzugs griseous, when closed showing faintly two paler bands, one WINTER INSECTS OF EASTERN NEW YORK. 24f near the middle and the other back of it; edges ciliated with fine, short hairs. Upon wings diaphanous, gray, faintly marked with a darker cloud back of the middle, and another occupying the tips, but not reaching to the edge, these clouds becoming wholly obliterated in cabinet specimens; nervures black. Lower wings gray, sub-hyaline, nervures black. When recently excluded from the pupa, the abdomen, except at its tip, is of a dull rufous color; this gradually becomes darker, and finally pure black. Fora time after the venter has become wholly black the tergum continues dull rufous with a black band on each segment, which band does not reach the lateral margins. These bands increase in size, and at length -the whole tergum is overspread with pure black. It is not uncommon to meet with specimens of this and the preceding species, infested with a minute parasite of the family d4carzde. These parasites are of a bright vermillion-red color, and fix themselves, one or more, at the sutures of the tergum, not quitting their hold after the death of the insect, unless disturbed. This species begins toappear, soon after the small Snow-fly is first met with. It occurs in the same situations, is nearly as abundant, and re- mains for a time after that has disappeared. One of the purposes served by these prolific insects in the economy of nature, doubtless is, to supply with food the fish of our streams, at this early period of the year. The larger of these species continuing to be abundant when the shad first come into our rivers, has evidently received one of its popular designa- tions in allusion to this fact. We regard this as the American analogue of the European Nemoura nebulosa, Linn. But \from several points in the extended description of that species given by M. Ramber (Suztes @ Buffon, Insectes Nevroptéres, Paris, 1842), it is quite obvious that ours is a distinct species. 5. CULEX HYEMALIS. [*] Zhe Winter “Musketoe.” Thorax cinereous, with a broad black vitta on each side; extreme tips of the wings and two spots on their anterior margins black, with two in- tervening sericeous yellowish white spots. Length 0.22 ; to the tips of the wings 0.28, or including the beak 0.39. Flead cinereous-pubescent, occiput black-pubescent. Proboscis black, its apex cinereous. Palpi black, the tips varied with gray. Antenne black, tips brown. 7orax cinereous-pubescent, with a broad rufous-black vitta on each side, passing above the wing-sockets: the vitta often edged on its upper side with yellowish-white; a very slender, black, dorsal line, often partially obsolete. Scutel glabrous, dark brown. Poisers black, their pedicels white. 4édomen clothed with longish gray hairs, black or dark brown, with two rows of whitish spots on each side; in the males obscure white, the posterior margins of the segments black. W2ngs sub- hyaline, with two blackish spots on the anterior margin, separated by a [* Is Anophales quadrimaculatus Say: in Long’s Exp., Append., ii, 1824; Compl. Writ., i, 1859, p. 241.] 31 242 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. conspicuous glossy yellowish-white spot ; inner spot with a strong notch on its posterior side which is formed by a yellowish-white dot, and a similar dot is placed on the inner side of this spot; outer spot with an oblique yellowish-white band on its outer side, beyond which at the tip of the wing, is a slight blackish transverse spot. Under a magnifier, these spots are found to be produced by the colors of the scales upon the nerves of the wings, which scales are regularly and beautifully dyed with black and yellowish-white, as follows: the posterior or anal nerve has black scales the last half of its entire length, and also at its base; the next or interno-medial nerve, which forks in its middle, is clothed through- out with black scales, including both its branches; the next or externo- ‘medial has black scales on the basal fourth of its length, two broad annuli of black scales on its middle, another annulus at its fork, and a fifth ser- ies at the tips of each of its branches; the next is clothed with black scales through its entire length; the next is black where it first becomes plainly visible in the middle of the wing, again fora short distance after the origin of the preceding nerve, again for a considerable space of its fork, and again at the apex of its posterior branch only; the costal and the marginal nerves have black scales from their bases; these become much more dense at the black spots of the anterior margin, and are replaced by yel- lowish scales only between these spots and beyond the entire one. Legs black; femurs pale toward their bases; tips of femurs and of tibiz whitish. Coxe pale. The Winter Musketoe is met with in the last days of autumn and again for a short time in the first days of spring, and specimens are occasionally found in any of the winter months. It is a somewhat rare insect, which no one can fail to distinguish clearly by the marks on its wings as above described. 6. CHIRONOMUS NIVORIUNDUS. The Snow-born Midge. Black ; poisers obscure-brown ; wings pellucid-cinereous, their anterior nervures blackish. Length about 0.15 to the tip of the abdomen in the males; females a third shorter. This species is black throughout, and clothed with fine black hairs. The ¢horax has three slightly elevated longitudinal ridges immediately forward of the scutel. The wzzgs, when the insect is at rest, are held against the sides of the abdomen, often vertically in the males, but more commonly in the females with their inner margins in contact, thus form- ing a steep roof covering the back. They are diaphanous, of a cinereous tinge, and feebly iridescent. Their inner margins toward their bases are slightly arcuated. The submarginal or postcostal nervures, those which bound the closed basillary cell, and which proceed from this cell to the margin, are particularly obvious, being of a blackish color, excepting the nerve which proceeds from the inner angle of this cell to the apex of the wing, which, with the nervures inside of it, scarcely differ in color WINTER INSECTS OF EASTERN NEW YORK. 243 from the surface which they ramify. The Jozsers are obscure-brownish, truncated at their apices, the capitulum being in the form of a reversed triangle. The aéddomen in the females is shorter than the wings, somewhat compressed, approaching to an ovate form when viewed laterally, with the venter often of a dull brownish tinge; in the males it projects beyond the tips of the wings, is slender, cylindrical or very slightly tapered toward the tip, with some of the terminal segments separated by a strong contraction. This is a very common species, appearing upon the snow in the winter season, and upon fences, windows, etc., in the fore part of spring, the males and the females being about equally numerous. The beautiful plumose antennz of the former distinguish them at a glance from all other insects abroad at thisseason. Attimes they may be met with in immense swarms. April 27th, 1846, in a forest, for the distance of a fourth of a mile, they occurred in such countless myriads as to prove no small annoyance to the passer, getting into his mouth, nostrils and ears at every step, and literally covering his clothing. These had probably hatched from the marshy bor- der of an adjoining lake, on this and the preceding days, the weather having been remarkably warm and dry. The wings appear to be more hyaline and iridescent in those individuals that come forth earliest, but I am unable to detect any marks by which they may be characterized as specifically distinct from those which appear at a later day. 7. TRICHOCERA BRUMALIS. Zhe Mzd-winter Trichocera. Brownish-black ; wings and legs pallid at upene bases ; poisers blackish, their pedicels whitish. Length of the male 0.18, of the female 0.25, the wings expanding twice these measurements. Thorax with an obscure grayish reflection. Addomen in the males cylin- drical, slightly narrower toward the tip, in the females elongated-oval and pointed at the tip ; each segment with a strongly impressed transverse line in its middle, and the posterior margin elevated into a slight ridge. Ovzposttor fulvous, sometimes tinged with blackish. W