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THOMAS LINCOLN
CASEY
LIBRARY
1925

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SECOND REPORT

ON THE

INJURIOUS AND OTHER INSECTS

STATE OF NEW YORK,

Made to the Legislature, Pursuant to Chapter 377 of the Laws of 1881.

ES ripe Ae IN IN EB TR,

State Entomologist.

ALBANY:
WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY,
Ss

LEGISLATIVE P TER

RIN Ss.
1885.

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-* 3 4

STATE OF NEW YORK.

No. 162.

MN Ae Ot Mob Tey,

APRIL 2, 1885.

SECOND REPORT

Chetty olathe ENTOMOLOGIST, ON THE INJU=
ROS LAND ORHE R= INSECTS OF THE .STATE OF
NEW YORK.

OFFICE OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST, |
ALBANY, March 12, 1885. |
To the Hon. GEORGE Z. ERWIN,
Speaker of the Assembly :

Str — I have the honor to transmit herewith, to the Legisla-
ture, pursuant to Chapter 377 of the Laws of 1881, the Second
Report on the Injurious and Other Insects of the State of New
York.

I remain very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. ASEINTNER,
State Entomologist.

TABLESOr CONTENTS:

Hele Ory OC LOIN a1 aretaraveinyeare welts (cf chele s\e ols sis) s sisjo.p cleyels avec .

Delay in printing report, 1. But few new insect attacks since
last report, 1. Mamestra picta attack in St. Lawrence county, 1.
Non-reappearance of the vagabond Crambus and of the corn-
worm in 1882, 2. Extension and injuries of the clover-seed
midge in Ontario, 2. Extended distribution of the punctured
clover-leaf weevil, and its abundance in Buffalo, N. Y., 3. Dimi-
nution of the Colorado potato-beetle, 3. Injuries from the
white-grub, 3. The ocurrence of the winter grasshopper, 4. The
appearance of the chinch-bug in northern New York, 4. The
figures introduced in this report, 4.

NOMS OP aVeCnRTO US INSECT AT ACK SS. 26st essc see's

A saw-fly attack upon pear-trees, 5. Peach-tree attacks: the
peach-tree borer ; dipterous larve; curculio in the peach; a
fungus on the peach-tree, 5-7. Apple-tree attack by the canker-
worm: its extensive range; birds that prey upon it, 7; climbing
habit of the female moth; tar and tin bands for arresting the
moth, 8; an improved tin protector; killing the larvae, 9. A
gooseberry fruit-worm, 10. Insects and fungus on quinces: the
quince curculio and the apple-worm; food-habits of the curculio;
transformations and injuries, 11; remedies; apple-worms in the
quinces; a fungus attack, 12; a fungus-feeding fly; remedy for
the fungus, 13. The plum weevil attacking apples, 13. Phy-
tonomus punctatus feeding upon beans, 14.. The “ Frenching’
of corn, 15: frenching resulting from insect attack, 15; the in-
sect probably Sphenophorus sculptilis ; the attack and how to
prevent it, 16. The bed-bug infesting a library, 16; life-history
and remedies, 17, 18; Psylla buxi upon box at West Farms, N.
Y., 18. An aphis attack upon roots of peach-trees, 19; pro-
nounced Myzus cerasi, 19; perhaps a root form of MZ. Perszce, 20;
remedial measures for the aphis, 21. Pulvinaria innumerabilis on
grape, 22. An apple attack, 23.

REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES......5..-025 ccee neve cees

Coal ashes for the currant-worm, 24. A carbolic wash for the
peach-tree borer, 24,25. Pyrethrum for the cabbage-worm, 26.

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Carbolic acid for the cabbage-worm, 27. Road dust for the cab-
bage-worm, 27. Coal oil refuse for the canker-worm, 27. A wash
for the apple-tree borer, 27. Saltpetre for the striped cucumber
beetle, 28. Gypsum and kerosene for the squash-bug, 29. Va-
porized tobacco juice for “thrips,” etc., 29. The thrips proper,
31. Infusion of tobacco for the rose-leaf hopper, 31. Infusion
of tobacco for aphides on house-plants, 31. Kerosene oil for
scale-insects on house-plants, 32. Sulphur for cabbage aphis, 32.
Grape bagging to protect from insect attack, 32. A bottle trap
for various garden insects, 33. Poultry in orchards, 33. Insecti-
cidal properties of some of the Composite, 34. A new instru-
ment for use against root-insects, 34. Naphthaline as an insecti-
cide, 35. Directions for making kerosene oil emulsions, 36, 37.
The Shearer soap emulsion, 38.

MISCHA ANH OUST NO MHES vor ren oe asin eile ole > toiare note aBeonec: :

A parasite of Pyrameis Atalanta, 39. A diseased brood of
Actias luna, 39. Heteropacha Rileyana Harvey, 40. Hemileuca
Maia (Drury), 40. The hop-grub--Gortyna immanis (Gueneée), 41,
42. The army-worm in Western New York, 42. Anisota ver-
nata (Peck), 44. The carpet-fly, Scenopinus fenestralis’ (Zz772.),
44. The emasculating bot-fly, Cuterebra emasculator F7¢ch, 45.
Beet-leaf mining Anthomyiide, 46. Attagenus megatoma,
(Fabr.), as a household pest, 46, 47. The Rose-bug, Macrodac-
tylus subspinosus (Faér.), 48. Increase of the bean-weevil,
Bruchus obsoletus Say, 49. Oviposition of Monohammus con-
fusor (Azréy), 49, 50. Otiorhynchus ligneus infesting a dwelling-
house, 51. Sphenophorus sculptilis (UA/er), 52. Destruction of
spruces and firs in Northern New York and New England by
bark-borers, 53-55. Distribution of the Harlequin cabbage-bug,
Murgantia histrionica, 55. Dactylopius longifilis Comstock, 56.
Heliothrips hemorrhoidalis Bouche, 56.

INJURIOUS LEPIDOPTEROUS INSECTS.

MELITTIA CUCURBITA, the 'Squash-vine Borer=. ood. 02015 Jc 0%

Its synonymy and bibliography, 57. Abundance at Coxsackie,
N. Y., 58. Perhaps identical with an European species, 58. De-
scription of the moth, 58. The moth figured, 59. The larva
figured and described, 59. The cocoon, 60, Figures of the larva,
pupaand imago, 60. Family features of the 4gerzade, and number
of species, 60. Life-history and habits, 61. Hibernation asa
larva, 62. The Hubbard squash most liable to attack, 62. Number
of larve taken froma single vine, 62. Remedies and preventives,
63. Crushing the larvae by plowing, 63. Use of gas-lime and
kerosene oil, 63. Protection by netting, 64. Cutting out the
larve, 64. Bisulphide of carbon and how to use it, 64. Rooting

39

Su

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

the plants at the joints,64. Saltpetre,65. Bisulphide of carbon
as a counterodorant, 65. Coal-tar and naphthaline as preven-
tives, 66. Additional study of the insect needed, 66. Certain
observations asked for, 66. Experiments made at the N. Y. St.
Agricultural Experiment Station, 67. Successful results from the
use of soap emulsion, coal-tar and Paris green, 67. The degree
of protection obtained, 68. Additionalitems in the life-history of
the insect, 68.

ORGYIA LEUCOSTIGMA, the White-marked Tussock Moth........

Bibliography, 68. Its history, 69. Beauty of the caterpillar,
70. Description and figure, 71. The cocoon,71. The pupa and
the perfect insect, 72. The egg, 73. Natural history of the in-
sect, 73. Additional molting of the female, 74. A second brood,
75. Hibernation in the egg stage, 75. Attack upon lindens in
Brooklyn, 76. Range of food-plants in some Boméyctde, 77.
Food-plants of the species, 77. Its depredations on horse-chest-
nut and the elm, 77. Injuries to fruit-trees, 78. Abundance in
Central Park, New York, 78. Attacked by seven species of insect
parasites, 79. The great increase in its ravages, 79. The English
sparrow the cause of the increase, 80. Notes upon its protec-
tion by the sparrow soon after its introduction in Albany, 8r.
The sparrow protects by driving away the birds that would feed
upon the caterpillars, 82. Preventives and remedies: a relent-
less war upon the English sparrow, 83. Its injuries and preven-
tive measures in England, 84. Destruction of the Orgyia eggs,
84. Jarring the caterpillars from the trees, 85. Spraying the
foliage with Paris green and water, 85. Cotton bands around
the tree-trunks, 86. A new form of Orgyia attack, 86. Elm
twigs girdled at their tips and broken off, 87. Probable expla-
nation of the girdling, 87. Record of the falling of the twigs, 88.
Different features presented in the girdling, 88. Apparently a
local attack, 89.

PLUSIA BRASSICA, the Cabbage Plusia............- Se SAREE cer

Bibliography, 89. Increasing destructiveness, 90. Larva de-
scribed and figured, 90. The pupa and the moth described, 91.
List of known food-plants, 91. Distribution and injuries, 92.
Its resemblance to an European species, 92. Number of broods,
92. Cannibalistic habits, 93. Remedies found in hand-picking,
sprinkling with hot water and with pyrethrum water, 93. Pre-
ventive by catching the moths in nets, 93.

TEU SHAt pI MEALS eeeetate Revi ales stancraidt smrenibs famehs cysiniOle <'elerche cc ae hrsitio a behets

The caterpillars found in a conservatory, 94. Plants eaten by
them, 94. Description of the caterpillar, 94. Its habits, 95.
Transformations of the insect, 95. Its cocoon, 96. Beauty of the

Vil

68

89

94

vill TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Plusia moths, 96. The species doubtfully referred to P. dyaus,
97. Should it prove to be new, the name of Plusza culta proposed
for it, 97.

AMPHIDASYS COGNATARIA, the Currant Amphidasys........ Paar

Bibliography, 97. Its occurrence on a black-currant bush,
98. Habits of its associated Geometers, 98. The caterpillar de-
scribed and figured, 99. The moth, 100, Life-history as observed
by Miss Morton, too. Larval food-plants, 1o1. Occurrence upon
an apple-tree, ror. Its extensive distribution, 1o1. Remedies,
in jarring, etc., IOI.

SITOTROGA CEREALELLA, the Angoumois’ Moth.) )....-.- 2c -

Synonymy and bibliography, 102. Reported from the N. Y.
State Agricultural Experiment Station, 102. Its attack upon
corn, 103. Manner of attack, 104. History of the insect, 1o4.
Description of the moth and figure of the several stages, 105.
Food-plants, 106. Its life-history, 106. Its natural history as
related by Olivier, 107, 108. Distribution in the United States
and Europe, 109. Remedies: fumigation with charcoal gas, and
application of heat, 109, and azotic gas, 110. Destroyed by
Pteromalus gelechte and Heteropus ventricosus.

DIPTEROUS INSECTS.
BIBIO ALBIPENNIS, the White-winged Bibio......... ...... Saas

Bibliography, 111. The fly described and figured, 111. Original
description by Say, 111. Family characteristics of the Bzbzonzde,
111. Is probably not injurious in its habits, 112. An European
species charged with injuries to flowers, 112. The food of &zézo
albipennis, 113. Large numbers of it eaten by the robin, 113.
Abundance of the larvz in St. Lawrence county, 114. Transfor-
mation to the winged insect, 114. Is the species double-brooded ?
114. An unknown species of Azbzonzde occurring in rose-pots,
115. Its larva described, 115.

NMIiCRODONUGLOBROSUS Pere clio ciointtiene enro ee ee AG gs Aare

Synonymy and bibliography, 116. The larva mistaken fora
land snail, and described asa mollusc, 116. Its frequent associa-
tion with ants, 116. Other species in similar association, 116,
117. Hibernation of the fly within dwellings, 117. Like habits
of the cluster-fly, Pollenta rudzs, 117. Limited distribution of
the fly in the United States, 117.

TRYPETA POMONELLA, the Apple Maggot.....2-...<.-2.-.-. 5
Bibliography, 117. Reported from Brandon, Vt., 118. Opera-

tions of the larva, 118. The larva as described by Walsh, 119.
Figure of the larval head, 119. The fly described and figured,
120. Life-history, 120. Western observations, 121. Occurs

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 1x

mainly in the Eastern States and New York, 121. Recently ob-
served in Michigan, 12:. Its preference for early apples, 122.
Also attacks winter fruit, 122. Remedial measures: destroying
the fallen fruit, 123. Destroying the pupz, 123. Imperfect
knowledge of its life-history, 123. Particular points to be ob-
served, 124. Another apple-fly of similar habits, 124. How the
apple-midge, Sczarz maz, may be distinguished, 125.

INJURIOUS COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS.

AMPHICERUS BICAUDATUS, the Apple-twig Borer........... os sismy (L2G

Synonymy and bibliography, 125. A western form, not often
found in New York, 226. Description and figure of the beetle,
126. Attacks apple, pear and cherry trees and grapevines, 126.
Burrowing habits of the beetle, 127. Little known of its early
stages, 127. History of the beetle as usually given, questioned,
128. Its hibernation doubted, 128. Statements in regard to its
boring twigs, 129. What the life-history will upon proper study
probably prove to be, 130. Other larvae presumably associated
with it in its food-plants, 130. The injuries from the beetle usu-
ally not serious, 131. Burning the tunneled twigs of doubtful
value, 131. Paris green may prevent attack, 131. Polycaon con-
fertus displaying similar burrowing habits in California, 132.
Conformity of habits in the Bostrzchzne, 132.

LEMA TRILINEATA, the Three-lined Leaf-beetle ................ 132

Synonymy and bibliography, 132. Its attack upon potato

plants, 133. The larva described and figured and its habits given,

133. Description and figure of the beetle, 134. Life-history of

the insect, 134. Successive broods during the season, 135. Discov-

ered feeding upon the eggs of the Colorado potato-beetle, 135.

Hand-picking and the arsenical insecticides recommended for

destroying it, 136.

TRIBOLIUM FERRUGINEUM........5.4.. apetaicieneahaue: of oh aie tetra te er ata cye 136
Bibliography and synonymy, 136. Discovered in large numbers
in coarse flour, 136. Habits of the beetle as observed, 137.
Heat recommended for killing the insect, 137. Long known as
infesting grain and vegetable stores in Europe, 137. Observed
in a museum feeding on insect collections, 138. Its carnivorous
habit questioned, 138. Testimony to its feeding upon insects,
138. Other food eaten by it, 139. Has been seldom noticed by
American writers, 139. A cargo of ground nuts destroyed by
it, 139.
EU GENT Ares VRE GATES Glace cus! ot elenwinn dip lo eiella’s apie Soe'e.ele eve ¢ 139
Bibliography and synonymy, 139-140. The beetle found feed-
*

x TABLE OF CONTENTS.

ing upon wheat in a granary, 140. Its larva preys upon Coccus
insects, 140. European species having the same habit, 140.
Will probably not prove to be injurious to wheat, 141. Say’s
description of the beetle, 141. Its occurrence upon the “smut”
of wheat, 141. Its general distribution throughout the Atlantic
States, 141.

ARAMIGUS FuimEED dnilersiR oseubectit= eres eee nnn eee anes Te

Bibliography, 142. Occurrence in a conservatory at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y., 142. Its first discovery, 142. A green-house
pest, 142. Distribution and food-plants, 143. Transformations
of the insect, illustrated, 143. Description of the beetle, 143.
Remedies: collecting by hand, burning plants infested at the
roots, and destroying the eggs, 144.

INJURIOUS HEMIPTEROUS INSECTS.
COSMOPEPLANCARNIPER |..(; 3 sghihi\awinie oeeietare ie oes Renee eee ees 144
Synonymy and bibliography, 144-5. Characteristics of the
Heteroptera, 145. Description and figures of the larva and pupa,

145. Not hitherto known as injurious, 146. The insect attacks
the potato, 146. It also attacks the currant, 146. Remedies:
hand-picking and kerosene emulsions, 147. Its extensive dis-
tribution, 147. It is probabiy not carnivorous, 147. Another

attack upon the potato by an unknown insect, 147-8.

BLISSUS LEUCOPTERUS, the Chinch-Bug...... or opetdre Cuchoye etoepe holes 148

Synonymy and bibliography, 148. Notice of its discovery at
Redwood, N. Y., 149. The insect identified, 150. Its description
and figure, 150. Previous rarity in New York and Massachu-
setts, 150. Original description by Say, 151. History of the
insect, 152. Its common name, 152. Its life-history; transfor-
mations illustrated, 153. The early brood, 153. The second
brood, 154. Its hibernation, 154. A dimorphic form, illustrated,
155. Injuries of the insect, 156. Estimates of losses from it, 156.
Its operations in New York, 157. Reasons for apprehending
continued and increased injuries from it, 158. Observations
made upon its attack in St. Lawrence county, 159. Acreage of
timothy destroyed by it, 160. Measures recommended for the
arrest of the attack, 160. Circular issued in relation to it, 161-2.
Remedial measures employed, 163. Cessation of the attack, 163.
Other northern and eastern localities where observed, 164.

LARGUS SUCCINGTUS, the Marpmed Largus:, ‘eerie is or - 164
Synonymy and bibliography, 164. Injuries noticed only in
Texas, 165. Its distribution and variations, 165. Description
and figure, 165. Its habits and resemblance to the red-bug of
the Southern States, 166. Other allied species, 166. Remedies,
167.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Xl

CICADA SEPTENDECIM, the Seventeen-year Locust ......... Cocina ay,
Bibliography, 167-8. Its appearance in Wester New York,
in 1882, 168. The long period required for its development, 168.
Why the insect is seen almost annually, 169. <A thirteen-year
brood, 169. Number of broods in the United States, 170.
Broods appearing in the State of New York, 170-1. Notice of
the 1865-1882 brood in New York, 172. Time of the appearance
of the insect, 173. Its life-history, 173-4. Its music and means
by which produced, 175. The trees attacked by it, 176. Injuries
to vegetation, 176. The enemies that prey uponit, 177. Checks
to its multiplication, 178. Preventives, 178. Destroyed by a
fungus, 178, 179. How is the fungus propagated? 179.
SCHERNMES PINICORTICIS, the bine-back Chermes:. .. 4-00.06 joe's «00 180
Synonymy and bibliography, 180. Its general appearance, 180.
The secretion enveloping it, 180. Similar secretions by other
Aphidide, 181. The insect and its changes, illustrated, 182. His-
tory, and mistakes made regarding the species, 183. Other spe-
cies of Chermes, 184. Injuries to trees attacked, 185. Natural
enemies that prey upon it, 186. Remedies: crushing with a
brush or cloth ; whale-oil soap solution; perchloride of mercury,
187.
ORTHOPTEROUS AND NEUROPTEROUS INSECTS.
CHIMAROCEPHALA VIRIDIFASCIATA, the Green-striped Locust .... 187
Synonymy and bibliography, 187-8. Midwinter appearance of
the insect, 188. Its appearance in Genesee and Westchester
counties, 189. No cause for alarm, 190. The attendant meteor-
ological conditions, 190. Description of the insect, 191. Dimor-
phic forms, 191. Number of names under which described, 192.
Habits and natural history, 192. Method of oviposition, 192.
The molting operation, 193. The operation illustrated, 194. A
double-brooded species, 195. Other double-brooded species no-
ticed, 196. Remedies: those employed against the Rocky moun-
tain locust, and a mixture of bran, arsenic and sugar, 197.

Ee ORES SDV UN AROIOEA tc ecto crictaielsiotes\e/ee@'s's's 6s 6.4 Bi alette hela eins 198
Synonymy and bibliography, 198. Remarkable occurrence of
the insect in a bed-room, 198. Recommendations for its destruc-
tion, 199. Particulars of the invasion, 199, 200. The possible
source of the insects, 201. Description and figures, 201-2. Hab-
its of the family of Psoczd@, 202. “The “ death-watch,” an allied
species, 202. Literature of the Psoczd@, 203.

ACHORUTESMMMICOL As the SnOW-Mea s «4 << cs. a vac afd oma ae bc. 203

Synonymy and bibliography, 203. Occurrence at Port Jervis,
N. Y., 203. Remarks of Dr. Fitch upon its habits, 204. No-
tices of its observation, 204. Description of the insect, 205.

X11 TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Notices of associated species, 206. The family of Podurzde, 206.
European “ spring-tails,” 207. The garden-flea and its habits,
207.

LTP URAY RIMBTIARTA RG tare cs erste erence tateuel sucrachewelcehe ane me rene eee naan

Synonymy and bibliography, 208. Occurrence in a cistern,
208. Occurrence in a well, 209. Serviceable as a scavenger, 209.
Appearance and habits, 209. Anurzda marztima noticed, 210.

APPENDIX.

(A.) ENTOMOLOGICAL’ CONTRIBUTIONS oh. sentet ter

A NEw SEXUAL CHARACTER IN THE PUP OF SOME LEPIDOPTERA,

The interest attaching to the study of the sexual characters of
insects, 213. Some of the more conspicuous characters, 213.
Minor antigenetical features mentioned, 214. Not numerous in
the early stages of insects, 214. Dimorphism in larvz of 7hy-
reus Abbotit,214. Pupal differences in Pronuba yuccasella, 215.
The spinose pupal armature of Cossus, 215. The genus shows a
peculiar sexual feature in that the male pupa bears two rows of
teeth on segment 10 where the female has but one, 216. The
same feature occurs in the gerzad@, 216. This armature ser-
viceable in distinguishing species, 217.

On AN EGG-PARASITE OF THE CURRANT SAW-FLY........e00.

Notice of, by Dr. Fitch, 217. Its discovery at Utica, N. Y., in
1866, 218. Observations made upon it, 218. Its oviposition as
observed at Schoharie, N. Y., 218. Its re-discovery at Albany, in
1882, 219. Distribution of parasitized eggs of the currant saw-
fly, 219. The parasite proves to be T7rzchogramma pretiosa, 220.
T. minuta referred to and figured, 220. Oviposition of the cur-
rant saw-fly described, 220.

(B.) MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTO-
MO@LOGIST "x «xj. Sette o.ialdin AO ehatstehene etehaaser ai Let eee

List of publications in 1882 and 1883 (giving title, place, and
time of publication, their extent, and brief summary of contents)
as follows: Insects on Sweet Potato vines: The Anatomy of the
Mouth Parts and the Sucking Apparatus of some Diptera: Mil-
lions of Grasshoppers in Midwinter: A Winter Grasshopper —
Tragocephala viridifasciata: The Hickory-Borer— Cyllene pic-
tus (Drury), 223. Apple-leaf Bucculatrix: Insects that Injure
Trees: The White Grub —Lachnosterna fusca (/rof/.): Mites
in Timothy Fields: The Spring Canker-worm — Anisopteryx
vernata, 224. Leaf-mining Anthomyiide: The Grain Aphis —
Siphonophora avenz (Faér.): The Apple-tree Case-bearer : The

208

213
253

ary

223

TABLE OF CONTENTS. X1ll

Spring Canker-worm—Anisopteryx vernata Peck: The Rose-bug:
The Seventeen-year Locust, 225. A New Household Pest —
Attagenus megatoma: The Hessian Fly in Ohio: A Bark Bee-
tle: The Stalk-Borer : Wire-worms infesting Potato-vines : The
Horn-tail Borer —Tremex Columba (Zzzz.), 226. The spotted
Horn-bug: Mites infesting a Poultry House: A New Worm in
Apples: The Black Blister Beetle — Epicauta Pennsylvanica (De
Geer): The Hag-Moth Caterpillar: A New Apple Insect — Am-
phidasys cognataria Guen., 227. Destructive Elm-leaf Beetle —
Galerucella xanthomelena Schrank: A New Principle in Protec-
tion from Insect Attack: A Rose-leaf Insect: Of Interest to
Flower Growers — A New Enemy found: The Bean Weevil,
228. Thousand-legged Worms ina Nursery; Curious Ichneu-
man Cocoons: On an Egg-parasite of the Currant Saw-fly,
Nematus ventricosus ; Rearing Lepidoptera : Codling-Moth of the
Apple: An Interesting Bug, 229. Book notice: The Maple-Tree
Scale-Insect — Lecanium innumerabilis Rathvon: The Black
Long-sting —Rhyssa atrata (fadr.): Hairworm— Vanessa —
Alaus— Gordius and Mermis: An Oak Moth — Anisota senatoria
(Sm.-Abéb.), 230. Captures of Feniseca Tarquinius (Faér.): Platy-
gaster larva destroying galls of Cecidomyia salicis-batatus: Col-
lecting Cut-worms at evening with a light: A Grape Pest — Pro-
cris Americana: Potter-wasp Cells on Grape-leaves — Eumenes
fraternus Say: The Frenching of Corn: The Striped Squash Bee-
tle, 231. The Carpet Bug, Anthrenus scrophulariz: The Pine
Emperor Moth: Saw-Fly Larvz on Quince : Bark Louse on Wil-
low: The Chinch-bug in Northern New York, 232. Anew Enemy
to the Farm: The Chinch-bug in New York: Directions for ar-
resting the Chinch-bug Invasion of Northern New York: The
Mole-Cricket : The Ant Lion: New Corn Pest — Megilla macu-
lata, 233. The Apple-Maggot — Trypeta pomonella, 234.

(C.) WINTER INSECTS OF EASTERN NEW YORK........ 235

This valuable paper, by Dr. Fitch — almost lost in its obscure
publication republished. The winter insects noticed are of sci-
entific rather than economic interest, 235. Remarks upon the
analogies of the first two species described, 236. The genus
Boreus described, 236-7.

BoREUS NIVORIUNDUS, the Snow-born Boreus .......-++++++-++- 237,
The species described; compared with the &. Ayemalzs of
Europe, with remarks upon its occurrence and habits, 238.
BOREUS BRUMALIs, the Mid-winter Boreus......... +. sess: 238

The species described, with a brief note upon its rarity and
time of appearance, 238-9.

X1V TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PERLA NIVICOLA, the Small “Snow-fly”........e0.000. _. SP
Description, time of appearance, habits, abundance, colora-
tional changes, etc., 239.
NEMOURA NIVALIs, the Large “ Snow-fly;” the “Shad-fly”......
Minutely described, 240. Colorational changes in the imago ;
isinfested with an Acarus parasite ; time of appearance ; furnishes
a food-supply for fishes ; its European analogue, 241.
CULEX HYEMATIS,- the! Winter Musketoe! ines ccieeiee ste AN
Description, time of appearance and rarity, 241-2.

CHIRONOMUS NIVORIUNDUS, the Snow-born Midge........... ae
Description, 242. A very common species; myriads observed
on one occasion, 243. ;
TRICHOCERA BRUMALIS, The Mid-winter Trichocera............
Briefly described, its habits and resemblance to an European
species, 243.
PODUR’ NIVICOLAS (\* Whe Smow-tleal’!c-\cretiarye rere ain telalet etre tenes d
Description, comparison with other species, its abundance in
forests on the snow, and floating upon water, etc., 244.
GB NUE RAG MALINGDIBEXG eon cere cleues oie aetayete: teerel oyaiciteteiotade lat oy arerlereys peas

PANG SIN De See nee ereketoteratn octet SERA vhacrai HESS aA

240

241

242

243

244

245

RH PORT.

INTRODUCTION.
To the Legislature of the State of New York:

The Entomologist, in presenting his Second Report on the Injurious
and other Insects of the State of New York, begs leave to state:

The delay of nearly a year in the printing of the First Report afforded
the opportunity of earlier publication of considerable material that had
been prepared for the following report. Much of this material was ac-
cordingly incorporated with the first, which, still longer delayed by the
additions, was not published until in October of 1883.

The present publication presents mainly studies and observations
made in the years 1882 and 1883, although embracing some of those of
a later date. During these two years, the agricultural interests of the
State did not suffer from insect depredations to an extent equaling that
reported for the preceding year. No formidable insect pest pre-
sented itself for the first time, as a depredator upon any of the principal
field or garden crops, to be added to our already large list of insect
enemies. The years, of late, in which such additions have not been
made, are unfortunately exceptional ones.

The zebra caterpillar of Jamestra picta WHarris, was unusually
abundant during the autumn of 1883, not only in the State of New
York, but also in some of the adjoining States. A severe attack of iton
beets (mangolds) was reported by Secretary Harison, of the New
York State Agricultural Society, as occurring upon his farm at Morely,
St. Lawrence Co. The caterpillars were first observed feeding upon
the leaves in September. They continued their destructive work into
October, until they had devoured all of the tender leaves and reduced
the aggregate of the foliage at least one-half. After this had been done,
they attacked the roots, into which they made large surface excavations
similar to those eaten by crickets into fallen apples. When the man-
golds were taken up on the 15th of October, the caterpillars, as stated

by Mr. Harison, were still at work upon them, although some severe
1

2 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

frosts (23° and 24° Fahr.) had made them somewhat sluggish in their
movements. It was estimated that the yield of the crop had been less-
ened one-half by the attack of the insect upon it. Quite a number of
kinds of garden vegetables were also preyed upon by the Mamestra
larve, but without committing serious injury. Their favorite garden
food-plant seemed to be sweet pea-vines — a long and dense row of which
proved very attractive to them. In Massachusetts they have occasion-
ally been extremely destructive to the rutabaga crop. Figures and
notice of the insect may be found in Dr, Harris’ Zreatise on Insects
Lnjurtous to Vegetation, and in the Report of the Entomologist of the U-
S. Department of Agriculture for the year 1883.

The attack upon the pastures and other grass lands in the northern
counties of the State by the Vagabond Crambus, Cramdbus vulgivagellus
Clem., which was the occasion of so great alarm and of serious loss
during the summer of 1881, was not repeated the following year. In
accordance with the opinion expressed in my report upon the insect, it
proved to be but an exceptional occurrence, resulting from a combina-
tion of circumstances which may not again be presented for a long
period of time.

The attack of the Corn-worm, /e/iothis armiger Hiibn., upon the
corn fields of the southern portion of the State, as a consequence of the
unusual heat and drouth of the summer of 1881, was not repeated. Its
occurrence within our borders subsequently, has in no instance come to
my knowledge.

The injury to clover-seed, from the clover-seed midge, Cec¢domyia
leguminicola Lintn., does not appear to be on the increase in the locali-
ties where it had formerly been so abundant, thus affording ground for
hope that it may not prove so disastrous to clover culture as it threatened
to be, but that the parasites that have attacked it (of which two species
are known, Lurytoma funebris and Platygaster error), are rendering
efficient service in its destruction. It seems, however, destined to at-
tain to an extensive distribution, for not only has it reached the ex-
treme western portion of New York, but it has extended into Canada,
and excited no little alarm from the amount of clover-seed already de-
stroyed by it. According to the report of the recently appointed
Entomologist of the Dominion of Canada, Mr. James Fletcher, the in-
sect is proving even more destructive in its northern extension than in
our own State where its operations were first noticed. A few years
ago large quantities of Canadian seed were exported to the United
States, while at the present not enough is produced for home use. In
portions of Ontario, seed clover is reported as an entire failure, as the
result of the prevalence of the midge. The first complete destruction

INTRODUCTION. a

of the seed crops in the Dominion, was observed in the year 1883. To
the southward of New York the insect is occurring in Pennsylvania
and Virginia.

The punctured clover-leaf weevil, PAytonomus punctatus (Fabr.), has
also steadily and rapidly extended its area of operations from Yates
county where it was at first observed in 1881, northwardly to Lake On-
tario, and westwardly, to and beyond Niagara river. In August of
1884, large numbers of the beetle carried in their flight by severe easterly
winds, were observed on the sidewalks, in the streets, and on house-tops
in Buffalo. Thousands were crushed under foot on the pavements by
pedestrians. Many were borne westward and dropped into Lake
Erie, from the surface of which they were blown upon the shore where
they were found in millions, unfortunately not dead, but soon recover-
ing from the effects of their exposure in the water. Many at the same
time were observed upon sidewalks, fences and trees at Ridgeway in
. Canada, ten miles to the west of Buffalo.

The Colorado potato-beetle, Doryphora decemlineata (Say), seems to
be diminishing. The experience with it in various portions of the State
is, that it has been brought under comparatively easy control. Usually
a single application of Paris green made early in the season for the
destruction of the first brood is all that is required. The diminution
in its numbers is believed to be largely owing to the increase of the in-
sects and other animals that feed upon it. In several localities, species
not previously known to attack it, are reported from time to time, as
making it their prey, as they come to find it convenient and agreeable
for food.

The same decrease in its ravages has been noticed in other States.
In Pennsylvania and Ohio, according to a statement made by Prof. E.
W. Claypole (American Naturalist, xvii, 1883, pp. 1174-1175), there
was no second brood in 1882, and in the following year, it almost failed to
appear at all. Hot and dry summers have been found favorable for its
increase, and upon the recurrence of such seasons hereafter, especial
care may be required in order that the destructive insect shall not be
allowed again to obtain the ascendancy.

Severe injuries have been reported from different localities in the
State, to grass, from the destruction of its roots, by the grubs of the
common May-beetle, Zachnosterna fusca (Frohl.). Hitherto this insect
has been one which has almost defied all efforts made for its destruction,
but from experiments now being conducted in a quite new direction,
results are anticipated which will enable us to control its ravages in a
large degree.

The unusual occurrence of immense numbers of grasshoppers in.

4 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

midwinter, while the fields were still largely covered with snow, in some
of the southern counties of the State, excited apprehension of serious
depredations from their multiplication in the spring and summer. As-
surance was given that such fears were groundless, and that the prema-
ture appearance of the insect — brought out from hibernation by some
warm days in February —would only tend to their destruction, and a
consequent diminution of their number and of their injuries in the
coming season. An account of the grasshopper, Chimarocephala viridt-
fasciata will be given in the present report.

A notable event in the autumn of 1883, was the discovery for the
first time in injurious numbers in.the State of New York, of the chinch-
bug, Blissus leucopterus (Say) —one of the most dreaded of our insect
pests. Its attack was made upon clover, and so severe was it, that many
acres of meadow were destroyed in the localities where it made its
demonstration. Fortunately the fears that were entertained of its
continuance and increase in the following years, were not realized. It
has, however, shown its ability at any time when favorable conditions
are offered it, of entering upon our grass and grain lands and occasion-
ing severe losses. Several pages of this report have therefore been
devoted to the consideration of its natural history, habits, its injuries,
etc., with the view of presenting such information as will be found of
Service in meeting its possible future visitations.

In conclusion, the Entomologist desires to express his regret that the
figures illustrating this report are not of the number, and some of them,
not of the character, needed for its proper illustration. Under the existing
arrangements for the printing of the State reports, the number and the
style of execution of the figures that may be introduced, are under the
control of the State Printers. ‘To this reason it is owing that the orig-
inal figures contained in the present report are comparatively few. The
following have been engraved for it: Figs. 3, 6a, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 21,
22, 23, 25, 26, 34, 36, 40, 41, 42, 43, 50, 52, 53, 55, 56,57. The remain-
ing ones are from electrotypes obtained from various sources, most
of which are indicated in the figures and need not, therefore, be sepa-
rately mentioned. Many of them will be familiar to entomologists, who
do not need their aid; but they cannot but prove new and serviceable to
a large portion of our agricultural community, for whom this report is
specially prepared. Many years must elapse before good figures of any
of our common and more destructive insect pests can be repeated so often
that a general familiarity with them and the species that they represent
in nature, shall render their further repetition useless.

Respectfully submitted,

J. A. LINTNER.
OFFICE OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST, (
ALBANY, March 10, 1885. J

NOTES OF VARIOUS INSECT ATTACKS.

A SAw-FLy ATTACK UPON PEAR-TREES.

Mr. S. D. Willard, of the Hammond Nurseries, Geneva, N. Y., sends,
under date of May 29th, examples of a saw-fly, the larve of which
were proving very injurious to the tender leaves of young pear-trees,
just as they were commencing their growth. The examples were in
very poor condition, having been almost destroyed in their capture.
They were sent to Mr. E. Norton, of Farmington, Conn., in the hope
that they would be recognized by him, but he was only able to refer
them, with some doubt, to Pristophora, allied to grossularta, but proba-
bly an undescribed species. Some of the young larve were subse-
quently received, but they came in too poor condition to permit of their
being carried to maturity. A later request for additional larva (June
12th), could not be complied with, as they had all been killed by an
application of hellebore.

PEACH-TREE ATTACKS.

A correspondent sends the following communication containing in-
quiries of insects attacking his peach-trees:

Is there no remedy against the peach-tree borer except getting it out
of the roots with a wire? I have been caused much trouble by this
pest, the trunks of my peach-trees being terribly cut and _ scarified
from just under the earth down into the roots. It is laborious in the
extreme to cut them out two or three times a year; for it is next to 1m-
possible to get them all at the first trial. How would an application of
coal-oil do? Would it kill the tree? Will ashes spread around keep
the insect from laying the eggs?

In addition to the grub or borer, which is a fat white worm, half an
inch in length, with a brown head, and which is found snugly ensconced
under the bark after being followed through his various meanderings, I
find numbers of fine, white, thread-like worms, of all lengths, from a
quarter of an inch to aninch. They also seem to be doing injury, but
are found behind the grub in the soft sticky wood. I also find the com-
mon earth-worm imbedded in this part of the tree, but think that the
latter may be attracted by the moisture caused by the sap exuding from
the wounds, and intends no harm. Am [I right? Is not the worm
found in peaches and caused by curculio, almost exactly like this borer
of the bark? Please be kind enough to tell me something of the habits
of the two beetles, when the eggs are laid, etc.

6 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Can you tell me also, what causes the fungoid growth upon the pieces
of the peach-tree sent ?

In addition to the most effectual means of destroying the peach-tree
borer, 4igerta exitiosa Say, viz., that of digging them out of their bur-
rows which is regarded by many peach growers as not a laborious
or difficult operation — the application of hot water to the base of the
tree has been recommended, and in many cases has proved quite suc-
cessful.

Mounding to prevent the peach-tree borer.— Vhe trees of an orchard
having been once thoroughly ‘“‘ wormed,” preventive measures should
be resorted to, that they may not be restocked with the borers. ‘There
is good evidence that this is practicable in all but quite young trees by
the method known as mounding. It is simply the throwing up around
the base of the tree, at any time before the parent moths are abroad for
the deposit of their eggs (usually in the month of July), a mound of
earth of about a foot in height, pressed by the foot closely to the tree.
In the following years a few inches of earth may be added annually.
By this means, the roots of the tree where they are given off from the
trunk, are placed out of reach of the insect. ‘The mounding is believed
also to have a beneficial influence on the health of the trees in prolong-
ing their period of bearing and exempting them from disease. Several
extensive peach growers claim for this method that it has given them
entire exemption from the ravages of the borer, at the cost of a very
little labor —one man being able to mound fifty trees inaday. A
mound of ashes might prove quite as effectual as one of earth.

Coal-oil application not safe. — The application of coal-oil to the trunk
of the tree, which is suggested, would be a hazardous experiment, un-
less first tried upon a tree or two, for it has been known not unfrequently
to kill the trees that have been treated with it. At certain seasons of
the year, coal-oil has been applied to the bark of trees for killing scale
insects, with scarcely any harm resulting from its use.

Dipterous larve. —'The “ fine, white, thread-like worms,” associated
with the borers in their burrows, are the larvee of some species of fly,
which have not, so far as we know, been carried to their final stage.
They are harmless scavengers, as they feed upon the exuding sap and
gummy matter. Some of the smaller myriapods, or hundred-legged:
worms also frequent the decayed bark and wood of the injured peach-
trees. The earth-worms observed, as supposed, are not injurious.

The curculio in the peach. —‘ The worm found in the peach and
caused by the curculio,” is very unlike the peach-tree borer, it being
the larva of a beetle, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), appearing as a
yellowish-white footless grub, with a yellow head and two pale lateral

PEACH-TREE AND APPLE-TREE ATTACKS. ii

lines on its body; its length at maturity is about one-third of an inch.
The peach-tree borer is the larva of a moth, and is a caterpillar (not a
grub) with sixteen legs. When full-grown it exceeds a half-inch in
length. The moth deposits its eggs in the crevices of the bark just
above the surface of the ground. The curculio beetle cuts with its
beak a crescent-shaped incision in the plum into which it inserts its
egg. It will thus be seen that the appearance and habits of the two in-
sects are widely different.

The fungus on the peach twigs. — The fungoid growth upon the peach
twigs is the common fungus, Stereum complicatum, as determined by the
State Botanist, Prof. C. H. Peck. ‘This fungus is by no means peculiar
to the peach, but is common everywhere on dead and decaying wood,
and does no injury to living plants.

APPLE-TREE ATTACK BY THE CANKER-WORM.

Inquiries similar to the following are frequently received from various
parts of the United States, particularly from the New England States,
and with increasing frequency from localities in the State of New York:

I send you by to-day’s mail asample of worms I find in my apple
orchard, suspended by a single thread from the branches. Are they
army-worms, and what is the best way to destroy them? ‘There. are
more this year than last, and the orchard of 2,000 trees presents a
brown appearance after they have fed on the leaves for awhile. (W.E.,
Carrolton, Ky., April 28.)

The caterpillar sent is the spring canker-worm, Axzsopteryx vernata,
of which, notwithstanding so much has been written, many persons are
yet entirely ignorant, from the fact that although the species has a
very extensive distribution, yet it 1s quite local in its appearance,
prevailing, perhaps, in one or two counties of a State, or it may be in
one or two orchards in a locality. This is owing to the fact that the fe-
male is wingless, and, therefore, its distribution must usually depend
upon assistance afforded it in passing from one orchard, or an isolated
tree, to another.

Extensive range of the canker-worm.—It is capable of becoming a
great pest —one of the greatest with which the orchardist has to con-
tend. Its distribution is from Maine to Texas, and it has been very
destructive in Massachusetts, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ohio, and in
some other States.

Birds that prey upon tt. — Where birds have been protected, they are
often the means of preventing its great increase, for several species prey
eagerly upon it, and during the time of its prevalence find in it by far
the larger portion of their food. Thecedar bird (Ampelis cedrorum), de-

8 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

vours large numbers, and a flock of them in an orchard can render
most excellent service in their destruction. As many as one hundred of
the caterpillars have been found in the stomach of one of these birds.
Next in usefulness come the indigo bird (Passerina cyanea), the chickadee
(Parus atricapillus), the black-billed cuckoo (Coceygus erythropthalmus),
the summer warbler (Dendreca estiva), the rose-breasted grosbeak
( Goniaphea ludoviciana),the blue bird (Scalia séalis), the king bird ( Zyran-
nus carolinensis) and the robin (AZerula migratoria), in the order men-
tioned, as shown by examination of the contents of their stomachs by
Prof. Forbes.

Climbing habit of the female moth. — It is not safe, however, in the
presence of so dangerous an enemy, to commit our apple-trees to the
care of the birds; but earnest efforts should be made to confine the at-
tack to the narrowest possible limits, and to arrest it as soon as possi-
ble. By far the best method to employ with this insect pest is preven-
tion. The wingless moths emerge from their pupz in early spring, bur-
ied a few inches in the ground about the trunk of the tree in quite
a limited space — the larger portion in a circle, the radius of which would
not exceed six feet. As soon as extricated from the pupz, the moths
direct their course toward the tree, to ascend the trunk, and deposit
their burden of eggs in the crevices of the rough bark of the upper
portion of the trunk.

Tar bands for arresting the moth.— The ascent of the trunk should
not be permitted, for it can be prevented with comparatively little labor.
The method adopted with excellent success for many years was that of
encircling the trunks a short distance above the ground, with a band of
heavy cloth, to be covered with tar, or better, tar and molasses; to be
renewed every two or three days, or whenever it becomes so hardened
by exposure as no longer to serve the purpose of fastening the moths
which attempt to cross it in their ascent.

Tin-band protector. — A still better method than this has since been
devised, and is thus described by Dr. Le Baron in his second report
as State Entomologist of Illinois: “Take a piece of inch rope — old,
worn-out rope is just as good as new; tack one end to the trunk, two
feet or less from the ground, with a shingle-nail driven in so that the
head shall not project beyond the level of the rope; bring the rope
around the tree, and let it lap by the beginning an inch or two; cut it
off and fasten it in the same manner. Get the tinman to cut up some
sheets of tin into strips four inches wide, and fasten them together end-
wise, so that they shall be long enough to go round the trees over the
rope band, having the rope at the middle. Let the ends of the tin Jap
a little; punch a hole through them and fasten them with a nail driven
through the tin and rope into the tree.”

PROTECTION FROM THE CANKER-WORM. 9

The operation of this is simple. The moths ascend the tree to the
rope and here congregate, for it appears to be entirely contrary to their
nature to travel downward. When the space between the tree and trunk
has become filled with them, then the new-comers may pass over their
compacted bodies, and by dint of effort ascend the outside of the tin;
but reaching its upper edge, observation shows that they will not de-
scend upon the inside, but travel round and round the upper edge
until they abandon the attempt to reach the tree, and fall to the ground.

Other methods have been used for preventing the ascent of the moths
but none seem to be so simple and effectual as the above. A somewhat
similar one, upon the same general principle, is the following:

An improved tin protector. ——Take a strip of tin four inches wide of

sufficient length when encircling the tree to
leave a space of about six inches. The upper
edge of the tin is bent over so as to receive
beneath it a piece of muslin as long as the
tin and eight inches wide, to be held in place
by pounding down the tin. ‘The ends of the
“\ tin are bent in opposite directions so that
f they can be hooked together. Placing this
around the tree with the cloth upward, the
cloth is to be firmly bound to the tree by a
strong cord. This method is shown in the
accompanying illustration. In either of the
above methods, the eggs which will be depos-
a Ge eos tho aeenvor ted in Jargesnumbers ,helow/the, obstruction;
CO oer aaa i may be easily killed by brushing them with
kerosene oil, without injury to the tree, unless an excessive quantity (a
very little is needed) should be used.

Killing the larve.— When, as in the inquiry above made, the moths
have not been prevented from ascending the tree and depositing their
eggs, and the caterpillars have hatched out and are rapidly destroying
the foliage, then there are two good methods for their destruction which
may be resorted to.

Spread a thin covering of straw under the tree as far as the branches
extend, and set fire to it, at the same time jarring the tree, and as the
caterpillars drop by their threads, sweep them down with a pole into
the fire.

Apply Paris green in water to the trees with a force-pump, in the pro-
portions and manner probably known to every orchardist. It may be
used with perfect safety upon apple-trees so early in the season as the

time during which the canker-worm prevails.
2

ll) AT ii ‘iy.

My

mil ng

i) i

TO SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

A GOOSEBERRY FRUIT-WORM.
A gentleman from Delhi, N. Y., writes:

I find my gooseberries dropping badly, and have experienced the
same trouble for the two years past. Upon examination for the cause,
I find that nearly every berry contains a small white worm between the
skin and the pulp, which sometimes has worked its way into a seed. I
send some of the fruit picked up from under the bushes, and think that
you will find the worm in each. The worms are not more than one-
eighth of an inch in length. Can you suggest a remedy for next year,
as I presume the work is done for this season?

A portion only of the gooseberries sent contained the ‘‘ worm ”’—those
which were discolored and shriveled. In the others, although each bore a
scar as if an egg had been deposited, no living thing could be found.

The depredator is the larva of a lepidopterous insect —a small moth,
and in all probability that described by Dr. Packard as Pempelia grossu-
/arie, and more lately known as Dakruma convolutella (Hiibn.). At this
stage of growth, it is impossible to identify positively the larva from the
description published of the adult form. Later, if it be found that
when the interior of the berry has been consumed, the larva passes}
into an adjoining one through a silken tube with which it connects the
two, then scarcely a doubt will remain of its being the above-named
species which was first detected by Dr. Fitch, in the State of New
York, about the year 1855. Its natural history was worked out by Mr.
Saunders, of London, Ontario, ten years later, and from material fur-
nished by him, it was described and named by Dr. Packard, in his
Guide to the Study of Insects.

_ Mr. Saunders states that the moth appears abroad in the month of
April, and is ready to deposit its eggs as soon as the fruit is well formed.
The larva hatches and usually completes its growth about the middle of
June, when it lowers itself to the ground, and constructs its cocoon
among the leaves or in the superficial soil. Its pupation continues
through the winter, the moth making its appearance in the early spring,
as above stated. :

If care be taken to pick from the bushes all the prematurely
ripening and shriveled fruit, and all that drops to the ground, this in-
sect need not prove a serious pest. One caterpillar allowed to mature,
may the following season be the progenitor of fifty or more depredators
upon the same bushes.

Dusting the bushes with fresh air-slacked lime about the time when
the eggs are deposited —the last of April or first of May —is recom-
mended, and has been thought to be attended with beneficial results in
keeping away the moth.

ATTACKS ON QUINCES. II

INSECTS AND FUNGUS ON QUINCES.

A package of nearly half-grown quinces was received from Union
Springs, N. Y., under date of July 27, with the following inquiry of the
cause of their appearance and condition :

I have just received from C. E. Cook, of South Byron, N. Y—a
large orchardist, specimens of quinces containing an insect, and singu-
larly infested with a rusty fungus, which I forward to you for examina-
tion. Mr. C. thinks it is all caused by the insect inside the fruit. I am
informed that much of the fruit is thus attacked, and it is feared that
the difficulty may become a formidable one. What is the insect, and is
there any remedy ?

The Quince curculio and the Apple-worm.— The quinces contained two
insects burrowing within them, viz., the larva of the quince curculio,
Conotrachelus crategi Walsh, and the larva of the codling-moth, Car-
pocapsa pomonella (Linn.). The former was the most numerous, as in
some of the quinces examined, four examples of it were found. They
are easily to be distinguished from the apple-worm, as they are without
feet. Walsh has described them as of “an average length when full-
grown, of 0.32 of an inch, four and one-half times as long as wide,
straight, opaque-whitish with a narrow, dusky dorsal line generally
obsolete on the thorax, and a few very short hairs; distinct lateral
tubercles on all the joints; head rufous, mandibles black, except at base,
and distinctly two-teethed at tip.”

The beetle is figured in the Third Missouri Report, as bearing only a
family resemblance to the plum-weevil, Covotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst),
being larger, with a longer beak or snout, and a body which is broadest
across the base of the wing-covers.

Food-habits of the Quince curculio.—It was first found feeding upon
the fruit of the black thorn, Crategus tomentosa, and from this food-
plant its specific name was taken. In the Western States it occurs more
frequently in this fruit, but in the east it more commonly infests the
quince. Instead of the crescent cut characteristic of the plum-weevil,
it simply makes a puncture for the reception of itsegg. Professor Riley
states that the larvee work, for the most part, near the surface, and do
not enter the heart of the quince, but in those examined by me, they
had penetrated quite to the interior and were feeding upon the seeds.

Its transformations. — After about a month’s feeding, the larvee desert
the fruit and burrow into the ground, where they remain unchanged
from the larval state throughout the winter and until early in May,
when they transform to pup and shortly after that to the perfect
_ insects.

Its injuries. — This insect has been known to prove very destructive

MH SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

to quinces. Dr. Trimble records an instance in which, in the latter
part of October, five or six hundred of the larvee were taken from the
bottoms of two barrels of quinces gathered but four days before. In
an orchard, in New Jersey, in 1870, of nearly three hundred trees,
scarcely a single quince could be found free from the attack of the in-
sect. The injury was estimated at about $800.

Remedies. — The remedies against this insect are, first, the jarring
method, which has proved so successful with the plum weevil, for the
quince weevil falls quite as readily at a sudden jar. The proper time
for employing this remedy may be found by experiment, during the
months of June, July and August. Second, picking the infested fruit
and destroying it. The presence of the larvee within the fruit may usu-
ally be discovered by the black grains of its excrements attached to its
surface. These rejecta are easily discernible when held in place by a
fibrous fungus growth which is often associated with the insect attack.
Mr. Cook informs me that the infested fruit, unlike that attacked by the
apple-worm, remains firmly attached to the tree. Its collection, there-
fore, involves more labor than the simple gathering of the fallen fruit.

The apple-worms in the quinces.— The apple-worms were not as
numerous as the curculio larve in the fruit sent for examination, and in
no case did I discover more than one in a quince. They displayed a
greater readiness, even when apparently not mature, to leave the fruit
in the box in which it had been sent to me, than the other larvee. Pos-
sibly even the smaller ones may have been mature, and all may have
been seeking retreats for their pupal change.

A fungus attack. — All of the fruit received was also infested with a
fungus. Some of the quinces had almost their entire surface covered
with it, and its yellow growth extending quite a little distance into the
fruit. The fungus has been described and named by Prof. C. H. Peck,
N. Y. State Botanist, as Restelia aurantiaca —the specific name having
reference to the rich golden color of its spores. Upon inquiring of
Prof. Peck if the fungus was peculiar to the quince, and to what extent
it had been observed to bé associated with insect attack, he replied:
“Tt occurs also on unripe fruit of Amelanchier Canadensis and of species
of Crategus. Ido not think that it is always or necessarily accompa-
nied by an insect attack, although of two specimens of quinces recently
received from Rochester, and bearing the fungus, both had larvee in
them. In.the Amelanchier fruit, I know that the fungus sometimes, at
least, works alone.” [Seealso the Country Gentleman, for Dec. 17, 1885,
p. 1016. |

In answer to inquiries made of Mr. Cook of this fungus attack, the
following reply was returned, under date of August 3d:

I send by mail, another package of the infested fruit, as desired.

THE PLUM WEEVIL ATTACKING APPLES. 13

In reply to your questions: 1. The fungus was first noticed this year.
2. I think that the fungus is found without the insect burrows. 3. The
fruit does not fall when infested, but adheres firmly to the tree. 4. I
find them in great numbers in all stages of infection. I have several
hundred trees bearing, from which I could pick several bushels of dis-
eased fruit. 5. I send inclosed several affected twigs, independent of
fruit. You may observe that it does not affect the foliage, there being
even perfect leaves in the fungus growth. It is quite serious, as it fre-
quently continues until all the foliage is almost entirely ruined.”’

The quince twigs sent by Mr. Cook were affected by the same fungus
that had attacked the fruit, in some examples showing as a thick irreg-
ular swelling upon one side of a twig, and in others completely sur-
rounding it for an extent usually of about an inch. The larve had
also attacked these fungus swellings, and had burrowed them with their
channels, disclosing their presence and their operations by their excre-
menta adhering to the surface.

A fungus-feeding fly. — A large number of minute larve of some
species of fly were associated with the fungus, feeding upon the orange-
colored spores. Their maximum length was about one-tenth of an inch.
They were pointed at both ends, but a little more acutely at the head.
Their color was an orange nearly as bright as their food. Some had
already transformed to the pupal stage, and a few flies which escaped
from the box when it was first opened, were in all probability, the newly
emerged insects. None of them were secured for examination. The
species has probably not been named, for of the number of Diptera
which are known as spore-feeders, but few have received study.

Remedy for the fungus.— The only means, so far as we know, for pre-
venting the spread of this fungus, is to remove and destroy by burning or
otherwise, every twig or quince giving indication of the attack. It is
possible that dusting the tree with flowers of sulphur might be of ser-
vice in arresting the disease.

THE PLUM WEEVIL ATTACKING APPLES.

Apples bearing the distinctive crescent mark of Conotrachelus nenuphar
and quite badly scarred with them, were received June 26, 1882, from
Mr. H. J. Foster, of East Palmyra, N. Y. The fruit was shriveled and
discolored on one side, apparently from several contiguous punctures of
the weevil made for the purpose of feeding. Upon cutting into the
apples, the young larve of the weevil were found.

On making inquiry of Mr. Foster if the attack of the plum curcu-
lio upon the apples in his vicinity might not be the result of the scarcity
of their natural food, he informed me that there were very few plum

i4 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

trees in the neighborhood, and that most of the farmers were com-
pelled to purchase plums for their family use, from a locality where
they were abundant, on “the ridge’ or near Lake Ontario ten miles to
the northward. The curculio attack had been increasing for several years,
and was quite serious the preceding year. Almost every farm of one
hundred acres had from five to twenty acres of apple orchard, kept in
permanent pasture, yet but little fruit could survive the combined at-
tacks of the codling-moth, the canker-worm, the tent-caterpillar, the cur-
culio, et cet., unless stock was kept in the orchards to feed the grass
closely and pick up the fallen fruit.

The earliest attacked apples, fell to the ground with the contained
curculio larve. The later ones, it was thought, remained upon the
trees.

Upon the 8th of July, Prof. Charles H. Peck, sent to me from Peters-
burg, Rensselaer county, N. Y., examples of the plum weevil, Conofra-
chelus nenuphar, with specimens of the apples in which he found it
ovipositing. In some cases, it had oviposited in nearly all the apples
upon a tree, causing many of them to fall to the ground.

PHYTONOMUS PUNCTATUS FEEDING ON BEANS.

Examples of this beetle were brought to me on July 2d, by Mr. J. F.
Rose, of South Byron, Genesee Co., N. Y., which had been given
to him by a farmer in that town with the statement that they were feed-
ing in large numbers, upon the leaves of some field beans, and were
rapidly destroying the crop. Mr. Rose knew the beetles to be abund-
ant in localities in the town, and that they had been quite destructive to
clover, for during the month of June of last year (1883), he had seen in
a clover field that had been turned under for fertilizing, the larve so
numerous on the surface of the ground the morning after the plowing
that he was able to count fifty within the area of a square foot.

As the beetle had not been recorded as feeding upon beans, it was
desirable that this first report of a new food-plant should be verified,
before accepting it; yet as the clover and the bean both belong to the
Leguminosae, it did not seem improbable that with clover not convenient
of access, the insect might transfer itself to some other genus of the -
order.

In compliance with the request made, Mr. Rose, upon his return
home visited the field in which the beetles were reported as eating the
bean leaves, and found them actively engaged in the work. Under date
of July 14th, he wrote as follows :

I send you by this mail specimens of the beans eaten by the clover-
leaf beetle together with some of the beetles taken from the beans. Mr.

25

THE “FRENCHING ” OF CORN. 15

White, from whose farm they were taken, as were also those handed to
you in Albany, had been over the field and Paris-greened it as he would
have done for potatoes. He had found as many as twenty-five beetles
upon a single hill, and he thinks had he not used the Paris green, not a
leaf would have been left. The poison did its work effectually and at
this time but few of the beetles are to be found. ‘The bean field was
adjoining a field of clover which was plowed under, and the beetles did
not show themselves on the beans until after the plowing. Many other
fields of beans are reported as infested, although the one of Mr. White
is the only one that I have visited.

The plants sent to me gave evidence of the possible injuries of the
weevil when its attack is made in force, for almost every leaf had been
entirely consumed. Much of the feeding had in all probability been
done by the larve.

Wishing to see the method of eating in the beetles received, some
fresh leaves of bean and some pods procured in the market were given
them. They declined to eat the leaves, even when confined with them
alone for several days, but they fed greedily upon the pods, excavating
holes in different portions, of perhaps a tenth of an inch in di-
ameter.

Tue “ FRENCHING”’ OF CORN.

A correspondent from Rock Hall, Md., sends a specimen of what,
in his vicinity, is known as “frenchy corn,” and asks if it is the result
of an insect attack, or of conditions existing in the soil. It sometimes
prevails to such an extent as to destroy an entire crop.

What ts understood by “ frenchy.”— The term “frenchy ” is one used
in many localities in the Southern States in quite a general way, and is
indifferently applied to diseases (aggravated form of measles, small-pox
and other contagions), to various insect injuries to vegetation, and to
diseased conditions of animal or vegetable life not understood. It is,
however, more frequently used in connection with corn than any other
plant. According to newspaper reports, thousands of acres of corn
are annually destroyed in the Southern States through “ frenching.”

“ Frenching” resulting from insect attack.— The young corn-plants
sent to me, having a growth of two feet in height, had lost their tap-
root, and showed clearly in their slenderness and other conditions, an
impaired growth. Throughout their entire length were numerous punc-
tures, many of which were of the size and shape of pin-holes, while
others were larger and of an oval form, and had evidently increased in
size and changed in form through the process of growth of the leaves.
A careful examination left no room for doubt that these punctures had
been made in the unfolded leaves of the plant by the beak of one of
the snout beetles — Curculionide.

16 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

The insect probably Sphenophorus sculptilis.— The locality from which
the material was received rendered it highly probable that the species
was the sculptured corn-curculio, Sphenophorus sculptilis Uhler.*

This pernicious beetle extends over a large portion of the United
States, occurring in Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and some of
the Eastern States. It is particularly injurious, at times, in New York. It
is of a small size, black, about three-tenths of an inch long, subcylin-
drical or a long-oval, its wing-covers marked with rows of punctures,
its strongly curved beak of the thickness of a stout horse-hair and about
one-third the length of the body. In the month of June the beetles
may be found just beneath the surface of the ground, with their beak
thrust into the young stalks from which they are drawing the sap.
Through this method of attack the little holes above mentioned are
made, and the growth of the plant arrested.

The attack and how to prevent it.— It is probable that the eggs of the
beetle are deposited in the holes made in the stalk by its beak.
The larva upon hatching from the egg, burrows downward and destroys
the tap-root. When full-grown, it changes to the pupa state within the
lower portion of the stalk. It is thought that it transforms to the per-
fect state — the beetle, during the autumn, hibernating in this stage,
and coming abroad the following May or June to deposit its eggs.
When the attack of this insect is first noticed, if sand is well moistened
with kerosene oil, and a small handful distributed among the young
blades of corn in a hill, as the oil is carried into the soil by the rain, it
should kill the beetles engaged in their depredations. The same dress-
ing applied earlier may be more: effectual by preventing, through its
odor, the deposit of the eggs. If only a few hills show the attack, the
ground might be drawn away by hand from the stalks, and the beetles
taken from them and destroyed.

Tue BED-BuG INFESTING A LIBRARY.

It is not very often that this insect occurs under the conditions men-
tioned in the following communication — among books and papers —
where it would be so difficult to destroy it:

Will you tell us something about the bed-bug, what its habits are,
when it “spawns,” what it eats, how long it lives, and if it ever dies?
I ask because I have moved into a house that I find was already occu-
pied by several colonies of the pest. The room in which I have my
library has the most. They are in my files of papers and periodicals.
They seem to grow fatter every day, but for the life of me, I cannot
tell what they live on. The beds and furniture are poisoned with cor-

* See First Report on the Injurious and other Insects of the State of New York, 1882,
pp. 253-263,

THE BED—-BUG INFESTING A LIBRARY. 17

rosive sublimate, and are free from them. Can it be that they live on
the paste on the wall paper? As for remedies, or rather exterminators,
I have used two—the sublimate and red pepper. ‘The latter, I have
sifted through my papers and books, and wherever I could get it; but
instead of driving them off, they seem to fatten on it; it isa sort of
condiment that helps them to relish their dinner the better. If you can
tell me what to do, and answer the first question also, you will do me a
great favor. I would move to another house, but there is not a vacant
one in the place.

The bed-bug is generally believed to be a native of America, and its
prevalence in Europe to have resulted from its introduction into that
country in the wood imported from America for the rebuilding of
London after the great fire of 1666. This, however, must be an error,
for although it was not common in England, “it was well known in
some parts of Europe before that time, and is mentioned by Disscori-
des.” An old writer records it in Europe as early as the year 1503, and
there is reason to believe that it was known to Pliny and Aristotle. It
was first described and named by Linneeus as Czmex Jectulartus — its
specific name denoting its pertaining to the bed. At present, it is
known as Acanthia lectularia.

I am unable to find a full statement of its natural history. It has
been treated of-at considerable length by some of the old European
writers to whose papers I have not access. Unfortunately our modern
authors, in their references to the unsavory subject, dismiss it with a
few cursory remarks and the statement “that its habits are too well
known to call for further notice.” There are, therefore, several points
in its domestic economy of which we are still in ignorance.

The eggs are deposited, it is said, in March and April. They are of
an oval form, white, and open by a little lid to give forth the occupant.
A period of eleven weeks, under ordinary circumstances, carries them
to their maturity. Where they can obtain the amount of food needed
for their development, in an unoccupied apartment, is a question that
cannot be satisfactorily answered. It is possible that in rooms where
the walls are damp, the moistened paste of the wall-paper might serve
them for nutriment, for it must be remembered that their food is taken
by suction through a tube, and not by means of biting jaws. As quite
a number of the Hemiptera are known, when pressed by hunger, to
prey upon one another, it is not improbable that the young of this spe-
cies may find it convenient to expedite the death of their aged and in-
firm parents. And possibly, they may feed upon the juices of flies and
other insects, for they are known not to confine themselves entirely to
the human species, but to infest, occasionally, chicken-coops, and also,
it 1s stated, dove-cotes. When they have reached maturity, they are

3

18 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

capable of living a long time without food. De Geer, a distinguished
Swedish naturalist of the last century, kept some specimens alive in a
sealed bottle for more than a year without food.

Probably the best method that could be adopted by the inquirer to free
his library and other apartments from so serious an invasion of this pest,
would be to fumigate with brimstone. Houses which after standing
long unoccupied have been found swarming with the bugs, have been
effectually freed from them by this means. Place in the center of the
room a dish containing about four ounces of brimstone, within a larger
vessel, so that the possible overflowing of the burning mass may not in-
jure the carpet or set fire to the floor. After removing from the room
all such metallic surfaces as might be affected by the fumes, close every
aperture, even the key-holes, and set fire to the brimstone. When four
or five hours have elapsed, the room may be entered and the windows
opened for a thorough airing.

PsyLLA BUXI UPON Box, AT WEsT Farms, N. Y.

Mr. James Angus, of West Farms, N. Y., sent to me, under date of
May 23d, a small insect upon box, Luxus sempervirens, which according
to his statement, entirely covers the plants at this season of the year.
They secrete a white floculent matter, and cover the leaves with a thick
honey-dew. Later in the year their gummy exuvie greatly mar the
beauty of the plant. The only remedy thus far found against them
has been to beat the plants violently with a broom and then to rub the
dislodged insects into the ground. ‘This was done several times during
the season. :

The insects were found to be Psy@zde — probably of the genus Psyd/a,
but as they were at this time in their pupal stage, no determination could
be made. They averaged one-tenth of an inch long, of an apple-green
color, head broad, nearly as broad as the thorax; thorax and.abdomen
about equal in length and breadth; antenne apparently four-jointed,
the last joint black and the others black at the tip.

They were confined in a small jar with the leaves of the box, and on
the 29th of May the first imago was disclosed. Upon submitting speci-
mens to Prof. Uhler for determination, he kindly returned the following
reply :

I have carefully compared your specimens of Psy//a with Ps, bucxt,
of Europe, in my collection, and I fail to discover any differences. As
the wings of one specimen are clouded, I take it for granted that this
one is immature; the others have transparent wings. /. dwxi Linn.,
is described in Syst. Vat, ii, p. 738; abr. Spec. Ins., ii, p. 391; Reaum.

Ins. iii, pl. 19, figs. 1-14; Foerster, Verhandl. ‘Nat. Verein. Preuss.
Rheinl., 1848, iii, p. 71, No. 3. It is common in England and Germany.

AN APHIS ATTACK ON PEACH-TREES. 19g

This occurrence of the species at West Farms is of no little interest,
as it had never before been reported in the United States.

In the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the year 1884,
at page 410, Prof. Riley has published a brief notice of this discovery,

An ApuHis ATTACK ON Roots OF PEACH-TREES.

Notice of an aphis attack upon the roots of seedling peaches has
been communicated to me by Mr. Lorin Blodget, of Philadelphia, Pa.
The injury to the trees was first noticed in the year 1881, but its cause
remained unknown until the early part of July, 1884, when upon pull-
ing up a seedling peach-tree just beginning to wilt, its stem for an inch
below the surface was found to be crowded with dark colored aphids:
numbers of ants were associated with them. In following up this dis-
covery —of a hundred trees examined, one-half at least were found so
seriously injured that they were past recovery and were accordingly
destroyed. It was doubtful if any of the remainder could survive the
attack. In one instance, some aphids were discovered above ground,
upon the succulent shoots about a foot long, of a three-year-old tree,
which were densely crowded with them, presenting “a singular sight,
with their black, shining backs, covered with ants and with large flies
often upon them.” During forty years’ growth of seedling peaches, no
injury of this character had been observed before this attack.

Some examples of the insect sent to me, were dead when received
and in otherwise poor condition. They were wingless, entirely black,
although said when living to be brownish-black. The species evidently
belonged to the genus JZyzus, and probably (the material being too
poor for positive determination) to fersice of Sulzer. A letter to Mr.
Blodget expressing this belief, was subsequently handed by him for pub-
lication to the Gardener's Monthly and Horticulturist, for September,
1884 (xxvi, p. 271-2).

Mr. Blodget claims for this species a remarkable power of endurance
of cold,—that it lives and thrives all winter. So late as the 25th of
October, after a severe frost, a shoot of a peach-tree cut off close to the
ground, was entirely black for six inches of its length with the insect in
lively condition. This was sent to the Department of Agriculture, at
Washington, for examination. Answer was returned that it had been
referred to Professor Riley, and the aphis pronounced by him to be
Myzus cerasi of Fabricus, which he had long known as injurious to
peach-trees, especially to young ones in the nursery, by working on the
roots.

An earlier notice of the operations of what was probably the same
insect upon the roots of peach-trees, was given by Mr. Glover on page 37

20 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

in his Report on Homoptera contained in the Report of the Commissioner
of Agriculture for the year 1876, pp. 24-46. It is this:

Colonel Wilkins, of Riverside, near Chestertown, Md., a very exten-
sive peach grower, last spring wrote to the Department of Agriculture
that an aphis or plant-louse similar to those infesting his peach-tree
leaves was at work on the roots also, and was killing them by hundreds.
Professor P. R. Uhler, of the Peabody library in Baltimore, to whom
Colonel Wilkins applied, visited the infested peach orchards, and found
the statement to be perfectly correct, and that an underground aphis or
plant-louse, not differing from those on the leaves, was doing immense
injury to the young trees by sucking out the sap. Professor Uhler also
stated that both insects are different from the Apfzs persice above men-
tioned, and probably is a new species, closely allied to, if not identical
with, the Aphis chrysanthemi of Europe. The insects on both roots and
leaves were about 0.08 of aninch in length, with the contour of a broad
Florence flask, of a blackish-brown color, and the two varieties could
not be distinguished from each other when placed side by side.

Dr. J. C. Neal, in his Report to the Entomologist of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture at Washington, of insect injuries observed by him
in Florida, in 1882, mentions the occurrence of “lice on roots of the
peach,” which may also have been identical with the above (Bulletin
No. I, U. S. Dept. Agricul —Divis. of Entomol., 1883, p. 36).

In some correspondence with Prof. Riley in relation to this species,
he pronounces it identical with forms that he had received in past years
from others, and especially in April, 1875, from E. Wilkins, of Chester-
town, Md. _ It had been very destructive for years on the Atlantic sea-
board, and in notices of it published and in replies to correspondents,
he had generally referred it, with doubt, to 4. (A/yzus) persica Sulzer;
but in consideration of the differences in the descriptions of this species
by Boyer, Sulzer and Kaltenbach, and the general characters being so
near to Myzus cerasi (Fabr.), he had recently referred it rather to this
latter species.

Only the wingless form was sent to me by Mr. Blodget. I was in-
formed that the winged form was observed by him to be quite abund-
ant during some warm weather in the latter part of November, but he
was unable to comply with my request for some examples, as a severe
gale, followed by extreme cold weather, had driven them all away or
destroyed them.

Whether this should be regarded as a distinct species, or whether it
shall prove to be only the root-inhabiting form of AZyzus persice, can
only be determined with ample material at hand for study, and careful
comparison with the various descriptions of the allied species. The lat-
ter view is apparently held by Professor Uhler, who in his, late very
valuable contribution to the Standard Natural History, published by
Cassino & Co., has written:

AN APHIS ATTACK ON ROOTS OF PEACH-TREES, 21

In many species of the true plant-lice, it is now well established that
there are two types of the same insect, the one inhabiting the roots, and
living there during the colder part of the year unwinged — the other
inhabiting the leaves and twigs throughout the spring and suin-
mer. ‘This is notably the case with a small black aphis which injures,
and even destroys, the peach-trees of eastern Maryland, Delaware and
New Jersey.

Remedial measures.— The following measures, substantially, were
recommended by me, to Mr. Blodget, as promising success in arresting
the attack of this root-aphis:

Remove a portion of the surface soil from above the roots of the
young trees, and apply hot water of as high a temperature as experiment
would show could be borne by the trees without injuring them. This
should prove fatal to the aphides.

A kerosene and soap emulsion, similarly applied, could hardly fail of
proving effectual, as also the Soluble Phenyle noticed in the First Re-
port on the Insects of New York, pp. 48-50. Simply pulling up the in-
fested seedlings and burning them, cannot be relied upon to arrest such
an attack, if others are to be grown in the same ground. Numbers of
the insects would be left in the soil surrounding the roots, where, after
the removal of the peach roots, other food might be found affording
nourishment and providing for the continuance of the species. It was
formerly believed that the species of Aphides were confined to a single
food-plant. Dr. Fitch was of the opinion that 4. ceras? pertained only
to the garden cherry, Cerasus vulgaris, and that each “ of our native or
wild cherry trees [five species] have plant-lice peculiar to them which sel-
dom if ever fix themselves upon the foliage of the other kinds;” yet the
A. cerast (Myzus cerast) has since been found upon the plum and the
peach, and perhaps upon so different a food-plant as the Chrysanthemum,
Prof. Uhler having expressed the opinion that it may be identical with
Aphis chrysanthemt. If then, the attack upon the seedlings be not en-
tirely arrested by the measures above recommended, a new locality should
be selected for growing them, and the ground that they had occu-
pied treated with a liberal application of fresh gas-lime, which, when
washed in by rains, could be ‘relied upon for killing the Aphides at the
moderate depth at which they would occur.

When the roots of larger trees, which are too valuable to sacrifice, are
attacked by this insect, the method might be used which was found
highly successful in France for the destruction of the PAy//oxera upon
the roots of grapevines, viz., the introduction of bisulphide of carbon
into the soil by pouring a small quantity of it into a hole two or three
feet in depth, made in the ground by a pointed bar, confining it therein
by packing the ground over it so that in its gradual decomposition it

22 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

may permeate the soil, and with its poisonous vapor kill the Aphis (see
1st Report Insects of New York, page 47). The “nether-inserter ” of
Dr. Barnard, noticed in a following page, could advantageously be used
for the conveyance of this powerful insecticide into the ground.

As superior to the above, recommendation has been made by M. Du-
mas, Permanent Secretary of the Academy of Science of France, for the
arrest of the grape Phylloxera, of the sulpho-carbonates of potassium
and sodium, and of barium. They would be equally serviceable against
all root-inhabiting aphides.

The sulpho-carbonate of barium decomposes under the influence of
carbonic acid, and evolves sulphuretted hydrogen and bisulphide of car-
bon. Placed in the ground, by its slow decomposition, it should prove
a powerful insecticide.

Sulpho-carbonate of potassium, in addition to its toxic effect, has also
a direct invigorating influence upon the plant.

The use of these sulpho-carbonates was suggested by the need of
some substance that would evaporate less quickly than the bisulphide of
carbon, and thereby infect with its vapors all the surrounding soil.
They should be reduced to fine powders and spread over the surface of
the ground before the heavy autumnal rains.

PULVINARIA INNUMERABILIS UPON GRAPEVINES.

N. C. Scudder, M. D., of Rome, N. Y., in sending examples of Pu/-
vinarta innumerabilis Rathvon, under date of July 20, 1884, writes: “I
send specimens that I took from a grapevine in my garden. The vine
was very thrifty and had an abundance of small clusters of grapes. In
the latter part of June I noticed that the grapes began to wither and
dry up. On searching for the cause, I found these specimens fastened
to the vine, from the surface of the soil upward for about three feet, the
greatest number being gathered about the enlargements, or where the
vine divides into smaller branches. I searched diligently among upper
branches, but found none. In all cases I found them attached wuder the
loose bark. What I took to be the eggs, I found to be all alive,
and when I emptied the contents of the shell into my hand they began to
* * %* * Since I began destroying these insects, what few
grapes were left’ have grown and shown no signs of destruction as yet.”

In acknowledging the above, in addition to the removal of the scales,
recommendation was made of application at the time of the hatching
and distribution of the young lice, of kerosene oil emulsified with either
milk or soap, and properly diluted according to the directions given in
the reports of the Entomological Division of the Department of Agri-
culture at Washington, and in various other entomological publications.

crawl.

AN APPLE ATTACK, 23

The young lice were hatching from the eggs at the time that the speci-
mens were sent.

AN UNRECOGNIZED APPLE ATTACK.

Under date of January 25, 1884, Secretary Harison informed me that he
had been addressed by Mr. H. C. Watson, of Port Kent, N. Y., in rela-
tion to a great loss of apples in his vicinity recently. Mr. Watson had
written as follows:

The apples affected, I think, exhibit no orifice, but appear on the sur-
face round and fair. When cut across longitudinally, a circle of dark
spots is revealed similar in position to those that children sometimes call
“the ten commandments.” Immediately upon exposure to the atmos-
phere a serum exudes from these spots, and generally a white worm or
maggot soon appears in the serum.

Mr. Watson also stated to Mr. Harison that while almost all gardens
in his village had the fruit affected in the manner above stated, yet
some orchards had wholly escaped.

Under date of February 8th, Mr. Watson sent to me three of the
apples showing the attack. Two of them had been cut transversely sev-
eral days previously to ali appearance, as the cut surfaces had partially
dried, and showed the commencement of decomposition in the more
moist portions. The “ten commandments” could be made out, but
were not a conspicuous feature, and seemed to have no connection with
the attack. Some small grains of larval excrement were scattered
over the surface, but no larve were visible. A number of spots, small
and blackish, could be seen.

Upon the fourteenth of February the cut apples were again exam-
ined, when, upon the surface of one, two larve of two species were dis-
covered. The one, a white, slender larva, about one-tenth of an inch
long, with its anterior end extended into an extensile point, evidently
one of the Diptera, and perhaps of the genus Ampelophila. The egg
from which it proceeded may have been deposited upon the fruit after
the commencement of its decay.

The other larva was about one-twentieth of an inch long, with a large,
flattened head, with strong jaws and conspicuous antennz, with six
legs as long as the width of the body, the body with a few short hairs,
two longitudinal yellowish subdorsal stripes upon its posterior segments,
and the last segment terminating in two short pointed processes. It evi-
dently belonged to the Coleoptera. No explanation presents itself for
its presence in the apple at this time.

Upon cutting the third apple, a number of spots of different sizes,
from one-tenth of an inch downward, were observed, most of which
were near the exterior. These spots contained yellowish, soft matter,

24 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

and upon following some of them, they proved to be continued within
the fruit in irregular channels. They may have been caused by the
burrowing of small larve, but no evidences of this were discovered.
After the above slight examination the two halves of the apple were
placed together to await other examinations, which, however, were not
made.

It is not probable that either of the above larve were the cause of
the injury to the fruit of which inquiry was made.

REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES.

CoaL ASHES FOR THE CURRANT WoRM.

From the New York Agricultural Experiment Station the following
experiment of mulching currant bushes with coal-ashes is reported:

A plat of bushes mulched with this material in the spring, on which
no insecticide application had been made, suffered less from the currant
worm than an unmulched plat that had been several times treated with
hellebore.

As the larva of the currant saw-fly transforms to the pupa but slightly
buried beneath the surface of the ground, it would not be strange if
the presence of the coal-ashes should prevent the development of the
perfect insect, through either its chemical effect upon the delicate pupa
or a mechanical action upon the larva in its burrowing into the soil.

A CARBOLIC WASH FOR THE PEACH-TREE BORER.

A wash prepared from the carbolic soap of Buchan & Co. (Messrs,
Kidder & Laird, 83 John street, New York, agents), appears, from the
testimony given in its favor, to be an effectual preventive of the attack
of the peach-tree borer, Zigerta exitiosa. It is preparedas follows: A
five-pound can of the soap known as the “Carbolic Plant Protector,” to
be ordered of the agents if not purchasable at the city drug stores, is
to be emptied into a barrel (when a large number of trees are to be
treated), upon which two or three pailfuls of hot soft water are to be
poured. Let it stand for twelve hours or more to dissolve. When it is
to be used, fill the barrel with cold soft water —making about thirty
gallons of the wash, which will be sufficient for about three thousand
trees of the ordinary size.

CARBOLIC WASH FOR THE PEACH-TREE BORER. 25

_ The following statement in regard to this wash has been made by
Mr. M. B. Bateham, of Painesville, O., in the Country Gentlemen for
August 24, 1876 (page 535):

Ten years ago, having thirty acres of young peach orchard, I found
as others have done, that fighting the borers by semi-annual examina-
tions of each tree, and digging out the worms with pen-knife or wire,
was going to be a serious task. I then procured a lot of roofing-paper,
of which coal-tar was an ingredient; cut it into strips six inches wide,
and fastened these tightly around the base of each tree with a tack.
This method was in the main successful, and much less expensive than
the hand-killing. But a couple of years after, I received from a firm in
New York a small box of ‘“‘ Buchan’s Carbolic Soap,” which was at that
time extensively advertised as a remedy for plant-lice and other kinds
of insects that annoy horticulturists, and I was requested to experiment
with it according to hints and directions furnished.

I tried this soap on aphis, scale-lice and various other small insects,
with good success, and was especially pleased to find it a complete pro-
tection against the peach-borer, which was of the most importance to me.
The first season I applied it twice; first about the middle of June, as soon
as I began to see any A%geria moths flitting about, and again about
a month later, as I had noticed that the insects continued to appear and
lay their eggs for a month or longer time. But since the first sea-
son I have only used one application of the wash, about the first of
July, each season, and not more than from three to five per cent of my
trees have been affected with borers, and those not perceptibly injured
by them. In a locality where peach orchards are plenty and the bor-
ers troublesome, I would recommend two applications of the wash each
summer, and / am confident tt will prove completely effective if the mate-
rials are good and the work properly done.

I have never been able to perceive the least injurious effects of this
wash, even on young peach-trees, and I presume that its strength might
be safely increased if thought desirable.

For aphis and bark-lice of the various kinds, I have found the car-
bolic wash of much service. It should not be used quite as strong
when applied to the foliage of young shoots, as recommended for the
borers. It is well to test the strength by wetting a few leaves with it,
and noticing the next day whether they are seemingly injured by the ap-
plication. If so, dilute it more before using.

I think, from repeated experiments, that the wash is as effective a pre-
ventive of the apple borers as the peach. For the old or eastern borer
(Saperda), which works near the roots, the mode of application is the
same as on peach-trees; but for the western, or flat-headed borer (Chry-
sobothris), the whole of the trunk of the tree, especially the south-west
side and large limbs, if exposed to the hot sun, or where the bark is at
all injured, should be washed.

Where the “Carbolic Plant Protector” cannot be conveniently ob-
tained, a wash may be prepared with the carbolic acid to be purchased
of druggists, which, according to Mr. Bateham, is equally effective with

the manufactured carbolic soap.
4

26 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

In a gallon of common soft soap, thinned with a pailful of hot soft
water, a half-pound of carbolic acid (the pure) is stirred. After it has
stood fora day or longer, or until the proper union has taken place, add
thirty gallons of cold soft water, making a barrel of the wash, If a less
amount of the wash is needed, of course the proportionate quantities of
the materials may be used. The crude carbolic acid would doubtless
answer as well, but a larger quantity, perhaps double the amount, would
be necessary.

Later, under date of April 15, 1880 (Country Gentleman, x\v, p. 246),
the following somewhat stronger wash is given by Mr. Bateham, and it
may be presumed to be that which continued experiments have shown
to be the most effectual:

For an orchard of five hundred bearing trees, we buya pint of crude
carbolic acid, costing not over twenty-five cents (or half as much as the
refined), then take a gallon of good soft soap and thin it with a gallon
of hot water, stirring in the acid and letting it stand over the night or
longer; then add eight gallons of cold soft water, and stir. We have
then ten gallons of the liquid ready for use. Some peach growers use
a little more and some a little less of the acid, but if it is much stronger
than the above, it would be apt to injure the trees. The wash should
be thoroughly applied with aswab or brush around the base of each tree,
taking pains to have it enter all crevices.

The proper time to apply the wash is about the last of June, if the
weather is hot, or the first of July. Mr. Bateham, whose long experi-
ence in the cultivation of peaches has made him familiar with the pa-
rent moth and observant of its habits, has never seen one in his locality
(Painesville, Ohio, N. latitude 41°, 40’) depositing its eggs before the first
of July. He finds this to be the best time to apply the wash, “as it drives
off the moth by its odor, and instantly killsany eggs that may have been
deposited.”” For the apple-tree borers he applies this same wash about the
first of June.

PYRETHRUM FOR THE CABBAGE WORM.

At the New York Experiment Station, a mixture of one part pow-
dered pyrethrum with three parts of plaster or air-slacked lime, has been
found quite effective in destroying /eris rap@ larve on cabbages. It
is applied with a wooden bellows manufactured for the application of
powdered insecticides, by inserting the nozzle among the leaves, so that
the powder is driven through the plant.

Another mixture of pyrethrum, still further diluted than the above,
and therefore more economical, is one part of the powder to twenty of
flour, applied witha bellows. Experiments made with this preparation.
show the P. rap@ larve to have been killed in twelve hours.

REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES. 27

CARBOLIC ACID FOR THE CABBAGE WORM.

As cheaper than pyrethrum powder and more quickly applied, the
following application may be made: One tablespoonful of the cheapest
black carbolic acid diluted in one gallon of water, applied sparingly,
after heavy rains, at intervals of three or four weeks, if the caterpillars
are cbserved. Persons who have tested the above, claim that it has
given them uninjured crops of cabbage, (Country Gentleman. )

Roap Dust FOR THE CABBAGE WoRM.

A simple and costless palliative, if not a preventive of the ravages of
this insect, has been found in the frequent use of dry dust. A quantity
of road dust should be kept in acovered vessel near the cabbage patch in
the garden, and every few days or after rains, a little of it should be
sifted over each cabbage head.

COAL-OIL REFUSE FOR THE CANKER WoRM.

Instead of the tar or printers’ ink band, applied about the trunks of
trees to prevent the ascent of the wingless Axsopteryx vernata, the re-
siduum from kerosene oil works may be used. It is cheaper and will
last twice as long as the tar or ink, not requiring renewal oftener than
once in six days. It has been used with success when printers’ ink has
failed. (Zransactions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for
Feoz) Part £, p. 16.)

A WaASsH FOR THE APPLE-TREE BORER.

The best protection from the injuries of the flat-headed apple-tree
borer, Chrysobothris femorata Lec., so far as known at the present, is
awash made of soft soap and carbolic acid. Soft soap and lime, with
a little glue dissolved to promote adherence, is also used. As this insect,
unlike the round-headed borer, Saperda candida Fabr., formerly known
as Saperda bivittata Say, does not confine its attack to the base of the
tree, but extends into the branches, and even into the terminal twigs,
as I have observed when the tree has become diseased, it is important
that the soap be applied to such portions of the branches as can be
reached. This coating, made in May, and again in early July and late
August, will usually prevent the deposit of the eggs; but it is not well
to trust alone to its efficacy. Where the insect abounds, the trees
should be carefully examined for the presence of the borer, which may
be detected by the excrementa or borings at the commencement of the
burrow, or, when the borer has just entered, by an exuding drop of sap
upon the bark at its place of entrance. A gentleman who has had

28 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

much experience with this borer in the West, gives this advice (7th
Rep. Ins. Mo., p. 79): “It is best for those having trees subject to
attack, to look them over every week, if possible, or every two weeks
at least, from the first of June until autumn, for exudation of sap from
the bark, which is a sure indication of their presence. When noticed,
the borer may be removed by cleanly cutting out a small slice of bark.”

The above means involve labor, but if not resorted to, apple-trees
cannot be grown in localities where this borer abounds, particularly in
portions of several of our Western States, where as many as a hundred
of the borers have been taken from one small tree.

SALTPETRE FOR THE STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE.

Saltpetre dissolved in water has been recommended for use against
both the larva and the perfect insect of the striped cucumber beetle,
Diabrotica vittata (Fabr.), and also for protection from cut-worms, as
appears in the following paragraphs taken from agricultural journals.

To destroy bugs on squash and cucumber vines.— Dissolve a table-spoon-
ful of saltpetre in a pailful of water, put a pint of this around each hill,
shaping the earth so that it will not spread much, and the thing is done.
The more saltpetre the better for vegetables, but the surer death to
animal life. The bugs burrow in the earth at night but fail to rise in
the morning. No danger of killing any vegetables with it; a concen-
trated solution applied to beans makes them grow wonderfully.

Wetting the soil around cucumbers, squashes and other Cucurbite
three or four times at intervals of as many days, with a solution of salt-
petre —an ounce per gallon of water — is referred to as preventive
of ravages of the borer; and sprinkling the leaves with the same is sug-
gested as useful against “the striped bug.”

One year ago I had a patch of beans entirely destroyed by cut-worms.
I planted it over; as soon as they came up the worms began again. I
dissolved half a pound of saltpetre in three pints of water, mixed that
thoroughly with one-half bushel of dry ashes, and sprinkled the ashes
on the beans just as there was a shower coming up and the rain
washed the ashes all off into the ground. I had no more trouble with
the worms but had a good crop of beans.—[R. K., Franklin Co., Mass.

A saltpetre solution is frequently recommended to be poured about
the roots of plants infested with cut-worms. It kills the pests and is a
nitrogenous fertilizer.—(Wew Lngland fTomestead.)

The experiment with this material can so easily be made, that it
deserves trial with several of our smaller root-insects, as for example,
upon the radish, cabbage, and onion maggots, Axthomyta raphant
Harris, Anthomyia brassice Bouché and Phorbia ceparum (Meigen).

REMEDIES FOR THE SQUASH-BUG AND “ THRIPS.” 29

Notwithstanding the statement of its efficacy against cut-worms above
given, it may well be doubted whether the benefit supposed to have
been derived from its use could not better be accounted for, from a ces-
sation of the attack through the maturity and pupation of the larve
after a second planting.

GYPsUM AND KEROSENE FOR THE SQUASH-BUG.

The following application for preventing the attack of the squash
bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), is given: To two quarts of gypsum put one
tablespoonful of kerosene oil; this sprinkled on the vines will generally
answer for the season. If the bugs return repeat the operation.

The person giving the above, states: I applied it this season on several
thousand hills of melons, cucumbers, etc., after the bugs had commenced
operations, and have not since had a vine destroyed. I have used it
for several seasons with the same result. This is safer and cheaper than
Paris green.

This preventive promises to be effective against the striped cucumber
bettle (Diabrotica vittata), and the cucumber flea-beetle (Crepidodera
cucumerts), which in addition to the squash, injure seriously the melon
and the cucumber.

VAPORIZED TOBACCO JUICE FOR “THRIPS,” ETC.

The vapor from tobacco juice for killing the smaller insects that are
the pests of plant-houses, has lately been employed very successfully in
France, but, we believe not to any extent in this country. If its merits
are what are claimed for it, it will supply a long-needed want in our
conservatories and graperies. One who has tested it states: “ Ever
since I adopted it, it has been absolutely impossible to find a thrips in
my houses; and other insects have likewise disappeared.” The method
of using it is thus described:

Every week, whether there are insects or not, I have a number of
braziers containing burning charcoal distributed through my houses.
On each brazier is placed an old sauce-pan containing about'a pint of
tobacco juice of about the strength of 14°. This is quickly vaporized,
and the atmosphere of the houses is saturated with the nicotine-
laden vapor, which becomes condensed on every thing with which it
comes in contact — leaves, bulbs, flowers, shelves, etc. When the con-
tents of the sauce-pans are reduced to the consistency of a thick syrup,
about a pint of water is added to each, and the vaporization goes on as
before. I consider a pint of tobacco juice sufficient for a house of
about 2,000 cubic feet. ‘The smell is not so unpleasant as that from
fumigation, and the tobacco juice can be used more conveniently than
the leaves. Plants, no matter of what kind, do not suffer in the least,
and the most delicate flowers are not in the slightest degree affected,

30° SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

but continue in bloom for their full period, without any alteration in
their appearance. When the operation is completed, if the tongue is
applied to a leaf, one can easily understand what has taken place from
its very perceptible taste of tobacco.

The process requires to be repeated in proportion to the extent to
which a house is infested. It is not to be imagined that these trouble-
some guests are to be quite got rid of by asingle operation. A new brood
may be hatched on the following day, or some may not have been
reached on the first day, so that the vaporization should be frequently
carried on until the insects have entirely disappeared, and after that it
should be repeated every week in order to prevent a fresh invasion.
(Country Gentleman.)

In France, the tobacco juice of the strength above stated, can be
purchased of the tobacco factories at about twelve or fifteen cents (our
money) a quart, by presenting a certificate that it is to be used for kill-
ing insects. The expense, at this rate, would be very trifling, being only
about twenty-five cents a week for a plant-house fifty feet long by six-
teen broad and ten high.

A strong infusion of tobacco leaves made by boiling, would be a sub-
stitute for the above factory juice. It might be prepared in quantity
and evaporated for convenience of keeping and ready use, to the proper
degree.

The “ Thrips,” for the killing of which the vaporized tobacco juice is
recommended, is a popular name which has obtained currency among
vine-growers for a small (about one-eighth of an inch long), slender,
spindle-shaped, parti-colored leaf-hopper, which in its larval, pupal and
perfect stages is very destructive to the foliage of grapevines. It attacks
the leaves by puncturing them with its proboscis, usually upon the under
side, withdrawing the sap and causing small discolored spots over their
surface. The spots increase in size and number by coalescence and
the growth of the insect, becoming later, large, brown blotches, which
gradually extend, if the attack is severe, over the entire leaf, until it
dries, appearing as if scorched by fire, dies, and falls from the vine.
The fruit is dwarfed, fails to ripen, or the vine is killed, according to
the abundance of the insects.

It is believed that several distinct species are usually associated in
this attack, belonging to the genus ZLrythroneura, of which the princi-
pal one is that described by Dr. Harris in the year 1831, under the name
of Tettigonia vitis, a figure of which (pronounced a poor one by Mr.
Walsh*) is given in Plate 3, of Zusects Injurious to Vegetation.

*A better one may be found in the Practical Entomologist, ii, p. 51, which has been
copied in Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects,in Saunder’s J/nsects Injurious to Fruits,
and in other recent publications,

TOBACCO INFUSION FOR LEAF-HOPPERS AND APHIDES. 31

The Thrips proper is quite a different insect. There are a number
of species, constituting the family of Zr7pzde@, the location of which, in
classification, has caused much discussion. By Haliday, it was separa-
ted as a distinct order under the name of THySANOPTERA, which has
been accepted by a number of entomologists. Dr. Packard and others
regard it as belonging to the Hemiprera, having affinities both with
the Coriside and the MWallophaga. ‘Their habits vary greatly, for while
many of the species are certainly vegetable feeders and injurious in their
operations, others are carnivorous, and are serviceable in the destruction
of gall-insects,* eggs of the curculio,f the red-spider (7etranychus tela-
rius),{ the clover-seed midge (Cectdomyia leguminicola) § probably the
wheat-midge (D¢flosis tritict),|| and other insect pests.

INFUSION OF TORACCO FOR THE ROSE-LEAF HOPPER.

An infusion of tobacco is said to be an effectual preventive of the
little white leaf-hopper often so injurious to roses, the Zettigonia rose
of Dr. Harris. Where the tobacco stems can be procured, place some
of them in a vessel (a tin pan of the capacity of about two gallons
would be convenient) and pour boiling water over them, so as to cover
completely, and leave it standing over night. Dilute for using with four
or five times the quantity of water and apply with a syringe or force
pump, taking care to distribute it also over the underside of the leaves,
The application, like most other liquid applications to leaves for the
prevention of insect injuries, should be made in the evening or early in
the morning. It should first be applied early in the season before the
injuries are very apparent, and as soon as the young larve, looking like
little white specks, can be discovered upon the underside of the leaves,
As often as may be needed, in order to check the attack, the showering
with the infusion should be repeated.

INFUSION OF TOBACCO FOR APHIDES ON HOUSE-PLANTS.

A similar infusion to the above is recommended by Mr. John G.
Barker, at a recent meeting of the Massachusetts State Horticultural
Society, for killing the ‘‘ green fly” (Aphis) that infests house-plants.
It is made by filling a pail with stems and pouring on them all the water
the pail will hold. This should stand for twenty-four hours and used
in the proportion of half a pint to a pail of water [seemingly a very

* Riley: 6th Report Insects of Missouri, p. 50, and 5th do., p. 118.
+ Id.: 2d Report, p. 6; 3d Report, p. 29 (the species not named),
t Pergande, in Pseyche, iii, 1882, p. 381.

§ Id., ib.

|| Walsh, in Proceed. Entomolog. Soc. Phila., iii, 1864, p. 611.

32 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST,

weak infusion]. The plants should be turned bottom up, placing the
left hand over the top of the pot to prevent accident, and then plunging
it in the infusion once or twice until the insects drop off. Some of the
liquid should always be kept on hand and used on the first appearance
of the aphis. After using, the plant must be rinsed in clean water of
the same temperature as the room. A florist in Philadelphia kept his
plants free from injury in this way without fumigating.

KEROSENE OIL FOR SCALE-INSECTS ON HouSsE-PLANTS.

Mr. Barker had found the-scale-insects so common on oleanders
(probably Aspidiotus nerit and Lecanium hespertdum) and other thick-
leaved plants, more difficult to be destroyed. These may be washed
with whale-oil soap and water. A sponge dipped in a little sweet or
kerosene oil, and wiped up the stem and under the leaves occasionally,
will keep off the scale effectually. This had been applied to plants
which had been neglected and became very dirty, using the kerosene so
freely that there were misgivings of the result, but with only beneficial
effects.

SULPHUR FOR CABBAGE APHIS.

A correspondent of the Home Farm, states that after having con-
tended for several years with cabbage-worms and lice, and using nearly
all the various remedies proposed for them, he has at last succeeded
in ridding his cabbages from attack, by ameans which he thinks is new,
and which he hastens to give to the public. It is simply to sprinkle
a little sulphur on the heads of the cabbage when the presence of the
insect is noticed. He had applied it three times during the season and
“deliverance came every time, at once.’’ The sulphur caused the
leaves to curl slightly and to discolor a little, where it was distributed
the thickest, but it did not check the growth nor otherwise injure the
plants.

GRAPE BAGGING TO PROTECT FROM INSECT ATTACK.

The utility of bagging grapes, is a question not yet settled by grape-
growers. Perhaps no general rule can be established, under the greatly
varying conditions of soil, culture and exposure of different localities.
If the fruit is liable to insect injury, it offers a means of entire protec-
tion, at a cost, it is believed, more than repaid, by the attendant benefits
of protection from rot, finer color, richer bloom, larger size, ete.

The principal insect attacks which it would prevent are the fol-
lowing named: The grape-seed midge, /sosoma vitis Saunders — a small
hymenopterous insect which lays its eggs upon the grape during the

BAGGING AND TRAPPING PREVENTIVES. 33

month of July, the larva from which burrows into the fruit to feed upon
the seed, and causes the grape to shrivelanddry. The grape-berry moth,
Eudemis botrana (Schiff.), which deposits its eggs in June, the larve
from which destroy the grapes in July by feeding within them and bind-
ing them together with patches of their webs and excrementa. The grape
curculio, Craponius inaequalis (Say) —a small snout-beetle which punc-
tures the fruit for the deposit of its eggs, causing its premature ripen-
ing and dropping to the ground. Several species of the larger Hymen-
optera, as the honey-bee, wasps and hornets, feed upon the ripening
fruit.

The method of bagging, and the cost of the bags is told by a corre-
spondent of the New York 7Z7zbune:

Our practice has been to bag very early after the blossom falls, which
protects the fruit from all destroying depredators and influences, one
only excepted, which is cracking when rain-storms last several days or
a week; but such storms seldom occur when grapes are ripening. The
bag is torn down just far enough on either side to lap the two ends over
the branch above the cluster and a pin put through on the under side
of the limb at each corner, being careful to draw the bag over the torn
ends to exclude water. The lowest corner should be pierced with
the small blade of a pocket-knife for drainage. This is better than
a round hole made with an awl, as it closes and excludes the spores
of fungi and small insects. We order two-pound bags for two-thirds of
the number needed, for single clusters; for the other third, four-pound
bags to be used over two clusters occurring together. They can be
ordered from any paper warehouse as cheaply as from the factory.
Two-pound Manilla bags cost $1.80 per 1,000; two-pound imitation
Manilla bags, $1.50 per 1,000; and fo to 15 per cent advance on each of
the larger sizes. By counting the clusters intended to be bagged on an
average vine, the approximate number needed can be readily ascer-
tained.

A BoTTLe TRAP FOR VARIOUS GARDEN INSECTS.

Charles Downing mentions the following as an effectual trap for all
sorts of garden insects. Fill wide-mouthed bottles half full of a mix-
ture of water, vinegar and molasses, and suspend them among the trees.
In a short time they will be full of insects, and must then be emptied
and the liquid renewed. An acquaintance of his captured in this way,
more than three bushels of insects in his garden in a season, and pre-
served it almost entirely free from their ravages.—J.W. Manning, in
Trans. Mass. Horticultural Soc. for 1883, p- 14.

POULTRY IN ORCHARDS.

The presence of large numbers of chickens, turkeys and ducks in

orchards and vineyards seems to be the most effectual means yet dis-
5

34 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

covered for combating the number of insect pests which are taxing the
ingenuity and perseverance of orchardists and vineyardists. While these
fowls will not undoubtedly keep vines and trees entirely free from pests,
they render a vast amount of assistance in that direction. They are
proving especially valuable in case of invasion of grasshoppers. Indeed,
where this pest has not appeared in overwhelming numbers, fowls are
the most effective remedy yet discovered for their destruction. Thousands
of dollars have been saved to the fruit and vine-growers of this county
the present season by the keeping of fowls in their orchards and vine-
yards. * * * * Ducks have not been used here much for this pur-
pose, but are said to do very satisfactory work. They have the most
insatiable appetites for grasshoppers of any of the domestic fowls. The
raising of ducks in itself is very profitable. Fruit culture and poultry
raising seem destined to become inseparable industries in this country.
(Pacific Rural Press.)

INSECTICIDAL PROPERTIES OF SOME OF THE COMPOSIT.

Prof. F. G. Sanborn has written me as follows:

“J will here call your attention to the fact that several other of the
Composite besides those that you have mentioned, notably, Lewcanthe-
mum vulgare (the ox-eye daisy) and Waruta cotula (the common May-
weed) have proved very useful insecticides and were continually recom-
mended by me when acting entomologist to the Massachusetts State
Board of Agriculture from 1858 to 1869, inclusive. They have been
used in powder, also in tea made from the flowers without pulverizing;
and with excellent effect. A strong tea made from the grocer’s ‘Cayenne
pepper has been applied to plants infested with mandibulate insects
[furnished with mandibles for biting], with good results, and has also
been used as a protection from carpet eating insects.”

A New INSTRUMENT FOR USE AGAINST ROoT-INSECTS.

An instrument has lately been devised by Dr. W.S. Barnard by which
those insecticides which are dangerous to plants, such as kerosene, cyan-
ide of potassium [KCN], and bisulphide of carbon [CS,], might be used
with safety to the plants and the destruction of the insects in the ground.
These substances have usually been applied on or just beneath the sur-
face of the ground, either among or above the roots, but killing them
when used in strength when coming in contact with them. When ap-
plied in volatile form they are less injurious. The instrument for con-
veying the insecticide beneath the roots, called a “nether-inserter,”
consists of a tube fitting closely around a solid shaft somewhat longer
than the tube and pointed at its lower end, the tube being 15 mm. in
diameter [0.6 inch] and the shaft 12 mm. [0.48 inch]. The upper end

A NEW INSTRUMENT FOR REACHING ROOT-INSECTS. 35

of the tube expands like a bowl. The upper portion of the shaft is
weighted with a heavy ball, so disposed that the shaft can be grasped
above the ball. By partly withdrawing the shaft from the tube and
then returning it with force as the lower end of the tube rests on the
ground, both can be driven into the ground to any required depth. The
shaft is then wholly withdrawn, and the insecticide poured into the tube,
thus placing it beneath the roots without coming in contact with them,
if the instrument has been properly inserted. The tube is then with-
drawn, and the hole made by it filled with earth. The insecticide, being
volatile, rises through the ground and becomes diffused. With this
method of application it is believed that kerosene is superior to naptha-
line. (Psyche, for January—February, 1884, iv. p. 134.)

In a communication by Dr. Barnard to Psyche for March, 1884, it is
stated that experiments made with the nether-inserter in applying pe-
troleum for destroying phylloxera on vines near Washington have given
“perfect satisfaction.” “The nether-upward kerosene diffusion pro-
cess is the only economically practical way in which the deep appli-
cation of the undiluted forms of petroleum can be attempted with
safety to the plant. By it the cheap, crude article and its lighter
form, the naphthas, become most valuable agents against the pests. It
applies likewise as a treatment against all other root-insects or subter-
ranean pests, as, for example, the American blight aphid [ Schézoneura
lanigera|, the hop-root Gortyna [ Gortyna itmmanis|, root maggots of the
cabbage, etc. [ Anthomyiide|, the strawberry root beetles, cicadas, cut-
worms, white-grubs, wire-worms, nests of ants, etc. Thus it is seen to
have a general application to a wide range of cases heretofore not sat-
isfactorily treated.”

Dr. Barnard claims also that the nether-inserter may also be effici-
ently used with many other insecticides, of which are the following: “Rhi-
golene, gasolene, naphtha, benzine, kerosene, crude petroleum, oil of tar,
tar water, naphthaline, pyroligneous acid, soot, creosote, carbolic acid,
cresylic acid, sulphurous acid, sulphocyanide of potassium, bisulphide
of carbon, cyanide of potassium, pyrethrum preparations, lye solutions,
tobacco decoction, chips and snuff water, gas water,’ and it may also be
used for the application of liquid fertilizers, vapors, gases or fumes.
In short it is available with any upward-acting insecticide against any
underground enemies. .

NAPHTHALINE AS AN INSECTICIDE.

From a paper read by Prof. C. V. Riley before the Biological Society
of Washington, on December 14, 1883, it appears that naphthaline,
[Cio Hs] was first made in 1808, Its use as a substitute for camphor

36 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

for killing museum pests, was suggested in 1840. Placed in insect boxes,
it kills acari and psoci, but not other museum pests. Experiments
were made with it against Phylloxera vitifolie in 1872. Fischer began
experimenting with it in 1881. Itis a better insecticide and cheaper
in its crude form than when pure, but is more injurious to plants in that
form. It has been applied to grapevines by pouring a kilogram | 2.20
pounds] of it in a trench from 15 to 20 cm. [6 to 8 inches] deep near
the stock of the vine and then filling the trench with earth.

At a subsequent meeting (28th of December), Dr. T. Taylor stated
that rats, mice, crickets and locusts were driven away by the use of
naphthaline. Earth worms were driven out of the ground and killed by
placing it in the bottom of a flower-pot where they occurred. Insects
infesting seeds were killed by placing it in jars with the seeds, without
injury to the seeds. Moistening increases the efficacy of naphthaline
(Psyche, for January—February, 1884, iv, pp. 133-134).

KEROSENE OIL EMULSIONS.

In the preceding report of the Entomologist, reference was made
(page 44) to an emulsion of kerosene and milk, but no directions were
given for making it. The omission is here supplied. The method
recommended by Mr. H. G. Hubbard, a special agent of the U. S. De-
partment of Agriculture, seems to be the best presented. It is as fol-
lows:

Take of refined kerosene two parts, fresh, or preferably sour
cow’s milk, one part (percentage of oil 66%). Mix ina pail or tub, by
continuous pumping with a force-pump back into the same _ vessel
through the flexible hose and spray nozzle. After passing once or twice
through the pump the liquids unite and form a creamy emulsion, in
which finely divided particles of oil can be plainly detected. Continue
the pumping until the liquid curdles into a white and glistening butter,
perfectly homogeneous in texture and stable. The time required for
producing the butter varies with the temperature. At 60 Fahr. it will
be from one-half to three-quarters of an hour; at 75°, fifteen minutes;
and the process may be still more facilitated by heating the milk up to,
but not past, the boiling point.

Upon standing for a day or two the milk (if sweet, has been used)
will curdle, but as it simply thickens and hardens without separating
from the oil, it needs only to be stirred, not churned again, to bring it
back to its former smoothness. If sour milk is used no fermentation en-
sues, and if not exposed to the air, the butter can be kept unchanged
for any length of time.

When needed for use the butter will mix readily with any proportion

PREPARATION OF KEROSENE OIL EMULSIONS. 37

of water, if first thinned with a small quantity of the liquid. In using
the emulsion for killing scale-insects (perhaps the most difficult of in-
sects to be destroyed by it), the kerosene butter should be diluted with
water from twelve to sixteen times, or one pint of butter to one gallon
and a half of water. Dilute only as needed for immediate use. (Re-
port of the Commusstoner of “Agriculture Jor the Years 1881, 1882, pp.
113-114.)

A soap emulsion.—Dr. J. C. Neal, also a special agent of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture—as the result of his experiments with
various emulsions of kerosene oil, recommends very highly the following:

Four pounds of rosin soap—common bar or yellow soap, dissolved
in one gallon of water, with heat. Add gradually one gallon of kerosene
with constant agitation. A gelatinous compound is formed which is
very stable.

A gallon of this emulsion, containing fifty per cent of kerosene, costs
twenty-six cents.

Reducing the above by the addition of forty-nine gallons of water,
gives one per cent of kerosene, costing a little more than half a cent
per gallon.

This reduced emulsion is of a milky color and is quite permanent.
Dr. Neal was satisfied that with it, thoroughly applied, a@// the cotton-
worms reached by it, were killed without injury to the plants. (Budletin
No. 1. U.S. Dept. Agricul— Division of Entomology, 1883, pp. 32, 42.)

Later, Mr. H. G. Hubbard reports that further experiments made by
him with kerosene emulsions prove that various soaps can be readily
made to combine with the oil, and that the soap and kerosene emulsions
. are as effective as those formed with milk. The use of soap materially
reduces the cost, except where milk is abundant and cheap.

Common bar soap, soft soap and whale oil soap have been tried and
found to be almost equally good. The following formula is one which
has proved in practice useful where a moderate quantity of emulsion is
required:

TRECEOSENEC. in) n/ein in «0 oka « SE BS Mela oa fe, 3 ee 2 gallons — 67 percent.
Common soap or whale oil soap”: aie cura atand + pound, Bk
VW Wiaiietitars o'dieta'es <\are ote ole Sietehd «tt ai musts aapsta dgpeallion, Ce a ery

Heat the solution of soap and add it boiling hot to the kerosene.
Churn the mixture by means of force-pump and spray nozzle for five or
ten minutes. The emulsion, if perfect, forms a cream, which thickens
on cooling, and should adhere without oiliness to the surface of glass.
Dilute before using, one part of the emulsion with nine parts of cold
water.

The above formula gives three gallons of the emulsion, and makes,

*

38 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

when diluted, thirty gallons of wash. [Report of the Entomologist: in
Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for 1883, p. 152.]

The cost of the above wash, with kerosene oil at 12 cents the gallon,
and yellow soap at 6 cents the pound, would be less than one cent per
gallon.

The Shearer soap emulsion.—In a recent report, Miss Ormerod, Con-
sulting Entomologist of the Royal Agricultural Society of England,
presents the following recipe “for a simple and effective method of
making a mineral oil solution,” which was devised by Mr. Alex. Shearer,
“4 clever chemist as well as an able and intelligent gardener,” and which,
after experimenting with the emulsions as prepared in this country and
elsewhere, she pronounces the best that she had met with. It has now
been tried for several years, and found both safe and serviceable.

To eight parts of soft water add one part of black (soft) soap, and
boil briskly for a few minutes until the soap is thoroughly dissolved.
While boiling add paraffin [kerosene] or any other similar oil, and boil
for a minute or two longer when the whole will be thoroughly amalga-
mated, and, if bottled and securely corked while warm, it will remain so
and be fit for use at any time when required. For field use, the imme-
diate application would save all need of storing. The strength of the
solution depends on the amount of mineral oil in it, and it can be easily
reduced to the proper power by mixing it with soft water as it is wanted
for use.

The following notes are also given of the method found the most con-
venient for mixing the application.

Eight parts of water and one part of soft soap thoroughly amalgamated
forms the lye which /a&es mineral oil, and thoroughly mixes with what-
ever proportion of the oil be added. As heat aids much in quickly pro-
ducing thorough amalgamation of the ingredients, boil the soap and
water together, and when ready, turn it into ordinary wine bottles (cost-
ing little or nothing) which have been placed in boiling water. About
half fill the bottles, turn two gills of the oil in each bottle, then fill up
with the boiling lye, cork at once, and store away for use.

When required for use, a bottle of the mixture is poured into a four-
gallon watering pot which is filled up with soft water, and is ready for
use, at a strength of one wine-glass of oil (half a gill) to one gallon of
water [one part of oil to 64 of water — about r3 per cent of oil].

Half a gill of oil to a gallon of water is strong enough to kill Aphides
and such soft insects; one gill for “ thrips’’ [the small leaf-hoppers of
the grapevine probably], and a gill and a half for scale-insects.

By bottling the mixture as above, no mistake need be made in using
it of the proper strength.

PARASITES AND A DISEASE OF ACTIAS LUNA, 39

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.

PARASITE OF PYRAMEIS ATALANTA,

A small parasite upon this butterfly, received from Mr. W. H. Ed-
wards, of Coalburgh, Virginia, was identified by me as AZtcrogaster cari-
nata Packard, described in the Proceedings Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., xxi,
1880, p. 25-6. Upon submitting it to Prof. Riley, it was compared with
the type of JZ. carinata in his possession and found to be identical. It
should, however, he stated, be regarded as a variety of his A/icrogaster
gelechie (First Missouri Report, 1869, p. 178) obtained by him from the
gall-making caterpillar of the solidago gall-moth, Gelechia gallesolida-
ginis, from which “‘it differs only in the black anterior and intermediate
coxe and trochanters, and darker tarsi and tips of tibia —all variable
characters within the same species.”

The P. Atalanta parasite would therefore be — conforming to a later
generic arrangement,— Apanteles gelechie@ Riley.

Prof. Packard has also described (loc. cit. p. 27) asecond parasite from
the same butterfly, as MWicrogaster Atalanta.

A DISEASED Broop oF AcTIAsS LUNA.

One hundred and seven eggs were deposited by a female brought
to me, on June 27-8. ‘They hatched July gth, and all molted for the
first time on July r5th. Five examples, just commencing to molt — the
head withdrawn from the head-case — were placed in alcohol.

The 2d molt commenced on the 18th, with 5 individuals; on the roth
19 molted, of which 4 were put in alcohol and 2 died; on the 2oth 37
molted, and 1 died; on the 21st 7 molted and 2 died; on the 22d 2
molted and 2 died. Seventy passed their molt and seven died.

The 3d molting commenced July 23 — 3 individuals; on the 24th, 12;
on the 25th, 24, and 7 had died.

After this time, the remainder were so diseased and died in such
numbers, that no further record was kept. They were supplied fre-
quently with fresh hickory leaves for food, but without avail. Several
passed the 4th (the final molt), but died one after another —the last
when apparently about three-fourths grown.

The indications of approaching death would be, eating sparingly, as-
suming a duller shade of green, and changing toa brownish color. They
would be found dead the following day, black, perhaps hanging limp
from a leaf or stem, and drawn out in length, the entire contents of

40 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

their body semi-fluid, so that it was difficult to remove some of the ex-
amples without breaking them and discharging the black fluid.

The disease was probably identical with that which had frequently
been observed by me in attempting to rear larve of other species of
Lepidoptera in confinement, and by other entomologists, and with that
which was studied by Professor Forbes, in 1883, when a very large per-
centage of the caterpillars throughout the northern and eastern portions
of Illinois were killed. It was found by him to be a contagious disease,
resulting from the presence within the larve of innumerable bacteria,
probably AZicrococcus bombycis, and in no ways distinguishable from the
flachéri, which was investigated by Pasteur with such brilliant results at
the time when, as a silk-worm disease, it was inflicting an annual loss of
hundreds of millions of dollars annually upon the silk industry of Eu-
rope. See Prof. Forbes’ address “On a Contagious Disease of Cater-
pillars,” delivered before the State Horticultural Society of Illinois, in
December of 1883.

The same disease has also been noticed by me, as destroying Pzerzs
rape \arve in cabbage fields in the vicinity of Albany.

HETEROPACHA RILEYANA /farvey.

Mr. G. R. Pilate, of Dayton, Ohio, sent under date of July 22d, some
small larvz of this species and also some eggs, found by him a few days
previous. Not being able to rear them, in subsequently communicating
with him, I learned that he had found no difficulty in breeding the spe-
cies by the following method: “TI use large glass candy-jars, eighteen in-
ches high by eight wide, for my larve, putting in them about an inch
and a half of white sand, slightly moistened, for if too wet it will kill
the larve. For those that bury, I use three inches of sand. Upon the
sand a piece of paper is placed to hold the excrement_and permit of its
easy removal when fresh food is supplied. Always give them Honey-
locust to eat (Gleditschia triacanthos) and not the black locust.”

Later, additional eggs were sent which had been laid the 8th of Au-
gust, with the statement that “when first laid they are pure white, with
the exception of the three spots on the top and sides.”

HemiLeuca Mata (Drury).

Mr. Pilate informs me that from about three hundred (eggs ?) of this
species, found on basket-willow (.Sa//x viminalis), he had obtained about
one hundred pups. The species appears to be an easy one to rear in
confinement, for in colonies reared by me from the egg-belts, nearly all
attained their perfect stage. Larve collected at somewhat an advanced
age upon their food-plants are quite liable to have been parasitized, for

THE HOP GRUB—GORTYNA IMMANIS. 41

of a cluster of thirty found by me after their second molt, about one-
third were subsequently destroyed by ichneumons, which proved to be
Limneria fugitiva (Say) and an undetermined species of Microgaster.
For details of this parasitism, see my “ Biography of Hemileuca Maia ”’
in the Twenty-third Report on the VN. Y. State Cabinet of Natural His-
tory. 1872, pp- 146, 147, or Entomological Contributions [No.1], pp. 14, 15+

THe Hop Grusp— GorRTYNA IMMANIS (Gwen.).

In my First Report, the reference to the “ grub” attacking the root
y port, g g

of the hop-vine (page 61), has been interpreted by an English writer as
referring to the ‘‘ white-grub,” Lachnosterna fusca Frohl. —a very nat-
ural interpretation, from the well-known habits of that destructive spe-
cies as a root-devourer, taken in connection with the customary limita-
tion by our more careful writers of the term “‘ grub” to a coleopterous
larva, and often to the conspicuous and well-characterized larva of the
Scarabeide.

The “hop-grub ” was long supposed to be the larva of a beetle allied
to the “ white-grub,”’ if not that identical species. Even so late as May
of 1882, a paper was published in the Canadian Entomologist,* by Mr.
Charles R. Dodge, of Washington, D. C., upon the “ Hop-vine Borer,”’
in which the feeding habits of the “‘ larva” are correctly given, together
with much valuable information of the injuries committed by it, and
best method of dealing with it, but without presuming so much as to
venture an opinion even as to the Order to which the insect might be-
long. Our first knowledge of its true character was that obtained from
Professor J. H. Comstock, who, at the Annual meeting of the Entomo-
logical Society of Ontario, held at Montreal, during the meeting of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, in August of
1882, exhibited to those in attendance several examples of the insect
which he had succeeded in rearing from the ““hop-grub.”’ It was a large
and conspicuous moth, evidently belonging to the genus Gortyna, and
presumably referable to the Gortyna tmmants of Guenée.

We have no knowledge of any publication by Professor Comstock of
his study of this insect. It has subsequently been carefully studied by
Mr. John B. Smith, of Brooklyn, L. I., under the direction of the En-
tomological Division of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, who has
given its life-history, together with remedies for its ravages, in Bulletin
No. 4, Division of Entomology, 1884, pp. 34-39, figs. 2-4. The follow-
ing is a summary of its history:

The egg, yellow-green, round, and of the size of a pin-head, is depos-

* Canadian Entomologist, 1882, xiv, pp. 93-96.

42 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

ited upon the hop-vine as it begins to climb. It hatches in a few days
and the slender, black-spotted, greenish larva produced, burrows into
the vine just below the tip, soon causing the vine to cease climbing,
point downward, and almost to stop growing. When the larva has
attained a length of about half an inch, it emerges from the tip, drops
to the ground, and enters the stem at the surface of the vine, where it
feeds upward for a time. When it has grown to about an inch in length,
it changes its direction and burrows downward to the base of the vine,
at its junction with the old stock, and, eating its way out, completes its
growth as a subterranean worker. The journey from the stem to the
ground is made in the beginning of June, and before the 20th of the
month. Here it eats a small hole into the side of the stem just below
the surface and immediately above the old root. The hole is gradually
enlarged until the vine is barely attached to the root, or, as sometimes,
entirely severed from it.

By the middle or the 2oth of July, the larva (two inches in length)
has matured, when it transforms to the pupa state in a rude cell, close
to the roots of the plant.

Mr. Smith states that the insect hibernates as a pupa, although “a few
specimens of the moth appear in the autumn, but the majority appear in
the spring, from the beginning to the end of May or later, according to
the season. Whether the former hibernate or whether they perish, I
have not been able to ascertain, though the latter seems the more
likely.” ;

My own observations, and such records of the moth as are accessible
to me, indicate its late summer appearance only, and consequently, by
inference, hibernation in that stage. My collections of it have been
made only between August 25th and September 6th; and the examples
in the collection of Mr. W. W. Hill, of Albany, bear the date of
August 15 and 26. It is recorded as having been taken by Mr. O. S.
Westcott, at Maywood, IIl., on August 26, September 3, 4, 10, 11, 22, 23
(Canadian Entomologist, vii, 1876, p. 15); by Mr. Roland Thaxter, at
Newton, Mass., in August (Psyche, ii, 1877, p. 36); and by Mr. C. E.
Worthington, at Chicago, Ill., also in August (Canadian Entomologist,
xi, 1879, p. 69). The species does not appear in the published lists of
collections of Moctuide of Messrs. Norman (at St. Catharine’s and Orilla,
Canada), Hill (in the Adirondack Region of New York), Devereaux
(at Clyde in Western New York), Pilate (at Dayton, O.), and Prof. Snow
(of Eastern Kansas),

Tue “ ARMY-woRM” IN WESTERN NEw York.
An appearance of the army-worm, in the vicinity of Clyde, N. Y.,

THE “ARMY-WORM” IN NEW YORK, 43

during the month of July, in 1883, was reported in several newspapers.
Upon requesting of Mr. W. C. Devereaux that he would endeavor to
ascertain what the insect was, as there was no probability of its being
the true army-worm, Leucania unipuncta Haworth, he replied:

The worm, as you supposed, is not the Zeucanta unipuncta. Its feed-
ing was done entirely on the foliage of swamp trees, taking a broad belt,
and working on the very highest ones, consuming the entire foliage ex-
cept the midribs. It showed a preference for ash and soft maple,
although it fed on elms coming within its range. It has been said that
it was a “measuring-worm,” but no webs or tents were seen.

Mr. Devereaux was prevented from visiting the locality where the in-
sect occurred, and was therefore unable to give any information of -its
true character.

The moth of the army-worm is a rather common insect in the State
of New York, and is known to collectors as an annoying visitor in their
“ sugaring’”’ operations; but it is seldom that the larva presents itself in
injurious numbers, so‘as to merit the appellation of the “ army-worm.”
It seems, however, to have made a formidable demonstration, in August
of 1882, in the neighborhood of Saratoga Springs. Examples of a black
caterpillar (about one inch long, with two stripes the length of its body)
which were represented as having destroyed twenty-five acres of meadow
in the town of Saratoga Springs, were sent by Mr. F. D. Curtis, of
Charlton, to the Department of Agriculture at Washington, for name.
Answer was given; that “although badly shriveled and almost unrecog-
nizable, they seem without doubt to be the genuine army-worm ” ( Bu//e-
tin No. 2 — Division of Entomology — U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, 1883,
p. 28).

As injuries from this insect have been recorded in but few portions of
the State of New York, it is of interest to note in connection with the
above statement that Saratoga county is among the few places where it
is believed to have previously occurred. Dr. Fitch, in mentioning its
appearance, as the d/ack worm, in Worcester, Mass., in May of 1817,
adds, quoting from the A/dany Argus :

This black worm is also destroying the vegetation in the northern
towns of Rensselaer and eastern section of Saratoga. Many meadows
and pastures have been rendered by their depredations as barren as a
heath (6th—gth Reports Zns. V. Y., 1865, p. 116).

The only other New York localities of its occurrence given by Dr.
Fitch in his excellent account of this insect, oc. ci¢., pp. 113-126, are the
following:

Here in our own State, the worm has appeared in the vicinity of Buf-
falo, and at several other points toward the western and southern line of

44 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

the State; and also in numerous places on Long Island. ‘The State
Agricultural Society has received * * * specimens of the worms
from the town of Dix, near the head of Seneca Lake, where they were
discovered August 12th, and of cornstalks and grass as ate by them
(thid., p. 117).

ANISOPTERYX VERNATA (Pech).

Messrs. L. & A. B. Rathbone, extensive fruit-growers, at Oakland,
Genesee Co., N. Y., write as follows:

“ From 1873 to 1878, the canker-worms made sad havoc in our large
apple orchard of a thousand trees. After spending several hundreds
of dollars in trying to destroy them, we sprayed them with London
purple, and have never had to do it since.”

The above appears to have been a local attack of the insect, and its
arrest by the means described shows how easily it may be accomplished
and its further spread prevented. While yet extremely local within our
State and not of frequent occurrence, it is of the utmost importance to
fruit-growers that it be not permitted to increase and extend until it shall
become established in our elms, as in New England, where, from the
size of the trees, it will be almost beyond control.

THE CARPET-FLY.

From Mr. C. A. Richardson, of Canandaigua, N. Y., were received
under date of Jan. 5, 1883, specimens of “a very destructive moth found
in large numbers under a carpet.’’ They were the vacated cases of
Tinea pellionella Linn. —the only case-bearing Tineid feeding on
woolen fabrics that occurs in the United States. In the same box were
contained several long, slender, white, worm-like forms, which were in
all probability the larvee of the carpet-fly, Scenopinus fenestralis (Linn.),
subsequently re-described as Scenopinus pallipes by Say. Under the latter
name it has been described and figured in the Guide to the Study of —
Insects, 1869, p. 401, f. 322, in both the larvaand the imago stages. Dr.
Packard gives the following account of it:

The larva is found under carpets, and is remarkable for the double
segmented appearance of all the abdominal segments, except the last
one, so that the body, exclusive of the head, seems as if twenty-jointed
instead of having but twelve joints. The head is conical, one-third
longer than broad, and of a reddish-brown color, while the body is
white. It is 0.65 of an inch in length. The larva is also said to live in

rotten wood, and is too scarce to be destructive to carpets. ‘The fly is
black with a metallic hue and with pale feet.

Mr. Richardson, in his communication, suggests that the larva may
perhaps feed upon the larve and the pup of the carpet moth, with

NOTICE OF THE EMASCULATING BOT-FLY. 45

which he found it associated. The doubt that exists in regard to its
food, shows the desirability of further study of the insect.

Its identity with the European species has been shown by Dr. Loew,
in Silliman’s Journal, N. S., vol. 37, p. 318. Mr. Glover, in his MS.
Notes on the Diptera, presents figures of it, and remarks that the fly is
“very common in windows in the spring.”

The structural characters of this insect have made it impossible to
give it proper classification. From the peculiarities that it shows it has
been taken by Dr. Loew as the type of a separate family, viz., Scezopint-
de. Of this family, its affinities are at present undetermined, but it is
thought that it may be related to Bombylide (Diptera of North America,
Pt. I, 1862, p. 28). Four United States species only have been included
in the Scenopinide by Baron Osten Sacken, examples of which are con-
tained in the Museum of Comparative Zoélogy, at Cambridge, Mass.
(Catalogue of Diptera of North America, 1878, p- 97).

THE EMASCULATING BOT-FLY.

A larva taken from the scrotum of a striped squirrel, Zamzas striatus,
and agreeing in all particulars to the description given by Dr. Fitch
of Cuterebra emasculator, in his Third Report (page 162 of Reports
lli-v), was brought to me on the 13th of September, 1858, at Schoharie,
N. Y. A second one had been left in the squirrel, an end of which
could be seen, it was stated, through a small opening in the scrotum,
made undoubtedly for the purpose of respiration.

The example brought me was placed upon some ground mixed with
sand to give it less compactness, and although seemingly quite weak
from having been kept for two days wrapped in paper, it buried itself
out of sight in the course of two hours.

Two days later the squirrel was found where it had been left, with
the grub within it and alive, lying opposite to the place from which
the other had been taken, and with the tip of its body showing through
the opening. Upon enlarging the opening with the point of a knife
and pressing slightly, the larva slowly emerged. It was of asmaller size
than the first, being but about three-fourths of an inch in length. The
testicle in which it was located, had been entirely consumed. It was
given some loose ground in which it buried, but reappeared upon the
surface two or three times before its final burial.

Both of the above were probably immature when obtained, for nei-
ther of them developed the imago.

An alcoholic specimen of the larva, also taken from the scrotum of a
striped squirrel, is in the New York State collection. It measures 0.75
inch long by 0.36 inch broad, and shows distinctly the peculiar granulated
surface, the rounded ten segments, and circular mouth-parts.

46 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

For an interesting account of this insect —one of our twenty-three
known species of Gstrid@, see the report of Dr. Fitch above cited, pages
160-167. An account of the occurrence of the larvze (three individuals)
of an allied species, Cuterebra buccata (¥abr.), within the body of a
striped squirrel, in the region of the kidneys, is given in the American
Entomologist, i, 1869, p. 116-17, by Mr. S. S. Rathvon. The opinion is
expressed by the editors that the larvae may have emasculated the
squirrel before their transferral to another portion of the body for food.

BEET-LEAF MINING ANTHOMVIIDA,

W.S. Miller, M. D., of South Britain, Conn., writes under date of
June 9, 1884, that he is informed by an observing farmer that his beet-
leaves had been infested by these larvee for the last six or eight years
[noticed first in New York in 1881], and that they had prevailed to an
extent to cause the gardener much trouble. They were just commenc-
ing for the present year. A similar larva had been found by Dr. Mille
in the leaves of the spinach.

ATTAGENUS MEGATOMA (Fadr.),

Examples of this beetle, one of the destructive family of Dermestide,
have frequently been sent to me, as having been captured under and
about carpets, with request for information of its character and habits.

Appearance. —It is an inconspicuous, small, black, shining beetle,
about one-eighth of an inch long, twice as long as broad, quite regu-
larly oval in outline, its small head bent downward and but partially
seen from above. Its antenne terminate in a large ovate club. The
short legs and the body beneath are brown.

The larva, etc. — Although the beetle is a destructive household pest,
yet it is without a common name. It has but lately come into notice,
and its habits are not fully known. Associated as it is, in our houses,
with the carpet-beetle, Anthrenus scrophularta (Fabr.), there is good rea-
son to believe that the two are co-workers in mischief. Its larva is long
and slender in comparison with that of the carpet-beetle, being about
three-tenths of an inch in length. It is clothed with short brown hairs
somewhat appressed to the surface, and terminates in a long pencil of
hairs. This brief description is from memory as no example of it is at
hand at the present writing.

Eats carpets. — The larva has been taken by me from beneath car-
pets and fed in confinement upon pieces of carpet, until it had com-
pleted its moltings and transformations and appeared as the perfect
beetle. The insect appears to be on the increase, for not only have
numerous examples occurred in my own residence during the month of

ATTAGENUS MEGATOMA AS A HOUSEHOLD PEST. 47

June, but it is being frequently sent to me by correspondents from
widely-separated localities.

The beetle a pollen feeder. — Like the carpet-beetle, the perfect insects
find at least a portion of their food in the pollen of flowers, as I have
captured them in large numbers in Washington park, Albany, on the
flowers of species of Sfzr@a, associated with the Anthrenus. The beetle,
after it has done all the harm that it can in providing for a continua-
tion of the injuries of its larvze, by depositing its eggs upon our carpets
or other woolens, then displays a desire to gratify its harmless ap-
petite upon pollen. Seeking to leave our rooms in search of food,
it flies to the windows, and if these be closed, numbers of them
may be taken from the lower portions of the window casings and of the
window sashes. During the month of June, frequent examinations of
the borders of the carpets along the sides of the rooms in which they
are known to occur should be made for these little beetles, which, when
found, may, with much satisfaction, be crushed by the finger nail. Those
found upon the windows should also be killed, as they may possibly
not have made deposit of their entire quota of eggs.

Infests hatr-cloth furniture.—¥rom examples of the beetle which
have been brought to me by a lady in Albany, and from the statement
made of the conditions under which they were found, it is quite prob-
able that it breeds to quite an extent in hair-cloth furniture, as chairs,
sofas, etc. One of its congenors, Atfagenus pellio (Linn.), which re-
ceived its specific name from its fondness for dried skins, and which
occurs in the United States and over most of the civilized world, dis-
plays quite a varied taste for food, for it is stated of it that it also
eats cotton and linen fabrics, and is sometimes quite injurious to car-
pets. A writer says of it: “I have known it to select a particular stripe,
especially one of red flannel in the domestic fabric known as rag car-
pets, and follow it out into the middle of the room, gnawing it off at
intervals.”

Posstbly eats cotton and linen fabrics.— The carpet-beetle, 4. scrophu-
lart@, has been charged with injuring lace curtains trailing upon the
carpets, but from all that we know of its habits, we are unwilling to ac-
cept such statements unless they shall be verified; we believe that it
only feeds upon woolen material. It is not at all improbable that we
have the author of these reported injuries to cotton and linens in the
Attagenus megatoma. If this suspicion is hereafter confirmed, and its
range of food found to embrace hair, furs, cotton, linen and wool, then
it is unquestionably a pest more to be dreaded in our homes than the
rapacious and destructive carpet-beetle.

Remedies. — Benzine or kerosene oil will kill the eggs, larva and pupa

48 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

of this insect whenever they are brought in contact with them. It
should, therefore, be freely used in their haunts underneath base-boards
and the floor-joinings adjacent.

Preventives. — A material which promises to be a preventive of a
repetition of the attack, if the insects be once destroyed, is the common
roofing-paper prepared with gas-tar. It should be cut in strips of from
eighteen inches to two feet in width, and placed underneath the border
of the carpet. The odor that would penetrate heavy carpets should
not be very disagreeable, and it certainly may be endured if it shall
give us immunity from two or more serious carpet pests. Even thick
paper or newspapers spread underneath carpets give a certain degree of
protection, and none should be laid without such precaution.

MACRODACTYLUS suUBSPINOSUS (Faér.).

A correspondent, Mrs. Lucy G. Chrisman, writing from Warren Farm,
Chrisman, Rockingham Co., Va., gives as the result of her observations
upon this insect, the well-known rose-beetle, that its depredations in
that region are limited to localities having a sandy soil. Where clay
occurs, the insect is not to be found. Should this statement, which,
from its detail and accompanying facts, is an interesting one, be con-
firmed by observations throughout other sections where it abounds, it
will prove to be an important portion of its life-history. It would enable
us by devoting our clay soils, so far as it may be practicable, to the cul-
ture of the crops that are known to be the favorite food of this pest, to
do much toward a mitigation of its ravages. The following is the state-
ment:

Our county is a mixed sandy soil on the rivers, creeks and all the
little streams, with clay land in many places between. Nowhere on the
clay lands are the rose-bugs ever seen. I have a friend whose land lies
on both sides of Cook’s creek, and his sons’ houses are quite near each
other, but upon different sides of the stream; the one never sees a rose-
bug; the other is eaten up with them. A mile distant is the town of
Bridgewater, on a piece of North river bottom-land. In 1882, I was
there in the rose-bug season, and the creatures filled the air so as to
make riding exceedingly disagreeable — at times looking almost like a
brown cloud — extending down to the water’s edge, yet just across the
river not one was tobe seen. We seemed to have left them at the bridge
in crossing.

A comparative exemption of a clayey district from the presence of
this insect might naturally be expected from the difficulty that the
female beetle would encounter in digging into the tough soil for the de-

posit of its eggs. But that this explanation does not meet the condi-
tions as above given by our correspondent, appears from the statement

———,

BRUCHUS OBSOLETUS AND MONOHAMMUS CONFUSOR. 49

that she gives, that “the beetles came to us from toward the mountains
in swarms, and yet on one side of a little narrow creek there are none,
while on the other [sandy] side, they are abundant; and the same in
many places where no creek intervenes between the sand and the clay.”
Their apparent dislike to clay land was so noticeable, that Mrs. Chris-
man had thought of having some clay distributed over her rose-beds to
see 1f it would not act as a repellant.

INCREASE OF THE BEAN-WEEVIL.

Mr. Joseph Barker, of Marathon, Cortland county, N Y., states that
the bean-weevil, Bruchus obsoletus Say, is becoming quite troublesome in
his vicinity. It infests field-beans (the small yellow bean), and it is
thought that persons have been sickened by eating of the beans. Three
miles from Marathon, at Killoway Station on the Syracuse and Bing-
hamton Railroad, entire fields of beans are reported as having been
destroyed by the insect.

This insect was first noticed about twenty-five years ago in the New
England States. It has since been of common occurrence in the State
of New York, has frequently shown itself in Pennsylvania, and occa-
sionally in localities in the Western States as far west as in Missouri.

Although it is now known in various parts of the United States, it is
as yet confined to certain localities. Every effort should therefore be
made to prevent its general distribution. As some of the beetles do not
emerge from the beans until spring, they are liable to be planted with
the seed-beans, and the evil may thereby be continued and increased.
If the beans intended for seed be tightly tied up in stout paper bags and
be kept until the second year, there will then be no living beetles within
them, and they will be equally valuable for seed. If, however, they have
been badly perforated they should not be used for planting, as many of
them would not germinate.

OviposITION OF MONOHAMMUS CONFUSOR (X77réy).

Dr. Packard has remarked of this beetle — the long-horned pine borer,
that “it appears early in June and is to be found through the summer
until early in September; and at any time in July and August, as well
as the first week in September, it lays its eggs.”

It was my fortune a number of years ago (in 1857) to have an excel-
lent opportunity of observing the oviposition of this beetle. My record
made at the time, differs in some particulars from that given by Dr.
Packard — perhaps owing to the different conditions under which ovi-

position was made:
‘ 7

5° SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

September gth. Numbers of Monohammus titillator [M. confusor],
were seen upon the trunks
of a few pine trees [prob-
bably not exceeding ten
inches in diameter] that
had lately been felled upon
the border of the pine
grove at the cemetery [at
Schoharie, N. Y.]. It was
apparently, just their sea-
son for mating, for as many
as ten or fifteen pairs could
be counted upon a single
trunk, at a time. Rarely
would a single female be
found unattended, and the
few such that were noticed,
remained so but for a short
time. If during the coup-
ling of a pair, a male
chanced to discover them,
a combat immediately en-
sued between the two males
which would be fiercely
contested and usually end
in the interlocked com-

g
Se
4
{

AVhah
vii if ia .
1 \ f batants falling together to

nar Seonfot orm@llion Mahe linwren ls anette exerted ee te ae es
oa DEIN Sa 318 Se ating and the victor return-
ing for his prize, he might have again to contest possession with another
rival. Some of the females, while still held by the male, were engaged
in gnawing holes in the bark into which to place their eggs. The
beetle reversing her position, and thrusting the tip of her abdomen
into the excavation, deposited her egg between the bark and the wood,*
as shown by examples in my collection. The egg is white, cylindrical,
with rounded ends, of a length three times its breadth, and is invaria-
bly placed longitudinally with the tree.

* Upon raising pieces of the bark into which I had seen the eggs placed, the eggs usu-
ally came away with them, lying exposed, with a large section (nearly one-half) of their
longitudinal diameter showing above the (under) surface. Theeggs that Dr. Packard saw
the beetle deposit in the fir were inserted within the bark, and the larve hatching from
them, a week after oviposition ‘‘had begun to descend slightly zxto the bark”? (Ann.
feept. Dept. of Agriculture for 1854, p. 381).

+ In the accompanying figure by Dr. Packard, the cuttings for the eggs are represented
as made indifferently either perpendicularly, obliquely or horizontally. In this instance
they were made in a living and standing fir tree; in my observations, in felled pine trees.

OTIORHYNCHUS LIGNEUS IN A DWELLING-HOUSE. 51

An egg having been placed in position, the pair, if not meanwhile
disturbed, would again unite 7” copula, after which another cavity would
be made and another egg deposited, as before. Query: are repeated
coitions necessary to the fertilization of the eggs, and do they require to
be separately fertilized ?

Another note made by me July 23, 1868, records the same beetle in
abundance at Schoharie, N. Y.; on the branches of some young pines
— the sexes In coitu.

OTIORHYNCHUS LIGNEUS INFESTING A DWELLING-HOUSE.

This curculionid beetle was received from Dr. C. M. Coe, of Lycom-
ing, Oswego county, N. Y., in June, 1884, for identification, with the
statement that upon opening his house in the month of May, after it
had been unoccupied for four years, it was found to be overrun with
this insect.

Upon communicating to Dr. Coe the name of the beetle, and ex-
pressing my inability to account for its infesting his house in such num-
bers as stated, since nearly all of its allied species are vegetable feeders,
and asking for additional information of its occurrence, he kindly sent
me the following items :

The beetles were first noticed upon opening the house in the month
of April, when they were found in large numbers in every part of the
house, both dead and living. The living ones continued to abound
without apparent diminution in number until about the first of June,
since which time they have been steadily disappearing. No measures
were taken for destroying them beyond a daily sweeping of the
rooms and burning such as were collected. At first, as many as two
quarts, it was thought, could be gathered at a sweeping. At the date
of the letter written (July 1oth) not one was seen where previously a
hundred had been observed. Nothing had been left in the hquse at the
time of its closing, upon which, so far as known, the beetles could have
bred or fed, if attracted thither from out of doors.

As the larve of these species of Otiorhynchus so far as known live
upon plants, and for the most part upon their roots, we have no explana-
tion to offer for the remarkable abundance of this species in the in-
stance above mentioned. Osorhynchus sulcatus (Fabr.), a species intro-
duced from Europe, has long been known to be injurious to many of the
garden products in both its larval and perfect stages. As a larva, it is
often quite destructive, in Europe, to the leaves of strawberries, but has
not yet been known to attack them in the {United States. Mr. S. Hen-
shaw reports this species as injurious to bulbs and house-plants. In
Europe it injures leaves and roots of grapevines (Zt. Month. Mag.,
xii, 83).

52 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Following the reception of the O. Zignews from Dr. Coe, Prof. Cook of
Lansing, Mich., informed me that the same species, long known as a
common insect, had just been discovered as injurious to the strawberry.

O. picipes has of late years been quite destructive to raspberries, in
Europe, destroying in one instance, two acres of the plants, in Corn-
wall. The weevil strips the leaves from the plants, destroys the tender
shoots, and eats the bark from the canes (Amer. Entomol., ii, 1880, p.
127). Dr. Packard has recorded (erroneously?) its occurrence in Mas-
sachusetts.

For attack of O. sulcatus and O. picifes upon the raspberry and Pri-
mula see Miss Ormerod’s Report for 1879, pp. 6, 7; Report of 1880, p. 4,
on vines.

O. tenebricosus, of Europe, feeds on the buds, young shoots, bark
and leaves of the Apricot, Nectarine, Peach, and Plum. In the larval
state it injures the roots of raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries and
garden vegetables (JZ7ss Ormerod’s Manual, p. 306).

SPHENOPHORUS SCULPTILIS U/ler.

In the notice of this insect in the First Ann. Report NV. Y. State
Entomol., 1882, pp. 253-263, it is stated (p. 257) that it seems not to
have been observed in the State of New York between the years 1861
and 1867. The following item, from the Aural American of July 15,
1866, appears in the Practical Entomologist, for November, 1866 (vol.
ii, p- 20), from a correspondent in Hannibal, N. Y.:

Mr. Miner: — Knowing that you are interested in any thing connected
with agricultural pursuits, I take the liberty of sending, for your inspec-
tion, a few specimens of small beetles, taken out of three hills of corn.
They burrow down in the hill, and attach themselves (head downward)
to the young corn, about two inches below the surface of the ground,
and insert their proboscis into the corn plant, and suck the juice until
the blade turns blue and dies. I find from one to five of them in each
hill. Owe of my neighbors has lost eight acres of corn (old sheep pas-
ture) by them. If you can suggest any thing to stop their ravages, you
will confer a favor on several subscribers to the Rural American.

The insects were not identified, the editor merely remarking that the
“small beetles sent to us are an insect with which we are not acquainted.”
Mr. Walsh in copying the article, regrets that the correspondent gave no
other characteristic of the beetle except that it was “small,” and that the
editor had not referred to him or some other entomologist for its name.
It is very probable, from the habits given and the locality that the beetle
was Sphenophorus sculptilis, which the following year was described as
Sphenophorus zee, by Mr. Walsh, from examples received from Onon-
daga county. Hannibal is in Oswego county, which borders Onon-
daga county on the north.

DESTRUCTION OF SPRUCES AND FIRS BY BARK-BORERS. 53

In treating of the larval life of this insect in the Report above cited,
I wrote as follows:

I can see no reason for supposing that the larva of this species should
so far depart from what is known of the habits of the family, as to feed
upon decaying wood. Westwood says of the Curculionidae, “ these insects
are entirely herbivorous, some feeding upon leaves, others upon seeds,
and some upon the stems of vegetables.’”’ Riley asserts (ZAzrd M7s-
sourt Report, p. 10), of the members of the same family, “ with the ex-
ception of an European species (Anmthribus varius) whose larve were
found by Ratzeburg to destroy bark-lice, they are all vegetarians, the
larve inhabiting either the roots, stems, leaves or fruits of plants, and
the beetles feeding on the same.”’

Referring to the above paragraph, Mr. Warren Knaus, of Salina,
Kansas, has sent me the following communication;

“I see that you do not indorse the idea that any of the curculio
larve are lignivorous. I have never observed the habits of Sphenopho-
rus sculptilis, having only taken two or three specimens in this county,
but for the past three seasons I have taken [Vollastonia guercicola (Bohe-
man) from decaying cottonwood | Populus monilifera| logs and stumps,
and have never taken them in any other locality. I have observed logs
perforated in every direction, and have found small white larve at work
in these logs, and from the same logs have taken the above-named per-
fect beetle. I also find the beetle in the larval burrows, but have not
observed their habits sufficiently to determine definitely whether these
larve are those of JV. guercicola. I trust, however, that next season I
may be able to test the truth or falsity of my present belief founded on

,

observations, that the larve of this genus are lignivorous.’

DESTRUCTION OF SPRUCES AND Firs By BARK-BORERS.

Extensive destruction of the spruces (4Adies nigra and A. alba) and firs
(Adies balsamea) through the ravages of bark-boring beetles has for sey-
eral years past been observed in Northern New York and New England,

The attention of Prof. C. H. Peck, N. Y. State Botanist, had been
called, in 1873, to the fact that in some parts of the Great Northern
Wilderness of New York the spruce trees were rapidly dying, to the great
pecuniary loss of the lumbermen and land-owners. In some tracts of
considerable extent, nearly all the spruces were reported as having been
killed, giving to the forest a prevailing brown hue as if a fire had run
through them. None of these affected districts, however, came under
the observation of the State Botanist at that time (27th Ayn. Rept. on the
NV. Y. State Museum of Natural History, 1875, p. 75).

The following year, Prof. Peck reports, that the dying of the spruces
was not of recent origin, but that it had been known in Lewis county
from ten to fifteen years previous, and in Rensselaer county, the same
destruction had been observed as early as the year 1845.

54 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST,

A locality near Lake Pleasant, Hamilton county, where the spruces
were rapidly dying, was visited by him. As the result of acareful inves-
tigation made it was found that their death was owing to the countless
winding galleries made by one of the bark-mining beetles, Wylurgus
[ Dendroctonus| rufipennis Kirby, between the bark and the wood. A
part of each was eaten by the insect, consisting of the newly-formed and
forming layers of wood and bark the most vital parts of the tree. Its
operations were therefore equivalent to a girdling of the tree. In one
instance, another of the bark-borers, of a much smaller size, Apate
[ Polygraphus| rufipennis Kirby, was found associated with 17. rufipennis,
in its destructive operations.

The report embraces an interesting discussion of the above attack, in
its character, localities of its occurrence, frequency with which the larger
trees show the attack, its cessation in some localities without apparent
cause, remedies for it, etc., for which the 28th Rept. of the N. Y. State
Museum of Natural History, 1879, pp. 32-38 may be consulted.

In the 30th Report of the St. Museum of Natural fistory, 1878, pp-
23-25, Professor Peck has given additional observations on the spruce
attack by Ay/urgus rufipennts and presented details of the operations of
the beetle in the construction of its burrows.

In his following Report, Prof. Peck describes an attack upon the
balsam fir, Adzes balsamea, by another bark-boring beetle, observed by
him at Summit, Schoharie county, N. Y., through which a number of
trees had been killed and others were dying. The burrows were carried
underneath the bark in a horizontal direction, so that three or four oc-
curring at about the same height in the trunk would completely girdle
the tree and destroy its life. The beetle proved to be a Zomicus of
probably an undescribed species (31st 7eept. of the NV. Y. State Museum
of Natural History, 1879, pp 22, 23).

The following determination, contained in a letter received by me
from Dr. LeConte, in December of 1877, is believed to refer to the
above insect: “ Zomicus, related somewhat to the European species,
suturalis, curvidens and laricis — perhaps imported.” Dr. LeConte de-
sired additional specimens “of the male with the hairy head” to be
sent to him, which probably for some reason, was not done.

Dr. A. 8. Packard, in his /nsects Injurious to Forestand Shade Trees,
1881, pp. 219-227, has written of the destruction of spruces and firs in
Northern New England in 1878-1881, and states, as the result of his
observations and of reports made to him, that the destruction of the
spruces was chiefly owing to three species of the cylindrical bark-boring
Scolytid@, viz., Pityophthorus puberulus, Xyloterus bivittatus, and Xyleborus
calatus. These, aided by Monohammus confusor, were also found to have
caused the death of large and healthy firs, a foot in diameter.

DESTRUCTION OF FOREST-TREES BY BARK-BORERS. 55

In the Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the year 1884,
Dr. Packard has presented a “Second Report on the Causes of the
Destruction of the Evergreen and other Forest-trees in Northern New
England and New York.” In the Adirondacks of New York, he had
found many dead spruces and firs with their “ bark filled with species of
Dendroctonus and Tomicus, or allied genera. Living spruces with the
leaves fresh and green, contained in their bark, in June, the larva and the
beetle of Ay/urgops, running their burrows so as to girdle the trees. In
Northern Maine the destruction of the spruces was still continuing, but
was apparently abating.

Remedies. — As remedies for the ravages of these bark-borers, Professor
Packard has proposed: Stripping the dried bark from infested trees and
burning it. Cutting down dead trees and disposing of them for fuel.
Stumps remaining from trees recently cut, should be barked, and the
bark burned.

In the Harz forests in Germany, where one of these bark-borers,
Bostrichus typographus, has occasioned such enormous losses, causing in
the years 1780-1790, the death of two million of trees, other methods for
arresting its continued attack have lately been resorted to, under the
direction of the Forestry Commission. ‘They are thus stated:

Experienced men are told off, to go through the forest and search for
the trees attacked by the beetle, and fell and bark them to prevent the
spreading of the insects. In most cases they are quite able to hold the
insects in check. These generally attack trees loosened in the roots by
wind, known after the beetle gets in by their foliage turning yellow. In
spring, when they are worst, healthy living trees are felled at the southern
margin of the forest in many spots, for the purpose of attracting the beetle.
Such trees are often full of them three or four days after being felled.
The trees attacked are barked, which destroys the larve if not too far
advanced; if so, the bark is burned. To prevent any escaping while
barking, a cloth is spread under the stem.

The above method, it is believed, could be employed with great bene-
fit for the prevention of our spruces and firs in infested districts. The
attraction that newly-felled trees have for many of the bark and timber-
boring beetles at the season of their oviposition has often been recorded
in our entomological literature. Note has been made in a preceding
page of the numbers of Monohammus confusor that were drwan to some
pine-trees for oviposition.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE HARLEQUIN CABBAGE-Buc.

In the rst Annual Report of the State Entomologist some specula-
tions upon the probable future extension of the range of J/urgantia
histriontca into New York, the Eastern States and the Dominion of

56 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Canada, were indulged in, based upon its observation in Denver, north
of the isothermal line of 40° Fahr. |

The following observations of it, by Mr. A. S. Fuller, of Ridgewood,
N. J., kindly communicated to me, would indicate a power of endurance
of cold possessed by it, to a far greater degree than hitherto supposed:

‘““T have seen it by the millions feeding on sunflowers in New Mexico,
at an elevation of 9,000 feet, where a temperature of 30° below zero in
winter is not at all unusual.”

DACTYLOPIUS LONGIFILIS Comstock.

This Coccid was received July 8, 1882, from Mr. George B. Simpson.
It occurred in Waterbury, Conn., on the prickly-pear cactus, where it
was first observed the previous winter. Mr. S. states that the eggs
seem to be placed, in preference, on the strips of cloth with which the
plants are tied to the stakes.

Tor the description and illustrative figures of this species, see Prof:
Comstock’s Report in the Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for
the year 1880.0p. 344; pl 11, fe and ply 2258).

HELIOTHRIPS HA MORRHOIDALIS Louché.

In my First Annual Report on the Insects of New York, in the list of
Insect Depredators upon the Apple-tree, the above species was included
upon the statement of its observation by Mr. Theodore Pergande, of the
Entomological Division of the Department of Agriculture, as follows:

“This year [1882], as late as November 14, after several quite cold
days, I found for the first time /eliothrips hemorrhotdalis Bouché, on
apple leaves in the orchard of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, as
lively and active as in hot-houses, where this species was only observed
previously.”

The special study which Mr. Pergande is giving to the Zhrzpzde, an
interesting and but httle known family of the Homoptera, renders valu-
able the following note from him in relation to the above insect:

‘T wish to call your attention to the fact that Weliothrips hemorrhoidalis
is not strictly an insect which depredates on the apple, but which was
only accidentally on the trees, having evidently wandered from the hot-
house plants near by to the apple, and was not again seen on the trees
the last year. If the climate would be constantly warm, I have no doubt
but that it would live and multiply on the apple as well as it does on a
great variety of plants which are kept in hot-houses. I simply mentioned it
to show how readily foreign species of insects may be introduced, if they
find the climate and other conditions congenial to their propagation.”

INJURIOUS LEPIDOPTEROUS INSECTS.

Melittia cucurbite Harris.
The Squash-vine Borer.

(Ord. LeprpopTeRA: Fam. ASGERIAD#.)

Aigeria cucurbite HARRIS: in New England Farmer for Aug. 22, 1828, vii, No. 5,
p. 83; Amer. Journ. Sci.-Arts., xxxvi, 1834, p. 310-11; Treat. Ins. N.
Eng., 1852, p. 202-3; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, p. 331, figs. 159, 160, pl. 5,
f. 8; Entomolog. Corr., 1869, p. 284-5.

tigeria cucurbita. RILEY : 2d Rept. Ins. Mo., 1870, p. 64.— REED: in Rept. Ent.
Soc. Ont. for 1871, p, 89-90, figs. 96-98.— THomaAs: 6th Rept. Ins. II.
[1877], p. 41.— FRENcH : in 7th Rept. Ins. Ill., 1878, p. 173.— MARTEN :
in 10th Rept. Ins. Ill., 1881, p. 107 (arva).— SAUNDERS : Ins. Inj. Fruits,
1883, p. 361-2, figs. 370-372.

Melittia cucurbite PACKARD : Guide Stud. Ins., 1862, p. 279, f. 210; in Hayden’s
9th Rept. U. 8. Geolog.-Geograph. Sury. Terr., 1877, p. 769, f. 36.— Cook:
in 13th Rept. St. Bd. Agricul. Mich., 1875, p. 116 (in Mich.).— CoLEMAN:
in Papilio, ii, 1882, p. 50 (larval hibernation).— Hust: in Bull. Brook].
Ent. Soc., vi, 1883, p. 10 (habits, ete.).—LINTNER : in Count. Gent., xlix
1884, pp. 477, 487, 517.

Melittia Ceto GRoTE: New Check-List N. A. Moths, 1882, p. 10.

A correspondent of the Cowntry Gentleman has sent to that journal
the following communication, telling of the ineffectual efforts made by
him and his neighbors in dealing with the squash-vine borer, and asking
for information of the insect, and approved means of checking its de-
structive attacks. Similar appeals and inquiries from several other
localities have shown an urgent need of the information asked for, in
view of a widespread extension of its injuries, while at tne same time
assuming a more serious character than in the earlier years of our
acquaintance with the insect :

Eps. Country GENTLEMAN —I have read in various numbers of
your paper statements of crops of Hubbard squashes and prices obtained
for them. In behalf of a large number of your subscribers in the valley

8

58 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

of the Hudson, I ask the State Entomologist to give us the full history
of an insect that stings the squash vines after they have commenced to
run, and lays an egg in the puncture, which shortly develops into a
maggot or grub, 1 1-4 to 1 1-2 inches long, that soon, if left alone, eats
and bores the vine so as to destroy all its substance, and of course kills
it. We would like its full history ; its scientific name; how and when
it breeds ; what changes it undergoes after the boring stage, in which
they make such havoc in squash vines; what the perfect insect looks
like, and above all, how we are to best meet it. Every one here has
given up raising the Hubbard squash, and the insect has gone to laying
its eggs in the pumpkin vines for want of something better. Every
remedy tried has failed — even going over each vine daily and cutting
out the parts where the insect lays its eggs. Tor the last crop I tried
to raise, I spent nearly $1oo in labor, going over the vines each day and
cutting out the grubs. I should not have grudged this if it had saved
the crop, but it did not. I lost every vine, and did not have a single
squash.

We have never tried poison, as the borer is in the very center of the
vine, and I do not see how the poison can reach it. It is possible that
the State Entomologist can suggest something that would put an end to
the pest. To give some idea how bad it is, I would say that I have cut
out one hundred and forty-two grubs from a single vine, though not at
one time. , I have lately thought of making a box six feet square, and
covering it tightly with a mosquito netting, and using this to cover each
hill. It will be costly, buf if effective I could stand it, for I do not like
to have an insect get the best of me, and deprive me of so delicious a
vegetable. I have seen complaints of these borers in your paper, and
have seen it ascribed to a dozen different insects. ‘Therefore we look
to the State Entomologist to give us the truth. Peeks

CoxsACKIE, N. Y.

The insect of which inquiry is above made, is the one commonly known
as the “ squash-vine borer.’’ It was described by Dr. Harris, from the
moth, as Zgeria cucurbite. Later it has been transferred to the
genus Melittia, and as M. cucurbite@ it has been frequently referred to
by recent writers. Ina check-list of North American moths, by A. R.
Grote, published in 1882, it is regarded as identical with a species
described by Westwood of England prior to Dr. Harris’ description,
under the name of Cefo, but until its identity is more clearly shown, it
may better retain its well-known and appropriate name of cucurbite.
Fig. 1 represents the moth (a male) one-half larger than the natural
size,

Description of the Moth.
The earliest description of the species is that of Dr. Harris, in the
New England Farmer for August 22,1828. It is of the moth only, and
is as follows :

“Body tawny, with four or five black dorsal spots; anterior wings

THE SQUASH-VINE BORER: THE MOTH AND THE LARVA. 59

olivaceous brown; posterior wings, except the margin and nervures, hya-
line; tibiz and tarsi of the hind legs densely fringed with fulvous and
: black hairs. Length of the body half an

inch. The wings expand one inch and
one-quarter.” Later (Silliman’s Am.
Jour, Sci.-Arts, xxxvi, 1834, pp. 310-311)
Dr. Harris gives the following somewhat
fuller description: “The wings opaque,
lustrous olive-brown; hind wings trans-
parent, with the margin and fringe brown ;
_ antenne greenish black; palpi pale yel-

Dee ae ote onlurecd one, LOW, with a little black tuft near the top;
ERM es thorax olive; abdomen deep orange, with
a transverse basal black band, anda longitudinal row of five or six black
spots; tibize and tarsi [shanks and feet] of the hind legs thickly fringed
on the inside with black and on the outside with long orange-colored hairs;
spurs covered with white hairs. Expands from thirteen to fifteen lines.”

In Dr. Harris’ latest publication (Treatise on Insects Injurious to
Vegetation), only the more salient features of the moth are given. It is
referred to, as “conspicuous for its orange-colored body spotted with
black, and its hind legs fringed with long, orange-colored and black
hairs. ‘The hind wings only are transparent, and the fore wings expand
from one inch to one inch and a half.” The colors as given above are
subject to considerable variation. Mr. Hulst states: ‘The ordinary
orange color is more marked in the female thanin the male. One female
had the body almost wholly black. In some specimens yellow takes the
place of orange, and in one fresh male the abdomen was almost white,
and the fringes of the legs, ordinarily orange, were very light yellow.”

Description of the Larva.

In none of the editions of the Harris report is the caterpillar which
develops into the moth described—a strange omission, since it is in
this stage that it is met with by the squash-grower hundreds of times
more frequently than is the perfect insect — the popular remedy against
the insect being the cutting out of the caterpillar from the vine. In Dr.
Harris’ Entomological Correspondence, published in 1869 (pages.284-5),
it is, however, described minutely, as follows :

“Aug. 15, 1841 — Fully grown larva. Somewhat depressed, fleshy;
soft, tapering at each extremity ; segments ten in number, very distinct,
the incisions being deep; the eleventh or last segment minute, and hardly
distinct from the tenth. Head retractile, small, brown,
paler on the front, and with the usual \-like mark on
it. First segment or collar, with two oblique brown
vine bors Maximize. Marks on the top, converging behind. A dark line, oc-
ae casioned by the dorsal vessel seen through the trans-
parent skin along the top of the back, from the fourth to the tenth rings

60 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

inclusive. True legs six, articulated, brown ; prolegs wanting, or re-
placed by double rows of hooks in pairs beneath the sixth, seyenth,
eighth and ninth rings, and two single rows under the last rings. Spir-
acles brown. A few very short hairs on each ring, arising singly from
little hard points or pit-like, warty substances. Length from one inch
to one inch and a fourth.”

This is followed with the statement that on ‘‘ August 17th, one of
these formed its cocoon of fragments of squash-stalks tied together with
a few silken threads.’’ It is preceded with the mention: “ Found sum-
mer and winter near the roots of squash vines, and also
® in the roots ’— probably referring to the cocoons. The

larva is shown in Fig. 4, and in Fig. 5, the cocoon con-
pil Rare gae Shae taining its pupa. Those who have access to the edi-
Squash-vine borer. tion of Harris’ “ Insects Injurious to Vegetation,” con-
taining colored plates (published in 1862), may find there (pl. V, fig. 8)
a figure which will enable them readily to recognize the insect when it
is seen, during the month of July, flying over the plants, and alighting,
from time to time, to deposit an egg. ‘To others it may be of service
to state, in addition to the above description of the moth, that the insect
belongs to the family of Zgeriad@, sometimes known as “ clear-wings,”
from the wings being without scales. In this species, however, only the
hind wings are transparent, the front ones being opaque, and covered
with scales, as in nearly all of the Lepidoptera.

The Family of Hgeriade.

The geriade bear a marked resemblance to wasps and hornets,
with their orange markings, narrow and usually transparent wings, and
their flight by day. Most of them have
at the end of the body atuft or brush of
stiff hairs, which they can spread out, at
pleasure, like a fan. The currant-stem
borer (2geria tipuliformis) illustrated in
Fig. 6, and the peach-tree borer (4. eat-
fiosa) are perhaps the best known species
of the group. Within a few years past
the number of species of this interesting

Fig. 6.--The Currant-stem borer, EGERIA : : Mic
mencieonMIs: a. the moth, the natural family of internal borers in plants, shrubs

eet ee a see Re and trees, has been largely augmented,
through the studies of Mr. Henry Edwards, of New York. The latest
check-list gives one hundred and eleven North American species, ar-
ranged in seventeen genera, while Dr. Harris’ Catalogue of North

American Sphinges, published in 1834, named but twelve species.

THE SQUASH-VINE BORER: LIFE-HISTORY AND HABITS. 61

Life-History and Habits.

Our knowledge of the several stages of the life of this pest is quite in-
complete, as we find when we attempt to indicate the best methods for
preventing its injuries.

In the New England States the parent moth, according to Dr. Harris,
may be seen flying about the plants from the roth of July until the middle
of August, attaching its eggs to the vines close to the roots. Its habits
have been carefully observed by the Rev. Mr. Hulst of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
to whom we are indebted for the following statement: “* The moth
appears on Long Island shortly after July rst [and probably earlier. |
During the summer of 1882, I captured some thirty specimens about a
small bed of summer squashes in a neighbor’s garden. The moths fly
during the day, being the most active during the hottest sunshine, and
quiet in the early morning. I have seen only two pairs mated, and this
was between 2 and 3 p.m. The female lays her eggs morning and after-
noon, mostly on the stalk of the plant just below the ground. She ex-
tends her abdomen into the crack of the ground about the stem of the
plant, and the most of the eggs that I have seen were from one-fourth
to half an inch below the surface. Often, however, they were laid a foot
above the ground, and in a few instances were observed upon the peti-
oles of the leaves.”

The egg is oval and of a dull red color. The length of time required
for its hatching is not known, but it is probably about a week. Upon
hatching, the young larva at once burrows into the stem. It grows
rapidly, and when about half-grown, its effects are visible in the wilting
of the vines. Later, as the attack continues, and several larve unite
in it, the vines die down to the root. This, in the latitude of New
York, is usually in the month of August.

About the first of September some of the larve have attained their
full growth, when they escape from the vine and construct their cocoons
a little below the surface of the ground in which to undergo their sub-
sequent changes, first to the pupa and lastly to the imago or moth. It
is possible that the larva does not always enter the ground for its final
transformations. Dr. Harris distinctly states that the cocoon is formed
in the ground of earth cemented by a gummy matter, but Dr. Packard
records of the larva that “it lives in the vine (in New England) until
the last of September, or early in October, when it either deserts the
vine and spins a rude earthen cocoon near the roots, or, as is often the
case, remains in the hollow it has made in the stalk, and then changes
to a chrysalis.”

Mr. Henry Stewart, of Hackensack, N. J., who has made a study of

62 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

the insect, says that he has never found the cocoons within the vines
and that they do not pupate therein.

In the Southern States the more advanced larve mature and form
their cocoons as early as in the month of August. Of some examples
received by me from Baltimore, Md., one of them spun itself up in a
silken cocoon in an angle of the box in which it had been placed on
the day of its reception, August 14.

Until recently it has been supposed that the larva changed to a-pupa
shortly after it had made its cocoon, in accordance with what has been
observed in the transformations of by far the larger portion of our
insects. More careful observations seem to show that the larva, usually
at least, continues in its caterpiller state throughout the winter. Mr.
N. Coleman, of Berlin, Conn., under date of February 24, has given
the following statement:

“From numerous observations, I am assured that this insect hiber-
nates in the caterpillar stage, and does not transform to the pupa state
until the spring. The pupa cases [cocoons] are formed in the latter part
of the summer, and, in every instance thus far, I have found the larve
in the cases unchanged. ‘The last examination was made only a day or
two since.”

With the emergence of the moth from its pupal case early in July,
as previously stated, its appearance on the wing, the coupling of the
sexes and the deposit of the eggs, its life cycle is completed.

Its Injuries.

The reports of injuries by this insect are becoming more frequent,
and are assuming a inore serious form than heretofore. It was for-
merly supposed that the earlier squashes were the more liable to be
infested by it, but of late the Hubbard suffers the most severely, and
to an extent that in some localities is preventive of its culture. The
statement given on a preceding page by P. V. B., of Coxsackie, of the
effort made to repel the attack, the expenditure involved, the cut-
ting out of one hundred and forty-two larve from a single vine, and
the entire subsequent loss of the crop, tells more fully than has been
told before, the story of the harm that this pest is now inflicting, not
only along the Hudson river, but in some of the Eastern States, New
Jersey and elsewhere — fortunately not to as great an extent, as yet, in
our Western States. The gentleman, in a subsequent communication,
informs me that it has been only known in his vicinity for the last twelve
or fifteen years, and during that time he has taken thousands of the
borers from the vines, in sizes varying from newly-hatched to one inch
and a half long.

THE SQUASH-VINE BORER : REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES. 63

In New Jersey the insect seems to abound, and extensive injuries are
reported. A gentleman from Hackensack writes: “I have taken over
a hundred of the borers from one squash vine in the past few days [in
August], finding them in different parts, from the roots to the end of
the vines.”

Although reported occasionally as a borer in pumpkin vines, it is not
known as the cause of serious harm to this plant. It also occurs in
melon vines.

Remedies and Preventives.

Until the life-history of this species has been worked out with some
degree of completeness — which can only follow many careful observa-
tions upon the habits and the several stages.and conditions of the insect
— can we be prepared to announce the best method of preventing its ray-
ages. For the present, therefore, we must be content with giving such
measures as promise material mitigation. Among those to be referred
to, one or more, if carefully employed, will in all probability be found
effectual in bringing the pest under control, so that entire crops of
squashes will not be hereafter completely cut off; and complaints like
the following (coming from Ulster county, N. Y.), need not be repeated:
“T can fight off the striped bugs, but these little subterranean rascals
are too much for me. I have frequently changed the location of my
squash plot, and though occasionally managing to raise a small crop
have oftener failed” (Country Gentleman, March 5, 1874, page 151).

First in order, those methods may properly be considered which may
be employed at any time after the removal of a badly infested crop,
with a view of preventing the recurrence of the attack the following
year.

Crushing the larve by plowing, etec.—In the autumn, the entire
field in which the borers have abounded should be plowed and harrowed
two or three times. Such thorough working of the ground would crush
the cocoons and their inclosed larve thrown up by the plow. It is be-
lieved that very few could by any possibility escape injury sufficient to
prevent their final development. The depth of the plowing need not
exceed the depth to which the larve bury themselves beneath the sur-
face for pupation (probably not more than six inches ordinarily, but to
be definitely ascertained hereafter).

Gas-lime, kerosene, etc.— A liberal distribution of fresh gas-lime,
when procurable, after the removal of the crop, would kill the larve
within the cocoons. Sprinkling the ground with kerosene oil before a
heavy rain to carry it into the soil, might be as efficient as gas-lime. If
mixed with soapsuds it might perhaps do quite as well. An infested
crop should not be followed by another upon the same ground. A few

64 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

hills might, however, be planted to serve as a decoy to concentrate the
attack — the vines with their contained larvee to be destroyed before
the time for pupation. The parent moth seldom flies to any distance
for oviposition, if the larval food plant is at hand.

Protecting by netting.— Covering with netting, as a method of pre-
venting the deposit of eggs, by stretching netting (mosquito netting)
upon a large frame, of perhaps eight feet square, over the plants, as
has been suggested, I regard as well worth the trial. If the
frames be used upon ground where the squash has not been previously
grown, and where the insect is not already in the soil, it should prove
an effectual preventive, if the eggs are all deposited near the root. But
if Oviposition is made, as has been stated by some writers, along the en-
tire vine to its end, then the frame could prove but partially protective.
Might it not be possible, by late planting, to limit the growth to the area
of the frame until the time for the deposit of eggs shall have passed ?

Cutting out the larve.— Until recently, no other method of protec-
tion from this insect than that of cutting out had been suggested. It
has been largely employed and, where the attack has not been severe,
has proved effectual. A little practice renders one very expert in de-
tecting the locality of the hidden depredator, in slitting the vine with
the point of a pocket-knife and removing the larva. When, however,
thousands have to be destroyed in order to insure the crop, the method
is quite unsatisfactory. It certainly is not reliable under the great in-
crease of the insect in recent years, as stimulated by the increased cul-
tivation of the Hubbard squash.

Bisulphide of carbon in the ground.—In a paper read before the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, at Boston, in
1881, Prof. A. J. Cook, of the Michigan Agricultural College, announced
that he had-found bisulphide of carbon to bean effective remedy against
the squash-borer. The method was given as follows: “A small hole is
made in the earth near the main root of the plant by the use of a walk-
ing stick or other rod, and about half a teaspoonful of the liquid poured
in, when the hole is quickly filled with earth and pressed down by the
foot. In every instance the insects were killed without injury to the
plant.” I regret to be obliged to state that the above claim has not been
sustained by farther experiments. Prof. Cook, upon inquiry made by
me, informs me that later trials with the material have failed to kill the
borers, and he can no longer recommend its use for the purpose.

Rooting the plants at their joints. — Mr. Henry Stewart, of Bergen
county, N. J., the author of many valuable notes on insect habits and
depredations, has given the following as his method of dealing with the
borer :

THE SQUASH-VINE BORER: USE OF COUNTERODORANTS, 65

“Squashes in the East, and more particularly near the large cities
where they are often largely cultivated for market, are infested with the
squash-vine borer, the larva of an orange-colored moth (Melittia cu-
curbite), which not only deposits its eggs on the vines near the roots,
as stated by Harris, but also, as I have often observed, along the vine
here and there at the joints, the young larve entering the vine and bur-
rowing it from end to end. ‘This destroys the vine and, of course, the
crop, unless counteracted by some method. The method of culture
must be controlled by this danger ; and to manure the ground broad-
cast, as well as in the hill, and cover every joint when the vine begins
to run, with soil raised by a hoe, avoids the danger, because the vines root
at every joint when thus treated, and the original root may be cut off and
yet the vine flourish all the more from its several rooted joints. This
cannot be well done with hill-manuring ; but yet I have found a way to
circumvent the borer even then. It is to procure Peruvian guano, or a
special fertilizer prepared for squashes, and hill up around the joints as
soon as the presence of the borer is perceived, or before that as a pre-
caution, scattering a small quantity of the fertilizer (one ounce or so)
about the newly earthed-up joint. At the same time, a dash or two of
water in which London purple has been mixed may be thrown on the
vine near the covered joint with a small bunch of broom corn. This
will destroy many of the young larve as they eat their way into the
vine, and the scent of the fertilizer may drive off the parent moth.”
(Country Gentleman for June 3, 1880, xlv, page 358.)

Treatment with saltpetre. —'The following treatment of the vines with
saltpetre has been recommended :

“Four tablespoonfuls dissolved in a pail of water, and about a quart
applied to each hill where an attack was noticed and the leaves were
wilting, at the time when the vines were just beginning to run nicely, ef-
fectually arrested the attack and a fine crop followed.” (Country Gentle-
man, May 1, 1879, page 279.)

Use of Counterodorants.

In accordance with the views advanced by me and treated of at
length in my First Annual Report on the Insects of New York, I be-
lieve that the deposit of the eggs upon the plant by the moth may be
prevented by the use of strong-smelling substances, such as kerosene
oil, coal-tar, tar-water, naphthaline, soluble phenyle, carbolic acid, and
bisulphide of carbon. Experiments are needed to determine the rela-
tive efficiency of the above and like materials. It would, of course, be
necessary that the applications should be renewed from time to time as
their strength becomes impaired, so long as the moth continues abroad
for laying her eggs — unfortunately a long period.

Efficacy of bisulphide of carbon. —1 am quite desirous that faithful
experiment be made with bisulphide of carbon, in consideration of its
having proved effectual in preventing the attack of rose-bugs upon

66 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

grapevines, as narrated in the Country Gentleman of March 6, 1884,
page 191. In that instance small vials containing a few drops each of
the liquid were tied among the vines at intervals of a foot or two, the
liquid being renewed every three or four days. As the result, grapes
were grown upon the trellis as far as the vials were hung, while beyond,
all the blossoms were eaten by the beetles. The cost of the bisulphide
of carbon distributed in the twenty vials employed was less than twenty-
five cents. The best method of using this material as a protection of
squash vines, may safely be left to the judgment of the squash-grower.

Coal-tar, naphthaline, etc.—Coal-tar, as a preventive, might be dropped
in patches upon the ground near the root and vines. Tar-water might
be sprinkled over the ground. Pieces of cloth might be saturated with
kerosene oil and wound upon sticks thrust in the ground, or sand moist-
ened with it scattered upon the surface. Lumps of naphthaline would
yield their strong odor for some time if lightly covered with the soil.
Carbolic washes, if not too strong, could be sprinkled over the plants.
Different methods of use of the above, as well as other materials, will
undoubtedly come to the mind of one familiar with the cultivation of
the squash.

Additional Information of the Insect Asked For.

That the remedies and preventives to be employed against this insect
may be the best directed and the most effective, I would solicit the aid
of all interested in the cultivation of the squash whom these lines may
reach, in sending me information upon the following points. Each one
should regard it as his duty to contribute, from his observations, to
the extent of his ability.

Earliest date of the appearance of themoth. Latest that the moth is
seen.

Is the egg ever deposited upon the root-stalk? If so, how often ?

Greatest distance apart upon the vines that the egg is placed or the
borer found.

Are the eggs placed on the upper or lower sides of the vines, or in-
termediately ?

Is the borer ever found in the main stalk ?

Earliest and latest notice of injury from the borer.

Earliest maturity of the borer and escape from the vine for pupation.

Are the cocoons ever found within the vines?

At what depth in the ground are the cocoons buried ?

Are the cocoons ever found far from the vines ?

Does the caterpillar ever change within the cocoon to the pupa during
the autumn or winter? (In this stage it shows the legs, wing-covers and
other organs of the future moth.)

THE SQUASH-VINE BORER : EXPERIMENTS AT THE STATE FARM. 67

What means have been found the most successful against the borer ?

The number of points above given upon which information is desired,
will serve to show that very little is known of this destructive insect and
its habits, and that it is now proposed to give it the critical study that
it has hitherto failed to receive,

Experiments at the State Farm.

Following the above request for additional observations and experi-
ments upon this insect, Mr. E. S. Goff, horticulturist of the New York
Agricultural Experiment Station, has very kindly communicated to me
the gratifying results of his experiments upon it at the Station, both with
insecticides and counterodorants, together with observations upon its
habits, transformations, etc.

Under date of September 29, 1884, the following communication was
received from him:

“Tt gives me pleasure to write to you that my experiments upon the
squash-vine borer (Melittia cucurbite) offer much hope that we shall be
able to battle this enemy with success. It has not been troublesome with us
this season, though it has appeared in sufficient numbers to give an op-
portunity to show the value of my applications. I have just madea very
thorough examination of the vines experimented upon, pulling up each

_ plant and carefully looking over the stem. I found in seven hills of

Hubbard squash, to which I had made no application, twenty borers (or
cavities where they had been). In seven hills of the same, where I used
a solution of copperas about the roots, I found eighteen borer cavities.
In eight hills of the same variety I wet the stems a distance of two feet
from the base of the plants with water containing Paris green at the rate
of half a teaspoonful to a gallon, after every rain, from the middle of
July to the first of September. In these plants I found only eight borer
cavities, all of which were farther from the base of the plants than the
Paris green water was applied. In eight hills of the same variety I
placed cobs dipped in coal-tar, five in each hill; following out the sug-
gestion that you gave me, I re-dipped the cobs from time to time during
July and August. In these plants I found but three borer cavities.

“Tn sixteen hills of the Perfect Gem squash, where nothing was ap-
plied, I found fifteen borer cavities. In eight hills of the same, where
I used the soap emulsion on the stems, in the same manner as I used the
Paris green mixture in the case noted above, I found but two borer
cavities.

“J think that these results give hope that we may very largely
diminish, if not entirely remedy the damage wrought by this insect, by
a thorough application of insecticides to the stems, or the use of
counterodorants.”

In the above experiments, the application of the soap emulsion seems
to have given the best results, provided that the “ Perfect Gem” squash
is as subject to attack as the ‘‘ Hubbard,” as eight hills gave but two

68 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

burrows. Next to this comes the coal-tar employed as a counterodorant,
showing in the same number of hills but three burrows ; and, third, the
Paris green water with eight burrows.

The average protection shown in the above experiments (not including
that with the copperas water) is eighty-one per cent —a highly gratifying
result.

Had the applications been commenced about the first of July, instead
of the middle of the month, it is probable that the results would have
been still more satisfactory. The moth, in the State of New York, may
commence the deposit of its eggs during the first week of July. The
coal-tar would act by preventing the deposit, while the Paris green water
and the soap emulsion operate by killing the young larva upon its hatch-
ing from the egg and beginning to eat into the vine.

In a subsequent communication, Mr. Goff, in reply to inquiries, con-
tributes these items relating to the life-history of the species :

“Strange to say, I found but two live larvee ; in almost every case they
had left the vines for transformation. * * * * * * T found no
pupz within the vines. In one or two cases the caterpillar seemed to
have died ; at least, I found in the cavity a mass of white matter.
Fae % * * ‘T noticed that the borers are often found in the stem
ata aie distance from the base than I had supposed — often four and
even six feet from the base. Strange to say, however, in the ‘ Perfect
Gem’ squash I found the borer only close to the base, in no case, I be-
lieve, ina branch, but always in the main stems. * * * * *® *
The ‘Perfect Gem’ seems less liable to attack from the borer than the
‘Hubbard.’ I had noticed this fact in previous seasons.”

Orgyia leucostigma (Sm.—Abb.).
The White-Marked Tussock Moth.

(Ord. LepipopTEerRA: Fam. Bompycrp#.)

SmitH-ABBOTT: Nat. Hist. Lep. Ins. Georgia, 1797, ii, p..157, pl. 79 (figs. larva,
pupa, ¢ & @ ins.).

HARRIs: Rept. Ins. Mass., 1841, p. 262; Treat. Ins. N. Eng., 1852, pp. 282-284;
Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, pp. 366-368, pl. 7, figs. 1-5 (natural history, etc.).

Fircu; in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1855, xv, 1856, pp. 441-450; 1st-2d
Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, pp. 209-218 (detailed account); 3d—5th Repts.,
1859, p. 20 (brief notice); 6th-9th Repts., 1865, p. 199 (increased inju-
ries and remedies).

RILEY: 1st Rept. Ins. Mo., 1869, pp. 144-147, figs 81-83.

Morets: Synop. Lep. N. A., 1862, p. 249 (descr. of larva and imago).

PACKARD: in Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., 1864, iii, p. 331.

LE Baron: 1st Rept. Ins. Ill, 1871, pp. 13-17.

HISTORY OF ORGYIA LEUCOSTIGMA. 6g

SAUNDERS: in Canad. Entomol., iii, 1871, p. 14, f. 10 (eggs and larva deser.); in
Rept. Ent. Soc. Ont., for 1874, p. 19, figs. 14-16 (general notice); Ins.
Inj. Fruits, 1883, pp. 57-60, figs. 50-53 (the several stages and remedies).

BETHUNE: in Ist Rept. Ent. Soc. Ont., 1871, pp. 82-3, figs. 28, 24 (brief notice); in
2d Rept. Id., 1872, p. 14 (abundance and injuries).

FRENCH: in Thomas’ Rept. Ins. III. (vii), 1878, pp. 185-186, figs. 36, 37 (general
notice).

ForBEs: 12th Rept. Ins. Il., 1883, pp. 100-1, fig. 20 (brief notice).

COLEMAN: in Psyche, ii, 1882, pp. 164-166 (larval colorational differences).

LINTNER: in Albany Evening Journal for June 25, 26 and 28, 1888 ; in 37th Rept.
N. Y. St. Mus. Nat. Hist., for 1883, pp. 50-52 (larvee girdling twigs).

In studying the history of our insect foes it not unfrequently occurs
that a species which had long been known to entomologists, without
having assumed such injurious habits as to give it place among our
serious pests, suddenly increases to such an extent and so extends the
range of its food-plants, as to become a conceded and permanent public
nuisance,

Such an one is the Orgyia leucostigma, an insect broadly distributed
over the United States, from Maine to Georgia and westward to the
Rocky mountains. For many years it was known only as an occasional
depredator upon apple trees and rose bushes. In the year 1828, accord-
ing to Dr. Harris, the apple trees in portions of New England were in-
fested with multitudes of the caterpillars, and subsequently, in the sum-
mers of 1848, 1849 and 1850, they extended their attack to many other
trees, nearly stripping the leaves from the horse chestnuts in Boston.

It appears for along time to have had but local distribution. Dr. Fitch,
writing of it in 1856, had never known it to be sufficiently multiplied in
the vicinity of his residence, Salem, Washington county, N. Y., to merit
any attention on account of its depredations. He had: never met with
a half-dozen of the caterpillars in any one year, perhaps owing to the
locality being near the northern extreme of their geographical range,
until in the summer of 1855, when they were noticed as being unusually
common.

As early as the year 1870 it had become abundant in Albany and
firmly established. It has annually reappeared, with perhaps three or
four exceptions, and made great havoc upon the foliage of both fruit and
shade trees. One of these exceptional years was in 1874, when but few
of the larve were seen, and another in 1884, when these notes are being
revised for publication. In several other of our larger cities this insect
also became a public pest. In Philadelphia they were very abundant
in 1873, as appears in an article in the Popular Science Monthly, vol.
iv, page 381, entitled, “The Caterpillar Nuisance in Philadelphia,” in
which a former pest [ Hnnomos subsignaria], one of the measuring-worms

79° SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

exterminated by the English sparrow, is replaced by the Orgyia, which
the sparrows will not attack.

As will be seen from the literature of this species as given above, it
has already been treated of by most of our writers on economic ento-
mology. It has also been noticed in many other minor publications not
cited, and the figures originally given of it in its different stages often
reproduced. But so serious are its injuries to fruit and shade trees and
various ornamental shrubs, and so general the ignorance of the best
means of relief therefrom, that the present notice of it seems desirable.

Asa knowledge of the several stages of insect life and other particulars
which enter into a life-history are of great importance in all efforts to
control insect depredations, they will first be considered.

The Caterpillar,

While the perfect insect is unusually sombre in color and without the
slightest ornamental feature, unless it be its prettily pectinated antenne,
the caterpillar, as if by way of compensation, is strikingly beautiful, not
only to naturalists, but to all who will take the trouble to give it an ex-
amination. Dr. Fitch has written appreciatively of its beauty, as follows:

“The term ‘ caterpillar’ is applied to a worm which is clothed with
hairs ; and we commonly associate this term with something which is
ugly and repulsive in its appearance. But many caterpillars are far
from meriting this prejudice, being, in reality, objects of much beauty,
This is eminently the case with one which may frequently be seen in the
month of July upon apple trees and also in our yards upon rose bushes.
We cultivate the rose for ornament, and nature, as if to further our de-
signs, places upon the leaves this neat, little, prim caterpillar, which is a
more delicate, elegant object than the handsomest rose that ever grew.
I well remember the first time I ever noticed one of these caterpillars.
It was in the hay field, in my boyhood. One of the laborers, who had
little taste for any of the beauties of nature —a man of that class of
whom the poet sings,

‘ A primrose by the river’s brim,
A yellow primrose was to him,
And it was nothing more’

in stooping for a handful of grass to wipe off his scythe, had his atten-
tion arrested by one of these caterpillars. Taking up the leaf on which
it was standing, he was for several moments absorbed in contemplating
its bright colors and the artistic arrangement of its elegant plumes. Then
as he was laying it down, he said to himself, ‘That is the prettiest thing
I ever saw!’ Let us not murmur if the leaves of our rose bushes are

ORGYIA LEUCOSTIGMA : THE LARVA AND COCOON. TE

somewhat gnawed and eroded, when they hereby produce for our ad-
miration objects far more beautiful than we look for them to yield.”
The caterpillar is a slender creature, measuring when full-grown from
about three-fourths of an inch to an inch and a quarter in length. Its
color is a cream yellow, with a broad velvety black stripe upon its back
and a broader brown or blackish one upon each side. Nearly covering
its sides are tufts of pale
yellow hairs, which radiate
from small yellow tubercles
arranged in two rows; from
the upper of these rows a few
longer black hairs are given
out. Upon the back, on its
Fic. 7.—Larva of the White-Marked Tussock moth, Orev1a anterior half, are four erect,
KGET 7 short, thick, even, brush-like

tufts of hairs, white or creamy-yellow, placed on the fourth, fifth, sixth
and seventh rings of the body. The contrast between the occasional
bright yellow of these tufts and the white has been so marked as
to give rise to the suspicion that they might indicate sex, but the careful
observations of Mr. Coleman (/oe. cit.) leave no ground for such belief.
The same larva has, at different times, shown yellow tufts and white
ones, changing from yellow to white and from white to yellow, in-
dependently of molting. From the sides of the front ring project
forward in a broad Y shape, two pencils of black, bearded hairs, tufted
at the end and of unequal length, giving them a jointed appearance,
the longest measuring a half-inch in length. On the penultimate ring
(11th) is a similar pencil of brown and black hairs, which are only tufted
at the end of the pencil. The head is coral-red, as are also two little
knobs on the back within the black stripe, on the ninth and tenth rings.
Fig. 7 shows the caterpillar.

The Cocoon.

Next following the caterpillar stage, the insect is presented to us
under the guise of a cocoon, attached usually to the trunk or branches
of thetree upon which it had fed. Frequently, however, it wanders from
its food-plant and seeks more hidden and sheltered locations, as under
window-sills, beneath copings, caps of fence-posts, etc. The cocoon is
about an inch in length, broadly flattened beneath, of an elongate-oval
outline and of a depth barely sufficient to contain the pupa. It is very
slightly woven, for, although it is double, consisting of an outer and an
inner web, yet, through both, the larva, near its transformation, or the
pupa, may often be seen. Woven into the outer envelope are notice-

72 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

able the long, black pencil-hairs of the caterpillar and some of the
shorter yellow ones.

The Pupa,

Upon tearing open the cocoons, the pupe found therein (the third
stage in the insect’s transformation) will be observed, if anumber are ex-
amined, to vary greatly in size—some being less than a half-inch in
length, and others exceeding seven-tenths of an inch — these last sur-
passing the former four or five times in bulk: the
smaller ones produce male moths, and the larger, fe-
males. They are rounded infront and in their entire
outline, except at the hinder end, where they termi-
nate in a short spinous tip armed with bristly hooklets
by which they fasten themselves to the threads of the
atte Syex athe White cia 2 colors are whitish and haus approach-
ee the female papasvethe 22g black, particularly upon the back. On the front,
muglepeD a: back and sides are numerous short white hairs—a quite
exceptional feature in the almost universal smoothness of the pupal form.

A prominent and characteristic garniture of the female pupa, shown
at c, in Fig. 8, is a pale, oval or square spot composed of minute
bladder-like bodies or scales on each of the principal rings (the thoracic
ones) back of the head. Inthe male, d, in the figure the broad antennz-
cases, with their transverse markings denoting the pectinations of the
organs, are conspicuously folded upon the breast beween the wing-cases.

The Perfect Insect.

The male moth, although far superior to the other sex in outward ap-
pearance, is not an object that would readily arrest the attention — its
plain colors being in marked contrast with those worn in its caterpillar
stage. Its size is rather below the average of moths and is seemingly
small for the larva producing it, as it measures but little more than an
inch across its expanded wings. The wings are broad and rounded in

outline and of a smoky-brown color. The front pair
_have a gray patch on the middle of the anterior border,
| and are crossed by three or four blackish curved lines;
of which the outermost one is quite angulated; near
the outer margin is a gray band, preceded near the tip

by some elongate black spots, and near the inner angle
by a white spot, often comma-like in form. It is from
this last that its specific name of l/ewcostigma (white-

bh be It!
Fia. 9.— The White- ' b i i
marked Tussock Moth, mark) is derived. The hind wings are also broad,
sition : th ; : :
Mae @t Fests {RE cy oOky-brown, without any markings, but with a darker

border. Both pairs are fringed with projecting scales.

——_

ORGYIA LEUCOSTIGMA : THE MOTH AND EGG. TS

The body is brown, quite slender, small in proportion to the spread
of wings, and bears a small black tuft of upright hairs near its base.

The antennz are beautiful objects — the redeeming feature of the un-
usual plainness. “They are about one-third of the length of the wings,
gray, with a double row of dark-brown branches resembling the teeth of
acomb. Each branch has a row of very fine hairs, like eye-lashes, along
each side, and at its tip three bristles, one of which is much longer and
directed inward toward the head ” (Fitch).

When at rest, the moth has its long, hairy front legs stretched out
divergingly in front of its head, with the antenne usually extended at
right angles with its body, as shown in the figure. With the recollec-
tion of this unusual attitude in connection with the features above in-
dicated, the moth can hardly fail of being recognized during its season
of prevalence —toward the last of July and early in August.

The female is of a very different appearance, being apparently wing-
less, having only the rudiments of wings in the form of a little pad on
each side, and its ash-gray body distended with its burden of eggs when
it creeps out of the cocoon, to a breadth of a quarter of an inch in a
length of half an inch. Its antennez are not branched, and it scarcely
possesses any feature which would lead the ordinary observer to associ-
ate it with its mate or to regard it as a moth.

The Egg.

The eggs —the last phase as we have traced the progress, but prop-
erly, the first in the series of the four insect stages—are deposited in
mass upon the surface of the cocoon, as will be hereafter described. The
egg is round, with a strong, thick, cream-colored shell, and in size is
about three-hundredths of an inch in diameter. It has a slight de-
pression apically, marking the point at which the caterpillar eats an
opening for its escape.

Natural History.

The life-history may next be traced in its progress through the several
stages above described. The eggs are hatched at about the middle of
May, varying with the season, and, perhaps, from their different exposures,
for in the same locality some of the deposits have been from three to
four weeks later than others in disclosing their larve. As has been fol-
lowed by Prof. Riley, the stages of growth observed were as follows :

The first molting of the caterpillars occurred seven days after escap-
ing from the egg. At intervals of six days each, the second and third
moltings took place. Six days thereafter some of the larve had attained

their growth, ceased feeding, and commenced to spin their cocoons.
10

74 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Others, at about this time, again molted (for the fourth time), and not
until after six more days did they commence inclosing themselves in
cocoons. When the moths emerged, it was discovered that males were
produced from the larve which had molted but three times, and females
from the remainder.

This prolonged larval period and additional molting in the female is
a very interesting scientific fact. Its occurrence in other species, as
observed by me, has been noted in my first report (page 98), and it is
believed that it will be hereafter discovered to be the rule in many other
of the Bombycide. The bearing of this fact upon the mooted question
of the comparative degree of development and rank of the sexes is
worthy of consideration.

To summarize the above statement of the successive larval stages —
the entire period is from twenty-five to thirty-one days — about a month.
It is during this brief period that the voracious appetite, necessitated by
rapid growth, causes the ravages upon our trees and shrubs of which we
have so great cause to complain.

Within the shelter of the cocoon, the larval skin is cast off for the
last time, and the insect, as early as the latter part of June, enters upon
its pupal state. In this condition it quietly reposes for a period of
from ten to fifteen days,* when the moth within the pupal shell, having
by this time become fully developed in all its organs except in the ex-
tension of its wings (in the male), bursts its walls, and emerges to the
light of day. The male moth — first observed by me the present sea-
son on the gth of July— crawls to some suitable spot near to the vacated
cocoon, when, within a half-hour, his contracted wings, as drawn from
their pupal sheathes, attain their full expansion, and he is in readiness
for flight. As soon as “ evening shades prevail,” he seeks his mate, and
with the end of his existence attained, a few days serve to end his
career.

The female moth hardly surpasses the ‘‘ Bag-worm,” Thyriodopteryx
ephemereformis, as a traveler, for while that species never emerges from
her cocoon, this only works its way outward through the loosely-spun
threads, and takes position upon its surface. From a power of attrac-
tion possessed by her in an eminent degree,t and shared by many of

*Cocoons spun on July 5 were found with egg-deposits upon them on July 16. Dr. Fitch
records that in several instances he had known the moth to emerge thirteen days after
spinning the cocoon.

+A female imago of this species had emerged August 4, within its breeding-cage, stand-
ing in alarge apartment about ten feet from an open door. At dark (half-past seven
o'clock), males commenced to fly into the room, and precipitate themselves against the
gauze front of the cage, moving in every direction over its surface, with legs, wings and
antenne in rapid nrotion, in a persistent effort to force an entrance into the cage. Several

ts al

ORGYIA LEUCOSTIGMA: ITS NATURAL HISTORY. 75

the Lombycide, it rarely, if ever, happens that she is not prepared to
deposit her burden of fertilized eggs on the following day; and as if
aware that her size and exposed position was an invitation to her many
enemies, she enters upon the duty without delay. A connected thread
of eggs is extruded from her body and attached in mass to the surface
of the cocoon. As they emerge from the abdomen, they are accompa-
nied with a viscid secretion which cements them firmly together; and
when the entire number —two hundred or more —are deposited, they
are thickly covered over by the same frothy substance, which soon
hardening, serves as an admirable protection from unfavorable weather,
from other insects, many birds and other depredators. This accom-
plished, the shrunken body soon drops from the cocoon to the ground,
and the life-cycle of the individual is completed.

A second brood. — In the Southern States there are two annual broods
of the insect, of which the moths of the first appear in May and June,
and those of the second in September and October. Even so far north
as Philadelphia, I have observed on the 8th of September (after a long
term of unusually hot weather), an abuncant second brood, at which
time the mature larve abounded upon the tree-trunks, together with
cocoons recently spun and in construction, females just emerged, and
egg-deposits upon the cocoons.

In New York, a second brood occurs occasionally, at least ;
and perhaps annually in limited numbers, yet it is never so
abundant as to be injuriously noticeable. I have seen the moth
as late as October 6th.

Hibernation. — The hibernation of this species is in the
egg stage—the exception with the lepidoptera, where it is
commonly in the pupal stage, often in the form of larva, and
occasionally as perfect insects. The greatest cold of our
northern winters — from 30° to 40° below zero, of Fahr. — has
failed to kill them. How it is possible for them to survive such
temperatures is a mystery to us. It is not from the protec-

tion afforded them by the material in which they are encased, for

ria. the eggs of another Bombycid—Hemileuca Matia—survive the

Huarrurye, Winter equally well, although they are entirely without any cover
Matra,

ing and are exposed in belt-like manner upon the twigs of oaks,

attempted to enter through the small crevice left by the imperfectly fitting door at the
rear of the cage. Three or four moths were often on the gauze at the same time, whence
they could be plucked with the thumb and finger. During the hour that this exhibition
continued, forty moths were taken and pinned, from at least a hundred that entered the
room. Twenty-sixth Report on the New York State Museum of Natural History, 1874,
p- 148; id., Entomological Contributions, No. IIL, p. 148.

76 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

as represented in Fig. 10.* The eggs of butterflies having still thinner

shells than the above, have been exposed for hours to freezing mixtures
of —22° Fahr., without injury to them. It is probable that the eggs of
most of our insects are in reality not frozen under the greatest cold to
which they would be subjected under natural exposures. Some eggs
of O. lewcostigma which I had taken separately from their covering
and left exposed during a portion of the winter, were examined by
me under a temperature of —18° Fahr., and were found to be in their
natural fluid condition.

Food-Plants.

An important inquiry. whenever a noxious insect presents itself
for investigation, is its range of food, to serve as a guide to the probable
extent of its depredations, and the possible means of checking its
spread. In the year 1861, when the citizens of Brooklyn were greatly
excited over the increase of a “‘ measuring-worm,’’+ which had become
an unendurable nuisance from the myriads that hung suspended by
their silken threads from the branches of the shade-trees of the princi-
pal streets, the following resolution was discussed by the common
council:

‘ Resolved, That the owners of property having linden trees on the
streets are hereby ordered to remove them within ten days after the
passage of this ordinance, and failing to do so, shall be liable to a fine
of five dollars for each tree left upon the streets, after that date. The
street commissioner is hereby ordered to remove all trees of that species
that may be left on the streets after that date.”

The resolution having been referred to a committee, failed to be re-
ported favorably and to become a law, for the reason that upon scien-
tific examination it was found, that while the caterpillar was more
abundant upon linden trees, it also occurred and fed upon the elm,
weeping-willow, silver-leaved poplar, balm-of-Gilead, maple, horse-
chestnut, some of the fruit-trees, shrubs and herbage.

Occasionally an insect seems to be so extremely particular in its food
as to confine itself to a single species, but more commonly it is found
feeding upon the several species of the same genus. Others extend their
range to the several genera of the same family, while others still, known
to us as polyphagous species, attack plants of very dissimilar characters,
comprised under several orders. In illustration of the last, we may cite
the habits of two species of well-known Bombycide, viz.: Samia

* Twenty-third Report on the N. Y. State Cabinet of Natural History, 1872, pp. 137-
141; ELntomolog. Contrib. (No. I], 1872, pp. 5-9.

+The larva of the snow-white linden-moth, Znnomos subsignaria Hiibn.

ORGYIA LEUCOSTIGMA: ITS DEPREDATIONS. Vi

Cecropia (Linn.) and Telea Polyphemus (Linn.). The former is re-
corded as feeding upon forty-nine species of plants,* belonging to nine-
teen genera, and to nine natural orders— the orders being Tiliacee,
Aceracee, Rosaceew, Saxifragacee, Caprifoliacee, Urticacee, Cupili-
fere, Betulacee and Salicacee : the latter, Polyphemus, upon the same
number of species, in sixteen genera, and in eight orders. (Wm. Bro-
die, in Papilio, ii, 1882, pp. 32-3, 58-60.)

The Orgyia caterpillar has not been favored with so careful a com-
pilation of its food-plants ; the following, presumably the more common
ones, are recorded ;: Linden (Ttlia Americana), horse-chestnut (dscu-
lus hippocastanum), locust, rose, plum, cherry, apple, pear, elm, butter-
nut (Juglans cinerea), black-walnut (Juglans nigra), hickory (Carya
alba), oak, spruce, fir, and larch. I noticed it last summer, in Septem-
ber, seriously injuring the foliage of some castor-oil plants, Ricinus
communis.

Depredations.

On the horse-chestnut.— The horse-chestnut, which had steadily been
growing in popular favor as a shade-tree, from the almost entire immu-
nity which its foliage has enjoyed from insect attack,+ has of late years
been apparently chosen by the Orgyia for its favorite food-plant. It
might be thought that a leafage so dense and luxuriant would afford more
than the required amount of food for any number of insect depredators
that could assemble upon it; but in seasons favorable to the multiplica-
tion of the insect, the largest trees in the city of Albany have shown
the pitiable spectacle of a foliage entirely consumed — only the ribs of
the leaves remaining. Not only were the trees left useless for shade, but
their lives were endangered, for, although under favoring conditions of
moisture and not excessive temperature, a second feeble leafage would
sustain their existence, yet a repetition of the attack the following year
could hardly fail of proving fatal. Hosts of greedy caterpillars could
be seen deserting their exhausted feeding grounds and descending the
trunk in search of the food still needed by them.

On the elm.— The elm is also injured to a degree not much less than
the horse-chestnut. The immense size of most of the white elms
(Ulmus Americanus) planted for shade, offers, in their long limbs and
spreading branches, more abundant food, and in a measure diffuses the
ravages that they sustain, yet frequently a large proportion of their

* Not such as the cocoon and larva may have been found upon, ‘‘ but held to be such as
a perfect female Cecropia, at liberty, will select as food for her young.”

+ Besides this species, I can recall but two other caterpillars that feed upon it, viz.,
Acronycta Americana Harris, and Lnnomos subsignaria (Hiibn.), and these, usually, to
quite a limited extent.

78 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

leaves have been skeletonized, or so riddled that they wither, dry, and
drop to the pavement.

On fruit-trees.— Dr. Le Baron, has recorded that “on the second
day of September my attention was called to an orchard a few miles
from my residence [at Geneva, Illinois], in which all the trees in one
corner of the inclosure, to the number of fifteen or more, had been
entirely stripped of their foliage by these caterpillars, whilst they were
at the same time well loaded with fruit.”

Dr. Fitch states that in 1863, in Albany, they completely stripped large
plum trees of their leaves, and rose-bushes were similarly defoliated.
(6th to 9th Repts. Ins. N. York, 1865, p. 199.)

On Cape Cod, Mass., in 1884, when the larve generally were less
abundant than usual, they are reported by Mr. J. B. Smith as stripping
the leaves everywhere. (Canad. H'ntomol., xvi, p. 183.)

Some plum trees that were under my almost daily observation were
nearly stripped of their leaves before the attack was noticed.

In Central Park, New York.— During the summer of 1883 the in-
sect was very prevalent in many portions of the State of New York and
in adjoining States. In New York city the extensive defoliation of the
shade-trees in midsummer was felt as a public calamity. In Central
Park the ravages were particularly noticeable. When they had reached
a point that threatened the destruction of many of the infested trees,
the park commissioners were compelled to take action to arrest, if
possible, the attack. The collection and destruction of the eggs was
ordered. The work was undertaken under the direction of Mr. E. B.
Southwick, in charge of the inspection of trees and shrubs, and, as the
result, as he has informed me, between the 13th of August and the 16th
of October, the four men engaged in the work, armed with hooks and
scrapers of various kinds, steel brushes and brooms, went over the en-
tire park and collected thirteen bushels of the Orgyia eggs and cocoons
and burned them.

Parasites.

Upon one occasion Dr. Le Baron found the cocoons of this species,
which were very abundant upon some apple-trees, extensively infested
by the pupe of a Tachina fly, which was named and described by him
as Tuchina orgyie (1st Rept. Ins, Lil., p. 16). Very few of the cocoons
examined were free from the Tachina parasite ; two, three and sometimes
four were contained inthem. Of the myriads of the cocoons observed, it
appeared that scarcely one out of a hundred had escaped the fatal visita-
tion of this parasite.

From one of the caterpillars Dr. Fitch bred a number of minute para-

GREAT INCREASE IN THE ORGYIA RAVAGES. 79

sites belonging to the family of Chalcidide, which were described by him
under the name of TZrichogramma? Orgyie. Another species, re-
sembling this so closely as to have been named by him the “ brother para-
site,’’ Trichogramma fraterna, was found by him under conditions that
led him to believe that it was also parasitic on the Orgyia. These
species have been subsequently referred to the genus Tetrastichus
by Mr. Howard, who is of the opinion that they will prove to
be not parasites upon the Orgiyia lewcostigma larva, but upon a species
of Pteromalus which is parasitic upon it. This Pteromalushas been
reared by me in large numbers, but, in the uncertainty that attends the
numerous described species of this extensive genus, it remains at the
present undetermined.

I have also obtained from the eggs of the Orgyia a minute parasite,
which has been generically determined by Mr. Howard as Telenomus.

A species of Hemiteles is a very common parasite upon the larva in
the vicinity of Albany, and in some seasons it has proved to be the
principal instrument in arresting its multiplication.

There is alsoin my collection a Tachinid fly obtained from an Orgyta
in 1879, which differs from the species described by Dr. Le Baron, in
that it has two large reddish spots on each side of its abdomen, and that
its white tegulz, instead of being translucent, are quite opaque. The
Tachina orgyt@ is not at all uncommon with us.

The Great Increase in its Ravages.

That this insect has very largely increased in numbers and in destruct-
iveness during the last twenty years is evident to all who have followed
its history during that time, or to those who have but recently been
drawn to notice it as a new depredator. To what cause, it may prop-
erly be asked, is this great increase owmg?

An unusual abundance of a particular species of insect for a single
year is a phenomenon of common occurrence, which can easily be ac-
counted for from the operation of well-known natural causes. A
remarkable abundance of a species for a term of years is not infre-
quent, but soon it relapses into its former paucity and harmlessness
before the attack of hosts of parasitic foes, which its great increase invites.

Not so, however, with the Orgyia. Its conspicuous ornamentation
and its assemblage in large numbers render it an attractive object and
easily to be discovered by its enemies, and already, as stated, seven
different species of insects are known to prey upon it. Scores of the
smaller ones (Chalcidide), are often feeding in company within the
body of a single caterpillar, and it sometimes seems as if almost every
cocoon gave forth the parasite instead of the moth. And yet the

80 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

destructive caterpillar abounds, and continues to extend its range and
to increase its injuries.

That the present attitude of this insect is so different from that which
it formerly held, and which it had assumed, doubtless, many years ago*
in conformity to a prevailing law of adjustment in nature, by which
each creature eventually becomes fitted to the place it holds —cannot
but be the result of some disturbing element operating upon it. Nor
can there be any reasonable doubt of what this interference has been.

The English Sparrow the Cause of the Increase.

The extraordinary increase of the Orgyia leucostigma is owing to the
introduction and multiplication of the English sparrow, Pyrgita domes-
tica.

This may seem a strange statement to many, in consideration of the
fact that the sparrow was imported from Europe for the express pur-
pose of abating the “ caterpillar nuisance ” in New York and some of
the New England cities.

In the year 1866, two hundred sparrows were brought over from
England, and released in Union Park, New York. In 1867, forty pairs
were imported and set free in New Haven.

It is claimed in behalf of the sparrows that they accomplished the
object of their introduction, and that within two years, they arrested the
‘“ measuring-worm plague,” which had for years prevailed in the streets
and parks of those two cities. They may have done so.f If it could
be shown that they rendered this service — perhaps the only good that
they have done —it would be insignificant in comparison with the harm
they have subsequently caused — even if compared alone with the pro-
tection given by them to the Orgyia.

In substantiation of this chatge, we present some notes of personal
observations made in Albany, during the year 1872, which might doubt-
less have been supported by similar observations in many other locali-
ties.

From the rapidity of multiplication natural to the English sparrow,
and from the encouragement extended to them by our citizens in pro-
viding cages for their shelter and food during the winter, they have be-
come quite numerous. In several quarters of the city where they have

*It is a native species, named and described in 1797.

+A correspondent of the Rural New Yorker, in the issue for January 23, 1875, says: “ At
the very time of their introduction into New York City and Brooklyn, a small ichneumon
fly had already lessened the number of span-worms which were so disagreeably abundant
in these cities, and it is very probable that the insects would have disappeared without the
aid of the birds.”

THE SPARROW THE CAUSE OF THE ORGYIA INCREASE. 81

established themselves, their little flocks are continually before the eye,
and their unceasing chatter constantly in the ear, almost to the exclu-
sion of other sounds.

The increase of the Orgyia leucostigma commenced and has contin-
tinued to progress with that of the sparrow.

A remark made to me that the caterpillars had “been observed to be
very numerous in localities where the sparrows also abounded, induced
me to undertake to verify or disprove the idea that had suggested itself
to me, that the sparrow afforded actual protection to the caterpillars,
and promoted their increase,

In alocality in the city (intersection of Broadway and Spencer streets),
which I had traversed daily during the preceding year, I had been inter-
ested in watching the habits of a large company of sparrows which had
established themselves in quarters evidently in every way suited to their
taste and wants, among the vines and leaves of a large woodbine
(Ampelopsis quinquefolia) which covered with a dense matting nearly
the entire side of a large dwelling. Here I had observed a greater
number of the sparrows than elsewhere in the city: they were still local,
and far from being generally distributed.

Upon visiting this locality for the purpose above mentioned, I found
upon the other side of the building and on an adjoining one, three
other large woodbines not before noticed by me — making five in all.
On a tall pole standing between the two buildings, a very large sparrow
house, with many compartments, had been erected, and many smaller
ones had been placed among the branches of the trees. ‘The wood-
bines seemed alive with the sparrows: hundreds were issuing from them
and dropping down to their favorite stercoraceous repasts in the streets,
and the air was vocal with their chattering. It was a rare bird-exhibi-
tion. Here certainly was a test-case of the “insectivorous nature” of

‘

the sparrow.

On the sidewalk in front of the two buildings, two large, spreading
elms (Ulmus Americanus) standing between some maples, showed every
leaf eaten from them, disclosing the nesting-boxes among their branches,
and their trunks and limbs dotted thickly, or clustered with the easily-
recognized egg-bearing cocoons of the Orgyia. Hundreds of imma-
ture caterpillars were traveling over the trees, fences, and the walls ad-
joining. No better evidence of the almost perfect immunity afforded
to the caterpillars from their enemies — whether birds or insects — by
the presence of the sparrows, could possibly be given.

A portion of Broadway, between Clinton avenue and the Central

railroad crossing, was also known to abound in the sparrows, the citizens
11

82 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

resident there having fed them most generously, not only during the
winter season, but also in the summer months. Nesting-boxes had been
placed for them in most of the trees. Here the trees presented a pitiable
sight. Many of the elms and horse-chestnuts were entirely stripped of
their foliage — the naked ribs of the leaves of the latter seemed ghastly
in their suggestion of fleshless fingers. Nowhere else in the city had
1 seen such ravages.

Passing thence to Pearl and State streets, the same association of
sparrows, caterpillars, and their destructive work was seen. Clinton
square, where the sparrows had, in their introduction into the city, been
specially taken under the care and protection of the residents on the east
side of the park, afforded another excellent “test.” It was evident that
the sparrows were in full appreciation of their privileges, from the almost
incredible number sporting among the trees. Their protégés were also
in full force. Caterpillars and their cocoons met the eye everywhere,
while hanging from the rails and caps of the iron fence surrounding the
park were the dead and decomposing bodies of caterpillars, killed by
the recent heavy rains (often so fatal to insect larve), in such numbers
that they tainted the air in their vicinity.

It seems unnecessary to extend this record farther than to add that
in other sections of the city, observations made, were in accord with the
above.

How the Sparrows protect the Caterpillars,

That the sparrows decline to eat the Orgyia caterpillars is not a charge
against them: they cowld noé eat them with impunity; the diet would
doubtless prove fatal to them. The charge to which they are amenable
is this: By the force of numbers united to a notoriously pugnacious dis-
position, they drive away the few birds that would feed upon them. Of
these we know but four species, viz.: The robin (Merula migratoria),
the Baltimore oriole* (Icterws galbula), the black-billed cuckoo (Coccygus
erythropthalmus), and the yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccygus Americanus).
The above species seem, in the ordering of nature, to have been
assigned to us for protection from an undue multiplication of a large
number of hairy caterpillars of injurious habits. While the naked ones
are a tempting morsel to most of our insectivorous birds, they instinct-
ively reject the others, the hairs of which would fill their stomachs with
a mass of irritating and indigestible material. As we often discover in
the animal kingdom special provisions for the accomplishment of cer-
tain purposes — as for example, the crossed mandibles of the cross-bill

*This bird has been seen with its head thrust into the web-nest of the tent-caterpillar,
eagerly devouring its occupants.

~ aw

ORGYIA PREVENTIVES AND REMEDIES. 83

(Loxia leucoptera), fitted for tearing open the cones of hemlock and
pines for extracting their seeds for food—we may presume that the
above-mentioned birds are enabled, through some peculiar structural
feature, to appropriate the food that others are compelled to reject.
One of them, the yellow-billed cuckoo, is known to shave off the hairs
of the Orgyia leucostigma caterpillar before swallowing it. The follow-
ing account of the operation is from Dr. Le Baron, former State Ento-
mologist of Illinois: “ My attention was attracted to a cuckoo regaling
himself upon these caterpillars which were infesting, in considerable
numbers, a larch growing near the house. My curiosity was excited by
seeing a little cloud of hair floating down upon the air from the place
where the bird was standing. Upon approaching a little nearer, I could
see that he seized the worm by one extremity, and drawing it gradually
into his mouth, shaved off, as he did so, with the sharp edges of his bill
the hairy coating of the caterpillar and scattered it upon the wind”
(First Report on the Insects of Iliinois, 1871, p. 17).

Preventives and Remedies,

A relentless war upon the English sparrows.— If the protection of the
Orgyia by the sparrow has been shown, as we believe, beyond question, it
follows that, with the abatement of the sparrow plague, the ravages of the
caterpillar would be arrested, or very greatly reduced. In view of the
magnitude of these injuries to our shade and fruit trees, I do not hesitate
to recommend, as a preventive measure, the removal, from among us, of
the English sparrow. It would also serve to diminish the losses annually
sustained in our orchards, forests and gardens, from the following well-
known noxious species: The apple-tree tent-caterpillar (Clisiocampa
Americana), the forest tent-caterpillar (Clisiocampa sylvatica), the fall
web-caterpillar (Hyphantria textor),* the yellow-necked apple-tree cat-
erpillar (Datana ministra), the yellow woolly-bear (Spilosoma virginica),
and many others of the kind.

As means toward the desirable removal of this intruding protector of
injurious insects, the “¢meligibility”’ of which in this country has been
clearly shown by high ornithological authority,t the following may
be suggested: Removal of all nesting-boxes; destruction of their nests;
depriving them of shelter and nesting beneath the cornices of buildings

*For its increasing abundance in Washington, D. C., see American Naturalist, Sept.,
1881, xv, p. 747.

+ See Dr. Coues on ‘‘ The Ineligibility of the European House Sparrow [Passer domesti-
cus] in America.” American Naturalist, August, 1878, xii, pp. 499-505.

} Under the existing laws of the State of New York, this is only permissible under cer-
tain circumstances. It is hoped that all restriction will be removed by the present Legis-
lature, through a proposed amendment to our game laws.

84 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

by wiring over all available openings ; using them for food, they being
already an article of sale in markets, and said to make an excellent pie ;
employing the most efficient means to prevent their living in grain-fields,
where their intrusion forfeits their lives * (not protected by law). Still
another means has been reported to me as having been resorted to under
the provocation of great annoyance and large losses — feeding with food
prepared with some anesthetic, permanent in its effects.

Destruction of the Orgyia eggs.— An effectual means of prevention
of the Orgyia injuries, so far as it can be resorted to, is the destruction
of its eggs. This may be accomplished, to a great extent, by a moderate
expenditure of labor. The egg-deposits are conspicuous objects, and
at once attract the eye looking for them, until, after long exposure, they
become weather-worn and lose their original whiteness. Even then they
are not difficult to find, as the cocoons upon which they are placed often
occur in patches of a dozen or more. A favorite location for them is where
a limb has been cut from a tree and a convenient angle afforded by the
overlapping growth of the sap-wood. As many as fifty egg-bearing |
cocoons have been gathered from a single tree-trunk while standing on
the ground, the eggs of which represented twelve or fifteen thousand
caterpillars.

The month of August would be the most favorable time for collecting
the eggs from the trunks and larger branches of trees, they being more
conspicuous at that time than later. Those out of arm’s reach could be
removed by poles or scrapers prepared for the purpose.

* The sparrow has increased greatly during the last ten years [in England]; great packs
of them swoop down on the wheat-fields, destroying more than they consume, spilling it
over the ground. Every piece of wheat that I saw this year has had more corn [wheat]
destroyed by sparrows than would pay one rent at least. * * If there are as
many sparrows in other parts of the country as there are in Lincolnshire, most certainly
one million pounds sterling would not repay the occupiers of the land for the yearly loss
sustained by the depredations of this most quarrelsome pest. cy hs 2 Lheyapre
vent the increase of swallows, and have literally driven all our soft-billed insect-eating
birds from our gardens and orchards. The fly-catcher has gone; also the tree-creeper, the
peep, the minor warblers, most of which lived on the eggs of moths and butterflies. *

* %* They were found to be feeding upon turnip seed 2 * 3 to be

eating red clover seed me 3 * for two weeks they ate buds of fruit trees.

a cr In August, just when the grain begins to ripen, they assemble in vast
flocks, and soon commit sad havoc in fields of wheat, oats and barley. ee * =

A field of wheat near Isleworth was so utterly ruined by legions of the sparrows which
swarm amongst the neighboring villas, that it was left uncut. (Report of Observations of
Injurious Insects, by Eleanor A. Ormerod, 1884, pp. 40-42.)

Such will probably be the habits of the sparrow when it shall have spread over the agricul-
tural districts of the United States (at present preferring the larger cities), unless a war of
extermination be soon commenced, and continued under the encouragement of liberal
bounties offered for their heads.

In England, at the present time, farmers are resorting to poison as an easy way to re-
duce their numbers, and Farmers’ Clubs are paying from 3d to 6d per dozen for old or
young sparrows or their eggs.

7
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}
|
;

ORGYIA PREVENTIVES AND REMEDIES. 85

In a communication to the Albany Hvening Journal of August 13,
1881, the following recommendations were made by me :

1. That each householder charge himself with the duty of the collec-
tion and destruction of these egg-masses upon his own premises. The
children of a family will prove ready collectors, especially if encouraged
by competition or the offer of a small reward.

2. That the authorities in charge of our public grounds direct the
performance of the above duty.

3. That the chief of police direct that the police of the city call at-
tention to its performance whenever they shall observe its neglect, and
that this action be authorized by a resolution to that effect by the
common council.

4. That the collection and destruction of the cocoons of this insect
be confined to those bearing the white egg-masses, as all others are those
of males, or of ichneumonized [parasitized] females, which may be of
great service in developing parasites to aid in the work of extermination.

5. That further search be made for the eggs late in the season, when
the absence of leaves will permit their detection on limbs and branches
where they may not now [in August] be seen.

Most of the cocoons bearing the egg-clusters will be found upon the
trees or shrubs upon which the larve feed, where they were placed
through the instinct of the caterpillar, in order that the young brood,
upon hatching, would not have to travel beyond their feeble strength in
search of food. The male caterpillar, with no provision of the kind to
make, may wander elsewhere in search of shelter, on the edges of over-
lapping clap-boards of dwellings, beneath the boards and rails of fences,
caps of fence-posts, copings of any kind, window-sills, or in any con-
venient nook. These need not be destroyed, for, upon being opened,
they will be found tenantless or, still better, to contain parasitic pupe.

Jarring.— When the egg-gathering has been neglected and the cater-
pillars are discovered destroying the foliage of trees of moderate size,
as are many of our fruit trees, a sudden jar will bring them down, and
if sheets are first spread beneath, they can readily be gathered up and
destroyed.

Paris green.— When operating upon larger trees, the caterpillar may
be destroyed by showering with Paris green in water. With a force-
pump of good construction, the upper branches (usually the first to be
attacked, as the larva is noted for its climbing propensity) of many of
the horse-chestnuts can be reached from the ground. When the larger
elms are infested it will be necessary to ascend the tree by the aid of a
ladder and distribute the liquid from the principal branches. The Hy-
dronette, made by Messrs. Rumsey & Co., of Seneca Falls, N. Y., and

86 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

figured in my first report (page 29, fig. 8), will be found convenient to
use in connection with a pail of the mixture hanging upon the left
arm. When the mixture is to be employed in this manner, the stirring
necessary to prevent the settling of the Paris green would be rather in-
convenient, and it would, therefore, be better to substitute London pur-
ple, which remains suspended for a longer time in water. A half-ounce
of the purple to a pailful of water, or the somewhat stronger mixture of
a pee to the barrel could be used for the purpose.

Cotton bands.— Bands made of loose cotton batting placed astound
the trunk, at arm’s reach or higher, have become quite popular in some
of our cities, as a means of preventing the Orgyia attack. Their indis-
criminate use must be condemned. ‘They may be of service, and they
may be decidedly objectionable. From what has been written of the”
natural history and habits of this species, it will be seen that the attack,
in almost every instance, proceeds from the eggs deposited the preceding
year upon the tree. If, therefore, the tree is of sosmall a size asto ad-
mit of its thorough inspection throughout and the certainty that no egg
clusters are upon it (which could rarely be attained), then a band ap-
plied would prevent the caterpillars which may be wandering in search ot
food from ascending its trunk and feeding upon the leaves. But if the
eggs or the young larve are already upon the tree, the band will prove
a positive evil. In the event of the caterpillars having so thinned the
foliage that a better feeding ground is desired, the cotton barrier en-
countered in their attempted migration would turn them back to resume
and complete their destructive work. With even fewer numbers upon
the tree, the barriers would prevent the mature caterpillars from descend-
ing to the rougher bark of the lower part of the trunk, in the crevices of
which they prefer to build their cocoons, and would confine them to
the branches, where it would be difficult to discover the egg-clusters, and
to reach them for their destruction as previously recommended.

A New Form of Orgyia Attack.

In the summer of 1883, contemporaneously with the first appearance
of the Orgyia attack upon the foliage, between the roth and r5th of
June, the sidewalks, streets and public parks in Albany, wherever the
white elm (Ulmus Americanus) was growing, were observed to be
sprinkled with newly fallen leaves. They continued to drop in increas-
ing number until toward the close of the month, when, in many places
where they had been permitted to lie undisturbed, they completely cov-
ered the walks or ground.

Upon taking some of them up for examination, they were found to
be attached to the tips of the twigs and to comprise nearly all of the new

(U5 i rey
sesh y OT)

| See von .
ttn, a Se SO a
ye! ‘

A NEW FORM OF ORGYIA ATTACK. 87

growth of the season. The pieces were from two to three inches in length,
each bearing from four to ten fresh uninjured leaves. It was evident
that they were not being broken off by unusually high winds, for even
in the absence of winds, each day continued to add to their number and
to increase the abundance of the fall.

Making critical observation for the discovery, if possible, of the cause
of so unusual a phenomenon, it was noticed that from above the point
at which the tip had been broken, the bark was entirely removed for an
extent averaging one-tenth of an inch, presenting the appearance shown
in Fig. 11. The mannerof its removal showed it to have been eaten by
an insect. The suggestion was made to me that it was the work of some
small insect of similar habits to those of the twig-girdler, Oncideres
cingulatus (Say), but the closest examination failed to show either scar
or egg within the tip.

From the character of the injury, together with the abundant pres-
ence of the caterpillar upon the trees at the time, and of no other ob-
served depredator, I believed that it was the work of the Orgyia. If
so, it was of especial interest, as showing a new habit developed, for
this form of attack had never been recorded of the insect. To verify
the belief, after ascending some trees and examining branches within
reach from windows, I went upon a house-top, where the lhmbs of a
large elm, projecting over the roof, gave an excellent opportunity for
examination. The larve were abundant upon the tree ; the flat roof
was strewn over and heaped in corners with the broken-off tips; very
many girdled tips still held their place on the tree; and after careful
search, Orgyia larve were discovered in the act of eating the bark at
the girdled points. From later observations, it appeared that the gird-
ling had at this time nearly ceased.

The following explanation of the cause of the falling of the girdled
tips seems a rational one. Upon the eating away of the bark by the
Orgyia caterpillar, the wood rapidly dried from its exposure to the air
and arrest of circulation, and soon became so brittle that from a mod-
erate swaying of the branches, the weight of a half dozen or more of
large succulent leaves would occasion the breaking-off of the slender
twig — often not exceeding, in its dried state, the diameter of an ordi-
nary pin.

For the occurrence at this time of this novel form of Orgyia attack, I
can only offer the following as a plausible explanation : The spring
had been remarkably cold, and as a consequence, the development of
the foliage had been delayed to quite beyond the ordinary time. The
sudden advent of warm weather caused a corresponding sudden start
in vegetation, followed by a vigorous growth, and the young tips of the

88 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

elm would, as the result, be unusually tender. The particular feeding
ground of many of the lepidopterous larve is known to be selected only
after repeated tastings and rejections of such portions of their food-
plant as they traverse, and a final acceptance of that most agreeable to
them. By a process like this the Orgyia may have made the discovery,
that just at the commencement of the new growth, as the result of the
seasonal conditions above mentioned, there was concentrated in the
tender bark nutriment far more acceptable to it than that offered in the
leaves, upon which alone it had hitherto been accustomed to feed. As
the bark hardened with the advancing season, it would cease to be
desirable for food.

During my absence from the city for most of the months of July and
August, the following observations upon the falling tips and the Orgyia
were made, at my request, by Mr. W. W. Hill:

July 6. Tips of four to six leaves falling, larvae —some spinning.

July 10. Many larve spinning — a female moth ovipositing.

July 11. A few tips observed.

July 12 and 13. Tips falling fast after a heavy rain— moths ovi-
positing.

July 14-21. Tips falling — male and female moths observed.

July 22-31. Larve, cocoons and moths — many tips falling.

Aug. 1. Larvee, cocoons and tips observed.

Aug. 2-11. Tips falling, but no larve or moths seen.

Aug. 18. Tips still falling.

On my return to Albany for a few days, on the 21st of July,
most of the tips then falling and many of those upon the ground
presented a new feature. The breaking, instead of being at the base
of the girdling, just above the commencement of the new growth, was,
in these, at the preceding node, covering the growth of the former year,
as represented in Fig. 12. Asarule, the twigs showed a greater diameter
at their decorticated portion, compared with those of the earlier fall, and
the leaves attached to them had been all more or less eaten by the Or-
gyia. Their greater strength had permitted them to remain longer upon
the tree, and until the death of the preceding internode, which soon fol-
lowed the arrest of the circulation— its starvation ensuing —it being
unprovided with leaves through which a circulation could still be main-
tained. When dead,a slight movement of the branch by the wind, or
even the weight of the terminal leaves would be sufficient to disconnect
it at its lower and weaker node. In a few instances, as shown in Fig.
13, where the girdling had been at a little distance above the node mark-
ing the commencement of the present year’s growth, the separation had
been at this point, while others separated in this manner, instead of the

.

Fig ‘2.

sagas, < |
.

ye
3
*
x‘
’

ory
eth
¢
te

ma
x.

—

ee
2

agers:
,
al

THE CABBAGE PLUSIA. 89

narrow girdling band, had had the bark irregularly removed for the ex-
tent of an inch or more, as in Fig. 14. All of these later falling twigs
showed the interval that had elapsed between the injury and the fall, in
that the roughened edges of the bark left by the gnawing had healed
over with the peculiar roughened and rounded enlargement following
the deposit of the reparative material under such conditions. Some of
the twigs gathered gave excellent illustration of the ascent of the sap
through the outer wood, and its return, after assimilation in the leaves,
through the inner bark. In one instance, where the leaves were un-
usually large, the descending sap, arrested at the girdled point, had
built up structure in the tip untilits diameter was more than double that
of the starved internode below, while the immediate point of the arrest
was quite enlarged from the material there deposited, as shown in Fig. 15.

This peculiar attack did not extend to the other principal food-plants
of the Orgyia, as the horse-chestnut, maple, apple and plum, nor would
it be expected to occur in connection with growth and structure so dif-
erent from that of the elm.

The same attack upon the elms, and to about the same extent, was
noticed by me in Troy, N. Y., six miles north of Albany. It has not
been reported elsewhere, although it probably extended to other locali-
ties where the Orgyia abounded under similar climatic conditions. It
was not observed in the city of New York, although the caterpillar was
very abundant there, and through its excessive ravages, attracted great
attention, as has been already referred to.

Plusia brassice Riley.
The Cabbage Plusia.

(Ord. LeprpopTERA : Fam. NoctTutp#.)

Rivey: 2d Rept. Ins. Mo., 1870, pp. 110-112, f. 81 (orig. descr. and notice); American
Entomol., iii, 1880, p. 200 (cannibalistic habits); Ind.-Suppl. Mo. Repts.,
1881, pp. 77-8 (deser.); in Papilio, i, 1881, p. 106 (differences from P,
ni); id., ii, 1882, p. 48 ; in Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1883, pp. 119-122,
pl. 1, figs. 2, 2a, pl. 11, f. 2 (habits, nat. hist., remedies, etc.).

Tuomas: 7th Rept. Ins. Ill., 1878, p. 229 (habits and deser,); 9th Rept. do., 1880,
p. 40; 10th Rept. do., 1881 (figs. from Riley, brief descr. of larva).

GROTE: in Bull. Buff. Soc. Nat. Sci., i, 1878, p. 147 (as P. ni); id., ii, 1875, p.
30 (catalogued as P. ni); in Canad. Entomol., vii, 1875, p. 205 (as P.
brassice); in Papilio, i, 1881, p 127 (may be P. ni).

BETHUNE: in Rept. Ent. Soc. Ont. for 1871, p. 5, f. 98, 1872 (from Riley).

PACKARD : in Hayden’s 9th Rept. U. 8.. Geolog.-Geograph. Sury. Terr., 1871, p.
752, figs. a, b, c (from Riley).

12

go SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

SPEYER : in Stett. Entomolog. Zeit. for 1875, pp. 165, 166 (compared with P. ni).

LINTNER : in Colvin’s 7th Rept. Surv. Adiron. Reg. N. Y., 1880, p. 399 (as P. ni,
visiting flowers in I1].); in Count, Gent., xlvi, 1881, p. 711 (general notice);
ist Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1882, pp. 65, 156 (remedy and parasite).

HowarD: in Bull. No. 3, Div. of Entomol.— Dept. Agricul., 1883, p. 20 (effects of
pyrethrum on larve).

The increasing destructiveness of this insect within the past few years
has brought it prominently into notice, and in response to the many re-
quests made for information in regard to it, its natural history has been
ascertained and published, together with the means by which the exces-
sive injuries from it, threatened, may be largely averted.

Examples of the larvae, pupe and the moths were received from
Dover, N. J., during the latter part of October, with the statement that
they had been for some time past, and still continued to be, very de-
structive to cabbages and Swede turnips, defying the remedies with
which the larvzee of the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rape, had been suc-
cessfully combatted. The moths had been observed depositing eggs
upon the cabbage soon after sunset. It was desired to know if they
were an old or a new enemy, and if it was probable that they would
continue to be formidable, or were they developed in their present num-
bers by the recent heat and drouth.

Description.

Larva.— The caterpillar, shown at @ in Fig. 15, is of a pale-green
color, delicately lined in white, with some small white spots, each
of which bears a short hair, usually blackish. The head is small,
flattened and shining. The body is slender, deeply constricted
at the joints, gradually increasing in size from the head to the
eleventh segment, where it
is rapidly contracted and
slopes abruptly to the pair
of contiguous anal prolegs:
besides these, there are two
other pairs of prolegs, and
the three pairs of true legs.
Its length at maturity is
nearly one inch and a quar-
ter.

The method of walking
of these caterpillars is rather
unusual among the Woctat-
dw, in that they loop the

Fig. 15.—The Cabbage Plusia, PLuSIA BRASSIC#: a, the larva;
b, the pupa within the cocoon; c, the male moth. body after the manner of

—_— —— -«—-- --”

THE CABBAGE PLUSIA : FOOD-PLANTS. oI

(4 ’

the ‘‘measuring worms ” or “ geometers” of the Geometrid@, as repre-
sented in the figure; but unlike most of the geometers, they are tapering,
and not cylindrical throughout. ‘This motion is the consequence of
their being unprovided with prolegs on the sixth and seventh segments
— having only three pairs of abdominal legs instead of the usual num-
ber’ of ‘five: !«,

Pupa and motn.— The chrysalids or pup into which the larvee
transform are contained within loosely-spun silken cocoons, permitting
the pupz to be seen through the threads, as shown at 0. Several of
the larvee received were spinning their cocoons October 25th, while
others were apparently but about half-grown. The pupz are of a light
yellowish or green color, with a projection on the central portion of the
lower side, indicating the unusually long proboscis of the moth, for
which provision is made in its extended case.

The front wings of the moth are dark grey, almost brown ; the indis-
tinct transverse lines are pale yellowish ; the more conspicuous mark-
ings are two small silvery spots near the center of the wing, either
united or close together, of which the outer one is oval and the inner
U-shaped. The hind wings are smoky outwardly, and yellowish toward
the base. The expanse of wings is about one inch and a half.

The male moth shows a peculiar feature in two tufts of fawn-colored
hairs, which spring from the sides of the abdomen behind the middle,
and meeting on the back. In the figure of the moth, at ¢, this feature
has been given unusual prominence, in comparison with the examples
seen by me.

For the detailed description of the moth, which might be required
for its separation from some closely resembling species, when captured
elsewhere than in connection with its larva or general food-plant, refer-
ence may be made to its original description in the 2d Missouri Report,
pages II1I-12.

Food-Plants.

The insect has become a well-known cabbage pest, and its specific
name indicates its favorite food-plant, upon which it usually occurs, but
it is far from being confined to the cabbage. Its list of food-plants is
being continually extended as the result of further observations, and
already it embraces kale, turnip, tomato, lettuce, celery, mignonette
(Reseda), dandelion (Taraxacum), dock (Rumex), Crepis, Chenopo-
dium, clover (Trifolium), German ivy (Senecio scandens), Japan quince
(Cydonia japonica).* It seems to have developed a particular fondness

*Riley: Mept. Comm. Agricul. for 1883, p. 119.

Q2 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

for celery , as it is reported as having nearly destroyed a celery patch
near Bladensburg, Md.

Distribution and Injuries.

The species occurs in most of the Middle, Southern and Western
States, from New York along the Atlantic States, the Gulf States, and the
Mississippi valley States to Missouri and Illinois. In the Southern
States its injuries to cabbages are quite severe. Its depredations are
seldom serious in the Middle States, except in times of drouth and con-
tinued hot weather, which seem almost essential to its presence. It has
never, to my knowledge, occurred in New York in numbers capable of
inflicting much harm, and indeed the moth is regarded asa rarity by
our collectors. Within the last five years several of the moths have
been captured near Albany, and it is not improbable that the species,
as in the case of the harlequin cabbage-bug, Murgantia histrionica,
may be gradually working its way northward and adding to its perma-
nently occupied territory. It does not yet appear in careful lists of
Lepidoptera occurring in the State of Maine. It has been recognized
among collections made in California.*

Its Resemblance to an European Species,

It approaches so nearly to an European species, Plusta nt Hiibn.,
that its specific difference has been questioned and given occasion to con-
siderable discussion among some of our writers. But as Dr. Speyer, a
distinguished Prussian entomologist, whose studies of the allied forms
of Lepidoptera in Europe and America have been so critical and just
as to have been generally accepted, has carefully compared the two,
and believes them to be distinct forms, they are so received, at present,
by our leading entomologists.

Number of Broods.,

In its more northern extension there are two annual broods, for, from
larvee taken in August, after about two weeks of pupation, Dr. Thomas
has had the moths emerge on the rst of September, which deposited
their eggs fora second brood in October. In the Southern States
there are probably four broods, for Mr. Grote took examples of the
moth in Alabama, during the last of February. Some of the European
Plusias are recorded as having three broods a year, although most of
them are believed to be single-brooded.

*It is reported as appearing, in 1884, in Ramsey and Hennepin counties, in Minnesota,
and proving almost as injurious to cabbages as the white cabbage butterfly Pieris rapa
(O. W. Oestlund).

THE CABBAGE PLUSIA: HABITS AND’ REMEDIES. 93

Cannibalistic Habits.

An instance has been given by a correspondent of the American
Entomologist, where this species manifested a cannibalistic propensity.
Two of the caterpillars having been inclosed in a box with two of those
of the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rape, and three of another cabbage
pest, Pionea rimosalis, upon opening the box three days thereafter, it
was found that the Plusias had killed and eaten all the others. Should
this love for its kind develop into a habit as strong as that existing in
the corn-worm, Heliothis armiger (see First Report, pages 119-120), it
might become serviceable in reducing the number of its associate dep-
redators on the cabbage.

+

Remedies.

When not extraordinarily abundant, this insect may be kept in check
by a moderate amount of labor expended in hand-picking; for as
the caterpillars usually rest with their body looped in 4-shape, they
are conspicuous objects, and may be readily discovered and gathered.
They may also be destroyed by sprinkling the plants with hot water, of
a temperature not exceeding 150° Fahr., if applied through the nozzle
of acommon sprinkler; but if distributed in the finer spray of the rose
of a force-pump, a temperature as high as 170° should not injure the
leaves. But probably the best application, the easiest and the most sat-
isfactory, would be that of pyrethrum. A tablespoonful of good fresh
powder, diffused through two gallons of water and sprinkled over the
plants, would destroy the larvae— the more quickly if employed while
they are still immature.

A preventive measure that would amply repay the effort would be to
capture the moths when they are abundant, in a net, as they hover
about the plants at dusk in readiness for the deposit of their eggs.
That they are so abundant at times as to be easily captured in this man-
ner is evident from the statement made by a gentleman from the Dis-
trict of Columbia, in commending this method, that in a long-continued
drouth “‘ the moths came in swarms, and afterward come the worms.”
Catching the moths in their peculhar flight could easily be made a pleas-
ant pastime for the children of a family, while it might serve the addi-
tional purpose of leading them to the fascinating study of the habits of
the insect world. So simple a thing as an insect net, might thus, under
proper direction, become one of the most important of household im-
plements.

94 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST,

Plusia dyaus Grote.

(Ord. LepipopTEeRA: Fam, Noctrurip#&.)

GROTE: in Canadian Entomologist, viii, 1875, pp. 203-4.

Several of the caterpillars of this beautiful moth were received in the
month of February, from Dr. R. H. Sabin, of West Troy, N. Y. They
had been taken from his conservatory, where they had been proving
quite destructive to a number of the plants. They had first been dis-
covered upon a heliotrope which was nearly destroyed before the attack
was noticed. They were picked off by hand and killed, as they were of
large size — about an inch in length —and readily found, both by the
eaten Jeaves and the masses of excremental matter adhering to the

foliage below them. Subsequently others were discovered, feeding
quite as greedily upon different species of Geraniwm, brookmansia,
easter-plant (Hupatorium ageretoides), stevia, etc. ‘They seemed espe-
cially fond of the Wandering Jew (7Zvradescantia), the succulent leaves
of which were rapidly consumed with evident relish.

The insect had never before been observed by Dr. Sabin, nor, indeed,
any such formidable mid-winter attack in his conservatory — the season
in which we naturally expect to enjoy immunity from insect ravages.

The Caterpillar.

The caterpillars were innocent-looking creatures, with their small
head and attenuated form, in their pale-green garb, delicate white lin-
ings and transparent skin, through which the pulsation of the dorsal ves-
sel (the heart) was plainly to be seen. ‘Their peculiar looping move-
ment in walking is like that of Plusia brassica, as all the species of the
genus Plusia are provided only with six pairs of legs in lieu of the nor-
mal number among the Noctuide, of eight.

As the caterpillar has not been described, the following detailed de-
scription of it is given :

Length at maturity, from 1.3 to 1.5 of an inch; regularly increasing
in size from the head to the penultimate segment. The head is round,
flattened in front, and of ashining apple-green color ; the mandibles
are black-tipped; the labium pearly white; the clypeus transparent,
disclosing internal organs; the ocelli are black. A few hairs are observ-
able upon the sides of the head which are nearly as long as its diameter.
The breadth of the head is about one-fourth that of the eleventh (the
broadest) segment, and nearly equal to that of the first.

The body is clear apple-green in color upon the sides and beneath,

PLUSIA DYAUS: TRANSFORMATIONS. 95

and whitish-green over the back. The dorsal vessel is apple-green
with its borders well-defined by white lines, contracted at the incisures
and considerably enlarged centrally upon each segment. Below the
dorsal vessel is a whitish shading, inclosing the anterior of the trape-
zoidal spots, and extending nearly to a pale whitish-green subdorsal line
which is angulated on each segment beneath the posterior trapezoidal
spot; there are also two lateral similar colored lines above the spiracles,
the lower of which runs nearly straight, while the upper one is quite
toothed or crinkled. The spiracles are of a pale orange color. Each
of the usual piliferous spots bears a pale-colored hair of the average
length of one-fourth the diameter of the body. In addition to these,
there are a number of corneous yellowish dots scattered, or grouped in
short rows, upon the sides. The body slopes abruptly from the crown
of the eleventh (penultimate) segment to the anal pair of prolegs. The
legs are long, watery-green, and transparent; the prolegs are dull green
with their plantz tinged with red.

In one of the examples, the slightly elevated piliferous spot above
the spiracle on each segment, is black, as are also allof the like spots on
the head, of which there are four conspicuous ones arranged in a rhom-
boid. All of the setiferous spots of the first segment are also black, as
are the two dorsal ones on segments two and three; those on segment
eleven are annulated with black.

The caterpillar is a rapid and seemingly a greedy eater, and is not
easily disturbed when feeding. Its large excremental pellets are dis-
tributed over the leaves to which they adhere. At times it assumes the
favorite position of many of the Geometridew when at rest. Sustaining
itself with its prolegs, it elongates the detached portion of its body and
extends it at a considerable angle with the leaf or stem — the three pairs
of true legs scarcely visible from being folded upon one another and
upon the body and directed forward in range with the head similarly
projected.

Transformations.

The larve were brought to me on February roth, when they were
nearly full grown. They were fed upon the leaves of the Wandering
Jew. Two of the number spun up in slight cocoons made of fine
threads within the leaves on the 13th. ‘he cocoons were of so slight a
texture as hardly to deserve the name when compared with some of the
architectural marvels which many species of caterpillars construct for
shelter and protection during their long months of pupation — firm as
parchment, double-walled to exclude wet and to regulate temperature,
with an accurately adjusted lid in some cases for the escape of the inclosed
insect, and with other wonderful contrivances for, and adaptations to, spe-

96 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

cial purposes. It consisted only of a few loose silken threads for support
and a thin sheet for covering, thrown across and within the upturned
edges of a leaf of their food-plant. Through this thin webbing the
caterpillar could be seen for two days after the spinning, when, by
gradual contraction and finally throwing off the caterpillar skin, it
assumed the pupal form. The pupa could be watched day by day grow-
ing darker in color as the insect within was taking form and substance,
until twenty days had passed, when the beautiful moths, one after
another, emerged.

Beauty of the Plusia Moths.

Guenée, in his Histoire Naturelles des Insectes, thus discourses upon
the beauty of these moths:

The perfect insects are, without exception, most beautiful. Some of
them claim our admiration from their satiny plates in bronze or reddish-
brown, of which the most conspicuous precedes the terminal border, and
reaches, in gradual contraction, the median space behind the basilar line.
But the larger number, in addition to these plates which occur with
almost all, bear a particular ornament. This ornament consists in one
or two spots placed beneath the cell, peculiar to this genus and not answer-
ing to any of the three ordinary spots. These spots are colored with a
matter which imitates polished gold or silver in color and brilliancy.
They are slightly raised upon their borders as if some drops of these
rich colors had fallen upon the wing and become depressed in the mid-
dle in drying. But, like all the rest of the wing, they are composed of
imbricated scales, of which the exterior ones form a hem in rounded out-
line, instead of being transversely disposed as are all the other scales of
the wing, even those which form the metallic portions often as brilliant
as are these particular spots.

But it is not only by their brilliancy that these spots are remarkable ;
it is also by their form, which is not less essential, and which serves us
potently in distinguishing the species. Sometimes they are but simple
rounded plates, sometimes two contiguous points; more frequently the
posterior one has the form of an oval point, while the anterior is shaped
like a hook more or less open, resembling a U or a Y, or yet an interro-
gation point wanting its dot beneath. Finally, the two spots are bound
together, and then the posterior sign takes the form of a tear or a drop»
and the entire figure represents a gamma or a lambda reversed. Both
of these and other names of letters and characters have been called in
requisition for designating the species of the genus Plusia, although
these alphabetic signs are not always very striking. (octwélites, ii
Dp: 325-6.)

ee eS

PLUSIA DYAUS AND THE CURRANT AMPHIDASYS, 97

The Species Doubtfully Named.

I have referred this moth, for the present, to Plusia dyaus, in defer-
ence to the determination made of it by Mr. Grote, although probably
done without comparison with his type or other examples. The differ-
ences observable in the specimens in my possession, when compared
with a single example of P. dyaus (not in perfect condition, it should be
stated) have led me to doubt the correctness of the determination.

In that species, the inner silver spot is subrectangular, tending to
form the three sides of a square, while in this it is distinctly rounded
where it connects with (or almost touches in one example) the outer
tear-shaped character; the two together having much the appearance
seen in Plusia ow and Plusia precationis. The inner transverse line is
more nearly straight in this in its course from the inner margin; and
there are other differences that need not now be indicated,

Mr. J. B. Smith, whose careful studies have made him our accepted
authority upon the Noetucd@, to whom I have submitted an example of
the moth with the request that he would pronounce upon it, has returned
answer that it is not P. dyaus and that he cannot satisfactorily identify
it with any species ; but, in consideration of the differences in the de-
terminations of the Plusias in different collections, he would not like to
pronounce definitely upon it until after study of the types of all the
doubtful forms.

If, upon further study, the present form proves to be new to science,
I would propose for it the name of Plusia culta.

Amphidasys cognataria Guenée.
The Currant Amphidasys.

(Ord. Leprpoprera : Fam. Gromerrip&®.)

GUENEE: Hist. Nat., Ins.-Lep., ix, 1857, p. 208, No. 312.

Waker: List Lep. Heteroc. Brit Mus., 1860, xxi, p. 307.

PacKARD: Guide Stud. Ins., 1869, p. 322 (brief notice); Mon, Geomet. Moths,
1876, p. 413, pl. 11, £. 4 (of moth).

Bow.ss: in Canad. Entomol., iii, 1871, p. 11 (descrip. of stages).

SAUNDERS: in Rept. Ent. Soc. Can, for 1871, p. 38; Ins. Inj. Fruits, 1883, p. 349-
50, f. 863 (of moth).

LINTNER: in 26th Rept. N. Y. St. Mus. Nat. Hist., p. 166 (larva descr.); in Count.
Gent., xlvii, 1882, p. 785 (on apple tree),

13

98 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. ©

The popular name given to this insect of the “Currant Amphidasys ”
is in consideration of its having been found to be more destructive to the
currant than to other of the food-plants upon which it occurs. On one
occasion a small black currant bush was observed as presenting a pe-
culiar appearance, as if only the bare stalks of the leaves were remain-
ing upon the branches. On closer examination the supposed stalks
proved to be the bodies of caterpillars of this species, resting in their
customary manner, clinging to the branches with their anal legs,
and holding their bodies extended (Bowles, loc cit.). Twenty-four of
the caterpillars were collected from the one bush.

This species, as appears above, belongs to the family of Geometride,
so called from the peculiar gait that the larva have in walking. The
larger number have but ten legs (a few have twelve or fourteen) instead
of the ordinary number belonging to caterpillars, viz., sixteen; of these,
the three pairs of the front segments of the body are placed closely together
and the two hinder pairs quite at the other extremity. At rest they clasp
the twig upon which they are placed, with the two terminal pairs of
prolegs, extending the body rigidly outward at an acute angle with the
twig, with the front legs folded so closely together and against the head as
not to be visible. In this attitude they are scarcely to be recognized as
living objects. Their obscure colors and some rugosities of surface
make them resemble closely a piece of dried twig, for which they are
often mistaken. In walking, the head is brought downward, and the
branch is seized by the front legs. The body is then arched upward in a
loop like the Greek letter Omega, and the hinder legs brought close to the
front ones. The front legs are again thrust forward as far as possible
for another grasp, and thus successive spaces are measured off, which
are frequently about one inch in length; and from this the name of
“inch worms” has been given to them, in adaition to “ Geometers ’’ and
“Joopers.””

The Caterpillar.

The insect has not, up to the present, I believe been figured in its larval
stage, and we therefore take pleasure in presenting a figure of it drawn
by Miss Emily L. Morton, of Newburg, N. Y. It is represented as feed-
ing upon the honey-locust, Robinia pseudacacia, which in that locality
seemed to be its favorite food-plant.

From two of the larve, obtained by me in September, nearly full-
grown, the following description is taken :

Length 1.6 inch; greatest diameter toward terminal segments, 0.2
inch, gradually tapering thence anteriorly. Head, dull yellowish, sub-
quadrate, but excavated above into two horn-like protuberances (with
reddish-brown granulations) which are brown posteriorly. Body, dull

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRANT AMPHIDASYS. 99

Fic, 16.— Larva of the Currant Amphidasys, AMPHIDASYS COGNATARIA.

brown with a greenish tinge, somewhat bluish laterally and on the last
segment. On segments three to seven, a subdorsal white spot on the
anterior of each. Collar, along its front edge, with a line of reddish-
brown granulations, ending each side in a brown tubercle. On eighth
segment, two subdorsal pyriform yellowish tubercles, bearing nunieftous
dark-brown granulations, and on the eleventh segment, two similar more
yellowish ones, more approximate and less elevated and with fewer
granulations; back of these on the terminal segment, the granulations
are whitish. Prolegs upon the ninth and last (twelfth) segment only;
the latter pair spread laterally in walking, are bordered behind with short
whitish spines, and their extreme hinder portion beneath the anal shield,
bears two fleshy horns which come together when moving like a forceps,
almost serving as an additional pair of prolegs. Beneath, on segments
five, six and seven, each, a yellowish wart, of which the middle one is

100 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

the largest. The stigmata or breathing-pores are broadly oval, and
bordered with red. A magnifier shows a short blackish hair upon each
of the ordinary piliferous spots. The legs are reddish.

The Moth.

The moth is quite unhke the usual slender-bodied and broad-winged
Geometride, having a short and stout abdomen, in which, together with
its proportionate spread of wings and their general shape, it strongly
resembles many of the Bombycide. Indeed until its structural char-
acters are studied, it seems quite out of place in an arranged collection
of the Geometride.

Fig. 17, taken from Saunders’ Insects Injurious to Fruits, gives good

% representation of the insect. The
body and the thorax are gray, the
latter with a white collar. The
wings are gray, dotted, streaked and
lined with black. Two black lines
bound the central portion of the

Fia. 17.—The Currant Amphidasys, AMPrHIMAsys wings, the outer one of which is
COGNATARIA Guende. strongly two-toothed on the primar-
ies, and one-toothed on the secondaries. Between these lines, the
ground is white sprinkled with black, and traversed centrally by a two-
lobed shade on the primaries. The antennz are broadly pectinated in
the male; the abdomen short and quite stout in the female. Expanse
of wings, two inches.

Life-History.

There are two annual broods of this insect. From larvz collected in
August, I have obtained the imago in the following May. From larve
taken by Miss Morton on the 28th of June, nearly full-grown, and which
entered the ground for pupation on the roth and 12th of July, the moths
were produced from the 12th tothe 22d of August. The last of these at-
tracted several males during the night following:its appearance, and de-
posited a large number of eggs on the succeeding night. The larve from
the eggs were fed upon the honey locust, but being only about one-
third grown when the leaves fell, they were not matured. They doubt-
less died from starvation and exposure in the bag in which they were
confined upon a locust, where mo suitable shelter could be had, for they
were observed traveling about within the bag durmg all the warmer days
of October and November.

Other larvae taken by Miss Morton during the summer of 1882, bur-
ied themselves in the ground, from the 16th to the zoth of September,
but failed to produce the perfect insect.

AMPHIDASYS COGNATARIA: FOOD-PLANTS, REMEDIES, ETC. IOI

Food-Plants.

In addition to the currant and honey locust and maple above noticed,
Dr. Packard records as food-plants of the larva, gooseberry, the Mis-
souri currant [/tibes aurewm], and the red Spirae (Guide to the Study
of Insects, 1869, p. 322). Miss Morton has also collected it occa-
sionally from horse-chestnut. Mr. William Saunders thinks that it feeds
on pine, having captured the moth several times about pine wood, and
being also of the impression that he has bred it from the pine (Rept. L’nto-
molog. Soc. of Ontario, for 1871, p. 39). In the 23d Lept.of N.Y.
State Cabinet of Natural History, p.195, 1 have recorded taking it upon
plum. It has also been sent to me from Wisconsin, as quite injurious
to apple-trees, which the caterpillars were represented as killing. That
they could have caused the death of the trees upon which they fed, is
not at all probable. The belief was doubtless of hasty observation.
The gentleman sending them, stated; “ Every branch having them on,
died. My theory is that they suck the sap from the branch. They did
not eat the leaves or branch.”” After the habit of many of these geo-
metrid larvz, the caterpillars in the above instance, having satisfied their
appetites, had probably left their feeding-ground and traveled to some
dead limb where they might elude observation, through their wonderful
mimicry of a dead twig. In this position it was perhaps but natural
that the inference was drawn that they were the cause of the death of
the branch upon which they were found.

Distribution.

This species has broad distribution throughout the northern and
western States. It occurs from Maine, throughout the New England
States into New York, Pennsylvania, into Ohio (Dayton), Wisconsin
(Hoy), and Kansas (Snow). In the Dominion of Canada, it is reported
from Quebec and from London.

Remedies,

Many of the caterpillars of this family can be made to drop from the
branches upon which they are feeding and hang suspended by their
thread, by means of a sudden jar upon the limb, when they can be swept
off by a stick and crushed. This species will not often be found
in such numbers as to be capable of inflicting serious harm. When it
does so, if too numerous for hand-picking, it can be destroyed by spray-
ing the foliage with a kerosene emulsion.

102 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.
Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier).
The Angoumors Moth.

(Ord. LeprpopTeRA: Fam. TInerp#.)

RfAuMUR: Mem. Hist. Nat. Ins., 1786, ii, pl. 39, figs. 18, 19; Mem.
Acad. Sci. Paris, 1761.

Alucita cerealella OLIVIER: Encye. Method.— Hist. Nat. Ins., iv, 1789, p. 121.

Geophora granella LATREILLE: in Cuvier’s Régne Animal, 2d ed., 1829.

Alucita cerealella. HERRICK: in Rept. Commis. Pat.-—Agricul., for 1844, p. 166.

% ? JUDAH: in Indiana Farmer and Gardener, for Oct. 4, 1845.

? RUFFIN: in Farmers’ Register, for Nov., 1833 (cited by Harris);
in American Agriculturist, for Feb. and March, 1847, vi, pp. 52, 93.

Anacampsis cerealella. OWEN: in Cultivator, N.8., iii, for July and Nov., 1346, pp.
208-212, 344-345 and figures (specific characters, Injuries, remedies, etc)

Anacampsis cerealella. GLOVER: in Rept. Comm. Pat.—Agricul., for 1854, pp. 67-69.

Anacampsis cerealella. Frrcu: in Cultivator, N.8., iv, 1847, pp. 13, 14.

? Ypsolophus granellus. KrRBY-SPENCE: Introduc. Entomol., 6th ed., 1846, p. 129-

Butalis cerealella. Emmons: Agricul. of N. Y., 1854, v, pp. 254-8 (deser., habits,

sai

remedy).

Butalis cerealella. Cownu: Encyc. d’Hist. Nat. — Noct., 1859, pp. 274-5 (general
notice).

Gelechia cerealella. STAINTON: Manual Brit. Moths and Butt., ii, 1859, p. 3846
(mention).

Gelechia cerealella. CLEMENS: in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., for May, 1860, p-.
158 (description); Id., in Stainton’s Tineina N. A., 1872, p. 112.

Butalis cerealella. Frrcw: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc., for 1861, xxi, p. 813;
Tth Rept. (of 6th-9th Repts.) Ins. N. Y., 1865, pp. 129-133, pl. 1, fig. 2
(extended general account).

Butalis cerealella. Harris: Treat. Ins. N. Eng., 1852, pp. 392-402; Treat. Ins.
Inj. Veg., 1862, pp. 499-510 (general account); Entomol. Corr., 1869, p-
169 (generic discussion).

Sitotraga cerealella HEINEMANN: Schmett. Deutsch. Schweiz., 1870, Band 2,
Heft. 1, p. 287.

Butalis cerealella. BETHUNE: in Rept. Ent. Soc. Ont., for 1871, p. 61 (brief notice).

Gelechia cerealella. FRENCH: in Thomas’ ith Rept. Ins. Ill., 1878, p. 266 (brief
mention).

Butalis cerealella. SAUNDERS: in Rept. Ent. Soc. Ont., for 1881, p. 5 (brief
mention).
Gelechia cerealella. WEBSTER: in 12th Rept. Ins. Ill., 1883, pp. 144-154 (history,

parasites, enemies, etc.).

Gelechia cereallella. RiLRY: in Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1884, pp. 345, 350, pl.
6, figs. 2, 3.

From Mr. E, H. Ladd, of the New York Agricultural Experiment
Station, at Geneva, Ontario county, the following communication was
received, under the date of October 27, 1884 :

I send you a half ear of “forty days early ” corn containing the larve
and pupe of a moth from which the moths are now escaping in the

THE ANGOUMOIS MOTH: ITS OPERATIONS. 103

Museum. Last night these moths came forth from the specimen sent
you. Dr. Sturtevant informs me that it has been present the past two
Seasons at the station. As the specimen of corn
sent you shows, should the insect continue to in-
crease it must do an immense amount of damage
to the corn of this section in future years. Will
you please give me the name of the moth, and
something of its natural history; also in what
works are to be found the fullest accounts of it.

The insect was the Angoumois moth —so
named from the canton in France, where its
excessive ravages, over a century ago first brought
it into general notice. It has long been known
as an injurious grain insect in the southern and
central portions of the United States, but fortu-
nately it has not proved very destructive in the
State of New York or in New England. Origin-
ally described by Olivier, in 1789, as Alucita
cerealella, it has been noticed by several of our
entomological writers, in later years, under the
name of Butalis cerealella, and still later, as
Gelechia cercalella. This latter genus of the 7%-
neide having been made the receptacle of a large
amount of incongruous material,-more careful
study is withdrawing from it wrongly referred
species, and for the Angoumois moth, Heinemann,
in his Schmetterlinge Deutsch.-Schweiz., in 1870,
established the genus of Sitotroga. This genus
appears to be accepted by our authorities in the
Tineide.

Three of the moths were in the box received
from Geneva, when opened, and others continued
to emerge on following days. The piece of corn,
about two inches long, contained eight rows, in
which were ninety-six kernels. Of these, sixty-four
(sixty-six per cent) contained cells of the insect,
as shown by the round smoothly-cut opening of
a size less than the head of an ordinary pin,
through which the moth had emerged, or by the
thin, nearly transparent hull of the kernel cover-
oh ee ing the cell. Only nine of the cells were open,
eS ee showing that the occupants had barely com-
menced to emerge. The pupa-cases were left within the cell where

104 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

with a magnifier their brown anterior end could be seen. Upon cutting
into the kernels, the pupz were found incased in a delicate silken co-_
coon, held firmly in place by a packing of the large and yellow pellets
of the excrementa which filled the cavity made by the larva. The
cavity occupies about one-half of the transverse diameter of the kernel
and its entire longitudinal diameter, embracing the germinal portion,
beyond which was a mass of the excrementa adhering to the cob. In’
no instance had a kernel been occupied by more than a single larva,
although the amount of food would have sufficed for two or more.
Dr. Harris, in his account of the depredations of this insect upon
corn, mentions ears in which every kernel had been perforated, with
many of the kernels having three or four holes in each ; but these were
infested ears that had been tied up tightly in paper, and were opened
after the lapse of a year, during which time successive broods had been
developed and were compelled to utilize all of the available food. An
ear infested to this extent, and presumably from a similar cause, is shown
in Fig. 18, from Prof. Riley’s Departmental Report for the year 1884.
It being important to know whether this attack was made upon the
corn in the field, or after placing it in the Museum of the Experiment
Station, examination was made by Mr. Ladd after learning the different
conditions under which it might occur, to determine this point. He sub-
sequently wrote: ‘From careful examination of the field corn, I have
been unable to find a single instance of its occurrence until brought to
the Museum, and I now think that the whole round of life, in this in-
stance, is within the Museum.”’ This conclusion is confirmed by the
fact that from other ears of corn sent late in October, moths continued

to emerge until into December, which would not have resulted from a
field attack.

History of the Insect.

The ravages of this insect seem to have been noticed in the United
States about the year 1730, when wheat was attacked by it in North
Carolina. At about the same time, and probably at an earlier period,
it attracted attention in France, for in 1736, the distinguished French
naturalist, Réaumur, gave an account of it illustrated with figures, but
did not give it a scientific name. Its ravages continued to increase
until in the year 1760, they had become so extensive, that the attention
of the government was drawn to it. At that time “ the insect was found
to swarm in all the wheat-fields and granaries of Angoumois and of the
neighboring provinces, and the afflicted inhabitants were thereby de-
prived not only of their principal staple, wherewith they were wont to
pay their annual rents, taxes, and tithes, but were threatened with famine

DESCRIPTION OF THE ANGOUMOIS MOTH. 105

and pestilence from the want of wholesome bread.’”* Two members of
the Academy of Science of Paris were appointed as Commissioners to
visit the province of Angoumois, and investigate the insect. They did
so, and their report was published in the Memoirs of the Academy, and
also as a separate volume for more general distribution, under title of
“ Histoire d’un Insecte qui dévore les Grains de l’Angoumois,” Paris,
1762, 12 mo.

In 1768 acommunication upon it was presented to the American
Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, by Colonel Landon Carter, of
Virginia, entitled “Observations concerning the Fly-Weevil that destroys
Wheat.” (Harris.)t

In 1796, the insect was so abundant in North Carolina as to extin-
guish a lighted candle when a granary was entered at night.

In following years it continued to spread, extending itself into sev-
eral of the States, particularly those lying within the “ wheat belt.”
Notices of it were communicated to the agricultural papers and jour-
nals, among which are those of Mr. Edward Ruffin, of Virginia, in 1833
and 1847, of Mr. S. Judah, of Indiana, in 1845, and of Mr. Richard
Owen, of Indiana, in 1846, as referred to by Dr. Harris.

Description of the Moth.

The moth, reared from corn, is 0.60 in. (average of seven examples)
in expanse of wings. The head is smooth, the antenne are nearly as
long as the body, tapering moderately to the tips, each joint being
tipped with black upon the upper side. The palpi are long, curving
backward over the head lke horns, the joints quite distinct, the last
one banded with black near its tip. The body and fore-wings are a
dull yellowish or buff color (coffee-and-milk) and of a satiny lustre, es-
pecially on the under side of the wings. ‘The front wings are long
and narrow, freckled with
black scales, which are
thicker toward the tips,
and forming a line along
the plait of the wings;
the fringe is of a paler
color, long, often trav-
ersed with a black line
near their attachment to

the wing. The hind wings

Fic. Pere i re eee ULL A + @, the aes b, the pee at
the moth; dd, the wings of a paler variety: e. the egg: f, kerne oe
of corn showing the work of the larva; g, labial palpus of the male are blackish, of a leaden
moth; /, anal segment of the pupa — all enlarged except /.

lustre, narrow, very sud-

*Harris; Treat. Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, p. 500.

+Mr. E. C. Herrick, in the Report of the Commissioner of Patents for 1844, p. 75, refers
to a communication upon this species from Colonel Carter, in the Trans. Amer. Philosoph.
Soe., vol. i, 1771; and another by J. Lorain, in Mease’s Archives of Useful Knowledge,
vol. ii, 1812.

14

106 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

denly contracted toa point near their tip; the fringe of the same color,
surrounding the wings, and along the inner margin broader than the
wing itself. Beneath, both pairs of wings are of a leaden color. The
front pair of legs are blackish; the hind legs have two prominent pairs
of spurs, and are fringed with long hairs. In Fig. rg, at ¢, an enlarged
view of the moth is given. The excellent figure is from Prof. Riley’s
Report to the Department of Agriculture, for the year 1884, as is also
the preceding one.

At e, a and 8, in the figure, the egg, larva and pupa are shown. For
description of these stages the writings cited of Dr. Fitch, Mr. Webster
and Prof. Riley may be examined.

Food-Plants.

The most serious injuries of this insect have been to wheat, attacked
both in the field and in granaries. It also occurs in barley, in oats and
in corn. Mr. Glover has seen the moth flying about corn standing in
the field, in November, in Georgia, depositing its eggs in the ears. Ac-
cording to the same writer, it feeds also upon grass-seed (Hutomolog.
Index to Agricul. Reports — Anacampsis, p. 4), although it is difficult
to see how it could do so consistently with its concealed habit of feed-
ing, and in all other cases, so far as known, at once burrowing into
the grain and feeding and transforming therein.

Life-History.

Under natural conditions there are two annual broods of this insect;
but within doors, in stored grain there are more, the number depending
upon the temperature of the apartments.

The moths of the first brood make their appearance in May or June,
according to the latitude and temperature of the season, and seek the
grain upon which to lay their eggs —each moth depositing from sixty
to ninety minute eggs, of a bright orange color. Upon wheat and
similar grains these are usually placed in lots of twenty or more, in a
line or in an oblong mass, in the longitudinal furrow upon the side of
the grain. The eggs hatching in from four to seven days, the larva at
once burrows into it at its most tender portion, and continues to feed
upon the interior, packing its excrementa around it in the cavity made
by its feeding. In about three weeks’ time it is full-grown, when it
measures about one-fifth of an inch in length. It then eats a hole out-
wardly for its escape when transformed into a moth, leaving only a thin
film, circular in outline, of the surface of the kernel to be pushed off at
its final exit. A thin cocoon of white silk is then spun within the
cavity, in which it changes to a pupa. After a short pupation the pupal

ANGOUMOIS MOTH: ITS LIFE HISTORY. 107

case is rent, and the moth emerges, leaving its pupal case within the
cocoon. This is usually in the month of August.

The moths of the first brood soon deposit their eggs for the second
brood. ‘The larve proceeding from these continue in the larval stage
throughout the winter, to pupate the following spring, and to come
abroad as a moth during the months of May or June.

So little has been added to the natural history of this insect since the
observations of the preceding century — not to be wondered at, per-
haps, in consideration of the better opportunities afforded for its study
at that time by its excessive abundance, the distinguished scientists en-
gaged in its investigation, and the government commission under which
the studies were conducted — that the account of these observations as
briefly given by M. Olivier cannot fail of being read with interest. We,
therefore, translate a page (114-115) from the Hncyclopédie Methodique
— Histoire Naturelle — Insectes, iv, 1789:

Réaumur has given us the history of another caterpillar which attacks
grain, which produces a small Alweita that we have named cerealella,
and which should not be confounded with the one of which we have
been speaking [ Alucita granella|. The caterpillar of Alucita cerealella
introduces itself even into the substance of the grain, from which it
does not emerge except in the state of the perfect insect, to spread it-
self into the fields, to couple, and to establish a new posterity upon the
grains, even before they have hardened.

There appear, in the Memoirs of the Royal Academy Of Sciences,
for the year 1761, some observations made in Angoumois by Messrs. du
Hamel and Tillet, on the caterpillars which caused, in 1760, very con-
siderable damage to the grains of that province. It seems, from the
observations of these distinguished academicians, that the insect often
deposits its eggs on the heads of the wheat or the barley before their
perfect maturity ; that the eggs are of a beautiful orange-red color;
that the larva introduces itself into the grain through a small opening
which is found between the beard and the appendages of the sheath ;
that the larva grows insensibly without leaving the grain, which serves
it at the same time for food and lodging; that it changes there to a
chrysalis, and that it does not come forth but in the state of the perfect
INSECT

But these caterpillars attack not only the grain in the head, but also
in the granaries, as Réaumur, du Hamel and Tillet have observed.
When a caterpillar, newly hatched, seeks to pierce a grain of wheat to
occupy it, it commences its operations at the lower end of the groove,
where the outside is still soft, and consequently more easily penetrated;
it spins a slight web which serves to cover it; it pierces the kernel and
penetrates by degrees into the interior. Réaumur has observed that of
the grains they attack more particularly wheat, oats and barley, but
that they prefer the last, and locate there more readily when they have
the choice. The kernels in which these caterpillars are inclosed appear
like the othegs, since the outside has not been eaten, and that the opening
through which the caterpillar entered is imperceptible; but if. different

108 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

kernels be pressed, the distinction can easily be made of those which
have been occupied for some time and those for ashort time. The age
also of the caterpillar within the kernel, up to a certain point, can be
told. If the kernel yield throughout its length under the pressure of
the finger, it contains a caterpillar which has nearly attained its growth,
or the chrysalis of the caterpillar. If at only acertain part of the kernel
it yields to pressure, the caterpillar has not eaten the entire substance,
and it has yet to grow. Another means more sure, and shorter, and the
more readily to know the kernels attacked by these insects or by the
weevil, is to throw in water the wheat or barley: all the eaten kernels
will float.

When the caterpillar is hatched, it is so small that a good lens is
needed to distinguish it ; it is not more than three lines long when ready
for its metamorphosis ; it is smooth and white, its head only is a little
brown; it has sixteen feet, of which the eight intermediary are so small
as to be hardly perceptible; the extremity appears to be bordered with
brown hooks, disposed as a crown.

A kernel of wheat or barley contains just the amount of aliment for
the food and growth of this caterpillar until its transformation. If one
be opened containing a caterpillar ready for its change, only the shell
will be found remaining; all the farinaceous substance has been eaten.
But before changing into chrysalis, this caterpillar has an important
work to do ; it is necessary to provide an outlet which it would not be
able to do when it attains the perfect state. The Aducifa, unprovided
with teeth, would never be able to pierce the outside of the kernel for its
escape. The caterpillar cuts circularly a piece of the surface, so that it
merely holds to the kernel by a portion of its circumference, of which
the extent is hardly equal to the diameter of a hair; it does not, how-
ever, disturb this piece, so that it does not show solong as the chrys-
alis is contained in the kernel; it can hardly be told when the insect
has emerged from it. After this operation, the caterpillar spins in the
interior of the kernel a silken cocoon of a very fine tissue, and changes
into the chrysalis. It should be observed that this cocoon does not oc-
cupy all the excavation in the kernel —the caterpillar setting off a
small space in which it places all of its excrement which it was not able
until then to separate.

Messrs. Hamel and Tillet have observed that these Alucitas are usu-
ally seen in two seasons, in the spring, as soon as the wheat commences
to appear in the head, and these are from the caterpillars that have
passed the winter in the grain; the others appear in the summer, in the
neighborhood of the harvest ; these produce the eggs for the first brood,
of which we have spoken, and give birth to caterpillars which are to
produce the moths of the following year; some of these may appear
during the course of the summer, but the greater part of the number
have exactly this order which, however, is sometimes accelerated or re-
tarded by the different temperatures of the air, One thing worthy of
remark is, that the moths which emerge in the month of May from
grain in the granaries hasten to escape through the windows and to
gain the fields; while those which are disclosed after the harvest show
no inclination to escape, It seems that their instinct informs them that
they will not find at that time, in the fields, that which woufd be needed
for the well-being of their posterity.

ANGOUMOIS MOTH: DISTRIBUTION AND REMEDIES. 10g

Distribution.

In Europe, its greatest depredations have been in France, but it oc-
curs also in several other portions of southern Europe, extending, at
least, northward into Belgium.* Stainton, in his Manual of British
Moths and Butterflies, records it in England —the larva in grains of
barley and wheat, in March and October.

In the United States it probably occurs throughout the entire wheat
region. We find special record of it in Massachusetts, Virginia, North
and South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. It has appar-
ently not extended itself into Canada, for, in 1881, Mr. William Saun-
ders, of London, Ont., stated that it had never, to his knowledge, been
found within the limits of that Province.

Remedies.

When the insect infests stored grains, fumigation in tight vessels with
charcoal gas has been recommended. Probably the best agent for its
destruction is heat, and we accordingly find the mention of this method
by all writers who have considered the means of arresting the ravages
of the pest. In France contrivances sometimes called insect mills, have
been devised for heating infested grain, and stirring it at the time so
that the heat could be uniformly distributed throughout the entire mass.
According to Dr. Harris, exposing the grain in a kiln at a tempera-
ture of 167° Fahr. for twelve hours has sufficed to kill the insect, and
even a very moderate temperature if continued for a length of time —
as 104° for two days. Experiments made by Mr. F. M. Webster, of
Illinois, to ascertain the amount of heat required, gave these results:
‘A temperature of 140° Fahr., continued for nine hours, literally cooks
the larva or pupa. A temperature of 130° Fahr. for five hours is
fatal, as is also 120° for four hours, while 110°, applied for six hours, was
only partially effective.”” It was also found that the highest temperature
above mentioned, and even 10° higher (150°), could be borne by wheat
for eight hours without impairing its germinating properties.{ The dry-
ing-rooms, arranged with steam pipes, used by many of the large grain
dealers of our Western States, would afford every facility for the appli-
cation of the desired degree of heat to infested grain.

Dr. Herpin, who made special study of this insect during the time of
its greatest ravages in France, and who has published largely upon it,

* Catalogue des Lépidoptéres de Belgique, per Ch. Donckier de Donceel, in Annales de la
Société Entomologique de Belgique, xxvi, 1882, pp. 5-161,

+ Canadian Entomologist, October, 1881, xiii, p. 198.

}12th Report on the Insects of Lilinois, 1883, p. 152.

IIo SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

proposed exposing the infested material in close tanks to carbonic acid

or azotic gas.*

Natural Enemies,

Mr. F. M. Webster has bred from the larvee of this moth a hymen-
opterous parasite, which he has named and described as Pferomalus
yelechie (12th Report Insects of Illinois, pp. 151-2). It occurred in
considerable numbers -— often as many as eight or ten of its pupze being
associated with a single larva. It is probably the same parasite that Mr.
R. Owen had discovered in Indiana, in 1846, preying upon these larve,
“some farmers had noticed large numbers among the tailings
of the winnowing machine.” It was figured by Mr. Owen,f+ but not de-
scribed or named. From the figure, Dr. Harris recognized it as belong-
ing to the Chalcidid@, and thought that it might be a species of
Pteromalus (Insects Injurious to Vegelation, p. 509).

of which

Mr. Webster also discovered a mite preying upon the larvee and de-
stroying numbers of them. It proved to be Heleropus ventricosus New-
port (Linn. Soc. Trans., 1850), repre-
sented in Fig..21, after Walker from New-
port. The same species has been found
by M. J. Lichstentein of Montpelier,
France, infesting his breeding cages to
such an extent as to destroy nearly all the
Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidop-
c tera that he attempted to rear. It was

Fig. 21.— Hrreropus ventricosus, a mite described by him as Physogaster larva-
Pies Teuipiduats bc female aictended with #20772;
eggs—both enlarged; c,leg greatly enlarged.
(After Newport. ) For the interesting observations of Mr.
Webster upon the rapid and abnormal development of this mite, and
the vigorous attack made by it upon its prey, the reader is referred to

Prof. Forbes’ 12th Report on the Insects of Illinois, as previously cited.

DIPTEROUS INSECTS.

Bibio albipennis Say.
The White-winged Bibio.

(Ord. Diptera: Fam. Brstonip&.)

Say: in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., iii, 1828, p. 77; Complete Writings, ii,
1859, p. 69.

* Annales de? Agriculture Francaise for 1838.
+ Cultivator, N.S. iii, November, 1846, p. 844,

THE WHITE-WINGED BIBIO: ‘THE FLY DESCRIBED. Tita

Wat.su: in Pract. Entomol., ii, 1867, pp. 45, 83 (habits).
Watsu-RILEY : in Amer. Entomol., i, 1869, p. 227 (habits).
PacKARD: Guide Stud. Ins., 1869, p. 892 (mention).
GLoveR: MS. Notes Journ.— Dipt., 1874, p. 4, pl. 2, f. 7.

The white-winged Bibio, as, in the absence of a more popular designa-
tion, it may be called, is a very com-
‘mon species of fly, often met with

in great numbers in early spring in
our gardens and orchards. Its legs
and body are black — the latter elon-
gated and soft. The wings, as the
specific name implies, are white ;
they are traversed by brown veins,
upon one of which a blackish spot
rests near the front edge. The head
is small in the female, but in the
male it is large, and the contiguous
eyes occupy nearly all of its front,
as shown in Fig. 22. The head,
thorax and abdomen are clothed
"a with a short white down. The legs
of the fly, as well as the head, show

Fic. 22. —~BrBr0 ALBIPENNIs: a, the male fly; b, the ; :
feinale; c, enlargement of the head of the male; d, marked sexual differences, which
’

of the female ; /, front leg of the male; e, hind leg of .
the same ; g, hind leg of the temale. however, have been imperfectly rep-
resented in the figures.

The original description by Mr. Say, of the species, and accompany-

ing remarks are as follows ;

B. albipennis. — Black, wings white, with a fuscous stigma, Inhab-
its Pennsylvania.

Body with cinereous hair; head above with black hair; halteres [bal-
ancers| fuscous; scapus brown; nervures brown; tarsi black-brown,
exterior spine of the anterior tibia much larger than the interior ones.

Length, three-tenths of an inch.

This is a very common insect. The wings have a white appear-
ance and are strongly contrasted with the color of the body, and the
brown and definite stigma. The posterior tibize of the males are much
more dilated toward the tip than those of the female.

Family Characteristics.

The family of Bibionide, to which this species belongs, is of moder-
ate extent, as it contains only about fifty known United States species.
Embracing as it does species which are neither injurious to vegetation

LZ SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

nor annoying to man, it is strange that the structural features that char-
acterize it should, in classification, place it between the Simulide and
the Culicide — or the “ black flies”’ and the mosquitoes. The insects are
small or of moderate size; their flight is slow and heavy. They have
long legs, short antennz, and soft bodies. Their larvee are cylindrical,
without feet, but furnished with transverse rows of short hairs, which
serve them in progression in the decaying vegetable and excrementi-
tious material in which they often occur. Their pupe are found within
smooth oval cells in the ground.

The larva of this species is undescribed,* but it probably resembles
that of the “unknown species,” to be referred to on a following page.
Its literature is very limited, not having been noticed in the Reports of
Dr. Harris, Fitch, Riley, Packard, Le Baron, ‘Thomas or Forbes. Nearly
all the references to it that we have been able to find in our entomolog-
ical literature, are cited above and their purport given. A sufficient
reason, perhaps, for its not having received more attention may be that
it is not numbered among our injurious species. Yet the fact that it
has by some writers been regarded as destructive would seem to make
desirable further study of its food-habits, that its economic importance
might be definitely ascertained.

Probably not an Injurious Species,

From the great abundance of these flies which have been observed at
times upon apple and other blossoms, and from the common belief that
nearly all insects are injurious, they have repeatedly been sent to me for
name and habits, in the belief that they were a pernicious species and
that their presence betokened only harm. ‘They are, however, believed
by entomologists to be entirely innocent of inflicting injury to the blos-
soms upon which they are often found, or to other vegetation. Under
date of May 25, 1877, examples of the fly were sent to me from Utica,
N.Y., where they were occurring in large numbers on potato plants. The
gardener believed that they were making war upon the Colorado beetle,
either by feeding on the larve or on the eggs; but, from what is known
of their habits, there is no probability that they were engaged in so de-
sirable a service —their association with the potato-beetle being simply
from their contemporaneous appearance in the garden, and their usual
sluggish habits inviting repose on any convenient foliage.

Very grave charges, it is true, have been brought against an European
species, Bibio hortulanus Meigen. The distinguished naturalist, Ray,
calls it the deadliest enemy of the flowers in spring, and accuses it of

*Glover, in Manuscript Notes from my Journal — Diptera, 1874, plate vii, fig. 12, gives
the larva and pupa of an undetermined species of the genus, which may be albipennis,

THE WHITE-WINGED BIBIO: ITS FOOD, ETC. Lr

despoiling the gardens and fields of every blossom. Réaumur, the noted
insect anatomist, saw that, not being provided with mandibles, it was un-
able to gnaw the buds and petals in the manner ascribed to it, yet
thought that it might cause their blight by sucking their juices. Both
of these expressed views were doubtless erroneous, and its frequenting
buds and blossoms is, upon the best authority, for the innocent purpose
of sipping the nectar of the blossoms and the gummy secretions of the
opening buds. (Jnsect Transformations, pp. 266-7.)

The larvee are generally believed to feed almost entirely upon decay-
ing vegetable matter. Some of them which had been found “in
bunches” in an asparagus bed, in Missouri having been sent to Mr.
Walsh for name and habits, after rearing the fly from them he wrote as

follows of the larve :

They feed exclusively on dead vegetable substances in a moist and
decaying state, and are not very particular as to what that substance
may be. Years ago I had a parcel of them feeding on damp leaves in
a glass vase, and on putting several dozen of our common “ oak apples,’
into the vase, I was surprised to find that they, most of them, quitted
the leaves and burrowed into the oak apples. I have always found
them as you did—jin large crowds together. They should not be
destroyed. as they do no harm in either the larva or the fly state. (Prac-
tical Entomologist, ii, 1867, p. 83.)

The earlier statements of injuries to growing vegetation were probably
from surmise only, and not based on actual observation. Thus, in con-
nection with a plea made for the robin, upon the ground that it destroyed
so many of these larvee — from one to two hundred in afresh condition
having been taken from the stomach of a single bird —it was said: “ The
larve are very destructive, feeding on the roots of plants, and injuring
strawberry plats, vines, borders, etc. They live in swarms, perforating
the ground like a honey-comb, the fly depositing all its eggs in one
place” (Glover, i Rept. Commis. Agriculture for 1864, p. 441).

Eaten by the Robin.

The food of the robin, Merula migratoria, during the early weeks
of its appearance in the spring, consists largely of the larve of this fly.
Of two robins examined in the month of March by Prof. S. A. Forbes,
State Entomologist of Illinois, sixty-seven per cent of the contents of
the stomachs consisted of this larva, and the same larva was found by
Prof. Jenks, of Brown University, to constitute about nine-tenths of the
food of the robins examined by him in Massachusetts in February and
March, 1858 (S. A. Forbes, in Zrans. Ill. State Horticul. Soc., xiii,

1879, p. 128).
15

It4 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Abundance of the Larve.

The surprising number in which these larvee at times occur may
excuse the alarm which they sometimes excite.

During the latter part of the winter of 1881-82, they occurred in
great abundance im several localities in the town of Morley, St. Law-
rence county, N. Y., and occasioned much anxiety, as they were be-
lieved by those who first noticed them to be the same insect that had
devastated the grass lands of that portion of the State the preceding
spring, viz.. the Vagabond Crambus, Crambus vulgivagellus.

It may not be a simple coincidence that the piece of land where they
were the most abundant was the particular field to which in my yisit to
this town the year before to examine the operations of the Crambus, I
had first been taken, that its greatest devastation might be shown to me.
Could the unusual amount of dead and decaying grass roots left in the
ground from the death, in large part, of the grass the previous year,
have induced the deposit of an extraordinary number of the Bibio eggs
—the instinct of the parent flies recognizing the presence of the needed
food-supply for its larvee ?

After “a very long continued heavy rain on March 1, lasting about
fifteen hours, and a steady pour all the time,” the larve were
found lying upon the ground under leaves, sticks and other covering,
often in such numbers as to form a mass of an inch in thickness.*
They had been observed, but in less abundance, for some days previous
to this rain, when, according to a representation made, ‘‘ several quarts
of them could easily have been gathered.”’

Transformation to the Fly.

Over a hundred of the larva sent to me by Secretary Harison of the
New York State Agricultural Society, on March 2, were placed upon a
dead grass sod in my office, on March 6, when they at once commenced
burrowing into it, and soon disappeared from sight. They were doubt-
less near their pupation, for three weeks thereafter (March 29}, the first
Bibio albipennis emerged —a male. On the 3oth, eight males and
three females were disclosed; on the 31st, four males; showing that in
this species, as in a very large proportion of other insects observed, the
male is the earliest to make its appearance.

Is the Species Double-Brooded ?

Dr. Packard states of the species that there are two broods a year,

*See notice of large numbers of the larve of Allorhina nitida, one of the ‘white
grubs,” appearing above ground after heavy rains, in the First Rept. on Inj. Ins. of N. Y.,
pp. 238-9.

AN UNKNOWN BIBIO OCCURRING IN ROSE-POTS. IT5

which appear “in swarms in June and October” (Guide to the Study
uf Insects, 1869, p. 392). It has never come under my observation in
the autumn, and I know of no other mention than the above, of its ap-
pearance at that time. To an inquiry made of Mr. E. L. Keen, of
Philadelphia, who has been paying special attention to the Diptera, of
his knowledge of a second brood, the following reply was received :

““T have been giving special attention to the Bibionide, but I never
saw a specimen of Pibio albipennis in the fall —in fact not after July,
although in May and June there are swarms of them. This last Octo-
ber I took a few specimens of a small black species of Bibio in a shel-
tered ravine.”

An Unknown Species Occurring in Rose-pots,

The larve of a species of Dibionide were found in large numbers in
rose-pots in New York city. When received, on the 13th of February,
they were already nearly full-grown. They had probably been taken
from a conservatory, the artificial temperature of which had hastened
their growth.

They measured 0.35 of an inch in length, by about 0.05 of an inch
broad. Their shape was nearly cylindrical, without feet; a rounded,
corneous brown head of rather more than one-half the diameter of the
body ; on each of the segments, a transverse row of short papille, and
a row of larger ones curving at the tips, on each side of the body.

Their general appearance was so unlike the ordinary dipterous forms,
and so similar in the character of the head
and stigmata to some of the Coleoptera that
they were at first believed to be of that order.

Within a fortnight after their reception they
had all entered the ground to the depth of
about three inches, where they transformed

Fig. 23.—Imago and pupa of ASPISs-
TEs, 8p. ? ‘Twice the natural size. to pupze having the appearance shown in Fig.

ag; The flies emerged aftera pupation of about two weeks. They have
a general resemblance to Bibio albipennis, except in darker wings,
and they are only about one-half its size.

Upon submitting them to a friend who was engaged in the study of
Diptera, he referred them to the genus Aspistes. There seems to me,
however, to be reasons why they may not belong to that genus.

[Baron Osten Sacken, having seen these examples since the above

was put in type, has expressed his opinion that they may be but dwarfed
Bibio albipennis. |

116 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Microdon globosus (Fabr.).

(Ord. Diptera: Fam. SyrpHIDs#.)

Mutio globosus FABR. Syst. Antl., 1805, p. 185, No. 7.

Scutelligera ammerlandia Sprx.: Abhdl. Acad. Muench., 1824, ix, p. 1.*

Parmula cocciformis V. HEYDEN: in Isis, 1823, p. 1217; in H. Schef.Correspond-
enz blatt, ii, 1861, 105.

Microdon globosus WIEDEMANN: Aussereurop, Zweif. Ins., ii, 1830, p. 86, No. 11.

Dimeraspis podagra NEWMAN: in Ent. Mag., v, 1838, p. 373.

Aphritis globosus MAcguart: Dipt. Exot., ii, pt. ii, 1841, p. 13, pl. 1, f. 4.

Microdon globosus. PACKARD: Guide Stud. Ins., 1869, p. 398, f. 17.— Guover: MS.
Notes Journ.-Dipt., 1874, p. 32, pl. 8, f. 20.— OstmN SackEn: in Bull.
Buff. Soc. Nat. Sci., iii, 1877, p. 41; Cat. Dipt. N. Amer., 1878, p. 119.—
MANN: in Psyche, iii, 1882, p. 379.

This species will serve to illustrate the great variety of forms that
prevails in the early stages of the different genera of this extensive fam-
ily. In Fig. 24 the curiously spherical larva, the puparium and the per-
fect insect are shown, as given in Packard’s Guide.
So unusual and remarkable are the larval and
pupal forms of this insect, that the latter has twice
been referred to a different class of the animal
kingdom, and described among the Molluscs, as a
land snail, viz., by Hayden in 1823, as a species
Lof Parmula, and by Spix in 1824, as a Scutel-
ligera (see synonymy above). One of the puparia
was received by me in the month of April, from
Mr. C. M. Weed, of Lansing, Mich. From having
been apparently dried before placing it in alcohol,
iis it was hardly recognizable when it came to hand,
Big. 24: MrcRopon eonosus: but it was identified by Dr. Hagen, to whom] am

a, the puparinm, s, the spiracu-

anterec aide orinie puertiion also indebted for portions of its synonymy. It
tion (enlarged from Packard). had been found by Mr. Reed in an old and de-
caying log, with some ants. Dr. Packard states that it occurs under

sticks, in company with shells.

Associated with Ants.
From its association in old wood with ants, in the above instance, it
is of interest to recall the occurrence of an European species, Microdon
apiformis, in ants’ nests, and also that some of the larve of the
Syrphide are known to live parasitically in nests of bees.
Microdon tristis Loew, a New York species, and also extending far
northward into British America, has been observed by Dr. Williston
while flying about ants’ nests.

* Dr. Hagen, in making corrections to the proof of synonymy, has written: ‘‘v. Heyden
and Spix belong to the European species, Wicrodon mutabilis and not to M. globosus, but

”

they are the first authors for the earlier stages.

MICRODON GLOBOSUS: DISTRIBUTION AND HIBERNATION. Ly

Schiner states (Fauna Austriaca, p. 250), that he has found the
larve of European species, resembling small slugs, in colonies of /or-
mica rufa, and also under logs in cattle pastures.

Hibernation of the Fly.

Mr. B, P. Mann states of the fly, doc. eif.; “I remember that, during
one or two years, at a certain season, which, as far as my recollection
serves me, was in April, I neticed numerous specimens of Microdon
globosus, issue from a nail-hole in the plastered wall of an apartment in
a dwelling-house, as though the flies had passed the winter within the
walls of the house.” In this manner of hibernation within dwelling-
houses, it conforms to a similar habit recently published of Pollenia
rudis Fabr., one of the Muscide, which often occurs “in large numbers
in the State of New York, in unused apartments of houses, under table-
cloths, in pillow-cases and wherever similar snug places of concealment
could be found.” And it is not uncommon to meet with large com-
panies of these “cluster-flies”” in the angles of the ceiling and the walls
of unoccupied rooms.

Distribution.

Baron Osten Sackem gives the range of this species as the At-
lantic States. It was first described by Fabricius, from examples re-
ceived from Florida, Dr. Williston has received it from Massachusetts,
Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania and Virginia. Michigan is
now to be added to its known localities,

The genus appears to pertain to the eastern part of the North Ameri-
can continent, for while eight or nine eastern species have been cata-
logued for some time past, it has only been recently discovered upon the
Pacific coast in a single species which is as yet undescribed.

Trypeta pomonella Walsh,
The Apple Maggot.

Ord. Diprera: Fam. Tryperip#.)

WatsH: in Amer. Journ, Horticul. for Decem., 1867, pp. 338-343; Ist Ann.
Rept. Ins. IIll., 1868, pp. 29-33, figs. 2, 2a.

Watsu-RiLey: in Amer. Entomol., i, 1868, p. 59 (prob. ident. of insect from
Nox):

Lorw: Mon. Dipt. N. A., Pt. iii, 1873, pp. 265-268 (descr. and remarks).
GLOVER: MS. Notes Journ.— Diptera, 1874, p. 58, pl. 9, f. 14 (br. ref. and au-
thority).

118 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Comstock : in Rept. Comm. Agricul. for 1881-1882, pp. 195-198, pl. 14 (operations,
larva, pupa, imago, remedies).

SAUNDERS: Fruit Insects, 1883, pp. 1385, 136, f. 143.

Cook : in Count. Gent., xlix, 1884, p. 857 (habits and occur. in Mich.); 14th Ann.
Rept. Mich. St. Horticul. Soc., for 1884, 1885, pp. 200-203, figs. 1-3
(2: neral notice).

LINTNER : in Bull. N. Y. Agricul. Exper. Station, Ixxv, Dec. 29, 1883 (descrip-
tion, habits, etc.),

In November, 1883, the following letter of inquiry was submitted to
me from the Horticulturist of the New York Agricultural Experiment
Station, with the request that I would make reply to it:

We are troubled here with a worm that completely destroys our apples.
It seems to be different from our common apple-tree worm—not so
large, but looks like the apple-tree borer when small. Last year was the
first that [ was troubled with them. The apples look well on the out-
side, but when cut they are found to be completely honey-combed by
the worm, making them worthless. Last year they worked in my Spitz-
enberg apples. ‘This year the Spitzenbergs are good, but the worms
worked in the Northern Spy, Talman sweeting and Fameuse, and en-
tirely spoiled them. ‘They also worked some in other kinds. ‘The
Rhode Island greenings are free from them yet, and the Baldwins are
but slightly injured. There is a general complaint this year.

The question which I wish to ask is, are these worms going to spread
until it is impossible to raise apples fit to use, or is there some way
to stop them? Last year I took pains to pick up all the poor apples
in hopes thus to destroy them, but failed, as they have increased
ten-fold from last year. But I do not understand why the Spitzenbergs
were ruined last year and are so fair this year. If you can give me any
light on the subject, it will be thankfully received.

M. P. JUNE.

BRANDON, VT.

My reply to this inquiry was published in the Husbandman [of EI-
mira, N. Y.| for December, 1883, and also issued, in slips, as Bulletin
No. LXXV, of the New York Agricultural Experiment Station. It has
been somewhat extended and re-arranged in the present notice.

It is quite probable (the infested apples were not submitted for exami-
nation) that the insect whose operations are above stated is the one
popularly known as “‘ the apple maggot,” and scientifically as Trypeta
pomonella Walsh. The species was first described and named by Mr.
B. D. Walsh, in 1867, in the American Journal of Horticulture.

The Larva,

Operations. — Mr. Walsh writes of its work as follows: “It tunnels
exclusively the flesh or pulp of the apple (unlike the apple-worm, which
burrows chiefly in the core and the portions immediately surrounding)

THE APPLE MAGGOT : THE LARVA AND THE FLY. Yr1g

making therein little rough, roundish, irregular and discolored excava-
tions about the size of peas, which, when several of the larve are at
work on the same fruit, often run together, so as to render the whole
a mere mass of useless and disgusting corruption.’

The following is Mr. Walsh’s description of the larva, which is given
entire, as the report in which it is contained has become quite rare, and
it has never, to my knowledge, been republished. With the description
and the larva in hand there should be no difficulty in determining the
species whenever the burrowing of the apple, as above described, ren-
ders its presence probable :

It is of a greenish-white color, 0.15, 0.20 inch long, and about four
and one- half times as long as wide, cylindrical behind, with the tail-end
squarely docked, tapering on front from the middle of
the body to the head ; head pointed, but narrowly
excavated (emarginate) in front; its inferior surface
with two slender, bluntish, coal- black hooks projecting
in front, where the mouth is protruded { mouth-parts,
used in feeding, shown in Fig. 25], at the base of
which there isa smaller pair connected with the base
of the others like the antlers of a buck’s horn; at the
base of the first segment, behind the head, a dorso-
lateral, transverse, pale-brown, flattish, rough tubercle
[one of the spiracles] ; last segment below with two
pale-brown, horny, rough tubercles, each composed of
three minute thorns longitudinally arranged; and

Fig. 25.— Head of the 71 aus = ayn 7
barve Chih one above, with two whitish retractile ones, each pair of

NeuLA, in front and side tubercles transversely arranged,
view, showing the ‘S)

niouth-parts and the j r 1
fitst. spirale. (Atter rof. Comstock, who has made special study of this

SLICE.) insect, has given an enlarged figure of the larva (loc.

cif.), which we copy, somewhat reduced, in Fig. 26 at a, and the follow-
ing descriptive features: The larva averages about one-fourth of an
inch in length (0.19-0.27 in.), is footless, white with sometimes a yel-
lowish or greenish tinge. The anterior third of the body tapers slightly
to the head — the latter smaller than any of the segments. The pos-
terior two-thirds of the body is cylindrical, having the end obliquely
truncate, bearing upon its slope four pairs of tubercles—— one pair more
prominent than the other,

The Fly,

Trypeta pomonella, in its perfect state, is a pretty fly, shaped not un-
like the common house flies that we find upon our windows. The figure
given does not present the usual shape of the abdomen in the examples
in my collection. In these, it isthe broadest quite near the base where
the first and second of the four conspicuous white bands should appear,
and thence tapers conically to the pointed tip. It may be easily recog-

120 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

nized by the peculiar pattern of its wings, by the white spot behind the
thorax (the scutellum), and the white bands of the abdomen. With its
wings expanded, it measures across them about one-fifth of an inch.
They are “whitish, glassy, banded with dusky, somewhat in the form of
the letters I F —the I placed next the base of the wings, and its lower
end uniting rather indistinctly with the lower end of the F; the base
and the extreme tip of the wing being always glassy” (Walsh).

Fig. 26, c, after Comstock, represents the male fly.* The following
more particular description is abridged from Dr. Loew’s Review of the
North American Trypetina: The color is brownish-black. The head
is pale yellowish with a narrow
dark yellow front, and yellow an-
tenne. The thorax shows four
rather narrow longitudinal stripes
of whitish pollen, arranged in pairs
and confluent anteriorly. The
scutellum is white, with black upon
the sides and base. ‘The first four
segments of the abdomen are
broadly banded behind with white
pollen — the last segment is with-

Fic. 26.—TRYPETA POMONELLA: a. the larva; 5, out the band. The ovipes tile of
the puparium; c, the fly. (After Comstock) the female is black, broad, trun-
cate, about once anda half the length of the last segment. The legs are
mainly clay-yellow, thus : posterior femora black with a clay-yellow tip;
front femora clay-yellow with a large, broad brownish-black stripe upon
the hind side; tibiz and tarsi clay-yellowish. The wings are hyaline,
with four black crossbands, the first of which hes near the base ; the last
three are connected near the anterior margin and divergent toward
the posterior one. Length of body, 0.17 in.; with the ovipositor, 0.19
in.; length of wing, 0.17 in.

Goat et tt Wty
a enn eee

Life-History.

The life-history. of this species is briefly this: The fly may be seen
about apple trees in July. During the latter part of the month, or in
August, it deposits several of its eggs upon an apple near the calyx end,
where the fruit may have been already burrowed by the apple-worm of
the codling-moth, Carpocapsa pomonella, According to Mr, Walsh, the
eggs are inserted by the ovipositor of the fly within the flesh of the ap-

*The figure fails to represent correctly the one from which it was taken. From the
reduced photograph furnished the printer for a wood-cut, a pen and ink sketch was
made and photographed, in which proportions have been changed, veins and other features
omitted, and additions made. Figs. 21 and 25 and some others need the same explanation,

THE APPLE MAGGOT : ITS DISTRIBUTION. 121

ple; but this must be an error, unless they should be deposited in
worm-holes previously made, for the soft, blunt ovipositor could not
pierce the peel for the purpose. The presence of the larve, of which,
sometimes, as many as a dozen occupy a single apple, is seldom noticed
until in September. During the autumn they become full-grown, when
they leave the fruit through small circular holes cut in the peel, and en-
ter the ground, where, within the contracted larval skin, they assume
the pupal state. In this condition they remain during the winter and
until the following July —a pupation extending over about nine months.

If some recent observations upon this insect in some of the Western
States are reliable, then, in some instances, the larval stage of the insect
extends far into the winter. Dr. F. W. Goding, of Ancona, Mich.,
states that he has seen the larvee within apples shipped from Michigan,
eating the fruit in the month of January, but that they soon after en-
tered the earth and changed to pupz. Some that had been kept in a
cooler room did not change until in March. From the earliest pupe,
flies were obtained about February 1st (fruit-Growers’ Journal, Cob-
den, Ill., April 30, 1885).

Distribution.

The fly is a native species ~~ one of the few insect pests that has not
been introduced from abroad. For a number of years before it was de-
tected infesting the apple orchards of the Eastern States and New York,
it had been observed in Illinois, feeding upon the native haws or
thorn-apples (Crate@gus) and upon crab-apples (Pyrus species). Until
very recently no attack from it upon cultivated apples had been noticed
in the Western States, but during the present year (1884) Prof. Cook
has discovered it in a barrel of autumn apples procured from Shiawasse
county, Mich., which were found to be entirely ruined by it. He had
also learned that it was quite common in the fruit in and around J.an-
sing, Mich. (Cownt.-Gent. for Oct. 16, 1884).*

The most frequent notices of the presence of the insect, and most
serious accounts of its injuries, have been received from Vermont. In
New Hampshire, ina few localities, it has ruined entire orchards (Rept.
Comm. Agricul. for 1881, p. 190). In the vicinity of East Falmouth,
Massachusetts, it has been reported as very injurious (1s¢ Rept. Jns.
Ill., 1868, p. 31). Mr. L. L. Whitman has written me from his resi-

* Tater, Prof. Cook reports its presence in at least six counties in Michigan, and had
learned that in 1883, ayear before it was noticed in Michigan, it was doing much harm in
Wisconsin to cultivated fruit. These attacks were the result of new importations from
the Hast, or the native insect had of late taken upon itself anew and refined regimen. (14th
Rept. Mich. St. Horticultural Society, for 1884, p. 200-1.)

16

122 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

dence at North Ashburnham, Mass., ‘‘ I had hundreds of bushels of the
finest fruit rendered worthless by the apple-maggot last year” [1883].
Mr. Walsh received -larve and pupe from Connecticut, from which he
reared the fly (/6., p. 31). In New York State it has proved a great
pest at North Hempstead, Long Island. Mr. Trimble, of New Jersey,
in 1867, stated that it was very plentiful throughout the Hudson River
country, but had not been observed in his State. It has been prevalent
at the Oneida Community, where it was mostly confined to certain va-
rieties of autumn apples (Rept. Comm. Agricul. for 1881, p. 196).
Prof. Comstock, of Ithaca, has observed it in one of the orchards of
Cornell University, in only a few varieties, not specified (Jd., 7b.).. From
Franklin, Delaware county, larve have been reported as “ living in the
pulp of the apple, making long winding roads through it and appearing
to come out through the skin” (Amer. Hntomol., i, 1868, p. 59). In
Schenectady the fly has occasionally been captured by me upon fruit-
trees, from the 3d to the 27th of July—at different times upon the
leaves of acherry-tree, where it had probably been drawn for the pur-
pose of feeding upon the “ honey-dew ” of Myzus cerasi, which it in-
cites the aphis to secrete after the manner related by Dr. Fitch in his
First Report on the Insects of New York, p. 65, of Tephritis melligi-
nis,*

Preference for Early Apples.

As the insect, during its past history, has shown a decided preference
for summer and autumn apples, its attack upon Spitzenbergs, mentioned
by Mr. June, is of interest, as an extension of its sphere of operations.
In Massachusetts the crop of some summer sweets had, for a series of
years, been completely destroyed by it. In New Hampshire, in the
towns of Hancock and Dublin, where it was reported as the most de-
structive of all apple insects, it was “confined to early apples as soon as
From Long Island it is stated that ‘‘ only in the ripest

,

they ripen.’
apples and in sweet and mellow subacid fruit are they found by us’
(Lept. Comm, Agric. for 1881, p. 196).

It seems, however, by no means to be confined to the early fruit, for in
Wallingford, Conn., the Baldwin and some other varieties of winter
apples were infested. A gentleman writing from this place states : “Two
weeks ago [the letter was written shortly after November 12th] we over-
hauled two hundred and fifty bushels of apples that we had gathered. and
placed in store for winter use, and of that number we threw out fifty
bushels, most of which had been rendered worthless, except for cider [!!!]
or hogs, by the apple-worm or apple-maggot. The apple-worm [ Carpo-

*Is Mivellia viridulans R. Desv. (0.-S. Cat. Diptera N. A., 1878, p. 132.)

THE APPLE MAGGOT; REMEDIAL MEASURES. 123

capsa pomonella| by this time has ceased its work, but the depredations
of the apple-maggot continue up to the present time, converting the pulp
of the apple into a mere honey-comb and rendering another overhauling,
soon, indispensable.” '

As a possible explanation of the statement of Mr. June that Spitzen-
berg apples were free from attack in 1883, when they had been destroyed
the preceding year, the following is offered: The period of time during
which apples are liable to attack in the deposit of the eggs may be com-
paratively brief. At the time when the fly was abroad, in 1883, and en-
gaged in oviposition, the Spitzenbergs, from seasonable peculiarity, may
either have been not far enough, or too far, advanced for the reception of
the eggs.

Remedial Measures.

In the event of its being found by examination that the infested fruit,
to any large amount, falls to the ground with the contained larve, it is
obvious that much may be done by giving sheep the range of the orchard
to feed upon the apples, or, if this be not practicable, then to pick them
up and feed them to stock. But, from the statement of Mr. June, it
seems probable that the fruit which fell from the trees did not contain
larve. This would seem to be supported by the fact that I can recall,
a few years ago, seeing a variety of early apple (the kind not noted)
offered for sale in the Albany market, which, while entirely fair ex-
ternally, and showing none of the bruises of windfalls, upon being cut
into, the central portion was found burrowed after the manner described
and semi-pulpy, and still retaining the larvee — with little doubt, those of
this 7ryneta.

Additional observations are needed upon the time and manner of the
larvze leaving the fruit, and, in the earlier kinds of apples, entering the
ground, while in the later and stored varieties it is desirable to learn
where the insect goes for pupation. Until these facts are ascertained,
with others that are needed to complete the life-history, we will not be
able to do much toward mitigating the evil. The attack of the apple-worm
producing the codling-moth may be to a great extent prevented by
showering the trees soon after the setting of the fruit with Paris green
or London purple in water, but the month of July, when the Trypeta de-
posits her eggs, would be too late for the application of these poisonous
substances to the early fruit. At the present our efforts may, perhaps,
be directed with the best success toward the destruction of the insect in
its pupal state. If it shall be found that the pupation, as a rule, takes
place in the orchards, beneath the infested trees, in the ground at the
depth of an inch or two, then it may easily be reached there. But, if
the pupation follows the storing of the fruit, then the discovery of the
retreat of the larve for pupation should give us the means for their de-
struction.

‘Y24 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Desiderata in its Life-History.

The injuries from this insect have already been serious in some locali-
ties, and their extension is threatened over the Western States where the
species exists but has not yet learned to prey to any very serious extent
upon cultivated apples. As it may be regarded at present asa local pest,
it should be carefully studied by those who have the opportunity of
observing it. As a guide to such study, attention is called to the follow-
ing points, which specially need to be determined :

Are the eggs of the fly distributed over the apple or placed only near
the calyx end?

Do the larvee occur in apples which have not been perforated by the
apple-worm of the codling-moth or some other insect ?

How long a time is required for the larvee to attain their growth?

How do the larve leave the fruit — by several holes through the skin,
through a single hole, or only when the apple has become broken down
from decay?

When entering the ground for pupation, to what depth do they bury?
This could be ascertained by providing them with a box containing a
few inches of earth for their burial.

Are both the early and late fruits similarly attacked by this insect ?
It is possible that the larvze reported in winter apples may be of a differ-
ent species.

During what months and portions of months are the larve to be found
in the apples ?

Are the puparia (see 3%, in fig. 26), to be found at the bottom of
apple barrels, or bins in cellars, or between the staves or boards?
Should any doubt exist of the identity of the puparia found under such
conditions, the fly should be reared from them to determine the point.

Other Species of Similar Habits.

The qualified naming, at the commencement of the notice of the
insect of which inquiry was made, was necessary, in the absence of
examples for examination, there being two other species of flies which
attack and injure apples in much the same manner as the apple-maggot.

The first of these is believed to be a species of Drosophila. Its opera-
tions in early apples were described in Vol. II of the American Nat-
uralist (p. 641). The fly and the
puparium are represented in Fig,
27. The larve enter the apple
either through the calyx end, the
hole bored by the Carpocapsa ap-
ple-worm, or the cut of the Curcu-
lio. They mature in August and

Fic. 27.— An apple-fly. DRosopHILA, of an unde- ~ ;
tornined apacien tra. the larva: September, and are followed by

THE APPLE MIDGE AND THE APPLE-TWIG BORER. 125

another generation. The puparia are to be found in the bottom of
apple barrels in cellars, and the flies appear in the spring. The species
does not appear to be known to entomologists, and it has therefore
been given in the recently published volume of Mr. Saunders on Jnsects
Injurious to Fruits as Drosophila -? In Packard’s Guide fo the
Study of Insects, it is referred to (p. 414) as the Apple-Fly. It was
also noticed in my First Report on the Insects of New York (p. 219),
together with the larvee believed to produce the fly.

The other species is the Molobrus mali as named and described by
Dr. Fitch in his Second Report on the Insects of New York (Reports I
and II, 1856, pp. 252-254), but now known as Sciari mali. It belongs
to the Mycetophilide which has place next, and is closely allied to, the
Cecidomyide containing the wheat and clover midges and the Hessian
Fly. This species has been given the name of the apple midge. Its
larvee and pupz need not be mistaken for either of the two preceding
species, the larva being long, slender, shining, glossy-white, without feet
or tubercles (family features, the specific ones, it is believed, have not
been recorded); while the pupa is not hidden within an outer case, but
shows distinctly the legs, wings and other external features of the future
fly, and, moreover, remains within the fruit — the fly emerging from it and
escaping through the opening previously made by the codling-moth
caterpillar.

INJURIOUS COLEOPTEROUS INSECTS.

Amphicerus bicaadatus (Say).
i The Apple-twig Borer.

(Ord. CoteopreRA: Fam. Prinip&.)

Apate bicaudatus Say: in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., iii, pt. ii, 1824, p. 319.

Apate bicaudatus. HARRIS: Rept. to Amer. Pomolog. Scc., 1854, p. 7 (brief notice
of distrib., ete.).

Bostrichus bicaudatus. Fivcw: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc., for 1856, xvi, p.
330; 3d Report. Ins. N. Y., 1859, p. 12, No. 12 (brief notice).

Bostrichus bicaudatus. UHLER: in Rept. Commis. Pat. for 1860, p. 321, 1861

(deser. and remedies).

Bostrichus bicaudatus. Wash: in Practical Entomol., i, 1865, p. 27, f. 3 (habits
and distribution).

Bostrichus bicaudatus. WatsH-Ritzy: in Amer. Entomol., i, 1868, p. 80, f. 69;
p. 206, f. 141.

126 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Amphicerus bicaudatus. SHIMER: in Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., ii, 1869, pp. viii, ix
(in grape vines).

Amphicerus (Bostrichus) bicaudatus. GLOVER: in Rept. Commis. Agr. for 1872,p
118, fig. 8.

Bostrichus (Amphicerus) bicaudatus. Ri.EyY: 4th Rept. Ins. Mo., 1872, pp. 51-53,
figs. 24, 25 (appear., habits, etc.); 5th Rept. do., 1878, p. 54 (occur. in
N. J. and Md., and larval food-plant).

Bostrichus (Amphicerus) bicaudatus. THOMAS: 6th Rept. Ins. Ill. [1877], p. 128
(descr. of beetle).

Bostrichus bicaudatus. OSBORN: in Trans. Iowa St. Horticul. Soc. for 1879, p. 94,
1880 (brief notice).

Amphicerus bicaudatus. RILEY: in Amer. Entomol., iii, 1880, p. 51, figs. 11, 12-

Amphicerus bicaudatus. SAUNDERS: Ins. Inj. Fruit, 18838, pp. 33-385, figs. 21, 22
(general notice).

This little, and sometimes quite destructive beetle, has long been
known in our Western States, especially in Michigan and Illinois, from
its more frequent occurrence there, but has not, until recently, been
found in the State of New York. It extends southward, at least, into
North Carolina, and in the south-west into Texas.

It is a small, cylindrical, dark chestnut brown beetle, black beneath
from one-fourth to three-tenths of an inch long, with a small depressed
head, its thorax quite elevated and spinose, and extended
in front in two little horns. The wing-covers are also

e

rough, granulated, and in the male they terminate in
. 5. two short horns, as shown at } in the accompanying

a . . . - . .
Fig. 28,—The Apple- outline figures, from which feature it derived its specific

twig borer, AMPHIC ? i
eus Broauparos wine name, meaning cv0-1atled.

female; b, the male.

The original description by Mr. Say is quite brief, as follows :
A. bicaudatus, Dark reddish-brown; thorax asperous and bicornate
before ; a prominent obtuse spine near the tip of the elytra.

Vegetation Attacked,

The insect, as appears from its common name above given, usually
attacks the twigs of apple-trees. It is, however, known to occur upon
the pear and cherry-tree under like conditions, and has also been found
within grapevines, doing far more harm to them than to fruit-trees, if
the statement made to the Department of Agriculture and quoted by
Mr. Glover (doc. cif. sup.), can be relied upon, viz.: “In Iowa,
seven to nine-year-old vines are killed from the root up by these insects,
and out of fourteen vines eleven were killed’ (they were identified by
Mr. Glover as A. bicaudatus from examples within the vines).

The statement was also made to the Department, that the same beetle
had done much damage in Kansas by boring into twigs of young
hickory.

.

THE APPLE-TWIG BORER: LIFE-HISTORY. T27

Habits of the Insect.

The habits of this little borer are peculiarly interesting, from the fact
that it is the mature insect that inflicts the injury by boring the twigs.
instead of the grub or larva, which is the usual depreda-
tor. Its method of attack is as follows: Just above a bud,
at a point from six to twelve inches from the tip of the
fos it gnaws a hole of about one-twelfth of an inch in
r| diameter (the size of its body), and burrowing therein
Basses downward into the heart of the twig for the dis-
tance of an inch or an inch and a half, or occasionally
upward, as represented in Fig. 29. This is done soon after
@/the beetle emerges from the pupa state during the months
= of May or June, for the purpose of feeding and for shel-

ter, and not, as would naturally be supposed, to provide a
a suitable place for the deposit of its eggs. Both of the

sexes, It is said, are found within these burrows, and

Fia. 29.— Burrow : :
Se On U OE always with the head turned from the opening — a reverse
mele. position from that which would follow their pupation
within the twig and provision for their subsequent escape through the

opening.
Life-History.

Of the early stages but little is known. Judging from the range of
food-plants which the beetle allows itself, it is probable that the larve
will prove to have a corresponding range. Thus far it is known only
to breed in grapevines, from which it has been reared by Dr. Shimer.
Larvee sent by him to Dr. Packard, which had been taken from grape,
were “much the same form as Lyctws, but the head is more prominent
and also the sides of the body. The anterior half of the body is con-
siderably thicker than behind, and the legs are provided with long
hairs ; the end of the body is smooth and much rounded. It is 0.30 of

an inch long.’”*

*Ts there still room for questioning a grapevine food-plant for this larva? In 1872, Prof.
Riley wrote in reference to it: ‘‘ The probabilities are that Dr. Packard’s description [above
quoted| was in reality from this last-named species”? [Sinoxylon basilare] (4th Mo. Re-
port, p. 52). In 1873, Dr. Shimer having communicated the fact that he had found a note
attached to an example of 4. bicaudatus, of its having been bred from grapevine, Prof.
Riley concedes that it “substantiates the statement in Packard’s Guide, giving at least
one known fvod-plant for the larva, and proving the great similarity between it and that
of Sinoxylon basilare Say”? (Sth Mo. Report, p. 54). In 1880, we have this statement un-
der a notice of A. bicaudatus: ‘The breeding habits of the insect are not yet known witb
certainty, for while Dr. Henry Shimer found certain larvie in grapevines which he con-
jectured to be of this species, vet they were doubtless those of an allied beetle Sinoxylon
basilare Say.—C. V. R. in New York Tribune” (American Entomologist, iii, 1880, p. 51).

128 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

In addition to our ignorance of the early stages of this insect —of
the eggs — of the larval duration—of the pupation, but little is appar-
ently known of its final perfect stage. And the knowledge that we
have of it does not appear to sustain the following inferences :

“We may infer that it comes to maturity late in the summer, and flying
into our orchards and vineyards, the beetles bore into twigs during the
fall. Here winter overtakes them, and they hibernate in the holes,
some of them dying; but most of them surviving until spring, when
they continue feeding for a while, and afterward repair to the forest
again to propagate their kind” (doc. cit. sup.).

This insect is of rare occurrence in the State of New York, and in
this region of the United States, and it has, therefore, not been my
privilege to study its habits. It appears not to have been carefully
studied, for its literature is quite limited, but in all the observations
upon it that I have been able to find, I can see nothing to warrant the
hypothetical life-history above given. I find no observation of the bee-
tle entering twigs in the autumn, nor any direct testimony of actual
hibernation in apple-tree or pear-tree twigs. That the beetles have
been found within them in the winter is mentioned by different writers,
but the only direct statement of personal observation of the fact, pub-
lished, is that of Mr. Walsh, quoted below, in connection with state-
ments of others bearing upon the burrowing habits. Of the fact that
they are to be so found, there can be no doubt, as I have before me a
letter received from Prof. Riley, in reply to an inquiry made while writ-
ing this notice, in which he asserts: “‘There is no doubt about Am-
phicerus bicaudatus hibernating within the bored twigs and various
trees. I have often received the beetles in the twigs at different times
during the winter and spring.”

With no desire to be hypercritical, but only to educe the truth, it
must be said that neither the above statement from its distinguished
source, nor any other known to me, show actual hibernation. No men-
tion is made of the condition of the beetle when observed. Although
seen alive in midwinter, examination, longer delayed, might have shown
that they failed to hibernate. If still alive in early spring—a few
dying survivors among many dead companions, as were the examples
found by Dr. Shimer in the month of April (see below) — the condition
certainly would not be what we understand by “hibernation,” nor woulda
hibernation terminating in death be of the slightest economic importance.

The earliest notice that I find of the boring habits of the beetle is
that given by Dr. Harris, in 1854 (/oc. cit.) He states: “Prof. S. P.
Lathrop, of Wisconsin University, and Mr. T. E. Wetmore have sent
specimens to me, with accounts of.the depredations of the insects,

THE APPLE-TWIG BORER: ITS LIFE-HISTORY. 129

which are found burrowing in the pith of the branches of the apple-tree,
during the spring.”

Dr. Fitch, in 1856, represents “the twigs withering and their leaves
turning brown in midsummer,” as the result of the borings.

Mr. B. D. Walsh, in 1865, states that the beetle may be found in its
burrows in the month of June, also, “‘I have captured the perfect in-
sects in the woods in September; and as I once found a single speci-
men, in the usual situation in an apple-twig, so early in the spring that
it must have been there all winter, I infer that they often pass the win-
ter in a perfect state. The great bulk of them, however, bore the apple-
twigs in June, and not in the preceding autumn ; and JI have taken sev-
eral in June when they were only just commencing their holes, so that
half their bodies stuck out in the open air.”

The statement in the American Entomologist, of December, 1868, p.
80, of Messrs. Walsh and Riley, that “we have found the beetles in
them [the burrows] head downwards, in the middle of winter,” may,
perhaps be based only upon the above observation of Mr. Walsh.

Dr. Shimer, on April 25, 1868, found many specimens of the beetle,
of which the larger proportion were dead, in galleries of dead wood of
grapevines. They had doubtless been dead for some time, for he writes
of them: “the dead specimens were passably fit for preserving.”
Upon a subsequent occasion [time not stated] he found two of the bee-
tles boring into grapevines that had been winter-killed.

Prof, Riley, in his 44h Report on the Insects of Missouri, in 1872,
states as follows: ‘‘ Both the male and female beetles bore these holes,
and may always be found in them, head downwards [? turned from the
entrance], during the winter and spring months.”

Mr. Glover, in the Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for
1872, p. 118, repeats the above statement, but obviously quoting from
others.

Dr. Thomas (in 1877) presents reasons for believing that they breed
in hickory.

Prof. Osborn, in 1879 (loc. cit.) assumes, apparently, that the beetles
are in the twigs during the winter, and that the burrows are made for
winter protection. ;

In the American Entomologist, for February, 1880, Prof. Riley re-
peats the winter occupancy of the burrows by the beetles.

Carefully weighing the above, would not a proper conclusion be, that
the beetles, as a rule, and perhaps without exception, enter the apple-
twigs in or about the early part of the month of June? They have

been seen doing so at that time, and at no other. Otherwise this diff-
ily

(a3

130 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

culty presents itself: The insects ‘‘ maturing late in summer ” (August-
September), come forth from their breeding places, are seen abroad “in
September,’ “bore into twigs during the fall” (October-November),
“hibernate in the holes’? (December—March), “continue feeding for
awhile in the spring,” thus causing the withering of the leaves (April-
June), emerge from their shelter, mate, ‘‘ and repair to the forest again to
propagate’ (in July). Where, under a calendar thus arranged, would
time be found for the three earlier stages of the egg, larva and pupa?

The insufficient and unreliable data that we possess for the completion
of the life-history of this insect have been dwelt upon at some length,
in the hope that it will be taken up and completed by some of our ento-
mologists or orchardists in the Western States, where the insect is of
common occurrence.

We would expect, as the result of careful investigations, to find the
insect as a larva within the burrows made by it in grape canes, oak, hick-
ory, or in whatever food-plant it may hereafter be discovered, at any time
during the winter and through March and April, perhaps associated in
the grapevine with its fellow Ptinids
Sinoxylon basilare and Lyctus opacu-
lus (Figs. 30, 31): that passing into its
pupal stage from about the middle of
May to first of June, the beetle would
emerge early in June; that it would
at once find its mate and the female

ote pet yespontdered Sinoxvton, deposit her eggs, in accordance with
Barta ee the law known to control so many of
our Coleoptera and other insects — to provide, first, for the continu-
ance of the species: that this accomplished, the beetles early in June
bore into twigs of apple, pear, etc., as before Ly
stated, for food : that their lives within these bur-
rows may be and usually are prolonged for sev-
eral months, at times, even through the winter ‘i
and into early spring — one of the beetles having iS ae
been kept alive for five months under unnatural , Pe ee peers oe scrtne
and, therefore, presumably unfavorable conditions pec riiea apa bgi se
— within a small vial with some grapevine for food (Riley) : that they do
not emerge from these burrows, but complete their existence therein —
most of them dying in the winter, but some lingering for a few weeks
longer.

Such a life-history would seem to meet all the conditions under which
the insect has been reported.

APPLE-TWIG BORER: INJURIES AND REMEDIES. 131

Injuries from the Insect.

The injuries reported from this insect have not shown it to be a very
dangerous pest. Dr. Fitch simply states of it that it occasions the wither-
ing of particular twigs, and their leaves to turn brown through con-
suming the heart of the twig a few inches in length. — It burrows in the
pith of the young branches of the apple-tree during the spring; the
branches above the seat of the attack soon die (Harris). — The only
damage it occasions is that the bored twig generally breaks off at the
bored part with the first high wind (Walsh). — The bored twigs most
always break off by the wind, or else the hole catches the water in spring
and causes an unsound place in the tree. If the twig does not break
off, it withers and the leaves turn brown (Riley).

The amount of harm above stated would not be serious in orchards
where the moderate pruning of the last growth could be borne, but in
nurseries it would be of much more account; and, in the event of the
abundance of the insect, might cause the death of the trees.

The injuries to grapevines, noticed in a preceding page, were more
severe, but it is by no means certain that other species were not associ-
ated with the Amphicerus in that instance, and were instrumental in the
death of the vines.

Remedies and Preventive.

Until the early stages of the insect are known, no serviceable remedies
can be suggested. It may be both practicable and desirable to employ
them against the larvee when their food-plants shall be discovered. But
when the beetle stage is reached, and its operations apparent in the
withered twig, if, as we believe, its eggs have already been deposited, no
further harm can result from it, and it would be but a waste of time to
collect the tunneled twigs for burning, as hitherto recommended.

In a nursery where a strong attack is expected, it would be well to
make the effort to prevent the attack. If, at about the time when the
beetles make their appearance, the young trees are showered with Paris
green in water, the beetle, in attempting to enter the twigs, would prob-
ably be poisoned in eating through the bark.

A Beetle of Similar Habits.
In the American Naturalist for September, 1872 (page 747), we find
the following notice:

We lately received from Mr. Matthew Cooke, of Sacramento, Cal.,
some pear-twigs in which the above-named beetle [ Polycaon confertus
Leconte] was boring in exactly the same manner as our common apple-

132 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

twig borer, Amphicerus bicaudatus, Mr. Cooke says that the Polycaon
is quite injurious to apple and pear trees, and also to the grapevine.
Thus, from what we know of its natural history, we may safely infer that
its habits do not differ essentially from those of A. bicaudatus, 1. e., the
beetle bores for feeding purposes in living twigs of fruit-trees and grape-
vines, never, however, ovipositing in such twigs, and both male and
female being concerned in this destructive work. Both species live, in
all probability, as larvae in the dead and dry wood of forest-trees

[C. V. Riley.]

In consideration of the above species, Polycaon confertus, being so
nearly allied in classification with Amp/hicerus, it is interesting to find
this close conformity in habits. They are members of the same sub-
family of the Ptinida@, viz., Bostrichine. While the latter, in the recent
arrangement of Drs. Leconte and Horn, pertains to Tribe ii (Postri-
chine), Polycaon has place in Tribe ii (Psoint), while Lyctus, associ-
ated with Amphicerus in grapevines, follows immediately after in the
subfamily of Lyctine.

It is always gratifying to the economic entomologist to discover
identical habits 4mong the different members of a family, as above men-
tioned, as it gives the promise and almost the assurance that measures
which may be found effectual in controlling one of the species will be
equally serviceable against the others.

Lema trilineata (Olivier).
The Three-lined Leaf-beetle.

(Ord. CoLEOPTERA: Fam. CHRYSOMELID&.)

Crioceris trilineata Outv.: Enecye. Method., vi, 1790, p. 203, No. 29; Entomologie,
vi, p. 739.

Crioceris trilineata. FABR.: Mant. Ins., i, 1781, p. 90, No. 49.

Crioceris trilineata. Harris: Ins. Mass., 1841, pp. 95-96; Ins. N. Engl., 1852, pp.
104-105 ; ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, pp. 118-119, f. 53.

Crioceris trivittata SAY: in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., iii, 1856, p. 429.

Lema trivirgata LECONTE; Smithson. Contrib. Knowl., xi, 1859, p. 22.

Crioceris (Lema) trilineata. Frrcm: in 10th Rept. Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc.,
xxiv, 1864, pp. 441-447.

Lema trilineata. Rusey; in Amer. Entomol. i, 1868, p. 26, figs. 16, 17; Ist Rept.
Ins. Mo., 1869, pp. 99-100 (from Amer, Ent.),

Lema trilineata. PACKARD; Guide Stud. Ins., 1869, p. 503, f. 494.

Lema trilineata. ReEp ; in [2d] Rept. Ent. Soc. Ont., 1872, pp. 66-67, figs. 65, 67.

Lema trilineata. Crorcn ; Ch. List. Coleop. Amer., 1873, p. 94, No. 5554.

THE THREE-LINED LEAF-BEETLE: THE LARVA. 133

This insect was received from Clyde, N. Y., in the month of July, as
quite destructive in potato fields. They were apparently increasing very
rapidly from the many clusters of the egg (twenty or more in the cluster,
laid upon the leaves.

This species has long been numbered among the many insects inju-
rious to the potato, and is one of those that feed upon it in both its
larval and perfect stages. It sometimes occurs in sufficient numbers to
be very destructive in New York and the eastern States, while proving
comparatively harmless elsewhere. In portions of New York, it has
been reported as destroying the potato vines for successive years (Prac-
tical Entomologist, i, 1866, p. 113). It was quite abundant in the cen-
tral counties of the State in the year 1864, and, from being regarded as
a new enemy, much alarm was excited, from apprehension of its con-
tinued increase (Fitch, roth Report, p. 441). In several localities in
the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec it is reported as having inflicted
an unusual amount of damage among field potatoes (Report Hntomolog.
Soc. Ontario for 1871, p. 67).

The Larva,

The larva has the peculiarity of covering its body with its excrements,
its vent being conveniently located
for that purpose upon the upper side
of its terminal joint, as shown at @ in
Fig. 32. As the material is discharged,
it rests upon the surface, while suc-
, cessive discharges force it forward to-

=) ward the head until the entire back is
Meg covered with it, as in the side view of
the full-grown larva at a, in the figure.

\ Pd
Fig. 32.—The Three-lined Leaf-beetle, LEMA TRI- j -
LINEATA: a, the larva; 6, its terminal joints; c, the The Covers. probably serves the

pupa; d, the eggs.

purpose of hiding it from its enemies,
and perhaps of making it distasteful to birds which would otherwise
prey upon it.

In addition to the figure of the larva given, but a few words need be
added in description. It is a soft slug-like creature of the general char-
acter of the well-known larva of the Colorado potato-beetle. It is trans-
versely wrinkled, with a line of rounded tubercles upon the sides, low
down. Its color is dull yellow when young, changing to brighter
yellow as it matures. The head is of about the size of the first
segment of the body, flattened, smooth and black. The adjoining seg-
ment is also black. The body is oval, becoming quite thick behind its
middle, and very convex on the back. The three pairs of legs on the
first three joints are shining black. Behind these upon other joints are

134 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

retractile tubercles which, serving as prolegs, aid in locomotion. When .
full grown the larva measures three-tenths of an inch in length and
about one-half as broad.

The Beetle.

The beetle is represented, in enlargement in Fig. 33. It is about one-
fourth of an inch long by one-eighth of an inch broad. Its sides are
parallel, with its upper and lower surfaces convex. The antennz are
Epon black, eleven-jointed, and about half as long as the body. The
head is nearly as wide as the thorax and pale yellow; the eyes
black and projecting, having behind them a transverse groove,
The thorax is as wide as long, constricted in the middle, and
marked with two black dots, one on each side of the middle,
which are sometimes quite conspicuous.* The wing-covers

Fig. 33.—The 5 SF apes cata
Mee aie abe yellow’ with three parallel black stripes, viz.: one at the

beetle, Lema TRI- meeting of the covers, which narrows toward their tip and

hardly reaches it, and a broader one almost upon the outer border of each
cover. Intermediate to the stripes are several lines of delicate punctures.
The legs, which are short, are yellowish-red, and the four-jointed feet are
black.

Life-History.

The life-history, summarized from the careful and detailed account
given by Dr. Fitch, is the following :

The insect hibernates in its beetle state, and probably resorts to
forests for shelter.t Coming abroad in May, they feed sparingly upon
such vegetation as may be agreeable to them, until about the middle of
June when the potato leaves are sufficiently advanced to furnish them
with food, and place for the deposit of their eggs. The yellow, oval eggs
are laid in clusters of ten or more, usually upon the underside of the
leaves. ‘They hatch in about a fortnight. The young larve feed in
company side by side, either at the tip or on one of the margins of the
leaf, but as they approach maturity, they distribute themselves over the
leaves. Having attained their growth, they descend from the plants
and enter the ground for pupation, where the larva constructs a cell,
which it lines with a frothy secretion proceeding from its mouth, in such
a quantity as to entitle it to the name of a cocoon.

*A variety occurs in which there is an additional black spot intermediate to the two ordi-
nary ones, named var. ¢ripwncta, by Fitch. The original description of Fabricius, from ma-
terial credited to the Cape of Good Hope, and of Olivier, give three thoracic spots.

+ Prof. Riley, in his 1st Missouri Report (as cited), represents the insect as hibernating in
the pupa state —‘‘ staying in the ground all winter, and only emerging at the beginning of
the following June.’”’ But Dr. Fitch had found the beetle in a torpid state, on the surface
of the ground under boards on the 20th of April.

THE THREE-LINED LEAF-BEETLE: HABITS AND REMEDIES. 135

According to Dr. Harris, the eggs require about two weeks for hatch-
ing, and the insect passes about the same length of time in its larval
and pupal states, but it does not appear that these periods had been
accurately observed.

Dr. Fitch has expressed his belief that there are more than the two
annual broods ascribed to it by most writers, viz.: the beetles appear-
ing early in June, and again toward the end of July and early in August.
He had noticed their presence in potato fields throughout the season,
together with the larva in various stages of growth, from which it was
“evident that they are not periodical, but are continually coming forth,
one after another, and depositing their eggs from the commencement of
their operations in June until the chilly nights of: autumn suspend their
work.” This would conform to the continued reproduction of the
successive broods of the asparagus beetle, Crioceris asparagi, to which
L. trilineata is closely allied — the twelve United States species of Lema
of the Crotch Check list uniting with the two of Crioceris to form the
Chrysomelid tribe of Criocerint,

The Insect Sometimes Carnivorous.

From seemingly good authority it appears that this beetle is not an
unmitigated pest, but that it renders some compensation for its occa-
sional destructiveness, in preying upon one of its associates and kindred
——afar greater pest. In Meld and Forest for July, 1877, we find the
following :

The three-striped potato-beetle, Lema trilineata, has been doing
good service this season in the west by destroying the eggs of the
Doryphora, or Colorado potato-beetle. Several correspondents in
Medina county, Ohio, send specimens of the insect, and report that
although the potato-beetles are as plenty as ever, the larve are un-
usually scarce, which is attributed to “the new friend of the farmer.”

A few were seen last year, but the present season they are very numer-
ous.

As the Lema has always fed upon the foliage of the potato, it is hoped
that it will continue and extend its carnivorous habits.

Remedies.

When the insect is not very abundant, but in sufficient force to impair
the foliage of the plants, it may be kept within harmless limits by oc-
casional hand-picking, or brushing into pans of water and kerosene oil.
This would be more effectual in the larval stage, as the beetle is easily
alarmed and readily takes wing and withdraws itself from threatened
danger.

136 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Should the insect become very abundant, it may be destroyed by the
methods used for the control of the Colorado potato-beetle, viz.: The
application of Paris green or London purple. |

As most of the many enemies which have acquired the habit of prey-
ing upon the Colorado beetle during the several years of its excessive
prevalence will, in all probability, as readily feed upon the three-lined
leaf-beetle, we need not apprehend, for some time to come, serious
ravages from it in our potato fields.

Tribolium ferrugineum (Fabr.).

(Ord. CoLEOPTERA: Fam, TENEBRIONID&.)

Fapr.: Spec. Ins., 1781, i, p. 324.—Srurm: Faun. Deuts., 1807, ii, p. 228, pl. 47, f.

d D.— WeEstwoop: Introdue. Class. Ins., 1839,i, p. 319, f. 39, 2.—Horwn:

Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1871, xiv, p. 865.— MULLER: in Trans. Ent.

Soc. Lond., 1873, p. x, Proc. (same in Canad. Ent., 1873, v, p. 156).—

Banpi: Deuts. E. Z., 1876, p. 280.— HAGEN: in Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat.

Hist.,1878, xx, p. 59.—Scur6pTs: Nat. Tidss.,1879, ii, pp. 487, 563, 587, pl.

10, figs. 18-22.—Ouuirr: Ent., 1881, xiv, p. 216.—Lucas: Ann. Ent.

Soc. Fr., 1883, ser. iii, vi, p. lxxi, Bull.

Synonyms.*

navalis FABR.: Syst. Ent., 1775, p. 56.

cinnamoneum HERBST: Kaf., 1792, iv, p. 170, pl. 42, f. 8h H.

testaceum FABR.: Ent. Syst. Suppl., 1794, p. 179.

castaneum HERBST: Kafer, 1797, vii, p. 282, pl. 11, f. 83 E.—Scun. Syn.
Ins., 1806, i, p. 153.— McLmay: Ann. Jav., 1825, p. 47.—Lucas: in Ann.
Ent. Soc. Fr., 1854, ser. iii, vol. ii, p. 51; zbid., 1855, ser. iii, vol. ili, p.
249, pl. 18, f. 8.

ferruginea SAY: Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist., 18385, i, p. 188; Compl. Works,
Ed. Lec., 1869, ii, p. 659.— DEJEAN: Cat., 1836, ed. 8, p. 221. °

ochracea KNocn: Dejean Cat., 1836, p. 221.

rubens LAP.: Hist. Nat., ii, p. 220.— Dejean’s Cat., 1836, ed. 3, p. 221.

Messrs. Durant & Co., grain dealers, of 475 Broadway, Albany, sent
for examination, October 25, a package of “‘middlings” (coarse wheat
flour), which had been returned to them as being infested with insects.
The material had been received by them about three weeks previous,
from a firm in Chicago.

The Insect Swarming in Flour.

Examination of the flour showed it to be literally swarming with
Tribolium ferrugineum (Fabr.), shown at @ in Fig. 34. So abundant

* The references and synonymy have been kindly furnished by Mr. Samuel Henshaw, of
the Boston Society of Natural History.

TRIBOLIUM FERRUGINEUM. 137

were they that the amount of the flour that could be lifted upon the
point of the large blade of a pocket-knife would contain one or more
of the beetles. With the lid of atin box, an inch and a half in diameter,
a drawn upward three or four times for four or five inches upon
the sides of the bag holding the flour, about five hundred of

l the beetles were taken. A closer examination of the flour
disclosed a few pupz and a large number of the larve. The

latter, represented at 0 in the figure, were perhaps one-tenth as

oh numerous as the perfect insect, and were of greatly varying

5 sizes, from apparently full-grown to those about one-twentieth

3 as large. ‘They were quite rapid in their movements, and
could hardly be taken from the flour, from the facility they
Fic.34.—Trr- displayed in burying themselves and eluding capture. The

BOLIUM FERRU-

GINEUM: a@,bee- o D : cE i
fle B lavas e, beetles were far more active in the evening by gas-light, when

aitentawed, they would come to the surface of the flour in the glass vessel

wool) in which they were confined, where for some reason, a marked
tendency was shown to collect in clusters, clambering over the backs of
one another for the purpose. During the several days that they were
under my observation, not a single individual was seen to take wing for

flight, or to cimb up the outwardly sloping side of the glass vessel.

Heat Recommended for Killing it.

Answer was returned the Messrs. Durant, of the name of the insect,
its general distribution over the world through commerce, its known
habits in Europe as a grain and flour pest, the limited knowledge of it
in this country, and recommending an exposure to heat as the best
known method of destroying it when infesting grain in bulk or in
flour. A moderate degree of heat—from 120° to 130° Fahr., con-
tinued for a few hours, would in all probability suffice to kill all of the
eggs, the larvee and the pupz in the material submitted, while a higher
temperature — perhaps 150° or more — would be needed for the beetles.

A Well-known Grain Pest in Europe.

This species has long been known to infest meal, grain and various
vegetable stores in Europe, and it is somewhat singular that it has not
been brought to popular notice as a pest in this country. Iam not aware
that any of our entomologists have written of its depredations upon grain

products.
Observed as a Museum Pest.

Dr. Hagen has written of injury done by it to the collection of in-
sects of the Museum of Comparative Zodlogy at Cambridge.* After

* Museum Pests observed in the Entomological Collection at Cambridge.—Proc. Bost. Soc.
Nat. Hist., Oct. 23, 1878, xx, p. 56-62.
18

138 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

mentioning other species of beetles which had attacked the collection,
as Dermestes lardarius, Attagenus megatoma, A. pellio, Anthrenus
varius, A. scrophularie and Ptinus fur, he states:

Besides these beetles, I made the acquaintance of a pest which I at
first entirely underrated, namely, 77aboliwm ferruginewm. The species
is cosmopolitan, and as I never heard of damages done by it, I did not
at once give it much attention. It was imported several times with large
collections of insects from the East Indies. ‘The flat body of the larva,
as well as of the beetle, make it particularly fit to enter boxes through
the smallest crack. Asthe collections were exceedingly large, it was im-
possible to take care of them immediately in a thorough manner, and I
observed an alarming increase of the insect. It was rather difficult to
overcome, but I succeeded by incessant care, by throwing away the
worst infested insects, partly by killing individuals which I forced to
come out of the body of specimens by filling the whole box with tobacco
smoke. I saw the beetles and larve running out when the smoke began
to fill the box, then I closed the box for an hour or two, when I found
them all dead.

Confirmation of its Carnivorous Habits.

A carnivorous diet must be exceptional to this species and appears
hardly to be recognized by our entomologists. A prominent coleopter-
ist who had expressed his belief that it fed entirely upon vegetable ma-
terial, even after he had been given the reference to the paper of Dr,
Hagen, seemed unwilling to admit that it might at times assume carniv-
orous habits, offering in extenuation of the doubt, the fact that in muse-
ums and in the bindings of books, starchy materials are often to be found
upon which insects may feed when they have credit for a different diet.

The observations of Dr. Hagen find abundant support in statements
made by European writers. The following are some of them, referring
to this insect.

Mr. Ingpen has discovered Stene ferruginea in bran. “This species
is more general in its habits than the preceding [ Zenebrio molitor], since
I have frequently discovered both the imago and exuviz of the larva in
the bodies of old and ill-preserved specimens of exotic insects” (West-
wood, Introduction Classif. Ins., i, p. 319).

In opening some paper envelopes of Lepidoptera received from Abys-
sinia, many of the specimens were eaten and had gone to pieces through
the attack of 7. castanewm [= T. ferrugineum]. The larva, pupa and
imago were found and figured (Lucas, Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr., 1855, ser. 3,
vol. ili, p. 249).

The beetle and larva occur in old bread, when meal or flour are im-
ported, and in stores of natural history specimens (Taschenberg,
Prakt. Insectenkund, 1879, ii, p. 9°).

BRACHYTARSUS VARIEGATUS. 139

Ordinarily found in meal and rice, but it attacks even collections of in-
sects (Lacordaire, Coleopt., v, p. 323).

Other Notices of the Insect

Mr. W. E. Saunders also makes mention of its carnivorous habits in
Canada. He states that it infests patent food and similar substances,
and that it eats the dead bodies of other beetles. (Insects Injurious to
Drugs — Canadian Entomologist, May, 1883, xv, p. 82.)

Dr. Horn, in his Revision of the ‘Tenebrionidz of America, North of
Mexico, Trans. Amer. Philosoph. Soc., 1871, xiv, N.S., p. 365, merely
groups it with its only known congener in our fauna, C. madens (Charp.),
remarking of it that the former species is ferruginous, the latter black,
and that in length, they vary from .16 to .20 inch, C. madens being the
larger. Both are found abundantly wherever meal or grain is stored.

It is named in the list of Drs. LeConte, Horn, and Leidy, of “ In-
sects Introduced by the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia,” as
occurring in mouldy specimens of straw goods from Italy.

I find no other notice of the species by our American authors.

The following interesting statement of its infesting a cargo of pea-
nuts was communicated to the Entomological Society of London, by
Mr. Albert Muller:

In the summer of 1863, a cargo of ground-nuts (Arachis hypogea)
arrived in the port of London, direct from Sierra Leone. On arrival
the usual samples were drawn, when it turned out that the husks were
riddled by countless holes, while the kernels were half eaten up by
myriads of larve and imagines of Triboliwm ferruginewm. So com-
pletely had they done their noisome work, that in the numerous sam-
ples examined scarcely an intact kernel could be found. If a nut was
opened the whole interior was often found to be converted into a living
conglomerate of larvae, pupee and imagines of Triboliwm, accompanied
by the larve and perfect insects of a Rhizophagus preying on the former,
the whole mass being wrapped up in a layer of cast-skins and excre-
ment.

Brachytarsus variegatus (Say).

(Ord. CoLeoprera: Fam. ANTHRIBID#.)

Say: in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., v, pt. ii, 1827, p. 251 (Anthribus); Com-
plete Works, Ed. Lec., 1869, ii, p. 314.

WALSH: in Journ. Il]. St. Agricul. Soc., 1862, pp. 8-12, figs.; in Proceed. Bost.
Soc. Nat. Hist., 1864, ix, p. 309.

LECONTE: in Proceed. Amer. Philosoph. Soc., xv, 1876, p. 406.

I40 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Synonyms:
sticticus GYLL,: Schon. Curc., 1883, i, p. 172 (Brachytarsus).
obsoletus FAHRAUS: Schon. Cure., 1839, v, p. 107.

Examples of this little Ryhnchoporid beetle were sent to me under
date of August 28, by Mr. C. A. Gillett, of Shortsville, Ontario county,
N. Y., with this communication: .

Depredations upon Wheat.

I send you with this mail a few specimens of an insect that I find ina
bin of newly-threshed wheat. I also send a few kernels of wheat that
were taken from the same bin. They show the work of an insect, pre-
sumably this one, in its growth from a larval state. Does it not seem
that wheat is yet to be affected by this insect much as the pea is by the
pea-bug? The few kernels inclosed with the bugs were thought to be
perfect when put in the vial. If any marks are detected upon them, it
must be owing to the eating of them by the bugs.

The sound kernels were found to have been eaten into when received;
and during the following days that they were observed, the cavities in-
creased in number and in size. There could, therefore, be but little doubt
but that the burrowing of the wheat in the bin had been by this insect.
The kernels taken from the bin showed different degrees of injury,
from small rounded holes on the outer surface, to the excavation of
nearly all of the interior.

It is not probable, however, that the fears expressed of serious injury
to wheat by this insect are to be realized. It belongs to the Rhyncho-
pora, or snout-beetles, and to the family of Anthrididw, named from
the Greek anthos, a flower, and ¢ribo, to destroy. Most of the larve of
this family find their food within the seeds and stems of plants.

The Larve of Brachytarsus Parasitic.

Dr. LeConte, in his “ Rhynchophora of North America,” Introduction,
page xiv, remarks: While the food of the Rhynchophora is almost
universally vegetable tissues, either living or dead, Brachytarsus is a
parasite upon a Hemipteron, of the genus Coccus, as narrated by Nord-
linger, Stettin Ent. Zeitung, 1848, p. 230; Lacord., Gen. Col., vil, 481.

A species occurring in Europe, the B. varius Fabr., is known to live
upon a Coccus infesting pine trees.

See also Prof. Westwood’s remarks upon the parasitical connection of
some of the species of this genus with the Coccide, in his Classification
of, Insects; 1," p. 332s

The larve of this genus Brachytarsus, according to Dr. Le Baron,
are found under the scales of bark-lice, where they are believed to be
parasitic,

BRACHYTARSUS VARIEGATUS. DESCRIPTION. I4I

B. variegatus not a Wheat Pest.

It may, therefore, be inferred that the attack upon the wheat above
noticed was not by the larva, and that the presence and feeding of the
beetle was but accidental. It is known to be quite a general feeder,
finding its food in various vegetable substances with which it may
chance to be associated. Hence for the present, it will not be necessary
to number Brachytarsus variegatus among the insect enemies of the
wheat.

The attack was not a serious one. Upon inquiring of its character,
Mr. Gillett informed me, that in looking over the wheat as it lay upon the
floor, a perforated kernel could be found in an area the size of his
hand, and more than twice as many of the beetles in the same space.

Description of the Beetle.

Appended is the original description of the insect as given by Mr.
Say, together with his observation of its occurrence upon the smut of
wheat, upon which it had probably fed.

A. variegatus. Varied, with blackish and dull yellowish; elytra, each
with two larger spots.

Anthribus variegatus, Melsh. Catal.

Body dull ochreous, varied with blackish, with very short hair; head
plane, dusky, paler toward the tip; antennz moderate, pale rufous, three
terminal joints fuscous; thorax much varied with blackish, which does
not extend on the anterior margin; e/ytra with hardly obvious striz, with
many small orbicular, blackish spots, and two larger spots on each, of
which one is near the sutural base, and the other rather beyond the
middle, near the suture; feet pale rufous; thighs blackish in the middle.

Length more than +5 of an inch.

The two spots of each elytron are sometimes united by an interven-
ing blackish sutural line.

The species is not uncommon, and I have found it on the “smut ”
of wheat. Mr. Lea took eighty individuals from six heads of wheat.

Distribution.

This insect is generally distributed throughout the Atlantic States,
associated with B. dimbatus Say, from which the variety (obsoletus) in
which the elytral spots are obsolete, may be distinguished by its more
slender form.

142 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Aramigus Fulleri (Horn).
Fuller’s Rose Beetle.

(Ord. CoLEoPTERA: Fam. OTIORHYNCHID&.)

Horn: in Proc. Amer. Philosoph. Soc., 1876, xv, p. 94 (orig. description); in
Canad. Entom., xvi, 1884, p. 184 (remarks on distribution).

RiLey: in Ann. Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1878, pp. 255-7, pl. 7, f. 2; Id., Rept-
Entomol., 1879, pp. 50-1, pl. 7, fig. 2a-h; in Amer. Entomol., 1880, iii,
p. 26 (occurrence in California); in Rept. Commis Agricul, for 1884, p.
414 (habits in Mass.).

Comstock: in Ann. Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1879, pp. 250-1 (distribution).

AusTIN: Check List Coleop. N. A., 1880, p. 44, No. 8841.

LINTNER: in Count. Gent., xlix, 1884, p. 49 (remedies, etc.).

Morrat: in Canad, Entomol., xvi, 1884, p. 216 (occurrence in Canada).

During the month of December, last, this beetle was reported to me
as occurring in great number in the extensive rose-growing establishment
of Messrs. Fricker & Clarke, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. It was proving
very troublesome and destructive in their houses, and in the latter part
of November, the beetles could be seen collected in large clusters upon
the bushes. Many had been gathered and destroyed, but they still
continued to abound.

That they should have been permitted to multiply to this extent was
certainly inexcusable neglect.

A Green-house Pest.

This insect, during the last few years, has attracted considerable at-
tention from the injuries committed by it in green-houses. It was first
brought to my notice in the year 1874, by Mr. A. F. Chatfield, florist, of
Albany, who had found the beetles eating the leaves of camellias in his
conservatories and injuring the foliage. Soon after this, it appears to
have been discovered in the same nefarious work in the green-houses
of Mr. A. S. Fuller and other gentlemen in New Jersey. Examples of
it were sent to Dr. G. H. Horn, of Philadelphia, who, in 1876, finding
it to be an undescribed species and quite different from any known
form, established a new genus for it, and gave it the specific name of
Fulleri, after the gentleman who had first brought it to his notice, and
who is also “a popular author on horticultural and natural history sub-
jects, and well and widely known for his interest in entomology,”’ espec-
ially in the Coleoptera.

Distribution and Food-plants.
Since that time, it has been reported from various localities in the

FULLER’S ROSE BEETLE: ITS TRANSFORMATIONS. 143

United States from the seaboard to the Pacific ocean, and from Canada.
Its greatest injury is committed upon roses grown under glass, by the
larvee feeding upon the tender rootlets — at first merely checking their
growth, but finally, when their numbers have increased, destroying the
plant. It has also been observed upon the roots of Geraniwm and
Hibiscus, and in California, is reported as “ very destructive to Dracenas
(and palms lightly), oranges, cape jessamine | Gardenia], and Achy-
ranthes, in the order named.” In Brantford, Canada, it has been found
upon Abutilon and Plumbago in hot-houses. From Massachusetts, it is
reported upon the Azalea, “ Cissus,” and “ inch-plant.” ¢

Transformations of the Insect.

In the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for 1878, the insect
has been excellently figured in its four stages, and of the first three,
scientific description is given. (Fig.35 is from an electrotype obtained from
the Department.) From the accompanying account by Prof. Riley, it
appears that the eggs are
laid in clusters of from ten
to sixty, arranged in rows,
which are artfully secreted
between the bark and the
trunk of the plant near its
base, or occasionally between
the ground and the trunk.
Upon the hatching of the
eggs (¢) in about a month,
the larve (@) burrow and

begin their feeding upon the

e F ‘
Fie. 35— ARAMIGUS FuLLERI Horn: a, the larva; b, the rootlets. When fully grown
pupa; c, the beetle, in side view, and d, a dorsal view, with the i ],
natural size shown between ; e, the eggs enlarged and in natu- they change to pupe ( )
ral size; f, left maxilla with palpus; {g, under side of head of ade .
larva; h, upper side of the same. within the ground from which

the perfect insects (c, d) emerge to pair, deposit their eggs for another
brood, and to feed upon the leaves. Upon the under side of the
foliage and the branches they may be found at rest during the day, as
they are nocturnal in their habits, and only leave their concealment
after dark for feeding.

Description of the Beetle.

The following is the description of the beetle, as given by Dr. Horn,
in The Rhynchophora of America, North of Mexico, loc. cit.:

Form oblong oval, surface not densely clothed with dark brown
scales. Head and rostrum longer than the thorax, densely punctured,

144 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

sparsely scaly. Rostrum with feeble ridge on each side from the tip
nearly to the eyes. Thorax cylindrical, apex and base equal and
truncate, very slightly wider than long, sides feebly arcuate, a fine median
line, disc moderately convex, densely punctured, sparsely scaly. Elytra
regularly oval, humeri entirely obliterated, base sub-truncate, surface
indistinctly striate, and with rows of large, moderately closely placed
punctures, intervals flat, not densely scaly, and with very minute sub-
erect hairs; scales dark brown, a whitish or paler stripe beginning at the
humerus, passing along the lateral margin, ending in a short oblique
fascia at the middle of the elytra. Body beneath sparsely scaly. Legs
with scale-like hairs. Anterior tibie rather strongly denticulate within,
articular surfaces of middle tibia not ascendant. Length, 0.26 inch;
6.5 mm.

Remedies.

The best method by which to meet the depredations of this insect,
so far as known at the present, is to hunt for the beetles upon their
food-plants, and to destroy them. If this be persistently done, the evil
can be arrested. Mr. Chatfield informs me that by diligently searching
for and killing all that he could find, for two or three successive years,
he believes that he has exterminated them from his plant-houses, as he
has not noticed them for the past two or three years.

Various experiments have been made with a view of killing the larve
while preying upon the roots, but the opinion seems to prevail, as the
result of such efforts, that it is only to be done at the sacrifice of the
plant. A rose-bush which is known to be badly attacked at the roots
had better be at once taken up and burned, and the soil that contained
it treated with some caustic substance or with heat, to destroy such
larve as may have been left behind.

If the eggs——which are described as smooth, soft, of a clear yellow
color, and elongate-elliptical in shape — are carefully looked for in the
places where they are usually hidden, they may be found and readily
destroyed, and the injuries of the insect materially checked. Prof.
Riley has recommended placing traps for the eggs, of pieces of paper or
rags, wound about the trunks, or upon sticks thrust in the ground near
them, to be collected at intervals of not exceeding three weeks, for the
destruction of the eggs that may have been deposited upon them, by
burning, or, if it is desired to use the traps again, by dipping them into
hot water.

Cosmopepla carnifex (Fabr.).

(Ord. HemipTERA: Subord. HETEROPTERA: Fam. CyDNID4. )

Cimex carnifer FABR.: Eut. Syst. Suppl., 1794, p. 535, No. 162.
Eysarcoris carnifer Hawn: Wanz. Ins. ii, p. 117, f. 198.

COSMOPEPLA CARNIFEX: DESCRIPTION. 145

Pentatoma carnifex Krrpy: Faun. Bor.-Amer. iv, 1837, p. 275, No. 1.

Cosmopepla carnifez STAL: Enum. Hemipt., ii, p. 19, No. 1.

C. carnifexr. UHLER: in Bull U. S. G.-G. Surv. Terr., i, 1876, p. 18; id., iii, 1877,
p. 402 (localities).

C. carnifex. GLOVER: MS. Notes Journ.—Hemipt., 1876, p. 35, pl. ii, f. 6.

C. carnifex. LINTNER: in Count. Gent., xxxix, 1874, p. 488, ¢. 1.

This insect is one of the true bugs, belonging, as above recorded, to
the Heteropterous division of the Hemiptera, in which the wings instead
of being deflexed are horizontal, the upper pair, or wing-covers, as they
might more appropriately be called, are thickened or “ leathery,” with
their tips thin and overlapping. The under wings are thin and mem-
branous. The proboscis, rostrum, or sucker is much like that of the
other Hemiptera, except that it springs from the front of the under side
of the head instead of beneath it, posteriorly near the base of the fore
legs.

Description.

The Imago. —The C. carnifex has much the general appearance of
the Harlequin Cabbage-bug, Murgantia histrionica,
noticed in my preceding report, having the same col-
ors, but being a smaller insect, and proportionately
broader in form. Its length is about o.23 of an inch,
and its breadth o.17 in. ‘The general color is shining
black. The head, thorax and coriaceous portion of the
wing-cases are granulated. The thorax is crossed by
a transverse elevated ridge, marked with dull orange
and is bisected by a slender mesial line of the same
color. Coriaceous portion of wing-covers margined
with orange, which is broader basally, thence becoming
obsolete; margin of abdomen, also, orange. The scu-
z tellum is long, pointed, extending over two-thirds of
Fi. 36.—Cosmoperita the abdomen, and is marked with two triangular orange
faa spots near the tip, one on each side. The antenne, legs
and proboscis are black. The insect enlarged from the natural size
shown by the lines beside it, is represented at 0 in Fig. 36.

The Pupa.— The pupa, shown at @,is 0.20 by 0.16 of an inch in
length and breadth. It is dull yellow, with the eyes, antenne and legs
(except their basal portion) black. The proboscis is black at the tip.
The head has two longitudinal mesial black lines which diverge pos-
teriorly. The thorax has a black line on its hinder margin, centrally,
which is sometimes bisected at the middle, and also two rather large
black spots, centrally on each side poimting backward and sometimes

19

146 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

connected with the black marginal. line. A rounded black spot rests
centrally on each side of the scutellum, and there is also a black dot
near each anterior angle. The wing-pads are edged with black behind,
and in addition they bear an S-like character in black, extending back
centrally from the base. Upon the abdominal segments dorsally are
two pairs of shining black points, of which the hinder pair are usually
extended laterally into a line, and the front pair are sometimes connected;
laterally, are four black dots marking the segments, which are also seen
from beneath,

Not Hitherto Known as Injurious.

We find no record of injuries inflicted by this species upon any of our
crops, nor notice of its habits by any of our economic writers. Mr.
Glover, in his mention of it in his Manuscript Notes from my Journal,
merely states in referring to a figure that he gives of it, “‘ Insect proba-
bly destroys other insects.”’ This supposition may have been drawn
from the specific name which it bears, meaning “assassin,” “ execu-
tioner,” “villain,” or from the known carnivorous habits of Podisus
spinosus (Dallas), Perillus cirewmcinctus (Stal), Stiretrus anchorago
(Fabr.), and others, forgetting the very different habits displayed by the
members of this large family — that the well-known cabbage pest, Mur-
gantia histrionica, is a near relative of C. carnifex, belonging to the same
sub-family of Pentatomina, and that another member of the same, Hus-
chistes variolarius Pal. Beauv., feeds upon plants and animals inter-
changeably.

,’

99 66

The Insect Attacks the Potato.

The insect in its larval, pupal and perfect stages, has been sent to me
from Souyea, Livingston county, N. Y., about the middle of July, with
the statement that they were injuring the vines, seriously, and that,
they were believed to be poisonous, as the vines, shortly after they had
been punctured by the insect, withered and died. Paris green had
been tried for killing, but to no purpose.

It also Attacks the Currant.

Subsequently, the mature insect has been sent to me for identification,
by Prof. D. P. Penhallow, of McGill University of Montreal, Canada,
as an injurious currant insect. It had appeared in large numbers in
1884, attacking the fruit, causing it to fall, and seriously injuring the

crop.*
——s £3 £

* Tt reappeared in still larger numbers the following summer.

COSMOPEPLA CARNIFEX: REMEDIES AND DISTRIBUTION I47

Remedies.

As all the bugs belonging to the order of Hemiptera draw their food
from the interior of the plant, sucking the sap by means of a pro-
boscis thrust into the plant, itis useless to attempt to poison them by
applications to the surface of the leaves. Many of them are so con-
spicuous in appearance, of so large size, and occurring often in not re-
markable numbers, that their injuries to many of our low crops can be
prevented by picking them off by hand, or by beating them from their
food-plants by the aid of a short stick into a broad basin of water and
kerosene.

When too abundant for this method, or in situations where they can-
not be conveniently reached by hand, they will not be able to withstand
thorough sprinkling with kerosene emulsions, so applied as to reach their
breathing pores—a difficult matter perhaps in some of the species,
which are so well protected by their close-fitting and broad wing-covers.

Its Distribution.

This species has quite a broad distribution over the United States.
Mr. Uhler records it from Maine to Georgia, Texas, Indian Territory,
Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Washington Territory; also from Port
Neuf, Canada, and from Nova Scotia.

I have found it in large numbers, in former years, at Schoharie, N.
Y., in the early part of July, upon some low plants (weeds?) — the
species not recorded.

Is Probably not Carnivorous.

In the hope that the insect might, as a redeeming trait in its char-
acter, be induced to imitate the habits of some of its relatives, I made
request of the gentleman from whom the specimens had been received,
to confine them, after depriving them for a time of their vegetable food,
with the larve of the Colorado potato beetle. The experiment was
made, but as they showed no disposition to change their diet, during their
trial of two days, it may be inferred that they are strictly vegetarian
in their feeding.

Another Attack upon the Potato.

A singular attack upon the potato tuber may properly be recorded
here, in connection with the above notice of a new attack upon the
stems and leaves. It was brought to my notice several years ago (in
1877), by Mr. Miller, of the Austrian Commission at the Centennial
Exposition at Philadelphia. ;

148 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

During his sojourn in the city of New York, he observed in many
of the boiled potatoes brought upon the tables of the hotels and restau-
rants, upon being crushed by the knife, the remains of a channel or
channels leading from the center to the exterior, which may have been
the one-twentieth of an inch in diameter. They were apparently of
uniform size, and often gave off two or three branches extending to the
surface. From his imperfect use of the English language, I cannot
assert positively that I quote him correctly in saying that the walls of the
channels had such consistency as to permit of their cohesion after having
been crushed so as to show their form and branching structure. The
passages, he believed, in all cases, originated at the center, in a black
spot. He regretted that his examinations had not been sufficiently
minute to enable hin to state with certainty whether the channels were
entirely uniform in diameter, or if they enlarged somewhat with their
outward extension, as is usual in the burrows of beetles made during
their growth, and by interior-feeding lepidopterous larve. No animal
remains were discovered within the tubes, the habit of the borer being,
as was stated to him, to leave the potato while in the ground. The
potatoes affected in this manner had been received from California, while
in those coming from elsewhere, nothing of the kind had been noticed.

The gentleman believed it to be an insect attack, and from the evi-
dence he gave of the ability to judge correctly in such a matter, it is
probable that he was correct. But of the character of the insect, the
time and the method of the introduction of the egg, no opinion of value
can be offered.

Blissus leucopterus (Say).
The Chinch-Bug.

(Ord. HemiptERA: Subord. HETEROPTERA; Fam. LyG#ID#.)

Tygeus leucopterus SAy: Heterop.-Hemip. N. A., 1831, p. 14; in Trans. N. Y. St.
Agricul. Soc. (for 1857), xvii, 1858, p. 774.

Rhyparochromus devastator LE BARON: in Prairie Farmer, v, 1845, p. 287; id., ix,
.1850, pp. 280-1.

Rhyparochromus leucopterus HARRIs: Treat. Ins. New Eng., 1852, pp. 172-3; Ins.
Inj. Veg. 1862, pp. 197-199, f. 84.

Micropus leucopterus Frrcw: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agr. Soc. for 1855, xv, 1856, pp.
509-529; 1st and 2d Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, pp. 277-297, pl. 4, figs. 2, 2a.

The Chinch bug, WALsH: in Trans. Ill. Agr. Soc. for 1859-60, iv, pp. 846-849, p.
436; in Pract. Entomol, i, 1866, p. 95 (barracading by tarred boards); ib.,
ii, 1866, p. 21 (in Canada).

Micropus (Lygeus) leucopterus. Summer: in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Ph. for May,
1867, [xix], pp. 75-88 (injuries, habits, destroyed by an epidemic).

THE CHINCH-BUG: ITS SYNONYMY, ETC. 149

Micropus leucopterus. WusH.-RiL.: in Amer. Ent., i, 1869, pp. 169-171, 194-199.

Rhyparochromus leucopterus. PACKARD: Guide Stud. Ins., 1869, pp. 543-4, f. 547;
(as Blissus leuc.) in Ninth Rept. U. 8. G.-G. Surv. Terr. for 1875, 1877.
pp. 697-699, fig.; First Rept. Ins. Mass., 1871, p. 4.

Micropus leucopterus. BETHUNE: in Rept. Ent. Soc. Ont. for 1871, pp. 55-57 (gen-
eral notice, and presence in Canada).

Micropus leucopterus. LE BARON: Second Rept. Ins. Il., 1872, pp. 142-156.

Blissus leucopterus. THoMas: Seventh Rept. Ins Ill., 1878, pp. 40-71; Bull. No. 5,
U. 8. Entomolog. Commis., 1879, pp. 44, figs. 10, and 1 map; in Amer,
Entomol., iii, 1880, pp. 240-242 (influence of meteorological conditions).

Micropus leucopterus. Ritey: Seventh Rept. Ins. Mo., 1875, pp. 19-50, figs. 2-11,
in Amer. Nat., xv, 1881, p. 820 (notice of a chinch-bug convention in
Kansas); in Amer. Agricul., xl, 1881, p. 476, figs. 1-3; ibid., p. 515, figs.
144; in Science, ii, 1888, p. 620; in Rept. Commis. Agricul. for 1884, pp.

403-405.
Micropus leucopterus. GLOVER: MS. Notes Journ.—Hemipt., 1876, p. 489, pl. 2,
figs. 16, 17.

Blissus leucopterus. UHLER: in Bull. U. 8. G.-G. Surv. Terr., i, 1876, p. 306; in
separate, as List of Hemip. West of Miss. Riv., p. 40 (distribution in
U.S.)

Blissus leucopterus. FORBES: Twelfth Rept. Ins. Ill., 1888, pp. 32-63 (life-his-
tory, nat. enemies, parasites, remedies, etc.); in Bull. No. 2. Div. En-
tomol., U. 8. Dept. Agricul., 1888, pp. 28-25 (experiments with kerosene
emulsions).

Blissus leucopterus. LINTNER: in Albany Argus of October 10, 1883; in Count. Gent.
for October 18, 1888, p. 841; in Science, October 19, 1883, ii, p. 540; Cir-
cular No. 1, N. Y. St. Mus. Nat. Hist., October 18, 1883, 3 pp.; in Thirty-

’

seventh Ann, Rept. N. Y. St. Mus, Nat. Hist, [November, 1884], pp. 53-60.

During the last week in September of 1883, a package of insects in
roots of grass was sent to the New York State Agricultural Society, by
Mr. M. H. Smith, of Redwood, Jefferson county, New York, with the
following statement in regard to them :

I herewith transmit specimens of (to us) a new and formidable grass-
destroying insect, together with portions of grass destroyed by them,
and also some of the soil, for the purpose of examination. If the
insect is known to you, and there is any known way to exterminate it,
please inform us at once. The evidence of its destructive work was
first discovered in June of 1882, by Mr. H. C. King, of Hammond, St.
Lawrence county. At haying time, about the middle of July, he no-
ticed about three acres of his timothy grass to be apparently prema-
turely ripened. In the fall he observed that there was no aftergrowth,
and that the stubble was as dead as if it had been boiled. Search was
made among the dead roots without any discovery. The following
spring the field was entirely barren of timothy, but some clover seeds
and thistles occupied the ground where at least one and one-half tons
of timothy to the acre, under favorable circumstances, would have been
cut. In June of 1883, Mr. King discovered other fields to be affected
in the same manner, and instituted a search which has recently resulted

I50 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

in the discovery of myriads of the insect, not in the dead grass, but at
the edge of the live grass, where they may be scraped up by handfuls.
They have destroyed about fifteen acres for Mr. King and several acres
for each of several other farmers of his vicinity. They are causing
extreme alarm, and if you can give any relief from this calamity it will
be gratefully appreciated. This is an important grazing locality. In
addition to the timothy, June grass and wire grass are also destroyed.

The Insect Identified.

The insects being submitted to me by Secretary Harison, of the
State Agricultural Society, they were at once, greatly to my surprise,
recognized as the notorious chinch-bug of the Southern and Western
States. It was the first instance of a New York specimen of the species
coming under my observation, nor had I knowledge of its occurrence
within the State, beyond the record of Dr. Fitch of his having met with
three individuals of it. Dr. Harris had seen one specimen in Massa-
chusetts. In each of the above instances, the occurrence was deemed
of such interest and importance that the date of observation was given.*

The Insect Described.

It belongs to the order of Hemiptera, which comprises all of the bugs
proper. Itis, therefore, without biting jaws, but takes its food by suction
through a four-jointed proboscis, which, when not in use, is bent beneath
the body. Its size seems quite disproportioned to its destructive powers,
being but three-twentieths of an inch long and one-third of its length
broad. Its body is black and slightly hairy (a fine grayish down) under
a magnifier. The wing-covers, resting flat upon its back, are white with
a subtriangular black spot in the middle of the outer
margin of each, and a few black veins upon their
middle; the feet, claws and enlarged ends of the
antennz are black, while elsewhere the latter and
the legs are dull yellow. Fig. 37 represents the
insect.

Although the injuries of this insect in wheat-fields
in North Carolina were known over a hundred years
ago, it was not until fifty years thereafter, that it
received from Mr. Say, of New Harmony, Ind., a
scientific name and description. It was referred by

Fig.37— The Chinch-bug, , 4 5
BLISSUS LEUCOPTERUS. him to the genus Lyg@us, and given the specific

*«< The three specimens which I have met with in this State, occurred upon willows in the
spring of 1847, and May 12th, 1851” (Fitch, 2¢ Report Ins. NV. Y., 1856, p. 287).

‘“« While this sheet is passing through the press [in which it is stated that the chinch-bug
fortunately has not yet been observed in New England], I have to record the discovery of
one of these bugs in my own garden, on the 17th of June, 1852” (Harris, Jnsects Injurious
to Vegetation, 1862, p. 197).

THE CHINCH-BUG: HISTORY OF THE INSECT. I5f

name of lewcopterus, meaning white-winged. The original description
is as follows :

Blackish, hemelytra white with a black spot. Inhabits Virginia.

Body long, blackish with numerous hairs; antenne, rather short hairs;
second joint yellowish, longer than the third, ultimate joint longer than
the second, thickest ; thorax tinged with cinerous before, with the basal
edge piceous; hemelytra white, with a blackish oval spot on the lateral
middle; rostrum and feet honey-yellow; thighs alittle dilated. Length
less than three-twentieths of an inch.

History of the Insect.

The very serious nature and the extent of the injuries resulting from
this diminutive pest have drawn close attention and study to it, as ap-
pears in the many pages devoted to its history, transformations, habits,
etc., by most of our principal writers in economic entomology. It has
been properly characterized as “unquestionably one of the most per-
nicious insects which we have inthe United States; the locusts of Utah
and California being the only creatures of this class which exist within
the bounds of our national domain, whose multiplication causes more
sweeping destruction than does that of this diminutive and seemingly
insignificant insect” (Fitch in 1855). It is but natural, therefore,
that its literature should prove extensive, and that all that relates to its
past history—its life-stages, habits and present status—means available for
the control of its ravages, and the probabilities for the future, should be
of deep interest to the agriculturist who is at all conversant with its de-
structive capabilities.

Dr. Fitch, in his second report, has devoted ten pages to its early his-
tory in this country. He states that appearing at the close of our revo-
lutionary struggle, about the year 1783, in the interior of North Caro-
lina, it was at first regarded as the Hessian fly, which at the same time
was proving so destructive to wheat-fields on Long Island and in New
Jersey. The insects continued to increase throughout North and
South Carolina and Virginia for several years. As early as 1785 the
wheat-fields in North Carolina were threatened with entire destruction.
The ravages continued for several years thereafter, and the cultivation
of wheat was temporarily abandoned.

In 1809 they again became so destructive in North Carolina that wheat ©
was not sown for two years. But little was heard of them for a number
of years thereafter, until in 1839, when they again became excessively
numerous in Virginia and North Carolina, and extended their depre-
dations to corn, oats and other grains. A writer states of them: “I
have seen some of my corn so perfectly black with them for two feet
up that no particle of grain was to be seen, but five or six inches of the

152 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

tips of the leaves; and they hung to the under parts of them in knots
like little swarms of bees. It takes only one or two days to destroy the
corn.” In several instances entire fields were burned as the only known
method of subduing the pest. The total destruction of the crops ap-
peared inevitable, but most opportunely the season of 1840 proved to be
an exceedingly wet one. ‘The insect could not endure the rains, but
died in myriads, and the attack was arrested.

At about this time the chinch-bufg was ncticed along the Upper Mis-
sissippi and in northern Illinois. Appearing simultaneously with the
advent of the Mormons at Nauvoo (1840-1844), it was believed by
many ignorant people to have been introduced by them, and the bugs were
accordingly known as “‘ Mormon lice.”

It soon extended itself throughout all parts of Illinois and ins adjoin-
ing portions of Indiana and Wisconsin. At this time, in Illinois in the
middle of extensive prairies, upon parting the grass in search of other
insects, Dr. Fitch found the ground swarming and covered with the
bugs.

According to other writers, the insect appeared in 1847, in Iowa. In
Indiana and Wisconsin, it was first observed in 1854 and 1855. In 1864,
the crops in Iowa and adjoining portions of Illinois suffered severely
from its attacks. In 1871 it spread in vast numbers over most of the
North-western States, and again in 1874 it proved very destructive. In
this latter year it was very injurious in Missouri, although its depreda-
tions had been serious in certain sections of the State in the years 1854—-
1857; its first recorded appearance there was in 1836.

The Common Name of the Insect.

Inquiry is not infrequently made of the origin and meaning of the
popular name of this insect. Dr. Fitch has given this explanation:
At first it was only the wingless larvee which were supposed to be the
depredators, they not having been associated with the mature form with
its white wings. The larvae have a close resemblance to the common
bed-bug (Acanthia lectularia) formerly known as Cimex lectularia.
Throughout the Southern States, the bed-bug is everywhere known by
its Spanish name of chincho, and, therefore, when it was ascertained
that the wheat depredator was not the Hessian fly, it came to be distin-
guished by the name of the chinch-bug.

Webster derives the Spanish chincho from the Latin cimex, and defines
chinch, 1st, as the “ bed-bug,” and 2d, as “an insect or bug, resembling
the bed-bug in its disgusting odor, which is very destructive to wheat
and other grains; also called chintz, chinch-bug, chink-bug.”

THE CHINCH-BUG: ITS LIFE-HISTORY. 153

Life-History.

Transformations. — The eggs are laid in the autumn upon the crown
or the roots of the plants, where they remain throughout the winter and
until the ground becomes warm enough in the following spring for their
hatching. Or they may be laid in the spring by the bugs that were the
later to mature and have hibernated in the perfect or in the pupal stage.*
Occasionally clusters of the eggs are to be found above ground attached
to the blades of their food-plants.

The eggs are so minute as hardly to be visible without a magnifier,
measuring only about three-hundredths of an inch in length by one-fourth
as broad... ‘They are of a

Wood @\ dull reddish color, elongate

+e oval with the exception of

being flattened at one end,
\\ where they bear four small

a tubercles, as at @ and 06 in
daa “ti Fig. 38 About five hun-
=| * Qe _ dred eggs are deposited by

Jf “ each female, at intervals, ex-

a inchiateledieny cern tales. elas ae als aie tending over several weeks.
ese riier gevonel icles 2 pupa Jee of maitre Doe “They hatch j\in.):about two
aus weeks, when the larva ap-
pears at first of a pale yellowish color, but soon changes to red, except
the two anterior segments of the body, and the legs, which are yellow-
ish. In this stage it appears as shown inc. After the first molt, it be-
comes bright red, with a pale band across the middle of the body. After
the second molt, the wing-pads begin to make their appearance, as at f,
and the general color has become darker, with the pale band still con-
spicuous. Another molt brings it to its pupal stage, as at g, with distinct
wing-pads; its anterior portions dark brown (fuscous), and its abdomi-
nal portions grayish, except the tip which is brown. The entire period
required (when not interrupted by hibernation) for the transformations
from the egg to the perfect insect, is from five to seven weeks.

The early brood. — During the months of May and June, but earlier
in the Southern States, the hibernating individuals leave their retreats,
and those that have not mated the preceding autumn, now seek their
mates, soon after which the females proceed to lay their eggs upon the
crown of the food-plant, or beneath the ground upon the roots, where
the early life of the insect is, for the most part, passed. At this season

*Dr. Fitch has observed pupz in October which he did not doubt would pass the winter
in that state (2d Report, p. 291).
20

154 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

of mating, and again in the autumn, large numbers are frequently seen
upon the wing, and it is believed by Dr. Shimer and others, that at no
other time do they indulge in flight, except at these two nuptial seasons,
which, in Illinois, occur in May and August (see Proceedings of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for May, 1867). This,
however, is certainly an error, for there is reliable evidence of their
migration upon the wing, for other reasons, apparently, than from want
of food. See the statement of immense swarms flying eastward, in
Iowa, on and about the rgth of June, in Prof, Forbes’ 12th Report on
the Insects of Illinois, p. 34.

From the gradual development of the eggs within the ovaries, and the
long-continued oviposition, it follows that the final maturity of the insect
is far from uniform. Hence it is that it is found in such different sizes
and stages at any time throughout the season. The ripening of spring
wheat may be given as about the time that the larger portion of the
brood has acquired wings. During the wheat harvest they are often
very abundant.

The second brood.— In July, eggs are laid for a second brood, which,
according to observations made in Illinois, by Prof. Forbes, in 1882,
were hatched about the middle of the month. Matured individuals
were seen, the first, on August 8th; by the last of August, about one-half
of the brood had matured, and the entire brood had become winged
by the middle of September; by the 25th of September they had ap-
parently ceased feeding. On the 3d of October they were rare in the
corn-fields, and had evidently scattered in search of winter quarters.

Asa general rule, this brood is less injurious than the first, as the
corn and their other food-plants are more advanced and better able to
resist attack.

Hibernation.—At the approach of cold weather they cease feeding,
desert their food-plants and seek sheltered places where they may pass
the winter. Some of them merely crawl down the stalks and stems and
enter the ground, burying themselves therein to a moderate depth.
Others take wing in search of secure retreats in any rubbish that may
be found upon the borders or in the vicinity of the field, such as logs,
old fences of wood or stone, coarse weeds, heaps of straw, leaves, etc.
Stacks and piles of corn-stalks are particularly attractive to them, and
are often employed as a lure, to serve as a holocaust later in the season
for the myriads that have sought their shelter. Woodlands near the
fields where they have abounded, furnish harborage for large numbers
during the winter.

In the torpid condition in which they hibernate, they are capable of
enduring an extreme degree of cold, and may even be frozen, it is said,
without suffering harm.

THE CHINCH-BUG: A DIMORPHIC FORM. 155

A Dimorphic Form of the Chinch-Bug.

In addition to the ordinary form described and figured on page 150,
there is also to be met with in limited numbers in some localities, a
“dimorphic” form which has been characterized by Dr. Fitch as one
of nine varieties observed by him, under the name of var. apterus. It is
shown in figure 39. Prof. Riley has remarked of this and allied forms:
“ There are, as is well known to entomologists, many
genera of the half-winged bugs, which in Europe
occur in two distinct or ‘ dimorphous’ forms, with
no intermediate grades between the two, viz., a short-
winged or sometimes a completely wingless type
and a long-winged type. Frequently the two occur
promiscuously together, and are found promiscu-
ously copulating, so that they cannot possibly be
distinct species. Sometimes the long-winged type
occurs in particular seasons, and especially in very
hot seasons. More rarely the short-winged type
occurs in a different locality from the long-winged
type, and usually in that case in a more northerly locality. We have a
good illustration of this latter peculiarity in the case of the chinch-bug,

Fig. 39— The Short-winged
Chinch-bug.

for a dimorphous short-winged form occurs in Canada, and Dr. Fitch
describes it from specimens received from the States as a variety under
the name of apterus (Second Report on the Insects of Missourt, 1870, p. 22,
f. 2; also, Seventh Report on the Insects of Missouri, 1875, p. 20, f. 4).

Of a number of specimens sent to Mr. B. D. Walsh for identification,
from Canada, in 1866, which had been taken from under the bark of an
old log, all (eleven) were of this form, and were regarded by him as a
“ geographical variety ” (Practical Entomologist, ii, p. 21)

_ Fic. 40— Wing-covers and wings of the chinch-bug, and its short-winged form, showing their nervula-
tion: 1, wing-cover of normal form; 2, wing of the same; 3, wing-cover of short-winged form; 4, wing
of the same. Enlarged to 18 diameters.

The same form was remarkably abundant ainong the specimens sent

to me from Jefferson county, by Mr. Smith, and in those that were

156 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

subsequently obtained by me upon the farm of Mr. King. At least
twenty per cent of the entire number were of this form. The varietal
name given it by Dr. Fitch is misleading, for none of them probably are
wingless. Both the wing covers (hemelytra) and wings are very much
shortened — the former usually to about one-half the normal length,
and the latter to not much exceeding one-third. In figure 4o, the
relative size of the two is shown, together with the structure of each,
from preparations and careful camera drawings made for this paper by
Mr. C. E. Beecher. As the drawings are intended to represent structure
only, the characteristic pigment spots and markings of the wing-covers
are not given. ‘Their coriaceous portion shows numerous short hairs,
not extending beyond — the crinkled lines appearing elsewhere, and upon
the wings, resulting from the unequal distension of the wing-membranes
by the nerves. A comparison of the nervulation in the two forms
cannot fail of being of interest to the student

Injuries of the Insect.

The chinch-bug is beyond all question one of the most destructive of
our insect pests. It has been justly said of it: “ The locusts of the west
are the only creatures of this class which exist within the bounds of our
national domain, whose multiplication causes more sweeping destruction
than does that of this diminutive and seemingly insignificant insect.”

Another writer, who has given it patient study, has remarked of it:
“Tt is the most dangerous insect foe with which we have to deal. That
it taxes them more heavily than all other such enemies combined, is
burnt into the convictions of thousands of farmers by repeated heavy
losses and bitter disappointment ”’ (Forbes).

Throughout the Southern and Western States, or more properly, those
lying within “the wheat-belt region,” the chinch-bug is a well-known
and dreaded enemy, from the almost incredible amount of injury which
it inflicts, in certain years, upon the grain and corn crops. Probably
the aggregate of pecuniary losses which have resulted to the United
States from its ravages have considerably exceeded those inflicted by
any other of our thousand insect pests.

That some idea may be had of the amount of these losses, a few of
the more reliable estimates that have been made are herewith pre-
sented.

Mr. Walsh estimated the loss from the insect in Illinois alone, in the
year 1864, at over $73,000,000, while a careful computation made by
Dr. Shimer, for the same year, showed that in the extensive wheat and
corn-fields of the valley of the Mississippi, three-fourths of the wheat and
one-half of the corn was destroyed at a loss of more than $100,000,000,
in the currency that then prevailed.

THE CHINCH-BUG: ITS OPERATIONS IN NEW YORK. MS

Dr. Le Baron, from data collected with great care, has estimated the
value of the wheat, oats, barley and corn destroyed in the State of
Illinois in 1871, at ten and a half millions of dollars; and for the six
additional Western States of Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska
and Wisconsin, approximately, double that of Illinois, making an aggre-
gate in the North-western States of over $31,000,000 (Second Report
on the Insects of Illinois, 1872, p. 144).

Prof. Riley, from county returns received from eighty-six counties in
the State ot Missouri, and from estimates of the remaining twenty-
eight counties, has calculated the loss to the three staple crops of wheat,
corn and oats alone, in 1874, in that State, at $19,000,000. He also
states that during this year the losses from the same insect in Illinois
may be safely put down at double that they were in 1871, or over
$60,000,000 (Seventh Report on the Insects of Missouri, 1875, pp. 24, 25).

The years 1864, 1871 and 1874, from the warm and dry seasons that
they offered, were unusually favorable to the multiplication of the
insect, and were therefore years of its unusual abundance. Still it is
not of rare occurrence that a single one of the wheat-growing Western
States should suffer a loss of $10,000,000 in a single year. It
seems almost incredible that the destructive powers of a small suctorial
insect could be so great, but its enormous numbers must furnish the ex-
planation. In times of its abundance it is so numerous as to cover the
ground ; it blackens the stalks of the plants upon which it feeds; it fills
the air when at seasons of its mating, it takes wing for flight; it marches
to new feeding-grounds in solid bodies, upon and over one another; its
invading armies sweep over and utterly destroy a wheat or corn-field in
two or three days; and the nauseous bed-bug odor which they exhale
sickens those who are compelled to breathe it.

Only a little of our knowledge of this insect has been given in the
preceding pages, but that space may be left for some notice of its recent
operations in the State of New York, those who would know more of
its interesting history, its habits, the natural enemies that prey upon it,
and the various means used for destroying it, are referred to the excellent
and extended papers upon it by Harris, Fitch, Thomas, Riley, Forbes
and others which we have cited.

Operations in New York.

Its presence in New York in the years 1882 and 1883, while not at-
tended with serious losses, was justly the occasion of great anxiety and
fears. The attack, under its existing conditions, was of so threatening a
character that I deemed it my duty to recommend most earnest efforts
for its suppression. Just how far the efforts made in compliance with
the recommendations aided in its arrest can onlv be surmised.

158 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

The following were my reasons for believing that the attack would
continue and become more serious, as contributed to the Albany Argus
of October 10, 1883:

The insect has planted itself, maintained a footing and hasshown a
rapid increase under unfavoring, unpropitious and unnatural conditions
such as these:

First. It is regarded as a southern insect (extending farther north-
ward, as do most animal forms, in the Mississippi valley), yet it has ap-
peared in the most northern county of the State, and upon, if the re-
port be reliable, the St. Lawrence river.

Second. Its attack has been made upon timothy. This seems to be
its most unusual food-plant, and, therefore, we infer, the least suited to it.
All previous accounts concur in giving it a preference for spring wheat
above all things else; next in order, oats or corn, and last the grasses.
Timothy is only mentioned as occasionally attacked by it.

Third. In all previous accounts, great prominence has been given to
its being a hot and dry weather insect, dependent upon these conditions,
not only for its multiplication, but for its existence. Heavy rains have
been claimed to be invariably fatal to it. It could not abound, it is
stated, in a wet season. Dr. Fitch had even made recommendation of
sprinkling it with water (an artificial shower), as the best means for its
extermination. In the present instance, the bug obstinately persists in
multiplying, contrary to all rule. The past year and the present have
both been years of excessive rain-fall in St. Lawrence county. Spring,
summer and autumn have been exceptionally wet. In the spring, heavy
and continued rains flooded meadows now showing the chinch-bug
attack. At haying time, when the bugs were young, and according to
all the statements hitherto made, readily killed by wet, the rains were so
frequent and severe, that the grass cut could only be secured with diffi-
culty. Upon Mr. King’s farm, much of it was drawn in, upon favor-
able days, by improving the opportunity of extending the labor into
hours after nightfall. At the present time grass is lying in fields in
stacks, which could not be gathered, owing to continued rain; and fields
of oats are still unharvested.

It appears that the insect has rapidly increased and largely extended
its area during the present year, under conditions which should have
been fatal to :t. Why it has been otherwise may perhaps find its ex-
planation in the fact that it is a new introduction into this part of the
United States, and that it is following the law well known to prevail in
the introduction from abroad (Europe principally), of nearly all of our
injurious insects. With scarcely an exception, with their importation,
they become far more destructive, pouriee greater ravages and often
attacking new food-plants.

As the past history of the insect has shown that parasites and other
enemies have entirely failed to arrest its multiplication, we are com-
pelled to believe, from present indications, that it has come to stay, and
that it will do so, unless effectual means are taken to prevent it. Its
capability of increase is wonderful. Under the most conservative cir-
cumstances, a single chinch-bug, depositing its eggs about the first of
June, would be, in the following August, the progenitor of a quarter of
a million.

THE CHINCH-BUG: OBSERVATIONS UPON THE ATTACK. 159

It should not be necessary to urge the importance of doing what-
ever can be done to arrest this attack, which threatens to be more seri-
ous to New York than was that of the wheat-midge, the loss from which,
in some years, was computed at $15,000,000. If it should continue to
increase it will doubtless extend to wheat, and corn and other of the grains.
In its southern extension in this State it would naturally become more
serious. At the present it is known in but two counties — Jefferson
and St. Lawrence. It seems practicable by prompt, earnest and com-
bined effort, to prevent its extension and to check it where it now ex-
ists.

Observations upon the Attack.

In addition to the information contained in the communication of
Mr. Smith, given on page 149, I am abie to add the following, from my
personal observations, made during a visit to Hammond, and on inspec-
tion of the infested farm of Mr. King, on October 5th and 6th. ‘The
cold weather of the preceding few days (ice was formed upon three
nights) had doubtless driven most of the bugs to their winter quarters for
hibernation in crevices, beneath boards, rails, etc., in rubbish heaps, and to
many other secure retreats where such insects are accustomed to hide. Yet
upon parting the roots of the timothy upon borders of the killed portion
in one of the fields they were found in alarming numbers — in some spots
sufficient to cover the ground with their bodies over an area of two or
three inches in diameter, having perhaps congregated for warmth in
such places. In one spot, upon the warm slope of a dead furrow, they
could be seen, in large numbers, running like ants over the ground.
Elsewhere, they were concealed among the roots, near to and about the
bulbs, upon which they appeared mainly to feed. Their presence in any
spot could always be detected by bringing the nose near the ground by
the peculiar bea-bug odor that they exhaled. This method of detection
proved more convenient and infallible than looking for them.

The territory occupied by them was more extended than was at first
supposed. Nearly all of the farms in the neighborhood of Mr. King
had been attacked, some of them the preceding year, and discoveries of
attack not before suspected were, upon examination, being made daily,
A range, at the time, of about eight miles was indicated. It was be-
lieved to occur throughout most of the town of Hammond, and to ex-
tend into Alexandria upon the St. Lawrence river.

The following are a few of the memoranda (the remainder lost) of the
number of acres showing the attack in the town of Hammond, upon
farms in the immediate vicinity of Mr. King, which were made at the
time of my visit:

Mr. H. C. King, sixteen acres of timothy and clover; cut on the 5th
of July; the attack first noticed in August; more than one-half of the

160 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

timothy was eaten. On another portion (upland) of his farm, three
acres of timothy, and in another, twelve acres of meadow were eaten.

Mr. E. J. White, first noticed the injury in September of 1882, in
the killing of the timothy upon a spot between two and three rods
square. In 1883, it was again observed after haying in July, and con-
tinued to extend, and to appear in three other places—=in all, seven or
eight acres.

Mr. Keller Dygert, adjoining Mr. King’s farm, over six acres destroyed.

Mr. Robert Rogers, five or six acres of timothy very badly injured.

Mr. Robert Broidee, a meadow badly infested, but extent not stated.

Mr. Abel Pickett, a small spot, commencing the previous year, and
is steadily extending.

Mr. Wm. Cuthbert’s farm, five miles from Mr. King, near the St.
Lawrence river, reported as showing the attack of the insect.

Mr. Thomas B. Phillips had two acres injured the preceding
autumn; present area considerably larger but not given.

Mr. Charles Fitch, of the town of Morristown, six acres destroyed.

A wheat-field of Mr. King seems to have been infested, but to have
been checked by its roots having been submerged by a heavy rain-fall
continuing for several days.

The insect is reported on the farm of Mr. Cook, in the town of Cham-
pion, Jefferson county, in the vicinity of Pleasant lake, and near the
northern line of Lewis county.

Measures Recommended to Arrest the Attack.

In view of the severity of the attack, and the seeming need of earn-
est efforts to arrest it, it Was thought proper that general attention should
be called to it throughout the infested region, and instructions given as
to the best means for arresting it, particularly to such as could be at
once resorted to, in order to reach as large a portion as possible of the
autumnal brood. A circular giving such information was accordingly
prepared, and an edition of three thousand copies printed and distributed
throughout the portions of the State where the attack was observed,
together with such contiguous territory as it might be expected to reach
in another season.

Asa portion of the history of the attack, and as containing direc-
tions which would be of service in future appearances of the insect in
New York or in the New England States, the circular is herewith given:

ee ee

THE CHINCH-BUG: A CIRCULAR RELATING TO IT. 161

Circular No. 1 — October, 1888.

New York STATE Museum OF NATURAL History,
DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY.

Directions for Arresting the Chinch-bug Invasion of Northern New
York,

Portions of St. Lawrence county, New York, are now suffering from
a serious attack of the chinch-bug (4lissus lewcopterus) — perhaps the
most injurious of our insect enemies.

It has already, in the third year (probably) of its introduction, and
the second year of the observation of its attack, spread to such an ex-
tent, and shown such a rapid increase under very unfavorable condi-
tions, that a continued increase in its diffusion and destructiveness is
probable, unless effectual measures can be taken to prevent it.

At present, only timothy and other grasses seem to have been attacked.
Wherever attacked, the root is destroyed, and the grass, consequently,
is entirely killed.

With its increase, its ravages would extend to wheat, rye, barley and
corn, which are its favorite food-plants.

Its extension over the State of New York, as now threatened, would
be attended with an annual loss of millions of dollars.

It seems practicable, at this stage, to prevent this extension, by earn-
est and combined effort throughout the district now invaded.

The most favorable time for this effort has already passed ; but much
may be accomplished by immediate action.

As it is of very great importance that this destructive insect — the
terror of our Southern and Western farmers — should not be permitted
to obtain a permanent footing in our State, hitherto free from its depre-
dations, a prompt -and full compliance with the following directions is
strongly urged :

1. Let every farmer in St. Lawrence county and adjacent counties in
Northern New York (particularly in the western portion of St. Lawrence
and northern of Jefferson), examine his meadows for patches of dead
grass, looking as if winter-killed, indicating the attack of the insect. As
an aid to its ready recognition, the infested areas upon the farm of
Mr. H. C. King, of the town of Hammond, St. Lawrence county, may
be examined.

2. If the attack is detected, burn the dead grass and its surrounding
border of fifteen or twenty feet not yet showing attack. This may be
effectually done by first applying a covering of straw. A favoring wind
is desirable for the purpose.

3. Plow the burned area (better still if the plowing extends beyond
this limit and embraces the entire meadow) in broad and deep furrows,
turning the sod completely and flatly over, not permitting it to lie in
ridges.

4. To insure the more effectual burying of the insects that may be at
present feeding upon, or preparing to pass the winter among, the roots
of the grasses, harrow the plowed surface slightly, and follow with a
heavy rolling.

21

162 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

5. Where the meadows will not permit of plowing as above, gas-lime,
wherever it can be conveniently obtained from the gas-works at Ogdens-
burg, Watertown, etc., may be distributed over the ground, at the rate
of two hundred bushels to the acre. ‘The gas-lime would also serve as
a valuable fertilizer.

Of the above directions, the first four should be followed at once.
The application of gas-lime might be postponed until the month of
November, before the setting in of winter, or to the early spring. It
should be confined to the dead and infested portions of the meadows,
as in its fresh state it would kill the grass. In the winter, during
February, it may safely be distributed over the entire fields, where it
would probably serve the additional purpose of a preventive of a spring
attack.

New attacks and more widespread distribution may be looked for
about the first of June in the ensuing year. Directions for meeting
these, by other methods, will be given hereafter.

It is hoped that every one interested will cheerfully comply with the
above directions, and not render necessary a resort to compulsory legis-
lation, which would undoubtedly call for a large increase of labor and
expenditure. The agricultural interests of the State of New York may
justly demand that, if possible to prevent it, the chinch-bug shall not
be allowed to gain a permanent footing as a grain and grass destroyer
within its borders. Its injuries in the State of Illinois, in a single year,
were estimated at $73,000,000 — almost five times the amount computed
for the wheat-midge ravages in New York, at the time of its greatest
destructiveness.

OFFICE OF THE STATE ENTomo.ocist, October 18, 1883.

To the above circular the following figure (after Fitch), and descrip-
tion was appended, to aid in the recognition of the insect.

The Cuincu-Bue in natural size and as enlarged (about ten diameters). Color: black,
with white wing-covers, having a black subtriangular spot on the outer margin of each,
and two black veins nearer the base. The legs, the sucking-tube, and the base of the
antenna, are deep honey-yellow; the feet and the last joints of the antenne are black.
Length, about three-twentieths of an inch.

The young, appearing early in June and late in August, are blood-red, with a white band
‘across their middle: later they change to brown and afterward to black.

THE CHINCH-BUG: CESSATION OF ITS ATTACK. 163

Remedial Measures Employed.

In a report made by me to the Regents of the University of the
State of New York, under date of January 8, 1884, and published in
the Thirty-seventh Annual: Report on the State Museum of Natural
History, in referring to the above circular I stated as follows :

I regret to have to report that the response given to the directions
of the circular have fallen short of their requirement. Plowing under
the infested areas has been quite general, but I do not learn that it has
approached the thorough character recommended. Burning has not
been resorted to, except upon the farm of Mr. King. The application
of gas-lime will probably not be made, to any great extent, as it is
reported as not easily to be obtained. Perhaps no other result should
have been anticipated at this stage of the attack, or before the absolute
necessity of vigorous action should be unmistakably apparent. Former
experiences show that our farmers, as a rule, are indisposed to yield
ready comphance with recommendations simply, although calculated to
save them from serious pecuniary loss, particularly if such recommenda-
tions involve any expenditure beyond that of quite a limited amount of
extra labor on their part. It would, therefore, seem to be a wise econ-
omy for the State, whenever a continued extension of any formidable
insect attack presents itself, that a prompt resort be had to effectual
preventive measures, through legislation compelling the action desired
and not otherwise to be had. Several laws for the prevention and
destruction of injurious insects exist upon the statute books of European
countries. In our own State and others there are laws against noxious
weeds; and it would indicate enlightened progress if there were also
those controllirg the unlimited spread of some of our more harmful
insect pests.

Cessation of the Attack. '

Although the insect was reported by Mr. King to have been found
by him, in alarming nnmbers, late in October, hidden beneath rails,
chips, bark, etc., yet the apprehension of its increase and spread in
the spring of 1884 was not realized. Doubtless the general plowing of
the infested lands aided materially in its destruction; yet to the more
effective operation of natural causes, such as the extreme cold of the
winter or the early spring rains, or other unfavorable meteorological
conditions, must be credited, mainly, the arrest of the attack, either
through the death of the mature insects during the winter, or that of
their progeny in the early spring.

So far as I could learn, the insect did not reappear to the extent of
committing serious injury. In localities where it had abounded the pre-
ceding year, and the land had not been plowed, its presence, in hiber-
nated individuals, was observed as soon as the snow was gone. No
further damage was reported to me, except in one instance where no at-
tention had been paid to the recommendation of thorough autumn plow-

164 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST,

ing. Here apiece of wheat of several acres in extent was attacked, and
considerably injured by it.

Observed in other Northern and Eastern Localities,

During the spring of 1883, the insect also occurred abundantly in at:
least one locality in Massachusetts, for according to Dr. George Dim-
mock, “on the 28th of March, the lowland between Belmont and
Cambridge was swarming with them” (Psyche, Novem.-Decem., 1883,
iV, Ds 100)

An earlier observation of it in Massachusetts has been communicated
to me by Dr. Packard, in the following extract from his diary: “June 17,
1871, at Salem, Mass., chinch-bugs with wing-covers extending over the
basal third of the abdomen, seen in copula, end-to-end.” Dr. Packard
has also published the fact of his having taken the insect “ frequently
in Maine and even on the extreme summit of Mt. Washington in August ”’
(Guide to the Study of Insects, 1869, pp. 543-4).

Mr. Henry L. Fernald, of Orono, Maine, who is making special study
of the Hemiptera, has given me the following memoranda of its oceur-
rence at Orono, latitude 44° 40’: ‘‘One example captured in 1879; one
on May 25, 1880; three on June 3, 1882. Since that time quite com-
mon in June; taken in all cases by sweeping over grass.”

Its occurrence in Canada, in 1866, in a few examples has already been
referred to (page 155). Upon inquiry, I learn that the locality of their
collection by Mr. J. Pettit, was at Grimsby.

For a still more northern locality of the insect we are indebted to the
recent collections of Mr. W. H. Harrington, of Ottawa, Ont., who, at
the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Ontario, at London,
in October of 1884, exhibited specimens of the chinch-bug which he had
found abundant at Sydney, Cape Breton (N. latitude 46° 18’) during a
visit there in September (Canadian Entomologist for November, 1884,
Xvi, p. 218).

Largus succinetus (Linn. ). ,
The Margined Largus.

(Ord. Hemiptera: Subord. HETEROPTERA: Fam. PYRRHOCORIDA. )

Cimex succinctus LINN.: Syst. Nat., ii, 1767, p. 727, No. 82.

Cimex rubrocinctus DE GEER: Mem. Hist. Ins., iii, p. 389, No. 13, pl. 34, f. 19.

Cimew succinctus FABR.: Spec. Ins., ii, 1781, p. 369, No. 185; Syst. Ent., 1775, p.
723, No. 133; Mant. Ins., ii, 1787, p. 308.

Lygeus succinctus Fasr.: Ent. Syst., iv, 1798, p. 170.

Largus suecinctus Hprr.-Scu.: Wanz. Ins., vi, p. 78, f. 648.

Oapsus succinctus var. A. Say: Heterop. Hemip N. A., 1831, p. —; in Trans. N.
Y. St. Agricul. Soc., xvii, 1858, p. 783.

ee se OO le

THE MARGINED LARGUS: DISTRIBUTION AND APPEARANCE. 165

Largus suecinetus. GLOVER: in Rept. Comm. Agr. for 1875, 1876, p. 124. f. 28; MS.
Notes Journ.—Hemipt., 1876, p. 43, pl. 1, f. 12; MS. Notes Journ.—Cotton
Insects, 1878, pl. 16, f. 9 (note to figure).

Largus succinctus. UnLER: in Bull U. 8. G.-G. Surv. Terr., i, 1876, p. 315; List
Hemiptera W. Miss. Riv., 1876, p. 49; Stand. Nat. Hist., v, p. 288, f. 331.

Largus succinctus. LINTNER: in Count. Gent., xlvi, 1881, p. 663.

The injurious habits of this species have only, up to the present,
been noticed in Texas. A letter received from San Antonio, represents
it as quite annoying in a peach orchard, from its working into the fruit
and spoiling it just before its time of ripening.

Distribution and Variations.

Although not as yet recorded from the State of New York, it without
much doubt occurs within its limits, as it is found in Pennsylvania
and New Jersey, and has a broad distribution over the United States.
Mr. Uhler gives as its habitat, “‘ Pennsylvania to Florida, and west-
ward to Texas, Arizona and southern Colorado. The western speci-
mens are blacker and not so brightly red-margined as those from the
coasts of Georgia and Florida. In the sea islands of the latter a variety
occurs which is of a dirty sand-red,

“The genus is essentially American, and ranges between the north-
ern warm-temperate zone and the southern warm-temperate zone. ‘The
insular and equatorial ones of the lowlands are marked with yellow

,

spots, while the others are more uniform and plainer in their pattern.’

Its Appearance.

It bears a marked resemblance to the common squash-bug, Anasa
tristis (De Geer), Fig. 42, in size and form; the thorax is very nearly the
same in shape. It measures one-half of an inch in length by one-fifth in
breadth, is of a rusty black color, with the thorax and upper wings
freckled and broadly bordered with red, The brief diag-
nosis of Fabricius gives its characteristic features: “Oblong,
the thorax, margin of the elytra, and base of the femora
red.” The diagnosis of De
Geer adds to the above, “ ashy-
black, femora toothed in front.”
iGhie |» He. insect is\‘tepresented' in
itiarped Cig. 41. Lhe variety described
one-halfdiameter by Say, as inhabiting Mexico,
has the “ surface paler, with numerous black
punctures, giving a dusky appearance; ori-
ginof the antennez and a line on each side
Oathe origin of the rostrum sanguineous,”” Fie. ?2— Tne Sait one ae head

Uhler has referred this variety to Largus 4 bak stl more enlarged.
cinctus Her.-Schf., which as it differs only in a slight degree from

166 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

LI. succinctus, “will no doubt hereafter prove to be only the western
form of it.” This would extend the range of the species into California,
Oregon, Nevada and Arizona.

In its early stages, according to Uhler, it is of a brilliant steel-blue
color, with reddish legs, and a bright red spot at the base of the
abdomen.

Habits.

Scarcely any thing is known of the habits of this insect, as it has not
engaged the attention of our economic entomologists. Mr. Glover had
found it hibernating in Maryland, under moss, stems and bark in mid-
winter but had never seen it injuring plants. In the same State and in
Virginia, the adults have been observed along the borders of oak-woods
in the months of July and August. It also occurred in the southern
cotton-fields, occasionally upon the bolls, but commonly on the ground
and under stones. It had been represented as stinging severely with its
proboscis and as destroying other insects.

It is closely allied to the well-known red-bug or cotton-stainer of the
Southern States, Dysdercus suturellus Her.-Schf.,* which is so injurious
to cotton, in sucking the sap from the plants and the bolls, and staining
the fibres of the opened bolls indelibly with their excrements, to the
extent of greatly impairing the market value of the cotton.

Other members of the family, although less nearly allied to it than the
above, and therefore of but little value in indicating habits, are the
chinch-bug, Blissus lewcopterus (Say), the false chinch-bug, Vysius
angustata Uhler (=N. destructor Riley), and Lygeus turcicus Fabr.—
the latter a common New York species, found abundantly upon milk-
weed (Asclepias), during the month of August, and said to have been
seen feeding upon the caterpillars (? Huchetes egle) infesting the plant.

The habits of a European species Pyrrhocoris calmariensis Fallen,
from its near relationship, are probably much like those of L. swecinctus.
Prof. Westwood had found them swarming in gardens in the neighbor-
hood of Berlin, where they were engaged in sucking fallen berries
and seeds, as well as such of their companions as had been trodden
under foot (Jntroduc. Classif. Ins., ii, p. 481, fig. 121, 8,9). Haus-
mann had observed their partiality for dead insects, and that they
would not attack living ones.

* See Glover’s ‘‘MS. Notes from my Journal——Cotton and the Principal Insects Frequent-
ing or Injuring the Plant,” 1878, where the transformations, structure and habits of the
insect are illustrated in the fourteen figures of Plate XVI, and mention is made of the cotton
plants near Jacksonville, Florida, in 1855, being literally colored red with the multitudes
that were crawling over the stalks, leaves, and bolls.

THE MARGINED LARGUS: REMEDIES. 167

Remedies.

There is but little probability that this insect will become particularly
injurious to peaches or to other fruits. From the little that is known
of its habits, and from what may be inferred from related species, it
will rarely, if ever, ascend trees in search of food, but will prefer to
seek its food upon the ground.

It would be difficult or impossible to devise a preventive of its at-
tack, as its suctorial habits preclude the beneficial use of external appli-
cations to the fruit. It remains, therefore, in the event of its abundance
and threatened injuries, to find means for destroying such numbers as to
lessen the amount of its depredations. It is probable that the same methods
that have been employed with beneficial results for the destruction of the
cotton-stainer, as given by Mr. Glover, will also serve for this: “These
insects being in the habit of collecting together where there were splint-
ers or fragments of sugar-cane on the ground, advantage was taken of
this fact to draw them together by means of small chips of sugar-cane
laid upon the earth near the plants, when they were at once destroyed
by boiling water. They also collect around heaps of cotton seed where
they may readily be destroyed at the: commencement of cold weather.
Small heaps of refuse trash, dried cornstalks, or especially of crushed
sugar-cane, may be made in various parts of the plantation in the
vicinity of the plants. Under these the insects take shelter from the
cold, and when a sufficient quantity of the bugs are thus drawn together
the various heaps may be fired, and the insects destroyed with the trash.
A very cold morning, however, should be selected, and the fire made
before the insects have been thawed into life and vigor by the heat of the
sun; and especially all dead trees, decayed stumps, and weeds in the
vicinity of the field should be burned or otherwise destroyed, as they
afford a comfortable shelter for all sorts of noxious insects, in which
they can pass the winter in a semi-dormant state.”

Cicada septendecim Linn.

The Seventeen-year Locust.

/

(Ord. HemipTERA: Subord. Homoprera: Fam. CicapIDZ.)

Linn vs: Syst. Nat., i, pt. ii, 1767, p. 708, No. 20.

Fasr.: Syst. Ent., 1775, p. 679, No. 6; Spec. Ins., ii, 1781, p. 319, No. 6; Mant.
Ins., ii, 1787, p. 266, No. 9 (Tettigonia septendecim).

HILDRETH: in Silliman’s Amer. Journ. Sci.-Arts, x, 1826, pp. 327-829 (emergence,
oviposition, injuries, etc.).

168 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Morris: in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., iii, Nov., 1846, pp. 182-134; Ib., March,
1847, pp. 190-191 (larvze on roots of fruit trees); in Downing’s Horticul-
turist, ii, 1847, p. 16.

BURNETT: in Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., iv, 1851, p. 71 (sexual system and musical
apparatus); Ib., p. 111 (appearance in cleared lands).

Harris: Ins. N. Eng., 1852, pp. 180-189; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1860, pp. 206-217, f. 87,
Pua hts Wy.

Fircen: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1854, xiv, 1855, pp. 742-753; Ist Rept.
Ins. N. York, 1856, pp. 38-49.

WatsH: in Pract. Entomol., i, 1865, p. 19 (locust districts, from Fitch).

RineEy: ist Rept. Ins. Mo., 1869, pp. 18-42, figs. 6-13; 4th Rept. do., 1872, pp.
30-34.

Le Baron: 2d Rept. Ins. Il., 1872, pp. 124-133.

PackarpD’ 3d Ann. Rept. Ins. Mass., 1878, pp. 16-20, figs. 142, 148.

Bessey: in Amer. Entomol., iii, 1880, pp. 27-80 (distrib. in Iowa).

SAUNDERS: Ins. Inj. Fruits, 1888, pp. 35-39, figs. 24-27,

The Cicada in Western New York.

Examples of the above-named insect, together with peach-twigs
showing its work, and empty pupal cases attached, were received at
this department, about the last of June, 1882, from Ontario county,
New York, with the inquiry if they were the true seventeen-year locust,
and if so, if their appearance only at such long intervals could be ac-
cepted as a scientific fact.

Fig. 43—The seventeen-year Uicada — CICADA SEPTENDECIM: a, the pupa; 6, the pupa case; c, the ma-
ture insect.

Fig. 43 shows the insect with its wings spread upon one side, the
pupa from which it is disclosed, and the pupal case.

Seventeen Years Required for its Transformations.
Notwithstanding all that has been written of this species, and the
labor that has been expended upon its study, it is a matter of surprise
that there should still prevail a wide-spread incredulity that the period

_—-

THE SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST: ITS LIFE-PERIOD, 16g

stated is really required for the development of the insect from the egg
into the perfect winged state. Yet it is a fact well established in
science, and must therefore be admitted, although among the three
hundred and fifty thousand species of insects known to us, no other has
been found to require so long a period for its changes.

The Insect Seen Almost Annually.

It is sometimes urged by those who are unable to appreciate the au-
thoritativeness of a scientific statement, that we hear of the appearance
of these locust visitations at much shorter intervals —in some parts of
the United States almost every year.

This is true. ‘To go no further back in our records than to the year
1850 —from that time to the present the periodial Cicada (it is improp-
erly called a Jocust) has made its appearance in portions of the United
States, in each subsequent year to the present included, with the
single exception of the year 1873. It will continue to appear during
each subsequent year of the century, with three exceptions — 1887,
18go and 1892, which in the chronology of visitations, happen not to
be “locust years.”

Why Reported so Frequently.

The explanation of these almost annual appearances of the species
is very simple, and as follows: There are a number of distinct “broods ”
within the United States, each embraced within certain geographical
localities and limits (although often overlapping one another) in which
they appear, and within which they are always true to their appointed
time.

As the limits of these broods ao not vary to any considerable extent
in their successive returns, it follows that they do not cover the entire
country, but that there are portions in which they are never seen.

A Thirteen-year Brood.

Not all of these broods, however, are confined to a seventeen-year
cycle. The researches of Professor Riley have shown that in the South-
ern States, and extending as far northward as southern Illinois, there
are also broods that occur regularly at intervals of thirteen year's, to
which he has given the name of Cicada tredecim. No specific differ-
ence, however, can be discovered in the features of the two broods,
and he has, therefore, expressed his opinion that the latter is not en-
titled to be regarded as a distinct species, but that it should rather be
considered as a race, or as an incipient species, to which for con-
venience it is desirable to give a distinctive name (Supplement to the
Missouri Reports, 1881, p. 58).

22

179 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Number of Broods in the United States,

Dr. Fitch, in his First Annual Report on the Insects of New York,
recorded nine broods in different parts of the United States. Prof.
Riley, as the result of a more thorough and extended search of old
records, gives, in his First Report on the Insects of Missouri, twenty-
two broods, one of which he has subsequently rejected, from its failure
to appear at its expected time and place, and the doubtful evidence
upon which its former appearance (in 1870) rested. Of these twenty-
one broods, seven are of the thirteen-year race.

Broods in the State of New York.

Of the above, five occur within the State of New York, viz.:

1. Commencing with the one, the appearance of which in Ontario
county in June of 1882, as has been stated; former appearances are re-
corded in 1797, 1814, 1831, 1848 and 1865. Its next return will be in
1899. Its probable distribution is in portions of Wyoming, Monroe,
Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga and Onondaga counties.

2. To appear in 1885, in Brooklyn and the western part of Long
Island, in the vicinity of Rochester, N. Y., and probably to a lesser ex-
tent in intermediate portions of the State.*

The range of this brood is stated to be from South-Eastern Massachu-
setts (across Rhode Island and Connecticut) to Long Island, New Jer-
sey, Pennsylvania, extending up into Western New York, southward
into Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and
Kentucky. Its former records are, 1715, 1732, 1749, 1766, 1783, 1800,
1817, 1834, 1851 and 1868. ‘The next appearance will be in 1902.

3. A brood to appear in 1889, on Long Island. Former visits have
been in 1838, 1855 and 1872. It will also return in the year 1906.

This is of very extensive range, commencing in Massachusetts and
crossing Long Island, is continued in New Jersey, South-Eastern Penn-
sylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, down the Ohio
river and “the valley of the Mississippi river, probably to its mouth,
and up its tributaries into the Indian Territory.”

4.‘A brood in 1894, in the valley of the Hudson river. Dr. Fitch
gives its northern extension as in the vicinity of Fort Miller, near to
where the river has its westward trend. It extends southward along the
river to its mouth, embracing, in its lateral. extensions, New Haven, in
Connecticut, Northern New Jersey and North-Eastern Pennsylvania.

*In the Vew York Sunday Press of June 20, 1885, the following notice appears: ‘‘ Locusts
have made their appearance by millions, in the middle of Long Island and on Staten
Island. In Prospect Park, Brooklyn, the nuisance is said to be intolerable. In many
places the insects cover the roadway and are crushed under wheels in countless numbers.”’

SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST: BROODS IN NEW YORK. ied

What is apparently the same brood seems also to extend into Mary-
land, Virginia and North Carolina; also into Michigan and Indiana, or
perhaps, these last may be a coincident brood.

The records of this, date back to over a century and a half, viz.: to
1724, in New Haven, Conn. Subsequent returns were in 1741, 1758,
1775, 1792, 1809, 1826, 1843, 1860 and 1877. In the last recorded year
they were very abundant in the vicinity of Albany. Large numbers of
these were found to be infested with a fungus, which was described and
named by the State Botanist, Prof. Charles H. Peck, as Massospora cica-
dina.

5. A brood in rgoo in Western New York. Former years of its ap-
pearance were 1832, 1849, 1866 and 1883. Its range is apparently not
very extensive, as it seems to be limited to Western New York, Western
Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. It is Dr. Fitch’s 2d brood; Riley’s
No. xx. Miss M. H. Morris, of Germantown, Pa., to whom we are
indebted for many valuable observations upon this insect, has recorded
it as occurring in the year 1849 “in the northern portion of New York,
from Buffalo through the entire length of Genesee county” (Proce.
Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., iv, 1851, p. 110). This would give it a distribu-
tion at that time centrally through Erie, Wyoming and Genesee counties,
with probable occurrence in Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties.
Since that time its range seems to have become more restricted and its
numbers reduced. Our only knowledge of its appearance in 1883 is
from an item in the New York Herald of about July roth, that a
“swarm of locusts,’’ doing much damage, had appeared in Chautauqua
county, the extreme south-western corner of the State.

In a former publication, I included with the above, a sixth New York
brood — the xvith of Prof. Riley —of which he predicted the return
in 1881, of a few in Westchester county, based upon the observation by
Mr. James Angus, of “straggling specimens’’ in Westchester county in
1864. But, as Mr. Angus informs me that in that year he “saw a few
odd ones only, not more than two or three, although hunting pretty
closely,” and that in 1881, none were seen by him, it would obviously
be improper to cite the above very limited appearance as a New York
brood.*

In the above statement of years of appearance and range of distribu-

[*Its return was, however, noticed by Mr. W. T. Davis, upon Staten Island, N. Y, who
reports, in Hntomologica Americana, i, 1885, p. 92: ‘‘On May 8, 1881, while collecting in-
sects with Mr. Leng in the neighborhood of Watchogue, Stat. Isl., we found a red-eyed
Cicada pupa under a stone, and on June 5, eight specimens were collected, all of them males,
and many of them being wet, having recently emerged. By the 12th of June they had
become quite numerous, and I noted at the time that about one tree, I counted fifty-two
pupa skins of the red-eyed Cicada.’’ |

172 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

tion, we have drawn almost entirely upon the valuable compilation of |
the Cicada broods occurring in the United States given by Prof. Riley in
his First Missouri Report, a work based upon so careful and extensive
research among published records as to have left room for but little
subsequent correction or addition,

The 1865-1882 Brood in New York.

There was not the opportunity of ascertaining from personal observa-
tion the range of this brood and the extent of its ravages in the summer
of 1882, in Central and Western New York, and, subsequently, efforts to
obtain information upon these points have met with hardly any success.
The counties in which it probably occurs are given upon page 17o.
Its greatest abundance seems to have been in the vicinity of Canandai-
gua lake. In the Ontario County Times of June 28th, we find the fol-
lowing:

The fruit growers of Vine Valley [Yates county], on the east side of
Canandaigua lake, are seriously disturbed by the recent appearance in
that locality of countless millions of “seventeen-year locusts.”. They
have come in such immense numbers as to cause widespread anxiety.
Our informant, who visited the infested district on Monday, reports
that the peach orchards and vineyards are suffering much from the
ravages of the locusts, and says the noise made by their movements is
so great that the human voice is almost drowned by it. They are feed-
ing upon the tender foliage of the trees and vines, and fears are enter-
tained that the growing fruit will be destroyed. The locusts have also
appeared on the west shore of the lake [in Ontario county], and are re-
ported to be doing considerable damage in peach and apple orchards.

Mr. N. J. Milliken, editor of the Ontario County Times, communi-
cates the information that the locusts were particularly destructive in
the Middlesex valley, on the east shore of Canandaigua lake, Yates
county. They occurred in the Lake Keuka region, but no great amount
of harm was done by them. In the town of Terry, of the same county
the injury committed was comparatively slight, although “ the noise made
by them was equal to the united drum-corps of a mighty army.”

In the last-named town, according to a note communicated by Prof.
Riley, the area occupied was about four square miles, and somewhat
less in the town of Middlesex.

Mr.-Thomas J. Powell, of Naples, N. Y., has informed me that on the
28th of June, of 1882, he was in Victor, Ontario county, and went north
four or five miles and found the locusts very abundant in the trees,
making a continual humming. So far ashe could learn they had caused
but little damage.

SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST: ITS LIFE-HISTORY. 173

Time of Appearance.

The time of the appearance of the insect would, of course, vary with
the latitude, the southern ones being several weeks earlier than the ex-
treme northern. In general terms, it may be stated as in the latter part
of May. Dr. Harris states that “in Alabama, they leave the ground in
February and March; in Maryland and Pennsylvania in May, but in
Massachusetts they do not come forth until the middle of June.”

In the extensive brood of 1868, which reached from the Atlantic to
west of the Mississippi river, individuals were first noticed in Maryland
and Pennsylvania from the 2oth to the 25th of May; in Illinois on the
tgth of May, and at St. Louis, Missouri, on the 22d of the same month.
They usually continue for from five to six weeks, although straggling
specimens may sometimes be seen for weeks later.

Life-History.

For detailed description of the egg, larva, pupa and perfect insect
the First Report of Dr. Fitch may be consulted, and for the natural his-
tory, the excellent volume of Dr. Harris. It may suffice for this pres-
ent notice, to state that the female selects a small branch
of an apple-tree, oak or some other hard wood, near its
tip, into which to place her eggs, always taking a position
with her head directed toward the trunk. With her ovi-
positor shown at 4, in Fig. 44, she saws little slits in the
twig, making an oblique hole to the pith, and en-
larging it into a fissure with splintered outward
edges, as represented in Fig. 45. In each of
these she places from ten to twenty eggs, in pairs
side by side, but separated from each other by
portions of woody fibre, and inserted somewhat

Fic. 44. — CICADA ‘ : .
seprenpectr. show obliquely so that their ends point upward. About

ing ata,the beak;
b, the ovipositor. fifteen minutes are required to make a fissure and
fill it with eggs. Moving backward toward the tip of the branch
another and others are made in line — sometimes to the num-
ber of fifty, if the twig be favorable for the purpose, by the
same insect. Her complement of eggs is from four to five
hundred. The female, exhausted by her labor, soon there-
after drops from the tree and dies.

The time required for the hatching of the eggs has been
variously stated at fifty-two days, forty-two days, and even so

Fig. 45.—
low as fourteen days. oie eee:

The newly-hatched Cicadas — about the one-sixteenth of an Gitain |"

inch long, and shown in Fig. 46 — are slender, grub-like creatures, lively

TA SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

as ants, but after running ‘about upon the tree for a short time, they
gather up their limbs and drop to the
ground. Here they at once bury
themselves, by the aid of their strong
fore feet, which are admirably fitted for
: the purpose, and work their way, until
Fie. 46.—Newly-hatched larva of CicapA
SEPTENDECIM. they can attach themselves to the ten-
der and succulent rootlets, into which they insert their beak, and find
abundant nourishment in the sap. Ordinarily they bury at a moderate
depth below the surface, where they remain until their advanced growth
compels them, when in excessive numbers, to descend deeper in search
of an ample food-supply.

During the years of larval growth, but little alteration takes place in their
appearance, beyond an increase of size, except the gradual development
and enlargement of the four scales upon the back and sides that are to
contain the wings in the pupal stage.

When near maturity, the larvee gradually ascend toward the surface
through circuitous galleries of about five-eighths of an inch in diameter,
the walls of which are firmly compacted, and according to a statement,
cemented and varnished so as to be water-proof. The upper portion
alone of these burrows, to the extent of six or eight inches, isempty. The

Se ne larva remains herein

during its pupal state,
and until the time for
its final transforma-
tion. When this has
fully come, the pupa,
shown at a, in Fig.
47, burrows upward
through the ground
during the night, as-
cends the branch of a
tree or some other
convenient object, to
which it fastens itself
securely by its claws.
Remaining in this po-
sition for awhile, and

Fia. 47.— CIcADA SEPTENDECIM: a, the pupa; b, empty pupal case ; ¢, E 7
the perfect insect; e, the eggs. until the full time for

its change is at hand, the pupal case parts in front and upon the back,
the Cicada emerges through the fissure, crawls upward a little distance,
leaving the empty case tightly fastened to the trunk as at 6, the wings

SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST: IST MUSICAL APPARATUS. 175

expand, all the organs have become fully developed, and the insect has
attained its perfect stage, as shown at ¢c. If food is needed, it punc-
tures the twigs with its beak, shown at @, in Fig. 44, and feeds upon the
sap. After two or three weeks of a merry life, if we may judge from
the almost ceaseless music with which the days are made vocal, the im-
portant work of oviposition is commenced and soon completed. An-
other month, and the brood, of so many years’ gradual development,
has become extinct.

Its Music and Musical Apparatus,

Dr. Fitch has referred to “the discordant din of the Cicada's shrill
song.’’ In endeavoring to convey an idea of the peculiar note, he says
— “it is repeated at short intervals, and may be represented by the let-
ters ¢sh-e-e-H-E-H-H-e-e-0u, uttered continuously, and prolonged to a
quarter or a half minute in length, the middle of the note being deafen-
ingly shrill, loud and piercing to the ear, and its termination gradually
lowered till the sound expires ” (ls¢ Rept. Ins. New York, p. 42).

They appear to be capable of producing different sounds, for Prof.
Riley states that “ when disturbed the noise they make mimics a nest of
young snakes or young birds under similar circumstances —a sort of a
scream. They canalso produce a chirp somewhat like that of acricket ”’
(1st Rep. Ins. Mo., p. 24).

Dr. Burnett has made the musical apparatus of the Cicada the sub-
ject of careful study. He found it to be wholly integumental in its na-
ture, and not presenting any relation either by structure or analogy to
the respiratory system. ‘The drum is situated in each side between the
thorax and abdomen, having its head, which is of the size of a marrow-
fat pea, just under the point where the wings are attached to the body.
It is a tense, dry, crisp membrane, crossed by cords or bars, produced
by a thickening of the membrane, which meet on one side at the point
of attachment of the muscles, which, by their contraction, keep it
stretched. ‘The sound is produced by a series of rapid undulations,
running from the contracting muscles across the drum. The upper part
of the abdomen serves as a sounding board, for with a portion removed,
the sound is diminished in volume. A dry condition seems to be essen-
tial to the perfect action of the drum, as when it is moistened, or on
wet days, the sound is very much diminished. The drumming is
heard for four or five hours during the heat of the day, principally be-
tween the hours of twelve and two. In the female, there is no drum,
nor any trace of the muscular apparatus belonging to it (Proc. Bost.
Soc. Nat. Hist.,iv, 1851, p. 72).

176 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Trees Attacked.

Dr. Harris mentions the oak as being their favorite tree in Massachu-
setts, and that they may be seen in oak forests in the middle of June in
such immense numbers that they bend and even break down the limbs
of the trees by their weight. Of fruit trees they prefer the apple.
Above fifteen hundred Cicadas have been found to have emerged from
the ground beneath a single apple-tree, leaving the surface of the ground
““as full of holes as a honey-comb.’’ Other recorded food-plants are
locust, peach, pear, Hupatoriwm, hickory, chestnut, hazelnut, willow,
poplar, cottonwood, white cedar or arbor-vite (Thuja occidentalis), red
cedar (Juniperus Virginiana), and hemlock-spruce (Abies Canadensis)

The Cicada is not entirely dependent upon the roots of trees for its
food. Although confined to timber lands, and not occurring in treeless
regions or in those that have been under cultivation for seventeen years,
yet in an instance recorded in Michigan, where the timber had been
cleared for sixteen years and cultivated for most of that time, the Cicadas
came out of the ground the seventeenth year in the treeless fields quite
as numerously as among the timber. They appeared upon the same
day with the others, were as large, and to all appearance, equally well-
nourished, although for nearly their entire period, they must have sub-
sisted upon the roots of grasses and herbs.

Some of the facts connected with their appearance under strange con-
ditions would indicate that their food-habits are yet far from being wholly
understood. In the instance recorded where they came up through the
ground floor of a cellar which had been dug to the depth of five feet,
it would be difficult to name the food —in kind and amount —that
could have supplied the requirements of the voracious larva when ap-
proaching their maturity.

Injuries to Vegetation.

he injuries to trees are the result of the countless punctures
made in the twigs for the deposit of the eggs. ‘The twigs shrivel and
die soon after the hatching of the eggs, and eventually are broken off
by the winds, and fall to the ground, which is often covered by the dead
material. A writer mentions the appearance of the forests in Pennsyl-
vania and Ohio for the distance of a hundred miles, just after the lo-
custs had left them — looking as if they had been scorched by a fire
driving through them.
In the town of New Scotland, Albany county, N. Y., the Hudson
river valley brood was so abundant in the year 1826, that “they de-
stroyed the fruitage of the orchards almost completely. Nearly all the

THE SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST: ITS ENEMIES. Wii

tender branches of the trees were so wounded in the deposit of the eggs
that they broke from the main stems in the following year and fell to
the ground, thus completely denuding the trees of their fruit-bearing
branches ” (Wm. G. Wayne, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., a7 lit.).

These injuries to fruit trees are often quite serious, especially when they
are young. Almost every tree in young orchards has been known to
have been killed by them. Peach and pear trees suffer severely from
the punctures, and grapevines have also been badly injured.

The peach twigs sent from Canandaigua, in 1882, show unmistakably
the severity of the attack. Pupa-cases were adhering to them, for the
number emerging from the ground compelled their distribution not only
over the trunk and principal branches but even their extreme tips be-
fore they could find the necessary space to attach themselves for their
transformation. The fissures made in oviposition were very close —in
some instances running into one another as acontinuous slit for the ex-
tent of two and three inches, One piece of twig, but twelve inches in
length, contained fifty-three of the fissures.

The punctures made by the insect with its beak, for food, also con-
tributes to the death of the twigs. The female only is chargeable with
this injury, as her longer life and the development of her eggs renders
food essential to her. She has accordingly been provided with a com-
plete digestive apparatus, while her consort, destined to live for but a few
days, shows scarcely a trace of a digestive canal (Burnett, Proc. Bost.
Society Nat. Hist., iv, 1851, p. 71).

Natural Enemies and Checks.

When we recall the immense numbers in which these broods at times
present themselves in their extension over hundreds of miles of terri-
tory, bending the branches beneath the weight of a half dozen or
more individuals upon each leaf (Burnett, loc. cit., p. 72), and endeavor
to form some conception of the fearfully augmented successive broods
that would result from an unchecked multiplication, we cannot but feel
a profound gratitude for the beneficent operation of the conservative
forces in nature, that effectually prevent such an undue increase. Of
the five hundred eggs borne by each female, as a rule but two eggs only
complete their cycle and develop into the perfect insect, to maintain
the number of the preceding brood. Fortunate it is that the insects
are exposed to so many casualties and to destruction from so many ene-
mies. Dr. Harris remarks:

Their eggs are eaten by birds; the young, when they first issue from
the shell, are preyed upon by ants, which mount the trees to feed upon

178 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

them, or destroy them when they are about to enter the ground. Black-
birds eat them when turned up by the plow in fields, and hogs are
excessively fond of them, and, when suffered to go at large in the woods,
root them up and devour immense numbers just before the arrival of
the period of their final transformation, when they are lodged immedi-
ately under the surface of the ground, It is stated that many perish
in the egg state, by the rapid growth of the bark and wood, which closes
the perforations and buries the eggs before they have hatched,* and

many, without doubt, are killed by their perilous descent from the
trees.

Other insects also prey upon them. Dragon-flies (Libellulid@) have
been seen to seize and devour them when they have just emerged from
their pupal state, and are still tender and helpless. ‘The larvae of some
species of fly, probably of the Zachinid@, are known to feed upon them
internally.

It is a fortunate circumstance in the economy of this insect, that so
large a number of forest trees serve the purpose of oviposition equally
well with our fruit trees; were it otherwise, its attack would invariably
prove fatal to most of the young apple, pear and peach stock lying
within its range.

Preventives of Injuries,

No method is known by which these attacks may be prevented, and
very little can be done to mitigate them, when made by such innumer-
able hordes as are often witnessed. Something may be accomplished
by beating them or by picking them by hand from young trees in the
early morning and toward evening when they hang inactively upon the
twigs, and it would be practicable, by the aid of a strong wind blowing
in the right direction, to drive them with poles from the trees, compel-
ling them to take wing and to seek the foliage of neighboring forest-
trees. Without the wind, they would probably, after a short erratic
flight, again return to the trees or transfer themselves to an adjoining
orchard,

Destroyed by a Fungus, .

As the attack of the fungus, Jassospora cicadine, referred to on
page 171, was observed by Prof. Peck to be of economic importance in
preventing the propagating of the species, his remarks thencunee are

*This sometimes occurs in thrifty young apple-trees, and in twigs of sending aie size,
usually as large as a man’s finger, where the injury caused by the {deposit of the eggs
has not been sufficient to check, materially, the growth of the branch. In such cases the
twigs grow so rapidly, that in the course of the month which intervenes between the time
of the laying and the hatching of the eggs, the wound heals completely over, the tent ot
splinters 1s nearly or quite overgrown, and the young insects never emerge from the eggs,
being inclosed tn a living sepuleher (Le Baron, Second Leport on the Insects of Lllenor, 1872,
pp. 126-7),

THE SEVENTEEN-YEAR LOCUST. DESTROYED BY A FUNGUS. I79

herewith given, extracted from the 31st Report on the V. J’, Slate Mu-
seum of Natural History, 1879, pp. 19, 20:

It is a well-known fact that various insects are subject to the attack
of parasitic fungi which prove fatalto them. ‘The common house-fly is
destroyed by one [2ntomophthora museca], the silk-worm by another
{ Botrytis Bassiana|, and the pupe of different moths by others,

Another noticeable instanee of this kind was observed the past season.
It was found that the “seventeen-year locust,” Cicada septendecim,
which made its appearance in the Hudson river valley early in the
summer, was affected by a fungus. The first specimen of this kind
that | saw was taken in New Jersey, and sent to me by Rev. R. B, Post.
Examination revealed the fact that the Cicadas or “ seventeen-year lo-
custs,’’ in this vicinity, were also affected by it. The fungus develops
itself in the abdomen of the insect, and consists almost wholly of a mass
of pale yellowish or clay-colored spores which, to the naked eye, has
the appearance of a lump of whitish clay, The insects attacked by it
become sluggish and averse to flight, so that they can easily be taken by
hand. After a time some of the posterior rings of the abdomen fall
away, revealing the fungus within. Strange as it may seem, the insect
may, and sometimes does, live for a time even in this condition. Though
it is not killed at once, it is manifestly incapacitated for propagation,
and, therefore, the fungus may be said to prevent, to some extent, the
injury that would otherwise be done to the trees in the deposition of
their eggs. For the same reason, the insects of the next generation
must be less numerous than they would otherwise be so that the fungus may
be regarded as a beneficial one. In Columbia county, the disease pre-
vailed to a considerable extent. Along the line of the railroad between
Catskilland Livingston stations many dead Cicadas were found, not a
few of which were killed by the fungoid mass. As the insect makes its
appearance only at intervals of seventeen years, and consequently will
not be seen here again till 1894, it will scarcely be possible to make any
further observations upon it for some time to come, yet it would be in-
teresting to know how the fungus is propagated, or where its germs re-
main during the long interval between the appearance of the two genera-
tions. Do the fungus germs enter the ground in the body of the larve,
and slowly develop with its growth, becoming mature when it is mature,
or do they remain quiescent on or near the surface of the ground, wait-
ing to enter the body of the pupa as it emerges seventeen years hence ?
Or, again, is it possible that the fungus is developed annually in some
closely related species as the “ harvest-fly,” Cicada camcularis, and that
it passes over from its usual habitat to the seventeen-year Cicada when-
ever it has the opportunity ? These questions are merely suggestive;
they cannot yet be answered.

Prof. Joseph Leidy had previously observed this fungus as early as in
1851 —see the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural
Sciences, for 1851, v, p. 235 — but had not named it.

180 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

Chermes pinicorticis Fitch.
The Pine-bark Chermes.

(Ord. HemiprerRA: Subord. HomoprEera: Fam, APHIDID#.)

Coccus pinicorticis Frrcn: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1854, xiv, 1855,

pp. 871-878; 1st Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, pp. 167-169 (descriptiou of wing-
less form).

Chermes pinifolie Frrcu: in Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc. for 1857, xvii, 1858,
p. 741; 4th Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1859, p. 55 (description of winged form).

Coccus pinicorticis, WALSH: in Pract. Entomol., i, 1866, p. 90 (the larvee of Asp
diotus pinifolia).

Chermes pinicorticis. SHIMER: in Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., ii, 1869, pp. 383-885
(winged form bred from the wingless).

Coccus pinicorticis. LINTNER. in Count. Gent. for Aug. 21, 1873, xxxviil, p. 53d.

Coccus pinicorticis. GLOVER: in Rept. Commis. Agricul, for 1876, p. 44 (mention).

Chermes pinifoe. THOMAS, 8th Rept. Ins. IIl., 1879, p. 156 (from Fitch).

Chermes pinicorticis. OSBORN in Trans. Iowa St. Horticul. Soc. for 1878, xiii, p
400 (habits, etc., without name), id., for 1879, xiv, pp. 96-107 (diff. stages);
Bull. Iowa Agricul, Col., 1884, pp. 97-105 (general account).

Chermes pinifolie, PACKARD; Ins, Inj, For.-Shade Trees, 1881, p. 118 (from Fitch).

The specific and common names of this insect indicate the tree upon
which it occurs. Of the several varieties of pine, it is almost entirely
confined to the Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) and the White pine
(Pinus strobus), Its more usual habitat is upon the smooth bark
around and below the axils where the limbs start from the trunk. Its
appearance is that of little spots or patches of a white, flocculent, wool-
like substance, adhering tothe bark. This, however, is only a secretion,
for the insect may be found beneath it when the covering matter is parted
or brushed away.

The Secretion.

This white substance, which alone attracts the attention of the ordi-
nary observer, as it completely hides the insect from view, is found, ac-
cording to Dr. Shimer, most abundantly upon young white pines, near
the ground in early spring, at about the time the frost is leaving the
ground. Later it extends upward upon the trunk and into the axils of
the branches. When examined with a magnifier, it has the appearance
of ‘‘ fine Saxony wool, the crinkled fibres drawing apart as do those of
wool.’ Microscopic examination has shown it to be given out from
some gland-like organs arranged in four rows upon the back and sides
of the body of the insect,

THE PINE-BARK CHERMES: ITS SECRETION, ETC. 181

Similar secretions are produced by many other of the Aphididae. It
occurs in the sub-family of Aphidixng, in the beech aphis, Phyllaphis
fagi (Linn.). In the Pemphigine we have many notable examples of
it, as in the woolly aphis of the apple-tree, Schizoneura lanigera (Haus.);
the woolly aphis of the elm, 8. w/mi Thomas; the woolly aphis of the
oak, 8. guerci Fitch; the alder blight, S. ¢essel/ata Fitch, etc. It also
pertains to many of the species of Pemphigus, and indeed, according
to Prof. Riley, is a feature common to the entire sub-family of Pemphi-
gine.

From its occurrence upon so many species nourished by so greatly
differing food-plants, it is not strange that in appearance it should be
compared with such different substances as cotton, wool, silk, wax and
meal. Some of the material examined microscopically by Buckton was
found to consist of long flattened threads or fibres, with obscure, trans-
verse and longitudinal striations, and when broken to show strong
fractures as if they were brittle. That it was not of a waxy nature
appeared from its insolubility in alcohol and a solution of potash —its
scorching over a lamp without melting, and evolving anitrogenous odor
like that of burned feathers.

Of some of the species of Pemphigus, Dr. Thomas asserts that they
do secrete a waxy substance that will melt under the heat of the hand.

For remarks upon the secretions of some other Hemipterous insects,
pages 284-5 of my first report may be referred to.

The Insect and its Changes.

Within this secreted material, appearing as little downy balls fastened
to the twigs and branches, upon its being pulled apart early in the spring
the wingless mother of the pine-bark Chermes, may be found, together
with a number of her small yellowish, moderately ovate eggs— perhaps
from twenty-five to fifty.

Early in April, in favorable seasons, the eggs commence to hatch.
The young larve emerge from the ball and travel actively over the bark
fora short time. They are so small as to be almost invisible to the
naked eye, of an oval outline, flattened, of a light brown color, with
short legs, three-jointed antennz, a sucking-tube extended beneath
their body, and a short hair on each side of the abdominal segments.
The two left-hand figures show the larva as seen from above and
from beneath.

In the fore part of May, the larvee are more abundant than at any
other time. Their traveling soon ceases, and they attach themselves by
their beaks to the tender bark of the young twigs. As their feeding
proceeds, they increase rapidly in size, assuming a dark reddish-brown

182 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST,

color approaching black, while the secretion from their bodies com-
mences, and soon hides them entirely from sight.

Fic. 48.— The Pine-leaf Chermes, CHERMES PINICORTICIS — the larva, the wingless female, and the
winged form (male ?),

The time required to attain the mature form has not been recorded,
but the change probably occurs toward the last of May. The female des-
tined to continue the species by laying eggs for another brood may be
recognized by being without wings, of an oval form which becomes
g, with legs proportionally longer than in the
larval stage (see the enlarged view), and three-jointed antennz. The lower

pyriform during egg-layin

right-hand figures give upper and lower views of the female. From her
oviposition, a second brood results, which is followed by others, at un-
known intervals until some time into the autumn.

In one particular, the first brood differs from the later ones, in that
it embraces a winged form. During the latter part of May, individuals
are to be found showing the pupal stage, by being provided with wing-
pads — otherwise they resemble the larvae. The thorax is reddish, the
abdomen of a darker red, the wing-pads yellowish, and a little of the
woolly material adheres to portions of the body.

They continue in this stage but a few days, until about the first of
June, when their outer encasement parts asunder, and the winged form
issues, the appearance of which is shown in the figure. The antennz
of these are five-jointed, the body is almost black, and the four wings

THE PINE-BARK CHERMES: ITS HISTORY. 183

are white, transparent, and folded roof-like over the body.* The sex
of this form, or whether both sexes are embraced under it, seems not
yet to have been determined. They have not been observed in copu-
lation or in the deposit of eggs. There is abundant room for careful
study in the life-history of this species, such as has been given to closely
allied forms, in the admirable paper of Messrs. Riley and Monell, giv-
ing biological notes on the Pemphigine.t

The above natural history of the species is mainly from observations
made upon it during the years 1878 and 1879, by Prof. Herbert Osborn,
of the Iowa State Agricultural College, to whom also we are indebted
for the figure used in illustration.

History.

An unfortunate mistake was made by Dr. Fitch in describing this
insect, in his First and Fourth Reports (/oe. cit.), as two distinct species.
The single-jointed tarsus, the simple organization, and the waxy cov-
ering, led him to regard it as a Coccus, his first published observations
upon it not having been continued long enough to show him its sub-
sequent development into the winged stage. When in after years
the winged individuals were met with, their Aphidian character was
at once recognized and they were correctly referred to the genus
Chermes, but without associating them with the wingless forms pre-
viously observed. And again in this stage, his usual careful habit of
observation is not apparent, for although the life-history of “the first
true Chermes that has been observed in this country,” should have
entitled it to careful study at his hands, the following statement is quite
at variance with the later observations of others:

The females [winged] do not extrude their eggs, but clinging closely
to the leaf with their heads toward its base, they die, their distended
abdomens appearing like a little bag filled with eggs. The outer skin
of the abdomen soon perishes and disappears, leaving the mass of eggs

adhering to the side of the leaf, but completely covered over and pro-
tected by the closed wings of the dead fly.

* Prof. Osborn, who has apparently made a careful study of the venation of this insect,
states that ‘‘the posterior wings have a subcostal vein with wo branch veins.” A different
statement was made by Dr. Fitch in that the longitudinal rib-vein of the hind wings
““sends off, forward of its middle, a branch almost transversely inward, its tip curved
backward.’’ Dr. Shimer corroborates Dr. Fitch, in stating from his examination of living
specimens that ‘‘the posterior wing has only arib vein which forks opposite the quite con-
spicuous hook.”’

+ Bulletin of the U. 8. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories, v, 1879,
pp. 1-17.

t See above, from the observations of Prof. Osborn, the occurrence of wingless females
with their extruded eggs [and pyriform body during egg-laying], within little downy balls
fastened to the bark. Of Chermes laricis, of Europe, it is stated that as the apterous female
slowly deposits her eggs, she partly covers them with the down that she strips from her
body, and that they are piled around and upon her until she is nearly half buried in the
mass.

184 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

A strange blunder was made by Mr. Walsh in regarding the species
as identical with the pine-leaf scale insect (Chionaspis pinifolie). He
wrote as follows to a correspondent: ‘The insects infesting the white
pine do not belong to the Aphis family (plant-lice), but to the Coccus
family (bark-lice). The elongate white scale on the leaf was described
by Fitch as Aspidiotus pinifolie ; the downy patches on the bark as
Coccus pinicorticis. But I believe that they are the same species, the
former containing the eggs, like the scale of the common bark-louse of
the apple-tree, and the latter being the young larve with downy matter
exuding from them.”

In 1869, Dr. Shimer published the results of his study upon this insect;
called by him the “white-pine jouse,’’ made by him during the preced-
ing year. From specimens of Coccus pinicorticis Fitch, inclosed in a
feeding cage on June 3, the following day he obtained Chermes pinifolie@
of Fitch (the winged form), thus clearly establishing their identity.

Four years later, forgetting the above article of Dr. Shimer, and fol-
lowing the lead of Dr. Fitch, I committed the error of referring to this
species as Coccus pinicorticis, in a notice of it contributed to the
Country Gentleman (see citation).

Other Species of Chermes.

The species of this genus are not numerous. From this, in part, but
mainly for the reason, it may be supposed, that their oviporous repro-
duction limits their increase and consequent destructiveness much below
that of others of the family which multiply with such fearful rapidity
through the simple process of gemmation — they have failed to receive
the study bestowed upon their near relatives, the Aphidine and the
Pemphigine.

Two other pine-feeding species of Chermes occur in Europe, which
have not yet been detected in this country, viz., Chermes pini Koch,
and Chermes corticalis Kaltenbach.

Another species has been discovered by Dr. Fitch, in Washington
county, New York, extracting the juices from the leaves of the larch,
Larix Americana. It was briefly characterized, mainly from wing
features, in the Transactions of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society,
for 1857, p. 753, and also appearing in the 4th Annual Report on the
Insects of New York, p. 66 (3d-5th Reports, 1859), as Chermes larict-
folie.

Dr. Packard in his Guide to the Study of Insects, 1869, p. 522-3, fig-
ures a pupal and a winged form resembling European species of Ade/ges
Vallot (A. coceineus of Ratzburg and A. strobilobius of Kaltenbach),
found by him in abundance, upon spruces in Maine, and producing

THE PINE-BARK CHERMES: ITS INJURIES. 185

swellings at the ends of the twigs, resembling in size and form the
cones of the same tree. Dr. Thomas, in his 8th /eport on the Insects of
Illinois, 1879, pp. 156-7 has

given to this form the pro-
f visional name of Chermes abie-
\. | ticolens. The figure of Dr.
» Packard is introduced here in
illustration of the genus.

In Jnsects Injurious to For-
est and Shade Trees, 1881, p.
234, Dr. Packard, reproduces his remarks and figures from (Guide, etc.,
upon “ Ade/ges abieticolens Thomas.” He also records (p. 235) his ob-
servation of “Adelges abietis Linn.” (Chermes abietis) of Europe in
considerable numbers upon Norway spruces, in Salem, Mass.

SS
Za

Fig. 49.— CHERMES ABIETICOLENS Thomas.

A species quite injurious to the larch in Europe is Chermes laricis
Hartig.

Another species depredating upon spruces in Europe has been de-
scribed by Kaltenbach as Chermes strobilobius.

It is worthy of note that all of the above-named species—eight in
number —are confined to coniferous trees. A single species only, so
far as known to me, is found upon other vegetation, viz., the Chermes
atratus of Buckton, occurring upon oak (Quercus).

Injuries of the Insect.

A tree badly infested with this insect becomes sickly and presents a
slender, dwindled appearance; its leaves are short and stinted in their
growth, and of a dull green color, and the annual growth of the tree is
much curtailed (Fitch).

Its attack seems usually to be made upon trees that have been trans-
planted for the ornamentation of grounds, and is rarely observed upon
those that are growing under their native condition.

According to Prof. Osborn, the Scotch pines in Ames, Iowa, and on
the college grounds, were seriously infested for successive years.

At Fort Dodge, Iowa, the insect was reported as extremely abundant,
and was observed literally piled up in the new growth.

Quite a severe attack was brought to my notice a few years since,
through a communication from Tivoli, Dutchess county, N. Y., to this
effect:

I inclose to your address a portion of a pine limb covered with a
white substance, with the desire that you give me your opinion of what it
is, and what Ican do to remove it. The trees are large pines in the
avenue, and are looking very badly — in fact, are slowly dying. It does

24

186 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

not affect all the trees, and those that are free from it are vigorous and
healthy, which leads me to the opinion that this white substance is the
cause.

The piece of limb sent was ten inches in length, nearly two inches
in diameter, and was almost entirely covered with the insect and its
flocculent mantle, some of the fibres of which were a quarter of an
inch long. When received, August 7th, large numbers of the young,
of almost an orange color and of an elongate form, were associated
with the dark brown adults, showing that the attack of which complaint
was made, was being actively and persistently continued.

Natural Enemies.

The multiplication of this insect is checked by quite a number of
natural enemies that are known to prey upon it, and to be very active
in its destruction.

Five species of lady-birds (Coccinellide) have been seen feeding upon
it,viz., the Painted lady-bird, Harmonia picta Rand.,
Fig. 50; the Twice-stabbed
lady-bird, Chilocorus bivul-
nerus Muls., Fig. 51; Pen-
@ tilia misella Le Conte; Scym- “ke
Rea ace nus terminatus Say, and mae 51. — The inarieatotaebe
tay an cnlareeds bathe beetle an other uScymnus larva, dit=.se thelacra al ue oeeeen

fering from WS. terminatus, but not reared to

larged.
its perfect stage.
A larva of a lace-winged fly, Chrysopa species, that covered its back
with the woolly material stripped from its victims, was observed by Dr.
Shimer; also. the larvee of unknown species of Syr-
phus flies. These larvee are known to render most
excellent service in the destruction of plant-lice.
Fig. 52 represents the larva of Chrysopa, and Fig.
53 that of a Syrphus fly in the act of devouring an

, Fig. 53. —
Fie. 52.— Aphis. Larva of a
Larva of a Syrphus fly.

parva ota The larva of a Heteropterous insect, resembling a
sepa, sp” small ant, was seen running actively about the infested pines,
seizing and sucking the juices of the insects. It was determined by
Mr. Uhler as Camaronotus fraternus.*

Prof. Osborn discovered some round, black, hard and shiny mites
within the downy balls of the Chermes which were believed to be feed-

ing upon them. ‘They evidently belonged to the genus Oribates.

*The resemblance of the European Camaronotus cinnamopterus Kirsch., to the large
wood ant, Formica rufa, has been noted.

THE PINE-BARK CHERMES: REMEDIES. 187

Remedies.

When the insect is found upon young trees the bark of which has not
become very rough, or when confined to the smoother bark of the
branches and twigs, most of them can be easily killed by going over the
bark and crushing them by the vigorous use of a stiff bristle brush. In
connection with the brush a strip of cloth could be advantageously used
by applying it to the axils of the branches and drawing it repeatedly
backward and forward through them; or with a single turn around a
branch, moving it gradually outward upon the limb with the same saw-
ing motion.

Where larger trees and more extended surfaces are infested, a solu-
tion of whale-oil soap— a quarter of a pound toa gallon of water —
applied with a force pump, would destroy the insect. The stronger ap-
plication of kerosene emulsions required for adult scale-insects, would
not be needed for this Aphid, for its flocculent covering instead of serv-
ing as a protection to it only aids the efficacy of the applied insecticide
in absorbing and holding it until it may have its desired effect.

A method employed against the Larch Chermes of Europe, Chermes
Jaricis Hartig, which seems also to serve as a preventive of subsequent
attacks, is given by Miss Ormerod in her Manual of Injurious Insects

(p. 194-5):

To thirty-six gallons of water add half a pound of perchloride of
mercury; with this the infested trees are drenched in the early summer,
when the sap is flowing freely; a dry day is preferred for the opera-
tion, as it gives time for the solution to soak thoroughly into the bark.
This has been applied to ornamental trees and it is noted that trees
operated on in 1873, continued, at the time of writing (1880), free from
the “bug,” and in thriving condition. This application requires to be
in careful hands, being poisonous. Woodpeckers that fed upon the
poisoned insects were destroyed by it.

Chimarocephala viridifasciata (DeGeer).

The Green-striped Locust.

‘

(Ord. ORTHOPTERA: Fam. ACRIDID#.)

Acridium viridifasciatum DE GEER: Mem. Hist. Ins., iii, 1773, p. 498, pl. 42, f.
6; GorzE: Gesch. Ins., iii, 1780, p. 325, pl. 42, f. 6.

Gryllus Virginianus FABR.: Syst. Ent., 1775, p. 291; Spec. Ins., i, 1781, p. 368;
Ent. Syst., ii, 1798, p. 57.

Gryllus Locusta chrysomelas GMELIN: Linn., Syst. Nat. i, pt. iv, 1788, 2086.

Acridium Virginianum OLIVIER: in Encyc. Method., vi, 1791, p. 224.

Acridium marginatum OLIVIER: in Encyc. Method., vi., 1791, p. 229.

Acridium hemipterum Pau. DE BEAvvots: Ins. Afr.-Amer., 1805-21, p. 145, pl. 4,
f. 3.

188 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

@Qdipoda Virginiana BURMEISTER: Handb. d. Entomol., ii, 18388, p. 645.

Locusta (Tragocephala) viridi-fasciata Harris: Rept Ins. Mass., 1841, p. 147;
Ins. N. Engl., 1852, pp. 158-9; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, p. 182, pl. 3, f. 2.

Locusta (Tragocephala) infuscata Harris: Rept. Ins. Mass., p. 147; Ins. N. Engl.,
1852, p. 158; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, pp. 181-2.

Locusta (Tragocephala) radiata HARRIS: Rept. Ins. Mass., 1841, P. 148; Ins. N.
Engl., 1852, p. 159; Ins. Inj. Veg., 1862, pp. 183-4.

Gonuyphocerus viridi-fasciata UHLER: in Harr. Ins. Inj. Veg 1862, p. 181; ib.
as Gomphocerus infuscatus and G. radiatus.

Tragocephala viridi-fasciata. SCUDDER: in Bost. Journ, Nat. Hist., vii,1862, p. 461;
Cat. Orthop. N A.—Smithson. Miss. Coll, No. 189, 1868, p. 82; Entomolog.
Notes, iv, 1875, pp. 80-82.

Tragocephala viridifasciata. GLOVER: Illus. N. A. Ent.—Orthop., 1872, pl. 5, f. 9.

Tragocephala viridifasciata. Ritey: 8th Rept. Ins. Mo., 1876, p. 149, f. 46.

Chimarocephala viridifasciata SCUDDER: in U. 8. Geograph. Surv. West of 100th
Mer., 1876, p. 508.

Tragocephala viridifasciata. THOMAS: 9th Rept. Ins. Il., 1880, pp. 85, 98, 105-6,
figs. 18, 17: Synop. Acrid. N. A. (in Hayden’s Rept. U. 8. Geolog. Surv.
Terr., v, 1873), 1873, pp. 108-4, pl. f. 8; id., p. 102, as Z. unifasciata
Harr.

Tragocephala viridifasciata. LINTN.: in Count. Gent., Mch. 9, 1882, xlvii, p. 189
(winter appearance).

Chamarocephala viridifasciata, BRUNER: in 3d Rept. U.S. Ent. Commis., 1888, p.
56 (in list of N. American Acridide).

Midwinter Appearance of the Insect.

In several portions of the State of New York —at its eastern and
western extremities, and at jntermediate localities, much interest was
excited, and in some cases considerable alarm, by the sudden appear-
ance in the pastures and meadows at about the middle of February,
1882, of large numbers of this insect, hopping about in the warm sun-
shine, almost as actively as in the month of June.

My attention was called to them by a note received from Mr. G. M.
Gillette, of Bergen, Genesee county, in which he wrote:

I to-day mail you what I should term grasshoppers if it were only
later in the season. They are as plentiful asin the monthof July. On
the 14th of this month, they could be seen by the million sunning them-
selves on the south side of stone walls in this vicinity.

Examination showed them to be the young of the Green-striped
locust, the Locusta ( Tragocephala) viridifasciaia of the Harris Reports.
5 They measured from four-

tenths to six-tenths of
an inch in length—the
smaller being in the larval
stage, without indication

Fic. 54.—The Green-striped Locust, CHIMAROCEPHALA VIRIDI- of the wing-pads, and the
FABCIATA: @, larva; b, adult. ‘
larger in the pupal stage,

wail

THE GREEN-STRIPED LOCUST: ITS MIDWINTER APPEARANCE. 189

with wing-pads extending half the length of the abdomen. In Fig. 54,
the larva is shown at @, and the full-grown and winged insect at 0.

Upon addressing Mr. Gillette for further information concerning
them, and proposing some observations desirable to be made, the follow-
ing reply was received under date of February 28th.

Their Appearance in Genesee County.

The young grasshoppers were first seen as early as the roth of Feb-
ruary. No winged ones were observed, and I think it is safe to say
that there were none. When first noticed, they were upon an old stone-
wall, apparently sunning themselves.

On February 14th, having occasion to cross an old unused meadow,
and also a ten-acre lot of fall-sown wheat, I found them in great num-
bers. They were very active, and it was no little effort to catch and
cage those sent to you. There was no snow upon the fields at the time,
but along the wall where there were patches of snow, they were as lively
as upon the grass, and seemed rather to enjoy a good “hop, skip and
jump” upon the smooth surface. There have been no birds in this
vicinity [reply to question], consequently I do not think that they have
been disturbed. They may have been attacked by snow-birds, although
quite scarce, but not to my knowledge.

Later, upon the 1st of April, Mr. Gillette saw ‘‘ a large flock of black-
birds [probably the red-winged black-bird, Ageleus Pheniceus| feed-
ing sumptuously upon the poor persecuted grasshoppers. The birds
came in immense flocks.” The grasshoppers had not up to that date
increased perceptibly in number or in size. The nights had been cold,
“but the "hopper was early up waiting for the sun.” Of a half-dozen
specimens inclosed in a box February 15, without food, three were alive
two weeks later. Upon the 22d of April, Mr. G. wrote: “I have yet
one grasshopper alive of the original six. He has to-day completed
his ninth week without a morsel of food, and although he seems to be
failing, I hope to keep him another week and give hima good record.” —
“The sole survivor made his escape after a confinement of ten weeks
and three days.”’

The grasshoppers continued to be seen at Bergen until April gth
after having been observed for nearly a month.

Their Appearance in Westchester County.

The Albany Hvening Journal, of February 21st, contained the follow-
ing notice:

The farmers in the vicinity of Mount Kisco, Westchester county, N.
Y., are greatly troubled in mind concerning the appearance of a black
grasshopper which was noticed two or three days ago in the fields.
They were first discovered by George Sypher on the farm of Isaac
Thorne. The young man was walking through the field, and he noticed

Igo SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

the insects skylarking on the beautiful snow. Having never seen such
a sight in midwinter, Sypher was at first inclined to take to his heels
and run for his life, fearing that something had got wrong in his head.
But finding that he had full control of his senses, he began an investi-
gation of the strange phenomenon, and when he had satisfied himself
that there was no fiction about the grasshoppers, he caught half a dozen
of them and introduced them to Mr. Thorne. The gentleman was also
surprised, and immediately started for the field to carry on a more
thorough investigation. There he found scores of the insects, skipping
ronnie in the sunshine, and after securing a bottle full, went among his
neighbors exhibiting them. They were all greatly astonished at the
hoppers’ appearance, declaring that such an invasion was never heard of
before in the winter in that region.

Since their appearance on “Mr. Thorne’s place, they have been re-
ported in a number of localities in that vicinity. The farmers express
alarm lest a new pest should make its appearance next summer, of
which these hoppers are the advanced guard. ‘The insects are jet
black [?] and somewhat smaller than a cricket. Nothing like them was
ever seen before at any time.

No Cause for the Alarm.

Other notices of the general character of the above appearing in sev-
eral of the newspapers of the State, and my attention being called to
them, — in a communication to the Albany Hvening Journal of Febru-
ary 25th, I gave the assurance, that although these grasshoppers had ap-
peared ‘‘ by millions,” yet the farmers need entertain no apprehension
that their occurrence at this time indicated extensive depredations from
them the ensuing season. It was not unusual for specimens of the spe-
cies in moderate numbers to emerge from their winter retreats in stone-
walls and elsewhere during a continuance of warm weather in winter.
They had never been known as a particularly injurious species, as the
red-legged grasshopper, Caloptenus femur-rubrum, at times, proves to
be. Their appearance in immense numbers at this time should be re-
garded as a favorable omen, as promising diminished numbers during
the summer months, for very many of those which had been prema-
turely aroused from their winter sleep would fall victims to the cold
which sharply followed their awakening.

The Attendant Meteorological Conditions.

As will be more fully stated hereafter, it is the habit of this species
to pass the winter in an inactive state, in the form of larve and pupae,
in sheltered places in old stone-walls, beneath roots of grasses, under
piles of rubbish, etc. Under the ordinary temperature of the winter
months, their quiet hibernation would not be disturbed, nor their win-
ter’s sleep broken until the warm days of early May aroused them from

THE GREEN-STRIPED LOCUST: ITS DESCRIPTION. Ig!

their torpor, and summoned them to activity and to the food awaiting
them in the already green fields. But at the time above stated for the
premature awakening and coming forth of C. viridifasciata, we find
from the records that unusually warm weather was prevailing. From an
average temperature for the several preceding weeks of 27° Fahr., it
suddenly changed to a mean temperature (of one week) of 40°, reach-
ing at the highest 56°. Thesrecords of the U. S. A. Signal Service, at
Albany, show the following temperatures for the months of January and
February, of 1882:

January 1-7, mean temp., 23°. Highest temp., 41°.
See wd; ei 37° z 47°.
ee ee Soren SEO. 2 48°.
“22-28, i aN jt 40°.
ea2Or se De Aa) a 250. rs AG. ts

Feb. 5-11, ue age 4 Ajo.
; 12-18, - 40°. . 56°.
FARE BO a 20. fe 40°.

Spee 20; oC hie Atha s oe Aso: - BON.

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; wingstransparent, 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

1g2 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, infuscata —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 infuscaia,
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 Z'ragocephala 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

’ co) Biter shows the
ee 55. Pa a,a, Female in yee Higa pyIpOstee b, egg- €88 a4 8 a3
pod extracted from the ground, with the end broken open; c, some zr
separate eggs; d, e, a section showing an egg-pod placed and another oviposition of the Rocky
Neing placed; /, where a pod has been covered up.

ie

‘< ——
PAF) LE

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-

Fig.56 .—CALOPTENUS SPRETUS: a, a, newly-
hatched larve ; 6, fullgrownlarva; ¢, 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.

25

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

Fig. 57.— The molting operation of a “ grasshopper” (the ‘Rocky mountain locust); a, pupa with skin
just split on the back; (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 antennz 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 at ¢. 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. 4f° 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|. I 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 (/irst Report U.S. Hnto-
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 .

“ Larvee in different stages, pupze 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 15thof 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 broodedness, \)'*'" *) > * 93 * ee ee While =~ weasaduane
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” (First Rept. U. S. Entomolog
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

ie 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, —
TETTIX GRAN-

in Fig. 58, occurs in the State of wrara—the
granulated

Fia. 58.— cee ae MACULIPENNIS
—a, mature insect ; b, pupa; c, larva. New York, together with 3. Gvotse locust

equalis Scudd., S. bilineatus Scudd., S. propingwus Scudd., and 8. cur-

THE GREEN-STRIPED LOCUST: REMEDIES. 197

tipennis (Harris). Of the latter, Zettiz 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 Tetriz
sordida —a synonym of Z. 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 First 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.

[ADDITIONAL Notrr.—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 prove 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 per acre of vineyard,
including labor of mixing and 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. Psocrp#.)

Termes divinatorium MULLER: Zoél. Dan. Prodr., 1776, p. 184, No. 2179.—O.
Fasr: Fn. Grénl., 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-
—McLacuu.: Month. Mag., iii, 1866, p. 180, f. 1.

Troctes divinatorius KouBE: Psoc., p. 138, No. 1.—PROVANCHER: Faune du
Canada, ii, p. 66.

Troctes fatidicus BuURM.: Man. Ent., 774, No. 2.

Liposcelis museorum Motscu.: 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 Entomologtsche 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 Pscocide, 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 Pedicudide, 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 hasbeen 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 cov-
ered with the creatures such as I sentyou.. *. °* * + The bednoz
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 //ere, 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 weather in 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 them. But to my surprise the first warm day this
spring, I found the white spread on the bed where they slept almost cov-:
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. We uncorded 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

i i i el

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. JI 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 4. d@zvinatoria 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,
0% has found “ myriads ” of this same spe-
hice ib, die-wiew of vada oF: eu Pa ES PEE cies, Atropos divinatoria, in the straw
d, claw ; e, tarsus of nympha: 7, A. divinatoria, 7
drawn from life. bottle envelopes in the wine cellar of
his house, associated with Clothil/a 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 “ Beitriige zur Mono-
graphie der Psociden — Familie Atropina,” in Lvtomologische Zeitung,
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 Psoctd@ 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 animalcule: 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 pupz are equally active with the imago, from which the former differ
in being apterous, while the pupz 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

Fig. 61.— The Death-watch, CLOTHILLA PULSA- . oe :
TORIA, greatly enlarged. ill omen, predicting approaching

death. A small wood-boring beetle occurring in Europe, Avodbium 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. 3 20

On

Literature of the Psocide.

The following is some of the more easily accessible literature of the
Psocidé 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. 268 (brief notice).

HaGEN: Synop. Neurop. N. A., 1861, pp. 7-14 (describes 18 species); in Proc.
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. 8.); 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).

Fitcu; In Trans. N. Y. St. Agricul. Soc., xxii, 1862, pp. 668-675; 8th Rept Ins. N.
Y., in 6th-9th Repts, 1865, pp. 186-193 (five new species of Smynthurus
described and noticed).

WALSH: 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.-Bure@.: in Psyche, ii, 1877, pp. 49-51, 87-89 (head-structure of Atropos).

ASHMEAD: in Canad. Entomol., xi, 1879, pp. 228-9 (P. citricola, n. sp.); Orange
Insects, 1880, pp. 37-88 (orange Psocus), 71-2 (habits of P. venosus).

McLacuian: in Entomol. Month. Mag., xix, 1883, 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. Nevroprera: Fam. Popurip2.)

Podura nivicola Fircn: 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. WALsH-RILEY: 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 so as 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 half 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 /veld and Forest, vol. 11, 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.

Dr. 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. Zaz/ 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 /. zzvalts, ours
is a much darker colored species. Say’s P. dzcolor 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 ?.
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. 10-11).

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, 0.08-o.10 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 5th Rept. Peab. Acad. SE)

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 (0.05—0.07 inch) witha thicker body, smaller head
proportionately, and shorter antenne. 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 10, abundantly between lamellz of Boleti and
Agaricus, and under horse manure in August.

Achorutes pratorum Packard. Resembling A. xivicola, 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. zvicola, 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 FODURID-. 207

at the end of, the Neuroptera, but by some systematists they have been
united with the Zep7smatide (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 Guide to the Study of Insects.

They are small species, varying from 0.04 to 0.16 of an inch in length.
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. They arecommonly found “®

re iments Ve ina ee ones, SSS
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 Zconomtc Ento-
mology. In Fig. 63, another view, copied from Sczence
Gossip, of the same insect is presented showing its under
surface, and the short forked spring characterizing the

; Are : : Fig. 63. — ACHO-
different species of this-genus. RUTES | PURPURAS-

‘ - : ' mie CENS, showing un-
A different type of the Podurid@ is shown in Fig. 64, der side.
in Symnthurus hortensts 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
F evaporation of the exuding juices. It is an
i) “¥ active insect, and quickly skips from the
Sette Gee ee leat, if disturbedy to: the ground. For “an
Fitch). Stil moreenlargea (after 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 Pack.: in Amer, Naturalist, v, 1871, p. 106, f. 38; in 5th Rept:
Peab. Acad. Sci., 1873, p. 29. .

Lipura fimetaria. Murray: 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 Podurida, 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 homeceopathic 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 Podurzde@ 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
e- [ 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 Synopsis of the Thysa-

eh ee ura of Essex Co., Mass., places it in the subfamily of Lipu-
PURA Fimera- 7772@, and sie aeiies it briefly as being white, naked,

RIA (Linn

enlarged e ten i
enlarged to ten with a few 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 Sctence Gossip for 1873, 1s 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.—AnuRIDA States, at Salem, Mass., at Nantucket, and on the New
MARITIMA, enlarged ’

25 diameters.

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.

(A.)

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.

[From Psyche, Novem .-Decenz., 1883, =V, fp. 103-106.]

A NEW SEXUAL CHARACTER IN THE PUPZ 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 Heterocera, 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. Inthe Diptera, there are the larger and more approximate
eyes in the male, and conspicuous structural differences in the antennze
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 Czcad¢de, 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 Lzéeuléde, 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 Heterocera in contrast with the com-
pound one in the female; the hairy anterior legs of Grafta and Vanessa in
the Mymphalide ; 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 Dazazs ; the ovoid discal spot
on the front wings of many of the 7heclzne: in the Hesfer¢dea, the re-
flexed costal margin in most of the Wesonzades, Kudamus 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 Pamphzla ; 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-
zde not unfrequently met with — 7hyreus Abbotz-— 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.

t 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 larvye 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 pupz of the Spizxgzde@ 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 Noctuzd@ and to other Heterocera.

Prof. C. V. Riley, in the Zransactions of the Academy of Sctence of St.
Louts, 1873, vol. 3, pp. 128-129, and in the 6¢4 Annual Report of the State
Entomologist of Méssourz, for 1873, 1874, pp. 131-132, has described and
figured sexual differences in the pupxe of Pronuba 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 Cossws, 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: zd., May, 1876,
p. 100. :

216 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

This useful armature in the Cosszw@, and in such of the 4£gerzzde 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 rob¢nz@, the species of the
. Cossine 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 guerctiperda 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. rodznze, 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
Jemale shows but ONE [as il-
lustrated in Fig. 67, of a
pupa-case of C. Centferenszs,
. from which the moth had
emerged]. In each sex, the
eleventh and twelfth have

Fic. 67.—Pupa-case of Cossus CENTERENSIS, male (the moth but a single row. Disre-
emerged), with tenth segment of a female pupa-case—enlarged. garding, as I think we

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 Cosszn@, this same sexual feature occurs in the gerzzde, 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 pupz of
Egerta extttosa and A. tépuliformzs, 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.

Ss “= -*.

AN EGG-PARASITE OF THE CURRANT SAW-ELY. 217

haps also in Hefzalus, the pupz of which (unknown to me) are character-
ized as very similar to those of Cossus.

Another interesting fact connected with the armature of Cossws 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,
29th August, 1882.)

Dr. Asa Fitch, in his 1242 Annual Report on the Insects of New York
for the year 1867 (7rams. 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 acurrant 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 Cossina 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 of 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. AI-
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 antennz 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 pupe.
The pupa cases are dark brown, disclosing some of the outlines of the
contained pup, somewhat flattened, broader than the original egg, but
of about its length. The insect is apparently one of the Chalctdide, 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 in a bottle, and in a 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 Trichogramma pretiosa, examples of which had been reared, at
Washington, from eggs of the cotton-worm moth, Aletza argillacea
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 bea true T7rzchogramma, as at first
referred.
eenpevel species of the genus 7. mznuta Riley,+t [shown in Fig. 68, and
hardly to be distinguished in appearance
from 7. fretzosa}, has been reared from
the eggs of one of our common but-
terflies, of extensive distribution, Lzmen- |
itis disifpus. Parasitized examples of
these eggs have given from four to
six specimens of the minute creature,
which, notwithstanding its specific name

Fig 68.—TRICHOGRAMMA MINUTA Riley: a, the : = . .
fly in its natural position; b, a front wing; c,a of minuta, exceeds in size the micro-

g: d, ra = ; F :
on ehineood: of the legs; e, an antenna scopic 7. fretéosa, the latter being about

0.25 mm. in length.

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, jig. 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 larve on June 14th.

ray.
a
yi a

4%

(B.)

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST,

Ihe 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, xlvii, p. 149, c. 2-3 — 12 cm.)

bf

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. In it the mouth-parts of Culex, Bombylius, Erzstalts,
and Musca are ably treated, of, and fully illustrated infour excellent
plates. A résumé ot 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
very 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 9g, 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.

robinzz, 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,
xlvii, 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 Bucculatr¢x pomifoltella 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 (/ro//.). (Country Gentleman,
for April 27, 1882, xlvii, p. 333, c. 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,
xlvii, p. 395, c. I-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 Zrombcdium 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, c. 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

Pee see Ce

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 Anthomyztde,
mining beet-leaves at Middleburgh, N. Y., viz., Chortophila floccosa
Macq., and two new species, to be described in the forthcoming Report
of the N. Y. State Entomologist.

The Grain Aphis — Siphonophora avene (/@ér.). (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, xlvii, 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, xlvii, 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 spirzas with A. scrophularze ; 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,
xlvii, p. 567, c. 3 —14 cm.)

The wheat attacked by the second brood of the insect, of which the
eggs were laid in 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 by the 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 Czs¢ed-
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 pupa 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 E/aterzd@ but the
species unknown; habits of the beetles; crops attacked by the larva ;
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 (Zivm.). (Country Gentle-
man, for August ro, 1882, xlvii, p. 625, c. 2-3 — 26 cm.)
A maple tree at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., shows fifty or more holes in

nai ee

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; Glycobzus sfe-
czosus more injurious to maples ; RAyssa dunator and R. atrata associated
with the 7yemex 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 Dyzastes 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, xlvii, 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 in a close building, fumigation with sulphur would be efficient.

A New Worm in Apples. (Country Gentleman, for September 21,
1882, xlvii, p. 745, c. 2-3 — 21 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 mal¢; operations of this
species as given by Dr. Fitch; its larva and imago described. [Is
probably 7rypeta pomonella. |

The Black Blister Beetle — Epicauta Pennsylvanica (DeGeer). (Country
Gentleman, for September 21, 1882, xlvii_ p. 745, ¢. 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 Guen. (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, xlvii, 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, xlviii, p.
169, c. 2— 17 cm.)

A caterpillar feeding on rose leaves in a green-house in Westchester
Co., N. Y., identified as Penthina nimbatana (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, xlvui, p.
317, Cc. 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. 2290

Thousand-Legged Worms in a Nursery —Julus_ cceruleocinctus
Wood. (Country Gentleman, for May 24, 1883, xlviii, p. 421, c. 2 —
26 cm.)

Identification of the species sent from Geneva, N. Y., May toth.
How they differ from “ wire-worms” with which they are often con-
founded. udéd@ 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
referred 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 Tréchogramma 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,
xlvill, p. 521, c. 2— 11 cm.)

Numerous codling-moths (Carfocapsa pomonella) received from the
Rochester, N. Y. nurseries of Mr. Barry, with report of injuries, indicat-
ing an increase 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, c. 2-3 — 33 cm.)
Insects sent from Burlington, N. J., for identification and habits

230 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

are larvz (Ist stage) of the Reduvzzna, which cannot be positively iden-
tified, but may be the ‘‘ wheel-bug,” Przonotus crzstatus (Linn.). The
eggs received with them are described and also the larvee. 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 larvz 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 athvon.
(Country Gentleman, for July 5, 1883, xlvilil, p. 541, c- 3-4—— 66 cm.)
The scales received from Parkersburg, W. Va., June 18th, with in-
quiries. They belong to the Cocc¢de,; 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 (/aér.). (Country Gentleman,
for July 12, 1883, xlviii, p. 561, c. 2-3 — 28 cm.)

Insect from Athens, N. Y., identified as Rhyssa 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 Canadian Entomologist — 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, xviii, 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
Mermis 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.-Adé.). (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 (/adér.). (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-
erpillar and 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, xviii, 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,
xlvili, 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 5S. scu/ptzl’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,
xIvili, p. 681, c. 2 — 15 cm.)
Gives the appearance and habits of the larva of Déabrotica 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 prevent attack. If the larvez 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, Anthrenus scrophulariz. (Country Gentleman, for
August 23, 1883, xlvili, 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, xlviii, p. 781, c. 2-3 — 24 cm.)

The larva of Eacles zmperzal’s (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,
xlvili, 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 antzopa, 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 A/ytzJas-
pis, and according to Prof. Comstock, is identical with jomorum 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.

a) ee ee

tne

at

MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 233

A New Enemy to the Farm. (Albany Argus, for October 10, 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: I. 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 borealis 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, xlviu, p.
881, c. 1-2 — 33 cm.)

Larva of Myrmeleon sp.P? 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 larvz may be collected,
with remarks upon the winged insect.

New Corn Pest— Megilla maculata. (Country Gentleman, for No-
vember 22, 1883, xlvili, p. 941, c. 1, 2— 48 cm.)
The Coccénellide, 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, W. ma-
culata 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 7rypeta 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 to a flea in its
general aspect, is found in the winter season, upon the snow inthe 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. Linnzus 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 Ayemadzs. But, inasmuch as it
differed from the Panorpidz 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//us. More recent naturalists, however, have con-
curred in the propriety of the location originally given by Linnzeus, 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 Sorews. The Ayemaizs 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 hyemalis 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, Laérezlle.

Polished and shining. Mead 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/fz 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. Antenne inserted inthe 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. Thorax 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

[* Through a typographical error, the genus is given as Purpano. |

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. I the femade 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 B. xzvorzundus, slightly elongated and a
third smaller in B. érumalzs ; 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. Ovzfos¢tor
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.

I. 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, o. 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. Zhorax black on the sides, above
varying in color from dull fulvous to cinnamon-yellow, the basal half of
the prothorax being black. Aéddomen 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 2B. hyemals, which, however, appears from Ram-
bur’s Neuroptera, the Penny Cyclopzdia, 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 antennz 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.

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. Zhe Mid-w7nter 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, antennz, 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. In the 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 I have 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. Pvro-
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. Adédomen 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. Tibiz. obscure pale brown except at the tips,
subdiaphanous, grooved longitudinally. Tarsi, basal joint longest, second
joint very short. Wzngs reaching half the length of the seta, 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 pygmea (Burm.) Pictet: Hist. Nat. Ins, Neurop., 1841, p. 324, pl. 40, figs.
1-3.]

240 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

4. NEMOURA NIVALIS. The Large ‘“‘ Snow-fly.” The “ Shad-fly.”

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.

Head covered with minute whitish hairs, which are longer and more ob-
vious beneath the bases of the antenna 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; sutures of the tergum in the female more or less
widely marked with dull rufous; tip, in the female only, furnished with
two short, filiform setz, 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. /emurs 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. 7Zzéz@ 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. Zars¢ black, composed of three joints, whereof the
middle one is slightly shorter; two claws and an intervening pellet at the
tips. W2ngs griseous, when closed showing faintly two paler bands, one

WINTER INSECTS OF EASTERN NEW YORK. 241

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 4dcarzde. These
parasites are of a bright vermillion-red color, and fix themselves, one or
more, at the sutures of the tergum, not quitting their bold 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 Nevropteres,
Paris, 1842), it is quite obvious that ours is a distinct species.

5. CULEX HYEMALIS. [*] The 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. Antennz 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. Aédomen 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. W7ngs 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 fora 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. Coxz 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 anyof 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 w2zgs, 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 Zozsers are obscure-brownish,
truncated at their apices, the capitulum being in the form of a reversed
triangle. The aédomen 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 bya 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 hisclothing. 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 Mid-w7nter Trichocera.

Brownish-black ; wings and legs pallid at their 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: Aédomen 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.
Oviposttor fulvous, sometimes tinged with blackish. Wzngs hyaline,
faintly tinged with dusky; inner margins ciliated with quite short hairs;
nervures blackish. Legs very long, slender, and fragile, blackish ; femurs
brown, gradually paler toward their bases.

Common in forests in the winter season, coming out in warm days, flying
in the sunshine, and alighting upon the snow, its wings reposing horizon-
tally upon its back when at rest. Even when the temperature is below
the freezing point, and the cold so severe as to confine every other insect
within its coverts, this may be met with abroad upon the wing. Itisa
plain, unadorned species, closely allied in its character and habits to the
European 7. hyemadis, but in a number of impaled specimens before me,
I can detect no stripes or bands upon the thorax ; whilst the very obvious
character of the legs and wings being pallid at their bases, I do not find
mentioned as pertaining to that species.

244 SECOND REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST.

8. PODURA NIVICOLA. ‘“ The Snow-flea.”

Black or blue-black ; legs and tail dull brown.

Length 0.08.

Body black, covered with a glaucous blue-black powder but slightly ad-
herent, and sparingly clothed with minute hairs ; form cylindrical, some-
what broader toward the tail. Aztenne short and thick, longer than the
head. Zegs above blackish, beneath dull brown and much paler than the
body. TZaz/ of the same color with the venter, shortish, glabrous on its
inner or anterior surface, with minute hairs on the opposite side ; its fork
brownish.

Though found in the same situations as the European P. zvadzs, ours is
a much darker colored species. Say’s P. dzcolor is a 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 the P. humzcola
of Otho Fabricius (Fauna Groenlandica), of which we are unable to refer
to any but short and unsatisfactory descriptions, which do not coincide
well with our insect.

This is an abundant species in our forests in the winter and fore part 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 though gunpowder had been there scattered. Hollows
and holes in the snow, out of which the insects are unable to throw them-
selves readily, are often black with the multitudes which here become im-
prisoned. The fine meal-like powder with which their bodies are coated,
enables them to float buoyantly upon the surface of water, without
becoming wet. When the snow is melting so as 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,

GENERAL INDEX.

A.

Aaron [S. F.], referred to, 203.
Abbotii, Thyreus, 214.
abieticolens, Adelges, 185.
Chermes, 185.
abietis, Adelges, 185.
Chermes, 185.
Acanthia lectularia, 17, 152, 154.
Acari, 36.
Acaridee, 241.
Achorutes boletivorus, 206.
marmoratus, 206.
nivicola (see Snow-flea), 203-206, 244.
pratorum, 206.
urpurascens, 207.
exensis, 206.
Acrididz, a family of the Orthoptera, 187.
Acridium hemipterum, 187.
marginatum, 187.
Virginianum, 187.
viridifasciatum, 187.
Acronycta Americana, 77.
Actias Luna, 39.
Adalia bipunctata, 232.
Adelges, abieticolens, 185.
abietis, 185.
coccineus, 184,
strobilobius, 184.
Afigeria cucurbitie, 57.
exitiosa, 6, 60, 216.
tipuliformis, 60, 216.
Aigeriadie, family of, 60.
pupal armature of, 216.
wqualis, Stenobothrus, 196.
zstiva, Dendreca, 8.
Agelzus Pheeniceus, 189.
Alalantz, Microgaster, 39.
Alaus oculatus, 230.
Albany Argus cited, 48, 149, 158, 282, 233.
Albany Hvening Journal cited, 69, 85, 189,
190, 223.
Aletia argillacea, 220.
albipennis, Bibio, 110.
Alder blight, 181.
Aleyrodes, Trichogramma bred from, 220.
Allorhina nitida, 114.
Alucita cerealella, 102, 107.
granella, 107.
ambulans, Lipura, 208.
Americana, Acronycta, 77.
Clisiocampa, 83.
Procris, 231.

American Agriculturist referred to, 102, 149.
Association for the Advancement of Sci-
ence, referred to, 41, 64, 213, 217.
Entomologist, reference to, 46, 52, 89,
93, 111, 117, 122, 125, 126, 127, 129,
132, 142, 149, 168, 203.
Journal of Horticulture, referred to, 117,

118.

Journal of Science and Arts, cited, 57,
59, 167.

Naturalist, reference to, 3, 88, 124, 131,
141, 208.

Quarterly Journal Agriculture and Sci-
ence, 208, 235.
Americanus, Coccygus, 82.
ammerlandia, Scutelligera, 116.
Ampelis cedrorum, the cedar-bird, 7.
Ampelophila sp., 23.
Amphicerus bicaudatus (see
borer), 125-132.
Amphidasys cognataria (see Currant Amphi-
dasys), 97-101, 227.
Anacampsis cerealella, 102.
Anasa tristis, 29, 165.
anchorago, Stiretrus, 146.
Androconia of Butterflies, 214.
Angoumois moth, 102-110.
at the State farm at Geneva, 102.
bibliography, 102.
distribution, 109.
food-plants, 106.
history in Europe and America, 104.
life-history, 106-108.
mite parasite on, 110.
moth described and figured, 105.
natural enemies, 110.
operations in corn, 108, 104.
parasites on, 110.
remedies, 109.
synonymy, 102,
Angus, James, on the 17-year cicada, 171.
Psylla buxi from, 18.
angustata, Nysius, 166.
Anisopteryx vernata, 7, 27, 44, 224, 225.
Anisota senatoria, 230.
Annales del’ Agriculture Francaise, 110.
Anobium tesselatum, 202.
Anophales quadrimalculatus, 241.
Anthomyia brassice, 28.
raphani, 28.
Anthomyiide, 35, 46, 225.
Anthrenus scrophulariz, 46, 47, 138, 226, 232.
varius, 138.

Apple-twig

246

Anthribide, 140.
Anthribus variegatus, 139.
varius, 53.
antiopa, Vanessa, 280, 232.
Ant lion, 288.
Ants, 35.
insecticide for, 35.
eating young cicadas, 177.
Anurida maritima, 210.
Apanteles congregatus, 229.
gelechiz, 39.
Apate bicaudatus, 125.
Aphides, 38.
Aphididz, 180, 181.
Aphis chrysanthemi, 20, 21.
granaria, 225,
on roots of peach trees, 19.
Aphritis globosus, 116.
apiformis, Microdon, 116.
Apple attack, an unrecognized, 23.
Apple-leaf Bucculatrix, 224.
Apple Maggot, 117-125, 227, 234.
allied species, 124, 125.
apple midge has similar habits, 125.
bibliography, 117-8.
desiderata in life-history, 124.
distribution, 121.
fly described and figured, 119, 120,
injuries from, 122.
larva described and figured, 119, 120.
life-history, 120.
operations of larva, 118.
preference for early fruit, 122.
puparium figured, 120,
pupation of, 121, 123.
remedies, 123.
western extension of the insect, 121.
winter fruit attacked, 122
Apple midge, 125.
Apple worm, 12, 118, 120, 122, 128, 124.
Apple-tree borer, 25, 26,27.
Apple-tree case-bearer, 225.
Apple-tree tent caterpillar, 83.
Apple-twig borer, 125-132.
associated species, 130.
beetle described, 126.
burrows of beetle, 129.
bibliography, 125.
figures of, 126.
grapevine as larval food, 127.
habits, 125.
ignorance of early stages, 128.
injuries from, 181.
life-history, 127, 180.
preventive, 131.
rarity in New York, 128.
remedies, 1381.
similar habits in another beetle, 131.
synonymy, 125,
twig-boring illustrated, 127.
vegetation attacked, 126.
apterus var. of Blissus leucopterus, 155.
aquatica, Podura, 210.
Aramigus Fulleri (see Fuller’s rose-beetle),
142-144.
argillacea, Aletia, 220.
Argynnis, sexual features in, 214.
armiger, Heliothis, 2, 98.
Army-worm in Western New York, 42-44.
Ashes and saltpetre for cut-worms, 28.
Ashmead [W. H.], referred to, 208.

INDEX.

Ashton, T. B., on Podura nivicola. 208 204,

asparagi, Crioceris, 135.

Asparagus beetle, 135.

Aspidiotus nerii, 32.
pinifolize, 180, 184.

Aspistes ? sp., 115.

Atalanta, Pyrameis, 89.

atlanis, Caloptenus, 196.

atrata, Rhyssa, 227, 280.

atratus, Chermes, 185.

atricapillus, Parus, 8.

Atropos divinatoria, 198-202.
bibliography, 198.
bibliography of the Psocide, 208.
death-watch, an allied species, 202.
figures of the insect, 201.
habits of the Psocida, 202.
infests a bed-room, 199.
means for destroying, 199.
notes of an invasion, 199, 200,
occurrence in beds, 198.
source of the insect, 201.
synonymy, 198.

Attagenus megatoma, 46-48, 138, 226.
pellio, 47, 138.

Attraction of newly felled trees for timber
borers, 55,

aurantiaca, Reestelia, 12.

aurichalchea, Coptocycla, 223.

Austin’s Check list of Coleoptera, 142.

avene, Siphonophora, 225.

Azotic gas for Angoumois moth, 110.

B.

Bacteria in caterpillars, 40.
Bagging beans for bean-weevil, 49 229.
grapes, directions for, 33.

Bag-worm, 74.

Baltimore oriole, 82.

Bands of tin, tar, ete., to prevent insect at-
tack, 8, 9, 27.

Bark-borers, 53-55.

Barker, Joseph, on the bean-weeyil, 49.

Barker, J. G., on tobacco infusion for plant- ~
lice, 81.

Barking trees to arrest insect attack, 55,

Bark-lice, 25, 53, 184, 232.

Barnard, Dr. W. S., nether-inserter by, 22,
34.

basilare, Sinoxylon, 127, 130.

Bassiana, Botrytis, 179.

Bateman, M. B., on a carbolic wash, 25, 28.

Bean-weevil, 49, 228.

Beating insects from vlants, 18, 178, 225.

Bed-bug, 16, 152.

Beech aphis, 181.

Beecher, C. E., drawings of chinch-bug
wings by, 158.

Beet-leaf mining Anthomyiide, 46, 225.

Benzine for insect attacks, 35, 47, 199, 226,

Bessey, Prof. C. E., on the seventeen-year
locust, 168.
Bethune [Rev. ©. J. S.], referred to, 89, 102,
149.
Bibio albipennis, 110.
hortulanus, 112.
Bibionide, features of, 111.
bicaudatus, Amphicerus, 125-182.
Apate, 125.

INDEX. 247

bicaudatus, Bostrichus, 125. Buchan & Co.’s carbolic soap, 24.

bicolor, Podura, 205, 244. Buffalo Naturalists’ Field Club, 231.
Trombidium, 224. Bulletin of the Brooklyn Entomological So-

bilineatus, Stenobothrus, 196. ciety, 57.

Biological Society of Washington, 35. Iowa Agricultural College, 186.

bipunectata, Adalia, 232. | Bulletins of the Buffalo Society of Natura]

Birds as insect destroyers, 7, 8, 82, 177, 189, Science, 89, 116.

224, N. Y. Agricultural Experiment Station,

Bisulphide of carbon, remedy for insects, 118, 234.

21, 22, 34, 35, 64. U.S. Department of Agriculture — Di-
to prevent insect attack, 65. vision of Entomology, 20, 37, 41, 43,

bivittata, Saperda, 27. 90, 149.

bivittatus, Xyloterus, 54. U. 8. Entomological Commission, 149,

bivulnerus, Chilocorus, 186. | 224,

Black-billed cuckoo, 8, 82. | U. 8. Geological and Geographical Sur-

Blackbirds eating the cicada, 178. | vey of the Territories, 145, 149, 165,
feeding on grasshoppers, 189. 183.

Black blister-beetle, 227. Burnett, Dr., on the 17-year locust, 175, 177.
flies, 112. Burning for insect attacks, 131, 161, 163, 167,
long-sting, 230, 225, 226, 230, 233.
worm, 43. Butalis cerealella, 102.

Blight aphis, 35. buxi, Psylla, 18.

Blissus leucopterus (see chinch-bug), 4, 148-

164, 166, 232, 233. Cc.

Blodget, Lorin, on peach-root aphis, 19. Cabbage aphis, 32.

Blue bird, feeds on canker-worms, 8. butterfly, 90, 92, 93

boletivorus, Achorutes, 206. maggot, 28.

bombycis, Micrococcus, 40. Plusia, 89-93.

Bombycide, 68, 74, 76, 100, 218, 214. bibliography, 89, 90.

Bombylide, 45. broods, number of, 92.

Bombylius, 223. cannibalistic habits, 93.

borealis, Gryllotalpa, 233. distribution, 92.

Boreus brumalis, 288. food-plants, 91.
genus described, 286-7. increasing destructiveness, 90.
hyemalis, 236, 238. injuries from, 92.
niyoriundus, 238-9. larva described and figured, 90.

Bostrichine, 132. moth described and figured, 90, 91.

Bostrichus bicaudatus, 125. pupa described and figured 90, 91.
typographus in Europe, 55. remedies for, 93.

botrana, Eudemis, 33. resemblance to Plusia ni, 92.

Botrytis Bassiana, of the silk-worm, 179. worm, 26, 27, 32.

Bottle trap for garden insects, ceelatus, Xyleborus, 54.

Bowles [G. J.], on currant Amphidasys, 97, | calmariensis, Pyrrhocoris, 166.
Caloptenus atlanis, 196.

Boxing base of trees for collecting pup, 228. femur-rubrum, 190, 193.
Brachytarsus limbatus, 141. spretus, 196.
sticticus, 140. Camaronotus cinnamopterus, 186.
varius, 140. fraternus, 1864.
Brachytarsus variegatus, 139-141. Camphor, for root-insects, 35.
beetle described, 141. Canadian Entomologist, references and cita-
bibliography, 139. tions, 41, 42, 69, 78, 89, 94, 97, 109, 136,
distribution, 141. 139, 142, 164, 208, 214, 215, 219, 220, 225,
larva feeds on bark-lice, 140. 230.
parasitic on Coccus, 140. candida, Saperda, 27.
synonymy, 139. canicularis, Cicada, 179.
wheat attack, 140. Canker-worm, 7, 27, 44.
Bran and arsenic mash for grasshoppers, 197. | Cannibalism of Heliothis armiger, 93.
brassice, Anthomyia, 28. of Plusia brassice, 93.
Plusia, 89-93, 94. Capnia pygmea, 239.
Brine, for insect attack, 200. Carbolic acid, as an insect preventive, 25, 36,
Bristle-tails, 207. 65, 66, 232.
Brodie, Wm., on food-plants of Cecropia, 77.| , for the cabbage worm, 27.
Bruchus fabz, 228. Carbolic plant protector,
obsoletus, 49. wash to protect from fruit-tree borers, 24.

brumalis, Boreus, 238. | Carbolized paper, to repel carpet bugs, 232.
Trichocera, 243. Carbonic acid gas for Angoumois moth, 110.
Bruner [Lawrence], referred to, 188. | carinata, Microgaster, 39.
Brushing bark for insect attack, 187, 230, carnifex, Cimex, 144.
232. | Cosmopepla, 144-147.
buceata, Cuterebra, 46. | Eysarcoris, 144,
Bucculatrix pomifoliella, 224. Pentatoma, 145.

248

Carnivorous habit of Lema trilineata, 135.
Carolinensis, Tyrannus, 8.
Carpocapsa pomonella, 11, 120, 122, 128, 229.
Carpet-beetle, 46, 282.
Carpet-fly, 44.
Carter, Col. Landon, on the fly-weevil, 105.
castaneum, synonym of Trib. ferrugineum,
136, 138.
Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera of America,
214.
of Orthoptera of N. A. (Scudder), 188.
Caterpillar nuisance in Philadelphia, 69.
Cayenne pepper as an insecticide, 34.
Cecidomyia leguminicola, 2, 81.
salicis-batatus, 281.
Cecidomyide, 125.
Cecropia, Samia, 77.
Cedar-birds feeding on canker-worms, 7.
cedrorum, Ampelis, 7.
Centerensis, Cossus, 216.
ceparum, Phorbia, 28.
cerasi, Myzus, 19, 20, 21, 122.
cerealella, Alucita, 102, 107.
Anacampsis, 102,
Butalis, 102.
Gelechia, 102.
Sitotroga (see Angoumois moth), 102-110.
Ceto, Melittia, 57.
Chalcidide, 79, 110, 219.
Chatfield, A. F., on Fuller’s rose beetle, 142,
144.
Check List of N. A. moths, 57, 58.
Chermes abietis, 185.
abieticolens, 185.
atratus, 185.
corticalis, 184.
laricifolize, 184.
laricis, 183, 185, 187.
pini, 184.
pinifoliz, 180.
pinicorticis (see pine-bark Chermes),
180-187.
strobilobius, 185.
Chickadee, feeds on canker-worm, 8.
Chilocorus bivulnerus, 186.
Chimarocephala viridifasciata (see Green-
striped locust), 4, 187-198, 223.
Chinch-bug, 4, 148-164, 166, 232, 233.
abundance of, 151, 157.
attack on grass in Northern New York,
149,
bibliography, 148, 149.
bug (imago) described and figured, 150,
162

cessation of attack, 163.

circular relating to, 161, 162.

common name, derivation of, 152.

dimorphie form, 155.

early stages figured, 153.

endurance of cold, 154.

food-plants, 161.

hibernation, 154.

history of the insect, 151, 152.

increase under unfavorable conditions,
158.

He ae from, 156, 157, 160, 162.

life-history, 153.

losses from, estimated, 156, 157.

observations on the New York attack,
159, 160.

observed in other northern localities, 164.

INDEX.

Chinch-bug, occurrence in Northern New
York, 149.
operations in New York, 157.
prolificacy of, 158.
rarity, particularly in New York and
Massachusetts, 150.
remedial measures, 160, 161.
Say’s original description, 151.
short-winged form, 155.
synonymy, 148, 149.
Chinco, Chintz, Chink-bug— names for the
Chinch-bug, 152.
Chionaspis pinifoliz, 184.
Chionea valga, 236.
Chironomus nivoriundus, 242.
Chortophila floccosa, 225.
Chrisman, Mrs. L. G., on the rose-beetle, 48.
chrysanthemi, Aphis, 20, 21.
Chrysobothris femorata, 25, 27.
chrysomelas, Gryllus Locusta, 187.
Chrysomelide, 132.
Chrysopa sp. ? 186.
Cicada canicularis, 179.
septendecim (see
cust), 167-179.
tredecim, 169.
Cicadas, 35.
Cicadide, 213.
cicadina, Massospora, 171, 178.

seventeen-year

| Cimex carnifex, 144.

lectularia, 17, 152.
succinctus, 164.
cinctus, Largus, 165.

cingulatus, Oncideres, 87.
cinnamomeum, synonym of Trib. ferru-
gineum, 136.

cinnamopterus, GCamaronotus, 186.
Circular upon the chinch-bug published, 161,
162.
circumcinctns, Perillus, 146.
Cistelidz, not obnoxious, 226.
Claypole, Prof. E. W., on the potato-beetle, 3.
Clemens (Dr. B.), referred to, 102, 214.
Clisiocampa Americana, $3.
sylvatica, 83.
Clothilla picea, 201.
pulsatoria, 201, 202.
Clover-seed midge, 31, 125.
Cluster-flies, 117.
Coal ashes for the currant-worm, 24,
Coal-oil refuse as au insect preventive, 27.
Coal-tar to prevent insect attack, 65-68.
Coccidee, 140, 230,
cocciformis, Parmula, 116.
Coccinellidze or lady-birds, 186, 234,
coccineus, Adelges, 184.
Cocoon of Apanteles congregatus, 229.
Melittia cucurbite, 60.
Orgyia leucostigma, 71, 85.
Plusia dyaus, 95.
squash-vine borer, 60.
Cocoons, structure of, 95.
Coccus, pine-bark Chermes mistaken for,
183.
pinicorticis, 180, 184.
species, 140.
Coccygus Americanus, 82.
erythropthalmus, 82.
Codling moth, 11, 14, 120, 128, 125, 229.
Coe, Dr. C. M., on Otiorhynchus lgneus, 51.
cognataria, Amphidasys, 97-101, 227.

lo- *

INDEX.

Coleman [N.], reference to, 57, 69, 71.
Coleophora malivorella, 225,
Coleoptera specially noticed in this report,

46, 49, 51, 125, 132, 136, 139, 142.
Collembola, a tribe of Thysanura, 209.
Colorado potato-beetle, 3, 112, 133, 136, 147.
Columba, Tremex, 226, 230.
complicatum, Stereum, 7.
Composite as insecticides, 34,
Comstock, Prof. J. H., cited, 41, 56, 118,119,

120, 122, 142, 232.
confertus, Polycaon, 131.
confusor, Monohammus, 49-41, 55.
congregatus, Apanteles, 229.
Conotrachelus crategi, 11.

nenuphar, 6, 1h, 13, 14.

convolutella, Dakruma, 10.
Cook, C. E., infected quinces from, 11, 12.
Cook [Prof. A. J.], cited, 52, 57, 64, 118, 121.
Cooke, Matthew, referred to, 131.
Copperas water, for squash-vine borer, 67.
Coptocycla aurichalchea, 223.

Coquillet, D. W., on a mixture for killing |

grasshoppers, 197.

Coriside, 31.

Corn-worm, 2, 98.

Corrosive sublimate, for bed-bugs, 17.

corticalis, Chermes, 184.

Corydalus, 213.

Cosmopepla carnifex, 144-147.

allied species, 146.
bibliography, 144-5.
carnivorous or not? 147.
currant attack, 146.
distribution, 147.
habits, 146.
imago described and figured, 145.
potato attack, 146.
pupa described and figured, 145.
remedies, 147.
synonymy, 144-5.
Cossinz, pupal armature of, 216.
Cossus Centerensis, 216.
querciperda, 216.
robiniz, 216.

Cotton bands on tree-trunks for Orgyia, 86.

Cotton-stainer, 166.

Cotton-worm moth, 220.

Cotton worms, 37.

Coues, Dr., on the English sparrow, 83.

Counterodorants, 67, 68, 228.

Country Gentleman, references and citations,
25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 57, 63, 65, 66, 90, 97, 118,
121, 142, 145, 149, 165, 180, 184, 188, 208,
293(4), 224(5), 225(5), 226(6), 227(7), 228(3),
229(4), 230(4), 231(4), 232(5), 233(3).

Crambus vulgivagellus, 2, 114.

Craponius inzqualis, 33.

cratzgi, Conotrachelus, 11.

Creosote, for underground insects, 35.

Crepidodera cucumeris, 29.

Cresylie acid, for root insects, 35.

Crickets, 1, 36.

Criocerini, 135.

Crioceris asparagi, 135.

trilineata, 182.

cristatus, Prionotus, 2380.

Cross-bill, 82.

Crotch Check list of Coleoptera, 132, 135.

cucullata, Tettix, 197.

Cucumber beetle, 28, 29.

32

249

cucumeris, Crepidodera, 29.
cucurbitze, Aigeria, 57.

Melittia, 57.
Culex hyemalis (see Anophales), 241.

mouth-parts of, 223.

Culicidz, 112.
culta, Plusia, 97.
Cultivator referred to, 110.
Curculio, 6, 31, 124.
| Curculionide, 15, 53.
| Currant Amphidasys, 97-101, 227.
bibliography, 97.
caterpillar described and figured, 98-9.
distribution, 101.
food-plants, 101.
life-history, 100.
moth decribed and figured, 100.
popular name, 98.
remedies, 101.
sexual attraction of, 100.
Currant saw-fly, 217-221.
egg-parasite of, 217-227:
oviposition of, 200.
parasitized eggs distributed, 219, 220.
| Currant-stem borer, 60.
Currant-worm, coal-ashes remedy, 24.
curtipennis, Stenobothrus, 197.
Curtis, F. D., referred to, 43.
curvidens, Tomicus, 54.
Cuterebra buccata, 46.

emasculator, 45.
Cutting out larve recommended, 5, 58, 64.
| Cut-worms, 28, 35, 231.,;
| Cyanide of potassium, as an insecticide, 34.
Cydnidz, a family of the Heteroptera, 144.
Cyllene pictus, 223.

robiniz, 224.

| D.

| Dactylopius longifilis, 56.
Dakruma convolutella, 10.
Danais, sexual feature in, 214.
Datana ministra, 83.
Davis, W. T., on the seventeen-year cicada,
171.

Dayton [Dr. R.], referred to, 101.
Death-watch, 202.
| decemlineata, Doryphora, 3.
Delayed pupation of Melittia cucurbitz, 62.
Dendreeca estiva, 8.
Dermestes lardarius, 138.
| Dermestidze, 46, 138.
Destroying eggs of the Orgyia, 85.

infested fruit recommended, 12.
destructor, Nysius, 166.
devastator, Rhyparochromus, 148.
Devereaux, W. C., referred to, 42, 43.
Diabrotica vittata, 28, 29, 231.
Dimeraspis podagra, 116.
Dimmock, Dr. George, on the chinch-bug,

164.

on mouth-parts of Diptera, 228.
Dimorphism in the chinch-bug, 155.

in the green-striped locust, 191-2.
Diplosis tritici, 31.
Diptera specially noticed in this report, 46,

110, 116, 117.

' Dipterous larvee in a peach-tree, 6.
Diseased brood of Actias Luna, 39.
disippus, Limenitis, 220,

250 INDEX.

divinatoria, Atropos, 198. Entomological Society of London, referred
divinatorium, Termes, 198. to, 139.
divinatorius, Troctes, 198. Society of Ontario, referred to, 41, 164.
Dodge, C. R., on the hop-vine borer, 41. Entomologist of the Dominion of Canada, 2.
Dolph, John M., Podurus received from, 203. Massachusetts State Board of Agricul-
domestica, Pyrgita, 80. ture, 34. ‘
domesticus, Passer, 83. Royal Agricultural Society of England,
Doryphora decemlineata, 3. 38.
Dragon flies eating the cicada, 178. State of Illinois, 8, 118.
Drosophila sp., ? 124. U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2, 20.
Ducks for destroying grasshoppers, 34. Entomologists’ Monthly Magazine, 52, 208.
Durant & Co., insects received from, 136. Entomophthora musce of the house-fly, 179.
dyaus, Plusia, 94, 228. ephemerezformis, Thyridopteryx, 74.
Dynastes Tityus, 227. Epicauta Pennsylvanica, 227.
Dysdercus suturellus, 166. Eristalis, 223.
error, Platygaster, 2.
; E. Erythroneura vitis, 30.
Eacles imperialis, 232. erythropthalmus, Coecygus, 8, 82.
Earth-worms in peach-tree trunk, 6. Euchetes egle, 166.
repelled by naphthaline, 36. Eudamus, sexual features in, 214.
Economic Entomology (Murray), referred to, | Eudemis botrana, 33.
207, 208, 209. Eumenes fraternus, 231.
Edwards, Henry, studies in Hgeriade, 60. | Eurytoma funebris, 2.
Edwards, W. H. referred to, 39, 214. Euschistes variolarius, 146.
Egg-parasite of Nematus ventricocus, 217- | exitiosa, Migeria, 6, 60, 216.
221, 229. Experiments on squash-vine borer, 67.
Egg-pods, of Caloptenus spretus, 192. Eysarcoris carnifex, 144.
Eggs of the Angoumois moth, 107.
bed-bug, 17. F.
chinch-bug, 153.
currant saw-fly, 220. fabz, Bruchus, 229.
Fuller’s rose-beetle, 144. fagi, Phyllaphis, 181.
green-striped locust, 193. Fall web-caterpillar, 83.
Hemileuca Maia, 75. False chinch-bug, 166.
pine-bark Chermes, 181. fatidicus, Troctes, 198.
pine longicorn beetle, 50. femorata, Chrysobothris, 27.
Rocky mountain locust, 192. femur-rubrum, Caloptenus, 190, 198.
seventeen-year locust, 173. fenestralis, Scenopinus, 44.
squash-vine borer, 61. Feniseca Tarquinius, 231.
white-marked tussock-moth, 73, 78, 84, Fernald, Henry L., captures of the chinch-
85. bug, 104.
egle, Euchetes, 166. foeaeiven: Stene, 138.
Elateridz, 226. ferrugineum, Tribolium, 136-139.
Elliot, S. L., success in rearing Lepidoptera, | Field and Forest cited, 135, 204.
229. fimetaria, Lipura, 308.
Elm-leaf beetle, 228. | Podura, 208.
Emasculating bot-fly, 45. | Fitch, Dr. [Asa], in Transactions N. Y. State
emasculator, Cuterebra, 45. | Agricultural Society, 68, 78, 102, 125,
Emmons, [E.], reference to, 102. | 182, 148, 168, 180, 184, 208.
English sparrow, 70, 80-84, Fitch, Dr. A., on army-worm, 438, 44.
bounty offered for, 84. chinch-bug, 150, 151, 153.
destruction of its nests, 84. Orgyia leucostigma, 73, 74.
food of, 81. parasite of currant saw-fly, 217.
grain destroyed by, 84. pine bark Chermes, 183.
“ineligibility ’’ of, 83. seventeen-year Cicada, 170, 175.
introduction in United States, 80. Smynthurus, 207.
losses from, 84, three-lined leaf-beetle, 184, 185.
means of removal, 83. winter insects of Eastern New York,
multiplication of, 80. 235-244.
object of its introduction, 80. references to, 10, 69, 79, 102, 106, 112,
poisoned in England, 84. 129, 131, 150, 152, 155, 157, 158, 178,
protects the Orgyia, 81, 82. 185, 203, 227.
seed destroyed by, 84. Reports on the Insects of New York,
useful for food, 84. 45, 46, 102, 122, 125, 133, 148, 151, 153,
war to be made on, 83. 168, 180, 184, 208, 225, 226.
Ennomos subsignaria, 69, 76, 77. Flachérie, a silk-worm disease, 40.
Entomologica Americana cited, 171. Flat-headed apple-tree borer, 25, 225.
Entomological Contributions (Lintner), cited, | flavo-picta, Orchesella, 207.
175. Fletcher, James, on the clover-seed midge, 2.

Notes of S. H. Scudder, referred to, | floccosa, Chortophila, 225.
188. _ Fly-catcher, 84.

|
j
|
‘
q

INDEX. 251

Fly-weevil (Angoumois moth), 105.
Forbes, Prof. [S. A.], cited, 8, 40, 112, 113,
157, 234.
Reports on the Insects of Illinois, 69,
102, 110, 149, 154, 156.
Forest tent-caterpillar, 83.
Formica rufa, 117, 186.
Foster, H. J., weevil-marked plums from, 13.
Frames with netting cover for protecting
squash-vines, 64.
fraterna, Tetrastichus, 79.
Trichogramma, 79.
fraternus, Camaronotus, 186.
Eumenes, 2381.
Frenching of corn, 15, 281.
French (Prof. G. H.], references to, 57, 69,
102.
Fruit-Growers’ Journal, cited, 121.
fugitiva, Limneria, 41.
Fuller, A. S., on harlequin cabbage-bug, 56.
referred to, 142.
Fulleri, Aramigus, 142-144.
Fuller’s rose beetle, 142-144.
beetle described and figured, 143.
bibliography, 142.
discovery, 142.
distribution, 143.
early stages figured, 143.
food-plants, 144.
green-house pest, 142.
remedies, 144.
transformations, 143.
Fumigation with charcoal gas for Angou-
mois moth, 109.
with sulphur recommended. 18. 227.
funebris, Eurytoma, 2.
Fungus-feeding fly, 13.
Fungus on house-fly, 179.
on peach twigs, 7.
quinces, 11, 15,
seventeen-year Cicada, 179.
silk-worm, 179.
fur, Ptinus, 138.
fusca, Lachnosterna, 3, 41, 224.

G.

galbula, Icterus, 82.
Galerucella xanthomelena, 228.
gallzsolidaginis, Gelechia, 39.
Gall insects, 31.
Gardener’s Monthly and Horticulturist, 19.
Gas-lime for killing insects, 21, 63, 162, 163,
229, 288.
to prevent insect attack, 162.
Gasoline for insect attack, 200.
Gas-water, for root-insects, 35.
Gelechia cerealella, 102.
gallzesolidaginis, 39.
gelechiz, Apanteles, 39.
Microgaster, 39.
Pteromalus, 110.
Geometers, 91.
Geometridex, 91, 95, 97, 228.
habits of the larve, 98, 101.
Gillette, G. M., on the green-striped locust,
188, 189.
Girdling twigs by Orgyia larva, 87, 88, 89.
Glaucopide, anal appendage in some, 214.
Gleason, A. H., on the green-striped locust,
195.

globosus, Aphritis, 116.
Microdon, 116.
Glover [T.], Manuscript Notes from my
Journal, 45, 111, 112, 116, 117, 145,
146, 149, 165, 166.
in Reports of the Commission of Agri-
culture, 19, 102, 113, 126,129, 165, 167,
180, 188, 203.
reference to, 106, 166.
Glycobius speciosus, 227.
sede: Dr. F. W., on Trypeta pomonella,
21.

Goff, E. S., on the squash-vine borer, 67 68.

Gomphocerus infuscatus, 188.
radiatus, 188.
viridi-fasciata, 188.

Goniaphea ludoviciana, the rose-breasted

grosbeak, 8.

Gooseberry fruit-worm, 10.

Gordius, a hair-worm, 230,

Gortyna immanis, 35, 41.
nitela, 226,

Grain Aphis, 225.
pest, 137.

granaria, Aphis, 225.

granella, Alucita, 107.

(cophora, 102.

granellus, Ypsolophus, 102.

ee Tettix, 197.

zrape bagging to prevent insect attack, 32.
berry moth, 33.
curculio, 33.

Phylloxera, 21, 22.
seed midge, 82.

Grapta and Vanessa, sexual features of, 214.

Grasshoppers, 3, 84, 188-198, 228.

Grasshoppers, midwinter, 188, 223,

Green fly, 31.

Green-striped Locust, 187-198, 223.
appearance in Genesee county, 189.
appearance in Westchester county, 189.
bibliography, 187-8.
description of the insect, 191.
dimorphic forms, 191.
double-brooded species, 195.
eggs of, 193.
habits, 192, 193, 195.
meteorological conditions causing its ap-

pearance, 190.

midwinter appearance, 188.

molting operation, 193, 194.

natural history, 192-195.

other double-brooded species, 196.

remedies, 197-8.

synonymy, 187, 188, 192.

winter appearance not alarming, 190.
grossulariz, Pempelia, 10.

Pristophora, 5.
Grote [A. R.], referred to, 57, 89, 92, 94, 97,

215.

Gryllotalpa borealis, 233.

Gryllus hyemalis, 236.

Locusta chrysomelas, 187.
Virginianus, 187.
Gypsum and kerosene for squash-bugs, 29.

H.

hemorrhoidalis, Heliothrips, 56.
Hagen, Dr. H. A., on Tribolium ferrugineum,
138.

252

Hagen, Dr. H. A., references to, 116, 136, 138,
198, 201, 203, 224.
Hag-moth caterpillar, 227.
Hairworms —Gordius and Mermis, 230.
Hamel and Tillet on Angoumois moth, 107-8.
Hand-picking of insects recommended, 16,
93, 101, 135, 144, 147, 178.
Harison [T. L.], insects from, 114, 150.
Harlequin cabbage-bug, 55, 92, 145, 146.
Harmonia picta, 186.
Harrington, W. H., collection of the chinch-
bug, 164.
Harris’ Catalogue of N. A. Sphinges, 60.
Harris, Dr., on Angoumois moth, 104.
on apple-twig borer, 128.
on green-striped locust, 191, 193.
on seventeen year cicada, 173, 178.
on squash-vine borer, 58, 59, 61.
Entomological Correspondence, referred
to, 57, 59, 102, 203.
Insects Injurious to Vegetation, referred
to, 2, 80, 57, 59, 60, 68, 102, 110, 132,
148, 150, 168, 188.
Report on the Insects of Massachusetts,
referred to, 68, 182, 188.
Treatise on the Insects of New England
referred to, 57, 68, 162, 105, 132, 148,
168, 188.
references to, 69, 105, 109, 112, 125, 131,
135, 150, 157, 176, 192.
Harvest-fly, 179.
Harz Forests, injury from bark-boring bee-
tles, 55.
Heat for insect attacks, 109, 137, 144.
Heliothis armiger, 2, 93.
Heliothrips hemorrhoidalis, 56.
Hellebore, for pear-tree slug, 5.
Hemileuca Maia, 40, 75.
Hemiptera specially noticed in this Report,
144, 148, 164.
hemipterum, Acridium, 187.
Hemiteles sp., ? 79.
Henshaw, Samuel, cited, 51, 136.
Hepialus, 217.
Herrick, E. C., on Angoumois moth, 105.
Hesperidz, sexual feature in, 214.
hesperidum, Lecanium, 32.
Hessian Fly, 125, 141, 226.
Heteropacha Rileyana, 40.
Heteroptera, features of, 145.
Heteropus ventricosus, 110.
Hibernation of Amphicerus bicaudatus, 128.
Blissus leucopterus, 154.
Chimarocephala viridifasciata, 190, 195.
Melittia cucurbite, 62.
Microdon globosus, 117.
Orgyia leucostigma, 75.
Pollenia rudis, 117.
Hickory-borer, 223.
Hill, W. W., referred to, 42, 88.
histrionica, Murgantia, 55-6, 92, 145.
Hogs eating the Cicada, 178.
Home Farm, cited, 32.
Honey-bee, injuring grapes,
Honey-dew of Myzns cerasi, 122.
Hop grub, 41.
Hop-root Gortyna, 35.
Horn [Dr. G. H.], referred to, 136, 139, 142,
143.
Hornets, Aigeriadz resemble, 60.
injuring grapes, 33.

INDEX.

) Horn-tail borer, 226.
hortensis, Smynthurus, 207.
hortulanus, Bibio, 112.
Hot water for killing insects, 6, 21, 98, 199

2338. ‘
House-fly fungus, 179.
Howard [L. O.], referred to, 79, 90, 220.
Hoy [Dr. P. R.], referred to, 101.
Hubbard, H. G., referred to, 36, 37, 220.
Hulst [George D.], referred to, 57, 59, 61.
humicola, Podura, 205, 244.
Husbandman [Elmira, N. Y.], referred to,

118.
Hydronette, for applying insecticides, 185.
hyemalis, Culex, 241.

Panorpa— Gryllus — Boreus, 236.
Trichocera, 248.

Hylurgops girdling spruces, 55.
Hylurgus (Dendroctonus) rufipennis, 54.
Hymenorus obscurus, 226.
Hyphantria textor, 83.

I.

Icterus galbula, 82.

immanis, Gortyna, 41.

imperialis, Eacles, 232.

inaequalis Craponius, 33.

Inch-worms, 98.

Indigo bird, feeds on canker-worms, 8.

Information desired of squash-vine borer,

66.

infuscata, Locusta (Tragocephala), 188.

Ingpen, Mr., on Stene ferruginea, 138.

Injurious Lepidopterous Insects, 57-110.

innumerabilis, Pulvinaria, 22.

Insect collection eaten by Tribolium, 138.
larve regarded as Molluses, 116.
mills for heating grain, 109.
net, importance of, 93.

Introduced insects, 18, 217:

Isosoma vitis, 32.

lie

Jarring trees for insect attack, 12, 85, 101,
228.
Jenks, Prof., on insect food of robin, 113.
Journal of the Boston Society of Natural
History, 188.
Illinois State Agricultural Society, 139.
Judah, 8., on Angoumois moth, 105.
Julide, food of, 229.
Julus cceruleocinctus, 229.
June, M. P., on the apple maggot, 118.

K.

Keen, E. L., on Bibio albipennis, 115.
Kellicott, Prof. D. 8., referred to, 281.
Kerosene emulsions, directions for making,
36.
for insect attacks, 22, 36, 87, 38, 67, 101,
147, 187, 230, 282, 233.
Kerosene oil asa counterodorant, 65, 66.
for destroying insects, 6, 29, 32, 34, 35,
86, 47, 63, 185, 147, 226, 227.
with sand for insect attacks, 16, 232.
King bird, feeds on canker-worms, 8.
King, H. C., chinch-bugs on farm of, 149.
Kirby-Spence, Introduction to Entomology,
102,
| Knaus, Warren, ou Sphenophorus larve, 53.

el el ee el i ie

INDEX. 253

L.

Lace-winged fly, 186.
Lachnosterna fusca, 8, 41, 224.
Ladd, E. H., on the Angoumois moth, 102,
104.
lanigera, Schizoneura, 35, 181.
Larch Chermes, 187.
lardarius, Dermestes, 1388.
Largus cinctus, 165.
succinctus (see margined Largus), 164-
167.
laricifoliz, Chermes, 184.
laricis, Chermes, 183, 185, 187.
Tomicus, 54,
Larva of Angoumois moth, 108.
Aramigus Fulleri, 143.
Bibio albipennis, 115.
Blissus leucopterus, 153.
Chermes pinicorticis, 181.
Chimarocephala viridifasciata, 188.
Cicada septendecim, 173.
Lema trilineata, 133.
Melittia cucurbitz, 59.
Orgyia leucostigma, 70, 71.
Plusia dyaus ? 90.
Trypeta pomonella, 119.
larvarum, Physogaster, 110.
Laws against injurious insects, 163.
Leaf-hoppers, 30, 38.
ce ee A ene, 46, 225.

Le Baron [Dr. William], cited, 8, 78, 838, 157,
178.

referred to, 58, 112, 140, 148, 149, 168,
224,

Lecanium hesperidum, 32.
innumerabilis, 230.
Le Conte and Horn, Drs., referred to, 132.
Le Conte, Dr. [J. L.J, referred to, 54, 132,
139, 140.
lectularia, Acanthia, 17, 152.
lectularius, Cimex, 17.
leguminicola, Cecidomyia, 2, 31.
Leidy, Dr. Joseph, referred to, 139, 179.
Lema trilineata (see three-lined leat-beetle),
132-136.
trivirgata, 132.
Lepidoptera specially noticed in this Report,
57, 68, 89, 94, 97, 102.
Lepidopterous Insects, 57-110.
Lepismatide, 207.
Leucania unipuncta, 43.
leucoptera, Loxia, 88.
leucopterus, Blissus, 4, 148-164, 166.
Lygeus, 148.
Micropus, 148, 149.
Rhyparochromus, 148.
Libellulidz, 178, 213.
Lichtenstein, M. J., ona parasitic mite, 110.
limbatus, Brachytarsus, 141.
Lime for gooseberry worm, 10.
Limenitis disippus, a iereania bred from
eggs of, 220.
Limneria fugitiva, 41.
Lintner [J. A.|, reference to, 57, 69, 90, 97,
118, 142, 145, 149, 165, 180, 188, 208.
Liposcelis museorum, 198.
Lipura ambulans, 208.
fimetaria, 208-210.
allied species, 210.
appearance of, 209.

Lipura fimetaria, bibliography and synonymy,
208.
figure of, 209.
habits of, 209,
occurrence in a cistern, 208.
occurrence in a well, 208.
remedies, 209.
Locusta (Tragocephala) infuscata, 188.
radiata, 188.
viridi-fasciata. 188.
Locust-borer, 223.
Locusts, destructiveness of, 156.
repelled by naphthaline, 36.
Loew, Dr., description of Trypeta pomo-
nella, 120.
Monograph of Diptera of N. A. referred
to, 117.
London purple for insect attacks, 44, 65, 86,
123, 136, 223, 295, 297.
Long-horned pine-borer, 49.
longifilis, Dactylopius, 56.
Loopers, 98.
Loxia leucoptera, 83.
ludoviciana, Goniaphea, 8.
Luna, Actias, 39.
lunator, Rhyssa, 227.
Lyctinz, 132.
Lyctus opaculus, 130.
Lye solutions, for root-insects, 35.
Lygvide, a family of the Heteroptera, 148.
Lygzeus leucopterus, 148.
turcicus, 166.

M.

Macrodactylus subspinosus, 48, 225.
maculata, Megilla, 233, 234,
maculipennis, Stenobothrus, 196.
Maia, Hemileuca, 40, 75.
mali, Molobrus, 125.
Sciari, 125, 227, 234.
malivorella, Coleophora, 225.
Mallophaga, 31.
Mamestra picta, 1.
Mann, B. P., on Microdon globosus, 110, 117.
Maple-tree scale-insect, 2:0.
marginatum, Acridium, 187.
Margined Largus, 164-167.
allied species, 166.
appearance, 165.
bibliography, 164.
distribution, 165.
figure of, 165.
habits, 166.
remedies for, 167.
synonymy, 164.
maritima, Anurida, 210.
marmoratus, Achorutes, 206.
Marten [J.], reference to, 57.
Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture,
referred to, 34.
State Horticultural Society, 31.
Massospora cicadina, a Cicada fungus, 171,
178-9.
May-bug, 3.
May-weed as an insecticide, 34.
McGill University of Montreal, 146.
McLachlan, Mr., on Atropos divinatoria, 20,
203.
Measuring worms, 76, 91.
megatoma, Attagenus, 46, 138, 226.

254 INDEX.

Megilla maculata, 233, 234. Mycetophilide, 125.
Melittia Ceto, 57. Myriapods, 6.

cucurbitz (see squash-vine borer) 57-68. | Myrmeleon sp., 233,
Mermis, an apple-worm, 230. Mytilaspis pomorum, 232.
Merula migratoria, 8, 82, 113. Myzus cerasi, 19, 20, 21, 122.
Meske, O. von, referred to, 231. persice, 19, 20.
Meteorological conditions attending winter

grasshoppers, 190-191. N.

Mice, naphthaline for repelling, 36.
Michigan Agricultural College, 64.

State Board of Agriculture Report, 157.
Micrococcus bombycis, 40.
Microdon apiformis in ants’ nests, 116.
Microdon globosus, 116, 117.

associated with ants, 116.

Saye of Georgia, 68.
bibliography, 116. ape sad :
distabanem aly of New York — Agriculture, 102.

5 p navalis, synonym of Trib. ferrugineum, 136.
Teas nee Neal, Dr. J. C:, on aphis, cited, 20. |
deroste) : nebulosa, Nemoura, 241.
pall Bele ae for a mollusc, 116. Nematus ventricosus, 217, 229.
Microdon mutabilis, 116. Rena ae
tristis, 116 q :
MicroansieesAdalantaess nenuphar, Conotrachelus, 6, 11, 13, 14.
Ba Risers a nerii, Aspidiotus, 32.
SaETe Aga ayo eve Nether-inserter for insecticides, 22, 34.
ge Bate TEMA OH UCUAGIS fedon Che Netting, to prevent insect attack, 58, 64.
Micronue leucopterus 148, 149 Rew eens vane Se a Wit:
Bare Bie ie a omestead, cited, 28.
pT Ie Se a 288. | New York Agricultural Experiment Station,
migratoria, Merula, 8, 82, 113. | Re BAU en seat
; Z : : ; yay ;
Milk and Revosene ort omiliop 26. gg, | Stale Agricultural Society, 1, 44 114
eae Oa negen iae 17-year Cicada, 172. State Museum of Nat. History, 233.
2 +) ]

ara ee 20 Tribune, cited, 127.
minuta, Trichogramma, 220. nimbatana, Penthina, 228, 230.
misella, Pentilia, 186.

; ; ni, Plusia, 89, 90, 92.
See aE ey es Nisoniades, sexual feature in, 214.
- , 227.

on timothy grass, 224. pele Goryns. ae
Moffatt [J. A.|, referred to, 142. i pases ice Br ra

Naphtha, as an insecticide, 35.
for root-insects, 35.
Napthaline as an insecticide (Riley), 35-36.
for root-insects, 35.
preventive of insect attack, 36, 65, 66.
Natural History of the Lepidopterous Insects

Mole cricket, 2338. pale None oat:
= . 5 ’ -
molitor, Tenebrio, 158. nivicola, Achorutes, 203.
Molobrus mali, 125. Perla, 239
Molting, additional in female larvee, 74. Padara 050 214
Molting operation of Caloptenus spretus, | ,ivoriundus, Boreus, 238-9
193-195. 4 } f

: : Chironomus, 242.
Monographie der Feoeiden (Hearn) 198, 201. | Noctuide, 89, 90, 94.

Monograph of Geometrid Moths, 97.
Monohammus confusor, 49, 51, 5b. youeee boo ey i he
’ Sa: 2: *

Menon ice 159. ayene pal tray ay
Morris, Dr. Jno. G., referred to, 205. See kien
Synopsis of Lepidoptera of N. A., 68. | Oo.
Morris, Miss, on the 17-year locust, 168, 171. |
Morton, Miss E. L., on the currant Amphi- | obscurus, Hymenorus, 226.

dasys, 98, 100. obsoletus, Bruchus, 49. ‘
Mosquitoes, 112, 241, 242. synonym of Brachytarsus variegatus, 140,
Mounding for peach-tree protection, 6. 141.

Mulio globosus, 116. ochracea, synonym of Trib. ferrugineum,
Muller, Albert, on Tribolium ferrugineum, 136.

139. oculatus, Alaus, 230.

Murgantia histrionica, 55-6, 92, 145. (Eeophora granella, 102.

“Musca, Dr. Dimmock on, 223. (Edipoda Virginiana, 188.

musce, Entomophthora, 179. Oestlund, O. W., cited, 92.

Muscide, 117. (stride, 46.

museorum, Liposcelis, 198. Oil of tar, for root-insects, 35.

Museum of Comparative Zodlogy, at Cam-| Olivier in Enclopédie Méthodique, 102, 107,
bridge, Mass., 45, 137. 132, 187.

Museum pests, 36. Oncideres cingulatus, 87.

mutabilis, Microdon, 116. Onion maggot, 28.

INDEX. 255

Ontario County Times, cited, 172, 225.
opaculus, iy hea 130.
Orchesella flavo-picta, 207.
Orgyia leucostigma (see White-marked tus-
sock-moth), 68-89,
orgyie, Tachina, 78.
Tetrastichus, 79.
Trichogramma, 79.
Oribates sp.

Passerina cyanea, the indigo bird, 8.
Pea-bug, 140.
Peach-tree borer, 5, 6, 7, 60.
Peck, C. H., apples scarred by plum ecurculio
from, 14.
on bark-boring beetles, 53, 54.
Cicada fungus, 171, 178, 179.
peach-twig fungus, 7, 12.
Pediculide, 199.

Ormerod, Miss E. A., Reports and Manual, | pellio, SLinEE BUS: 47, 138.

cited, 38, 52, 84, 187.
ornata, Tettix, 197. :
Osborn, Prof. H., on apple-twig borer, 126,
129.

on Chermes pinicorticis, 180, 183, 185,186. |

Osten Sacken [Baron C. R.], on Bibio, 115,
Catalogue of Diptera, 45, 116, 117, 122.
Otiorhynchide, 142.
Otiorhynchus ligneus infesting a dwelling-
house, 51.
picipes, 52.
sulcatus, 51.
tenebricosus, 52.
ou, Plusia, 97.
Oviposition of Caloptenus spretus, 192.
of Monohammus confusor, 49-51,
of Nematus ventricosus, 220.
Owen, Richard, on Angoumois moth, 105,110.
Ox-eye daisy, as an insecticide, 34.

) EE

Packard [Dr. A. S.], Guide to the Study of
Insects, 10, 80, 44, 59, 97, 101, 111,
115, 116, 125, 127, 132, 149, 164, 182,
202, 203, 205, 207.

Insects Injurious to Forest and Shade
Trees, 54, 180,185, 224.

on bark-borers, 55.

on Bibio albipennis, 114,

on chinch-bug, 164.

on Monohammus confusor, ‘49, 50.

on squash-vine borer, 61.

references to, 31, 39, 68, 89, 97, 112, 116,
127, 168, 203, 207, 208, 209.

Pacific Rural Press, cited, 34, 197.

Painted lady-bird, 186.

pallipes, Scenopinus, 44.

Pamphila, sexual feature in, 214.

Panorpa, genitalia of, 213.

Panorpa hyemalis, 236.

Panorpide, 236.

Paper bags for protecting grapes, 32-3.

Paper bands for the codling-moth, 229.

Papilio, reference to, 77, 89, 214.

Paraffin, an insecticide, 38.

Parasitized eggs distributed, 219, 229.

Parasite of the currant saw-fly, 217-220.

Coccus species, 140.
Ennomas subsignaria, 80.
Hemileuca Maia, 41.
Nemoura nivalis, 241.
Pyrameis Atalanta, 39.
Parasites of the Angoumois moth, 110.
clover-seed midge, 2.
Orgyia leucostigma, 78.

Paris green, for insect attacks, 3, 9, 15, 67,
85, 128, 181, 186, 146, 223, 225, 227, 228,
229.

Parmula cocciformis, 116.

Parus atricapillus, the chickadee, 8.

Passer domesticus, 83.

pellionella, Tinea, 44.
Pempelia grossulariz (see Dakruma), 10.
Pemphiginz, secretions by, 181.
Penhallow, Prof. D. P., currant insect from,
146.
Pennsylvanica, Epicauta, 227.
Pentatoma carnifex, 145.
Pentatomina, a sub-family of Heteroptera,
146.
| Penthina nimbatana, 228, 230.
Pentilia misella, 186.
Perchloride of mercury for the Larch Cher-
mes, 187.
Pergande, Theodore, on Heliothrips, 56.
referred to, 31, 284.
Perillus circumeinctus, 146,
Perla nivicola, is Capnia pygmea, 239.
Persian insect powder, 200.
persice, Myzus, 19, 20.
Petroleum as an insecticide, 35.
Pettit, J., collection of the chinch-bug, 164.
Phobetron pithecium, 227.
Pheeniceus, Agelzeus, 189.
Phorbia ceparum, 28.
Phyllaphis fagi, 181.
Phylloxera eggs, 214.
treatment, 35.
vitifoliz, 36.
Physogaster larvarum, 110.
Phytonomus punctatus, 3, 14-15.
picea, Clothilla, 201.
picipes, Otiorhynchus, 52.
icta, Harmonia, 186.
Mamestra, 1.
pictus, Cyllene, 223.
Pieris rapz, 26, 40, 90, 92, 93.
Pilate, G. R., on Hemileuca Maia, 40.
on rearing larvee, 40.
Pine-bark Chermes, 180-187.
bibliography, 180.
food-plants, 180.
history, 183.
injuries from, 185.
life-history, 181.
mistakes of Fitch and others, 183.
natural enemies, 186.
parasites, 186.
remedies, 186.
secretion from it, 180.
secretions of other species, 180.
species allied to it, 184.
synonymy, 180.
transformations, illustrated, 182.
Pine Emperor Moth, 232.
Pine longicorn borer, 55.
pini, Chermes, 180.
pinicorticis, Chermes, 184.
Coccus, 180, 184.
pinifoliz, Aspidiotus, 180, 184.
Chermes, 180.
Chionaspis, 184.
Pionea rimosalis, 93.

256

pithecium, Phobethron, 227.
Pityophthorus puberulus, 54.
Plant-lice, 184, 186.
Plants for decoys, 64.
Platygaster larva, 231.
error, 2.
Plowing to destroy insects, 63, 161, 163, 225,
233.
Plum weevil, 11, 18.
Plusia brassicz (see Cabbage Plusia), 89-93,
94.
Plusia culta (proposed), 97.
Plusia dyaus, 94-97, 228.
caterpillar described, 94.
cocoon of, 95.
doubtfully named, 97.
food-plants, 94.
habits of larva, 95.
in a conservatory, 94,
pupal period, 96.
transformations, 95.
Plusia moths, beauty of, 96.
ni, 89, 90, 92, 93.
ou, 97.
precationis, 97.
podagra, Dimeraspis, 116.
Podisus spinosus, 146,
Podura aquatica, 210.
bicolor, 205, 244.
fimetaria, 208.
humicola, 205, 244.
nivalis, 244.
nivicola, 208, 244,
Pollenia rudis, 117.
Polycaon confertus, 131.
Polygraphus rufipennis, 54.
Polyphagous insects, 76.
Polyphemus, Telea, 77.
pomifoliella, Bucculatrix, 224,
pomonella, Carpocapsa, 11, 120, 123, 229.
Trypeta, 117-125, 227, 234.
pomorum, Mytilaspis, 232.
Popular Science Monthly, 69.
Potato attack from an unknown insect, 148.
Potter-wasp cells, 231.
Poultry in orchards, 33.
Powell, T. J.,on the seventeen-year cicada, 172
Practical Entomologist, references and cita-
tions, 80, 52, 111, 118, 125, 183, 148, 155,
168, 180.
Prairie Farmer, referred to, 148.
pratorum, Achorutes, 206.
precationis, Plusia, 97.
pees Trichogramma, 220, 229.
reventive of apple-tree borers, 25, 27.
apple-twig borer, 131.
cabbage-worm (P. rapz), 27.
canker-worm, 8, 9, 27.
carpet-beetles, 34, 48, 226.
chinch-bug, 162.
grape curculio and moth, 33.
grape-seed midge, 32.
peach-tree borer, 24.
rose-bug, 66, 225.
seventeen-year cicada, 178.
squash-vine borer, 58.
white-marked tussock-moth, 83.
Preventives of insect attacks:
bands of tar, tin, ete., 8, 9, 27.
bisulphide of carbon, 65.
bottle-trap for garden insects, 33.
carbolic acid, 25, 26, 65, 66, 282.

INDEX.

Preventives of insect attacks :

carbolic wash, 25, 27.
carbolized paper, 232.
cayenne pepper, 34.
coal-oil refuse, 27.
coal tar, 65, 66, 67, 68.
counterodorants, 228.
destroying the English sparrow, 83.
frames with netting-cover, 64.
as-lime, 162.
erosene and soap emulsion, 67.
kerosene oil, 65, 66.
naphthaline, 36, 65, 66.
netting, 58, 64.
paper bags for grapes, 32, 33.
road dust, 27.
roofing-paper of gas-tar, 25, 48, 226, 232.
rotation of crops, 63.
soluble phenyle, 65.
tansy water, 226.
tar-water, 65, 66.
tympans, printers’, 226.
Prionotus cristatus, 230.
Pristophora ?grossulariz, 5.
Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sci-
ence of Philadelphia, 102, 146, 154, 168,
179.
American Philosophical Society, 139, 142.
Boston Society of Natural History, 39,
136, 137, 189, 168, 171, 175, 177.
Entomological Society of Philadelphia,
31, 68, 208, 215.
Western. New York Horticultural So-
ciety, 228.
Procris Americana, 231.
Pronuba yuccasella, 215.
propinquus, Stenobothrus, 196.
Psocide, habits of, etce., 198, 199, 201, 202.
Psoini, a tribe of the Ptinide, 132.
Psyche, references and citations, 31, 35, 36,
42, 164, 203 (2), 213-222, 229 (2), 230, 231 (8).
Psylla buxi, 18.
Psyllide, 18.
Pteromalus gelechiz, 110.
sp.? 79.
Ptinide, 125, 132.
Ptinus fur, 138.
puberulus, Pityophthorus, 54.
pulsatoria, Clothilla, 201, 202.
Pulvinaria innumerabilis, 22.
punctatus, Phytonomus, 3, 14.
Punctured clover-leaf weevil, 3.
Pupa of Bibio albipennis? 115.
Blissus leucopterus, 153.
Cosmopepla carnifex, 145.
Cossus Centerensis, 216, 217.
Melittia cucurbitz, 60.
Orgyia leucostigma, 73, 76.
Plusia dyaus? 91.
Pronuba yuccasella, 215.
Psylla buxi, 18.
Trypeta pomonella, 120.
purpurascens, Achorutes, 207.
pygmea, Capnia, 239.
Pyrameis Atalanta, 39.
Pyrethrum for insect attacks, 26, 35, 98, 201,
227.
Pyrgita domestica, 80.
Pyrgus, sexual] feature in, 214.
Pyroligneous acid, for root-insects, 35.
Pyrrhocoride, a family of Hemiptera, 164.
Pyrrbocoris calmariensis, 165.

/

Q.

uadrimaculatus, Anophales, 241.
Quine eurculio, 11.

quercicola, Wollastonia, 53.
querciperda, Cossus, 216.

querci, Schizoneura, 181.

radi
radi

R.

ata, Locusta (Tragocephala), 188.
atus, Gomphocerus, 158.

Radish maggot, 28.

Rains injurious to insect larvee, 82, 114.

rape, Pieris, 26, 40, 90, 92, 93.
raphani, Anthomyia, 28.

Rathbone, L. & A. B., on canker-worms, 44
Rathvon, 8. S., on a squirrel bot-fly, 46.

Rats, napthaline for repelling. 36.

Réaumur on the Angoumois moth, 104, 107.

Red-bug, 166.

Red-legged grasshopper, 189.
Red-pepper for bed-bugs, 17.

Red spider, 81.

Reduviina, 230.

Red-winged black-bird, 189.

Reed [E. B.], referred to, 57, 132.

Hee

ents of the University of the State of

ew York, 163.

Remedies for insect depredations:

ashes and saltpetre, 28.
azotic gas, 110.

bagging beans for bean-weevil, 49, 229.

barium, sulpho-carbonate of, 22.
barking trees, 55.

beating from plants, 18, 178, 225.
benzine, 35, 47, 199, 226, 232.
birds, 7, 8, 82, 189, 224.

bisulphide of carbon, 21, 22, 34, 35, 64.
boxing tree-base for collecting pupe,

228.
bran and arsenic mash, 197.
brine, 200.

brushing bark with a stiff brush, 187,

230, 232.

burning, 9, 21, 55, 131, 161, 163, 167, 225,

226, 230, 233.

camphor, 35.

capture in insect nets, 93.
carbonic acid gas, 110.
copperas-water, 67.
corrosive-sublimate, 17.

cotton bands on tree-trunks, 86.
creosote, 35.

cresylic acid, 35.

crushing larvee, 231.

cutting out larvee, 5, 58, 62, 64.
cyanide of potassium, 34.
destroying eggs, 85.
destroying infested fruit, 12.
ducks, 34.

fumigation with charcoal gas, 109.

fumigation with sulphur, 18, 227.

gas-lime, 21, 63, 162, 163, 229, 233.

gasoline, 35, 200.
gas-water, 35.
gypsum and kerosene, 29.

hand-picking, 16, 93, 101, 185, 144, 147,

178.
heat, 109, 187, 144.
hellebore, 5.
hot-water, 6, 21, 98, 199, 238.
jarring trees, 12, 85, 101, 228.

33

INDEX.

Remedies for insect depredations:
kerosene emulsions, 21, 22,
101, 147, 187, 230, 232, 233.

257

Peer, 83,

kerosene oil, 6, 29, 82, 84, 35, 36, 47, 63,

133, 147, 226, 227.
kerosene oil and sand, 16, 232.
lime, 10,

London purple, 44, 65, 86, 123, 136, 228,

225, 227.

lye solutions, 35.
mounding peach-trees, 6.
naphthaline, 35
naphtha, 35.

oil-of-tar, 35.

paper bands, 229.

Paris green, 3, 9, 15, 67, 85, 123, 181, 136,

146, 223, 225, 227, 228, 229.
perchloride of mercury, 187.
petroleum, 35.
plants for decoys, 64.
plowing, 63, 161, 163, 225, 233.

potassium, sulpho-carbonate of,

poultry in orchards, 33.
pyrethrum, 26, 35, 93, 201, 227.
pyroligneous acid, 35.
red-pepper, 17.

rhigolene, 35.

rolling, 161, 233.

salt, 224.

saltpetre, 28, 65.

scraping bark for scale insects,

sheep in orchards, 123.
snuff-water, 35.
soap-suds, 63, 199.
soluble phenyle, 21.
soot, 35,

sulpho-carbonates of potassium, 22,

sulpho-cyanide of potassium, 36.

sulpbur, 18, 32, 227.
sulphurice acid, 35.

swine for rooting out, 224, 225.

tarred bands, 224.

tar-water, 35.

tobacco juice, 29, 81, 35.
trapping for eggs, 144,

trees felled for decoy, 55.
vinegar and molasses trap, 83.

whale-oil soap, 32, 87, 187, 230.

be

230.

Remedy for the Angoumois moth, 109.

aphids on house-plants, 31.
apple-maggot, 123.
apple-twig borer, 131.
bark-boring beetles, 55.
bean-weevil, 49, 229.
bed-bug, 18.

blight aphid, 35.

cabbage Plusia, 93.
cabbage-worm (Pieris), 26, 27.
canker-worm, 8, 9, 44.
carpet beetles, 47.
chinch-bug, 161-2, 233.
Cosmopepla carnifex, 147.
cotton-worms, 37.
cucumber beetle, 28.
currant Amphidasys, 101.
currant worm, 24.
cut-worms, 28, 35.

Fuller’s rose beetle, 144.
gooseberry worm, 10.
grape Phylloxera, 21, 22, 36.
grasshoppers, 34, 197.
hop-root Gortyna, 35.

258

Remedies for insect depredations:
margined Largus, 167.
mole cricket, 233.
peach-tree borer, 6.
pine-bark Chermes, 186.
plant-lice, 32.
Procris Americana, 231.
Psocidex, 36.
punctured clover-leaf weevil, 16.
quince curculio, 12.
root-aphis of peach-tree, 21.
root-insects, 35.
rose-leaf hopper, 31.
saw flies, 5.
scale-insects, 6, 32, 387, 230, 232.
squash-bug, 29.
squash-vine borer, 58.
three-lined leaf-beetle, 135.
Thrips, 29, 30.
Tribohum ferrugineum, 137.
white-grub, 35, 224.
white-marked tussock-moth, 83, 86.
wire-worms, 35.
Report on Adirondack and State Land Sur-
vey, 90.
on Cotton Insects (Comstock) referred
to, 220.
of American Pomological Society, re-
ferred to, 125.
of N. Y. State Entomologist (First) re-
ferred to, 16, 21, 2%, 52, 55, 56, 65, 90,
93, 114, 125.
Reports of the Commissioner of Agriculture,
87, 50, 55, 56, $9, 91, 102, 118, 121, 122,
142, 144, 149,
of the Commissioner of Patents, 125.
of the Entomological Society of Ontario,
57, 69, 89, 97, 101, 102, 132, 133, 149,
225.
of the Michigan State Horticultural So-
ciety, referred to, 118, 121.
of the Peabody Academy of Science,
referred to, 203, 206, 208.
of the U.S. Entomological Commission,
188, 1938, 195, 196, 197.
of the U.S. Geological and Geographical
Survey of the Territories, referred to,
58, 89, 149, 188.
on the Insects of the State of Illinois,
reference to, 57, 68, 6%, 78, 88, 109,
110, 117, 121, 149, 157.
on the N. Y. State Cabinet of Natural
History, 41, 76, 101.
onthe N. Y. State Museum of Natural
History, 53, 54, 69, 75, 97, 149, 168, 179,
215.
Rhigolene, for root-insects, 35.
Rhizophagus sp., 139.
Rhynchophora of North America, cited, 140,
143.
Rhyparochromus devastator, 148.
leucopterus, 148.
Rhyssa atrata, 227, 230.
lunator, 227.
Richardson, C. A., insects from, 44.
Rileyana, Heteropacha, 40.
Riley, Prof. [C. ¥, on Apanteles gelechiz,
359

on apple-twig borer, 126, 127, 128.
on chinch-bug, 149, 155, 157.

on Fuller's rose-beetle, 143.

on green-striped locust, 196.

| Say

| Scale-insects, 7,

INDEX.

Riley, Prof. [C. V.], on molting of Rocky
mountain locust, 198-5.
on Orgyiz larvee, 73.
on oviposition of locust, 193.
on peach-root aphis, 19, 20.
on Polycaon confertus, 132.
on ea eer ee Cicada, 169,170, 172,
175.
referred to, 11, 19, 102, 104,-106, 112,
126, 1380, 181, 142, 144, 181, 183, 220.
Report of the Entomologist—U. S.
Dept. of Agriculture, 19, 21, 22, 88.
Reports on the Insects of Missouri, 11,
31, 39, 53, 68, 89, 91, 126, 127, 154, 149,
155, 168, 170, 172, 188, 214, 215, 220.
rimosalis, Pionea, 93.
Rivellia viridulans, 122.
Road dust for the cabbage-worm, 27.
Robin feeds largely on Bibio albipennis, 113.
on canker-worms, 8.
on hairy caterpillars, $2.
robinz, Cossus, 216.
Cyllene, 224.
Rocky Mountain locust, 192, 193, 196.
Reestelia aurantiaca, a quince fungus, 12.
Rolling the ground for insect attack, 161,
233.
Roofing-paper (gas-tar) to prevent insect at-
tack, 25, 48 226, 232.
Root-insects, instrument for killing, 34.
root-maggot of the cabbage, 35.
rose, Tettigonia, 31.
Rose-beetle, 48.
Rose-breasted grosbeak, 8.
Rose-bug, 65, 225.
Rose insect, 228.
Rose, J. F., Phytonomus punctatus from, 14.
Rose-leaf hopper, 31.
Rotation of crops to prevent insect attack,
263.
Round-headed apple-tree borer, 27.
Royal Agricultural Society of England, 33.
rubens, synonym of Trib. ferrugineum, 136.
rudis, Pollenia, 117.
rufa, Formica, 186.
Ruffin, Edward, on Angoumois moth, 105.
rufipennis, Hylurgus (Dendroctonus), 54.
Polygraphus, 54.
Rural American, cited, 52.
Rural New Yorker, cited, 80.

Ss.

Sabin, Dr. R. H., insects from, 94, 228.
salicis-batatus, Cecidomyia, 231.
Salt, for white-grub, 224.
Saltpetre, for cucumber beetle, 28.
for squash-vine borer, 65.
Samia Cecropia, 77.
Sanborn, Prof. F. G., on insecticides, 34.
Saperda bivittata, 27.
candida, 27.
Saunders’ Insects Injurious to Fruits, 30, 57,
97, 100, 118, 125, 126, 168, 230, 231.
Saunders [ William], referred to, 10, 69, 101,
102, 109.
Saunders, Wm. E., cited, 139.
Saw-fly attack upon pear-trees, 5.
on quince trees, 232.
[Thomas], referred to, 110, 111, 125, 126,
132, 136, 189, 148, 150, 164, 165, 241.
2, 88, 187.

INDEX. 259

Scale-lice, 22, 25.
Scenopinide, 45.
Scenopinus fenestralis, 44.
pallipes, 44.
Schiner, Fauna Austriaca, cited, 117.
Schizoneura lanigera, 35, 181.
querci, 181.
tessellata, 181.
ulmi, 181.
Sciari mali, 125, 227, 234.
Science, cited, 149, 233.
Science Gossip referred to, 207, 210.
Scolytidee, 54.
Scraping bark for scale insects, 230.
serophulariz, Anthrenus, 46, 47, 158, 226,
232.
Scudder-Burgess, referred to, 203.
Seudder, Dr. N. C., scale-insect from, 22.
Scudder [S. H.], on Chimarocephala viridi-
fasciata, 158, 191, 192.
sculptilis, Sphenophorus, 16, 52, 53, 231.
Scutelligera ammerlandia, 116.
Scymnus terminatus, 186.
Secretion of pine-bark Chermes, 180.
Secretions of various Aphids, 181.
senatoria, Anisota, 230.
septendecim, Tettigonia, 167.
Seventeen-year locust, 167-179, 225.
bibliography, 167.
broods in the State of New York, 170.
broods in the United States, 170.
Central New York brood in 1852, 172.
checks to its increase, 177.
destroyed by a fungus, 178.
Hudson-river brood, 170.
insects that prey upon it, 178.
injuries to vegetation, 176.
larva of, 173.
life-history of, 173.
locust-years, 169.
music and musical apparatus, 175.
natural enemies, 177.
occurrence in Western New York, 168.
occurs almost every year, 169.
oviposition described and figured, 173.
preventives of injuries, 178.
seventeen-year period questioned, 168.
thirteen-year broods, 169.
time of appearance, 173.
trees attacked, 176.
Sexual attraction of Amphidasys cognataria,
100.
of Orgyia leucostigma, 74.
Sexual characters of insects, 2138-215.
Shad-fly, 240.
Shearer soap emulsion, 38.
Sheep in orchards, utility of, 123.
Shimer [Dr. Henry], on apple-twig borer,
126, 127, 128, 129.
on the pine-bark Chermes, 180, 183, 184,
186.
referred to, 148, 154, 156.
Sialia sialis, the blue bird, 8.
sialis, Sialia, 8.
Silk-worm disease, 40.
fungus, 179.
Simpson, Geo. B., Coccus from, 56.
Simulide, 112.
Siuoxylon basilare, 127, 130.
Siphonophora avense, 225.
Sitotroga cerealella (see Angoumois moth),
102-110.

Smith, J. B., on Orgyia larvee, 78.
on Plusia sp. ? 97.
study of the hop-vine borer, 41, 42.

| Smith, M. H., chinch-bugs from, 149, 282.

Smithsonian Institution, 205.
Smynthurus hortensis, 207.
Snout-beetles, 83, 140.
Snow-born Boreus, 238-9.
Snow-born midge, 242.
Snow-flea, 203-207, 244,
associated species, 206.
bibliography and synonymy, 203.
description, 205.
European allies, 207,
family of Poduride, 206.
habits, 204.
notices of observation, 204.
occurrence at Port Jervis, N. Y., 203.
Snow-fly, the small, 239,
the large, 240.
Snow-white linden-moth, 76.
Snow [Prof. F. H.], referred to, 42, 101.
Snuff-water, for root-insects, 35.
Soap and kerosene oil emulsion, directions
for making, 37, 38.
Soapsuds for insect attack, 63, 199.
Socicté Entomologique de Belgique, 109.
Solidago gall-moth, 39.
Soluble Phenyle for peach-root aphis, 21.
to prevent insect attack, 65.
Soot, as an insecticide, 39.
sordida, Tetrix, 197.
Southwick, HE. B., referred to, 78.
speciosus, Glycobius, 227.
Speyer [Dr. A.], on Plusia brassicz, 90, 92.
referred to, 214.
Sphenophorus sculptilis, 16, 52, 53, 231.
zee, is 8. sculptilis, 52.
Sphingidz, 214.
Spilosoma virginica, 83.
spinosus, Podisus, 146.
Spotted horn-bug, 227.
spretus, Caloptenus, 196.
Spring canker-worm, 7, 224, 225.
Spring-tails, 207.
Squash bug, 29, 165.
Squash-vine borer, 28, 57-68.
bibliography, 57
cocoon figured, 60.
counterodorants for, 65.
experiments at State farm on, 67.
habits, 61.
hibernation of, 62.
injuries by, 62.
larva described and figured, 59.
life-history, 61.
moth described and figured, 59.
observations on desired, 65.
remedies and preventives, 63.
synonymy, 57.
Stainton’s Manual of British Moths, 102, 109.
Tineina, 102.
Stalk-borer, 226.
Standard Natural History (Cassino), referred
to, 20, 165.
Stene ferruginea, 138.
Stenobothrus equalis, 196.
bilineatus, 196.
curtipennis, 197.
maculipennis, 196.
propinquus, 196.
Stereum complicatum, a common fungus, 7

260

Stettiner Entomologische Zeitung, 90, 140,
198, 201, 2038.
Stewart, Henry, on the squash-vine borer,
61, 65.
sticticus, Brachytarsus, 140.
Stinging bug, 166.
Stinging of Phobetron larva,
Stiretrus anchorago, 146.
Strawberry-root beetle, 35.
Stretch [R. H.], referred to, 214.
Striped cucumber beetle, 28.
Striped squash beetle, 231.
Striped squirrel infested with a bot-fly, 45.
strobilobius, Adelges, 184.
Chermes, 185.
Sturtevant, Dr. [E. L.], referred to, 103.
subsignaria, Ennomos, 69, 76, 77.
subspinosus, Macrodactylus, 48, 225.
succinectus, Capsus, 164.
Lygeus, 164.
Largus, 164.
sulcatus, Otiorhynchus, 51.
Sulpho-carbonates of potassium and barium,
for root-aphis of peach-trees, 22.
Sulphocyanide of potassium, for root-in-
sects, 35,
Sulphur for cabbage aphis, 32.
Sulphuric acid for root-insects, 35.
Summer warbler, feeds on canker-worms, 8.
suturalis, Tomicus, 54.
suturellus, Dysdereus, 166.
Swine for rooting up insects, 224, 225.
sylvatica, Clisiocampa, 83.
Synopsis of Neuroptera of N. A. (Hagen),
203

2277.

of the Acridide of N. A. (Thomas), 188.
Syrphidz in bees’ nests, 116.
Syrphus flies, 186.

uf I

Tachina orgyiz, 78.
Tachinide, 178.
Tamais striatus, the striped squirrel. 45.
Tansy-water, to prevent insect attack, 225.
Tarquinius, Feniseca, 231.
Tar-water, for root-insects, 35.

to prevent insect attack, 65, 66.
Taschenberg, Prakt. Insectenkund, cited,

138.
Taylor, Dr. T., on naphthaline, 36.
telarius, Tetranychus, 31.
Telea Polyphemus, 77.
Telenomus sp.? 79.
tenebricosus, Otiorhynchus, 52.
Tenebrio molitor, 138.
Tenebrionide, 136, 139.
Tent caterpillar, 82.
Termes divinatorium, 198.
terminatus, Scymnus, 186.
tessellata, Schizoneura, 181.
tessellatum, Anobium, 202.
testaceum, synonym of Trib. ferrugineum,
136.

Tetranychus telarius, 31.
Tetrastichus orgyiw, 79.
Tetrix sordida, 197.
Tettigonia rose, 31.

septendecim, of Fabricius, 167.

vitis, 30.
Tettix cucullata, 197.

granulata, 197.

ornata, 197.

triangularis, 197.

INDEX.

Texensis, Achorutes, 206.
textor, Hyphantria, 83.
Thaxter, Roland, collection of Gortyna im-
manis, 42.
Theclinz, sexual feature in, 214.
Thirteen-year cicada, 169, 225.
Thomas [Dr. Cyrus], referred to, 57, 92, 129,
149, 157, 183.
Reports on the Insects of Illinois, 89,
102, 126, 180, 185, 188.
Thousand-legged worms, 229.
Three-lined Leaf-beetle, 132-136.
beetle figured and described, 134.
bibliography, 1382.
broods of the insect, 135.
carnivorous habits, 135.
injuries of, 133.
larva figured and described, 133.
life-history, 134.
remedies, 135.
synonymy, 182.
Thripidee, 31, 56.
Thrips, 29, 88.
Thyreus Abbotii, dimorphic larve, 214.
Thyridopteryx ephemerzformis, 74.
Thysanoptera, on Order of Haliday, 31.
Thysanura, an Order embracing the Poduri-
dz, 287.
Tibial epiphysis in Hesperide, 214.
Tinea pellionella, 44.
Tineidz, 102, 103.
tipuliformis, Algeria, 60, 216.
Tityus, Dynastes, 227.
Tobacco juice for insect attacks, 29, 31, 35.
Tomicus curyidens, 54.
laricis, 54.
sp.? 64, 55.
suturalis, 54.
Tragocephala viridi-fasciata, 188, 223.
Transactions of the Academy of Science of
St. Louis, referred to, 215.
American Entomological Society, 126,
180, 203.
American Philosophical Society,
136, 139.
Illinois Agricultural Society, 148.
Tllinois State Horticultural Society, 113.
Towa State Horticultural Society, 180.
Massachusetts State Horticultural So-
ciety, 27, 33.
New York State Agricultural Society,
68, 102, 148, 164.
Trapping for eggs, 144.
Treat, Mrs. Mary, on cut-worms, 231.
tredecim, Cicada, 169.
Tree-creeper, 84.
Trees cut for decoying bark-borers, 55.
Tremex columba, 226, 230.
triangularis, Tettix, 197.
Tribolium ferrugineum, 136-139.
a grain pest in Europe, 187.
a museum pest, 137, 138.
bibliography, 156.
carnivorous habits, 188.
food of the insect, 138, 139.
habits, 137.
heat for killing, 137.
infesting flour, 137.
insects eaten by, 138.
notices of the insect, 139.
synonymy, 136.
Trichocera brumalis, 243.
hyemalis, 2438.

105,

INDEX.

Trichogramma fraterna, 79.

minuta, 220.

orgyle, 79.

retiosa, 220, 229.
trilineata, Crioceris, 132.

Lema (see three lined leaf-beetle), 132-136.
Trimble, Dr., on the quince curculio, 12.
tripuncta var. of Lema trilineata, 134.
tristis, Anasa, 29, 165.

Microdon, 116.
tritici, Diplosis, 31.
trivirgata, Lema, 132.

Troctes divinatorius, 198.

fatidicus, 198.

Trombidium bicolor, 224.

Trypeta pomonella (see apple-maggot), 117-
125, 227, 234.

Trypetide, 117.

turcicus, Lygzeus, 166.

Twice-stabbed lady-bird, 186.

Twig-girdler, 87.

Tympans of printing offices, for carpet bee-
tles, 226.

typographus, Bostrichus, 55.

Tyrannus Carolinensis, the king bird, 8.

U.
Uhler [P. K.], on cabbage-bug distribution,
147.

on Largus succinctus, 166.
on peach-root Aphis, 20, 21.
on Psylla buxi, 18.
; referred to, 125, 145, 149, 165, 186, 188.
ulmi, Schizoneura, 181
unipuncta, Leucania, 43.
United States Army Signal Service, 191.
Department of Agriculture, 36, 41, 43,
56, 220.
Geographical Survey West of the 100th
Meridian, 188.

Vv.

Vagabond Crambus, 2, 114.
valga, Chionea, 236.
Vanessa antiopa, 230, 232.
Vaporized tobacco juice for thrips, 29.
variegatus, Brachytarsus, 139-141.
variolarius, Euschistes, 146.
varius, Anthrenus, 138.
Anthribus, 53.
Brachytarsus, 140.
ventricosus, Heteropus, 110.
Nematus, 217, 229.
vernata, Anisopteryx, 7, 27, 44, 224, 225.
Vinegar and molasses trap, 33.
Virginiana, Gidipoda,
Virginianum, Acridium, 187.
Virginianus, Gryllus, 187.
virginica, Spilosoma, 83.
viridifasciata, Chimarocephala, 4, 187, 188.
Gomphoceras, 188.
Locusta (Tragocephala), 188.
Tragocephala, 188, 223.
viridifasciatum, Acridium, 187.
viridulans, Rivellia, 122.
vitifoliz, Phylloxera, 36.
vitis, Erythroneura, 30.
Isosoma, 32.
Tettigonia, 30.
vittata, Diabrotica, 28, 29, 231.
vulgivagellus, Crambus, 2, 114.

261

Ww.

Walker’s List of Heterocera of the British
Museum, 97.

Walsh [B. D.], cited, 11, 52, 129, 156, 184.

description of apple-maggot, 119.

in Practical Hntomologist, 111, 113, 125,
148, 155, 168, 180.

referred to, 30, 31, 118, 120, 122, 198,
131, 189, 148, 203.

Walsh-Riley, in American Entomologist,
111, 117, 125, 129, 149, 203

Wasps, 60.

Watertown Daily Times referred to, 232.

Watson, H. C., affected apples from, 23.

Wayne, W: G., on the Cicada, 177.

Webster [F. M.], on Angoumois moth, 102,
106, 109, 110.

Weed, C. M., Microdon larva from, 116.

Westcott, O. S., collections of Gortyna im-
manis, 42.

Western New York Horticultural Society,
228.

Westwood’s Introduction to the Classifica-
tion of Insects, 136, 138, 140, 166, 202, 203,
238.

Westwood [Prof. J. O.], Melittia, Ceto of, 58.

Whale-oil soap for insect attack, 32, 37, 187,
230.

Wheat flour insect, 136.

Wheat midge, 31, 125, 159.

Wheel-bug, 230.

White grub, 35, 41, 114, 224.

White-marked Tussock-moth, 68-89.

abundance in Central Park, New York,
78. :

beauty of the caterpillar, 70.

bibliography, 68.

broods, number of, 75.

caterpillar described and figured, 70

cocoon described, 71.

depredatious, 77.

distribution, 69.

elm twigs girdled by larva, 87-89.

eggs described, 73.

food-plants, 76.

hibernation, 75.

history, 69.

increase of ravages, 79.

increase owing to English sparrow, 80.

life-history, 73.

moth described and figured, 72.

new form of attack, 86-89.

parasites, 78.

preventives, 83.

protected by English sparrow, 81, 82.

pupa described and figured, 72.

remedies, 84-86.

sexual attraction of, 74.

years of rarity, 69.

White-winged Bibio, 110-115.

abundance of the larve, 114.

allied species injurious, ? 112.

bibliography, 110-1.

double-brooded, ? 114.

dwarfed specimens, ? 115.

family characters, 111.

figures of the fly, 111.

fly described, 111.

food of the robin, 118.

harmless, probably, 112.

larva undescribed, 112.

B
» él.

262 INDEX.

White-winged Bibio:
transformations, 114.
Whitman, L. L., on apple-maggot, 121-2.
Whitney [C. P.], on Thyreus larvee, 215.
Willard, S. D.. saw-flies from, 5.
Williston, Dr. [S. W.], on Microdon bul-
bosus, 116, 117.
Winter Insects of Eastern New York, 203,
205, 235-244.
Winter Musketoe, 241.
Wire-worms. 35, 226.
Wollastonia quercicola, 53.
Wood-ant, 186,
Woolly-aphis of the apple-tree, 181.
of the elm, 181.
of the oak, 181.
Worthington, C. E., collection of Gortyna
immanis, 42.

X.

xanthomelena, Galerucella, 228.
Xyleborus czlatus, 54-5.
Xyloterus bivittatus, 54.

Y.

Yellow-billed cuckoo, 82, 83.
Yellow-necked apple-tree caterpillar, 83.
Yellow woolly-bear, 83.

Ypsolophus granellus, 102.

yuccasella, Pronuba, 215.

Ze

zee, Sphenophorus, 52.
Zebra caterpillar, 1.
Zeuzera, 216,

Abies alba, 53.
nigra, 53.
balsamea, 54.
Canadensis, 176.

Abutilon, 148.

Aceraceee, 77.

Achyranthes, 143.

A®sculus hippocastanum,

Agaricus, 206.

PLANT INDEX.

OG:

ageratoides, Eupatorium, 94.

alba, Abies, 53.
alba, Carya, 77.
Alder 181, 281.

Amelanchier Canadensis, 12.

Americana, Larix, 184.
Americana, Tilia, 77.
Americanus, Ulmus, 77.

Ampelopsis, quinquefolia, 81.
Apple, 1, 7, 18, 28, 25, 27, 44, 56, 69, 77, 101,

118, 125, 132, 176, 181, 224, 295, 226,
297 (2), 229, 232, 234.

Baldwin, 118.
Crab, 118, 227.
Fameuse, 118.
Northern spy, 118.

Rhode Island greening, 118.

Spitzenberg, 118.

Talman sweeting, 118.

thorn, 118.
Apricot, 52.
Arachis hypogea, 139.
Arbor vitz, 176.
Asclepias, 166.
Ash, 48, 227.
Asparagus, 113.
aurantiaca, Reestelia, 12.
aureum, Ribes, 101.
Azalea, 143.

Balm of Gilead, 76.
balsamea, Abies 64.
Balsam fir, 54.

Barley, 84, 106, 157, 225.
Bassiana, Botrytis, 179.
Beans, 14, 28, 49.
Beets, 1, 46, 225.
Betulacee, 77.

Black currant, 98.
Black thorn, 11.

Black walnut, 77.
Boleti, 206.

Botrytis Bassiana, 179.
Box, 18.

See ee

Brookmansia, 94.
Butternut, 77. _
Buxus sempervirens, 18.

Cabbage, 28, 32, 91, 146, 207, 227.
Camellia, 142.

Canadensis, Abies, 176.
Canadensis, Amelanchier, 12.
Cape jessamine, 143.
Caprifoliacez, 77.

Carrot, 210, 227.

Carya alba, 77.

Castor-oil plant, 77.

Celery, 91, 92.

Cerasus vulgaris, 21.
Chenopodium, 91.

Cherry, 77, 126, 225, 227.
Chestnut, 176.
Chrysanthemum, 21.

cicadina, Massospora, 171, 178.
cinerea, Juglans, 77.

Clover, 2, 8, 4, 14, 84, 91, 159.
complicatum, Stereum, 7.
Composite, 34.

Corn, 2, 15, 52, 106, 151, 154, 156, 226, 231,

233.
Cotton, 166.
Cottonwood, 53, 176.
cotula, Maruta, 34.
Cratzgus, 118.
tomentosus, 11.
Crepis, 91.
Cissus, 143.
Cucumber, 28, 29, 207.
Cupuliferee, 77.
Currant, 24, 60, 147, 220.
Cydonia ja ponica, 91.

Dandelion, 91.
Dock, 91.
Draceena, 1438.

Easter-plant, 94.
Elm, 43, 44, 77, 181, 227, 228, 230
Entomopthora musce, 179.
Eupatorium, 176.

ageratoides, 94.

Bir, 58, 54; 55, 77.
Gardenia, 148.

Geranium, 94, 148, 228.
German ivy, 91.

264 INDEX.

Gleditschia triacanthos, 40. Phlox, 231.
Gooseberry, 10, 52, 101. Pine, 50, 83, 101, 140, 184.
Grape, 21, 22, 30, 82, 34, 35, 86, 52, 66, 126, Scotch, 180.
132, 172, 281. white, 180.
Grass, 2, 3, 4, 114, 189, 224. Pinus strobus, 180.
Grass, timothy, 149, 233. sylvestris, 180.
Ground-nut, 139. Plum; 21, 52; 77, 231), 2392:
Plumbago, 143.
Hazlenut, 176. Poplar, 176.
Heliotrope, 94, 228. Populus monilifera, 53.
Hemlock, 83. Potato, 3, 112, 133, 146, 148, 210, 224, 296,
Hemlock spruce, 176. 228.
Hibiscus, 143. Sweet. 223. :
Hickory, 39, 77, 126, 176, 228. Prickly-pear cactus, 56.
hippocastanum, Aisculus, 77. Primula, 52.
Honey locust, 40, 98. pseudacacia, Robinia, 98.
Hop, 41. Pumpkin, 63.
Hubbard squash, 57. Pyrus species, 118,
hypogeea, Arachis, 139.
Horse chestnut, 69, 76, 77, 101. Quercus, 185.
Quince, 11, 282.
Inch-plant, 143. quinquefolia, Ampelopsis, 81.
Japan quince, 91. Radish, 28.
japonica, Cydonia, 91. Raspberry, 52.
Juglans cinerea, 77. Red cedar, 176.
nigra, 77. Reseda, 91.
Juniperus Virginianus, 176. Ribes aureum, 101.
Ricinus communis, 77.
Kale, 91. . Robinia pseudacacia, 98.
Reestelia aurantiaca, 12.
Larch, 77, 184, 185, 187. Rosace, 77.
Larix Americana, 184. Rose, 21, 69, 77, 115, 148, 228.
Leguminose, 14. Rumex, 91.
Lettuce, 91. Rye, 225.
Leucanthemum vulgare, 34. Rutabaga, 2.
Linden, 76, 77.
Locust, 77, 176, 228. Salicacee, 77.
black, 40. Salix viminalis, 40.
honey, 40. Saxifragacez, 77.
scandens, Senecio, 91.
Maple, 43, 226, 227, 280. sempervirens, Buxus, 18,
Maruta cotula, 34. Senecio scandens, 91.
Massospora cicadina, 171, 178. Solidago, 39.
Mayweed, 34. Spinach, 46.
Melon, 29, 63. Spirea, 47, 101, 226.
Mignonette, 91. Spruce, 53, 54, 77, 184, 185.
Milk-weed, 166. Squash, 28, 29, 57.
Missouri currant, 101. Hubbard, 57, 67.
monilifera, Populus, 53. Perfect Gem, 67.
musc, Entomophthora, 179. Stereum complicatum, 7.
Stevia, 94.
Nectarine, 52. Strawberry, 51, 52, 1138.
nigra, Abies, 53. strobus, Pinus, 180.
Juglans, 77. Sunflower, 56.
Sycamore, 227.
Oak, 77, 180, 185, 227, 230. sylvestris, Pinus, 180
Oak apples, 113.
Oats, 84, 106, 151 , 225. Taraxacum, 91.
occidentalis, Thuja, 176. Thistle, 149.
Oleander, 32. Thorn, Black, 11.
Onion, 28. Thuja occidentalis, 176.
Orange, 148. Tiliacez, 77.
Ox-eye daisy, 34. Tilia Americana, "77.
Tomato, 91.
Palm, 148. tomentosus, Crategus, 11.
Passion-vine, 227. Tradescantia, 94, 228.
Feach, 5, 19, 24, 25, 52, 60, 165, 176. triacanthos, Gleditschia, 40.
Pear, 5, 77, 126, 131, 176. Trifolium, 91.
Pea, Sweet, 2. Turnip, 84, 91, 207.

| eS Ardericanas) lee
Urticacex, 77.

Virginianus, Juniperus, 176.
ulgare, Leucanthemum, 34.
ulgaris, Cerasus, 21.

34

iminalis, Salix, 40. ¥

INDEX.

Wandering Jew, 94, 228.

265

Wheat, 84, 106, 140, 150, 156, 189, 225, 226.

White cedar, 176.

Willow, 176, 232.
basket, 40.

Woodbine, 81.

¥ '
21 >. ey
NS AE Sem,

QL New York (State).

475 State Entomologist.

N7N4 Second report on the

1885 injurious and other

Ent. insects of the state of
New: York: made. £O. ..'5 5.6

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