— or < situated in this line; the stigmatal line or stripe
is still more distinct and continous; the large, black-ringed, elliptical spiracles are
situated, except the first, wholly in this line. The papille are white, each bearing a
fine brown hair; those on the first thoracic ring, however, are dark or black; on the
abdominal rings the posterior pair are situated in the angle of the >— referred to
above. Head flattened, bluish ‘oray, with lines of confluent whitish spots so arranged
that the surface has the appearance of watered silk; on the top of the head are four
brown dots placed at the angles of asquare. There is a black line extending from
the articulation of the jaws half way up the cranial lobes in front of the cells. Feet
ornamented with black slashes. Lateral fringes hoary. Under side of the body
bluish white, with black and flesh-colored spots. Length 58™™ (2.32 inches).
(Kellicott.)
Moth.—Fore wings pearly cinereous, a dash at the base and at the sinus of the
transverse posterior line; lines distinct; M of transverse posterior line strongly
produced; teeth nearly equal. Hind wings black; fringe white. Expands 70 to
75™™, Middle and Western States. Flebilis has a diffuse black shading, reaching
from the base longitudinally across the wing to the apex. (Hulst.)
59. Catocala luctuosa Hulst.
The food-plant of this species is probably the hickory, according to
Mr Haulst.
Moth.—Fore wings like C. retecta in markings, but with apical shadings; wings
broader and outwardly more rounded, and more or less generally covered with a
brownish shading, often with a violet tinge. Hind wings black, with fringes broader
and dull white, and marked with black at ends of the veins. Expands 75 to 80™™,
Middle and Western States. (Hulst.)
60. Catocala insolabilis Guenée.
This moth has been bred by Mr. Angus from caterpillars found on
the hickory, but they have not been described.
Moth.—Fore wings light blue gray, heavily powdered with black; clouded with
black along the inner margin; generally on the median space, just anterior to this
black margin, a triangular pale or white space ; basal dash always turned downward
outwardly. Hind wings black, fringesdark. Expands 75 to 85™™, Middle, Western,
and Southern States. (Hulst).
HICKORY CATERPILLARS. 305
61. Catocala angusii Grote.
With the same habits as C. insolabilis.
Moth.—Fore wings dark greenish gray; no band on the inner margin, though
often a cloud at the sinus of the transverse posterior line and below the apex; no
triangular white spot on the median space ; basal dash turning upward outwardly ;
in these respects differing from C. insolabilis. Hind wings black, fringe dark, rarely
light. Expands 70 to 80™™.
HABITAT.—With the same distribution as in C. insolabilis. Lucetta
differs in having a longitudinal shading from the base to beneath the
apex.
62. Catocala obscura Strecker. .
Also feeds upon the hickory, according to Mr. Angus.
Moth.—Fore wings uniform dull smoky gray; lines fine but distinct; margin of
transverse posterior line with the upper tooth much the larger; submarginal space
whitish, serrated. Hind wings black, fringes white. Expands 70 to 80™™,
Dr. D.S. Kellicott says that “ the larva of this species feeds on the
leaves of the shagbark hickory, C. alba, and in habit agrees very closely
with other described species of the genus; it is, apparently, a night
feeder, concealing itself by day at rest under the loosened bark of the
tree, upon the leaves of which it feeds at night. July 5, 1883, at Pulaski,
N. Y., larve were taken from beneath the bark of the hickory, and
from these, two imagos were obtained. Two sizes were thus obtained
on that day; one, evidently soon after its last larval molt, measured
1.6 inches, width of head .17 inch, of eighth and ninth rings .2 inch; the
smaller ones were 1.1 inches long; they molted July 19, when they
were 1.5 inches long and precisely similar to the larger size when taken
July 5.”
Larva.—The head is somewhat flattened, reticulated with coarse, uneven lines,
and a heavy black stripe extends along the lateral borders from the articulation of
the mandibles half way to the apex of head lobes. In this character it closely resem-
bles the larva of C. retecta, which likewise feeds on the hickory. The antennz are
long, slender, and white.
The color of the skin is dark gray, much darker than in C. retecta. The piliferous
spots which are arranged nearly at the corners of a rectangle are large and light col-
ored; these are larger than usual on rings 5 and 12, otherwise there are no humps;
there are no lateral fringes as in Ultronia and Unijuga. The dorsal line is very
obscure; there are on rings 5, 9, and 10, irregular black crosses; the stigmatal
line distinct and black. The stigmata are of the usual shape; the long axis, how-
ever, leans slightly forward, rings black, white within. The ventral surface is
pinkish with black spots in the abdominal rings except 8 and 9. The color
of smaller specimens yellowish gray. One larva, then 2 inches in length, spun the
usual, light, very loose cocoon among the leaves July 20; the imago appeared about
August 15, The pupa was of the usual form and color, covered with bloom; it
measured 1.1 inches. The anal hooklets unusually long. (Kellicott.)
It inhabits the Middle, Western, and probably Southern States.
Var. residua Grote. Fore wings of a brighter, bluer color. Hind wings with the
fringes often dark.
5 ENT 20
308 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Mr. S. H. Scudder has found it on the black birch. ‘It forms a
cocoon by spinning in the midst of a bunch of leaves a close and firm
cocoon of a bluntly fusiform shape, having a long neck extending above
and below (it hangs perpendicularly) to the end of the many threads;
open at both ends by an aperture about one-tenth of an inch in
diameter.”
Larva.—Of the color of the twig (of black birch), dull brownish-red, speckled con-
siderably, and especially above, with dirty-white specks, arranged very frequently
in lines, either longitudinal on the sides or curved forward above and becoming
transverse. Head a little paler than the body; labrum and feet at base whitish.
On the posterior portion of the fifth and eighth segments above there is a transverse
paler ridge bordered with black. Length, 2 inches.
Moth.—Delicate ocher-yellow, with a reddish tinge toward the edge of the wings
and on the head and front of the thorax. Fore-wings with two lines, often inter-
rupted, or only developed on the costa; inner line on the inner third of the wing;
the curved outer line, beginning near the inner, diverges and follows a sinuate
course, ending much nearer the apex than the inner line, the distance varying;
both wings speckled, sometimes thickly, with unusually large spots; outer edge of
both wings deeply excavated, especially opposite the second median venule. On the
hind wings no lines; an obscure discal clot centered, with a short translucent line.
Beneath, much as above, but no lines, except in one case a diffuse dark line crosses
the hind-wings. (The female differs in the usual characters of the dentated forms.)
Fringe dark, whitish in the notches on both wings. Expanse of wings, 2 to 2.20
inches.
67. Geometrid larva.
This measuring worm was observed to be common on the hickory in
the Arnold Arboretum at Jamaica Plains, June 4.
Larva.—Body thick, of uniform diameter throughout its length. Head brick-red,
granulated with fine yellow tubercles, about as wide as the body. Prothoracic seg-
ment reddish above, spotted with black. Body bright straw-yellow low down on
the sides and beneath, including the spiracles. Above, with alternating yellow and
brown lines, the black lines inclosing about eight yellow ones. Length, 22 to 25™™.
68. Geometrid larva.
This larva is a general feeder on the pig-nut hickory and Ostrya vir-
ginica, and resembles a canker worm (A. pometaria). It was common,
May 30, at Providence.
Larva.—Pale green, color of the leaf it feeds on. Head small, round, two-thirds
as wide as the body, which is rather thick. A rudimentary pair of feet on the fifth
abdominal segment. Two subdorsal white threads, and a much narrower lateral
thread line; in one specimen a dark dot behind each spiracle; sutures yellowish white.
Length, 22 to 23™™,
69. Geometrid larva.
This measuring worm occurred May 30, at Providence, on the pig-nut
hickory.
Larva.—With large clasping prothoracic legs. Head somewhat square in front, as
wide as the body, with reddish-resinous short curved lines. Segments much tuber-
culated on the sides, some of the tubercles bearing the spiracles. A broad, irregular
spiracular line ending on the first pair of legs. Body black above, with a broken
HICKORY CATERPILLARS. 309
broad greenish-yellow median band, ending before reaching mesothoracic or posteri-
orly the eighth abdominal segment. The ninth and tenth segments greenish yellow,
including the anal legs. Prothoracic segment yellowish above, interrupted by a
median short, broad, black band. Prothoracic and mesothoracic segments with ob-
lique yellowish-brown bands extending to the feet. Length, 25™™,
70. Noctuid? caterpillar.
(Pl. xxv, Fig. 2.)
For several years I have noticed a greenish semi-looping caterpillar
on the hickory eating large holes in the leaves. In one year they
were very abundant. They appear as soon as the leaves begin to
unfold, and get their growth by June 15 to 20, when they fall to the
ground and pupate. The year in which so many were observed, large
numbers were ichneumoned, many caterpillars having an egg affixed to
the head. (Fig.2.) Whether from generally being ichneumoned, or
sickly in confinement, after repeated attempts we have failed to rear
this common caterpillar.
Larva.—Body of moderate thickness; head smooth, not lobed, not quite so wide as
the prothoracic segment. Pea-green, of the hue of the under side of a leaf. Spiracles
dark. Two subdorsal white lines and below two narrower ones on each side, six in
all, one above and one below the spiracles. Length 19™™,
71. Phycis rubrifasciella (Packard).
Family PYRALID&; order LEPIDOPTERA.
This insect mines the recently expanded leaves and partially
expanded large buds of Carya glabra and another species with seven
leaflets, probably amara, making a mass of ‘ frass” under the revolute
outer bracts, also boring into and hiding in the base of the leaf stalks,
It occurs in abundance on Carya amara? in Providence May 25, or
before the trees are wholly leaved out. It pupated June 1,2. In one
case the caterpillar pupated June 8 and the moth appeared early in
July. June 14 other larve were found mining in the stems of the
leaves, building out the mouths of the mines with tubes formed of ex-
crement, and making a tent of the leaflets.
Larva.—A reddish-brown caterpillar, with the body thick and fleshy, tapering sud-
denly toward the head and tail; head and prothoracic shield chestnut-brown. Head
narrow, much narrower than the prothoracic shield. Thoracic feet dark brown. In
the abdominal segments the posterior half of the back is separated from the rest by
a deep distinct suture. Piliferous dots minute, with sparse, rather long hairs.
Supra-anal plate small, rounded. Length 12™™,
Pupa.—Of the usual brown color, the end of the abdomen much rounded, pro-
jecting from a transverse supra-anal projecting ridge, with the usual stiff curved set
unusually small and short, from six to ten placed irregularly ; in one pupa only six
large and well marked, in another eight large ones and two small ones, and scattered
in position; in size and situation very different from the pupa of P. contatella and
that of another species, on Gleditschia.
Moth.—Antennz of male with the usual tuft on basal joint; the palpi slender,
pointed, ascending vertically. Body and fore-wings slate-ash, glistening; thorax
310 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
tinged with reddish-brown, and with the head giving off faint metallic colors; palpi
blackish on the outside. Fore-wings rather broad; just within the basal third a
straight line of raised scales, extending from the inner edge and stopping short of
the subcostal vein, conspicuously black externally with bright vermilion (some-
times wanting), which usually reaches the costal edge. Base of wing slightly paler
than middle of the wing. A light, triangular, paler shade in the costal region of the
middle of the wing, inclosing two small, conspicuous twin black dots. A submar-
ginal faint, pale, narrow line curving outward in the middle, and with four or five
acute scaliops. Fringe concolorous with the rest of the wing. Hind wings pale,
glistening, cinereous. Beneath, fore-wings quite dusky, with no markings; hind
wings much paler, growing darker toward the costa. Legs dark ash, paler at the
ends of the joints, especially the hind tibx, which have a whitish band around them ;
hind legs whitish within. Length of body, male, .40; female, .40 inch; of fure- -
wings, male, .38 to .40; female, .40 inch. Orono, Me., and Providence, R. I.
This species is at once recognized by the broad bright-red transverse
stripe just within the middle of the wing. This stripe varies much,
being sometimes not present, at others not reaching the costal edge.
In one additional specimen from Maine the fore-wing has scattered
reddish scales at base and beyond the middle, while the dark trans-
verse stripe is wanting, and the red portion forms a broad transverse
bright-red band. The larva lives in June and early in July between
the leaves of the alder, where it makes a horn-shaped case of black
cylindrical pellets of excrement, arranged regularly in circles, the
additions being made around the mouth of the case. The case is about
an inch and a half long, its mouth a quarter of an inch in diameter.
Within it is densely lined with white silk. The pupa is of the usual
color, mahogany brown; the end of the abdomen rounded, with six
hairs projecting from a transverse supra-anal projecting ridge. On
each abdominal segment is a dorsal dusky transverse stripe, widest on
the basal segment. The pupa state lasts about two weeks, the moth
which I reared in Maine appearing July 24, the larva having been found
July 6.
The Museum of the Peabody Academy of Science also contains ten
specimens of this moth, reared by Mr. J. H. Emerton. The larvie were
found feeding on the sweet fern (Comptonia aspenifolia Ait.), July 7,
1866, at Hamilton, Mass., the moth appearing July 20. The case is
quite different in form from that previously described, being regularly
oval cylindrical, .55 inch long and .35 inch in diameter. It is con-
structed in the same manner as those found on thealder. This striking
difference in the form of the case may possibly be due to the difference
in the form of the leaves of the food plant, the large, broad leaves of
the alder inducing the larva to build a horn-like, much elongated case,
while the narrow, smaller leaves of the sweet fern may have led to the
formation of a short oval case. These differences are such as we would
-ordinarily regard as specific, but neither do the pupz nor adults reared
from the two plants differ appreciably.
From the foregoing descriptions and remarks it will be seen that this
is a variable moth both in its coloration as well as in the habits of the
HICKORY CATERPILLARS. ok
caterpillar; hence I am inclined to regard the following species de-
scribed by Mr. Grote as synonyms of the species described by myself
in the Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History, New York, in 1873.
It should also be said that the moths raised from the Carya were shown
to Prof. C. H. Fernald, who identified them as Phycis rubrifasciella
Pack. Grote’s description of A. demotella applies to my specimen; so
also does that of A. angusella.
After preparing the foregoing account I found among my notes the
following extract from an Illinois paper by an excellent observer, which
T reproduce, as it shows that this insect is wide-spread in its distribu-
tion, and works in the same manner East and West.
In the latter part of May, while visiting a relative who lives in the western part
of this county, I saw that many small webs had been spun by some insect around
the footstalks of the leaves which grew near the terminal end of the branches of
many hickory trees. These webs were always spun on.the lower branches, seldom
being more than 8 or 10 feet from the ground, and were confined to the second-
growth trees. Upon examining these webs more closely there was found a short
silken tube, closed at the outer end and opening at the other into a burrow, which in
many instances extended through the wood of the present year’s growth, but never
passing into the old wood. Many of these burrows contained an ashen green sixteen-
footed larva, measuring about half an inch in length; the spiracles were ringed
with dark brown, and there was a raised brown dot above each, and a pale brown
dot on either side of the second segment; the head was pale brown. These larve
changed to chrysalides in the forepart of June, and produced moths in the latter
part of the same month. Although these larve live in closed burrows, they are fre-
quently infested with internal parasites; from a small number which I collected I
obtained three moths and two parasites known to science as Phanerotoma tibialis
Haldeman. Asmall flattened green spider also preys upon them, as one was observed
near the mouth of a burrow with one of the larve in its jaws.
As these borers always spin a web around the leafstalks which grow around the
mouth of their burrows, their presence can easily be detected, and then by means of
a step-ladder the infested twigs may be cut off close to the old wood, collected in a
basket, and afterwards be burned.
McHENRY County, ILL., July, 1882. D. W. CoquiLieTr.
72. THE WALNUT CASE-BEARER.
Acrobasis juglandis Le Baron.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family PyRa-
LID.
Drawing two leaflets together and
constructing a black case, asmall dark
greenish worm, changing to a gray
narrow-winged small moth. (Riley,
IV, p. 42.)
We have observed at Provi-
dence, June 1, between the
Fic. 120.—Walnut case-bearer ; a, larva between two 4A "i is
leaves; b, case; ¢, d, e, variations in the wings. leaves of Carya porcma, a sim-
(After Riley.) ilar case, but in the form of a
Jong, slender black cone, rather than spindle shaped.
312 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
73. THE WALNUT LEAF-ROLLER.
Tortrix rileyana Grote.
’ Order LEPIDOPTERA; family TORTRICIDZ.
Drawing together the leaves of the black walnut and hickory in May, a colony of
small yellow caterpillars; late in the month changing to honey-yellow chrysalids,
the moths escaping by the middle or last of June. The latter expands an inch, and
is deep ocherous, the fore-wings broad, evenly washed with purplish, with dark vel-
vety-brown small spots, of which there are three at the base, two in the middle of
the wing, and one on the edge, while near the apex is a curved row of four or five
spots. The hind wings clear bright deep ocherous yellow. (Riley.)
74. Tortrix (Lophoderus) juglandana Fernald.
HABITAT.—This species inhabits Massachusetts, New York, Ontario,
Canada, Ohio, Wisconsin. Raised by James Angus on hickory leaves.
(C. H. Fernald in Can. Ent., xi, p. 155.)
The moth.—Head, thorax and fore-wings reddish brown to dark brown. Fore-wings
each with two oblique narrow bands of darker brown than the ground color of the
wing; the first, beginning at about the basal third of the costa, extends obliquely
across to the middle of the inner border; the second begins near the middle of the
costa and extends obliquely across the wing parallel to the first band, and ends at
the anal angle; these bands expand somewhat on the costal and inner borders. On
the fore-wings of most of the males are scattered scales of a straw-yellow color,
especially bordering the oblique bands; fringes of the fore-wings lighter in the mid-
dle, but at the apex and anal angle concolorous with the oblique bands. Hind
wings above, with their fringes, as well as the abdomen above and the under side of
fore-wings, fuscous. Under side of hind wings and legs lighter. Expanse of wings,
male, 15 to 20™™; female, 20 to 26™™,
75. THE HICKORY ECCOPSIS.
Eccopsis permundana (Clemens).
The larva of this pretty moth has been found in Providence, R. IL, to
live on the leaves of the white-heart hickory (Carya tomentosa), which it
folds, and when about to change to a chrysalis lines the fold with a
thin layer of whitish silk. I have observed the caterpillars May 24, or
as soon as the leaves are unfolded. From the 2d to the 9th of June,
the insects changed to chrysalides and the moths appeared on the 23d
of the same month. The life-history is then nearly as follows: From
eggs laid the previous autumn on the twigs, the insect being probably
double-brooded, the caterpillars hatch out simultaneously with the
opening of the leaves, living about a week or ten days in this state be-
tween the folded leaves or rolling them up sideways or from the apex
to the base; in the fold or roll thus made, which it lines with silk, it
changes to a chrysalis, remaining about a fortnight in this state until
during the third week in June, in southern New England, it appears.
as a beautifully marked moth flying about and resting on the leaves.
In Illinois, according to Mr. Coquillett (Papilio, iii, 102), the cater-
pillar feeds on the Siberian crab-apple, the cultivated raspberry, wild
HICKORY CATERPILLARS. 313
blackberry (Rubus villosus), and hazel, while in Maine Professor Fern-
ald has bred it on the Spirzea (see Comstock, Agricultural Report for
1880). Coquillett gives the following account of its habits: ‘ Lives in
a leaf rolled from the apex to the base, or between two or three leaves
fastened together with silken threads. Found a great many May 30.”
His specimens of the moth were named by Prof. C. H. Fernald. Those
which I bred were fresh, well-preserved specimens, and on submitting
them to Professor Fernald for identification he wrote me that they were
probably Eeccopsis permundana (Clemens).
Unfortunately I did not make a description of my caterpillars, and
therefore copy that of Mr. Coquillett:
Larva.—Body green, usually clouded dorsally with dull leaden; first segment.
brownish; head and cervical shield black or pale brownish; piliferous spots and
spiracles concolorous; anal plate unmarked. Length, 15™™ (Coquillett).
Pupa.—Of the usual shape and color, abdominal segments having two rows of dor-
sal spines, while the tip of the abdomen is three-toothed, there being two small lat-
eral and a small median projection. There are also eight small, rather short, bristles
curved outwards at the ends, of which four are situated below the median tooth, and
two are situated near together on the side near but within the base of the lateral
tooth. There are two or three other set on the side, but farther from the tip.
Length, 10™™,
Moth.—A rather large species, with the general color brown-ash and umber-brown.
Head a little paler than the thorax, the latter with three transverse darker lines.
above. Fore-wings with three large umber-brown patches, the basal one oblique,
extending from the inner edge of the wing and only reaching the median vein. A
median, irregular, broad band sending two blunt teeth inwards on the inner side;
the outer side with three acute teeth, one in front and a larger one behind the median
vein. A large, oval, umber-brown spot on the internal margin of the wing, and an-
other large, oblique one extending from a little below the middle of the outer edge
obliquely to the outer fourth of the costal edge, in its course contracting in width
and becoming very narrow before reaching the costa, on which it slightly expands,
forming one of the small costal brown spots beyond the middle of the wing. The
fringe pale, but dusky in the middle. Hind wings dark slate color, as is the under
side of both pairs of wings, as well as the abdomen, which, however, is paler at the
end. Expanse of wings, 18™™.
76. THE VARIEGATED ECCOPSIS.
Eccopsis versicolorana (Clemens).
This species also feeds upon the leaves of the white-heart hickory
(Carya tomentosa) in company with the foregoing species. The larva
begins to eat the leaves when they are unfolding, and the moth appears
by the middle of June. Unfortunately no notes were made on the cater-
pillar, as they were confounded with the other species until the emer-
gence of the moths showed that there were two species.
Pupa.—Slenderer than that of E. permundana, the end of the abdomen tridentate,
with the eight bristles arranged as in the foregoing species, but much larger and lon-
ger. Length, 8™™ to 9™™,
Moth.—Pale, greenish, umber-brown, with whitish patches. Palpi whitish to the
tips. Head dark between the antenna, pale behind and in front. Fore-wings olive
green; a dark patch at base, becoming paler towards the inner edge of the wing,,
314 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
with black specks, then becoming a pale, whitish, somewhat silvery band, crosses
the wing. A broad median, dark, olive-green patch; the outer scales raised and
dotted with black. Beyond this patch are three light, squarish, costal spots. An
oblique, olive-green line passes from the outer margin just above the internal margin
to the costa, becoming nearly obsolete before reaching the costa, but ending on the
fourth costal spot. An apical dusky spot. Hind wings dark slate, and fore-wings
beneath dark slate, with lighter costal spots. Expanse of wings, 15™™,
77. Cacecia semiferana (Walker).
This leaf-roller is said by Miss Murtfeldt to oceur on ‘“various species
of oak, and a strongly marked variety on hickory.” (Fernald’s Cata-
logue of Tortricide, p. 12.)
Fic. 122.—Cacecia semiferana. (After Riley.) Fic. 121.—Oaceecia semiferana. Larva
and pupa. (After Riley.)
78. THE WHITE-HEART HICKORY GELECHIA.
Gelechia caryevorella Pack.
Order LePrpopTERA; family TINEID”.
Although we have numerous species of this extensive genus of Tineid
moths feeding upon our forest trees, none, we believe, have been re-
corded as living at the expense of the hickory.
The larvze of the present species were found at Providence, R.1I., feed-
ing upon the young, freshly unfolded leaves of the white-heart hickory
(Carya tomentosa), rolling them up. Within the roll the chrysalis was
discovered from June 2 to 4. The insect remains about two weeks in
this stage, the moths appearing in my breeding box June 17 and 23.
The moth belongs to that section of the genus with moderately wide
fore-wings, which are oblong, and moderately pointed at the tip. Pro-
fessor Fernald informs me that it is allied to Gelechia bicostomaculella of
Chambers.
Moth.—Palpi very long, the third joint slender, one-half as long as the second;
second joint with black specks; third black, but white at the tip. The fore-wings
broad, oblong. Head, thorax, and wings blackish, with whitish buff-yellow specks
and dots. The fore-wings are dark pepper and salt, with a row of five deep black
spots along the middle of the wing, increasing in size towards the end of the wing;
the basal spot minute; the third large, and sending a branch obliquely inwards to
the costa; the fourth patch large, irregularly squarish; above it is a black square
costal spot, next to a buff-white, distinct costal spot opposite another on the inner
HICKORY CATERPILLARS. 315
edge of the wing; the two spots are sometimes almost connected by a light line.
The edge of the wing buff-white with black scales. Hind wings and abdomen slate-
colored. Length of fore-wing, 7™™; width, 1.5™™; expanse of wings, about 15™™
(0.60 inch).
79. Lithocolletis caryefoliella Clem.
This larva mines the upper side of the leaves of the hickory tree in
June, July, and September, making a white blotch, or an irregular
rather broad tract when there is but one in the leaf, and not throwing
the leaf into a fold. Frequently there are several larve in a leaf—in
one instance I counted twelve. The “frass” is deposited along the
middle of the mine. The perfect insects of the spring brood appear in
August; from the fall brood I did not succeed in rearing the imago.
(Clemens.)
Larva.—The larva is flattened, and its physical characteristics are similar to those
of the second larval group. The head is light brown; the body dark lead color,
becoming yellowish posteriorly, with the mammillew of the thoracic rings yellowish,
and a central spot of the same hue on the first; each ring on the dorsum with a dark
brown, shining macula, those on thoracic rings trapezoidal, the remainder oval ; on
the ventral surface the maculz are also dark brown, those on the fourth and fifth
rings being oval. (Clemens.)
Moth.—Antenne silvery, annulated with blackish. Frontsilvery. Tuft and thorax
reddish orange. . Fore-wings reddish orange, with three silvery bands, black-margined
exteriorly, the second about the middle of the wing, angulated, with the black mar-
gin broad and produced posteriorly on a whitish ground, nearly to the third, which
is somewhat interrupted in the middle; the first midway between the second and the
base of the wing and also angulated near the costa. The apical portion of the wing
white, covered with dispersed black scales, with a few black scales on a whitish
ground, on the costa, between the last silvery band and the dusted apical portion ;
with two hinder-marginal lines, one the margin of the apical scales, the other a dark
brownish line in the cilia. Hind wings pale brownish-gray ; cilia gray, with a ful-
vous hue. (Clemens.)
80. Lithocolletis carywalbella Chambers.
81. Nepticula caryefoliella Clem.
This larva is found in the leaves of hickory late in July and early
in August. The mine is very like the preceding, but rather wider and
longer and not so tortuous, but nearly always recurved and with the
central “‘frass” line. I have taken a specimen as late as the 30th of
August, but at this date almost every mine found is untenanted.
(Clemens.)
Larva.—The larva is pale green, with a dark green central line and brownish head.
It is nearly or quite cylindrical, diameter uniform, the anal segments pointed.
(Clemens.)
82. THE HICKORY SACK-BEARER.
Coleophora sp.
This interesting sack-bearer was found feeding on the unfolding
leaves of Oarya porcina at Providence, May 24. Its sack is flattened
elongate ovate, 3.5™" in length; the anterior end is square, a little
wider than the posterior end, which is more rounded. It is of @ pale
light horn color.
316 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
83. Coleophora caryefoliella Chambers.
The larva feeds in a cylindrical case attached to the under surface of
the leaves.
84. Ypsolophus caryefoliella Clemens.
85. THE BLACK-EDGED FLEA-BEETLE.
Systena marginalis Illiger.
Order COLEOPTERA; family CHRYSOMELID.
This flea-beetle is said by Mr. Harrington to abound upon the elm,
oak, etc., in the summer and autumn, while early in September he found
it in great numbers feeding on the foliage of the sweet hickory. (Rep.
Ent. Soe. Ontario for 1883, p. 49.)
The beetle.—A small, long beetle of a lemon-yellow color, and having the prothorax
and wing-covers edged with black. The hind femora or thighs are much swollen,
adapting it for leaping like a flea.
86. THE HICKORY LEAF-WEEVIL.
Conotrachelus elegans Say.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CURCULIONID.
We have observed this weevil at Providence, busily engaged the last
of May, and in 1882 from June 8 to 13, laying its eggs in the partly
rolled-up leaves of the pig-hickory (Carya glabra), and during the
process cutting off the leaves, which hang down, wither, and turn
black.
87. THE PLUM WEEVIL.
Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst),
This common weevil was noticed on the leaves of the pig hickory,
May 25, at Providence.
Fic. 123.—Conotrachelus nenuphar, Smith del.
THE WALKING STICK. 317
88. THE PIG-HICKORY SLUG WORM.
Selandria sp.
This is a pale green slug worm, representing in form the naked larva
of Selandria carye, with several rows of short, forked white hairs;
quite abundant at Providence May 30, eating roundish holes in the
leaves of the pig-nut hickory.
89. THE THICK-THIGHED WALKING-STICK.
Diapheromera femorata Say.
Order ORTHOPTERA ; family PHASMID&.
The following account of this singular insect is taken verbatim from
Professor Riley’s U. S. Report for 1878 :
Certain elongate insects belonging to the Orthoptera, and popularly known as the
“‘Walking-stick” or ‘‘ Walking-leaves,” according as they lack or possess wings,
have long been recognized as among the most bizarre of entomological creatures.
Mimicking to a remarkable degree, as their popular names imply, the twigs and
leaves upon which they dwell, these insects find their most congenial home in the
tropics, where some of the species attain to over a foot in length, exclusive of the legs.
The most common and wide-spread species in North America is the subject of the
present sketch.
Owing to its curious, slender, long-legged, slow-moving characteristics, it has been
properly dubbed the ‘‘ Walking-stick,” ‘‘ Stick-bug,” ‘‘Specter;” while in some
localities it is known as ‘Prairie Alligator,” ‘‘ Devil’s Horse,” and other odd cogno-
mens, generally indicative of its appearance and of a superstition which is quite
prevalent, but most unfounded, that it is poisonous and can sting or bite.
The popular name above employed will serve to distinguish it from another toler-
ably common species the Two-striped Walking-stick (Anisomorpha buprestoides Stall).
This insect has always been considered harmless, or as Harris puts it, has “not
proved so injurious as particularly to attract attention.* In 1872, ‘however, while
lecturing at Cornell University, I noticed that it was unusually abundant around
Ithaca, and it was there reported as doing considerable injury to the rose bushes and
other shrubs. The following letters from correspondents will also show that Harris’s
verdict, which is that of all other standard authors, can no longer be considered
correct :
‘“‘Inclosed find specimens, male and female, of an insect which is proving to be a
scourge. About the middle of June I discovered, mostly on standing grass, this same
insect, only very much smaller, of a light pea-green color, but not in sufficient num-
bers to be thought of asa pest. I noticed about August 15, in the reservation of
young timber, mostly white oak and hickory, a few trees having the appearance of
being burned just enough to kill the leaves, On closer investigation 1 found many
of these insects devouring the leaves. Later, I judge at least 25 acres were com-
pletely stripped of foliage; as much so as if fire had run through the wood and killed
every tree. They seemed to have no choice as to what variety of timber they attacked.
There were many in my peach orchard and lawn. On single trees, far removed from
my timber lot, they were as thick as could well be, in many places in heaps. Fences
adjoining the timber were fairly covered with them. They have been known for
years in this vicinity, but were heretofore always considered harmless. From pres-
ent appearances they are greatly to be feared as a scourge, consequently anything
*Ins. Inj. to Veg., p. 147.
318 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
relating to them will be read with great interest. I hear from them in Florida, but
not in such numbers as here.”—[G. C. Snow, Yates County, New York, in New York
Weekly Tribune, November 11, 1874.]
“About forty years ago my Pinee set out a grove of locust trees for fencing pur-
poses, at the foot of a rocky, wooded hill. The trees throve, and for years have
furnished the farm with posts and stakes. When they were young we began to
notice on them, now and then, the insects known as ‘‘ Walking-sticks,” and some
fifteen years ago they began to increase rapidly, appearing in summer on the locusts,
to which at first they seemed to confine themselves, entirely stripping them of their
leaves, and have done so every second year since.
‘The locusts have nearly all succumbed to the repeated attacks of these repulsive-
looking pests, which have for some time extended their operations to the adjoining
native trees, most kinds of which they feed upon ravenously.
“‘T have never by observation been able to discover when or where the eggs are:
deposited, nor can I find more than a description of the insect in any book within my
reach. Will you throw alittle light on the subject, and can you suggest any method
of destroying these pestiferous walking-sticks?”—[R. E. R., Ferrisburgh, Vt., in
Rural New Yorker, November 7, 1874. ]
‘In June last we gave an account of a remarkable visitation of myriads of the
insect known as the walking-stick (Spectrum femoratum) in Yates County, New York,
and asked for information as to the appearance elsewhere. The following from
Mr. E. H. Conklin, Cumberland County, Pa., is the first response, which we hope
may call out others. Mr. C. says: ‘This insect, though not at all common, and
seldom numerous, has made its annual appearance in our peach orchards for forty.
years, and only once in this time have they been so numerous as to be injurious. In
this instance, which was about ten years ago, these insects denuded a row of locust,
trees that formed a shelter on the northwest side of a peach orchard. For half a
dozen rods from this locust row the peach trees were also stripped of their leaves.
Previous to this time we never saw them on any other trees except the peach. As to
color some are light green, and others brown, amongst male and female. The female
has a much heavier body than the male.’”—[American Agriculturist, August, 1877. ]
A further account of great injury to oak timber by this insect on Mr. Snow’s farm
was given in the American Agriculturist for June, 1877, and when applications were.
made through the editor of the said journal for more definite information and for
some practical recommendations, so little was any one able to comply with such a
request, I deemed the matter of sufficient interest and importance to warrant further
investigation. A couple of visits to Esperange farm enabled me to clear up the
insect’s natural history, and suggested, as the sequel will show, a simple and feasible
means of preventing its injuries.
Mr. Snow has about 50 acres of woodland, consisting of fine young trees, mostly
the second growth of hickory, and of different species of oak. In 1874 the trees on
about 25 acres were totally defoliated. In 1875 the insects appeared in fewer num-
bers. In 1876 they were even more numerous than in 1874, and covered a larger
area. In 1877 again they attracted less attention, while last summer I found that.
Mr. Snow’s accounts were by no means exaggerated. By the middle of August the
bulk of the pests were going through their last molt, and by the end of autumn they
had stripped most of the trees, showing, however, a decided preference for the black,
red, and rock-chestnut oaks over the white oaks and hickories, which they affect but
little till after the first-mentioned trees are stripped. The underbrush was also very
effectually eleaned of its foliage, and the insects hung from and clung to the bare
twigs and branches in great clusters. They settle to roost on the witch hazel, but
do not defoliate it until the other trees mentioned are-pretty bare. Sumach and
thorn are also little affected, while peach and apple in an adjoining orchard were
untouched. Whenever they have entirely stripped the trees and shrubs they move
in bodies to fresh pastures, crowding upon one another and covering the ground, the
THE WALKING STICK. 319
fence-rails, and everything about them so that it is impossible for a person to enter
the woods without being covered by them. The timber affected can be recognized
by its seared and leafless appearance from a great distance, and upon entering the
woods the ear is greeted by a peculiar seething noise, resulting from the motion of
the innumerable jaws at work on the leaves. Their depredations first begin to
attract attention soon after wheat harvest, and are most noticeable in September.
The injury to the trees done in 1874 and 1876 was manifest in the death of most of
the black oaks, and according to Mr. Snow’s observations, trees die in three years
after the first attack.
The unexampled multiplication and destructiveness of this insect at Esperange
farm is but one of the many illustrations of the fact long since patent to all close
students of economic entomology, that species normally harmless may suddenly
become very injurious.
Owing doubtless to its having so generally been considered harmless, the habits of
the thick-thighed walking-stick have not hitherto been carefully studied; and it
was not known how it passed the winter or where the eggs were laid. These eggs,
which were first briefly described by me in 1874,* are 2.8™™ long, oval in shape,
slightly compressed at the sides, and of a polished black color, with a ventral whitish
stripe. They look not unlike some plump, diminutive leguminose seed. They are
simply dropped loosely upon the ground from whatever height the females may
happen to be, and, during the latter part of autumn, where the insects are common,
one hears a constant pattering, not unlike drops of rain, that results from the abun-
dant dropping of these eggs, which in places lay so thick among and under the dead
leaves that they may be scraped up in great quantities.
From general observations of specimens kept in confinement it would appear that
each female is capable of laying upwards of a hundred. The eggs remain upon the
ground all through the winter, and hatch for the most part during the month of May.
Some of them, however, continue hatching much later, so that all through the sum-
mer and even into the fall young individuals may be found. The embryo just about
to hatch lies within the egg with the head pressed against the oval lid, and the body
curled around so that the end of the abdomen, which is thickened and contracted,
reaches near the mouth. The long antenne project in front of the head and follow
the curve of the body, and the long legs are folded up in the central space. At an
earlier embryonic stage the abdomen is enormously enlarged and the members are
correspondingly small. The young walking-sticks measure at birth 4.5™™, and, with
their feelers and legs outstretched, nearly double that length. They are invariably,
during early life, of a uniform pale yellowish-green color, and as they have a habit
in their earlier days of keeping near the ground, this, coupled with a great readiness
to drop whenever disturbed, serves to protect them from observation. ‘They may for
these reasons occur in great numbers in the early part of the season without being
suspected. The insect changes very litile in appearance from birth to maturity
except so far as color is concerned, and molts but twice. Growth is rapid, averaging
under favorable circumstances about six weeks from birth to maturity. With age
the green color gives way to various shades of gray and b.own. In this way we find
great correspondence with its surroundings. While the vegetation is green the
specters are green also; when the foliage turns in autumn they change color corre-
spondingly, and when the foliage is stripped they so closely resemble, in both appear-
ance and color, the twigs upon which they rest—the habit of stretching out the
front legs and feelers greatly enhancing the resemblance—that when they are few in
numbers it is difficult to recognize them. A few green specimens, more particularly
of the males, may always be found, even among the mature individuals.
In contemplating these singular creatures and their wonderful resemblance to the
oak vegetation upon which they occur, one can not help noticing still further resem-
blances. They are born with the bursting of the buds in the spring ; they drop their
*New York Weekly Tribune, November 11, 1874.
320 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
-eggs as the trees drop their seeds, and they commence to fall and perish with the
leaves, the later ones persisting, like the last leaves, till frost cuts them off.
As will have been already noticed, Mr. Snow has found from his own observations
that the insects were injuriously abundant every other year, and I have been inter-
-ested in endeavoring to find an explanation of this fact. The increase of the insect’s
natural enemies whenever they became excessively abundant, and the consequent
decrease of the plant feeder the following year, undoubtedly have something to do
with it; but there is also good evidence that a great many of the eggs remain on the
ground for two consecutive winters before hatching. Messrs. T. W. Bringham and
L. Trouvelot have both found from experience that the eggs of this insect for the
most part hatch only after the interval of two years,* and an examination made of
a large number, which I have myself kept the present winter, shows that while some
have proceeded far in embryonic development, others show no development what-
ever, thus corroborating the experience of these gentlemen.
We may very justly conclude, therefore, that the species will only be injurious
every alternate year.
Among the natura] euemies of this Walking-stick, Mr. Snow has observed that
the crows were very abundant about them, as well as some other smaller birds.
Turkeys, as well as chickens, also feed upon them, atid may be made good use of
while the insects are young and remain near the surface of the ground.
Of the insects that prey upon them, I noticed, both in the immature and _ perfect
states, three species of half-wing bugs (Heteroptera), namely, Arma spinosa, Podisus
cynicus Say, both in the typical form, and in the variety obscuripes as determined by
Professor Uhler; also Acholla multispinosa (De Geer.)
Egg.—Bean-shaped, hard, and highly polished ; obliquely truncate at the anterior
‘end, which consists of a dark oval raised rim, inclosing a slightly elevated, convex,
densely and deeply punctate brown lid, which is replaced after the young has
hatched by the white sunken amnion, which is shed within the egg. Color black,
with frequently a faint olivaceous hue, the ventral side in strong contrast, whitish
inclining to pale fulvous, and with anelliptical scar recalling the hilum of a seed,
‘the interior slightly depressed, the borders slightly raised. This scar reaches to
near the lid anteriorly, and endsin acord posteriorly, to which cord the black color
-of the posterior extends in a broad point. There is usually more or less black
within the posterior portion of the scar. Average length2.5™™; thickness from side
to side, 1.2™™,
Larva.—When newly hatched 11.5™™ long, exclusive of antennw. Color, uniform
pale yellowish-green, the front pair of legs speckled with brown. Antenne with
rather prominent bristles. Sex undistinguishable. Femora subequal in size. No
femoral spines.
The adult.—The colors of the adult are quite variable, and are generally obliterated
in cabinet specimens. Shades of gray, brown, and greenish-brown predominate, the
head of the male being paler and having three longitudinal fuscous stripes, and the
middle thighs having annulate shades of the same color. The front legs of the male
-and the shanks of the others are almost always green. The colors of the female are
more uniform, generally grayish, with paler specks and mottlings on the head and
along the back; but occasionally pale green predominates. Structurally the male is
at once distinguished by his shorter, more slender body; his longer legs and feelers;
his narrower and less dilated front thighs; his swollen middle thighs, and by the
greater stoutness of the spines near the ends of the middle and hind thighs, these and
the other distinguishing sexual characters being less obvious in the earlier stages of
growth.
Remedies.—While the insects are young, they may be destroyed by sprinkling the
underbrush in the timber with Paris green water, wherever the timber is inclosed so
‘that domestic animals can be kept away from the poisoned vegetation.
* Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XI, pp. 88 and 89.
THE GOLDSMITH BEETLE. 321
/
“The most satisfactory means of averting the insects’ injuries, however, will be found
in the destruction of the eggs during winter. This may be done either by digging and
turning them under, or by burning over the dead leaves among which they lay.
‘
ee
V4 Ue
Fic. 124 —The walking stick. a, b, eggs; c, young just hatching ;
d, male; e, female. (After Riley).
.
90. THE GOLDSMITH BEETLE.
Cotalpa lanigera (Linn.).
We have observed this beetle pairing June 1 on the leaves of Carya
porcina, and it evidently may be counted as occasionally feasting on the
foliage of the hickory.
5 ENT——21
322 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
A large number of Hemiptera, such as gall-lice, tree-hoppers, ete.,
puncture the leaves, causing them to wither or raising galls upon them.
The following species have been noticed by Fitch and others:
91. THE HICKORY-STEM GALL-LOUSE.
Phylloxera caryecaulis (Fitch).
Forming bullet-like galls, hollow, green, and of a leathery texture, upon the leaf-
-stalks and succulent young shoots, with the walls of the cavity inside covered with
winute white and yellow lice,
92. HICKORY-VEIN GALL-LOUSE.
Phylloxera caryevene (Fitch).
Forming plaits in the veins of the leaves, which project up from the surface in an
abruptly elevated keel-like ridge upon the upper side of the leaf and with a mouth
opening on the under side, the lips of which are woolly and closed. The wingless
females minute, pale yellow, broad in front, and tapering behind to an acute point;
antenne and legs short and tinged with a dusky hue.
93. THE HICKORY LEAF-WITHERER.
Phylloxera caryefolie (Fitch).
Forming small conical elevations on the upper surface of the leaf of Carya alba,
each having an orifice in its summit; a very small black planc-louse with a pale
abdomen and legs and smoky wings laid flat on its back, and having only three veins
in addition to the rib. Length, 0.06 inch. (Fitch.)
94. THE SEED-GALL HICKORY PHYLLOXERA.
Phylloxera carye-semen (Walsh).
Forming fuscous, minute, subglobular, seed-like galls on the leaves of Carya glabra,
the galls opening in a small nipple on the under side. (Walsh.)
95. THE HICKORY ROUND-GALL.
Phylloxera carye-globuli Walsh.
Forming hemispherical galls about 0.25 inch diameter on the upper surface of the
leaves of Carya glabra and alba, the galls rather flat below, where they open in a slit.
(Walsh.)
96. THE HICKORY SPINY GALL.
Phylloxera spinosa (Shimer).
Forming large, irregular galls, covered with spines, on the petiole of the leaf of
Carya amara, the galls opening beneath in an irregular, sinuate slit. (Shimer.)
97. Phylloxera carye-septa (Shimer).
Forming flattened galls with a septum, on the leaves of Carya alba, the galls open-
ing both above and below. (Shimer.) Probably, according to Riley, only an abnor-
mal form of P. carye-globulis.
98. Phylloxera forcata (Shimer).
Forming galls much like those of P. carya-semen.
HICKORY APHIDS. 323
99. Phylloxera depressa (Shimer).
Forming depressed galls on leaves of Carya alba, the galls opening below with a
constricted mouth fringed with filaments. Daktylosphera coniferum Shimer is, in all
probability, Riley claims, the same. (7th Rep. Ins. Mo., p. 118.)
100. Phylloxera conica (Shimer).
Forming galls similar to those of P. depressa, but without the fringe. (Probably
the same, Riley claims.)
101. Phylloxera carye-gummosa Riley.
Forming pedunculated ovoid or globular galls on the under side of Carya alba ; the
gall white, pubescent, and gummy or sticky, opening below in a fibrous point.
The eggs are almost spherical, pale, and translucent. Larva, mother-louse, and
pupa quite pale, the red eyes and eyelets strongly contrasting. (Riley, 7th Rep. Ins.
Mo., p. 118.)
102. Phylloxera carye-ren Riley.
Forming numerous more or less confluent mostly reniform galls on the petiole and
leaf-stems of Carya glabra; the galls varying from 0.2 to 0.7 inch in diameter, pale
green and densely pubescent, and opening in a slit the whole of their length, trans-
versely with the axis of the petiole. (Riley.)
103. Phylloxera carye-fallax Riley.
Forming conical galls thickly crowded on the upper surface of the leaves of the
Carya alba. Strongly resembling P. carye-folie, but the height one-third greater
than the basal diameter, and opening below, instead of above, in a circular fuzzy
mouth. (Riley.)
é 104. Lachnus carye@ (Harr.)
Stylo nullo, corniculis brevissimis, corpore cinereo, dorso nigro-maculato ; femoribus
brunneis, libiis, tarsis antennisque nigris.
Larva.—Body with a cinereous pruina, which is somewhat evanescent on the thorax,
so as to exhibit the black color, more or less, on this part. Dorsum of the abdomen
with four longitudinal rows of transverse black spots (or four on each segment).
Style obsolete; cornicula very short, tuberculiform, rostrum extending only to the
middle of the third segment; wings fuliginous, bases ferruginous brown, dilated,
costa and nervures black; legs black, hairy, the posterior tibie remarkably so;
femora, except at tips, ferruginous brown. Length of body .25, of upper wings, .35,
of body and wings when at rest .43, expansion of wings .72 of an inch.
Larve, pups, and winged insects found on the limbs of the Carya porcina, July 1,
1831. (Harris’ Corr.)
105. THE HICKORY GAY-LOUSE.
Monella caryella (Fitch).
Scattered upon the under side of the leaves, a small pale-yellow plant-louse with
white antennz alternated with black rings and pellucid wings laid flat upon its back,
its abdomen egg-shaped, somewhat flattened, and with only miaute rudimentary
honey-tubes. (Fitch.)
106. THE DOTTED-WINGED GAY-LOUSE.
Callipterus? punctatellus Fitch.
A plant-louse like the preceding, but with black feet and a black dot on the base
and another on the apex of each of the veins of its fore-wings. The stigma is salt-
white, with a brown streak at each end; the second vein is wavy, and at its tip is
324 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION
curved towards the tip of the first vein ; the third vein arises from the basal extremity
of the stigma, and forward of its furcation curves perceptibly towards the apex of the:
wing; the fourth vein is longer than the second fork. (Fitch.)
107. THE SPOTTED-WINGED GAY LOUSE.
Callipterus maculellus Fitch.
Differs from C.? caryellus in having only a slender black ring at each articulation of
the antenne, the feet and a band near the tips of the hind thighs blackish; the
stigma salt-white, its base black, its apex dusky ; fourth vein with a black dot on its
base and a dusky one on its apex; the first vein, apical third of the second vein, and
tbe first and second forks broadly margined with smoky brown; second vein wavy
and parallel with the third vein till near its tip, where it curves towards the first
vein, its base a third nearer the third than it is to the first vein; third vein arising
from the anterior extremity of the stigma, with a dusky spot on its apex. (Fitch.)
108. THE SMOKY-WINGED GAY-LOUSE.
Callipterus fumipennellus Fitch.
Similar to the preceding, of a dull yellow color, with blackish feet and the wings
smoky with robust brown veins, the rib-vein much more distant from the margin of
the first half of its length than in the other species, and from its middle to the stigma
approaching the margin; the fourth vein equalling the stigma in length, (Fitch.)
109. THE BLACK-MARGINED GAY-LOUSE.
Callipterus marginellus Fitch.
Pale yellow; antennz white, their bases and the four bands black; a coal-black
band in front between the eyes and continued along each side of the thorax to its —
base; fore wings pellucid, stigma with the outer margin and rib-vein coral black,
first vein with a black dot on its base; fourth vein slender, black, the other veins
colorless ; outer margin of hind wings black. (Fitch.)
110. THE FRECKLED LEAF-HOPPER.
Jassus inornatus Say.
A cylindrical oblong white leat-hopper closely inscribed and reticulated with slender
black lines and small dots which form irregular spots along the margins of the wing-
covers ; its legs white, dotted with black. Length, .25 inch.
111. FOUR-STRIPED LEAF-HOPPER.
Diedrocephala quadrivitiata (Say).
A flattened oblong leaf-hopper of a light-yellow color, varied on the thorax with
orange, red or dusky; its fore-wings olive green, each wing with two bright red or
orange stripes, the tips margined with black. Length, .35 inch. (Fitch.)
112. THE WALNUT SWORD-TAIL.
Uroxiphus carye Fitch.
A dull brown tree-hopper with the terminal portion of its fore-wings obscure ash-
gray ; its abdomen and a ring on its shanks pale-yellowish, and its breast mealy white.
Length of male, .30; female, .37. (Fitch.)
rer
HICKORY BUGS. 325
113. THE YELLOW TREE-HOPPER.
Telamona unicolor Fitch.
A tree-hopper of a uniform dull ocher-yellow, somewhat like a beech-nut in shape
cand size, with a prominent hump jutting up on the middle of its back, highest ante-
riorly and descending with a slight curve to its hind angle, which is very obtusely
rounded and but little prominent; its interior angle also rounded and with only a
slight concavity below it at the forward end of the hump, while at its posterior base
is a strong one, the whole surface with close coarse punctures and showing a few
elevated longitudinal lines low down on each side and towards the tip; the upper
-edge of the hump black and also the tip of the abdomen on its under side; fore-wings
glassy, with a black spot on their base and tip, and their veins margined with slender
black lines. Length, .45 inch; height, .25 inch.
114. THE BANDED TREE-HOPPER.
Telamona fasciata Fitch.
Like the preceding species, but smaller and of a tawny-yellow color, its head and
the anterior edge of the thorax and the under side paler cream-yellow or straw-col-
-ored, with a single small black dot above each eye; its thorax in front and at tip
blackish, and also an oblique band across the hind end of the dorsal lump longer
than high, longer at its base than above, highest anteriorly, with a stronger con-
cavity at its anterior end than at its posterior, and at its anterior base compressed
-and forming hereby a shallow indentation upon each side. Length, .38; height, .20
inch. (Fitch.)
115. THE SHORT-HORNED TREE-HOPPER.
Ceresa brevicornis Fitch.
Very like Ceresa bubalus on the apple and wild thorn, but differing in having the
horns much shorter, while the sides of the thorax, when viewed in front, are not
gradually curved outwards, but are straight or rectilinear, with the horns abruptly
projecting from the corner at the upper end of this line. The acute spine at the tip
of the thorax is also longer and slenderer. The thorax between the horns is slightly
convex. The dried specimen is of a pale dull yellow color speckled with faint pale
green dots and with a paler straw-colored stripe, quite distinct, upon the angular
sides of the thorax from each eye upward to the horn and from thence to the summit
of the thorax. Length, .36inch. (Fitch.)
116. THE FACE-BANDED CIXIUS.
Cixius cinctifrons Fitch.
A small four-winged hemipter of a white color, varied with blackish brown, and
‘with three elevated lines upon the face and thorax; its face snow-white, crossed by
‘two black bands, the outer raised lines dotted with white in these bands; the thorax
black, tawny yellow on each side beyond the raised lines; neck white with a row of
‘blackish dots upon each side; fore-wings smoky brown, their veins dotted with black
in places, their basal edge, an oblique band anda spot in the middle of the outer
margin white, their membranous tips white and somewhat hyaline, with a brown
band across the transverse veinlets, and the hind margin blackish, interrupted by
the snow-white tips of the veins; hind wings black and transparent; under side
yellowish-white, with two blackish bands on each of the four forward shanks.
Length, .18 inch.
326 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
117. THE CLOUDY-TIPPED CIXIUS.
Cixius colepeum Fitch.
Rarely found on the leaves, a small four-winged homopter of a coal-black color,
with clear, transparent wings having a large smoky-brown cloud on their tips; fore-
wings transparent, their veins dotted with black, the dots on the outer margin
larger; an irregular and somewhat broken band of a smoky-brown color extending
across forward of the middle and a broader one beyond the middle, having a black
spot or stigma on the anterior corner of its outer end; between these bands a smoky-
brown spot on the inner and a smaller one nearly opposite it on the outer margin;
thorax with three raised lines; face black with the raised lines brown; legs dull
whitish. Length, .22 inch. (Fitch.)
118. AM\OT’S OTIOCERUS
Otiocerus amyotii Fitch.
A light yellow homopter; the wing-covers pale sulphur-yellow, with a brown.
stripe from the base to the middle of the inner margin and thence to the outer tip; ~
arow of blackish dots on the hind edge alternating with the ends of the apical veins,
and about six dots forward of the innermost of these, placed on the tips of the sub-
apical and on the bases of the apical veins; three brown stripes on the thorax; an
orange-red stripe on each side of the head from the eye to the forward edge below
the apex. Length, .25; expanse of wings, .70 inch. (Fitch.)
119. THE LARGE GREEN TREE BUG.
Raphigaster pensylvanicus (De Geer.)
A large flattened grass-green bug (hemipter) edged all around with a light yellow
line, interrupted at each joint of the abdomen by a small black spot, its antenne
black beyond the middle of their third joint, with a pale yellow band on the first
half of the last two joints. Length, .60 and .70 inch. (Fitch.)
AFFECTING THE FRUIT.
120. THE HICKORY-SHUCK WORM.
Grapholitha caryana ( Fitch.)
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family TORTRICIDA.
Mining the shucks which envelope the nuts, causing them to be abortive and many
to fall from the tree prematurely, a slender white sixteen-footed caterpillar about
three-eighths of an inch in length.
Dr. H. Shimer states that the larve were found by him in Illinois in
August and September, living in the nut of Carya amara (bitternut
hickory) ; “‘ they destroy the interior of the nut, causing it to fall to the
ground. Theimago appeared in the latter part of November; it there-
fore hybernates in this state, and continues to live in the spring until
some time in June, when the nut is sufficiently developed to receive the
egg.” (Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., ii, 394.) We have collected this moth
(identified by Prof. Fernald) May 20 in a growth of young hickories at
Providence ; the moth was fresh and unrubbed.
THE HICKORY-NUT WEEVIL. oat
Moth.—Sooty black, the fore-wings with reflections of tawny yellow, blue and
purple; their outer edge black, with oblique triangular whitish streaks placed at
equal distances apart. A very oblique faint silvery blue streak extends inwards
from the points of two of these white streaks, namely, the fourth and sixth ones
from the tip of the wing; while the usual white spot on the inner margin of the
wings is wanting. Expanse of wings, .60 inch. (Fitch.)
121. THE HICKORY-NUT WEEVIL.
Balaninus nasicus Say.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CURCULIONID2,
This worm, like the chestnut borer, transforms into a long-snouted
beetle closely like B. rectus, but with a darker, thicker, more curved
rostrum, and with the antenn springing from its middle in the male
and from its basal third in thefemale. Two thoracic paler bands are
seen on the thorax, and there is always a pale transverse band behind
the middle of the elytra, and a sutural band. In the male the beak is
equal to three-fourths the length of the body, in the female to five-
fourths. It breeds entirely on hickory nuts (Riley.)
Mr. Harrington states that in the neighborhood of Ottawa, Canada,
this species is neverfound on the hickory, and frequents the hazel almost
entirely. Some years it is very numerous on these bushes, and the nuts
correspondingly worm-eaten.
The beetle.—It is nearly one-third of an inch long (exclusive of the beak), and of
al oval shape, being widest across the base of the wing-covers. It is densely clad
with very short yellowish hairs, and has a somewhat variegated or mottled appear-
ance, especially on the elytra, due to patches of darker hairs. The beak is very long,
slender, curved, and almost black. (Harrington.)
Mr. Harrington states that B. rectus is much rarer ip the neighborhood
of Ottawa, and usurps the claim of B. nasicus to be considered the
hickory-nut weevil, while a few specimens occurred on the oak. He
remarks that B. rectus is of the same size as the preceding species, but
much lighter in color, and distinguished by its more slender and less
curved beak, which in the female is longer than the whole body. (Rep.
Ent. Soc. Ottawa for 1883, p. 51.)
122. Tortrix sp. ?
Family TORTRICID& ?; order LEPIDOPTERA.
Found October 4 to 9, eating a dark mine in the skin of the shell of
the walnut itself, making a tunnel, I think a longitudinal one, along
one of the quarters of the skin; of about the size of the body, but of
irregular thickness. —
Larva.—Body short and thick, tapering a little towards the end, and somewhat
hairy. Head and prothoracic shield honey-yellow ; the shield paler than the head,
which is dark towards the mouth-parts. Body dull white; each segment with two
transverse dorsal ridges, on which are setiferous warts. Length, 7™™.
328 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
The following species also occur on the hickory.
Order COLEOPTERA.
. Leptostylus macula (Say). See Butternut insects, p. 337.
. Phymatodes variabilis (Fabr.) (Tyler Townsend, Can. Ent., xviii,
p. 13).
. Monarthrum fasciatum (Say), breeding in living Caryaalba. (Chit-
tenden in letter.)
. Xylotrechus colonus (Fabr.). Lintner, iv, 93.
. Lepturges querci Fitch, bred from twigs (Chittenden).
. Magdalis olyra Herbst., bred from branches (Chittenden).
. Xanthonia villosula (Melsh.), on leaves (Chittenden).
. Xanthonia stevensii Baly, on leaves (Chittenden).
. Hlaphidion villosum (Fabr.), bred from twigs (Chittenden).
. Cyrtinus pygmeus (Hald.), beaten from Carya, doubtless breeds
in the wood (Chittenden).
. Attelabus bipunctulatus Fabr. See Oak insects, p. 204.
7. Dicerca asperata Lec. (Chittenden).
28. Dicerca divaricata (Say). (Harrington, 1. ¢.)
. Dichelonycha elongata (Fabr.) In June feeding on the bitter hick-
ory. (Harrington, Rep. Ent. Soc. Ontario for 1883, p. 43).
Order LEPIDOPTERA.
. Papilio glaucus Linn.
. Halesidota tessellata A. and S. (Beutenmiiller).
. Parorgyia achatina (Abbot and Smith).
. Hyphantria cunea (Drury), textor Harris.
. Parasa fraterna Grote. (Beutenmiiller).
. Pyrophila pyramidoides Guen. (Coquillett).
. Nematocampa jfilamentaria Packard.
. Hibernia tiliaria Harris.
. Acrobasis carye Grote.
. Sisyrosea inornata G. & R. (Dyar, Can. Ent., xxi, p.77.) See p. 147.
. Iimacodes scapha Harris. See Oak insects, p. 147.
. Clisiocampa sylvatica Harris. (Riley).
. Heterocampa pulverea G. & R. See Oak insects, p. 159.
. Sesia hospes Walsh. (Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., vi, 1866, 270.) Bred
from an excrescence or fungus on pig-hickory (Walsh).
. Cossula magnifica Bailey. See Oak insects, p. 59.
. Platysamia cecropia (Linn). I found the cocoon on the pig-hickory
at Providence, the moth appearing June 12. See Maple insects.
. Monoleuca sp. on Carya glabra in Georgia. Abbot’s MS. paintings
(Library Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist).
. Teniocampa incerta Hiibn. See Oak insects, p. 172.
. Apatela brumosa Guen. See Oak insects, p. 169.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BLACK WALNUT. 329
149. Scopelosoma sidus Guen. See Oak insects, p. 116.
150. Agrotis alternata Grote. See Oak insects, p. 116.
151. Catocala desperata Guen. (French, Can. Ent., xx, 28.)
_ 152. Catocala palaeogama Guen. (French, Can. Ent., xx, 108.)
153. Prodenia cammeline Abbot and Smith.
154. Catocala vidua (Abbot and Smith). See Oak insects, p. 178.
155. Nematocampa filamentaria Guen. (Forbes, 2d Ill. Rep., 79).
156. Paraphia deplanaria Guen. Ohio. (Pilate, Papilio ii.)
157. Hugonia subsignaria Hiibner.
158. Cacaecia argyrospila Walk. See Oak insects, p. 192.
159. Gracilaria sp. (probably G. blandella Clem.) Imago unknown.
The larva when young makes a linear whitish mine in the upper
surface of the leaves.
HEMIPTERA—HOMOPTERA.
160. Phylloxera caryaeglobosa Shimer.
161. Schizoneura carye (Fitch).
162. Callipterus caryew Monell.
DIPTERA.
163. Cecidomyia cosse Shimer, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soe. ii, 395.
164. Cecidomyia carye O. Sacken, Monographs, ete. i, 191.
165. Cecidomyia caryecolor O. Sacken, Monographs, ete. i, 192.
166. Cecidomyia cynipsea O. Sacken, Monographs, ete.i, 193.
177. Cecidomyia glutinosa O. Sacken, Monographs, ete. i, 153.
168. Cecidomyia nototricha O. Sacken, Monographs, ete. i, 193.
169. Cecidomyia persicoides O. Sacken, Monographs, ete. i, 193.
170. Cecidomyia sanguinolenta O. Sacken, Monographs, ete. i, 192.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BLACK WALNUT.
(Juglans nigra.)
AFFECTING THE TRUNK.
1. Cyllene pictus (Drury. )
The chief enemy of this tree is the hickory and locust tree borer
(Cyllene pictus). Fitch states that the beetles which are reared in this
tree appear to constitute a distinct variety of a larger size than usual
and with their yellow marks changed more or less to a white color.
2. Allorhina nitida (Linn.)
Order COLEOPTERA; family SCARABAIDA.
This beetle has been found-by Mr. Charles W. Leng to be common in
the Carolinas and Georgia attacking the shade trees. ‘Near Raleigh
an avenue of walnuts was specially infested. They appeared to bite
330 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISS:0N.
through the bark making a hole one-eighth inch wide and one-half to
three-quarters inch long. The bark seemed to be softened with some
exudation from the mouth. Most of the cuts I examined reached only
to the wood, but a few were much deeper. In the deeper holes I found
Cryptarcha ampla curled up.” (Bulletin Brooklyn Ent. Soe. iv. 76.)
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
3. THE BLACK WALNUT SPHINX.
Smerinthus juglandis Abbot and Smith.
(Larva, Plate x1, fig. 2.)
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family SPHINGIDZ.
Larva.—A large pale blue-green caterpillar with a long caudal horn; head small,
and the body attenuated before and behind, and with seven oblique white bands.
When disturbed it makes a creaking noise by rubbing together the joints of the fore-
part of the body. It enters the earth to finish its transformations. (Harris.)
Moth.—Very gray, dark or dusky brown; wings indented on the outer edges;
fore-wings with a dusky outer margin, a short brownish dash near the middle, and
four transverse brown lines converging behind and inclosing a square dark brown
spot adjacent to the middle of the inner margin; hind wings with two narrow trans-
verse brown lines between two brownish bands; thorax with a central brown line;
abdominal segments plaited and prominent at the sides. The wings expand from
2} to 3 inches. The females are much larger and of a lighter brownish gray color
than the males, with the square spot on the fore-wings less distinct. Ranges from
Massachusetts to Florida and Georgia. (Harris).
4. Datana integerrima G. and R.
This species has been found by Mr. Pilate to occur commonly on the
walnut in Ohio. See p. 150; also Insect Life, 1, 177.
5. Datana ministra (Drury).
From Mr. D. S. Harris, of Cuba, Ill., we learn that in 1882 the cater-
pillar of this species “‘ has been so abundant on the black walnut that
many persons have cut down their walnut trees when they were near
their houses.” See p.302; also Insect Life, i, 125, 161,177, 200; ii, 256.
6. Schizura leptinoides (Grote).
This has also been found by Mr. Pilate to teed on the walnut.
7. Actias luna (Linn).
Mr. J. P. R. Carney, of Camden, N. J., writes me as follows regard-
ing the habits of this moth, which he has bred from the walnut:
In all books of natural history, as far as I have seen, the Luna is accredited with
spinning a cocoon in the fall and emerging the following May or June. On July 24
I found on a large walnut, facing the residence of Hon. Thomas Dudley, a fine Luna
larva. Carefully placing it in my larva box I conveyed it home, and in two days
after it spun its cocoon and on August 12 merged as a moth, a fine malespecimen. Not
having any female specimen my investigation was brought to a stop, but on looking
over my notes I find that on several occasions I have taken the moth during May and
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BLACK WALNUT. 331
during August as follows: August 18, 1874, three specimens at Cheyney, Pa.; July 29,
1877, one specimen at Plymouth, Ind.; August 27, one specimen at Moorestown, N. J.,
and on August 28, 1o82, one specimen at Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Of larva,
the above mentioned July 24, and from September 19 until my last capture (October
10) from five to ten specimens a day, all spinning from two to three days after cap-
ture. Now, from my finding the moth in May and August and the larva in July, Sep-
tember, and October, proves to my mind that in this city and county and elsewhere
Luna has two broods instead of one.
8. Citheronia regalis (Fabr.).
As early as July 20, 1832, Dr. Harris found on the black walnut a
freshly hatched larva of this regal moth, and a few years later, on the
4th or 5th of August, he discovered two large flattened eggs from
which similar larve were at that time hatched.
Larva before the first molt.—Each of the segments has six branching spines, except
the eleventh, which has seven, and the twelfth, which has eleven. Body, first seg-
ment with four tubercles of a pyramidal shape, the two dorsal ones armed with a
barbed spine, terminated by a ball with two lateral obtuse points, the two lateral
tubercles with simple barbed spines not half the length of the dorsal spines; second
and third segments each with four barbed ball-terminated spines; lateral simple ones
wanting ; remaining segments, except the last, with four barbed or branched spines ;
the penultimate segment has, besides, in front of the four, a long dorsal one barbed,
and ending in a lunated knob; last segment with nine in two series, five before and
four behind, all branched; the dorsal one of the anterior series bifurcated at tip, or
nearly lunated. Color of body black above and beneath; an obsolete series of ferru-
ginous lateral lines directed obliquely downward towards the tail, most conspicuous
on the posterior half of the body ; sixth and seventh segments ferruginous above ;
spines pale ferruginous, black at tip. July 21, a. m., it cast off its skin. July 25,
cast its skin again.
Pupa.—Male: Smooth, oblong, robust, thick and rounded before, nearly obtuse
behind, and terminating in a very small bifid tubercle. A few elevated points atthe
base of the antenne cases, and over the shoulder covers; likewise one on each half of
the prothorax ; metathorax with two large transverse elevations. A deep furrow be-
tween the penultimate (eleventh) and antepenultimate segments, and an elevated
ridge beset with minute teeth on the anterior part of the eleventh dorsal segment.
Near the anterior edges of the other abdominal segments there is a row of very minute
and nearly obsolete teeth pointing backwards. Color, dark chestnut brown. Length,
2inches. Breadth, nearly $ inch. (Harris’ Corr., 297.)
The Moth.—Ono of our largest Bombyces, the fore wings expanding from 13 to 14
centimeters (abuut 6 inches.) Ground color, a leaden reddish brown, marked with
bright brick-red and ocherous yellow. Fore wings with a basal yellow spot, a discal
blotch, and an outer snbmarginal row of oval spots, there being two large ones near
the costa, and one usually about half as large in the first median interspace. The
veins shaded with brick-red. Hind wings yellowish along the costa, elsewhere red-
dish, with leaden oval spots in the interspaces. Thorax with two broad yellow lon-
gitudinal stripes, and between them a linear median stripe. On the first abdominal
segment a transverse oblong yellow spot. The sutures of the abdominal segments
ocher-yellow.
9. Catocala elonympha (Hiibner).
The caterpillar of this moth is said by some to feed on the walnut, by
others on a species of Glycine. The larvaas described by Guenée from
Abbot’s drawing is gray white, with a roseate tint; without fringes ;
332 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
variously marked with brown, aud with a substigmatal brown line; the
back of the caterpillar remains hunched in repose.
Moth.—Thorax light gray, with a yellowish tinge; abdomen with the yellowish
more marked; fore-wings with the lines distinct, basal space dark, beyond the trans-
verse anterior line light gray often almost white to the reniform spot, beyond dark
gray; reuiform spot distinct, the subreniform obsolete M of transverse posterior
line hardly suggested; subterminal white line distinct. Hind wings rather dull yel-
low, median band wanting, marginal band broad, indistinct, but even on the inner
margin, extending to the anal margin. Beneath, wings dull, indistinct, yellowish,
fore-wings with the reniform spot black; beyond, an even, narrow, curved black
line, also a broad marginal line; hind wings with discal spot, and three even curved
bands, two inner and narrow, one marginal and broad. Expands 40 to 45™™, Habi-
tat Eastern and Southern States. (Hulst.)
10. Catocala innubens Guenée.
The caterpillar is said by Mr. Hulst to feed on the walnut.
Moth.—Fore-wings rich brown, powdered, with glaucous scales; lines distinct,
black; M of transverse posterior line strong; teeth broad, even; reniform spot
brown, annulate with pale white; subreniform spot pale, often nearly white, smail ;
at the apex resting in the costa is a large triangular whitish spot. Hind wings red-
dish orange; median band rather broad, quiteeven. Expands 65 to 70™™, Habitat
Eastern, Middle and Western States. (Hulst.)
C. hinda has broad, darker brown shading from base to apex.
Var. flavidalis Grote has yellow hind wings.
Var. scintillans G. & R. has very dark nearly black fore-wings, uniform to the
transverse posterior line.
11. Catocala paleogama Guenée.
The caterpillar closely resembles that of C. neogama, according to Mr.
Hulst.
Moth.—Fore-wings gray, powdered with greenish gray and black scales, and shaded
with blackish, and with bright brown in the subterminal space; lines rather broad,
distinct; reniform spot rounded, brown or black, indistinct; subreniform spot pale,
small; sinus of transverse posterior line broadly marked, acute, not deep; teeth of M
strong. Hind wings dark yellow; median band narrow, much constricted, reaching
the internal margin. Expands 70 to 75™™, Habitat, Eastern, Middle, and Western
States.
Var. phalanga Grote. Fore-wings with the basal space black, a black band beyond
the transverse posterior line, the rest light gray. (Hulst.)
12. Catocala neogama (Abbot and Smith).
The caterpillar is said by Guenée to feed on the walnut; it is of a
brownish gray color, formed by many longitudinal striz on a light
ground; the piliferous points separate as is usual.
Moth.—Fore-wings light gray, marked within the transverse anterior line, at the
reniform spot, and beyond the transverse posterior line with light brown; all the lines
evident, but not always distinct; M of transverse posterior line produced, sinus large ;
basal and subapical dashes generally present. Hind wings yellow, the median band
constricted and angulated. Expands 75 to 90™™, Habitat, east of Rocky Mountains
and Arizona. C. communis has the hind wings a little darker yellow than the type
form.
Var. snoviana Grote was described from an aberrant and somewhat aborted speci-
men from Kansas, with fore-wings much more heavily marked with black. It is with
great hesitancy that I regard this as a variety. (Hulst.)
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BLACK WALNUT. 333
13. Catocala subnata Grote.
This is said by Mr. Angus to feed on the walnut. The moth is very
much like C. neogama, but generally larger, with the lines and mark-
ings more diffuse, and the teeth of the M of the transverse posterior
line very strongly produced. It expands from 95 to 105"™, though in
one case only 70™™. Mr. Hulst doubts whether this be distinct from
C. neogama.
‘ 14. Catocala piatrix Grote.
Mr. Koebele finds that the caterpillar feeds on the walnut, hickory,
and persimmon.
Moth.—Fore-wings dark wood-brown, or blackish brown, slightly silky, darker
shaded in the sub-basal space on the costa, above the discal cell, and subapically ,
the transverse anterior line geminate, the outer line sometimes less distinct; the
reniform spot shaded with black; the subreniform pale; transverse posterior line
with the M prominent, and sinus heavy; subterminal line geminate with grayish be-
tween. Hind wings deep yellow, internal margin and base dusky; median band not
much constricted. Expands 85 to 95™™. Eastern United States. (Hulst.)
15. Catocala mestuosa Hulst.
This is said by Mr. Hulst to feed on the walnut, but there is no de-
scription of the caterpillar.
Moth.—Fore-wings very nearly the color of C. vidua (p. 173); lines diffuse, not
strongly distinct; transverse posterior line with the M strongly marked; sinus com-
paratively small; no basal dash; reniform spot reddish; a reddish band beyond the
transverse-posterior line; transverse-anterior line clouded with black at the costa,
and a heavy diffuse black shade from the costa above the reniform through the M of
the transverse-posterior line to below the apex. Hind wings black, dull gray at base;
fringe white, ends of the veins black. Expands 95 to 105™™, Southern States.
(Hulst.)
16. Geometrid caterpillar.
This caterpillar was observed on a walnut at Brunswick, Me., August
20. It died in confinement. In this larva on the abdominal segments
(except the eighth where they are transverse) there are four dark glassy
bottle-green piliferous dorsal spots, arranged in a short square. On
the first abdominal segment they are of equal size, but the two hinder
ones are on a slight transverse ridge, the ridge being enlarged under
the tubercles. On the second abdominal segment the two hinder pilif-
erous warts are no larger than the anterior, but are situated on a large
conspicuous saddle-shaped transverse hump, which is swollen at the
origin of each tubercle. The caterpillar is further adapted for protec-
tion from its resemblance to a walnut twig by being deeply notched,
each notch like a leaf-scar on the twig.
In Caripeta angustiorata of the pine, the transverse posterior, saddle-
shaped ridges bear two posterior piliferous warts. They have a decided
resemblance to the leaf-scars on the redder parts of the twig, which in
its ground color the caterpillar mimics. I have observed that this and
334 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
the other twig-mimickers do not live among the denser leaves, but at
the end of the twig.
Larva.—Head as wide as the body, deeply cleft and flattened in front. On each
side of the mesothoracic segment is a large prominent tubercle ; on second abdominal
segment is a double dorsal tubercle; a transverse series of four sharp piliferous
tubercles. Supra-anal plate large, broad, flat, triangular, but rather short and blunt
at the tip; six piliferous warts on the edge; surface of the body closely granulated.
Color of a uniform mottled gray, like the bark of the twig it inhabits, with a con-
spicuous dorsal black line extending from the mesothoracic segment to the base of
the supra-anal plate. On the sides low down between the first and anal legs ts a
fringe of woolly, somewhat fleshy filaments. A pair of dorsal black dots on the back
part of each abdominal segment. Length, 40™™,
17. Acrobasis (Phycita) juglandis Le Baron.
Dr. Le Baron in his account of this Phycid states that it lives both
upon the hickory and black walnut. (See Hickory inshets, p. 311.)
18. Lithocolletis juglandiella Clem.
The larva makes an elongated, rather wide tract on the upper surface of the leaves
of black walnut, without folding the leaf, and may be found from the beginning to .
the middle of the month.
It belongs to the second larval group described in the Proceedings
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, November, 1859,
and may not be specifically distinct from LZ. caryefoliella, described on
page 315. (Clemens.)
Larva.—It is blackish or blackish brown, with a few pale-brownish dots on each
side of the thoracic segments, and with the tip of the abdomen and head pale brown.
(Clemens. )
19. Nepticula juglandifoliella Clem.
The larva mines the leaves of black walnut from the latter part of July to the
middle of August. The mine is a very narrow, whitish tract, very often recurved
and slightly tortuous, somewhat, although slightly, enlarged at its end, with a very
narrow central line of “ frass.”
‘‘T found a single specimen on the 27th of last August, when the mines .
appear to be usually untenanted, and, very oddly, it escaped from its
mine as I held the leaf, whilst looking unsuccessfully for another speci-
men.” (Clemens.)
Larva.—The larva is pale green, almost whitish, rather thick and resembling a
Dipteron. (Clemens.)
20. Gracilaria blandella Clemens.
The caterpillar when small lives in a linear whitish mine in the
upper surface of the leaves, afterwards feeding and pupating under
the turned-down edge.
21. Gracilaria juglandinigrwella Chambers.
The larva at first mines the leaves beneath, afterwards feeding and
pupating under the turned-up edge.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BLACK WALNUT. 335
22. Aspidisca juglandiella Chambers.
The larva lives in a very small blotch-mine, from which it cuts out a
ease in which it pupates.
23. THE RED-TAILED ATTELABUS.
Attelabus analis Weber.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CURCULIONIDE.
Rolling up the leaves of the oak and black walnut, a weevil a quarter of an inch
long, with a long, slender, cylindrical head and short, broad, thick body. The
autennz, legs, and middle of the breast deep blue-black; the thorax, wing-covers,
and abdomen dull red; the wing covers, taken together, nearly square and pitted in
TOWS.
According to Harris, this pretty weevil is found on the leaves of oak
trees in June and July. Mr. George Hunt has observed it on the wal-
nut in May before the buds open, at Providence. It is possible that
Fig. 65, p. 204, represents the work of this species.
24. Conotrachelus juglandis Le Conte.
The larva of this weevil, which is closely allied to that of the plum
weevil, was taken from walnuts
at Mount Carmel, Ill., by Mr.
Shimer. According to Harris,
Mr. Say, in a vote on the plum
weevil, stated that his ‘kins-
man, the late excellent William
Bartram, informed him it also
destroys the English walnut in
this country.” Itis possible that
the insect here referred to was Fic. 125.—Oonotrachelus juglandis; a, larva; b, head
confounded with the plum weevil seen in front. Gissler, del.
and belongs to the present species.
THE ENGLISH WALNUT SCALE.
25. Aspidiotus juglans regiw Comstock.
The following account of this insect is taken from Prof. Comstock’s
report as Entomologist in the U. S. Agricultural Report for 1880:
Scale of the female.—The scale of the female is circular, flat, with the exuvi®
laterad of the center; it isof a pale grayish brown color; the exuvie are covered
with secretion ; the position of the first skin is indicated by a prominence which is
pink or reddish brown. The ventral scale is a mere film which adheres to the bark.
Diameter of scale, 3™™ (.13 inch). :
Female.—The color of the female when fully grown is pale yellow with irregular
orange-colored spots; oval set and last segment dark yellow. This segment pre-
sents the following characters: There are either four or five groups of spinnerets ;
the anterior group is wanting or consists of from one to four spinnerets, the anterior
~
336 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
laterals consist of from seven to sixteen, and the posterior laterals of from four to
eight.
There are two or three pairs of lobes. The median lobes are well developed, but
vary in outline; the second lobe of each side is less than one-half as large as the
median lobes, elongated, and with one or two notches on the lateral margin; the
third lobe is still smaller and pointed, or is obsolete.
There are two pairs of incisions of the margin, one between the first and second
lobes of each side, and one between the second and third lobes; they are small, but
are rendered conspicuous by the thickenings of the body wall bounding them.
The plates are simple, inconspicuous, and resemble the spines in form. The larger
ones are situated one caudad of each incision.
The spines are prominent, especially those laterad of the second and third lobes ;
the fourth spines are a little nearer the first lobes than the penultimate segment, and
the fifth are near the penultimate segment; there is also a spine at or near the union
of the last two segments.
Scale of male.—The scale of the male resembles that of the female in color; it is
elongated, with the larval skin near the anterior end; this skin is covered by excre-
tion, but its position is marked by a rose-colored prominence, as in the scale of the
female; the anterior part of the scale is much more convex than the posterior pro-
longation, which is flattened. There is a rudimentary ventral scale in the form of
two narrow longitudinal plates, one on each side of the lower surface of the scale.
Length, 1.25™™ (.05 inch).
Habitat.—On the bark of the larger limbs of English walnut (Juglans regia), at
Los Angeles, Cal. Described from sixty-three females; and many scales of each sex.
There are in the collection of the department specimens of Aspidiotus from locust,
pear and cherry, from New York and District of Columbia, which apparently belong
_to this species. (Comstock. )
The following insects also occur on the black walnut:
26. Thecla calanus Hiibn. On Juglans cinerea.
27. Halesidota maculata Harris. (Harris’s Ins.)
28. Halesidota tesscllata A. and 8. (Beutenmiiller.)
29. Orgyia leucostigma A. and 8. (Beutenmiiller.)
30. Parorgyia cinnamomea G. & R. (Beutenmiiller.)
31. Limacodes scapha Harris. (Beutenmiiller.)
32. Halesidota carye Harr. (Beutenmiiller.)
33. Datana angusii Grote & Rob. (Grote & Rob.)
34. Telea polyphemus Linn. (D.S. Harris in letter; Riley’s notes.)
35. Heterocampa pulverea G. & R. See Oak insects, p. 159.
36. Apatela americana (Thaxter, Papilio, iii, 17.)
37. Apatela luteicoma (Thaxter, Papilio, iii, 17.)
38. Charadra propinquilinea Grote. See p. 167.
39. Catocala vidua Abbott and Smith.
40. Catocala lacrymosa Guen. probably. See p. 178.
41. Hugonia alniaria Hiibner.
42. Tortrix rileyana Grote.
HEMIPTERA.
43. Schizoneura carye (Fitch.)
44. Callipterus caryew Monell.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BUTTERNUT. 337
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BUTTERNUT.
(Juglans cinerea.)
AFFECTING THE TRUNK AND LIMBS.
1. THE SPOTTED LEPTOSTYLUS
Leptostylus macula (Say.)
Order COLEOPTERA; family CERAMBYCIDZ.
Under the bark of old decaying trees, a longicorn larva, changing to a pupa in its
cell and early in July giving out a small thick long-horned beetle of a brown or chest-
nut color with the sides of its thorax and a band on its wing-covers ash-gray, the
latter sprinkled over with coarse punctures and large blackish dots, the thorax on
each side of its disk with a black stripe interrupted in its middle. Length, 0.25inch.
Dr. Fitch, in his third report, states that the bark of old trees will
sometimes be found everywhere filled with these grubs, which in the
month of June may be seen changed to short thick pale-yellow pupa,
with a few perfect insects that are newly hatched and have not yet left
the tree. Mr. Harrington has taken specimens on the butternut, but not
so frequently as on the bitter hickory.
2. Gaurotes cyanipennis Say.
Chis beetle was observed by Mr. F. B.
Caulfield pairing and ovipositing on the
butternut. (Can. Nat., xiii, p. 60.)
The beetle.—Black; antenne and feet testaceous;
elytra blue. Body black, tinged with cupreous,
punctured; head densely punctured; a longitudi-
nal, obsolete, impressed line; antenne rather
shorter than the body, testaceous; trophi piceous-
yellow; thorax impunctured; an obtuse tubercle
each side; scutel black; elytra violaceous blue;
punctures numerous, small, profound; tip trun-
cate; humerus rather prominent; feet testaceous.
Length two-fifths of an inch nearly. In form of
body, it very much resembles Leptura collaris and L,
virginea, to which genus I would have referred it,
but for the small thoracic tubercles. (Say). Fic. 126. Gaurotes cyanipennis:
Smith and Marx, del.
3. Cryptorhynchus parochus Say.
Several larve and pup of this weevil have been found by Mr. F. G.
Schaupp under the bark of a butternut in Brooklyn, L.I. The dura-
tion of the pupa state was from fourteen to sixteen days.
Beetle.—Brown variegated ; tibix not angulated at base; thighs feebly bidentate ;
the teeth small and distant. Length 6to6.5™™, Claws simple,divergent. (LeConte.)
3 ENT 22
338 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
4, THE MUSCLE-SHAPED BUTTERNUT BARK-LOUSE,
Aspidiotus (Mytilaspis) juglandis Fitch.
Order HEMIPTERA; family CoccID”.
Fixed to the bark of the twigs, minute pale brownish scales, like those of the apple
bark-louse, but smallerand not curved; preyed upon by a minute chalcid fly. (Fitch.)
5. THE HEMISPHERICAL BUTTERNUT SCALE-INSECT.
Lecanium juglandifex Fitch.
Adhering to the bark on the under side of the limbs, a hemispherical dull yellow-
ish or black scale about 0.22 inch long and 0.18 broad, notched at its hind end, fre-
quently showing a paler stripe along its middle and a paler margin and transverse
blackish bands. (Fitch.)
The males, according to Fitch, are long and narrow, delicate two-
winged flies, measuring 0.05 inch to the tip of the abdomen and a third
more to the ends of the wings. They are of a rusty reddish color, the
thorax darker and the scutel and head blackish, this last being sepa-
rated from the body by a narrow pale-red neck. The antenne are
slender and thread-like, half as long as the body and eight-jointed.
Two slender white bristles as long as the body are appended to the tip
of the abdomen. Thisdescription will apply to most of the males of
other species of Lecanium.
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
6. THE BUTTERNUT WOOLLY WORM.
Selandria carye Norton.
Order HYMENOPTERA; family TENTHREDINIDZ.
On the under side of the leaves companies of saw-fly larvee covered with long dense
snow-white wool standing up in flattened masses entirely concealing the green worm,
eating the leaflets from the outer edge inward, often leaving nothing but the midribs.
These remarkable objects occasionally, though rarely, appear on the
butternut in July. The worm presents the appearance (as described in
our “Guide to the Study of In-
sects,” from which the following
description and figures are taken)
of an animated white woolly or cot-
tony mass nearly an inch long and
two-thirds as high. The head of
the larva is rounded, pale whitish,
and covered with asnow-white pow-
dery secretion, with prominent
53 black eyes. The body is cylindrical,
Fic, Wt, tho butternut woolly worm andthe with eight pairs of soft fleshy ab-
dominal legs; the segments are
transversely wrinkled, pale pea-green, with a powdery secretion low
down on the sides, but above and on the back arise long flattened masses.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BUTTERNUT. 339
of flocculent matter (exactly resembling that produced by the woolly plant-
lice and other homopterous insects), forming an irregular dense cottony
mass, reaching to a height equal to two-thirds the length of the worm,
and concealing the head and tail. On the 27th and 28th of July the
larve molted, leaving the cast skins on the leaf. They were then naked,
a little thicker than before, of a pale-green color, and their bodies were
curled upon the leaf. The worms eat out the edge of the leaf. Some
time during August two cocoons were spun between the leaves, but
I did not succeed in raising the saw-flies. On describing the larve
in a letter to Mr. E. Norton, our best authority on this hymenopterous
family, he kindly sent me alcoholic specimens of the larvee (without the
woolly substance, which dissolves and disappears in alcohol) found
feeding on the hickory, which are, apparently, from the comparison of
alcoholic specimens, identical with the butternut Selandria. The adult
fly he named Selandria carye, and his descriptions are given below.
Previously to this, and without my knowledge, Dr. Fitch, under the
name of Selandria? juglandis, had apparently briefly described in his
third report the same insect, but he was unacquainted with the perfect
insect, and was in doubt as to whether the larva was a Selandria or
not. Under these circumstances we retain Mr. Norton’s name. From
his account it would appear that the insect also feeds on the hickory
(Carya squamosa).
Female.—Color shining black. The pro- and meso-thorax and scutellum rufous, the
apex of the latter black; the nasus and legs white, with their tarsi blackish; the
base of cox and a line down the upper side of the legs black. Antenne short; the
second joint as long as the first; the four final joints together not longer than the
two preceding. Nasus slightly incurved. Claws of tarsi apparently bifid. Wings
subviolaceous; lanceolate cell petiolate, the first submedian cell above it with a dis-
tinet cross-vein. Under wings with one submarginal middle cell (all other species
have this cell discoidal), the marginal cell with a cross-nervure, and all the outer
cells closed by an outer nervure, which does not touch the margin. The submedian
cell extended nearly to the margin. Length, 0.25 of an inch. Expanse of wings,
0.40 of an inch.
Male.—Resembles the female, but the under wings are without middle cells.
Larva.—Feeds upon the leaves of the hickory (Carya squamosa). They are found
upon the lower side of the leaf, sometimes fifteen or twenty upon one leaf,
which they eat from the outer extremity inward, often leaving nothing but the
strong midribs. They cover themselves wholly with white flocculent tufts, which
are rubbed off on being touched, leaving a green twenty-two-legged worm, about
0.75 inch in length when fully grown; darkest above, and with indistinct blackish
spots upon the sides. The head is white, with a small black dot upon each side.
Specimens were taken upon the leaves July 4. Went into the ground about the 20th
of July. The cocoon is formed near the surface of the ground of a little earth or
sand drawn together. Four specimens came forth about August 22, all seemingly
very small for so large larve. (Norton in Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects. )
7. Smerinthus juglandis (Abbot and Smith.)
(Larva, Plate x1, fig. 4.)
This caterpillar perhaps more commonly occurs on the walnut, but it
also feeds on the hickory (Carya alba) and theiron-wood ( Ostrya virginica).
340 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
As early as 1827 Harris found a larva on the black walnut. He says:
‘It is remarkable for the squeaking sound which it emits, apparently
by rubbing the rings of the auterior part of the body together.” This
specimen entered the earth to pupate as early as Augast 7,
Larva.—T wo inches long, .22 inch broad at the eighth segment, .14 inch at the
first. Head large; longest diameter, twice that of the first segment; apex quite
pointed; color light green, with white lateral granulations. Body elongated, slender,
tapering gradually from the seventh segment to the extremities; light apple green,
granulated regularly on the annulations with white. Lateral bands, seven, lighter
green, approaching white, and made the more conspicuous from the increased size of
the granula tions toward the broadest part of the band, each annulation adding to it
a single granulation; extending over two segments and nearly reaching to the vas-
cular line. Caudal horn slender; .20 inch long, quite rough, with numerous acute
granulations, which are more prominent than those of the body.
Pupa.—Male: 1.20 inches long, .4U inch broad. Dark brown, almost black, nearly
plane ventrally, abruptly rounded anteriorly, and gradually posteriorly. Head-case
with two conical, granulated, divergent projections between the bases of the antennzx-
cases, and two pairs of smaller ones between the eye-cases, and a pair on the anterior
leg-cases. Eye-cases with a tuberculated ridge. Antennw-cases quite prominent,
with a granulation on each joint. Tongue-case buried and not visible, the leg and
wing cases meeting at their tips. Stigmata, except the first, which is nearly closed,
quite oval. The seventh, eighth, and ninth segments with deep incisures, angulated
posteriorly, acutely granulated, and encircled on their posterior margin with a row
of spines, sub-obsulete inferiorly and superiorly. The tenth, eleventh, and twelfth
segments contracted laterally and flattened inferiorly, the eleventh segment spined
on the carination. The termina] segment ending in a broad, flat, rugose, truncate
projection. (Lintner.)
The moth.—Ditfers from the other species in having no eye-like spots on the hind
wings.
8. THE VIRGINIA TIGER MOTH.
Spilosoma virginica (Fabricius).
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family BOMBYCID&.
Occasionally devouring the leaves of the butternut, a very hairy, deep yellow
caterpillar, with a black head and body, the latter mottled with black; changing to
a thick chrysalis within a cocoon, where it remains until the following June, when
it appears as a white moth.
This omnivorous caterpillar, commonly called ‘the yellow bear,” is
known to feed on the butternut, grape vine, currant, gooseberry, grasses,
and various garden vegetables, and we have found it from the first to
the middle of September in Maine feeding on the buckthorn and also
the pitch-pine. According to Harris there seems to be two broods of
caterpillars and two of the moths. The caterpillars, he states, “are to
be found of different ages and sizes from the first of June till October.
When fully grown they are about 2 inches long, and then creep into
some convenient place of shelter, make their cocoons, in which they
remain in the chrySalis state during the winter, and are changed to
moths in the months of May or June following. Some of the tirst
broods of these caterpillars appear to come to their growth early in
summer, and are transformed to moths by the end of July or the begin-
Les
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BUTTERNUT. 341
ning of August, at which time I have repeatedly taken them in the
winged state; but the greater part pass throngh their last change in
June.” Ihave observed the full-grown caterpillar at Brunswick, Me.,
FIG. 128.—c, Virginia tiger-moth ; a, its caterpillar; 6, chrysalis, all nat. size.—After Riley.
the first and second weeks in August; they spin from the middle of
August till September. The following description of the caterpillar is
taken from my notes:
The caterpillar.—Head of moderate size ; body cylindrical, rather short and not
very convex; each segment with four tubercles above, two smaller median ones
being situated in front of and between two latero-dorsal larger ones; three tubercles
on each side of each segment, all giving rise to dense verticils of long, uneven fox-
yellow hairs; most of the hairs as long as the body is thick, while others on the back
are twice as long, so that in outline the larva is an elongated ellipse, the head and
tail being alike concealed by the spreading hairs. The body and head is black or
yellowish mottled with black. The hairs are tawny yellow, while the short hairs on
the sides of the thoracic rings are black.
The moth.—Snow white, with a black dot in the middle of the fore-wings and two
on the hind wings; a row of black spots along the back of the abdomen and a row
along the sides; between the latter dots a longitudinal deep yellow stripe; the basal
joints of the fore-legs are yellow. The wings expand about 2 inches. The eggs are
said by Harris to be golden yellow, and to be laid in patches on the leaves of plants.
9. Paria aterrima. (Olivier.)
This insect in the imago state, Mr. W. L. Devereaux, of Clyde, N. Y.,
writes us, ‘preys upon the foliage and flower-buds of the butternut.”
Mr. Chittenden also writes to the same effect.
10. THE TWO-MARKED TREE-HOPPER.
Enchenopa binotata Say.
Order HEMIPTERA ; family MEMBRACIDE.
Puncturing the leaves and extracting their juices from July till the end of the
season, a small rusty brown or black tree-hopper, with two bright pale yellow spots
upon its back, which part is prolonged forward and upward into a compressed horn
rounded at its tip and giving the insect a resemblance to a little bird with an out-
stretched neck, and the four forward shanks broad, thin, and leaf-like. Length, .25
to .30 inch. (Fiteh.)
342 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
11. THE BUTTERNUT TREE-HOPPER.
Ophiderma mera Say.
Belonging to the same family as the preceding, a greenish-gray tree-hopper, shaped
like a half cone, with its apex bright chestnut red, and behind its middle a black
band whichis sometimes interrupted on the summit of the back, and with a blackish
spot on the tips of the hyaline fore-wings. Length, .36 inch. (Fitch.)
12. THE OBTUSE CLASTOPTERA.
Clastoptera obtusa Say.
A short thick almost circular leaf-hopper of a gray color, with fine transverse
wrinkles and three brown bands anteriorly, its fore-wings clouded with tawny brown,
with streaks of white and a coal-black spot near their tips. Length, .22 inch.
(Fitch.)
13. THE BUTTERNUT TINGIS.
Corythaca arcuata (Say). (Tingis juglandis Fitch.)
Puncturing the leaves and sucking their juices, a small singular bug, resembling a
flake of white froth, its whole upper surface composed of a net-work of small cells,
an inflated egg-shaped protuberance like a little bladder on the top of the thorax
and head, the sides of the thorax and of the fore-wings, except at their tips, minutely
spinulose ; the fore-wings flat and square, with their corners rounded, a large brown
or blackish spot on the shoulder, and a broad band of the same color on their tips,
with an irregular whitish hyaline spot on the inner hind corner; the body beneath
small and black, the antenne and legs honey-yellow. Length, .14inch. (Fitch.)
Fitch remarks that this insect becomes common on the leaves of the
butternut in May, and continues through the summer and autumn. It
may sometimes be met with also on birch, on willows, and other trees.
The following insects also occasionally live on the butternut :
LEPIDOPTERA.
14, Halesidota cary Harr., Brunswick, Me.; New York. (Beutenmiiller.)
15. Orgyia leucostigma Abbot and Smith.
16. Hyphantria cunea Abbot and Smith. (See p. 244.)
17. Actias luna (Linn). (See p. 330.)
18. Platysamia cecropia (Linn).
19. Telea polyphemus (Linn). (See pp. 161, 300.) (Riley’s notes.)
20. Datana ministra (Drury). (See p. 302.)
21. Grapholitha carye (Shimer).
22. Lithocolletis carycefoliella Clem.
COLEOPTERA.
23. Cyllene pictus (Drury). (See p. 287.)
24. Stenoscelis brevis (Boh.). Breedingin wood. (Chittenden in letter).
25. Eugnamptus augustatus (Hbst.) Beaten from trees. (Chittenden).
26. Hugnamptus collaris (Lec.). Beaten from trees. (Chittenden).
27. Magdalis salicis. Bred from wood. (Chittenden).
28. Paria canella and vars. Feeding on leaves. (Chittenden).
29. Oryptorhynchus parochus (Herbst). Several example staken on the
trunk of a butternut. (Chittenden).
INSECTS INJURING CHESTNUT LEAVES. 343
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE CHESTNUT.
(Castanea vesca.)
AFFECTING THE TRUNK AND LIMBS.
1. THE CHESTNUT TREE BORER.
Making a zigzag burrow under the bark, and sometimes descending nearly 2 inches
towards the heart of the tree where it may spend the winter, a longicorn larva nearly
three-fourths of an inch long, dirty white, of much the appearance of the hickory or
locust tree borer, and transforming in its chamber into the beetle state.
Although the chestnut has been supposed to be remarkably free
from borers, we have found that in Rhode Island the trunks are quite
liable to the attacks of a borer, which we have not yet traced to the
beetle, but which will probably prove to be the species next mentioned
(Arhopalus fulminans), since this beetle, which is known to inhabit the
chestnut, is closely allied to the locust borer in its form, while the larva
is also closely like that of Cyllene picta and the different species of
Clytus and its aliies. The burrows in outline are flattened, cylindrical,
being adapted to the broad flattened front part of the body of the larva.
The burrows begin as small zigzag galleries about a line in width and
4 inches long, making about three turns at nearly right angies in this
space ; they are filled with the castings of the worm ; as the larva grows
larger it sinks deep in towards the heart of the tree, when the burrow
in the deepest part becomes packed with large, long, curved chips,
apparently bitten off by the grub for the purpose of forming a cham-
ber, the partition of chips possibly serving to keep out the cold during
its winter’s sleep.
2. THE BROWN CHESTNUT BEETLE.
Arhopalus fulminans (Fabricius).
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CERAMBYCIDA.
Boring into the trunk, a grub like the foregoing, if not the same insect, which
transforms into a dark-brown beetle with dark-blue reflections, and the wing-covers
crossed by four zigzag fine gray lines.
The following notice of this beetle
is taken from my Second Report on
the Injurious insects of Massachu-
setts (1872):
My attention has been called by Mr. R. B.
Grover, a student in the State Agricultural
College, to the fact that the Arhopalus fulmi-
nans Fabr. (Fig. 129, enlarged twice), one of
the family of longicorn beetles, bores in the
trunk. I know nothing further concerning
its habits nor of the appearance of its grub.
The beetleitself is blackish brown, with slight
dark-blue reflections; the legs and antennze
are of the same color, the latter being scarcely
longer than its body. The top of the head
and the sides of the prothorax and under side of the body are covered with a pale-
gray pile, while certain silver markings on the wing-covers are composed of similar
Fic. 129.—Chestuut Borer.— From Packard.
344 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
close-set fine hairs. The hairs on the sides of the prothorax inclose a conspicuous.
black spot, while the top is black, and more coarsely punctate than the wing-covers.
The latter are each crossed by four acutely zigzag lines, composed of microscopic hairs,
forming’ W-like bands on the elytra, the basal lines being less distinctly marked
than the others. The ends of the wing-covers are also tipped with gray, especially
on the inner side of the end. The legs are pitchy brown with light hairs, and with
a reddish tinge on the terminal joints (tarsi). It is a little over half an inch long.
3. THE NOBLE CLYTUS BORER.
Calloides nobilis (Say).
A longicorn borer, probably depredating upon the chestnut, and transforming to a
large, handsome, black-brown beetle, nearly an inch long, marked with three broken
yellow lines and a pair of large round yellow dots on the wing-covers.
Mr. George Hunt informs us that he has found this noble Clytus.
under the bark of the chestnut at Providence; hence it occurs as @
borer of this tree. Its food-tree has not heretofore been known.
4. THE TWO-TOOTHED SILVANUS.
Silvanus bidentatus (Fabricius).
Order COLEOPTERA ; family ATOMARIID.
Under the bark of logs and decaying trees, probably loosening the bark from the
wood, a minute, narrow, flattened beetle, of a light chestnut brown or rust-color, its
thorax longer than wide, slightly narrowed towards its base and with a small tooth
projecting outwards at each of its anterior angles. Length, .10 to .12 inch. (Fitch.)
Fitch observes that this is an European insect, which, like a kin-
dred species, the Surinam Silvanus, has now become perfectly nat-
uralized and as common throughout the United States as it is in its.
native haunts. On stripping the bark from recently cut logs of
chestnut and of oak, this minute beetle, which is so flattened and thin
that it can creep into the slightest crevices, will be found frequently
in considerable numbers.
The beetle.— fhe head and thorax often of a darker shade than the wing-covers; the
fatter with rows of close punctures with a slightly elevated line between each alter-
nate row. Its thorax also isdensely and confluently punctured, and commonly shows.
a very faint elevated longitudinal line in its center. The angles at its base on each
side are obtuse, and from these angles forward to the projecting tooth the lateral
edges are crenate-dentate, having sixteen little elevated tubercles or minute teeth
jutting out at equal distances along the margin. The point of the large anterior tooth
forms a right angle. Upon each side of the head behind the eye is also a minute.
tooth of the same size with those along the sides of the thorax. The surface is.
slightly clothed with minute inclined bristles. (Fitch.)
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
5. THE NOTCHED-WINGED GEOMETER MOTH.
Eugonia alniaria Hiibner.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family PHALENID.
Feeding on the chestnut, a bluish-green caterpillar, with wrinkles, and on the
eleventh segment two little warts tipped with brown; transforming to a light ocher-
yellow moth with wings deeply notched.
INSECTS INJURING CHESTNUT LEAVES. 345
This caterpillar was found by Mr. L. W. Goodell on the chestnut at
Auherst, Mass., August 20; on the 21st it drew a few leaves together,
and spun a thin, silky, pear-shaped cocoon; became a chrysalis the
24th, and was transformed to a moth September 13.
Larva.—Body 2.3 inches long, the body largest near the tail, and tapering to the
head; bluish green, with a thick wrinkle on each ring, those on the fifth and eighth
thickest and light brown; on the back of the eleventh ring two little warts tipped
with brown. (L. W. Goodell.)
Pupa.—One and two-tenths inches in length, bluish white, ending in a flattened
tail, tipped with black, and on each edge three small black spines, each ending with
a minute hook. (Goodell.)
Moth.—Short bodied, quite hairy; male antennz heavily pectinated, wings deeply
scalloped ; delicate ocher-yellow, with a reddish tinge towards the edge of the wings,
and on the head and front of the thorax. Fore-wings with two lines, often inter-
rupted, or only developed on the costa ; inner line on the inner third of the wing;
the curved outer line, beginning near the inner, diverges and follows a sinuate
course, ending much nearer the apex than the inner line, the distance varying; both
wings speckled, sometimes thickly, with unusually large spots ; outer edge of both
wings deeply excavated, especially opposite the second median venule. Hind wings
with no lines, only an obscure discal dot. Expanse of wings, 2.2 inches.
This moth ranges from Maine to Missouri. The larvais also described
by Mr. S. H. Scudder as living on the black birch. Mrs. Dimmock has
published the following account of this insect in Psyche, iv, p. 272.
Eugonia alniaria Linn. (Syst. Nat., 1758, ed. 10, p. 19) [=£. magnaria Guenée].
The eggs of this species are flattened, oblong, 1.1™™ long, .6™™ wide, and .5™™
high. They are of a greenish-brown, somewhat polished bronze color, and when
laid upon a smooth surface are arranged side by side in a curve having the length of
the abdomen of the female moth for its radius. When laid upon bark and rough
surfaces the eggs are in broken, short rows. A single female deposits 500 to 600 eggs.
Oviposition takes place in September and October, and the eggs hatch in May and
June, hibernation taking place in the egg state, as is the case with some other species
of Geometride. Hellins (Entom. Mo. Mag., March, 1870, vol. vi, p. 222) gives similar
dates for oviposition and hatching in England. The larva and pupa are described
by Herr (Anleitung d. Raupen d. deutschen Schmett., 1833, p. 258) who enumerates
the following food-plants: Betula, Alnus, Corylus avellana, Carpinus, Betulus, Ulmus,
apple, pear, stone fruit, and Tilia. Herold (Deutscher Raupenkalender, 1845, p. 135)
gives Fagus in addition to the above-mentioned trees. Harris (Entom. Corresp.,
1869, p. 320) gives notes on different stages of this species. Kaltenbach (Pflanzen-
feinde, 1872, pp. 89, 218, and 552) adds Acer, Rosa, and Populusas food-plants. Lintner
(Entom. Contrib., No. 3, 1874, p. 165), in a note on Hugonia magnaria gives Syringa
vulgaris as fgod-plant. Packard (Mon. Geom. Moths, 1876, p. 530) quotes descriptions
of larva and pupa by Goodell and by Scudder; the former entomologist gives Casta-
nea vesca, and the latter Betula lenta as food-plant. Roiiast (Annales Soc. Linn. de
Lyon, ann., 1882, [1883], vol. xxix, p. 340) adds Quercus robur to the food-plants.
Packard (Bull. No. 7, U. S. Entom. Comm., 1881, p. 92) repeats Goodell’s description
of the larva and pupa, adds one of the moth, and further remarks that Scudder’s
description ‘‘is so different from Mr. Goodell’s that I fear it refers to a different in-
sect.” This is not, however, the case, but the larva is very variable in coloration.
Worthington (Can. Entom., January, 1876, vol. x, p. 16) writes: ‘‘This larva evi-
dently changes its color somewhat with different food, as these [larve] closely
resemble the bark of this tree [maple].” The general coloration may vary to match
that of the bark of the tree on which the larvaw feed, but the head, which is the part
of the larva that varies most, is slate gray, green, or dull red,in specimens taken
344 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
close-set fine hairs. The hairs on the sides of the prothorax inclose a conspicuous.
black spot, while the top is black, and more coarsely punctate than the wing-covers.
The latter are each crossed by four acutely zigzag lines, composed of microscopic hairs,
forming W-like bands on the elytra, the basal lines being less distinctly marked
than the others. The ends of the wing-covers are also tipped with gray, especially
on the inner side of the end. The legs are pitchy brown with light hairs, and with
a reddish tinge on the terminal joints (tarsi). It is alittle over half an inch long.
3. THE NOBLE CLYTUS BORER.
Calloides nobilis (Say).
A longicorn borer, probably depredating upon the chestnut, and transforming to a.
large, handsome, black-brown beetle, nearly an inch long, marked with three broken
yellow lines and a pair of large round yellow dots on the wing-covers.
Mr. George Hunt informs us that he has found this noble Clytus.
under the bark of the chestnut at Providence; hence it occurs as a
borer of this tree. Its food-tree has not heretofore been known.
4. THE TWO-TOOTHED SILVANUS.
Silvanus bidentatus (Fabricius).
Order COLEOPTERA ; family ATOMARIID.
Under the bark of logs and decaying trees, probably loosening the bark from the
wood, a minute, narrow, flattened beetle, of a light chestnut brown or rust-color, its.
thorax longer than wide, slightly narrowed towards its base and with a small tooth
projecting outwards at each of its anterior angles. Length, .10 to .12 inch. (Fitch.)
Fitch observes that this is an European insect, which, like a kin-
dred species, the Surinam Silvanus, has now become perfectly nat-
uralized and as common throughout the United States as it is in its.
native haunts. On stripping the bark from recently cut logs of
chestnut and of oak, this minute beetle, which is so flattened and thin
that it can creep into the slightest crevices, will be found frequently
in considerable numbers.
The beetle.— {he head and thorax often of a darker shade than the wing-covers; the
fatter with rows of close punctures with a slightly elevated line between each alter-
nate row. Its thorax also isdensely and confluently punctured, and commonly shows.
a very faint elevated longitudinal line in its center. The angles at its base on each
side are obtuse, and from these angles forward to the projecting tooth the lateral
edges are crenate-dentate, having sixteen little elevated tubercles or minute teeth
jutting out at equal distances along the margin. The point of the large anterior tooth
forms aright angle. Upon each side of the head behind the eye is also a minute.
tooth of the same size with those along the sides of the thorax. The surface is.
slightly clothed with minute inclined bristles. (Fitch.)
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
5. THE NOTCHED-WINGED GEOMETER MOTH.
Eugonia alniaria Hiibner.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family PHALENID.
Feeding on the chestnut, a bluish-green caterpillar, with wrinkles, and on the
eleventh segment two little warts tipped with brown; transforming to a light ocher-
yellow moth with wings deeply notched.
INSECTS INJURING CHESTNUT LEAVES. 345
This caterpillar was found by Mr. L. W. Goodell on the chestnut at
Amherst, Mass., August 20; on the 21st it drew a few leaves together,
and spun a thin, silky, pear-shaped cocoon; became a chrysalis the
24th, and was transformed to a moth September 13.
Larva.—Body 2.3 inches long, the body largest near the tail, and tapering to the
head; bluish green, with a thick wrinkle on each ring, those on the fifth and eighth
thickest and light brown; on the back of the eleventh ring two little warts tipped
with brown. (lL. W. Goodell.)
Pupa.—One and two-tenths inches in length, bluish white, ending in a flattened
tail, tipped with black, and on each edge three small black spines, each ending with
a minute hook. (Goodell.)
Moth.—Short bodied, quite hairy; male antenne heavily pectinated, wings deeply
scalloped ; delicate ocher-yellow, with a reddish tinge towards the edge of the wings,
and on the head and front of the thorax. Fore-wings with two lines, often inter-
rupted, or only developed on the costa ; inner line on the inner third of the wing;
the curved outer line, beginning near the inner, diverges and follows a sinuate
course, ending much nearer the apex than the inner line, the distance varying; both
wings speckled, sometimes thickly, with unusually large spots; outer edge of both
wings deeply excavated, especially opposite the second median venule. Hind wings
with no lines, only an obscure discal dot. Expanse of wings, 2.2 inches.
This moth ranges from Maine to Missouri. The larvais also described
by Mr. S. H. Scudder as living on the black birch. Mrs. Dimmock has
published the following account of this insect in Psyche, iv, p. 272.
Eugonia alniaria Linn. (Syst. Nat., 1758, ed. 10, p. 19} [=H. magnaria Guenée].
The eggs of this species are flattened, oblong, 1.1™™ long, .6™™ wide, and .5™™
high. They are of a greenish-brown, somewhat polished bronze color, and when
laid upon a smooth surface are arranged side by side in a curve having the length of
the abdomen of the female moth for its radius. When laid upon bark and rough
surfaces the eggs are in broken, short rows. A single female deposits 500 to 600 eggs.
Oviposition takes place in September and October, and the eggs hatch in May and
June, hibernation taking place in the egg state, as is the case with some other species
of Geometride. Hellins (Entom. Mo. Mag., March, 1870, vol. vi, p. 222) gives similar
dates for oviposition and hatching in England. The larva and pupa are described
by Herr (Anleitung d. Raupen d. deutschen Schmett., 1833, p. 258) who enumerates
the following food-plants: Betula, Alnus, Corylus avellana, Carpinus, Betulus, Ulmus,
apple, pear, stone fruit, and Tilia. Herold (Deutscher Raupenkalender, 1845, p. 135)
gives Fagus in addition to the above-mentioned trees. Harris (Entom. Corresp.,
1869, p. 320) gives notes on different stages of this species. Kaltenbach (Pflanzen-
feinde, 1872, pp. 89, 218, and 552) adds Acer, Rosa, and Populusas food-plants. Lintner
(Entom. Contrib., No. 3, 1874, p. 165), in a note on Hugonia magnaria gives Syringa
vulgaris as fgod-plant. Packard (Mon. Geom. Moths, 1876, p. 530) quotes descriptions
of larva and pupa by Goodell and by Scudder; the former entomologist gives Casta-
nea vesca, and the latter Betula lenta as food-plant. Roiiast (Annales Soc. Linn. de
Lyon, ann., 1882, [1883], vol. xxix, p. 340) adds Quercus robur to the food-plants.
Packard (Bull. No. 7, U. S. Entom. Comm., 1881, p. 92) repeats Goodell’s description
of the larva and pupa, adds one of the moth, and further remarks that Scudder’s
description ‘‘is so different from Mr. Goodell’s that I fear it refers to a different in-
sect.” This is not, however, the case, but the larva is very variable in coloration.
Worthington (Can. Entom., January, 1876, vol. x, p. 16) writes: ‘‘This larva evi-
dently changes its color somewhat with different food, as these [larve] closely
resemble the bark of this tree [maple].” The general coloration may vary to match
that of the bark of the tree on which the larva feed, but the head, which is the part
of the larva that varies most, is slate gray, green, or dull red,in specimens taken
346 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
from maple. These larve, having molted at least four (probably five) times, pupate ~
from the latter part of July to the end of September; the pupal state lasts from
eighteen to twenty days, the imagos flying from the middle of September until the
last of October in New England. The larve are not rare upon Betula alba and B.
lutea.
6. THE SILVER SPOTTED HEPIALUS.
Hepialus argenteomaculatus Harris.
Mr. S. Lowell Elliott has made the interesting discovery that this
fine insect during its larval state probably bores into the trunks of the
chestnut, as he took the chrysalis from a chestnut stump, in June, on
Long Island.
We have in the United States twenty-five described species of Hepi-
alus, some of which are undoubtedly synonyms, as pointed out to us by
Mr. Henry Edwards. But of the larval habits of these, say twenty
species, nothing is known. In Kurope the Hepialus hamali bores in the
roots of the hop vine. Judging by the frequency with which our Hepi-
alus mustelinus occurs as a moth resting on the trunk and branches of
the spruce, growing amid ferns, I am inclined to think that we may
possibly find the larva boring in the roots of ferns growing in spruce
woods.
So far as I have been able to ascertain the larvee of the European
species of Hepialus feed on the roots of herbaceous plants; thus, ac-
cording to Stainton, the larva of Hepialus hectus “feeds on the leaves
of the dandelion;” that of H. lupulinus “on the roots of herbaceous
plants;” that of H. humuli is found ‘at the roots of hop, burdock, net-
tle, etc.;” H.velleda feeds on the roots of the common fern (Pteris
aquilina), while the larva of H. sylvinus is unknown.
Harris states that the empty pupa skins of this or of an allied species
are sometimes found on our sea-beaches.
Fic. 130. Hepialus argenteomaculatus. — Marx del.
Moth.—The body is light brown; the fore-wings are of a very pale ashen brown
color, variegated with darker clouds and oblique wavy bands, and are ornamented
with two silvery white spots near the base, at the inner angles of the discoidal cells ;
INSECTS INJURING CHESTNUT LEAVES. 347
the anterior spot being round and the posterior and larger one triangular, The hind
wings are light ashen brown at base, passing into dusky ocher-yellow. The large
specimen is a female, and was taken by Professor Agassiz on the northern shore of
Lake Superior. The body is of a dusky ocher-yellow color, tinged on the sides and
on the legs with red. The fore-wings are light rosy buff, with brownish ocher clouds
and bands, two silvery spots near the base and a whitish dot near the tip. The hind
wings above and all the wings beneath, are of a deep ocher-yellow color tinged with
red. (Harris.)
7. Tetracis crocallata Guenée.
This moth has been raised from a caterpillar found feeding on the
chestnut by Mr. L. W. Goodell, at Amherst, Mass. It became a pupa
July 15, within leaves drawn together with a few threads. (Canadian
Entomologist, xi, 193, 1879.)
Larva.—Mature larva, one specimen. Head brown, much narrower than the body;
two large dark brown spots in front. Body stout and very slightly attenuated ante-
Triorly, the first and second rings much narrower than the rest and retractile into the
third. About a dozen minute black tubercles on each ring. Reddish brown covered
with numerous wavy hair lines; paler beneath with a large dirty brown patch in-
closing two light brown spots on the sixth and seventh rings. Length when at rest,
23mm; when crawling, 28™™.
Pupa.—Length 17™™; ashen gray, tinged with reddish and speckled with brown ;
a brown dorsal stripe, obsolete on the abdominal segments. Thorax paler with a
small dorsal brown spot. Head brown, with a vertical red streak. Abdomen dark
brown beneath speckled with reddish, the anal segments with a transverse dark
brown dash above. Wings pearly ash with a submarginal row of seven brown spots.
Caudal spine round, with two long hooked forks; four slender bristles at the base,
two above and two beneath, very much hooked at the tips. (Goodell.)
Moth.—In this species the male antenne are simple, and the wings slightly bent on
the outer margin. It may be readily recognized by its uniformly bright ocher-yellow
body and wings. A broad oblique coffee-brown band on the fore-wings, extending
from just beyond the middle of the outer edge to the apex; discal dot not large, but
distinct on each wing. On the hind wings, a single straight line, not reaching the
costa; sometimes this line is wanting. Expanse of wings 1.75 inches.
8. Endropia obtusaria Guén.
The caterpillar of this fine moth was found June 10 at Providence,
and June 19 spun a loose, slight, thin cocoon in a partially rolled-up
leaf, transforming June 20 to a pupa. The moth was observed after it
had emerged, but flew away, though not till after I had assured myself
that it was most probably if not certainly ZH. obtusaria of the chocolate
variety. Abbot’s larva of H. obtusaria lived on the touch-me-not
(Impatiens noli-me-tangere).
Larva.—Head small, flattened, much narrower than the body ; squarish, the sides
being parallel. Dark slate brown, clypeus and adjoining region pale ash, forming a
light triangular spot on the front of the head. Body increasing in width from the
eighth abdominal segment to the head ; mwarbied with dark livid slate-colored, wavy,
broken, fine close-set lines. Supra-anal plate large, triangular; surface somewhat
rough ; four piliferous tubercles on the hinder edge or apex, and two behind the mid-
dle. A row of four to five small dark tubercles on the three thoracic segments, and
four dorsal tubercles on each abdominal segment, those near the hinder edge of the
first and fifth abdominal segment larger than the others, and connected by a ridge
348 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
which is interrupted in the middle of the body. Anal legs large and broad, with
unusually large supra-anal piliferous tubercles. All the legs concolorous with the
body; a flesh-colored patch beneath on the first abdominal segment. Length, 42™™,
Imago.—Quite uniformly chocolate brown or coffee-with-milk color. It is of the
same size, and very nearly allied to E. serrataria, but is never so yellow, and the
wings are less serrate. Certain females are uniformly pale ash-brown, others are
yellowish-brown. Usually, however, in both sexes the wings are broadly margined
with brown, with two or three black apical spots, and the discal dots are large and
distinct. Expanse of wings, 1.60 to 1.80 inches.
9. Limacodes viridus Reakirt.
10. Limacodes sp.
This larva was observed at Providence September 18.
Larva.—Body broadly oval, the edge with a broad, thin margin, from which arises.
a raised central broad ridge, the surface of which is hollow, with the sides forming
the ridges. The entire body is irregularly and coarsely wrinkled, with coarse granu-
lations. The body is pale green, touched with yellow along the two dorsal ridges
and along the edge. Along the middle of the back is a row of ten or eleven round
yellow spots centered with a dark dot. A row of similar but larger, more diffuse,
yellow dark-centered spots between the dorsal ridge and the edge of the body.
Head, as usual, retracted within the prothoracic segment; three pairs of thoracie,.
but no abdominal feet. Length, 8.5™™; breadth, 5™™,
11. Notodonta? sp.
This species, while occurring on the chestnut at Providence; in Maine,,
where this tree does not grow, lives at the expense of the oak.
Larva.—Head very large, very much wider than the body; broad and somewhat:
flat in front, swollen on the vertex; pale green; on the side is a bright, brick-red
line edged on each side with straw yellow, which connects with a lateral line which
incloses most of the spiracles and ends on the side of the supra-anal plate. A red-
dish line above, in the middle of the supra-anal plate. Body yellowish green; a
double whitish-yellow dorsal line, and below on each side two narrow broken sub-
dorsal yellowish lines. The body gradually tapers to the hind legs, which are no
longer and not quite so thick as the other abdominal legs. All the legs, including
the thoracic, pale green. Length, 22™™,
12. Geometrid larva.
This measuring worm occurred on the chestnut at Providence, June
10.
Larva.—Body slender, head large, swollen, a little wider than the body, and dull
reddish amber or pale brick-red. Segments somewhat wrinkled, with four fine dorsal
tubercles. Very dark slate color, with paler subdorsal lines. Supra-anal plates pale
flesh color; anal legs broad, dark on the front edge, pale flesh behind, with large par
anal tubercles. Dark beneath. Length, 10™™.
13. Geometrid larva.
This larva appears to feed indifferently on the hornbeam (Ostrya)
or chestnut in the vicinity of Providence, where it occurs as early as
June 10.
ats
INSECTS INJURING CHESTNUT LEAVES, 349
Larva.—Body very thick, of the same diameter throughout. Head somewhat
notched, not so wide as the body, pearl colored, spotted with dark irregular oblong-
oval spots. Body striped with livid and bright flesh-colored bands, edged with
black. Supra-anal plate large, triangular, with four black tubercles; legs rather
large and broad. Across the prothoracic segment is a row of from four to six black
piliferous shining black tubercles, with long, large, black hairs, and on each of the
two succeeding segments is a row of ten such tubercles. On each abdominal seg-
ment are two rows of such tubercles, those of the hinder row the largest, and four of
them arranged dorsally in a trapezoid. On each side of each segment is a clear car-
neous patch, bearing four black piliferous tubercles. Length, 36 to 38™™.
14, Tortrix ? sp.
This leaf roller was beaten from the chestnut at Providence, and on
September 18 spun a slight cocoon in a web.
Larva.—Body light chestnut-brown. Head broad, marked with black dots; no
thoracic shield. The body tapers a little from the thoracic segments to the tail. On
each side of the back is a distinct black dorsal stripe. On the side above and be-
low the spiracles is a faint very narrow dark line. The segments much wrinkled ;
a large median wrinkle divides the dorsal part of the segment into two areas, on each
of which is a small black tubercle, giving rise to a brown hair. Length, 20™™.
15. Bucculatrix trifasciella Clem.
The cocoonet of this species was found on the leaf of a chestnut tree
early in July. The cocoon is elongated, ribbed externally, and dark
gray. The imago appeared in the latter part of July. (Clemens.)
Moth.—Fore-wings ocherous, with three silvery equidistant costal streaks, the
first near the base, the last at the beginning of the apical cilia, with the spaces be-
tween them somewhat darker than the general hue. On the middle of the dorsal
margin is a spot of blackish brown, with a patch of dispersed scales of the same hue
exterior to it, limited externally by a silvery dorsal streak. At the extreme tip is a
small blackish-brown spot, with an intercilial line of the same hue exterior to it.
Cilia ocherous. Hind wings fuscous, cilia the same. Antenne fuscous. Head
ocherous; eye-caps somewhat silvery white. (Clemens.)
16. Nepticula latifasciella Clemens.
Moth.—Face pale rusty-yellowish; vertex dark brown; palpi and basal joint of
antenne (eye-cap), thorax, a broad fascia about the middle of the fore-wings, and
the cilia silvery white, tinged with pale yellowish (except the cilia). The tuft is
rather small; the antenn@ are pale, grayish fuscous, tinged with silvery; the fascia
is very hard, nearly straight on its anterior and convex on its posterior margin; the
costal cilia are fuscous; upper surface of abdomen fuscous, lower pale grayish fus-
cous, and the legs darker fuscous. Alar expansion, 2 lines.
As will be evident on comparison of this description with that of NV.
nigriserticella Chamb. in Cin. Quar. Jour. Sci., ii, 118, there are many
points of close resemblance between them, although they are very dis-
tinct species. It was taken resting on the trunks of chestnut trees
(Castanea americana), the leaves of which were full of empty Nepticula
mines about the middle of August. Kentucky. (Chambers, Bull.
U.S. Geol. Surv., iv, i, p. 106.)
350 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
17. Lithocolletis castanewella Chambers.
Fig. 131 represents three blotch mines on the upper side of a chest-
nut leaf, which commonly occurs at Providence, which we suppose to
be the work of this Tineid.
18. THE CHESTNUT TREE-HOPPER.
Smilia castanee Fitch.
Order HEMIPTERA ; family MEMBRACID#.
Puncturing the leaves and extracting their juices in July, a triangular tree-hopper, ~
shaped much like a beechnut, ofa blackish color, tinged with green more or less when
alive, its head and the anterior edges of its thorax and all beneath bright yellow, its
fore-wings clear and glassy, with a blackish spot on their tips and another on the base,
which is often prolonged along the middle of the wing and united with the hind spot.
Length of male, 0.25; female, 0.30 inch. (Fitch.)
19. THE UNADORNED TREE-HOPPER.
Smilia inornata Say.
A tree-hopper of the same size and shape as the preceding, but of a light green color
fading to light yellow, with a slender black line along the upper edge of its back, and
a very slight duskiness on the tips of its glassy wings. Common on chestnuts and
oaks from July to the last of September. (Fitch.)
206. THE CHESTNUT GAY-LOUSE.
Callipterus castanee Fitch.
Order HEMIPTERA; family APHIDIDA.
On the under sides of the leaves, puncturing them and sucking their juices in August
and September, a small sulphur-yellow plant-louse, with black shanks and feet, its
antenne also black except at their bases and as long as the body, its wings pellucid,
their first and second oblique veins and the tip of the rib-vein edged with coal-black,
and its thighs straw yellow. Length, 0.09; expanse of wings, 0.15 inch. (Fitch.)
21. THE CHESTNUT PHYLLOXERA,.
Phylloxera castanew (Haldeman),
in August and September, on both sides of the leaves, puncturing them and extract-
ing their juices and causing them to curl, a very small louse-like fly of a brightsulphur-
yellow color, with a black thorax, breast and eyes, its feet and antennz tinged with
blackish and its wings translucent. The wingless individuals associated with it are
entirely yellow, with red eyes. (Haldeman. )
AFFECTING THE FRUIT.
22. THE CHESTNUT WEEVIL.
Balaninus caryatrypes (Boheman).
Eating large cavities in the meat of the chestnut, a soft, white, footless grub, attain-
ing its full size when chestnuts are ripe, and remaining in the nuts through the winter ;
transforming into a weevil with an exceedingly long and slender beak.
The chestnut is often infested by a large white maggot (Fig. 132, larva
of Balaninus and chestnut infested), with a yellowish head, which
attains its full size at the time the nuts drop. It is found in nuts sent
to market, and it is probable that while some of the maggots gnaw their
CHESTNUT LEAF-MINERS. ; 351.
Fic.. 131—Blotch mines of Lithocolletis castanecella. Bridgham, del:.
352 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
way out, and enter the ground in the autumn to transform, others delay
until the spring. The worm devours nearly a third or one-half of the
interior of the nut, part of the cavity being tilled with the castings of
7
Fic. 132.—Chestnut Maggot. a, a second, better drawn, view ; >, head.—From Packard.
the worm. As the grub is white it is liable to be overlooked and
eaten with the chestnut; it makes its exit through a round hole in the
shell.
The larva is about a third of an inch long, cylindrical, and of nearly
the same thickness from the head to the tail. It is completely footless,
as are nearly all nut-inhabiting larve. It is very difficult to rear this
insect, as I have found after successive trials, and I am indebted to
Mr. G. Mooney, of Providence, R. I., for a fresh male and female
beetle reared by him from chestnuts collected in Providence. On send-
ing one of the specimens to Dr. G. H. Horn, he kindly identified it as
Balaninus caryatripes.
To those who raise chestnuts or gather them for the market, the rav-
ages of this grub are of nosmall importance. The following letter will
give the reader an idea of the interest attached to this subject.
MooRESTOWN, N. J., October 26, 1882.
I would be very much obliged to you if you will give. me some information con-
cerning the insect that destroys the fruit of the chestnut tree; its name, so that I
can find it in the ‘‘Guide to the Study of Insects,” etc., which I have in vain tried
to do; and how to destroy it. My Spanish chestnuts areruined byit. Not one-third
are sound. Notwithstanding the crop last year was a total failure—no fruit at all—
this autumn an unprecedented amount of the worms infest a good crop of the fruit.
Where the beetle last year deposited its eggs to raise such a crop for this year is beyond
my comprehension.
Respectfully, etc.,
S. C. THORNTON.
Dr. Le Conte, in his work on “The Rhynchophora of America,”
remarks that the beak of these weevils “attains in length and attenua-
tion the greatest development; in the male it is rarely shorter than the
body; in the female it is frequently twice the length, and is used to
make the perforation into which the egg is subsequently introduced.
The great thickness of the husks of the {fruits (chestnuts, walnuts,
hickory nuts, ete.) depredated on by these insects necessitates a very
long perforating instrument to reach the kernel, upon which the larva
feeds.”
CHESTNUT CATERPILLARS. eee:
22. THE CHESTNUT CATERPILLAR.
Devouring the inside of chestnuts, the larva of a moth which grows to more than
half an inch in length, and is cylindrical and thick, of a dirty white color, with a
tawny yellow head and sixteen feet. It eats the meat of the nut mostly at its tip
and on its convex side, the cavity which it makes being filled with little brown and
whitish grains; and a small hole is perforated upon one side of the nut at its tip, out
_of which a portion of these grains is protruded. (Fitch).
The following insects also prey upon the chestnut:
LEPIDUPTERA.
23. Janassa lignicolor Walker. Miss Emily L. Morton writes me that
she has found the eggs of this Notodontian on a chestnut leaf, a
group of nine, and that the larva feeds indifferently on oak or
chestnut. See p. 157, and PI. II], fig. 5.
24, Thecla liparops. (Scudder.) .
25. Thecla calanus Hiibn. (Buetenmiiller).
26. Halesidota carye Harr. (Beutenmiiller, Ent. Amer., vi, 16.)
Fic. 133. Probably Halesidota maculata. Emerton del.
27. Halesidota maculata Harris. Probably the species on the chestnut
at Providence.
28. Datana ministra (Drury). (Beutenmiiller, Can. Ent., xx, 17.)
29. Datana contracta Walk. (Beutenmiiller), See p. 151.
30. Kronea minuta Reakirt.
31. Parasa fraterna Grote. Miss Emily L. Morton has bred this Coch-
lidian from the chestnut.
32. Parasa chloris (H. Sch.) See p. 144. On the chestnut (Reakirt).
33. Phobetron pithecium (A. and S.) (Beutenmiiller).
34. Orgyia sp.
30. Telea polyphemus Cramer. Half a dozen larve, of different ages,
occurred on the leaves, Providence, Sept. 18.
36. Pyrophila pyramidoides Grote. (Beutenmiiller).
37. Prionoxystus robinie (Peck). (Beutenwiiller).
38. A Notodontian larva.
39. Anisota stigma (Fabr.) (Beutenmiiller).
40. Anisota senatoria Abbot and Smith. Lives on the chinquapin, ac-
cording to Abbot and Smith.
41. Pysche confederata Grote. (Beutenmiiller.)
42. Apatelaovata Grote. See p. 169. I have found the larva at Provi-
dence.
43. Apatela americana Harris. (Beutenmiiller).
44, Apatela hammamelis Guen. (Beutenmiiller).
5 ENT——23
354 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
45.
46.
47.
48,
49,
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
Apatela americana Harris.
Catocala paleogama Guen. Entire life-history desgribed by G. H.
French in Can. Ent., xx, p. 108.
A Noctuid larva. .
Lugonia subsignaria Hiibner. See Comstock’s Rep. Ag. Dept. for
1880, 271.
Lithocolletis castaneeella Chamb. Larvain a blotch upper-surface
mine in the leaves.
Lithocolletis sp. Imago unknown. Larva in tentiform mine in the
under surface of leaves.
Coleophora sp. Lives in a pistol-shaped black case. Imago un-
known. (Chambers in letter.)
Tischeria castaneceella Chamb. . Larva mines the upper surface of the
leaves.
Nepticula castaneefoliella Chamb. Larva in crooked, linear mines
in the upper surface.
Tortrix sp.
COLEOPTERA.
Anthaxia cyanella Gory. Bred by Mr. Chittenden from chestnut
twigs. Mayllth. A. quercata Fabr. Was also observed on the
leaves of the chestnut and chestnut oak during June and July.
(Ent. Amer., v. 218.)
The following notes have been kindly communicated by Mr. F. L.
Chittenden:
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
66.
Callidium e@reum Newman. Bred from logs on two occasions (in
New York and in New Jersey).
Urographis fasciatus. Beaten from limbs.
Euderces picipes (Fabr.). Bred from twigs.
Leptostylus macula (Say). In all stages, under bark.
Hyperplatys aspersus (Say). Many specimens beaten from a single
tree.
Liopus variegatus Hald. Five or six examples beaten from a dead
branch.
. Eupogonius vestitus Say. Beaten from trees.
. Cryptorhynchus bisignatus Say. Taken on two occasions in many
specimens on logs; probably lives under bark.
. Balaninus rectus Say. Bred from nuts.
HEMIPTERA.
. Corythuca polygrapha Uhler. (Lintner’s Rep., iv. p. 108.)
PLATYPTERA.
The American white ant (Termes frontalis Haldeman) sometimes
mines and wholly consumes the interior of chestnut fence posts
and stakes, while the outer surface remains entire. It also mines
old elms, pines, and other decaying trees as well as the sills of
houses.
CHapTer IV.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE LOCUST TREE.
(Robinia pseudacacia.)
Of insects feeding upon the locust forty-one species are here re-
corded. By far the most pernicious borer in the trunk and the most
deadly enemy of the tree is the locust borer, the first mentioned below.
The twigs are often swollen and disfigured by the locust twig-borer.
We have observed the leaves to be most damaged by the Depressaria
eaterpillar. The other insects mentioned below are more or less pecul-
iar to the tree, and at certain times may be locally destructive.
AFFECTING THE TRUNK.
1. THE LOCUST BORER.
Cyllene robinie (Forster).
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CERAMBYCID.
Boring a hole one-quarter of an inch in diameter under the bark and upwards,
deep into the wood, and ejecting the dust through the orifice in the bark, a longi-
corn larva, which transforms to a pupa in its burrow, and late in summer appears as
a brown beetle, striped and banded with golden yellow, and with a W on its wing-
covers; often abundant on the flowers of the golden rod early in September, when
they lay their eggs in crevices in the bark of the locust.
This is by far the most destructive pest of the locust, one of the
most beautiful and valuable of our shade trees. In New England there
is scarcely a tree which does not show the marks of its attacks, and in
many localities it has practically been exterminated. In the Western
States it is also very destructive; but from observations we made in
Kentucky in 1874 the noble locust trees in that State had grown so lux-
uriously as to apparently escape or overcome the insidious attacks of
this borer. It occurs throughout the United States east of the Plains.
The operations of the grub or larva may be detected by a mass of
sawdust-like castings at the mouth of its gallery.
The beetles are abundant, feeding on the flowers of the golden rod
(Solidago), early in September, when we have taken them in Cambridge,
Mass., and at Providence, R. I. So wide are the deep yellow spots and
355
356 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
bands that the beetle is nearly all of the shade of deep golden yellow
peculiar to the flowers of the golden rod, and thus the insect is an
interesting case of * protective mimicry,” being protected from the
attacks of birds, etc., by their liability to be confounded with the yel-
low heads of the golden rod. :
The best account of these insects has been given, as follows, by
Harris:
In the month of September these beetles gather on the locust trees, where they may
beseen glittering in the sunbeams with their gorgeous livery of black velvet and gold,
coursing up and down the trunks in pursuit of their mates, or to drive away their
rivals, and stopping every now and then to salute those they meet with a rapid bow-
ing of the shoulders, accompanied by a creaking sound, indicative of recognition or
defiance. Having paired, the female, attended by her partner, creeps over the bark,
searching the crevices with her antennz, and dropping therein her snow-white eggs,
in clusters of seven or eight together, and at intervals of five or six minutes, till her
whole stock is safely stored. The eggs are soon hatched, aud the grubs immediately
burrow into the bark, devouring the soft inner sul)stance that suffices for their nourish-
ment till the approach of winter, during which they remain at rest in a torpid state,
In the spring they bore through the sap-wood more or less deeply into the trunk, the
general course of their winding and irregular passages being in an upward direction
from the place of their entrance. Fora time they cast their chips out of their holes
as fast as they are made, but after a while the passage becomes clogged and the bur-
row more or less filled with the coarse aud fibrous fragments of wood, to get rid of
which the grubs are often obliged to open new holes through the bark. The seat of
their operations is known by the oozing of the sap and the dropping of the sawdust
from the holes. The bark around the part attacked begins to swell, and in a few
years the trunk and limbs will become disfigured and weakened by large porous.
tumors, caused by the efforts of the trees to repair the injuries they have suffered.
According to the observations of General H. A. S. Dearborn, who has given an ex-
cellent account of this insect, the grubs attain their full size by the 20th of July,
soon become pupe, and are changed to beetles and leave the trees early in Septem-
ber. Thus the existence of this species is limited to one year.
Dr. Horn, who has observed C. pictus in the hickory, states (Proc. Ent. Soe.
Phil., i, 30) that its excavations are immediately subcortical. ‘‘ Unlike the Clytus
erythrocephalus, which also bores in the hickory, its course is not ina line, but it
bores in every direction, making extensive excavations. Its borings are coarse and
sawdust-like, and are packed with considerable firmness. When about to become
pupa the larva bores for a slight depth into the wood, and for a distance of about 3
inches. The aperture is closed with some very coarse splinter-like borings, and after
having turned its head in the direction of its previous subcortical dwelling, it under-
goes its transformation, and requires about two and sometimes three weeks for
becoming a perfect insect.”
As is well known, Cyllene pictus attacks the walnut and hickory,
and oceasionally the honey locust, but those individuals living in these
trees, unlike the locust brood, evolve the beetle in June, according to
Walsh, who has claimed that the males of the hickory brood differ
from those of the locust brood in having ‘much longer and stouter
legs and much longer and stouter antenne, and in having [their bodies]
tapering behind to a blunt point”; on the other hand the females are
not distinguishable, nor the larve. On this account Mr. Walsh re-
garded the locust and hickory broods as representing two distinct
THE LOCUST TREE BORER. oat
species. He gives, however, some interesting facts in the Practical
Entomologist, vol. i, p. 29, regarding the appearance of this insect in
the Western States, as follows:
The history of this species is very curious, and as it has only recently been eluci-
dated by myself, and some additional details can now be added, may be briefly summed
up as follows: About a hundred years ago this insect was well known to Forster to
inhabit the locust in the State of New York. Twenty years ago, although the best
Illinois botanists agree that the locust grows wild in the southern part of Illinois, it
was still unknown in that State. Shortly afterwards it commenced attacking the
locusts in the neighborhood of Chicago, and thence spread gradually in a south-south-
west and west direction through the State, sweeping the locusts before it wherever
it came. In 1860it had pretty well destroyed all these trees in central Illinois.
Rock Island lies on the Mississippi River 180 miles south of west from Chicago. In
1862 it had reached a point 20 miles east of Rock Island. In 1863 it burst forth sud-
denly in great swarms from all the locusts in Rock Island, and the two following
years about completed their destruction. It has now (1865) crossed the river into
Iowa, and no doubt will continue its travels westward as long as it finds any locust
trees to prey on.*
Lest it should be supposed that, agreeably to the belief of all the older writers, the
species that inhabit the hickory is identical with that which inhabits the locust, it is
proper to add here, that I myself split the hickory insect out of a stick of hickory
wood as much as eight years ago in Rock Island; that abundance of hickory grows
in the woods within half a mile of that city, and yet that our locust trees were never
attacked by borers until 1863, when they were suddenly attacked in the manner men-
tioned above. Professor Sheldon, of Davenport, Iowa, has also repeatedly, for many
years before 1863, split the hickory insect out of hickory wood in Davenport, although,
so far as he is aware, the locusts in Davenport had not been attacked by borers up
to 1863. Now, if the hickory borer is identical with the locust borer, why did it not
attack the locusts in Rock Island and Davenport before 1863 and 1864? And why,
when it did attack them, did it appear suddenly in great swarms ?
The larva is six or seven-tenths of an inch long, somewhat flattened, ieee est
the thoracic segments being considerably broader than the abdominal ones, but at
the same time distinctly flattened above and below. The head when extracted from
the thorax appears almost circular and narrower than the prothorax. The latter is
twice broader than long, rounded anteriorly, flattened above and below, brownish
yellow, covered, especially on the sides and below, with a short golden pubescence.
A deep, longitudinal sinuated furrow is visible on each side, a short transverse fur-
row crosses its posterior end. The upper disk is inclosed between two furrows
beginning at the posterior margin, and not reaching the anterior one; a transverse
furrow, parallel to the posterior margin, separates a narrow fleshy fold. The ante-
rior portion of this upper disk is trregularly punctured and wrinkled, although shin-
ing; in some specimens it has an indistinct, elongated, somewhat oblique brownish
spot on each side, about the middle; the posterior portion of the disk is opaque,
covered with dense longitudinal wrinkles, among which a straight impressed line is
apparent in the middle. The ventral side is irregularly punctured on the sides, and
has a depression in the middle which is less apparent in some specimens.
The other two thoracic as well as the two first abdominal segments have, above
and below, a transverse flattened opaque disk, limited on each side by a furrow, and
*Mr. R. V. Rogers, jr., in the Canadian Heromoleeiwe for August, 1880, p. 151, re-
ports that this beetle was first observed in Montreal in 1855. ‘‘In 1862 it was very
destructive to the locust trees around Toronto; in 1873 Mr. E. B. Reed saw it in
enormous numbers in London, Ontario. Now it seems to be quite at home in all
parts of Ontario.”
358 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
showing some indistinct furrows on its surface; the other abdominal segments have
the usual protuberances, on the dorsal as well as the ventral side, marked with
wrinkles. The last segment isshort and divided in two halves by a transverse fold ;
the latter half has the anal opening at the tip. All these segments are beset with
short golden hairs on the sides. There are no feet, asin the Lamii. (Osten Sacken.)
The pupa has numerous pointed granulations on the prothorax; similar granula-
tions ending in sharp points are placed in a row on the dorsal segments of the abdo-
men, near the posterior margin; the same segments have, more anteriorly, a few
similar sharp, horny projections. On the penultimate segments these projections
are larger and recurved anteriorly at the tip; there are six in a row near the poste-
rior margin, and two others more anteriorly. The last segment has four similar pro-
jections in arow. (Osten Sacken.)
The beetle.—Body velvet-black, and ornamented with transverse yellow bands, of
which there are three on the head, four on the thorax, and six on the wing-covers,
the tips of which are also edged with yellow. The first and second bands on each
wing cover are nearly straight; the third band forms a V or, united with the
opposite one, a W; the fourth is also angled, and rung upwards on the inner mar-
gin of the wing-cover towards the scutel; the fifth is broken or interrupted by a
longitudinal elevated line; and the sixth is arched, and consists of three little spots.
The antenne are dark brown, and the legs are rust-red. These insects vary from
six-tenths to three-fourths of an inch in length. (Harris.)
Dr. Horn has defined the characters by which this species may be
separated from C. pictus as follows:
If we examine the ender side of the two species, noting the form of the prosternal
process, it will be observed that this in robiniew is nearly square, so that the front
cox are moderately widely separated. The second joint of the hind tarsi is densely
pubescent over its entire surface. The male antennx are rarely longer than three-
fourths the length of the body, and but little if any stouter than those of the female.
Generally the W-band nearly always joins the transverse band at the suture.
C. pictus, however, has a narrow prosternum, nearly twice as long as wide. The
male antenn are much stouter and at least a fourth longer than the body. The W-
band rarely joins the transverse band. On the hind tarsi the second joint is nearly
glabrous along its middle.
‘he two species differ also in habitat and time of appearance, pictus living in the
hickory and appearing in early spring, while robinie bores the locust and appears in
the autumn. (Can. Ent., xiv, p. 240.)
Remedies.—An excellent way to save a valuable shade tree from the
attacks of this borer is to thoroughly soap the trunk late in August, so
as to prevent the beetle from laying its eggs early in September. All
insects breathe through little holes (eighteen or twenty in all, nine or
ten on each side); now, if a film of soap or grease or oil of any kind
closes the openings of these breathing pores, the air can not enter the
respiratory tubes which ramify throughout the interior of the body and
the insect dies by asphyxiation—i. e.,drowns. Harris states that white-
washing and covering the trunks of the trees with grafting composition
may prevent the female from depositing her eggs upon isolated trees.
Also, young trees might be headed down to the ground, so as to destroy
the grubs boring in them, and also to promote a more vigorous growth.
An excellent preventive remedy is to coliect these beetles early in Sep-
tember when engaged in eating the pollen of the golden rod; children
could perform this labor.
THE LOCUST TWIG BORER. 359
2. THE LOCUST-TWIG BORER. |
Ecdytolopha insiticiana Zell.
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family TORTRICIDE.
Boring in the twigs of locust, sometimes causing a thickened growth of the stem
for the distance of from 1 to 3 inches, a pale whitish larva with brownish head,
which cuts its way out when full grown, descending to the ground and transforming
into a yellowish-brown pupa in curled leaves upon the surface, and finally emerging
a dark-brown moth with dirty pinkish-white on the outer portion of the fore-wings.
We have observed this larva at work at Brunswick, Me., August 20
to 22, the galls being numerous, but copy Professor Comstock’s account
of the insect, premising that the swelling or galls we observed are about
20™™ long and 7 to 8™™ thick. They are quite sticky on the surtace,
with a hole at the lower end for the exit of the castings. It is interest-
ing to observe how the body of a boring Tortricid is modified to adapt
itself to a lignivorous existence. This is seen in the development of
rugose semi-chitinous or fleshy patches on the exposed dorsal area of
the segments. Professor Comstock’s account is as follows:
During the latter part of September the terminal shoots and twigs of several
varieties of locust (Robinia pseudacacia vars. crispa, tortuosa, and inermis) growing on
the department grounds were observed to have an abnormal thickened growth from
1 to 3 inches in length, and enlarging the stem at this place to nearly twice the
normal size, the enlargement being quite uneven and irregular. An examination of
some of these diseased stems disclosed the fact that a lepidopterous larva was boring
along the central part of the stem and feeding upon the tissues. This larva when
full grown is about half an inch in length, of a yellowish color, somewhat darker on
the dorsal line. Head dark brown; thoracic plate light honey yellow. On the Ist
of October these larve left the stem through holes which they had cut out to the
surface, and descended to the ground, where they transformed to pup among the
dry and curled leaves which had fallen, and in which they spun thin but tough
silkencocoons. Sometimes they crawled between a fallen leaf and the ground, when
the cocoon adhered to the leaf on one side and was thickly covered with grains of
sand on the other.
The first meth emerged October 17, and others from the 20th to the 27th. An
examination of a large number of shoots proves that this insect deserts its burrow
to transform on the ground.
Some of the shoots were badly infested; ten places where larve were at work
were counted in one of them, and the whitish excrements hung in clusters from the
holes, which were almost always between two of the thorns, where the egg had
probably been deposited. These shoots, however, were not enlarged.
This species was described under the above name by Prof. P. C. Zeller, of Stettin,
Germany, from specimens received of Mr. Burgess, who took them in Massachusetts
in June and July. Professor Fernald informs us that he has received them from Mr.
Morrison taken in Colorado.
Remedies.—The only remedies we can suggest are to cut off the
infected twigs before the escape of the larve and burn them. If for
any reason this has not been done, it would be well to collect carefully
all the leaves beneath the infested trees and burn them to destroy the
insects while in the pupal state. This should be done, however, after
360 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
the escape of the larve from the trees and before the moths emerge, or
not far from the 8th of October at this place (Washington, D. C.).
Larva.—Length, 13"™, General color, reddish straw yellow. Head, light-brown-
ish; tips of mandibles and a small spot about the eyes, blackish ; thoracic and anal
plates, light honey yellow. The piliferous tubercles on the dorsum are greatly
expanded laterally, so as to give them an elliptical form; the anterior pair on both
the third and fourth segments are so expanded that the distance between them is
only equal to their length, the posterior pair on these segments nearly or quite oblit-
erated. Anterior warts of the fifth to the eleventh, inclusive, more rounded and
brought close together at the dorsal line; those of the posterior side of these seg-
ments fusiform, the length quite equal to four times the thickness, and separated
from each other by a small space on the first of these segments, but approaching more
and more, they touch each other on the dorsum of the more posterior ones. The dorsal
tubercles of the tweifth segment are so fused together as to appear like two transverse
elevated bars. The remaining warts of the body are as usual, but considerably
enlarged, and each surmounted by a fine yellowish bristle.
Pupa.—Length, 10™™, Color, yellowish-brown. Abdominal segments on the dorsal
side armed on each edge with the usual row of spines. Anterior end rounded and
smooth, posterior end bluntly rounded, with a row of spines like the larger ones on
the segments before, extending two-thirds the way around.
Moth.—Of a dark ashy brown color on the fore-wings, with a large patch of a dull
pinkish-white color on the outer part, with several small black spots near the middle
of this patch. Hind wings a little lighter than the basal portion of the fore- wings.
Expanse, 18 to 20™™ (about .75 inch). (Comstock. )
3. Sciapteron robinie Hy. Edwards.
This Agerian is extremely destructive in California and Nevada to
the white poplar (Populus alba) and to the downy poplar (Populus can-
escens), both of these species having been introduced into the Pacific
States as ornamental trees. A small avenue of the latter at San Lean-
dro, near San Francisco, was utterly destroyed by the Sciapteron, the
pupa cases being found sticking out of the holes by hundreds. The
perfect insect was rather scarce, as it emerges very early in the morn-
ing, and takes flight with the first gleam of sunshine. Sciap. robinie
also destroys the locust trees (Robinia pseudacacia), a grove of this
species in Napa County being observed by me in a state bordering
upon destruction from the attacks of this insect. (H. Edwards.)
Moth.—Upper side: Fore-wings opaque as in all of the genus, rich golden brown.
They are slightly darker along the costa, and have a faint purple reflection toward
the apex. Hind wings diaphanous, brightly opalescent, with a faint golden brown
longitudinal streak at posterior extremity of the cell. Costal edge pale yellow.
Fringe golden brown, pale yellow at the base. Head golden yellow, as are the palpi
except at the base, where they are brownish. Thorax brown on the disk, golden
yellow in front and behind. Abdomen next the three basal segments blackish
brown, the second and third edged with yellow. The posterior segments are all
bright golden yellow, with the anal tuft a little darker. Under side: Fore-wings
golden orange, with a faint lemon yellow discal spot. Hind wings same as the upper.
Tarsi and tibize golden yellow, blackish at their base. Antenne red brown above,
golden yellow beneath. Expanse of wings 1.35 inches, (Edwards.)
4 per.
Sam Ps Se
INSECTS INJURING LOCUST LEAVES. 361
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
4. THE LOCUST LEAF-ROLLER.
Pempelia (Salebria) contatella Grote.
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family PYRALID&.
We have observed these worms in Maine at work on the locust during
the middle and last of August. They began to pupate August 28, and
the moths appeared June 1 of the following year. They generally draw
two leaves together, and in this way their presence is indicated.
On the 29th of August Prof. Comstock found them on the locust
(Robinia pseudacacia), in the department grounds. drawing the leaves
together, the side of one to that of another.
The smallest larve observed by Comstock, August 28, at Washington,
at this time, were about one-eighth of an inch long, yellowish-green,
with jet-black head and thoracic plate. The larve transformed to pup
between the 5th and 8th of September and emerged in the following May.
As none of the pup of this insect could be found among the leaves
on the tree a careful search was made on the ground beneath, where a
pupa was found spun up in a tough silken cocoon to which earth, frag-
ments of leaves, and dry grass were adhering in such a manner as to
completely conceal it.
Mr. A. R. Grote, who originally described this species, also described
a variety of it under the name of quinquepunctella, and stated that it
might be adistinct species from contatella. Most of the examples men-
tioned above agree with the typical contatella, while one of them is
undoubtedly the var. quinquepunctella.
This species has also been reported from New England, New York,
_and London, Ontario.
Remedy.—Gather all the leaves beneath the trees after September
and burn them.
Larva.—Body large, broad, gradually tapering towards the end of the body.
Head black, smooth, not so wide as the prothoracic shield, which is large and jet
black. (Inthe young the head and shield are reddish black.) Body pale pea-green ;
sutures yellowish. Body obscurely mottled with yellowish green. The piliferous
warts are minute and obscure, the four dorsal ones arranged in a square. Body
obscurely lineated with yellowish-green lines, of which there are about five on each
side of the dark-green median line. The hairs reddish or horn-colored. Length,
20mm,
Pupa.—Length, 10™™, rather stout. Color, chestnut brown. Anteriorend rounded ;
posterior with a minute beak, curving downward slightly, and armed at the end on
each side with a sharp, stout spine extending obliquely out and downwards. In a
row between these, at equal distances, are four slim filaments much longer than the
spines and hooked at the end. The abdominal segments are covered above and below
with coarse punctures, except on the posterior edge, while the wing-covers, head,
and thorax above are impressed with irregular striw. (Comstock, 1880.)
The moth.—The fore wings expand 20™™ to 26™™ (nearly 1 inch), and are blackish
and gray, with a shading of red at the base and near the middle of the wing below
the fold. These reddish shades are sometimes wanting. Base of the wing usually
whitish gray.
362 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
5. THE SULPHUR-LEAF ROLLER-MOTH.
Tortrix sulfureana Clem.*
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family TORTRICIDA.
Drawing together the leaflets of red and white clover and feeding on the tissues, a
small yellowish-green larva, which transforms into a brownish colored pupa, from
which emerges a small sulphur yellow moth with purplish red markings.
We copy verbatim Prof. Comstock’s account of this insect, which he
reports as feeding on the locust. (See Ag. Rep. for 1880.)
During the summer of 1879 small yellowish green larve were found in considerable
numbers in the District of Columbia, feeding on red clover (Trifolium pratense), and
also on white clover (Trifolium repens), The larve were first found May 13, folding
the leaflets of red clover into a kind of tube by drawing the edges together with
silken threads, which was spun for this purpose. Sometimes they spin two leaflets
loosely together, or to the flower head when they are nearly full grown. They issue
from either end of this tube, and feed upon the surrounding foliage, of which, when
the larve are young, they eat only the under surface, leaving the veins and the
epidermis of the upper side intact, but when nearly full grown they eat irregular
holes through the surrounding leaflets and flower heads.
These larve are very active when disturbed, and wriggle from their tubes, sus-
pending themselves by a silken thread, by which they can let themselves down to
the ground, and if further disturbed, they wriggle about with great energy.
Some of the larve changed to pup on the 19th of May in folded leaves, which
they lined closely with silk. The perfect insects began to emerge on the 19th, and
continued until June 3, when the last of this lot came out. On the 20th of June
several larvee were found feeding in a similar manner to the above on the leaves of
white clover on the department grounds. At this time they were less than half
grown, but transformed to pup by the first of July, the perfect insects emerging
from July 5 to 14. About the middle of August more of these larve were found on
red clover, some nearly grown, others quite small. These became full-grown in a
short time, passed their transformation, and emerged as perfect insects from Septem-
ber 1 to 16. Those which changed to pupw September 1 emerged on the 10th.
From the data now before us it is more than probable that there are three genera-
tions in a year in the latitude of the District of Columbia, the first appearing in the
perfect state about the last of May, the second in the early part of July, and the
third in the early part of September. One full-grown larva was found on clover
October 21, and it may be that this species hibernates in the larva state, the same
as the codling moth. Professor Fernald informs us that he does not think there is
more than one generation in Middle and Northern Maine.
Distribution.—These insects are very widely distributed through the United States,
having been reported from Maine to Florida, and as far west as Texas and Missouri.
Food-plants.—Besides the plants mentioned above—red and white clover—the larve
of this species were found and fed on locust, strawberry, and grape. Some of the
larve were also fed upon the cotton plant by way of experiment. Specimens were
received from Dr. R. 8. Turner, Fort George, Fla., which fed on orange. Mr. B. D.
Walsh bred this species from the willow gall Salicis-brassicoides, in Illinois.
Natural enemies.—One of the larve on clover was found to be infested with a
Hymenopterous parasite, which, however, failed to emerge.
* SYNONYMS.—Croesia ? sulfureana Clem.; Conchylis gratana Walk. ; Croesia? fulvo-
roseana Clem.; Croesia? virginiana Clem.; Croesia? gallivorana Clem.; Tortrix sul-
fureana Robs.; Tortrix (Dichelia) sulfureana Zell. and variety belfrageana Zell.;
Cenopis gracilana W1sm.
LOCUST LEAF-MINERS. 363
Larva.—Length when full grown, 14™, cylindrical, slightly fusiform. Head and
thoracic plate very pale honey yellow, the rest of the body yellowish green with the
alimentary canal showing dark green through the dorsum. Eyes, third joint. of
antenne, and tarsi, blackish. Piliferous tubercles slightly paler than the rest of the
body, each one being surmounted by a brownish hair. Spiracles green with a brown
ring.
Pupa.—Length, 8™™. Color, dark shining brown, lighter at the end of the wing-
covers and the parts covering the palpi and base of the antenne. Front rounded
and smooth. Abdominal segments on the dorsal side armed with two transverse:
rows of small spines inclined backward, those on the posterior edge of each segment.
finer and closer than those of the other row. Abdomen terminated by a protuber-
ance, flattened above, rounded at the end, hollowed out underneath near the base,
and armed with two fine hooks on each side, and four from the end. (Comstock.)
Moth.—Of a bright sulphur or golden yellow color, with a Y-shaped purplish red
mark across each fore-wing, and more or less of the same color'along the front or cos-
tal and outer border. Hind wings varying from light yellowish to brown. Expanse
of fore-wings, half an inch or a little more.
6. THE GREATER LOCUST-LEAF GELECHIA.
Gelechia pseudacaciella Chambers.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family TINEFID®.
From eggs laid on the under surface of the leaf hatches a green larva with a reddish
head and thoracic plate, and six longitudinal dusky stripes; spinning a slight web
between two leaves; changing to a moth in late spring, whose wings expand 0.63
inch. It is somber in color, the fore-wings dark slate, flecked with brown and white;
the hind wings pale slate, whitish towards the base.
7. THE LESSER LOCUST-LEAF GELECHIA.
Gelechia robiniefoliella Chambers.
Spinning two locust leaves together and feeding between them, leaving the outer
surface and the larger ribs untouched, a minute, greenish white slender larva, which
transforms to a chrysalis in the same situation, the moth differing from its closely
allied species in the palpi being slender and rather long, while the hind wings are
emarginate beneath the apex. (Comstock and Chambers. )
8. THE AUTUMNAL LOCUST LEAF-MINER.
Ttthocolletis robiniella Clemens.
Mining the under side of the locust leaf late in September and early in October (in
the Middle States) a cylindrical larva, with a pale brown head and the body greenish
white, sometimes spotted with yellow; the chrysalis contained in a white silken
cocoon within the mine, and transforming late in October and early in November
into a minute moth with narrow pointed fore-wings, which are golden yellow along
the costal edge and with a spot at the tip.
The species of Lithocolletis are known by their small size, the nar-
row, pointed fore-wings, the tuft on the top of the head, and the simple,
not ciliated, antennz. The larve mine the upper and under side of
leaves and usually transform within a silken cocoon in their burrows.
The present species is oue of the best known of the genus.
364 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Larva.—Body cylindrical, the head pale brown; the body pale greenish white,
with a red median dorsal line from the fifth to the ninth segment; on the ninth seg-
ment are two irregular chrome-yellow patches, which are sometimes wanting.
(Clemens. )
Moth.—Antennex dark brown; front of head silvery white, the tuft dark brown
mixed with grayish; thorax dark brown; fore-wings golden yellow above the fold,
and dark cinereous, somewhat dusted with blackish beneath it. About the middle
of the wing is an oblique silvery costal streak, black-margined on both sides, extend-
ing to the fold; another beyond the middle, meeting nearly in the center of the wing
at an angle, a dorsal streak from the inner margin, the former black-margined on
both sides, the latter internally; another costal streak near the tip, with an in-
ternal circular black margin opposite to a dorsal streak of the same hue, and joined
or nearly joined to it. Just behind the apical spot is a straight silvery streak, black-
margined internally. A black round spot at the tip of the fore-wings. Hind wings
shining dark gray. (Clemens. )
9. THE LOCUST DEPRESSARIA.
Depressaria robiniella Packard.
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family TINFID&.
Occasionally late in June defoliating the branches, a small green larva with a thick
body, black head, and transforming late in July to a light brick-red moth, spotted
irregularly with yellow. z
The following account of this destructive moth is taken from our
‘Guide to the Study of Insects.’ The moths of the Tineid genus De-
pressaria comprise rather large species, in which the fore wings are
unusually broad and oblong. The abdomen is flattened above, with pro-
Jecting scales at the sides. The larve are extremely active and feed on
a variety of substances; some in rolled-up leaves of composite plants,
some in the leaves and others in the umbels of the umbelliferous plants.
Many of the worms descend from the plant on the slightest agitation,
so that considerable caution is necessary in attempts to collect them.
The full-fed larve descend to the ground and change to pupxe among
the fallen leaves. The perfect insects have the peculiarity of sliding
about when laid on their backs.
During the summer of 1868 a large locust tree overhanging our gar-
den in Salem, Mass., was attacked by the present species to such an
extent that some of the branches were nearly stripped of their leaves.
This moth we described under the name of Depressaria robiniella (Guide
to Study of Insects, Pl. 8, fig. 14). The larva is thick-bodied, with a
black head, and is green, the cervical shield being green. It devours
the leaves, drawing them together by threads, and it also eats the
flower buds. It was most abundant in the last week of June. It turned
to a chrysalis July 8, and in about two weeks the moth appeared.
The moth.—The head, palpi, and fore-wings are light brick-red, spotted irregularly
with yellow, and the antennx are slate-brown. The fore-wings are a little darker
in the middle, especially towards the inner edge. There is a submarginal darker
brown band near the outer edge, which does not reach the costa, and on the outer
edge is a row of minute black dots. The hind wings and abdomen are of a pale slate-
LOCUST LEAF-MINERS 365.
gray, and of the same color beneath, while the legs are of a very pale straw-yellow.
It differs from most of the species of the genus in having the apex of the fore-wings.
less rounded than usual, and in this and other respects it is allied to the European
D. laterella.
10. THE LOCUST LEAF-MINER.
Gracillaria robiniella (Fitch).
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family TINEIDZ.
Mining the leaf in July, making a blotch on the upper surface of the leaf, with a
number of lateral galleries running out from it, on each side, a flattened pale green
worm which passes the chrysalis state in theleaf, the latter falling to the ground, and
the following June giving out a minute moth.
This is a common leaf-miner of the locust in the New England as
well as the Middle States. Out of the seventeen leaflets which form
the locust leaf, usually two or three and often more make the blotches.
The mines are not tenanted, Clemens states, at the time the leaf is
mined by Lithocolletis robiniella (Clem., Proc. Phil. Acad., 1860).
The larva makes a pale yellowish mine, usually on the midrib, with
lateral branches running out from it. It pupates in a small nidus on
some object on the ground.
The late Mr. Chambers wrote me that it is common in New Orleans.
in February.
The moth.—Fore-wings fine brown, somewhat golden, shaded with dark brown.
Along the costa are three oblique silvery streaks; on the inner margin are three sil-
very dorsal spots, placed opposite the spaces between the costal streaks. Near the
tip of the wing is a transverse narrow curved silvery line, passing from the costa to
the inner angle. (Clemens.)
11. THE LOCUST SKIPPER.
Eudamus tityrus Fabricius.
Drawing the leaves together in July, a large pale-green caterpillar about 2 inches.
long, with a red neck and large red head, with a large yellow spot on each side of
the mouth, feeding by night, sometimes pupating between the leaves, and transform-
ing into a stout-bodied, brown butterfly with a skipping, rapid, strong, low flight,
and antenne flattened and bent over at the end. (Harris.)
These voracious worms sometimes strip the leaves of the common
locust and especially the viscid locust (Robinia viscosa), which is culti-
vated in New England as an ornamental tree. According to Harris,
the females lay their eggs singly during June or early in July on the
leaves, the caterpillars hatch in July, and when quite small conceal
themselves under a fold of the edge of a leaf, which is bent over their
bodies and secured by means of silken threads. When they become
larger they attach two or more leaves together, so as to form a kind of
cocoon or leafy case to shelter them from the weather, and to screen
them from the prying eyes of birds. One end of the leafy case is left
open, and from this the insect comes forth to feed. They transform to
366 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
chrysalids either among the leaves or desert the tree and seek some
retired place, where they spin a slight loose cocoon, within which they
remain through the winter, appearing in the imago state by the mid-
dle of the following June.
The butterfly is brown, the fore-wings are brown with a transverse semi-transparent
band across the middle, and a few spots towards the tip of a honey-yellow color;
hind wings with a skort rounded tail on the hind angles, and a broad silvery
band across the middle of the under side. The wings expand from 2 to 2} inches.
(Harris. )
Remedies.—Nearly all the insects which prey upon the foliage of the
locust can be gotten rid of by hand-picking and by collecting the leaves
in autumn and burning them; in this way cherished shade trees can be
protected.
12. Dasylophia anguina Abbot and Smith.
The eggs of this moth were sent me by Miss Emily L. Morton, of
Newburgh, N. Y., having been laid about the 20th of July. She has
never found the larve on any other tree than the locust, and then only
rarely. The larve hatched July 25, at Brunswick, Me.; the first molt
occurred July 28, the second August 6, and the third August 10 to 11,
the fourth August 20 to 22.
Egg.—Spherical, whitish, surface seen under a good lens to be very finely granu-
lated. Diameter, .6™™.
Larva directly after hatching.—Head very large, nearly twice as wide as the body is
behind the middle, rounded, yellowish amber with a lateral black stripe. First ab-
dominal segment shining red, with two high slender subdorsal tubercles ; two similar
but much smaller tubercles on the eighth segment, which is also reddish. Body deep
pea-green, shining, with six very narrow dorsal, subdorsal, and lateral black lines,
Anal legs long and slender, dark red, and with the two last abdominal segments (9
and 10) uplifted much as in the full-fed larva, at an angle often of 45 degrees. All
the legs, both thoracic and abdominal, dull greenish. Hairs stiff and black, mostly
thickened at the end; about as long as the body is thick. Length, 3 to 4™™,
Larva after first molt, July 23.—Head amber-colored, no wider than the body.
Body pale green, the dark brown stripes, especially the dorsal one, more distinct ;
the dorsal line is continuous; the two lateral ones somewhat broken ; the hairs are
still black, but not so much thickened as before. Markings nearly as before, but the
first and eighth abdominal segments not so deep red as in stage I. Length, 6 to 7™™,
Larva after second molt, August 6.—More like the mature larve. Head of moderate
size, but little wider than the body, rounded, dull pale reddish orange. Body smooth
and shining, straw-yellow ; a dorsal black line ending on the polished black knob
on the eighth abdominal segment. Three lateral, more or less interrupted black
lines in a whitish band, the middle of the three the faintest. This band incloses on
the first abdominal segment a polished jet-black tubercle. Low down on the sides
of the body are twelve black spots, one at the base of each foot, when they are pres-
ent; four black spots on the front part of the supra-anal plate. Anal legs uplifted,
extensile, black on the tips. Length, 15™™.
Larva after third molt, August 10 to 11.—Only differs from the preceding stage in its
more distinct, deeper hues, especially the pale lilac tint on ninth and adjoining seg-
ments, and the larger, thicker body. The four black spots on the base of the short
supra-anal plate are united to form a continuous band. Length, 22™™,
Full-fed larva.—Head rounded, greenish amber; body smooth, of nearly uniform
thickness, with a low rounded jet-black knob on tip of the eighth abdominal seg-
LOCUST BEETLES. 367
ment, in front of which is a narrow black dorsal line. Anal legs uplifted. Three
lateral black lines close to each other and forming a broad dark wavy band. Base
of all the legs black, but the legs themselves pale; ground color of body deep pink
flesh color. Length, 30 to 35™™,
13. THE LOCUST HISPA.
Odontota scutellaris (Olivier). Hispa suturalis Harris.
Order COLEOPTERA; family CHRYSOMELIDA.
In July, blister-like spots appearing upon the leaves, within which is a small flat-
ttened, whitish worm, with three pairs of feet; a quarter of an inch long, tapering
from before backwards, with projections along each side like the teeth of a saw; re-
maining a week in the pupa state within the leaf, about the middle of August it
issues as a small flattened black beetle with the prothorax and wing-covers, except
along their suture, tawny yellow. (Fitch & Harris.)
Harris states that in Massachusetts these beetles may
be observed the middle of June pairing and laying eggs
on the leaves of the locust tree.
While this species of leaf-mining beetle is met with in
the New England States and New York, by information
received from Kentucky it is at times quite injurious to te a ese
locust trees in that State, but can always be kept under cust Hispa—
by hand-picking. From Pack-
ard.
14. Agrilus otiosus Say.
Order COLEOPTERA; family BUPRESTID2.
Mr. W. L. Devereaux, of Clyde, N. Y., writes us that this beetle ‘is
found in plenty in the beetle stage, feeding on freshly forming foliage,
at the tips of new growths of the locust.”
15. SAY’S WEEVIL.
Apion rostrum Say.
Order COLEOPTERA; family CURCULIONID.
From June until September, eating numerous small round holes in
the leaves, a little black weevil with a slender projecting beak, its
thorax with close coarse punctures and an oval or longitudinal inden-
tation back of its center, and the furrows of its wing-covers with
‘coarse punctures; its length. 0.09, and to the end of the beak, 0.12
inch. (Fitch.)
Dr. Harris states that the grubs of this little weevil live — ¥ie.135.-say’s
in the pods of the common wild indigo bush (Baptisia weevil—
a . : Fr Pack-
tinctoria), devouring the seeds. He adds: ee
A smaller kind, somewhat like it, inhabits the pods and eats the seeds of the locust
tree, or Robinia pseudacacia.
Fitch regards the insect as very variable, and as most probably de-
structive to the seeds of both the plants here mentioned.
368 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
16. THE BLACK LOCUST MIDGE.
Cecidomyia pseudacacie Fitch.
Order DieTERA; family CECIDOMYIIDA.
In July and August, the tender young leaflets near the tip of the stem folded
together like a little pod, the cavity inside containing from one to three smal] milk-
white maggots, which descend below the surface of the ground, remaining there in the
pupa state about ten days, and then appearing as a small blackish midge. (Fitch.)
According to Fitch, before the small young leaflets, which put forth
along the opposite sides of the main leaf-stalks at their tips, become
expanded, they are closed together like two leaves of a book; and it is
probably at this time that the female midge inserts her egg in the cleft
between them, the irritation from which and from the small maggots
which hatch from them, keeps the leaflet permane:tly closed; a slight
cavity forming within, in which the worms reside, the leaflet hereby
comes to resemble in its shape a small bivalve shell with a more or less
wavy edge. The surface remains unchanged outside, but within it
assumes a pale greenish yellow color. The attachments of the leaflets
to the stalk becomes so weakened when infested by these worms that
probably they are generally broken off by the wind, and the worms are
thus carried to the ground, instead of crawling down the stalks by
night, as is the habit of the wheat midge.
The female.—A small blackish midge, the base of its thorax tawny yellow, its
abdomen pale yellowish, with the tip dusky and clothed with fine hairs, as is also
the neck; its legs black, with the thighs pale except at their tips; its wings dusky,
feebly hyaline, with the fringe short; its antenne with thirteen short cylindrical
joints separated by short pedicels; its length, 0.065 inch to the tip of the body.
17. THE YELLOW LOCUST MIDGE.
Cecidomyia robinie Haldeman.
Order DiPpTERA; family CECIDOMYIID&.
In July and August a portion of the edges of the leaves rolled inwards on their
under sides and thickened, inclosing one or two very small white maggots, which
are varied more or less with orange-yellow; producing a pale orange midge with the
sides of its thorax and often three oval stripes on the back and the wings dusky;
its antenne blackish and of fourteen joints in the females, twenty-four in the males;
its length, 0.12 inch. (Fitch and Haldeman.)
Professor Haldeman, who described this two-winged gall-fly in Em-
mon’s Journal of Agriculture and Science, October, 1847, says that it
in conjunction with the Hispa, already mentioned, had been so numer-
ous in southeastern Pennsylvania the two preceding summers as to kill
the leaves upon the locusts, the trees in August appearing as though
they had been destroyed by dry weather.
This insect may be detected by the margin of the leaflets being rolled
inwards upon their under sides for a length varying from over a quar-
ter to a half inch, the upper side showing a concavity or rounded hollow
at this point. ‘This rolled portion,” says Fitch, “is changed in its
THE LOCUST SAW-FLY. 369
color to a paler yellowish green, and its texture is thickened and suc-
culent.”. The same leaf sometimes has two or more of these folds along
different parts of its margin.
The larva is colorless or watery when young, becoming, as it approaches maturity,
opaque and milk white, varied more or less with bright yellow. It is long oval,
broadest in the middle and tapering thence to a sharp point anteriorly, the opposite
end being bluntly rounded, and is divided into thirteen segments by transverse im-
pressed lines. (Haldeman.) -
18. THE LOCUST SAW-FLY.
Nematus similaris Norton.
Order HYMENOPTERA; family TENTHREDINIDE
Fic. 136.—Locust saw-fly. a, eggs; b,c, worms; d, tail
of the same; e, cocoon; /, fly.—After Comstock.
Eating the leaves of the black locust, a small, soft, green worm two-fifths of an
inch long, with twenty legs, and a brownish head; appearing in Washington, D.C.,
late in August until October; transforming in a dark-brown oval cocoon, and two or
three weeks later issuing as a saw-fly nearly one-quarter of an inch long, of a dirty
yellow color, with a squarish black patch on top of the head, the sides and front of
the thorax black, and a transverse band on top of each abdominal segment. (Com-
stock. )
This saw-fly inserts its irregularly semi-ellipsoid eggs in a crescent-
shaped cut made in the under surface of the leaf by the “saw.” Ina
few days the larva hatches. Professor Comstock thinks there are two
and possibly three broods in a season, and that the insect may hiber-
nate both in the adult and pupa stages. I have found this insect com-
mon in the larva state on the leaves of the locust at Brunswick, Me.
The head of the worm is amber-colored, rather than “ brownish.”
5 ENT——24
370 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
19. BLACK LOCUST SAW-FLY.
Nematus robinice Forbes.
From a number of saw-fly larve found infesting the black locust
(Robinia pseudacacia) at Normal, we bred during the latter part of
July a small saw-fly related to Nematus bivittatus and awreopectus,
but apparently undescribed. The larva from which this specimen
was bred entered the ground July 8, emerging on the 26th. (Forbes’
Third Rep. Ins. Illinois.)
Adult.—Body stout, pale brownish yellow; mesothorax with a black vitta upon
each side; metathorax with a transverse black band ccntinuous with the posterior
extremities of the mesothoracic stripes; tergum blackish, with the sides and pos-
terior margins of the segments of the general color; prothorax between the ends of
the mesothoracic stripes a little darker brown; head slightly darker than the body,
with a quadrate black spot upon the occiput, extending forward to include the
ocelli. This area is slightly shining, but the adjacent surfaces of the head are dull,
punctured, and rather densely pubescent. Antenne longer than the head and body,
third and fourth joints equal; clypeus emarginate in front. The under parts and
legs are uniform pale yellow brown, except the tibiw and tarsi of the posterior pair,
which are dusky, and the genital valves of the female, which are black. Wings
hyaline, veins fuscous, costa avd stigmata yellowish, second submarginal cell slightly
angled at the recurrent nervules, of which there are two about equally removed
from the two extremities of the cell. First submarginal quadrate, distinct; pos-
terior margin of wing behind the lanceolate cell slightly tinged with yellowish.
Length of body, 4™™; expanse, 10™™, Described from a single female. (Forbes. )
20. Parthenos nubilis Hiibner.
Dr. Harris has raised the moth from the caterpillar which in Sep-
tember is found hiding itself in holes of the trunk of the locust, going
out at night to eat the leaves; the pupa was found in a loose web on
the surface of the ground ; the moth appeared June 18.
Larva.—First pair of abdominal legs rather smaller than the others, and rarely
used in creeping or resting. Color, brown above, finely dotted and variegated with
dark brown; body beneath pale brown, with a black spot between the prolegs, and
a blackish streak beneath the last three segments. Two zigzag brown lines (almost
black posteriorly) form a series of lozenges along the back, one lozenge being on
each segment, and becoming gradually narrow behind. Each lozenge, especially
those of the hinder segments, has a black spot near the hind angle. A pale line on
each side below, and contiguous to the spiracles, and in young specimens a dark-
brown line above the spiracles. The latter are black. Head round, dark brown, but
spotted with pale points in clusters. Topof first segment marked with a semi-circular,
darker, but not horny spot. Legs pale brown as the belly. (Harris Corr., 320.)
Moth.—Head rather small, thorax dark ashen, a black line in front, strongly tufted
behind; abdomen dark gray above, lighter below, strongly keeled dorsally ; fore-
wings pointed, deeply scalloped outwardly, much rounded; color dark ashen ; basal
and transverse anterior lines distinct, geminate; transverse posterior line obsolete;
beyond, a submarginal line, slender, much angulated; a blackish, somewhat trian-
gular apical dash present ; reniform spot large, bounded on each side by a light band,
starting from the costa, the outer reaching to the outer third, the inner parallel,
reaching to the inner margin; these are often nearly white, and coalesce behind the
reniform spot; subreniform obsolete; hind wings bright yellow, with two median
black bands, irregularly waved, parallel; discal lunule within strongly marked;
marginal band toothed on both sides; fringe yellowish. Expands 50 to 70™™.
Occurs throughout the Eastern States and in Colorado. (Hulst.)
LOCUST SCALE-INSECT. 371
: 21. Cymatophora crepuscularia Tr.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family PHALENIDE.
Larve from which the above was bred were taken on white clover
at Normal, June 21, the imagos emerging July 10.
Larva.—One inch long, slender, with only four prolegs. The head is widely bilobed
and reddish brown above, yellowish varied with reddish brown in front, with two
small approximate black spots on the middle of the front. The body is green, thickly
covered with white granulations, with some black ones intermixed, and: has an ob-
scure reddish dorsal stripe. The posterior margins of the middle segments are nar-
rowly bordered with yellow. On the penultimate segment is a large transverse
blackish spot, with two small kidney-shaped yellow spots near its middle, approach-
ing each other posteriorly. The legs are pale brown, blackish at base; prolegs black
without, pale within; spiracles brown.
The same larva occurred in our collections on the rose and the com-
mon locust; taken trom the former June 20, and from the latter July
4, We also collected it July 25, from the box elder (Negundo aceroides),
the specimen pupating August 4 and emerging August 13. It has
been found preying on the clover by Professor Forbes (Third Rept.
Ins. Illinois).
22. A Deltoid larva.
A pale green caterpillar was observed at Brunswick, August 21, feed-
ing on the under side of the leaf, and easily escaping detection since it
was of the same hue as the under side of the leat. September 14 it had
made an oval-cylindrical cocoon in the soil at the bottom of the breed-
ing box, the pupa being of the usual mahogany brown color.
Larva.—Pale green; body slender cylindrical, of the usual Hypena-like shape. Head
as wide as the body, smooth, pale green; a dark green dorsal median line; a narrow
thread-like subdorsal white slender line, and a much broader one lower down. All
the legs green, thoracic ones a little chitinous at the end. The dorsal tubercles
arranged in a trapezoid, but they are minute and give rise to very slender inconspicu-
ous hairs. Length 17™™,
23. Macrobasis unicolor (Kirby).
Dr. John Hamilton states that a nursery of young locusts was almost
defoliated in July by swarms of this beetle. (Can. Ent., xxi, 103.)
24. THE RAPACIOUS SCALE INSECT.
Aspidiotus rapax Comstock.
Like the pernicious scale insect (Aspidiotus perniciosus) this species
infests many different plants; and sometimes it occurs in such great
numbers as to be very destructive. This is especially the case on ever-
greens in hot-houses in the North or in the open air in the South; and
in California on olive and mountain laurel (Umbellularia californica).
1 have also found it on the following-named plants in California: Al-
mond, quince, fig, willow, eucalyptus, acacia, and locust. (Comstock).
372 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Scale of female.—The scale of the female is very convex, with the exuvixe between
the center and one side, and covered with secretion. The scale is gray, somewhat
transparent, so that it appears yellowish when it covers a living female; the promi-
nence which covers the exuvie is dark brown or black, usually with a central dot
and concentric ring which are white. Ventral scale snowy white, usually entire.
Diameter 14™™ (.06 inch).
Female.—The body of the female is nearly circular in outline, bright yellow in color
with more or less translucent blotches. The last segment presents the following
characters: The groups of spinnerets are wanting.
Only one pair of well-developed lobes, the median, present. These are prominent.
Each one is furnished with a notch on each side; the notch on the mesal margin is
distad of that on the lateral margin. The second and third pairs of lobes are repre-
sented by the minute pointed projections of the margin of the body.
The margin of the ventral surface of the segment is deeply incised twice on anh
side of the meson; once laterad of the first lobe, and again between the rudimentary
second and third lobes. The parts of the body wall forming the margin of these in-
cisions are conspicuously thickened.
There are two simple tapering plates between the median lobes, two deeply and
irregularly toothed or branched platesextending caudad of each incision, one usually
simple and tapering plate between the incisions of each side, and two or three of the
same character laterad of the second incision.
The first, second, and third pairs of spines of each surface are situated near the
lateral bases of the first, second, and third lobes, respectively; the fourth pair is
situated at a little more than one-half the distance from the median lobes to the
penultimate segment. In each case the spine on the ventral surface is but little lat-
erad of the one on the dorsal surface.
Egg.—The eggs and newly hatched larve are yellow.
Male.—Only dead and shriveled males have been observed.
Habitat.—On the bark of the trunk and limbs as well as the leaves and fruit of
various trees and shrubs in California and Florida.
Described from seventy-five females and very many scales.
I have named this the greedy scale insect on account of the great
number of plants upon which the species subsists. It also occurs in
some localities in great numbers, being very destructive. This is
especially the case om Hucnymuez japonicus at Fort George, Fla.; and in
California on olive near San Buenaventura, and on mountain Jaurel
(Umbellularia californica) at San José.
Mr. Elwood Cooper, of Santa Barbara, Cal., who has had some ex-
perience with this pest upon his olive trees, says that it is easily kept
in check. According to his observations it flourished only upon those
trees which are in an unhealthy condition, and as it is chiefly confined
to the trunk and limbs it can be removed with a stiff brush and whale-
oi] soap solution. (Comstock Agr. Rep., 1880).
The following insects also feed on the locust:
COLEOPTERA.
25. Spermophagus robinie (Fabricius). Family Bruchide (see Horn,
Trans. Amer. Ent. Soe., iv, 311).
26. Agrilus egenus Gory. Mining under the bark of the twigs and
smaller branches, the beetles eating the leaves. (Chittenden,
Ent. Amer., v, 219).
a eS wb ill A Ee oad
LOCUST CATERPILLARS. 373
. Neoclytus erythrocephalus (Fabr.) Bred from the twigs (Chittenden
in letter).
. Liopus cinereus Lec. Bred from the twigs (Chittenden in letter).
. Anomea laticlavia (Forster.) Devouring the leaves (Chittenden).
LEPIDOPTERA.
. The Io moth, Hyperchiria io (Fabricius). (See p. 111.)
. The tussock moth, Orgyia leucostigma A. and S,
. The carpenter moth, Xyleutes robinie, which more commonly affects
the oak. (See p. 6.)
. Clisiocampa disstria Hubn. (See p. 117.)
. Oedemasia concinna (Abb. and Smith.) (Riley’s Notes.)
. Clisiocampa erosa Stretch. Oregon. (Papilio, i, 67.)
. Catocala vidua Abbot and Smith. (See p. 178.)
. Gelechia pseudacaciella Chamb. Larva feeds externally on the
leaves and also in the mines of Lithocolletis robiniella (Chambers.)
. Xylesthia clemensella Chamb. Larva bores in dead locust-timber
posts, ete. (Chambers.)
. Lithocolletis ornatella Chambers.
. Acea purpuriella Chambers. The larva makes a small mine and
pupates in a small cocoon on the outside of the mine.
. Tineid sp? unknown. “There is also a lepidopterous (probably
Tineid) larva which bores in twigs, eating out the pith. It is
striped with the head and next segment piceous.” (Chambers in
letter.)
CHapTer V.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF MAPLE.
(Acer saccharinum and Acer rubrum.)
The number of species here recorded as infesting the different spe-
cies of maple, especially the rock or sugar and the red orswamp maple,
is upwards of one hundred. Of these only a few are really injurious.
Of European insects preying on species of Acer, Kaltenbach enumerates
sixty-eight species. The maple-borer, Glycobius speciosus, is the most
deadly foe of these beautiful shade trees, and when once established on
a street lined with maples, or in a grove, is difficult to eradicate. No
caterpillar strips the leaves as a regular recurrent pest, but they are in
the Central States often ruined by the cottony maple scale; otherwise
these trees are remarkably free from insect pests, and from their clean-
ness and rapidity of growth, as well as dense foliage and beautiful out-
lines, will always prove a favorite shade and ornamental tree.
1. THE SUGAR-MAPLE BORER.
Glycobius speciosus (Say).
Boring into the solid trunks of healthy sugar-maple trees, often killing them, a
rather large, footless, cylindrical, whitish grub, changing in July to a large, beauti-
ful, yellow-striped beetle, marked with a golden W on the wing-covers.
Although the question as to whether longicorn larve will bore into
healthy solid wood is by some regarded as undecided, there is no doubt
but that the present larva bores for several inches into the trunks of
healthy trees, both young maples as well as trees ten or twenty inches
‘in diameter. The following case fell under our own observation. On
the grounds of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me., for two successive
years (1873-74) a number of fine sugar or rock maples, nearly a foot in
diameter, and which had been set out for thirty or forty years, suddenly
died, and on being cut up into fire-wood were found to be deeply per-
forated in all directions by larve referable to this species by its large
size and resemblance to the locust-borer. More than one larva and one
borer were found in the same tree. There seemed little reason to doubt
but that the grubs were the cause of the sudden death of the tree.
In the summer of 1881 I noticed that one tree in the college campus
was partly killed by these borers, and that other trees in different
374 .
THE MAPLE BORER. 375
parts of the town had been bored by them. One tree, over one foot
in thickness, had about twelve holes in the trunk, from which the
beetles had issued a year or two previous. The leaves during the
past summer were small and curled up, and the tree was evidently
in a sickly condition. The few Aphides and Psoci, observable on the
leaves in July and August, were not sufficiently numerous to occasion
the trouble, and we attribute it to the effects of the borer. Another
somewhat larger sugar maple in the same yard, the age of which
was about forty-five years, had but two holes in it, made by the
same borer, probably in 1878 or 1879; the tree was nearly healthy,
with fully developed leaves. A red maple close at hand had not
been affected by the borer, and we could not learn that this species
(A. rubrum) had ever been attacked by this borer. It seems to-us
that these are clearly demonstrated cases where healthy trees have
been killed. by borers.
The first observer to notice this borer, and the fact
that it destroys living maples, was Rev. L. W. Leon-
ard, who gave an account of its habits to Harris. His
attention was called, in 1828, to some young maples
in Keene, N. H., which were in a dying condition.
He discovered the insect in its beetle state under
the loosened bark of one of the trees, and traced the
recent track of the larva three inches into the solid ; 7
wood. Inthecourse of a few years these trees, upon 1S. 187.—Glycobius spe-
> : : : ciosus. Natural size.
the cultivation of which much care had been be- = _#rom Saunders.
stowed, were nearly destroyed by the borers.
This beetle was said by Mr. H. B. Reed, in 1872, to be gradually
destroying the sugar maples at London, Canada, and in the Report
of the Entomological Society of Ontario for 1878 Mr. Saunders states
that the destruction was spreading rapidly in the streets of the same
city. To this society we are indebted for the use of the figure of the
beetle.
Regarding its ravages in Vermont, Mr. J. A. Lintner thus writes to
the Country Gentleman (1884): 2
This borer is destroying a large number of our sugar maples, as its burrows usually
are carried around the trunk beneath the bark, and when several occur in the same
tree they girdle it by their interlacings and thus kill the tree. Even when they are
not fatal to the tree, they occasion unsightly cracking of the bark and serious deform-
ities of growth. In the pleasant village of Bennington, Vt., where I am sojourning,
I notice that very many of the beautiful sngar maples that ornament its streets and
shade its homes are threatened with speedy destruction through the attack of this
pernicious borer.
The beetle, according to Harris, lays her eggs on the trunk of the
maple in July and August. The grubs burrow into the bark as soon as
they are hatched, and are thus protected during the winter. In the
spring they penetrate deeper, and form, in the course of the summer,
jong and winding galleries in the wood, up and down the trunk.
376 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL CCMMISSION.
This destructive borer was, in 1884, still at work in Maine, where we
have made such observations on its egg-laying habits and the mode of
Fic. 138.—Mine of Glycobius speciosus, one-third natural size.
life of the freshly-hatched larva, that it now seems possible to prevent its
entry into the heart-wood by cutting it out of the bark in the autumn.
THE MAPLE BORER. OE
The burrows, or mines, either extend under the bark or descend into
the wood towards the heart of the tree. Different trees are variously
attacked. Where the worms remain under the bark large pieces are
loosened and gradually fall off, leaving sometimes nearly one side of
the trunk bare. At the same time the general health of the tree is
impaired, as shown by the sparseness of the leaves.
The beetles were unusually frequent in Brunswick during late July
and especially in August, 1884, at this time laying their eggs. Al-
Fic. 139.—Mine of Glycobius speciosus in bark alone. Natural size.
though none were found engaged in the operation, there is little doubt,
as will be seen below, that the process is nearly identical with that of
the pine-borer, or Monohammus. I found two mines of this borer
which crossed each other (Fig. 138), though usually each follows an in-
dependent course, unless much crowded. On a single tree from one
side of which the bark had fallen off in consequence of the attacks of
378 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
this insect, there were about twelve “mines” or burrows, of which
ten ran up the trunk. ‘The mines were from 15 to 24 inches long, one
measuring 2 feet and 8 inches in length. At the upper end the mines
are about three-quarters of an inch wide. The mine either finally sinks
deep in the wood or extends all the way under the bark until at the
extreme end, where it sinks in a little way to form a cell, or chamber,
for the chrysalis.
The tree dies slowly, and where the trunk has been mined on one
side only the tree lives on, though the foliage be much thinner. Trees
may, aS we have observed, live for at least five or six years with a
number of borers in their trunks.
Fresh from the observations made on the mode of egg-laying in the
common pine-borer, I looked, September 12, for the eggs or freshly-
hatched larve of Glycobius speciosus, and found the latter at once. The
Rev. Mr. Leonard, of Dublin, N. H., many years ago, in a letter to Dr.
Harris, stated that the maple-tree borer, on hatching, remained in the
bark through the winter. Upon examining a sugar maple about two
feet in diameter, I found that twenty eggs had been laid in different
parts of the bark from near the ground to where the branches origi-
nated, a distance of about 10 feet. The site of oviposition was recog-
nized by a rusty, irregular discoloration of the bark about the size of a
cent, and especially by the ‘“‘frass,” or castings, which to the length of
an inch or more were attached like a broken corkscrew to the bark.
On cutting into the bark, the recently-hatched larve (5 to 7™™ in
length) were found lying in their mines, or burrows, at the depth of a
tenth to a sixth of an inch.
The burrows already made (Fig. 140)
were about an inch long, some a little
longer; the larva usually mines upward.
Q) No eggs were found, but they are laid
in obscurely marked gashes, about a
fitth of an inch long, usually near a
crevice in the bark.
b
discoverable, and it would be easy to
/:
Vv
>
These gashes and castings are readily
save these valuableshade trees by look-
ing for them in the autumn and winter
or early spring, and cutting out the
worms. The beetles were not uncom-
mon at Brunswick in July and August
in 1884. Of six grubs which I cut out
over half seemed unhealthy, perhaps
diseased by the water which had pene-
trated their mines.
I have recommended protecting val-
uable shade trees by wrapping the
trunks with narrow bands of cloth well saturated with kerosene oil in
Fic. 140.—Mines of recently hatched larve
of Glycobius speciosus.
a
MAPLE BORERS. 379
August and September, so as to drive off the beetles and to destroy the
freshly-hatched grubs, but since discovering how easily the grubs and
castings of the freshly-hatched worms can be detected a few days or
weeks after the eggs have been laid, it seems obvious that the easiest
and surest preventive is to cut out the grubs when lying in their
autumn and winter quarters just under the surface of the bark. It is
almost impossible to destroy the fully- grown worms in their “mines”
or burrows, since the latter extend up the tree either directly under the
bark or are sunken in the wood. On one tree nearly destroyed by this
borer, out of about fourteen mines twelve extended upward. Hence it
is useless to try to find the hole and inject oil into it. There now seems
no reason why valuable shade maple trees should not be saved by a
few hours’ close observation and removal of the young grubs, say in
September or October.
The beetle is black, with a yellow head, with the antennze and the eyes reddish-
black; the thorax is black, with two transverse yellow spots on each side; the wing-
covers for about two-thirds of their length are black, the remaining third is yellow,
and they are ornamented with bands and spots arranged in the following manner: a
yellow spot on each shoulder, a broad, yellow, curved band or arch, of which the yel-
low scutel forms the keystone on the base of the wing-covers; behind this a zigzag
yellow band forming the letter W, across the middle another yellow band arching
backwards, and on the yellow tip a black curved band and spot; legs yellow, while
the under side of the body is reddish-yellow, variegated with brown. Nearly an inch
in length. (Harris.)
2. THE HORN-TAIL BORER.
Tremex columba (Linnzus),
Order HYMENOPTERA; family UROCERIDZ.
Boring in the trunk and making large round holes, a large white grub with a promi-
nent spine on the end of the body, and transforming in the late summer into a large
clear-winged saw-fly, with a long large ‘‘saw” on the tail of the female.
This interesting insect bores indifferently in various forest and shade
trees, attacking the elm, oak, sycamore, and perhaps more commonly the
maple. The holes of this borer may be recognized by their large num-
bers within a given space, and by their regular, evenly-cut shape, being
about the diameter of a lead-pencil. We remember seeing some years
ago a tree at Saratoga Springs, in the trunk of which, where the bark
had been removed, were a dozen or more of the round even holes made
by these insects, which seem to work somewhat in concert. Isolated
shade-trees along roads and in streets are favorite habitats. Harris
says that an old elm tree in his vicinity used to be a favorite place of
resort for this saw-fly, numbers of them collecting about it during the
months of July, August, and the early part of September. ‘Six or
more females might frequently be seen at once upon it, employed in
boring into the trunk and laying their eggs, while swarms of the males
380 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
hovered around them. For fifteen years or more some large button-
wood trees in Cambridge have been visited by them in the same way.”
Prof. J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist of New York, has communi-
cated the following facts to the Country Gentleman:
Something has attacked a large maple tree in front of my house. The trunk looks
as if a large dose of buckshot had been shot into it, having fifty or more clean holes
about one-eighth of an inch across. Can you tell me what to do to save the tree?
I have seen a large insect like a wasp, with several boring arrangements at least
3 inches long each, inserting these into the tree. Do these cause the mischief ?
Wosod:
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
{Answer by Prof. J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist. ]
The several holes in the maples have been bored by the larvae of Tremex columba,
one of our saw-flies and the largest of our species. The female is armed with a stout
borer, the end of which is furnished with teeth, by means of which it is thrust
through the bark into the wood, to the depth sometimes of half an inch. and the egg
- inserted. Occasionally the female is unable to withdraw her borer, when she may
be captured, during the months of Juiy and August, struggling to escape from the
tree. The larva hatching from the egg burrows into the trunk, and when it has
nearly matured, by the aid ofits strong jaws, it enlarges its round burrow outwardly
to the size often of a small lead pencil, to permit the escape of the perfect insect.
While maples are more frequently attacked by this insect than other trees, it is
also found in oaks, elms, and sycamores, and more commonly in those planted as
shade trees in streets or about dwellings. Unless it is very abundant it does not
destroy the tree that it attacks, but the holes soon heal over without serious injury
following. Its injuries are far less serious than are those of another borer of the maple,
the Glycobius speciosus (Say), a beautiful long- horned beetle, the black wing-covers
of which are prettily ornamented by a yellow W, and by other yellow bands and
spots.
“The female, when about to lay her eggs, draws her borer out of its
Sheath, till it stands perpendicularly under the middle of her body,
when she plunges it, by repeated wriggling motions, through the bark
into the wood. When the hole is made deep enough, she then drops
an egg therein, conducting it to the place by means of the two furrowed
pieces of the sheath. The borer often pierces the bark and wood to
the depth of half an inch or more, and is sometimes driven in so tightly
that the insect cannot draw it out again, but remains fastened to the
tree till she dies. The eggs are oblong-oval, pointed at each end, and
rather less than one-twentieth of an inch in length.” Harris adds, what
has been observed frequently by others since his time, that these larvie
are often destroyed by the maggots or larve of two singular ichneu-
mon flies (Rhyssa atrata and lunator). These are the largest known
ichneumon flies; they are provided with long, slender borers or ovi-
positors from 3 to 4 inches in length, which they thrust into the
deep holes made by the Tremex borers, in the bodies of which they
insert an egg.
(We have, however, observed one of these Rhysse engaged in
Ovipositing in an elm tree infested with the larve of Compsidea
tridentata.)
gence
toothed on the other. The maxille are three-lobed, the lobes unequal,
MAPLE BORERS. 381
The following description of the larva is copied from our report ‘* On
the Insects affecting the Cranberry, with remarks on other injurious
Insects.”*
The larva.—A long, white, cylindrical worm, with the segment behind the head of
the same width as the twelfth segment from the head; the thirteenth much nar-
rower, regularly rounded behind, with a deep crease above, leading back-
ward and a little downward to a small, sharp, terminal, dark-reddish
horn. The horn is acute, with three teeth above, near the base, and two
smaller ones on the under side. Each of the three last rings bulges out
on the under side. The head is white, and about half as wide as the
segment behind, into which it partially sinks. It is rounded, smooth,
with the antennz represented by small rounded tubercles, ending in a mi-
nute horny spine; should the spine be regarded as indicating a joint,
then the appendage is three-jointed. The clypeus is broader than the
labrum by a distance equal to its own length. The labrum is a little
more than twice as broad as long, with the front edge slightly sinuous.
The large, powerful mandibles are four-toothed on one side and three-
ending in spines, the middle lobe with two spines, the outer lobe much
smaller than the others. The labium or under lipisrather large, rounded, pye. 441,
with a spine projecting on each side. The prothorax orsegment next be- Larva of
hind the head is twice as long as the one behind it, divided into two por- Tremex
tions by a suture behind it. There are three pairs of small, soft, un- columba
nat. size.
jointed feet, of which the first pair are considerably the largest; they ee
do not project straight out, but are pressed to the body and directed Pantone
backward. There are ten pairs of spiracles, one pair on the hinder edge
of the prothorax, twice as large as the others; the second pair between the second
and third rings, and the eight others on the eight basal abdominal segments.
Length, 2.25 inches; greatest thickness, .28 inch.
The larve from which the above description was taken were found at
Amherst, Mass., early in October, in a tree containing several of the
adult insects, which had not left their holes and seemed likely to be
destined to pass the winter in the tree. Clementi has, in Ontario, Can-
ada, taken several of the imago with the larve from the oak in March,
so that it undoubtedly hibernates as an imago.
Mr. W. H. Harrington states (Can. Ent., xiv, 225) that on the 9th
of October, 1880, he found one ovipositing in an old beech, which had
for some time been much infested by these borers. He also, October
10, visited some old maples which are a favorite resort of these insects,
and captured upon one of them a female in the act of ovipositing, while
upon the same tree were the bodies of three or four which had evidently
very recently perished in the performance of such act.
3. THE WHITE-HORNED XIPHIDRIA.
Xiphidria albicornis Harris.
Order HYMENOPTERA; family UROCERID#.
This fine saw-fly has been found by Mr. W. 4. Harrington not only
upon dead trees, but he has usually observed it upon living ones; not
*In the Tenth Annual Report of the U. S. Geological and Geographical Survey of
the Territories for 1876, p. 531. By F. V. Hayden, U.S. Geologist. Washington, 1878.
382 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
only on those that are old and hastening to decay, but preferably upon
those that are young and presumably vigorous. He observed them
almost daily from the middle of June to the end of July on shade treees
in Ottawa, or on trees in the neighboring woods. ‘On a tree not
more than 2 or 3 inches in diameter I have seen as many as eight
Ovipositing at the same time, and have frequently observed two or
three at once upon small shade trees. Tremex in its endeavors to
oviposit through the tough, thick bark of the old trees frequently fails.
in withdrawing its ovipositor, and scores of such self-immolated mar-
tyrs to the propagation of their race may be seen in the autumn dead
and dry. This isa fate that rarely befalls Xiphidria; indeed, I have
only met with one instance of a dead specimen thus anchored. Hence
this insect will in many instances deposit successfully a much larger
proportion of its eggs than can its larger relative, and thus stands a
better chance of rapidly increasing the species. * * * In July last.
I found in a neighboring wood a dead tree on which the bark had
become shriveled and loosened. On removing a large patch of the
bark, the surface of the wood was found to be thoroughly riddled with
the holes of X. albicornis, either empty or still containing dead insects.
These had evidently been prevented from leaving their burrows by the
death of the tree and consequent drying and hardening of the bark.
Many others had partly penetrated the bark and then perished from
the same cause. The holes were slightly larger than would be made
by anordinary knitting-needle, and penetrated the solid wood perpen-
dicularly to some depth.” (Rep. Ent. Soc. Ontario for 1883, p. 40.)
The saw-fly.—With a general resemblance to Tremex columba, it is much smaller,
and is black, with white markings and yellow legs. Females one half to two-
thirds inch long; antennw white; thorax with a triangular white patch inclosing a
black dot on the shoulder and two small spots on the back between the hinder pair
of wings. Abdomen jet-black, except four to six light spots or semi-bands on each
side. The male js generally smaller, the abdomen flattened and rounded at the tip.
Remedy.—Mr. Harrington proposes the use of a preparation made
by diluting soft-soap with a saturated solution of washing soda, which
must not be made too thin. This should be liberally applied with a
brush, so as to fill all crevices in the bark and give it a good coating.
As the female of Xiphidria, like those of the apple-borers, ‘seems.
always to deposit her eggs in the trunk below the branches, it would
be quite possible to protect in this manner shade trees in towns and
districts where the insect was observed, especially recently trans-
planted trees, which the insect seems to single out as offering special
advantages for her future offspring; perhaps because she can perceive
in them a weaker vitality, even when they are apparently flourishing.
The coating would have to be applied in the early part of June and
again a month later, as the insects occur during the greater part of
June and July.
MAPLE BORERS, 383
4. Oryssus sayi Westwood.
This interesting saw-fly has been proved by Mr. W. H. Harrington
‘to breed in the wood of old dead sugar maples, while he thinks that
it may also infest the willow, and possibly a variety of trees, but
whether it feeds on the wood or is parasitic has yet to be determined.
The perfect insect in Canada appears in June. It is very lively in its
movements and might be mistaken for a moth. (Can. Ent., xix, p. 81,
1887.)
The saw-fly.x—Body stout, black, cylindrical. Length about one-half an inch.
Face very coarsely punctured, sometimes with a short white line on each side; the
vertex prominent, and the lower ocellus surrounded with conspicuous tubercles ;
eyes moderately large. The antennz are peculiar: In the male they have eleven
joints, the third slightly longer and four to eleven subequal: in the female they have,
however, only ten joints, of which 4, 5, and 10 are very short; in both sexes they are
touched with white near the middle. The wings are hyaline, with a broad, smoky
band commencing near the stigma, and extending almost to the tips. -The legs have
a spot on the tip of the femora, and a line on the tibia without white. In the
female the anterior pair is swollen, the tibiz crooked, and the tarsi with only three
joints. The abdomen has the basal segment very coarsely punctured, or scabrous;
the remaining ones polished, shining, varying in color as previously mentioned.
The ovipositor is of special interest, as it differs remarkably from those of the
other Uroceride. Usually it is not visible, as when retracted the tip is concealed in
a deep cleft in the terminal segments. It has the appearance, as stated by Norton, of
springing from the last segment, but it is evidently attached much nearer the base
of the abdomen, and is protruded from beneath a small ventral scale, which is
apparently a portion of the fifth segment. It is very slender, hair-like, and nearly
twice as long as the insect, and must consequently be coiled within the abdomen in
a manner somewhat similar to that of Ibalia. Norton says it is ordinarily concealed
in a channel beneath the abdomen; Brullé, and other authors, as rolled spirally
within it. (Can. Ent. xix, May, 1887, p. 85.)*
5. Oryssus terminalis Newman.
Mr, Harrington records having taken specimens, “ both in the act of
emerging from the trunk of a dead maple, and in the act of ovipositing
therein.” It appears in June.
*Ibalia maculipennis Hald. ‘‘ This curious species belongs to the family Cynipida,
or gall-forming hymenoptera, and is much Jarger than any of our other species. It is
nearly three-quarters of an inch in length and the wingsexpand about aninch. The
head and thorax are stout, but the abdomen is compressed laterally until it is very
thin, and has the shape almost of a knife-blade. The ovipositor is very long and
slender, and when not in use is retracted and coiled up in the abdomen. The insects
are rare, and have only recently been recorded (by Provancher) as occurring in Can-
ada. I find both sexes upon old trees in June, and have found the female oviposit-
ing in the bark. The general color is yellow, with brown spots upon the head and
thorax, and with black bands upon the abdomen and the legs. It is possible that
the larve may be parasitic upon those of one or more of the insects mentioned in
this paper.” (Harrington, Rep. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1887, p. 24.)
%
384 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
6. THE SIXTEEN-LEGGED MAPLE-BORER.
Aigeria acerni (Clemens).
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family AXGERIADZ.
Following the work of the flat-headed borer, burrowing under the bark of the soft
maple, sometimes girdling and killing the tree, a caterpillar with sixteen legs, spin-
ning a cocoon of silk covered with its castings; the moths issuing from the tree late
in May and thence through the summer, the worms occurring under the bark through
the summer and winter. (Riley.)
This borer is sometimes very destructive to soft and sometimes to
sugar maples, especially young trees, in Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri,
the moths sometimes emerging in great numbers from the trunks of the
trees in Mayand June. Mr.G. R. Pilate states that the red maple trees
in Dayton, Ohio, were greatly infested by this borer, in consequence of
which a large number of those shade trees are dead or dying. (Bull.
Brooklyn Ent. Club, vol. i, 20.)
Mr. Kellicott remarked in the Canadian Entomologist for January,
1881, that the ‘‘larve of this moth are annually doing much damage
to the hard maples (Acer saccharinum),
planted so generally in this city [Buffalo]
for shade; they are less destructive to the
soft maple (A. rubrum). It appears that
they seldom attack uninjured trees, but
depend upon accidents to afford them op-
portunity to enter the inner bark and su-
perficial wood ; when once established they
keep at the scar or wound year after year,
thus preventing recovery and causing the _
trunks to become rough and unsightly; in
many cases the trees are thus almost
ruined. The moths appear most numer-
ously from May 20 to June 15. I have
not been able to find, after patient search,
this borer in our forest maples.”
Professor Riley says he has always found
the worms in such trees as have been in-
Fic. 142.—c, Ageria acerni; a, cater-
pillar; b, cocoon; d, pupa cases— jyred either by the work ot the flat-headed
ae borer, by the rubbing of the trees against
a post or board or in some other way. “ Where the bark is kept
smooth they never seem to trouble it, the parent evidently preferring
to consign her eggs to cracked or rou ghened parts. For this reason the
worm is not found in the smoother branches, but solely in the main
trunk.”
Remedies.—‘ Whether the soap applications will prevent the moth
from depositing her eggs is not known; judging from analogy, probably
not. Yet it will tend to keep the bark smoother, and in being used to
MAPLE BORERS. 385
shield the tree from the other borer, it will indirectly shield it from this
one. Mr. Gennadius recommends whitewashing the trunks, and filling
up all holes and fissures with mortar, so as to render the bark as smooth
as possible.”
Mr. W. Saunders remarks that the female deposits her eggs on the
bark of the soft and sugar maple trees, chiefly on the former, and when
hatched the young larve burrow through the bark and feed upon the
inner portion and sap wood, never penetrating into the solid heart- wood.
The excavations made by the larva are filled with its brown castings.
When it is fully grown it eats its way nearly through the bark, leaving
but a very thin layer unbroken; it then retires within its burrow, and
having inclosed itself within a loose, silky cocoon, changes to a brown
chrysalis. A short time before the moth escapes the chrysalis wriggles
itself forward and pushing itself against the thin papery-like layer of
bark, ruptures it and protrudes as shown in Fig. 142,d. Soon afterward
the imprisoned moth in its struggles ruptures the chrysalis and escapes.
“This insect appears to be increasing in numbers every year, and is
very destructive, especially to young maple trees. Many of the shade
trees in London are much injured by it, and when very numerous it is
liable to completely girdle the tree and kill it. Itis also found through-
out the Middle States. To prevent the moths from laying their eggs
the trunks of the trees should be painted about the first. of June with a
mixture of soft-soap and lye about the thickness of paint, or with a mixt-
ure of lime and soap. When once the larve obtain an entrance it is
very difficult to discover them, and they will then carry on their de-
structive work all through the summer.” (Can. Ent., xiii, p.69.) (See
also Insect Life, ii, 1590, 251.)
The moth.—Head and palpi deep reddish orange, thorax ocherous yellow; abdomen
bluish black varied with yellow, witha deep reddish terminal tuft. Fore-wings with
the edges and median vein bluish black dusted with yellowish; a large discal bluish
black patch; end of the wing ocherous yellow with a blackish subterminal band
and the veins blackish. Hind wings with a blackish discal patch. Body
beneath ocherous yellow, with a bluish black patch on each side of the second ab-
dominal segment. Middle and posterior tibie ringed with bluish black; the fore-
legs blackish, with the cox (or hip joints) touched with reddish orange; expanse
of wings about 0.80 inch.
The larva is a little over half an inch long, livid white, the head small and yellow,
cervical shield paler; with sixteen legs, all of which are reddish. (Clemens.)
7. THE FLAT-HEADED APPLE-TREE BORER.
Chrysobothris femorata Fabricius.
In the Mississippi Valley, sometimes riddling soft maples through and through,
sometimes confining itself mostly to the inner bark, causing peculiar black scars and
holes in the trunk; a flat-headed grub, transforming to a flat, hard-shelled beetle.
(Riley. )
While this beetle more commonly intests the oak (p. 64) and the
apple, it threatens in the Western States, according to Riley, to impair
the value of the soft maple for shade and ornamental purposes.
5 ENY——25
386 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
€. THE PEACH AND CHERRY FLAT-HEADED BORER.
Dicerca divaricata Say.
Order COLEOPTERA; family BUPRESTIDZ.
(Larva, Pl. xv1, fig. 2.)
Boring in red maple stumps, a flat-headed borer whose prothoracic segment is not
so wide in proportion to the two following segments as in Chrysobothris larve.
Although Fitch says that the beech is undoubtedly the original resi-
dence of this borer, now destructive to cherry and peach trees, and
that ‘‘ wherever a dead tree of this kind occurs some of these beetles
will almost always be found upon it on sunny days in midsummer,” we
have found several of the fully and half grown larve, with the dead
beetle, in a partly rotten stump of the swamp maple at Providence,
June 1. The hole for the exit of the beetle is oval cylindrical, 8™™ in
its longer diameter and 4™™ in its shorter. The following description
of the larva was drawn up from the larger specimens; that of the
beetle is quoted from Harris:
Larva.—Prothoracic segment moderately broad, not so long as wide, but not so wide
in proportion to the two succeeding segments as in Chrysobothris; the second thoracic
segment trapezoidal, narrower than the first by two-thirds of its
length; third thoracicsegment a little narrower and a little longer
than the second. All the abdominal segments about two-thirds
as wide as the third thoracic, and round and thick. The termi-
nal segment a little over one-half as wide as the one before it.
Prothoracic segment with a large broad rough chitinous surface,
with au inverted narrow Y with long slender arms to the Y.
On the underside of the segment the rough surface is divided
into two by two nearly parallel longitudinal smooth lines.
Be Length of body, 35™™; length of prothoracic segment, 5™™ ;
Fic. 143.—Dicerca yreadth, 7™™; width of metathoracic segment, 5™™; width
ugar Marx dele ofan average abdominal segment, 4™™,
The beetle.—Wing-covers much elongated and spreading widely apart at the end;
the insect copper-colored, thickly covered with little punctures; the prothorax slightly
furrowed in the middle; the wing-covers marked with numerous fine irregular im-
pressed lines and small oblong square elevated black spots ; middle of the breast fur-
rowed; the male with a little tooth on the under side of the shanks of the middle pair
of legs. Length, 18 to 23™™,
In addition to the above description of the larva, the following
characters may be given. The mouth-parts are as described in Chryso-
bothris femorata, and a drawing could not well show the generic or
specific differences between Chrysobothris femorata and D. divaricata as
regards these parts. They are as described in C. femorata ; the labium
is the same, but with the front edge perhaps a little less full and rounded.
The maxille are perhaps a little fuller. Antenne the same, the third
joint minute and rounded. On the whole, the antenne and maxille are
a little stouter, and slightly more developed than in C. femorata. The
labrum is, however, less full and rounded on the front edge. On the
mesothoracic segment is a transverse narrow chitinous area, while that
MAPLE BORERS. 387
on the metathoracic segment is of a double lunoid shape. The first
abdominal segment has a short, narrow dorsal area, shorter than the
one on the preceding segment. The lateral linear crescent-shaped im-
pressed lines are well marked.
This larva differs from that of Chrysobothris femorata in being con-
siderably larger, the abdominal segments being thicker in proportion
to the prothorax, and also in the style of sculpturing on the prothorax.
The apex of the Y is surrounded by a square, deeper-colored area; the
disk on the under side is divided by a double line, which widens sud-
denly in front into halves.
9. THE QUERCITRON BARK-BORER.
Graphisurus fasciatus (De Geer).
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CERAMBYCIDZ,
This beetle, more commonly found on the oak, has been found in the
pupa as well as adult stage under the bark of the sugar maple in North-
ern New York by Mr. George Hunt; and we have reared the beetle
from a pupa found under the bark of the red or swamp maple, at
Providence, June 1. The cell made by the larva for the repose of the
pupa is about an inch long, one-third of an inch wide, and one-tenth
deep. (See also p. 71.)
10. Xyloterus politus Say.
Order COLEOPTERA; family SCOLYTIDZ.
In this species, according to Leconte, the elytra have ill-defined dis-
tant rows of punctures, with interspaces equally strongly punctured,
pubescence erect and abundant. He has received specimens from Dr.
J. A. Lintner, said by him to depredate on maple trees. ‘It is easily
known,” adds Leconte, ‘‘ by being more hairy than the other species,
with the interspaces of the elytra sparsely punctured, so that the rows
of punctures appear confused.”
11. Bellamira scalaris Say.
This longicorn has been taken by Mr. Harrington in the act of ovi-
positing in a maple stump in July. It also attacks the birch.
The beetle.—Head contracted behind the eyes to form a neck; thorax narrow ;
wing-covers pubescent, glistening, rather wide at the base, but tapering rapidly
behind, and shorter than the abdomen. Reddish, with yellowish antennz and feet.
Length, 25™™ to 30™™,
12. THE WHITE ANT.
Termes flavipes Kollar.
The following copy of an article by Dr. H. A. Hagen (Can. Ent., xvii,
p. 134) shows that this insect, usually only destructive to rotten wood,
may rarely attack living trees.
>
388 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
The common white ant (Termes flavipes) destroys dead wood, stumps of trees, and
timber, just as does its nearest relative, T. lucifugus, in Europe. Of the latter spe-
cies some cases are reported where living pines and oaks have been destroyed in the
south of France. For T. flavipes only one case is known, in which living grape-vines
in a hot-house in Salem were injured (S. H. Scudder, Proc. Boston N. H.S., vol.
vii, p. 287). Now the earth in the hot-houses there in Cambridge is largely infested
by white ants, but, as far as I know, no destruction of plants has been observed. I
was very much interested by the information from Mr. F. W. Putnam that in a garden
in Irving street living maples were largely infested by white ants. The evidence of
the truth of this information was apparent by the first glance at the trees. They were
three in number, some few yards separated, more than 60 feet high, 2 feet diameter
at base, and apparently in good condition, except that the bark was in certain places
affected or split. Those places had somewhat the appearance of the well-known
winter splits of the bark of trees. In removing parts of the bark, directly living
white ants, workers and a few soldiers, were found, collected, and proved to belong
to T. flavipes. Closer observation showed that small open gangs, covered outside by
the loose bark, ran along the tree to a height of 30 feet or more. There were on this
estate no old rotten stumps, but some of the adjacent uninhabited estates contained
them, where probably the nest may be found; nevertheless, the whole estate was
so overrun by white ants that they had made along the fence a long track covered
with the hard clay-like mud with which they usually fill the eaten parts. As the
boards of the fence were thin, it was perhaps judged safer to build the canal outside
instead of on the interior of the boards. The house, a frame house, about ten years old,
the stables, and the wooden sheds were entirely intact. The estate near to it seemed
to be entirely free of the pest. The foliage of the infested trees looked very remark-
able. Mr. Sereno Watson, the curator of the Cambridge Herbarium, was at first at
loss to determine the leaves; the size, the shape, and the venation would not agree
with any known species. But when he saw the tree, he was directly sure that it was
only the common Acer rubrum. Some fresh shoots near the base of the tree had un-
mistakably the leaves of the common red maple. All the other leaves were very
small, mostly not more than 2 inches broad, the median lobe often short, sometimes
blunt, and not longer than the side lobes; the ribs below were about yellowish, and
decidedly less dark than on the red maple. The owner of the estate had for ten
years not observed any change in the foliage of the trees. During the last winter the
upper part of one tree, some 20 feet, broke down in a gale, and proved to be not in-
fested by white ants. Now it was considered safe to fell the whole tree. The bark
was, in the place where the gangs went up along the trees, extensively bored and
hollowed by the white ants. The wood itself was oniy 2 feet above the ground filled
with the common white ant holes and gangs, but no more than 1 inch deep around
the stump. The inner part of the tree showed the wood perfectly sound for 31 feet,
except a perpendicular hole of 2 inches diameter in the middle of the tree, going
down to the root. This hole, perhaps made by squirrels, had black ants as inhabit-
ants. The two other trees are still standing. In consequence of those facts, I looked
around in Cambridge, and have now the suspicion that perhaps the injury done to
living trees may be less rare than I had supposed. If similar observations are made
by entomologists, I would be thankful to have them communicated to me.
13. Ptilinus ruficornis Say.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family PTINID&.
Mr. Harrington states that he has seen in Canada * great numbers
issuing from maple trees, leaving the wood riddled with small holes.”
The beetles, he says, are .vvery common and attack various trees, both
living and dead. ‘When a tree, say oak, hickory, or maple, has been
MAPLE BORERS. 389
injured by blazing or peeling of bark, this little beetle may frequently
be seen boring into the exposed wood, or if the injury is an old one,
perhaps numbers may be found emerging.”
This beetle, Mr. Devereaux writes me, is found in New York in great
abundance in the larval state in timber, logs, and cord-wood. It
deposits its eggs in the summer of the year in which the tree is cut;
many generations following each other for a number of years in the
same log.
The beetle.—Brownish, with the head almost hidden by the prothorax. The male
much smaller, with reddish pectinate antenne. Length, 5™™.
14. Hupsalis minuta (Drury).
Mr. Harrington records collecting about twenty of these beetles from
under the bark of a large fallen sugar maple. “The larvie had appa-
rently lived chiefly on the inner layers of the bark and on the sap wood.
On another occasion I found specimens emerging from a maple stump.”
(See Oak Insects, p. 69.)
15. THE SUGAR-MAPLE TIMBER BEETLE.
Corthylus punctatissimus (Zimm.)
Order COLEOPTERA; family SCOLYTID&.
The devastations of this beetle have been described by Dr. C. H.
Merriam in the American Naturalist for January, 1883:
I noticed that a large percentage of the undergrowth of the sugar maple in Lewis
County, northern New York, seemed to be dying. The leaves drooped and withered,
Fig. 144. Mines of Corthylus punctatissimus.—Merriam del.
and finally shriveled and dried, but still clung to the branches. The majority of the
plants affected were bushes a centimeter or two in thickness, and averaging from one to
two meters in height, though a few exceeded these dimensions. On attempting to
pull them up they uniformly, and almost without exception, broke off at the level of
390 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
the ground, leaving the root undisturbed. A glance at the broken end sufficed to
reveal the mystery, for it was perforated, both vertically and horizontally, by the
tubular excavations of a little Scolytid beetle which, in most instances, was found
still engaged in his work of destruction.
At this time the wood immediately above the part actually invaded by the insect
was still sound, but a couple of months later it was generally found to be rotten.
During September and October I dug up and examined
a large number of apparently healthy young maples
of about the size of those already mentioned, and
was somewhat surprised to discover that fully 10 per
cent. of them were infested with the same beetles,
though the excavations had not as yet been suffi-
ciently extensive to affect the outward appearance of
the bush. They must all die during the coming win-
ter, and next spring will show that, in Lewis County
alone, hundreds of thousands of young sugar maples
Mes ship perished from the ravages of this Scolytid during the
Frag bed summer of 1882.
Hats: CE hae td Wee Be The hole which constitutes the entrance to the
excavation is, without exception, at or very near
the surface of the ground, and is invariably beneath the layer of dead and de-
caying leaves that everywhere covers the soil in our northern deciduous for.
ests. Each burrow consists of a primary, more or less horizontal, circular canal,
that passes completely around the bush but does not perforate into the entrance hole,
for it generally takes a slightly spiral course, so that when back to the starting point
it falls either a little above or a little below it—commonly the latter (see figs. 144, a and
b). It follows the periphery so closely that the outer layer of growing wood, sep-
arating it from the bark, does not average .2o™™ in thickness, and yet I have never ~
known it to cut entirely through this so as to lie in contact with the bark.
From this primary circular excavation issue, at right angles, and generally in both
direttions, (up and down), a varying number of straight tubes, parallel to the axis
of the plant (see figs. 144, a,b,c). They average five or six millimeters in length and
commonly terminate blindly, a mature beetle being usually found to extend farther
and, bending at aright angle, to take a turn around the circumference of the bush,
thus constituting a second horizontal circular canal, from which, as from the primary
one, a varying number of short vertical tubes branch off, and in very exceptional
cases these excavations extend still deeper, and there may be three, or even four, more
or less complete circular canals. Such an unusual state of things exists from the
specimen from which figure 144, d, is taken.
It will be seen that, with few exceptions, the most important of which is shown in
figure 144, d, all the excavations (including both the horizonta leanals and their verti-
cal offshoots) are made in the sap-wood, immediately under the bark, and not in the
hard and comparatively dry central portion. This is doubtless because the outer
layers of the wood are softer and more juicy, and therefore more easily cut, besides con-
taining more nutriment and being, doubtless, better relished than the dryer interior.
This beetle does not bore, like some insects, but devours bodily all the wood that
is removed in making its burrows. The depth of each vertical tube may be taken as
an index tothe length of time the animal has been at work ; and the number of these
tubes generally tells how many inhabit each bush, for as a general rule each indi-
vidual makes but one hole, and is commonly found at the bottom of it. All of the
excavations are black inside.
The beetle is subcylindric in outline and very small, measuring but 3.5™™ in
length. Its color is a dark chestnut-brown, some specimens being almost black. Its
head is bent down under the thorax and can not be seen from above. (See fig. 145.)
|
|
MAPLE BORERS. oon
16. Xyloterus politus Say.
According to Prof. J. A. Lintner this bark-borer lives at the expense
of the maple.
17. Stenoscelis brevis Boheman.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CALANDRID&.
This beetle occurred in a partly rotten stump of the red maple in a
swamp at Providence, June 1, in company with Dicerca divaricata and
Xestobium affine. All these beetles were submitted to Dr. Leconte for
identification. The mines are irregular, sinuous, 1.5 to 2™™ in diameter,
and were quite numerous.
18. Xestobiwm affine Le Conte.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family PTINID.
Several specimens of this beetle occurred June 1 in a rotten stump,
with the larve, which closely resembles those of Ernobius. It makes
a sinuous mine 4"™ in diameter, opening externally by around hole 3™™
in diameter ; the burrows being filled with fine excrement.
Larva.—Body cylindrical, white, soft, very full and rounded at the end, a little
the thickest at the thoracic portion; three pairs of thoracic, three-jointed, rather
slender feet. Head rather large, more than half as thick as the body. End of abdo-
men covered with rather dense yellowish hairs. Length, 10™™; thickness of body,
3.1to4™™, Fig. 441 of Ernobius mollis in my Guide to the Study of Insects well repre-
sents tne general appearance of this larva.
BORING IN THE TWIGS.
19. THE ASTER STALK-BORER.
Gortyna nitela Guen.
This common borer of the stalks of the dahlia and aster has been
observed by Professor Osborn boring in young twigs of the ash,
many dead twigs being the proofs of their work. Miss Murtfeldt
Fig. 146.—The aster stalk-borer and moth.—After Riley.
has also observed it in twigs of the maple (Acer dasycarpum), and
Professor Riley states that it occurs in peach twigs as well as the
branches of Ambrosia artemisiefolia. He also states that the young
worm in Illinois hatches about the 1st of July, and immediately begins
its work of destruction. The plant in which it feeds does not usually
392 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
show any signs of decay until the worm is about fully grown, when
it wilts and is past recovery. About a month after the worm is
hatched it crawls just under the surface of the ground, fastens a little
earth together around itself by a slight web, and changes to a chrysalis
of a very light mahogany-brown color three-fourths of an inch long,
the moth appearing early in September.
Larva.—Dull-colored, with wart-like spots; livid or purplish brown; darker
before than behind, though varying much as to depth of shading.
The moth.—Fore-wings lilac-gray, speckled with minute yellow dots, with a dis-
tinct white band running across them. Expanse of wings, 35™™,
AFFECTING THE LEAF-BUDS.
20. THE MAPLE-BUD BEETLE.
Platycerus quercus Weber.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family LUCANID&.
This beetle was noticed May 6 by Mr. Harrington gnawing holes
in the center of the leaf buds, where, hidden within, it feasts on the
growing leaves. ‘In one instance a pair of beetles (male and female)
were found in the same eavity. I have since found the beetles upon
the leaves of various trees, and the larve in old logs and stumps of
elm, ete.” (Rep. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1£87, 31.)
The beetle.—In Platycerus the eyes are almost entire, while the sixth ventral seg-
ment is visible (it is not so in Dorcus, whose eyes are hollowed out). Body flat,
black (reddish beneath in the female), with sometimes a greenish hue; antenne with
the terminal joints lamellate; while the jaws of the male are long and like pincers,
those of the female being shorter. Length, 10™™. (Horn.)
AFFECTING THK LEAVES.
21. THE SPINY MAPLE WORM.
Dryocampa rubicunda (Fabricius).
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family BOMBYCIDZ.
Sometimes nearly stripping soft maples of their leaves, large smooth worms longi-
tudinally striped with pale and darker green lines, and recognizable by two anteriorly
projecting black horns on the second segment behind the head, and transforming to
a pale, ocher-yellowish, thick-bodied moth, tinged, especially on the fore wings, with
a rosy hue, and expanding a little over 2 inches.
Although in the Eastern States this insect, especially the moth, is.
not common, yet we have observed it as far east as Brunswick, Me., where
it feeds on the maple, the moth there appearing the middle of June; in
the Western States, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, it proves during
certain years very destructive, entirely or nearly stripping the soft or
swamp and sometimes the silver maple of its leaves, and discouraging
people from planting this tree along roadsides. It is known to feed on
the oak.
iy
MAPLE CATERPILLARS. 393
According to Riley, the eggs are deposited in patches of thirty and
upward, on the under side of a leaf. Each is about 0.05 inch long, sub-
oval, slightly flattened, translucent, and pale greenish.
In Missouri and Kansas the worm is double-brooded, the first brood
of larve appearing mostly during June and giving forth the moths late
Fic. 147.The green-striped spiny maple-worm; 6, pupa; c, female.—After Riley.
in July, while the second brood of worms appears in August and Sep-
tember, wintering in the chrysalis state, and not appearing as moths.
until the following May. The caterpillar molts four times, becoming
fully fed within a month, and then entering the ground to pupate.*
Larva.—tin the first stage, yellow, with a large black head, the spines forming little
black tubercles of nearly uniform size. In the second stage the head is browner, and
the spines and stripes of the full-fed larva more apparent. In the third stage like the
caterpillar in its fourth or last stage, butsmaller. The fully fed caterpillaris an inch
and a half long; pale yellowish-green longitudinally, striped above alternately with
eight very light yellowish-green lines and seven of a darker green, inclining to black,
with two slender black spines on the second segment behind the head, and two lateral
rows of sharper, shorter spines. Head copal yellow; segments 10 and 11 a little di-
lated and rose-colored at the sides. ;
Chrysalis.—Rough and pitted, nearly black, with curved horns ab out the head
and thorax, and the movable joints provided with a ring of sharp conical teeth around
the anterior edge. (Riley.)
Moth.—Fore-wings rose-colored, crossed by a broad pale-yellow band; the hind
wings pale yellow, with a short rosy band behind the middle; the body is yellow,
the under side and legs rose colored (Harris). In Western specimens, the yellow pre-
dominates, the rose-color being but faintly visible, according to Riley, who has also
had specimens which were almost white or colorless. The wings expand about two
inches. The male antennez are broadly pectinated like feathers.
Remedies.—A_ Tachina parasite, Tachina (Belvosia) bifasciata Fabr.,
and an ichneumon fly prey upon the caterpillars, and thus reduce their
numbers. Riley recommends searching for and destroying the moths
and eggs late in May, while the worms, when about to leave the trees,
* See also Insect Life, ii, 1890, 276.
394 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
‘“‘may be entrapped by digging a trench either around the individual
tree or around a grove or belt. The trench should be at least a foot
deep, with the outer wall slanting under. Great numbers of worms
will collect in it, or bury themselves in its bottom, and may easily be
killed.”
22. Hepialus argenteomaculatus Harris.
Mr. Harrington is authority for the statement that a moth referred
to this species has been bred by Mr. Fletcher from a larva found boring
in the base of a spiked maple (Acer spicatum). (See p. 346.)
23. THE 10 CATERPILLAR.
Hyperchiria io (Fabricius).
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family BOMBYCID.
Sometimes feeding late in summer on the maple, a large, greenish, thick caterpillar,
with fascicles of irritant, radiating, sharp spines over the body, spinning a thin
silken cocoon among the leaves, and transforming the following May or June into a
large, stout-bodied moth; the males yellow with a very large eye-like spot on the
hind wings, and the females purple-brown, the wings of the latter expanding nearly
3 inches. ;
Although this large caterpillar is a general feeder, devouring in the
Southern States the leaves of the Indian corn, as well as the sassafras,
black locust, the false indigo, wild
black cherry (Prunus serotina), and
the willow, currant, cotton, clover,
elm, hop-vine, balsam-poplar, balm
of Gilead, dogwood, and choke
cherry, we have found it in Maine,
where it is a rare moth, feeding on
the rock or sugar maple, and hence
refer to it under this head. The
eggs are top-shaped, attached by
the smaller end, in patches of
about thirty, on the under side of
leaves. The caterpillars in the
Western States begin to hatch
about the end of June, getting
their growth in two months, after
See molting five times. The spines are
Fic. 148.—Green stinging io caterpillar.—A fter poisonous to the fingers, and the
ae caterpillar can not be handled
without causing some pain and irritation.
Mrs. Dimmock has summarized in Psyche (iv, 275) what is known of
the habits of this caterpillar as follows:
Hyperchiria io Fabr. (Syst. Entom., 1775, p. 560). Harris (Rept. Ins. Injur. Veg,
1841, p. 283-285) describes the larva and male and female imagos; later (Treatise on
Ins. Injur. Veg., 1862, p. 393-396) he adds to the descriptions figures of the larva,
MAPLE CATERPILLARS. 395
pupa, cocoon, and male and female imagos; and still later (Entom. Corresp., 1869,
p. 295-297) he gives a more extended description of the larva. Morris (Synop. Lepid.
N. A., 1862, p. 220) briefly describes the larva. Packard (Guide Study Ins., 1869, p.
299) gives brief notes on this species under the name of Hyperchiria varia Walker.
- Bethune (Can. Entom., Oct., 1869, v, 2, p. 19, 20) briefly describes the larva, and
Minot (op. cit., Nov., 1869, v, 2, p. 28, 29) describes egg and larva without recognizing
the species. Lintner (Entom. Contrib., No. 2, 1872, p. 146-149) describes the egg,
the six larval stages, the pupa, and the cocoon. Riley (Fifth Rept. State Entom.
Mo., 1873, p. 133) describes egg, larva in its six stages, cocoon, and imago of this
species, figuring larva and male and female imagos; and (Can. Entom., June, 1873,
vy, 5, p- 109) describes the egg in detail. Reed (Can. Entom., Dec., 1874, v, 6, p.
Fic. 149.—Male of io moth.—After Riley.
297-229, and Ann. Rept. Entom. Soc. Ontario, 1874, p. 11-13) repeats Riley’s figures,
and describes the different stages very briefly. Grote (Can. Entom., Sept., 1878, v,
10, p. 176) states that this species is double-brooded in the South. The food-plants,
as compiled in chronological order from the above and from other notices of this
species, are as follows: Populus balsamifera, Ulmus, Trifolium, Zea mays, and accord-
ing to Abbot, Cornus and Sassafras [ Harris, 1841]; Quercus and Robinia viscosa [ Har-
ris, 1869]; Cornus florida and Liriodendron [Morris]; Humulus [Freeman (Amer.
Entom., Oct., 1868, v. 1, p. 39)]; Gossypium and Acer [Packard]; Salix [ Bethune] ;
Populus tremuloides, Robinia pseudacacia, and Cerasus virginiana [Lintner]; Amorpha
fruticosa, Baptisia, Prunus serotina, and currant [Riley]; Corynus avellana [Reed];
Betula, Comptonia asplenifolia, apple, Lespedeza, Symphoricarpus, and Fraxinus [Goodell
(Can. Entom., Sept., 1877, v, 9, p. 180)];_ Prinos verticillatus, Rubus villosus, and R.
canadensis [Goodell (op. cié., Apr., 1879, v, ii, p. 78)], and Trifolium pratense [Pilate
(Papilio, May, 1882, v, 2, p. 67)]. The larva also eats Betula alba.
The larva.—About 2 inches long, of a pea-green color; the spreading, slender
spines deeper yellow and often tipped with black. A lateral white line, edged above
with lilac.
The moth.—Males deep-ocher yeilow marked with purple brown, with a large,
round blue spot, bordered with black, with a central white dash. The fore-wings
of the female are purple brown, the hind wings as in the male. In Massachusetts
the moths appear during June or early in July.
396 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
24. THE IMPERIAL EACLES.
Eacles imperialis (Drury).
(Larva, Pl. v1, figs. 1, 1a, 1b.)
Although this pine larva occurs on the elm as well as the maple and
other forest trees, it may be mentioned here.
to under the head of pine insects.*
It is more fully referred
*The following list of the food-plants of Hacles imperialis Dru., by William Beu-
tenmiiller, appeared in Entomologica Americana, ii, p. 53.
Anacardiacee.
Rhus glabra, L. (Smooth Sumac. )
Sapindacee.
Zisculus hippocastanum, L. (Common
Horse Chestnut. )
Acer saccharinum, Wang. (Sugar Maple.)
dasycarpum, Chr. (White or Silver
Maple. )
rubrum, L. (Red or Swamp Mapie.)
pseudoplatanus, L.
Negundo aceroides, Moench.
der.)
(Box El-
Kdlreuteria paniculata, Laxm. (The
panicle-flowered K6lreuteria. )
Leguminose.
Gleditschia triacanthos, L. (Honey Lo-
cust.)
Rosacee.
(Choke Cherry.)
(Wild Black
Prunus virginiana, L.
serotina, Ehr.
Cherry.)
Hamamelacee.
Liquidambar styraciflua,L. (Sweet Gum. )
Lauracee.
(Sassafras. )
(Spice-bush. )
Sassafras officinale, Nees.
Lindera benzoin, Meisn.
Urticacee.
Ulmus fulva, Michx. (Slippery or Red
Elm.)
americana, L. (American or White
Elm.)
alata, Michx. (Whahoo or Winged
_ Elm.)
campestris, L. (English Field
Elm.)
suberosa, Moench. (Cork-barked
Elm.)
Platanacee.
Platanus occidentalis, L. (American
Plane or Sycamore. )
orientalis, L. (Oriental Plane.)
Cupulifere.
Quercus alba, L. (White Oak.)
macrocarpa, Michx. (Burr Oak.)
coccinea, Wang. (Scarlet Oak.)
rubra, L. (Red Oak.)
palustris, Du Roi. (Swamp or
Pin Oak.)
cerris vulgaris. (Turkey Oak.)
Castanea vesca, L. (Chestnut.)
pumila, Michx. (Chinquapin.)
Fagus ferruginea, Ait. (American Beech.)
sylvatica, L. (Wood or Common
Beech.)
Ostrya virginica, Willd. (Hop Hornbeam
or Leverwood.)
Carpinus americana, Michx. (Hornbeam,
Blue or Water Beech.)
Betulacee.
Betula alba, L. (White Birch.)
var. populifolia, Spach.
Alnus incana, Willd. (Speckled or Hoary ~
Alder.)
serrulata, Ait. (Smooth Alder.)
Conifere.
Pinus strobus, L. (White Pine.)
excelsa, Wallich. (Bhotan Pine.)
Abies excelsa, Dec. (Norway Spruce Fir.)
var. pendula.
Larix americana, Michx.
Black Larch.)
Cupressus thujoides, L.
Taxodium distichum, Rich.
Bald Cypress. )
Juniper communis, L.
per. )
Virginiana, L.
(American or
(White Cedar.)
(American
(Common Juni-
(Red Cedar. )
MAPLE CATERPILLARS. 397
25. THE MAPLE DAGGER-MOTH.
Apatela americana Harris.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family NOCTUIDA.
In September, a rather large greenish-yellow caterpillar, with long hairs, orna-
mented with four pencils of long hairs, and a single pencil on the eleventh ring,
spinning a dense cocoon under the bark or elsewhere, and transforming into a whitish
moth the next summer.
This is not uncommon on maple trees late in the autumn, and its
habits are described by Harris, who says that it also feeds on the elm,
linden, and chestnut. We have often noticed it in Maine at the end of
August and in September.
Mr. Coquillett has bred the caterpillar in Illinois from the oak, on
which it was found August 13. On the 19th of the same month it spun
a large cocoon, interwoven with the hairs with which its body was
covered, the moth emerging on the 24th of May of the following year.
Larva.—Body greenish white; a subdorsal and stigmatal black line; on top of the
last two segments is a black stripe which widens posteriorly ; body thickly covered
with short pale yellow hairs; on top of segments 4 and 6 are two pencils and on top
of segment 11 is a single pencil of very long black hairs; body beneath black.
Head shining black. Length 2.50 inches. (Coquillett.)
26. Lochmeus olivatus Packard.
The caterpillar of this species has been reared by Professor Riley.
Moth.—Female: Pale olive greenish ash, with white scales and patches; head
above greenish ash, in front ashen, and the palpi ash-colored, with no black exter-
nally. Thorax darker behind, the tegule with white scales. Fore-wings with the
basal line indistinct in my specimens (loaned by Mr. H. L. Clark, of Providence) ;
middle line doubly scalloped; the spaces between the dark scallops filled with
whitish scales; discal dot distinct, brown contained in a large squarish white patch;
on the inner scale of this patch and extending below it is a dark brown patch, form-
ing a broad dusky band, extending from the subcostal vein to the third median
venule, ending in two scallops. The outer line is sinuous, the scallops shallow, the
line curves outward deeply opposite the origin of the median venules; the line loses
itself toward the costa in a diffuse greenish costal patch. There is a distinct sub-
marginal series of about eight subtriangular dusky spots, the largest one situated on
the first median interspace ; this line is scarcely dislocated as in L. cinereus. Wings
dusky, with whitish scales and dark line at the base. Hind wings ash, whitish in
spots; traces of an outer dusky band, distinct in the center when it is externally
shaded with whitish; the band crosses the wing, but is quite faint. Beneath, the
lines and spots do not reappear, and both wings are uniformly ash-brown, the line
at base of fringe dusky, the fringe whitish ash, spotted with dusky. Length of
body, female, 20™™ (,% inch); expanse of wings, female, 52™™ (2 inches.)
398 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
27. Lochmeus cinereus Packard.
The caterpillar of this species has been found by Professor Riley
feeding on the maple, and closely resembling the caterpillar of L. olivata.
Packard. The type of my original description was captured by
myself in Brunswick, Me.; Professor Riley’s was bred in Washington,
D. C., the moth appearing May 28. Mr. Howard L. Clark has found it
not uncommonly in Rhode Island. My original type was from Maine.
Moth.—Male and female: Antenne well pectinated on the basal two-thirds, filiform
at the end ; the body and wings greenish ash, the wings green, olive sea-green in
tint. Head greenish on top, ashen in front; palpi ashen, black on the sides. Thorax
ashen, greenish on the sides at the insertion of the wings; on front edge of the thorax
a dark brown transverse stripe; a more distinct transverse stripe behind, and the
hinder edges of the tegule dusky; between the two oblique tegular stripes the
hinder part of the thorax is dark brown, including a small tuft on the hinder
edge of the thorax and a large two-lobed flattened tuft which covers the base of
the abdomen, the posterior edges of the double tuft becoming blackish. Fore-
wings rather short and broad, the apex less produced than in L. olivatus ; the wing
unusually free from scalloped bands; two unequal scallops at the insertion of the
wing (obsolete in the male before me); middle double-scalloped line well marked
in the female (obsolete in the male in front of the median vein); the scallops
uneven, two in median space, the largest one rectangular; a short acute scallop
in front of the median vein and extended outward along it; two nearly even-
sized scallops on the costal edge; a clean space between the middle and outer
scalloped lines; outer scalloped line very irregular, scallops deep and heavy black-
brown, and the line curving deeply inward from the median vein to near the apex on
the costa. The costal edge on outer third, with three distinct narrow linear black
spots; the venules marked with black and whitish-gray scales (in the male this
outer line is almost obsolete). A submarginal row of eight blackish spots, three of
which are situated behind the last median venule; this series is plainly dislocated,
the subapical three being set farther inward than those below, and this is a ready
means of separating the species from L. olivatus. In these females the fore-wings and
thorax are yellowish green, while in the male of a clear sea-green. Hind wings
dusky ashen, yellowish on the costa, on the outer third of which is the beginning of
an outer whitish line, forming two scallops; the wing is pale, almost whitish at base,
but dusky toward and at the margin. Beneath, the fore-wings are clear ash, the
costa a little dusky, with fine blackish linear marks toward the apex; the sub-
marginal row of blackish spots appear through, but the series is not dislocated ;
hind-wings not marked, except by three submarginal dusky spots behind the second
median venule; abdomen ash, with a faint yellow-green tint; length of body, male,
20 to 21™™ ; female, 23™™, Expanse of wings, male, 45™™; female, 55™™ (2.10 inches).
This species may be known by the less pointed fore-wings, quite
square in the male, by the clear space between the middle and outer
scalloped lines, and by the dislocated series of submarginal dusky
spots; the wings in the male are uniformly sea-green, while in the
female the tint is yellowish green. My original description in third
vol. Proc. Ent. Soc. Philadelphia, is defective, as the type specimen
was rubbed, and without the greenish tint of fresh specimens. From
L. olivatus it is distinguished by being more uniformly and darker
green and by the lack of whitish patches. The discal spot is almost
obsolete, and with only a slightly marked dusky patch beneath. this
blackish patch being large and conspicuous in L. olivatus. :
MAPLE CATERPILLARS. 399
28. THE MAPLE SLUG WORM.
Lithacodes fasciola H. Sch.
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family BOMBYCID&.
We have found the larva of this rather common slug-
caterpillar on the maple at Jackson, N. H., September
10. It agrees with Clemens’ description of the larva
of L. laticlavia. (See Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc.,1860, p. 157). Wad USS
In walking the larva, like others of its group, moves F!+ 150.—Maple
on a broad soft disk like a slug, the disk moving in rec ni a
wave-like undulations from back forwards.
The following description has been taken from Professor Riley’s MS.
notes:
Like Glover’s * apparently. Young found September 5, 1869, on the wild cherry.
Sea
Length, 0.42. Color pale green, variegated, i. e., spotted and lined with still paler
yellowish green. Six pale longitudinal lines, two dorsal, two lateral, and two ven-
tral, all more or less undulating, and all approaching at extremities and diverging
in middle of body. Between the dorsal lines each segment is marked with a slightly
elevated somewhat triangular pale spot, with a dark center, while on each side of it
anteriorly and contiguous to the longitudinal line is a darker green spot. Between
dorsal and lateral line there is also a pale spot with darker center and other
smaller pale spots each side of it. Anus terminating in an obtuse point as in figure.
September 8, 1869. It has formed its cocoons somewhat differently from the others
now breeding. It first cut off a piece of leaf large enough to cover its back, and
then, after anchoring it with silken cables to a whole leaf, proceeded to form its
cocoon between the two. February 11, 1870. The lid, which opens when the imago
of these Limacodes escapes, is evidently severed before the larva changes to pupa,
for upon touching a cocoon of one to-day the lid sprang open, though the larva was
dead and had dried up within. July 20, 1870. The moth issued. It is Lithacodes
fasciola Clem. (Lintner) and = Limacodes betulw Fitch MS. According to Fitch, the
larva from his verbal description agrees very well, but he bred his from the beech.
September 6, 1570. Found another on cherry to-day. September 20, 1881. Miss Mary
Murtfeldt is feeding one oncherry. Found one to-day on hickory. The pale spot in
center of joints has no dark center, and near the darker spots, i. ¢., from each joint,
arises along the dorsal pale lines only one such bristle, and from the lateral line
only one such bristle. It does not sting. The thoracic legs are distinct. Mr. Lint-
ner has bred it from the horse chestnut. It also breeds on the hard maple and elm
(found September 15, 1875).
Larva.—Body oval, with a wide dorsal square ridge, hollowed slightly along the
middle, where situated on each suture is a yellowish round spot centered with a dark-
green dot. The edge of the ridge stained with yellow; on the outer and lower side
of the ridge is a lateral row of spots like those in the middle of the back. Body
pale-green, with yellow touches and spots besides those described. Head green,
but thejaws and labrum dark amber. Along the lower edge of the body is a whitish
line.- Length, 12™™,
29. Sisyrosea inornata Grote and Rob.
The specimen from which Fig. 148 was drawn was found under a
a maple at Amherst, Mass., October 9.
400 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Fic. 151.—Maple slug worm.—BridgLam del.
30. THE AMERICAN SILK-WORM.
Telea polyphemus Hiibner.
According to Mr. E. B. Reed, this insect ‘‘ frequently attacks maples,
and from the enormous size of the caterpillar and its voracious appe-
tite a great deal of damage is often done.” (Report Ontario Ent. Soc.
for 1872, p. 39.) Mrs. Dimmock has contributed the following historical
account of this insect to Psyche, iv, p. 277:
Attacus polyphemus Fabr. (Species insector., 1781, v. 2, p. 168). Among the very
numerous articles which have been published concerning this species the following
are worthy of citation. Harris (Rept. Ins. Injur. Veg., 1841, p. 278-279) describes
larva, cocoon, and imago; later (Treatise on Ins. Injur. Veg., 1862, p. 384-386) he adds
a figure of the imago, and (Entom. Corresp., 1869, p. 294, pl. 4, fig. 17) a figure of the
larva. Morris (Synop. Lepid. N. A., 1862, p. 226-227) describes larva and imago, and
(op. cit., p. 209) describes the egg, which he mistook for that of Smerinthus excaecatus.
‘Trouvelot (Amer. Nat., 1867, v. i, p. 30-38, 85-94, 145-149, pl. 5-6) gives an extended
account of this species which he tried to rear, on a considerable scale, for its silk; be
describes the egg, larva, pupa, and cocoon, and figures the larva, pupa, cocoon, and
male and female imagos, as well as Ophion macrurum, a parasite of the larva; he says
there are at least six varieties of the imagos. Packard (Guide Study Ins., 1869, p.
297, pl. 6-7) repeats Trouvelot’s figures. Riley [?] (Amer. Entom,, March 1869, v. i,
p. 121-122) figures the imago and describes the larva and imago. Riley (4th Ann.
Rept. State Entom. Mo.,1872, p. 125-129) describes egg, larva,cocoon, pupa, and imago,
and figures larva, pupa, cocoon, and male and female imagos; contrary to Trouvelot,
who stated that there are six larval stages, Riley gives the number of molts as four,
making five larval stages. Lintner (Entom. Contrib. [No. 1], 1872, p. 6) gives a note
on the coloration of the eggs, and (op. cit., No. 3, 1874, p. 152) describes the egg.
Gentry (Can. Entom., May 1874, v. 6, p. 86) describes the normal form and a variety
of the larva. Grote (Can. Entom., Sept. 1878, v. 10, p. 176) states that this species is
double-brooded in the South; Trouvelot (1. c.) was unable to raise two broods to ma-
turity in Massachusetts, and Brodie (Papilio, April 1882, v. 2, p. 60) writes that ‘in
long and warm seasons about 50 per cent. are double-brooded, but this is against
the increase of the species, as cold weather usually sets in before the larve are fully
matured.” Packard (Bull. 7, U.S. Entom. Comm., 1881, p. 48) figures the larva.
Saunders (Can. Entom, March 1882, v. 14, p. 41-45) figures and describes the larva,
pupa, cocoon, and male and female imagos; he further figures Ophion macrurum, a
parasite of the larva. Brodie (Papilio, May 1882, v. 2, p. 83) states that normally
this insect comes from its cocoon at about 11 a.m. Wailly (Bull. Soc. Acclim. France,
May 1882, s. 3, v. 9, p. 265) gives some notes upon the larva and imago. A eompila-
oN a a ee
MAPLE CATERPILLARS. A401
tion of the food-plants results as follows: Quercus, Ulmus, Tilia (Harris, 1841 and
1862]; Tilia americana and Rosa [ Harris, 1869]; Acer, Salix, Populus, Corylus, Betula,
— Vaccinium [Trouvelot]; Carya, Juglans nigra, J. cinerea, Crataegus (Amer. Entom.,
1869, v. 1, p. 121) ; Quercus virens, [Chambers(Amer. Entom., March 1870, v. 2, p. 156) J;
apple, quince, plum, Prunus virginiana, Platanus, Gleditschia [Riley]; Betula lenta
[Young (Can. Entom., Oct. 1880, v. 12, p. 212)]; Hamamelis virginica [Kyle (op. cit., p.
213)]; Castanea vesca, Fagus [Wailly (Journ. Soc. Arts, 31 March 1882, v. 30, p. 528) ];
Tilia europwa, Crategus coccinea, C. tomentosa, C. crux-galli, Amelanchier canadensis,
Ribes cynosbati, Quercus alba, Q. macrocarpa, Q. rubra, Corylus americana, C. rostrata,
Fagus ferruginea, Carpinus americana, Ostrya virginica, Carya tomentosa, C. amara,
C. alba, Betula lenta, B. excelsa, B. alba, B. papyracea, Alnus incana, A. serrulata,
Salix alba, S. humulis, Populus grandidentata, P. tremuloides [Brodie (Papilio, April
1882, v. 2, p. 58-59)]. Chestnut, as a food-plant, is only mentioned by Wailly, who
reared the larve in England, but they are often found in eastern Massachusetts,
on Castanea vesca.
31. THE CECROPIA CATERPILLAR.
Platysamia cecropia (Linn).
This caterpillar, larger than the foregoing, also sometimes occurs on
Xt. . )
La! Mis Me
Na \ l (uu ( |
l N AC
re
ay”
i 1
Fic. 152.—Caterpillar of the Cecropia silk moth, nat. size.—After Riley.
the maple. It is about four inches long, and pale green, ornamented
with large tubercles colored green, blue, yellow, and red.
Mrs. Dimmock has contributed to Psyche (iv, p. 276) the following his-
torical sketch of this insect.
Attacus cecropia Linn (Syst. Nat., 1758, ed. 10, p. 809). Harris (Rept. Ins. Injur.
Veg., 1841, p. 279-280) describes the larva, imago and cocoon of this species; later
(Treatise on Ins. Injur. Veg., 1862, p. 385, 387-389) he adds figures of the larva, pupa,
cocoon, and male imago; and still later (Entom. Corresp., 1869, p. 294-295) he again
describes the larva. Morris (Synop. Lepid. N. A., 1862, p. 223-224) describes larva,
cocoon, and imago. Trouvelot (Amer. Nat., March 1867, v. 1, p. 31) gives a note on
the cocoon. Riley (Amer. Entom., Feb. 1870, v. 2, p. 97-102, and 4th Ann. Rept. State
Entom. Mo., 187, p. 103-107) describes the eggs, and figures and describes the larva,
pupa, cocoon, and male imago. Spragre (Can. Entom., April 1870, v. 2, p. 82) de-
scribes the eggs. Saunders (Can. Entom., Oct. 1871, v. 3, p. 149-155) figures and de-
scribes the larva, cocoon, and male imago. Lintner (Entom. Contrib., No. 3, 1874, p.
125) describes the young larva. Worthington (Can. Entom., Sept. 1876, v. 8, p. 165-
166) notices some color varieties of the imago. Gentry (Can. Entom., March 1877, v.
9, p. 41-49) describes the egg, different stages of the larva, and cocoon. Grote (Can-
5 ENT——26
ae
402 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION,
Entom., Sept. 1878, v. 10, p. 176) says this species is double-brooded in the Southern
United States. Packard (Bull. 7, U.S. Entom. Comm., 1881, p. 113) figures the larva.
Neumoegen (Papilio, Jan. 1832, v. 2, p. 18) states that this species usually emerges
from the pupal state at about 5 p.m.; Brodie (op. cit., May 1882, v. 2, p. 83), on the
contrary, states that the emergence normally takes place about 10 a.m. Riley and
others state that the larva has five stages, but Wailly (Bull. Soc. Acclim. France, May
1882, s. 3, v. 9, p. 266-267) writes that it has six stages. Brudie (Papilio, Feb. 1882,
v. 2, p. 32-33) gives a list of 49 species of plants belonging to 20 genera on which the
larva will feed: The genera are Tilia, Acer, Negundo, Prunus, Spirea, Crategus, Py-
rus, Amelanchier, Ribes, Sambucus, Ulmus, Quercus, Fagus, Corylus, Carpinus, Betula,
Alnus, Salix, and Populus. From other authors the following genera are compiled :
Berberis, Liriodendron, Syringa, Carya, Gleditschia, Rubus, Ceanothus, Ampelopsis, Ceph-
alanthus, Fraxinus, Vaccinum, and Rosa.
Larva.—Body very thick, cylindrical, enlarged at the two last thoracic and first
abdominal segments, the segmients moderately and evenly convex, not angular,
sutures distinct. The head is almost wholly retractile within the prothoracic ring,
the latter also partially retractile in the succeeding ring.
Head of moderate size in proportion to the body, rounded, not so wide as the pro-
thoracic segment; green with no markings. Itis smaller and less rounded above
than in 7. polyphemus. Head and body green, the color of the upper side of the
plum, birch, or oak leaf. Prothoracic segment with a slight transverse ridge in
front, on which are four dorsal small light-blue warts and one larger tubercle on the
side, in front of and alittle lower than the prothoracic spiracle. On each of the
three following segments is a pair of short, club-shaped reddish tubercles with black
spines; these are succeeded along the abdomen by two rows of six subdorsal, much
slenderer but fully as long, bright yellow tubercles, which have two or three black
spines on the end. These two rows are terminated by a single bright yellow tubercle
on the last spiracle-bearing segment (eighth abdominal), which is nearly twice as
thick as the others. Two lateral widely-separated rows of slender, bright-blue,
elongated tubercles, ending in two to four black spinules; these are slenderer than
the dorsal yellow tubercles, and the two rows are far apart, the row of spiracles
being between them ; thespiracles are pale glaucous green, surrounded by a very nar-
row black rim. On the ninth segment is a transverse row of six pale bright cerulean
blue tubercles. Thoracic and abdominal feet a little paler green than the body.
Supra-anal plate triangular, large, but obtuse at theend. Length,70™™; thickness,
14™m, Providence, October 2. Described from a specimen found feeding on the
cherry.
32. Edema albifrons (Abbot and Smith).
This common oak caterpillar has been found by Mr. Reed to fre-
quently occur on the maple. (Can. Ent., xv, p. 204.)
33. FOREST TENT CATERPILLAR.
Clisiocampa sylvatica Harris.
A colony of the worms not fully fed were found June 6, collected in
a mass near the ground on the trunk of the maple at Brunswick, Me. ; °
at this time they were molting for the last time. (See Oak insects, p.
117.)
34. Homoptera lunata Drury.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family NOCTAIDA.
In the Canadian Entomologist (xiv, p. 130), Prof. G. H. French de-
scribes the seven stages in the life of the caterpillar of this fine large
moth, which feeds, he states, on the maple and willow. The duration
MAPLE CATERPILLARS, 403
of life from the time the egg is laid until the moth appears was found to
be fifty-two days. ‘The eggs were deposited April 30, and the first
moth hatched June 21, the last July 10. During former years I have
found the larve of this species on the willow and other bushes, and
had them spin up to the last of September and come out as moths the
forepart of November. In other instances they passed the winter as
chrysalids.” There are from two to three broods during a season. Mr.
Hill has claimed that H. edusa and lunata are possibly sexes of one
species, and Mr. Bean, as well as Mr. Leubner, have concluded that
these two species, with Sawndersii, were all the same species. From
one brood of eggs deposited by lunata the three forms, lunata, saun-
dersti, and edusa, were obtained, thus reducing two of the forms to sex-
ual varieties, lunata being the female.
Mature larva.—Head flat, sloping ; six ocelli, in shape and number resembling larve
of Catocale. Body marked with three dorsal stripes and three on each side, alter-
nating light and dark; but these are less distinct, approaching a uniform brownish
drab; the white spots also less distinct. First and second abdominal legs about half
the length of the others. A little paler beneath than above, with an elliptical red-
dish brown spot in the center of each segment. Length, 1.45 inches.
Pupa.—Wing-cases covering five segments in front. Tip of abdomen coarsely fur-
rowed and punctured, ending in two long hooks, with several shorter ones arising
from the corrugated surface a little way from these. Length, .80 inch. (French.)
Moth.—Male: Thorax, abdomen, and wings of a fine red sandy brown color; the
first ring of the abdomen with an ash-colored spot. Anterior wings with two whitish
oblong spots on the external edges of each; one near the tips, the other at the lower
corners. A small whitish bar crosses the fore-wings about a quarter of an inch from
the body, and next the shoulders is a spot of the same whitish color. Posterior
wings brown, with an oblong whitish spot placed along the external edges, reaching
from the abdominal almost to the upper corners. Under side, wings pale sandy-col-
ored, except a few small round dark spots dispersed over them, but scarcely dis-
cernable. Margins of all the wings dentated. (Drury.)
Female (lunata).—The head, thorax, abdomen, and wings hazel-colored. Anterior
wings with a waved line, of a dark brown color, placed near the anterior angle, be-
ginning at the posterior and ending at the external edge. At the shoulders and
along the anterior margin are several small dark brown clouds and marks that pro-
duce a darker shade. Posterior wings with a series of narrow transverse waved
lines, extending from the middle to the external edges. All the wings are dentated.
Under side, the breast, abdomen, and wings are all of a paler hazel color. Anterior
wings dappled with dark brown on the middle of the anterior edges and spotted with
minute short brown streaks, as well as the posterior. (Drury.) Expanse of wings,
5o™™,
35. THE MAPLE SEMI-LOOPER.
Ophiusa bistriaris (Hiibner).
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family NoOcTUID&.
Late in July feeding on the silver maple, a brownish gray caterpillar 1.40 inch long,
with the first pair of prolegs small, the worm having a semi-looping gait.
When about to go into chrysalis it cuts through a portion of a leaf
of the tree on which it has fed, and turning it over constructs a snug
little case, fastening it up closely and carefully with silken threads, and
404 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
in this completes its transformations. After remaining in the pupa
state about two weeks, the moth appears. (Saunders.)
We have bred this moth in Maine from the caterpillar. The chrys-
alis lay in a slight cocoon in a folded leaf of the red maple, the moth
issuing in the second week in May.
The larva is 1.40 inch long, somewhat onisciform. Head medium sized, flattened,
bilobed; color, pale ashen gray, with streaks of pale brown appearing under a mag-
nifying lens as a fine network; a dark brown, nearly black, stripe on each side, and
a few short gray hairs scattered over its surface. Body above brownish-gray, with
numerous streaks and dots of pale brown. A double irregular dorsal line; other
broken lines composed chiefly of dots, none of them continuous, A subdorsal row of
whitish dots. On the hinder part of the twelfth segment is a raised crescent-shaped
line edged behind with black, and on the terminal one two whitish dots, with a small
black patch at their base. Spiracles pale oval, edged with black. Under surface
paler and greenish, feet greenish, prolegs bluish-green dotted with brown. The
moth is rather large, with broad triangular fore-wings, and is uniformly brown, with
two oblique darker bands.
36. THE LESSER MAPLE SPAN-WORM.
Stegania pustularia Guenée.
Feeding on the leaves early in June, a bluish-green looper striped with whitish
and yellowish, producing the moth in July. (Saunders. )
This is a common insect and has been raised by Mr. W. Saunders,
who says that the caterpillar is full grown about the middle of June,
enters the chrysalis state within a few days after, and produces the
moth early in July. We have found it in the woods of northern Maine
in August, and it is common in August in the Northern and Western
States.
The larva.—Body cylindrical, about five-eighths of an inch long, head medium
sized, rather flat in front, slightly bilobed, pale green. Body above bluish-green,
with thickly set longitudinal stripes of whitish and yellowish. A double whitish
dorsal line, with bordering lines of yellowish white, neither of which are unbroken,
but are formed of a succession of short lines and dots. Below these, on each side,
are two or three imperfect white lines, made up of short streaks, and much fainter
than those bordering the dorsal line; spaces between the segments yellowish. The
skin all over the body is much wrinkled and folded. (Saunders.)
The moth is exceedingly pretty and may be recognized by its white body and wings
and four deep golden-ocherous costal spots, with two lines running across the wings,
these lines sometimes wanting. It expands an inch.
37. THE LARGE MAPLE SPAN-WORM.
Eutrapela transversata Packard.
Feeding on the red maple in July, a large slender-bodied span-worm, the body
thickened behind, carinated on the sides; of a dark purple-brown mixed with red-
dish ; a dorsal reddish-gray crescent-shaped spot on the middle of the seventh seg-
ment, behind which isa pair of low kidney-shaped tubercles, and a pair of dorsal
pointed black ones on the eleventh; second ring swollen on the sides. Length,
when crawling, 46™™, Changes to a pupa the end of July in a rolled leaf, the moth
appearing August 10. (Goodell.)
ees
MAPLE CATERPILLARS. 405
Pupa.—Pale flesh color, minutely speckled with brown, greenish between the seg-
ments; a stigmatal row of large roundish brown spots, one on each abdominal seg-
ment, and a dorsal row of obscure triangular spots on the abdomen, which are obso-
’
o" Wye. 153.—Eutrapela transversata and, a, var.
Jete on the last three rings; a dorsal brown dot on the thorax, with two smaller ones
behind it. Wing-cases darker than the abdomen. Caudal spine compressed later-
ally, dark brown. Length, 13™™; width in the widest part, 5™™.
38. Selenia kentaria Grote.
The caterpillar of this moth is said by Mr. Bruce to be not uncom-
mon on the maple and birch in the vicinity of Brockport, N. Y. He
also writes to Rev. G. D. Hulst (Entom. Amer., ii, p. 162, 1886) :
It is not generally known that this insect is double-brooded. All the European
species are also. The spring brood is so much larger and richer colored than the
late summer brood that the latter may be thought to be ancther species, as was the
case with the European.
Moth.—Bright ocherous, with the costal half of the wing subviolaceous between
the brown lines; a much-curved line, terminating at the same distance from the
base on both the costa and the hind edge; a mesial line, obtusely angulated below
the costa, straight from the hind edge to the median nervure; a third outer line,
straight to the obscure angle just before the costa, and on the edge turned obliquely
outward; this line is margined for nearly the whole of its length externally with a
subviolaceous hue, throwing off an oblique line toward the hind angle. An apical
line, once angulated inward, goes to the indented outer border ; beyond deep ochra-
ceous; fringe darker at base, narrowly lined with silvery. Hind wings concolorous
with the fore-wings; mesial, diffuse, brown line, and the outer one subviolaceous.
Beneath, base of fore-wings violaceous; costa at base ocherous; inner line nearly
obsolete, middle line dark, outer violaceous line very distinct, the apical line con-
nected with it and inclosing an ocherous spot ; hind wings ocherous; a mesial, dark,
blackish, narrow line on the discal space; an outer, narrow, violaceous line, with
spots on the base and hind edge; body ocherous; legs broadly banded with viola-
ceous. Expanse of wings, 1.50 to 1.60 inches.
40. THE CLEFT-HEADED SPAN-WORM.
Amphydasys cognataria Guen.
Larva, before the last stage, Pl. v; fig. 5.
This common inch or measuring worm is the largest species we have
met with feeding on the maple, poplar, or willow, and may be readily
recognized by its deeply cleft head and reddish-brown or green body
like a reddish or green willow twig, which it closely mimics. We have
noticed it as frequently in Jackson, N. H., as in Maine. It is first
406 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
noticed early in August, but becomes fully fed by the first week in
September, my specimens transforming September 8, the chrysalis
entering the earth. I have also found it fully fed on the white birch
at Brunswick as early as August 10. It also feeds on the maple.
The moth appears in June in Maine late in May in southern New
England and New York. I have raised this moth in Maine from the
larch (pupating September 15), also from the Missouri currant, an orna-
mental shrub; also from the apple, elm, cherry, and the aspen in Rhode
Island, though the willow is probably its native food-plant, as it occurs
in greatest abundance on that tree. Mr. Lintner states that the larva
feeds on the maple; that the caterpillar entered the ground for pupa-
tion August 11, the moth emerging the latter part of May. (Ent. Contr.
iii, 166.) My specimens emerged in Providence May 13. The larva
found on the aspen is greenish and like a fresh aspen twig, with whitish
granulations, which are black on the tubercles.
It is subject to the attacks of a species of Microgaster, seven larve of
the latter making their exit from a caterpillar two thirds grown. The
following historical sketch of our knowledge of this insect is taken
from Mrs. Dimmock’s article in Psyche, iv, p. 271.
Amphidasys cognataria Guenée (Hist. Nat. d. Ins., 1857, v. 9, Uran. et Phal., v, 1,
p. 208). Cramer (Bull. Brooklyn Entom. Soc., Aug. 1883, v, 6, p. 48) briefly describes
the eggs of this species, of which about five hundred were deposited June 3. Bowles
(Can. Entom., April, 1871, v, 3, p. 11-12) (Ana. Rept. Entom. Soc. Ontario, 1871, p.
38-39) describes a variety of the larva which fed on ‘‘ black currant” [ Ribes ?nigrum],
and Goodell (op. cit., April, 1878, v, 10, p. 67) describes another variety which fed on
apple and pear. Lintner (Entom. Contrib., No. 3, 1874, p. 166) briefly describes the
larva, giving Acer as food-plant, and Packard (Guide Study Ins., 1869, p. 322) gives
a few notes on the larva, which he states feeds upon Libes aureum, R. ?grossularia,
and Spiraea ?tomentosa. Pilate (Papilio, May, 1882, v, 2, p. 71) gives “‘ honey-locust”
(Gleditschia triacanthos) as food-plant. Lintner (Entom. Contrib. [No. 1], 1869, p.
64) gives plum as food-plant. To the above food-plants may be added Betula alba,
B. lenta, Castanea vesca, Salix, and Spirwa sorbifolia. The larva varies from pea-creen
to brownish gray or even brownish black in general color; as far as noticed the green
form is from Ribes, Salix, and Spirwa, while those from apple exhibit all the color
variations ; on Betula and Castanea the larve are gray. Similar variations have been
noticed in the larvee of Amphidasys betularia, a European species. The larve often
rest in a partially twisted position, with their rigid bodies at a considerable angle
from the stem to which they cling, thus imitating very closely twigs and petioles.
The larve are common in New England in July and August ; they pupate from the
latter part of July toSeptember, the pupa hibernating under leaves and rubbish.
Young larva.—Body cylindrical; segments much wrinkled above, but not tuber-
culated. Head large and square in front; vertex very deeply notched, each tubercle
acute above, conical and rough, granulated; clypeal sutures deeply impressed.
Prothoracic segment above broad and flat, transversely oblong, with a slight low
tubercle on each side in front, making the cervical shield angular in front. A
pair of remote but conspicuous though small round white patches on mesothoracic
and the seven following segments. Fifth abdominal segment with a small thick
tubercle low down on the side. Anal legs large, broad, and flaring. General color
rust-red. Length, 15™™,
Larva before the last molt. —With the characters of the adult larva; salmon red
Length, 35™™,
MAPLE CATERPILLARS. — 407
Mature larva.—Twig-like, head very deeply notched, each side above conical; the
face flat in front, the surface granulated. Prothoracic segment raised in front into a
large granulated piliferous tubercle. On the fifth abdominal segment a pair of large
lateral rough tubercles, a little paler than the body; on the eighth segment a pair
of converging pale granulated tubercles. Anal legs very large and broad, with a
pair of long dorsal sharp fleshy tubercles ; supra-anal plate very large, conical and
acute, with four setz near the apex. Body of even width throughout, reddish-
brown, like a reddish willow twig, or sometimes greenish. The surface finely granu-
lated with light and black, and with flat rough warts, paler in color than the rest
of the body; four on the front edge of each segment, and two dorsal ones behind.
It varies in color from reddish-brown to green, thus mimicking willow trees of differ-
ent colors. Length, 55™™,
Pupa.—Large, full, stout; dark brown. Cremaster large, stout, a projection on
each side in the middle, beyond rounded, sharp, the point ending in a slender fork.
Length, 24™™, :
Moth.—A large stout-bodied moth, with heavily pectinated antenne and rather
small wings. Fore-wings narrow, with the outer edge longer than usual; pepper
and salt or ash sprinkled with black brown; an indistinct, diffuse, inner, curved
line, with a second one nearer and diverging a little on the costa, being nearer
together at the base. A third diffuse line incloses the discal spot. An outer distinct
black hair-line always present. Hind wings with three dark lines. Abdomen with
two rows of obscure black spots. Expanse of wings, 60™™.
41. Geometrid larva.
This delicate caterpillar was observed both early and fate in August,
beginning to pupate August 30.
Larva. -A very slender, long, smooth larva, with no humps or warts; the head
nearly as wide as the body, smooth, slightly bilobed, rounded. Body smooth, cylin-
drical, glaucous green, the hue of the under side of the red-maple leaf; with only ob-
scure whitish subdorsa 1 lines. Lateral ridge thin, distinct, irregular. Lengta, 15™™
42. Hypena baltimoralis Guen.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family PYRALIDZ.
The larva of this species was common on the red maple at Bruns-
wick, Me., early in August. The body is very slender, and at first
sight it would be regarded as a geometrid. It is cylindrical, slender,
tapering considerably toward the long anal legs, which are out-
stretched. The segments are moderately convex, the sutures being
very distinct. The head is rather small, smooth, somewhat bilobed.
All the legs, both thoracic and abdominal, are of the same color as the
body, which is pale pea-green, of the color of the upper side of the leaf
of the red maple, but slightly paler. The sutures between the seg-
ments are often straw-yellowish. The body sometimes has a slight
purplish tint, the head remaining green. Length, 22"™.
August 5 one began to spin a cocoon, the pupa appearing the 7th.
It is dark chestnut-brown in color. The moth issued August 17.
408 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
43. Hypena sp.
This caterpillar occurred on the rock maple September 10, at Jack-
son, N. H. s
Larva.—Body long and slender, cylindrical; five pairs of abdominal legs, the first
pair half as large as the third and fourth pairs; the anal legs long and slender.
Head pale-greenish, with a livid tinge and lineated with numerous meandering,
brownish, broken, sinuous lines. Body tapering somewhat from the seventh ab-
which a lateral dominal seg ment. Two slight tubercles on the eighth abdominal
segment, from ridge passes down in front of the spiracles. Length, 30™™.
44, Pandemis lamprosana Robs.
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family TORTRICIDZ.
Among the leaf rollers upon the maple, collected May 10, was one of
which we kept no description, which resulted in an imago of Pandemis
lamprosana. (Forbes’ Third Rt. Ins. Illinois.)
45. THE OBLIQUE-BANDED LEAF-ROLLER.
Cacecia rosaceana Harris.
This nearly omnivorous species (not hitherto reported, however, from
the maple) was found by Forbes (Third Rt. Ins. Hlinois) rolling the
leaves of Acer dasycarpum in May. The pup and larve collected on
the 20th of that month, emerged from July 9 to 13.
46. THE MAPLE LEAF-CUTTER.
Incurvaria acerifoliella (Fitch).
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family TINEIDA.
‘
Cutting round holes in the leaves and consuming their pulp in rings and semi-cir-
cular spots, and using the round pieces to hide the small white worms between them
and the leaf, forming a broad round case adhering to the surface of the leaves.
This larva with its singular case has been described by Fitch, and
we have received specimens of maple leaves and cases from Vermont.
Early in August the leaves of forest trees begin to wither, and holes
appear in them, the orbicular pieces being taken by the little worm to
form a broad scale concealing it. The worms fall with the leaves tothe
ground in the autumn, and there remain transforming in their cases,
and late in the spring appear as moths.
The larva.—Nearly a quarter of an inch long; slender, cylindrical, soft, and con-
tractile; dull white; head flattened, and like the three succeeding segments, pale
rusty brown.
The moth with long narrow-pointed wings; the fore pair brilliant steel-blue, the
hind wings smoky brown, with purplish reflections. Between the antenne a dense
tuft of erect bright orange-yellow hairs. (Fitch.)
MAPLE LEAF-MINERS. 409
The following additional facts are quoted from Mr. James Fletcher’s
report as entomologist to the Dominion Government for 1885:
The hard maples (A. saccharinum and A. saccharinum v.-nigrum) in many localities
about Ottawa have been found to be attacked, toa moderate extent, by the curious
case-bearing larve of this pretty little moth; but onthe 12th September last enormous
numbers were found to be destroying the foliage adjoining the Government House
grounds. The maple trees, fora space of perhaps 4 acres, had the foliage almost ail
consumed, aud the flat disk-like cases which had fallen from the leaves were carpet-
ing the ground, and were also seen in great numbers on the sides of the trees; these
larve probably had been blown down before mature, and were returning to the
foliage to feed. Growing amongst the maples were some beech trees, and these were
also eaten after the leaves of the maple had all been devoured. The attack was
very severe. The leaves were so perforated and skeletonized, that instead of the
woods being green they were cream-colored in hue. The larve, when full-grown,
are about a quarter of an inch in length, with a brown flattened head, and are of
a dirty white color. They cut from the leaves small oblong wads, from which they
form cases, which they carry about with them as they feed. The case seems to be
fastened at one side to the leaf, and the larva then eats the green part of the upper
surface, in circles or parts of circles, leaving the fibers and lower surface untouched.
When it has consumed all within reach it moves on to another spot. The cases of
the mature larve are formed of four wads, two of which are about one-eighth of an
inch in diameter, and the larger pair about three-eighths. When full-fed, which
at Ottawa is in September, the larve fall to the ground inside their cases, where
they change to pup in a few days, and do not emerge as moths until late in the fol-
lowing spring.
The Rev. T. W. Fyles, of South Quebec, sends me the following account of a visit-
ation, similar to the one experienced at Ottawa last year: ‘‘ This insect was exceed-
ingly abundant in Missisquoi County in the year 181. I noticed it particularly in
the maple groves belonging to Hon. G. B. Baker, M. P., and Mr. G. F. Shufelt, near
the village of Sweetsburgh, Qnebec. The leaves throughout extensive maple woods
were so skeletonized that they presented a brown and scorched appearance that was
very remarkable. It seemed as if a hot biast had passed over large tracts of the
woodland. Myriadsof the larve in their disk-like coatings were to be seen on the
leaves and stems of the trees and on the undergrowth. Next season clouds of the
perfect insects would rise from the foliage shaken by the passers-by.”
47. Catastega aceriella Clemens.
The larva forms a moderately long, slender, cylindrical tube at the
base of the leaf of maple, A. rubrum, early in July, and is covered with
a thin transparent web closed in advance. The tube increases in diame-
ter from the beginning to the end, and is placed between two principal
veins of the leaf, and the web is extended from one vein to the other.
48. Lithocolletis aceriella Clemens.
The larva mines the leaf of maple in September. It mines the upper
surface of the leaf, making a flat, rather broad track, casting its ‘‘ frass”
along the middle of the course of it. Physical characteristics like those
of the second larval group. The cocoon is circular. The larva is like-
wise found in the leaf of Hamamelis virginica. (Clemens.)
410 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Larva.—Head pale brown; body yellowish-green, with oval, dorsal, brown maculx
darkest on their margins; thoracic rings on their sides pale yellowish. (Clemens).
Moth.—Front silvery, tuft reddish-orange and silvery mixed. Thorax reddish-
orange. Fore-wings reddish-orange, somewhat metallic, with a white streak black-
margined exteriorly, from the inner basal angle to the fold; with two oblique silvery
bands black-margined behind, one about the middle of the wing, and the other mid-
way between it and the base of the wing. Nearthe tip is a costal silvery spot, black-
margined behind, with an opposite, oblique, dorsal streak of the same hue, likewise
black-margined behind, and an oblique, costal, silvery streak continued on the line
of the last dorsal, running into the cilia just before the tip, black-margined above, at
the tip before, and below at the tip behind; scarcely with a hinder-marginal line,
cilia of the general hue. Hind wings plumbeous, cilia with a fulvous hue. (Clemens.)
49. Lithocolletis lucidicostella Clemens.
The larva mines the under side of the maple leaf, Acer saccharinum,
in July, September, and October. The head is pale brown; body pale
green, colored darker by the ingesta. ‘‘Frass” collected into a ball
within the mine. The pupa is suspended in a web of silk within the
mine. (Clemens.)
Larva.—Head pale brown; body pale green and colored darker by the ingesta.
(Clemens. )
Moth.—Antenne white. Head and tuft silvery-white. Fore-wings, basal portion
silvery-white to the middle, with a discal pale golden streak from the base, retreating
from the costa before reaching the middle of the wing and somewhat suffused with
golden beneath the fold. From the middle to the tip pale golden, with four costal
silvery streaks, dark-margined internally, and two dorsal silvery streaks, the first
opposite the second costal streak and both dark-margined internally; the first costal
streak not decidedly dark-margined.* Apical spot black. Hinder marginal line in the
cilia dark brown; cilia pale gray. Hind wings shining bluish-gray; cilia gray.
(Clemens. )
50. Brachys sp.
Mr. V. T. Chambers once wrote me that a Brachys larva also mines
the leaves of the sugar maple. He added that “tbe mines and larve
in the beech, oak, and maple are scarcely distinguishable.”
51. Megachile optiva Cresson.
Order HYMENOPTERA; family APID®.
This (or a very closely allied leaf-cutting bee) sometimes greatly
disfigures maples by cutting pieces out of the leaves for the purpose of
making its cells. ‘+I have seen a small tree nearly defoliated by these
bees, of which the habits are most interesting.” (Harrington, Rep. Ent.
Soe. Ontario, 1887.)
* There is some mistake in this sentence. The first costal streak is decidedly dark-
margined; the first dorsal streak, it is true, has scarcely a perceptible margin—it
should probably be the first costal streak decidedly dark-margined or else the first dorsal
streak not decidedly dark-margined.—H. T. Stainton.
‘
>
MAPLE LEAF-MINERS. AUT:
52. THE OCELLATE LEAF GALL OF THE RED MAPLE.
Sciara ocellaris Osten Sacken.
Order DirTERA; family MYCETOPHILID.
(Plate xxxviili.)
On the leaves of the red maple (Acer rubrum) circular ocellate spots about three-
eighths inch in diameter, with disk yellow, and margin and central dot, during one
stage of their growth, cherry-red.
The following account of this fly is taken entire from Professor Com-
stock’s report as U. S. Entomologist for 1881 :
The foliage of the red maple (Acer rubrum) is often seriously injured by certain very
small larve, which make large and conspicuous spots or galls upon it. This insect
is apparently widely distributed. I have observed it both at Washington and at
Ithaca, N.Y. In the last-named place it occurs so abundantly that I have repeatedly
seen trees every leaf of which was infested.
This insect is so small that of itself it would not readily attract attention, but the
result of its work is so conspicuous that it may be seen from a long distance. This
appears in the form of a circular spot, three-tenths to three-eighths inch in diameter,
which at a certain period of its growth is light yellow in color, with a cherry-red
margin and central dot. (See pl. xxxviii, fig. 1.) At other periods the spot is simply
light green or yellow. Frequently these spots occur so thickly as to intersect each
other and to completely cover the leaf, fifty or more ‘being on a single leaf. At the
center of each spot may be seen, on the other side of the leaf, an elevated portion.
Corresponding to this, on the lower surface of the leaf, there is a pit, within which
the larva lives. Larve that were partially grown were found to be held in place in
' the pit in the leaf by what appeared to be a larval skin. This pellicle covers the
body entirely, aud is with difficulty removed from it; the edges of the pellicle adhere
quite tightly to the leaf. Where the larva is full grown it forces itself from under
this skin, which then falls back into the cavity, or is pushed to one side, where fre-
quently it may be seen adhering to the leaf. The larva at this time drops to the
ground, into which it enters to undergo its transformation.
The larve are translucent, viscid, nearly colorless. Those in the galls are broad
oval (see pl. xxxviii, fig.3); but those which have left them are more elongated, taper-
ing almost equally towards each end. On the lateral margin of each abdominal seg-
ment there are one or more short spines, which are directed towards the caudal end
of the body; and on the dorsal surface of each abdominal segment, near each lateral
margin, there is a small tubular spiracle. There is a distinct head (see pl. xxxvili,
fig. 3a), which bears short but conspicuous antenne. The caudal end of the body
(see pl. xxxviii, fig. 3b) bears a pair of fleshy appendages, each of which is furnished
with a pair of spines similar to those on the margin of the segment, and a large
number of triangular teeth.
The larva spins something like a cocoon a short distance below the surface of the
ground. To this cocoon the particles of sand firmly adhere so that it can be distin-
guished from the soil only with difficulty. The pupa is yellowish white, with large
black eyes, When the pupa is about to transform to an adult it emerges for about
two-thirds of its length from the cocoon. The pupa skin remains firmly attached in
this position. (See pl. xxxviii, fig. 4.)
From larve collected at Washington May 15, the adult emerged from June 14 to
June 16. I have not yet sufficient data to determine the number of generations each
year; but I believe there are several. Larvx were observed at Ithaca during the
latter part of September; they went into the ground September 26.
\
412 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
The galls made by this insect have long been kaown. Osten Sacken, * froma study
of the galls and the larve whicb he saw in them, proposed the name Cecidomyia
ocellaris for the species, believing the insect to be a member of the Cecidomyide. But
the fly which I have bred proves to belong to the genus Sciara ot the family Myceto-
philide.t This result is quite interesting, for the species of Sciara are usually found
‘‘among decaying leaves, in vegetable mold, in cow-dung, under the bark of dead
trees,” etc.{ One other species (Sciara tilicola) is known to produce a gall. This
species infests the leaves of young linden trees in shady, sheltered situations. The
lemon-yellow larva, capable of leaping like the cheese-maggot, lives in numbers in
the stem, generally near the origin of the last or of the two last leaves. Each of them
has a hollow of its own, and produces a swelling of the size of a pea, which it abandons
before the transformation. §
Description of adult male.—Plate xxxviii, fig. 2,2b. Head dark, eyes black, kidney-
shaped, and meeting in a point on the dorsal surface of the head. Antenne sixteen-
jointed, inserted close together; color dark brown, with the basal segment light yel-
lowish brown. Epicranium quite large and convex; dark brown; bearing three
ocelli, which are whitish and glistening. Pronotum light yellowish-brown. Meso-
scutum arched, yellowish-brown in the center and darker at the edges. Scutellum
dusky-brown. Metathorax dark brown, almost black. Abdomen, with caudal por-
tions of segments, blackish, the cephalic portions yellowish-brown. The claspers
lighter brown. Poisers, with knob, blackish and base light brown. Tibiz and tarsi
dusky brown; femora lighter; coxe still lighter. The distal end of each tibia fur-
nished with two long brownish hairy brushes. (Plate xxxviii, fig. 2a.)
53. THE COTTONY MAPLE SCALE.
Pulvinaria eee chile (Rathvon).
Order HEMIPTERA; family CoccID#.
(Plate xxx1; figs. 1, 2, 3, 4.)
The following account of this pest is copied from Riley’s report as
U.S. Entomologist for 1884:
This scale-insect stands prominent among the species which have been especially
abundant during the past summer. Circumstances appear to have been particularly
favorable to its development, and, although it does not spread rapidly, its general
appearance this season has caused considerable alarm in many States. It was sent.
to us during the spring and summer by correspondents in New York, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri. For the past
thirty years it has attracted considerable attention as damaging shade trees, partic-
ularly the maples, in different parts of the country, occurring in extraordinary
abundance from time to time, and then almost lost sight of for several years. It is
more particularly a northern insect, and although it is often numerous in Virginia
and Missouri, we have never received it from, nor heard of its occurrence in the
extreme Southern States.
Life-history.—The round of life of this species is not strikingly different from that
of other Coccids, and is briefly as fullows:
The young lice (Fig. 1, c) hatch in spring or early summer, walk about actively as
soon as born, and settle along the ribs of the leaves (very rarely on the young twigs).
They then insert their beaks and begin to pump up sap and to increase in size, a thin
* Monograph of the Diptera of North Am., Part 1, 199.
tI am indebted to Baron Osten Sacken for the generic determination of this insect.
} Osten Sacken, Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., 1, 159.
§ Osten Sacken, Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., 1, 164.
THE MAPLE SCALE. 413
layer of a waxy secretion immediately beginning to cover the dorsum. In a little
more than three weeks they have increased to double their size at birth, and undergo
their first molt, shedding the skin, it is supposed, in small fragments. After this
first molt the waxy secretion increases in abundance and a differentiation between
the sexes is observable. The males grow more slender and soon cease to increase in
size, covering themselves with a thick coating of whitish wax. The pupa then
begins to form within the larval skin, the appendages gradually taking shape, the
head separating from the thorax, the mouth-parts being replaced by a pair of ven-
tral eyes. A pair of long wax filaments is excreted from near the anus and these
continue to grow during the life of the insect. Itis the protrusion of these filaments
from beneath the waxy scale which indicates the approaching exclusion of the male.
The posterior end of the scale is in this manner raised up, and the perfect insect
backs out with its wings held close to the sides of its body.
Meanwhile the female larve have been undergoing but slight changes of form.
They grow larger and also broader across the posterior portion, but remain flat and
with but a slight indication of a dorsal carina. Just before the appearance of the
adult males, they undergo another molt and change in color from a uniform pale
yellow to a somewhat deeper yellow with deep red markings. (Fig. 3, a, b,c.)
The males (Fig. 2, c) make their appearance from August 1 to September 15,
issuing most abundantly about the middle of the former month, and their life is
short, seldom exceeding two or three days. They copulate with the females and
then die. The latter, soon after the disappearance of the males, gradually lose their
bright-red markings and change to a deep-brown color. They grow more convex, and
the dorsal layer of wax becomes thicker and more cracked. Before the falling of
the leaves they migrate to the twigs and there fix themselves, generally on the under
side. After feeding as long as the sap flows, they become torpid and remain in this
condition until spring.
At the opening of spring the eggs develop with great rapidity and distend the
body greatly, causing it to become convex instead of flat. The color is now yellow-
ish, marked with dark brown, and the insect now absorbs sap with great rapidity
and ejects drops of honey-dew. From the middle of May to the first of June the egg-
laying commences. The eggs are deposited at the end of the body, in anest of waxen
fibers secreted from pores situated around the anus. This nest is attached to the pos-
terior ventral portion of the body, and adheres somewhat to the twig. As the eggs
are protruded into the waxy mass the posterior portion of the body is gradually
raised up until it often reaches an angle of forty-five degrees with the bark. The
egg-laying continues until on into July, and, after one or two thousand eggs have
been deposited, the female dies. It is almost always within this period of egg-lay-
ing that the insect is noticed, on account of its large size, but more particularly from
the conspicuous white cushion at the end of its body. After the death of the female,
her beak breaks off and her body shrivels up, but remains attached to the twig by
the cottony mass for a long time, often a year or more.
Food-plants.—The ordinary food-plant of this species of bark-louse is the soft or silver
maple (.1cer dasycarpum), but previous to 1879 we had not only found it upon the
other species of maple, but also upon grape-vine, osage orange, oak, linden, elm,
hackberry, sycamore, rose, currant, and spindle tree (Huonymus). In addition to
these plants Mr. Putnam mentions locust, sumac, wild-grape, box-elder, beech, and
willow. With regard to the specific identity of the individuals from all these differ-
ent plants there is still room for doubt, though in 1875 we successfully transferred
the species from Maclura and Vitis to Quercus. We wrote Mr. Putnam under date of
March 25, 1879: ‘‘ In all essential external characters they are identical, and, until
they are shown to be different by the character and arrangement of the secretory
pores in the anal plate of the female, they must be assumed to be identical. It is
this critical comparative study which would greatly increase the value of your
work.” This study Mr. Putnam failed to make, and summed up his account simply
414 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION,
with the words: ‘“‘I do not feel fully prepared to agree with Mr. Riley and Miss
Smith in regarding all the Pulvinarie found on these plants as identical, but there is
enough evidence to show that this insect is capable of thriving on quite a variety of
food-plants, and in the cases where it has been directly introduced from the maple
there is no question of its identity.” We have also found what is evidently the same
species doing considerable damage to the woodbine (Ampelopsis veitchit) on our resi-
dence at Washington.
Mode of spreading.—Owing to the wingless, degraded, and inactive character of the
female and the limited capabilities of the young for extended locomotion, the problem
as to how the insect spreads from one locality to another seems at first glance rather
a difficult one. When we consider the great activity of the young lice, however,
and their propensity for fearlessly crawling upon anything which happens to be in
their immediate vicinity, the difficulty is lost sight of. We may recognize as aids in
transportation (1) the transplanting of trees from infested localities to places free
from this insect, (2) birds, (3) other insects, (4) winds, and (5) water. The first of
these methods needs no comment. The second is undoubtedly one of considerable
importance, though scarcely deserving the prominence given it by some writers. Mr.
Walsh, in his first report as State Entomologist of Illinois (p. 41), in speaking of the
oyster-shell bark-louse of the apple ( Mytilaspis pomorum), made the following state-
ment:
“In my opinion the only way in which, as a general rule, bark-lice can spread
from tree to tree, when the boughs of those trees do not interlock, is by a few of
the very young larve, when they are first hatched.and are scattered over the limbs of
a tree in such prodigious numbers, crawling accidentally onto the legs of some bird
that chances to light upon that tree and afterwards flies off to another. I have long
observed that when a tree first begins to be attacked by bark-lice, it is only particu-
lar limbs and branches that are at first infected, and that these will be swarming
while the rest of the tree will be free from lice. And I have further observed that
it is the lower horizontal limbs, or branches, or such as birds, with the exception
of woodpeckers and nut-hatches, would most naturally perch on, that are first
attacked. * * * If all the birds in the world were killed off, I believe that these
bark-lice in a very few years would cease to exist.”
This is an extreme view, and we have already shown (First Missouri Ent. Report,
p- 15) how little the agency of birds is to be compared with that of insects. In the
case of the species under consideration, the copious secretion of honey-dew attracts
many honey-loving insects, such as bees, wasps, and flies, and these without doubt carry
many of the restless young larve from tree to tree. Even the natural enemies of the
bark-lice assist in this transportation, and Mr. Hubbard states (American Naturalist,
May, 1882, vol. xvi, p. 412) that the Coccinellid beetles Hyperaspidius coccidivorus,
Chilocorus bivulnerus, and others, while feeding upon the young larva of orange scale-
insects, carry many of them from one tree to another attached to their backs and
legs.
Mr. Hubbard has more recently come to the conclusion that spiders are very im-
portant agents in the distribution of scale-insects, in fact, the most important of all
agents, and as his remarks apply quite well to the insect and the topic under consid-
eration, we quote from a letter published in Bulletin No. 2 of this Division, pp.
30-31:
‘“T have reached the conclusion that spiders play a much more important role in
assisting the spread of scale-insects than any other insects. From the beginning of
my observations I have noticed that leaves which spiders had folded or webbed
together for their nests or lairs almost always proved infested with scale, if infested
trees were found in the neighborhood. This I was at first inclined to attribute solely
to the protection from enemies and parasites afforded by the web and presence of the
spider. No doubt, where the source of infection is near at hand, this may give a
sufficient explanation of the observed facts. Lately, however, I have been examin-
THE MAPLE SCALE. 415
ing with great care alot of one and two year old trees which I set out myself last
March. The stock from which these trees were taken was to my certain knowleage
almost absolutely free from scale-insects. At the time of setting, the weather was
excessively dry and unfavorable; in consequence of which the trees, 600 in number,
were badly checked, and to a great extent lost their tops and nearly all their leaves,
so that the present growth is all new, produced during the past summer. Notwith-
standing, I find, to my surprise, scale-insects beginning to appear on a large propor
tion of the plants. Upon some of them the insects have begun to spread over the
branches, and the exact spot where the trouble began is no longer ascertainable. In
a strikingly large number of instances I find two or more leaves bound together with
silk and occupied by a spidar, and the inner surfaces of these leaves completely coated
with scale-insects, when not a trace of the insect can be found elsewhere upon the
tree. Furthermore, this lot of trees occupies a position west and north of the re-
mainder of the grove, in the path of the prevailing [S. E.] winds. The adjoining
rows of older trees, on the southeast, are many of them quite badly infested with,
for the most part, chaff-scale (Parlatoria pergandii), there being usually a relatively
small number of long-scale (Mytilaspis gloverii) mixed with the other species. As is
often the case, the proportions of this mixture of species remain quite constant
throughout the infested part of the grove. Now, I find in the newly-infested young
grove these two scales mixed in about the same proportions, so that no doubt exists
in my mind as to the source of their infection. As to the manner in which it has
been accomplished, I submit that if, as many persons think, the young lice are trans-
ported bodily by the winds, we would have had a very ditferent distribution from that
which exists upon the older trees. The larger and heavier young of the chaff-scale
would have been carried to a less distance and in smaller numbers than the long
scale. (There have been no unusual storms or very high winds during the past sum-
-mer.) Again, ina chance distribution by the wind I can see no reason for any evi-
dent connection with spider-web shelters such as I have mentioned. Individual
scale-larve do not, so far as I have observed, wander far in search of such protec-
tion, and do not need it until the colony becomes sufficiently numerous to attract
enemies and parasites. The part played by winds is evidently a secondary one, inas-
much as nearly all the web-inhabiting spiders’: make use of the wind to carry them-
selves and their bridges of web from tree to tree, and the spiders transport as passen-
gers upon their bodies the migrating larve of the scale insect.”
The agency of winds is, as just stated, a secondary one of great importance in
transporting spiders, and is of primary value in the carrying of infested leaves and
twigs to greater or less distances. That the young lice are blown bodily from one
tree to another by heavy winds, as formerly supposed, has been disproven by the
experiments of Mr. Hubbard, who has shown that they will cling tenaciously to a
twig or leaf under a heavy blast from a bellows or from the mouth.
Natural enemies.—The cottony maple scale is subject to the attacks of very much
the same natural enemies as other scale-insects. A number of predaceous beetles
feed upon the eggs and young larve. We have observed the common lady-bird,
Chilocorus bivulnerus, engaged in this work, and also the Coccinellids Hyperaspis sig-
nata and H. bigeminata. In addition to these Putnam mentions Anatis 15-punctata,
‘the larva of a species of Ch ysopa,” and ‘‘ the larve of two species of Reduviide.”
The interesting lepidopterous insect Dakruma coccidivora Comstock, was originally
bred from this bark-louse. Its larvw: construct tubular passages of silk and wax
from one Pulvinaria to another on a thickly infested branch, and eat both the eggs
and the waxy filaments which surround them. This insect and its curious habits
were described at length by Professor Comstock in the annual report of this Depart-
ment for 1879, pp. 241-243. It has been found preying upon Pulvinaria only in the
vicinity of Washington, but in Florida destroys both a large Lecanium on magnolia,
416 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION,
a,Coccid allied to Dactylopius and the common ‘‘ Turtle-back scale” (Lecaniwm hes-
peridum).
During the past season, Miss Murtfeldt has noticed a harvest mite in great numbers
feeding upon the eggs of this species at Kirkwood, Mo. From specimens sent to the
Department, this mite seems to belong to the genus Kupodes, and is allied to the
European £. hiemalis. It is very minute and pale reddish-yellow in color. The body
is divided into four distinct segments, two of which belong properly to the abdomen,
the last one being the largest, the first the smallest, and the other two about equal
in length. The division between the last two segments is a distinct, whitish, trans-
verse line, while the others are indicated by slight lateral indentations and subdorsal
impressions reaching to the lateral margin, of the same pale color. This is probably
the same mite noticed by Miss Smith, and mentioned in her report previously cited.
Two true parasites are known to infest this scale. The first of these, Coccophagus
lecanii (Fitch), is very common, and ordinarily infests the scales in great numbers.
The adult insect is a minute, black, four winged fly, marked with a crescent-shaped
yellow patch in the middle of the body above. According to Putnam there are two
broods of this parasite each season, the adults appearing in May and August. The
infested lice become more or less inflated, finally turning black and becoming rigid.
The females are most commonly infested, though Patnam states that he has bred the
parasite from the male scale.
The second parasite was bred by Mr. Putnam after the publication of his article,
and was described by Mr. Howard in his paper on the parasites of Coccids (Ann.
Rept. Dept. of Agr., 1880, p. 365) as Aphycus pulvinarie. This species seems to be rare
and has not been bred since. It is minute, dull-yellow in color, with a dusky abds-
men and with antenne variegated with brown and white.
Remedies.—The principal remedies which have been proposed in the past are,
briefly, heading in the tree, i. e., cutting off the branches, and drenching with a solu-
tion of whale-oil soap or a1 per cent. solution of carbolic acid. During the past
season, however, we have recommended nothing but the kerosene emulsions treated
of in a previous article, and these will undoubtedly give better satisfaction than
anything else that can be used. The best time for spraying the trees will be while
the young are hatching, late in May or early in June, and the apparatus described
in the article on the cottonwood beetle can be used to the same advantage here.
In Professor Forbes’s third report much space is devoted to this pest,
which began in 1884 to appear again in noticeable numbers. In
destroying the insect the use of whale-oil soap was less satisfactory
than that of the kerosene emulsion, ‘‘an application of the suds,
strong enough to effect the purpose, being very likely to injure the
leaves at least as much as the bark-lice would have done.” The most
useful remedy was found to be a kerosene emulsion diluted with soap-
suds to a strength of from 24 to 5 per cent. and not injuring the
leaves.
Miss Murtfeldt reports (Bull. 13, Div. Ent., 1887) as follows concern-
ing the ravages of this insect in Illinois:
This insect has not been troublesome in this part of Missouri since 1884; but in
and around Rockford, Ill., I learned that it had been so abundant on the soft maples
for three successive seasons as to kill many young trees outright and greatly injure
the older ones. I was told that the side-walks shaded by these trees became so
defiled and slippery from the exudations of the scale insect that it was difficult and
unpleasant to walk on them. The citizens had consequently conceived a prejudice
against the soft maple, and many were being cut down or dug up and replaced by
other trees.
MAPLE APHIDES. 417
54. Psylla annulata Fitch.
55. Siphonophora acerifolia Thomas.
This plant-louse occurs on the soft maple (Acer dasycarpum) in Iowa,
- [linois, and Missouri.
56. Pemphigus acerifolii Riley.
Living in abundant and long cottony excretion, on the under side of the leaves of
Acer dasycarpum, causing them to curl, and exuding an abundance of thick and very
glutinous ‘‘honey-dew.”
. Winged female: Alar expanse 10™, Head and thorax bluish-black. Abdomen
black, covered with long cottony threads. Antennz reaching the wing-insertions;
annulations not conspicuous; joints 3, 4, 5, and 6 somewhat contracted at base and
apex; apical unguis not perceptible; joints 5 and 6 subequal; 4 distinctly clavate;
3 as long as the two preceding together. Wings subhyaline, of a whitish tinge; sub-
costal vein and the inner margin of the stigma black; oblique veins whitish ; stigma
short and broad, not angled at the base of the stigmal vein, which starts from a little
behind its middle, and is comparatively straight, thereby making the apical cell
rather narrow. Terminal distances between the veins subequal, that between second
discoidal and cubital somewhat greatest; basal one-third of the cubitus hyaline, but
not abortive, as it can usually be traced to its base, which is very close to that of the
second discoidal ; bases of the two discoidals either approximate or quite contiguous;
discoidals of the hind wings proceeding connectedly from the subcostal vein. Larva
with five-jointed antennx, and the promuscis extending beyond tip of abdomen.
(Riley.)
57. Pemphigus aceris Monell.
Occurred on the under side of limbs of the sugar maple, enveloped in
woolly matter, Peoria, Ill., June. A comparison of about fifty speci-
mens each of P. aceris and P. acerifolit shows that the antennal differ-
ences between the two are quite constant.
Winged female.—Head and thorax dusky, abdomen dusky, but appearing white
from the abundant pulverulent matter. Antenne long, slender, the apex of the
fourth joint reaching the insertion of the wings; the joints subcylindrical, scarcely
contracted at base, apical claw not perceptible; fourth and fifth joints subequal,
fourth joint not clavate, third joint less than the two preceding taken together.
Wings subhyaline, subcostal and oblique veins brownish black. Stigmal vein arising
behind the middle of the stigma. Venation closely resembling that of P. acerifolii,
except that the base of the first discoidal is usually more remote from that of the
second discoidal. Length 0.12 to 0.15; expanse of wings 0.20 to 0.22 inch. (Monell.)
58. THE GLOOMY SCALE.
Aspidiotus tenebricosus Comstock.
.
This species has been observed by Professor Comstock on the bark
of the trunk and limbs of red or swamp maple (Acer rubrum) at Wash-
ington, D. C.
Scale of female.—The scale of the female is very dark gray, agreeing in color with
the bark to which it is attached; the protuberance indicating the position of the
exuvie is marked with a white dot and concentric ring; in rubbed specimens this .
protuberance is smooth and black, in all cases the remainder of the surface of the
scale is rough. The scale is very convex ; the exuviz are usually between the center
5 ENT——27 .
418 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
and one side. The ventral scale is well developed, especially at the margin, where
it is much thickened and is dark colored; the central part is white and adheres
to the bark, while the thickened margin is easily removed as a ring. Diameter of
scale, 1.5™™ (.66 inch).
Female.—The female is nearly circular, being but slightly longer than broad, and
is of a yellowish-brown color. The segmentation of the body is not very distinct.
The last segments present the following characters:
Although forty-three specimens were carefully examined, no groups of spinnerets
were found.
There are three pairs of well-developed lobes. The median lobes are rounded pos-
teriorly, or often with a slight notch on the lateral margin, and taper to a point
anteriorly ; the second lobe of each side is somewhat triangular in outline, with the
lateral edge serrate; the third lobe is larger than either the first or second lobes,
triangular in outline and serrate on lateral margin.
The posterior third of the lateral margin of the segment appears to be of the same
structure as the lobes, and has five triangular serrate lobes; the posterior one of
these is the largest, and is larger than either of the true lobes.
There are seven club-shaped thickenings of the body wall upon each side of the
meson, which are arranged as follows: One terminating near the lateral margin of
the first lobe; this extends anteriorly but a short distance beyond the lobe. One
appearing to be a prolongation of the mesal margin of the second lobe; this extends
anteriorly to a point laterad with the anus. One terminating between the second
and third lobes; this is linear, inconspicuous, and sometimes obsolete. One termi-
nating at the base of the plates between the second and third lobes, and also one
terminating at the base of the plates between the third lobe and the thickened
lateral margin; these two are the largest, and extend anteriorly the farthest of all
the thickenings, one terminating at the mesal margin of the third lobe, and one at
the mesal end of the thickened lateral margin of the segment.
The plates between the median lobes and between the first and second lobes of
each side are verysmall and often obsolete; there are twosmall irregularly branched
plates between the second spine and the third lobe, and also two similar plates
between the third spine and the mesal end of the thickened lateral margin.
There are five pairs of spines on the ventral surface of the segment, and six on the
dorsal. Those at the base of the median lobes are very small, the others are con-
spicuous. Thesecond and third spines of each surface are situated just laterad of the
second and third lobes respectively; in each case the dorsal spine is slightly mesad
of that on the ventral surface. The fourth spine of the ventral surface is on the
penultimate lobe of the thickened lateral margin. The fifth spine of this surface is
near the anterior end of the thickened part of that margin, The fourth and fifth
spines of the dorsal surface arein each case mesad of the corresponding spines of the
ventral surface. There is also a spine on the dorsal side, very near the penultimate
segment.
Scale of male.--The scale of the male is oval in outline, and of the same color as
that of the female; the protuberance covering the larval skin is near the anteriorend.
The ventral scale is similar to that of the female, except that the margin is not so
much thickened. ‘
Male.—Only dead and shriveled males have been observed. Described from forty-
three females and many scales of each sex. (Comstock Agr. Rpt., 1880.)
59. Pseudococcus aceris (Geoffrey).
This species, stated by Signoret, according to Comstock, to be one of
the most common in France, would seem to be comparatively rare in the
United States. “It has been collected by Miss Emily Smith on maple
(Acer saccharinum) at Peoria, Ill., and forms the subject of quite an ex-
“MAPLE BUGS. : 419
tensive article by her in the North American Entomologist, vol. 1, p.
_73 (April, 1880). She also notes its occurrence at Lancaster, Pa.,
where it has been collected by Dr. Rathvon. The following description
of the species is compiled from Signoret and Miss Smith :”
Adult female—Color, bright yellow (Smith), reddish yellow (Signoret). Length
from 4™™ to 5™™, Shape, rounded oval, as large behind as in front. The dorsal in- -
tegument is smooth, with the divisions into segments obscure; it is filled with spin-
nerets in the forin of pores, and is also furnished with many delicate hairs, especially
numerous upon the median part of each segment and at the extremity of the abdomen.
The antenne are long and delicate, 9-jointed, second and third longest, the others
diminishing in size and length except joint 9, which is longer than the preceding
joint and acuminate at tip. The under lip is long, acuminate at tip, which is fur-
nished with many hairs. The tibie are nearly three times as long as the tarsi. The
tarsal claws are rather short and toothed on their inner side, sometimes truncate at
tip; there are only two digitules, those of the claw, the others being only simple
hairs. The anal genital ring is large, punctated, and supports six quite long hairs.
The egg is light yellow in color when first deposited, later becoming yellow brown.
Dimensions given by Miss Smith, 5™™ to 6™™ long, and 3™™ to 4™™ wide; probably
ee O10.6"2 by, 0.3" ™ 020 /4mm,
The young larva.—Color, reddish yellow; shape, elongated. oval, narrow behind.
Antenne 6-jointed, joint 6 as long as the three preceding joints together. The lower
lip is 2-jointed. The body is surrounded by a series of spines and upon the disk of
each segment is a series of eight tubercular spinnerets, with which alternate short
hairs; in front of the head between the eyes are several longer hairs; the anal ring
with six hairs; the lateral lobes large, each with one very long hair and several
shorter ones. The tarsi a third longer than tne tibiz.
The male larva is red and has 7-jointed antennex.
The male.—Color, red; antennez, 10-jointed; joint 1 short and stout; joint 2 twice
as long as 1; joint 3 three times as long as 1; joints 4 to 10 similar in size and form,
decreasing slightly in length. Legs hairy; tarsi one-half as long as tibiew. Anal
filaments longer than all the rest of the insect. (Comstock Agr. Rept., 1880.)
60. Lygus invitus Say.
Order HEMIPTERA; family CAPSID®.
The following account of this bug is copied from Professor Forbes’s
Third Report on the Injurious Insects of Illinois :
Brief mention may properly here be made of a species whose injuries to vegetation
have not hitherto been serious, as far as known, but which deserves attention as the
near relative of one of the most injurious horticultural species (the tarnished plant
bug), and also because, from its own abundance and habits, it may well become the
author of serious mischief.
Although not agreeing precisely with any descriptions of Capsida accessible to me,
I have little doubt, after careful study of about forty specimens collected in June,
that the species is that described by Say as Capsus invitus. It differs materially from
Say’s original descriptions, but corresponds closely in most particulars with: the de-
scription of a type specimen of Say’s, published by Uhler in his notes on the Heter-
optera in the collection of Dr. Harris,* varying from that only in some color charac-
ters of little moment in so variable a genus.
The following description is condensed from that of Uhler, modified with respect
to color to conform to our own specimens.
General color pale obscure yellow, varying to yellowish green. Antenne and
* Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History, vol. xix, p. 407.
>
/
420 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
transverse carina at base of head very slender, the former nearly as long as the heme-
lytra. Surface of head polished, impunctured, clothed with short hairs. Tylus slen-
der, short. Eyes large, prominent. Pronotum smooth, very convex, sparingly hairy,
finely, densely, and mostly confluently punctured, the punctures forming obscure
transverse rugosities. .The head and forepart of the thorax are slightly darker yel-
low, the antenn are sometimes pale throughout, sometimes embrowned at tip and
also at tip of second joint. A broad band on the pronotum, a little within the mar-
gin, extends backwards along the inner edge of the calvus, is continued as a dusky
shade through the middle of the membrane, deepest along the inner edve of the inner
cell, and extends distally into an indefinite dusky shade. This line is intersected at
the tip of the corium by a transverse band of the same color, extending to the edge
of the hemelytra. When the wings are closed, these marks give the appearance of a
median black stripe crossed at the tip of the corium by a black band, and forking at
the scutellum. In the darker colored specimens the pronotal bands are frequently
connected by a basal shade. The posterior half of the larger cell of the membrane
is usually white. In many yellowish specimens the cuneus alone is green. The pos-
terior thighs are commonly infuscate on the distal half, and the anterior tibiz are
often brown at tip. Length to tip of hemelytra6™™. Humeral breadth 1.66™™.
On the 12th May the younger leaves of many of the common soft maples (Acer dasy-
carpum) near Normal were observed to be curled and specked with numerous semi-
transparent spots, evidently the work of the larve of this Capsid, found abundantly
upon the affected leaves. On the 30th May specimens collected were all of the sec-
ond and third stages. On the first of Jane, the first imagos were seen in the breed-
ing cages and on the trees. By the 5th of that month nearly all the specimens col-
lected had transformed to the imago, and the experiment was not carried further.
61. Poecilocapsus goniphorus (Say).
A brilliant scarlet red bug found on different trees, including the maple.
62. Lygus monachus Ubler.
The following account by Miss Murtfeldt of this bug appeared in her
report as special agent of the Division of Entomology (Bulletin
No. 18) :
This bug came under my notice for the first time late in the spring of 1882, infest-
ing the growing points of young soft maples (Acer dasycarpum). Most of the insects
were at that time mature, but two or three pupz were found, enough to indicate that
the leaves of the maple had been their breeding place. A few specimens were taken,
but as the insect was not present in sufficient numbers to give it importance as an
injurious species, not much attention was paid to it. During several succeeding
springs I occasionally came across a mature specimen—which, from its exceeding
agility, both in running and flying, generally evaded capture—but it was not until
the present season that the maples were infested to such an extent as to injure and
disfigure them.
Just as the leaves were beginning to put forth, close observation revealed the fact
that they were all more or less stippled with transparent spots, some mere dots,
others a tenth of an inch or more in diameter. As the leaves expanded the delicate
cuticle of the upper surface would give way and they presented the appearance of
being perforated with holes and much torn and tattered along the margin, marring
their beauty for the entire season. If, about the Ist of May, the leaves were care-
fully examined, there would be found on the under surface of each from two or three
toa dozen or more very delicate bugs of a very pale translucent-green color, the
embryo wing-pads being almost white. They were further characterized by very long
and slender legs, beak, and antenne, body flat and broad oval in outline ; head small,
-
MAPLE BUGS. 421
eyes relatively large, oblong, and bright red-brown in color. The lJarve varied in
size from one-twentieth to one-eighth inch in length, and so far as I could discover
there were but two larval molts. Scattered about over the leaves were small, round,
F translucent green eggs rather larger than a Portulaca seed. The pupal form was —
precisely like the larval, except in point of size and relative development of the
wing-pads. When the under side of the leaf was turned up for examination the
bugs, large and small, would dart on their hair-like legs to the reversed surface,
moving with the greatest rapidity and sometimes dropping to the ground in their
evident desire to escape observation. The final transformation occurred about the
middle of May, after which the companies dispersed. The species is a pretty one,
although, from the glassy texture of the entire hemelytra and the general delicacy of
coloring, it always has a somewhat immature appearance.
This bug happily lacks the disagreeable odor so common to the species of this
suborder and which pertains even to most of its closest allies.
Absence from Kirkwood after the middle of May somewhat interrupted my obser-
vations on this insect. On my return, early in June, only a few of the mature bugs
remained among the curled and torn leaves on which they had developed. Occa-
sionaily throughout the summer aspecimen would, be met with, as often on the foliage
of any other tree as on maple, but there was no second brood. This species, unlike
Capsus oblineatus, is never to my knowledge found on flowers. It probably secretes
itself early in the season, and becomes dormant until the following spring.
The only remedial applications experimented with were Pyrethrum powder and air-
slacked lime, both of which were measurably effective, judging by the small scale
on which they were tried.
Mr. P. R. Uhler gives the following description of this insect:
Lygus monachus n. sp.—Long-oval, pale green or testaceous, coarsely punctate
above, sericeous pubescent. Face convex, highly polished, bald; base of vertex with
a longitudinal impressed line, towards which a similar line runs obliquely each side
from the inner corner of the eyes; antenne sparsely and minutely pubescent, basal
joint thickest, a little longer than the head, tapering at base, second joint thrice as
long as the basal, infuscated and a little enlarged towards the tip, third and fourth
setaceous, together not as long as the second. Pronotum highly polished, convex,
coarsely punctate in transverse wavy lines, each side with a dark brown vitta or
long spot; lateral margin smooth, callous at base, the humeral angles subacute, cal-
losities prominent, convex, almost confluent onthe middle; lateral flap of pronotum
irregularly punctate. Pectoral pieces pale, impunctate. Legs pale green, feebly
pubescent ; apex of posterior femur usually with one or two fuscous bands, tip of
- tarsi and the nails black. Scutellum moderately convex, excavated at base, trans-
versely obsolete-punctate, more or less infuscated. Corium coarsely, transversely
rostrate-punctate, the clavers more or less infuscated, sometimes with all but the
margins covered with dark brown; corium usually with a transverse, dark-brown
are next the posterior border ; cuneus long and wide, the incised base fuscous, and the
inner margin brown; membrane pale testaceous, with two or more dark clouded spots,
the inner submargin of the principal areole, a spot at its tip, and the base next the
cuneus all more or less fuscous. Venter pale greenish. Length of body, female,
5™™; to tip of wing-covers, 7™™; width of pronotum 2™™,
Male.—Length of body,4™™; to tip of wing-covers, 54™™; width of pronotum,
]gum,
This has proved to be a very common insect in various localities.
Mr. Cassino collected numerous specimens around Peabody, Mass. Mr. Bolter
sent to me a pair from Illinois and Missouri, and I have taken it from alders, maples,
and many other kinds of small trees and shrubs on Cape Ann, Massachusetts, also
near the base of the White Mountains, and in New Hampshire, and near Quebec,
Canada.
Mr. Forbes has also forwarded to me specimens from near Normal, I].
422 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
It resembles Lygus invitus Say, and presents several of the color varieties common
to that species, but it is a much larger insect, of a longer figure, and has a more flat-
tened upper surface.
63. Aleurodes aceris Forbes.
Order HEMIPTERA ; family ALEURODID&.
The following account of this interesting insect is copied from Pro-
fessor Forbes (Third Report Insects of Illinois) :
Pupa.—lI have noticed, for several years, a peculiar bark louse upon the leaves of
the maple, but have not bred it until the present year. The fully developed pupal
scale is oval in gereral outline, somewhat lyrate, broadest posteriorly, contracted in
front of the middle. Margins entire, surface densely granulated. The color is choc-
olate, mottled with white, the white varying in amount and tending to form three
transverse bands. The central segmented area is usually irregularly mottled with
white, and a quadrate patch, including the vent, is almost always brown; but other-
wise the color may vary from nearly uniform brown to almost white. Outline some-
times slightly emarginate posteriorly. Length, .095 of an inch; greatest width,
.045; width at anterior fourth, .036.
Imago.—Pale yellow throughout; legs and abdomen paler; wings milky white;
rostrum black at the extreme tip; veins yellowish; first joint of the antenne
scarcely longer than wide, the remaining joints filiform, the second nearly as long as
the four following and about four times as long as the first, the fourth longer than
the third, the third and fifth about equal, the sixth fusiform.
At Tamaroa, in southern Illinois, soft maple trees were found badly infested by
this bark louse, but elsewhere it has occurred in only trivial numbers. There are
apparently two broods of this species in a year, scales collected in August, 1883,
emerging April 10 to 24, 1884, and others, collected during the present summer,
emerging August 4. From these larve several hymenopterous parasites belonging
to the genus Elaptus escaped September 6, the species of which is apparently new.*
64. Phytoptus quadripes Shimer.
Class ARACHNIDA; order ACARINA.
Mr. H. Garman gives the following account of this mite, which is
taken from his article in For bes’ First Report on the Injurious Insects
of Illinois:
This mite produces galls on the leaves of the soft maple, Acer dasycarpum Ehrh.
This is the Phytoptus upon which Dr. Henry Shimer founded his genus Vasates.
It is a coarsely striate species, the strie numbering from 37 to 42. The length is
about .008 inch. The tarsal claw is slightly curved and ends in an evident knob.
The feather-like appendage has four pairs of prongs. The color varies from pale yel-
lowish to light orange. Sexually mature females, the young, and eggs occur in the
galls in June.
. *Elaptus aleurodis Forbes.—Female: Length, .03 inch; that of the head, .005 inch ;
front wings, .032 inch long and .001 inch wide; posterior wings, .0032 inch wide at
the widest point; antennz as long as the head and whole body; scape stout, arcuate,
rising to the top of the head, about as long as the three following joints, nearly
smooth, as is also the second joint; remaining joints densely pilose; the club not
jointed, as long as the three joints preceding; first joint obconic, second about the
same length, but narrower. Color black, surface shining, abdomen alutaceous, head
and thorax punctured, antennex yellow, legs entirely yellow, femora and tibie of the
middle and posterior legs black, their tarsi yellow. Described from three specimens
bred from Alewrodes aceris. (Forbes.)
THE MAPLE GALL-MITE. 423
The galls appear with the unfolding of the leaves in spring as slight swellings of
the parenchyma, and as the leaf reaches its perfect size they expand usually into
top-shaped galls, arising from the upper side of the leaf. The form varies to some
~ extent, some of the galls being discoid or more or less spherical, while occasionally
two galls have acommon neck and opening. At first the color of the galls is like
that of the unfolding leaf, dull purple or green; later it assumes the light green
color of the veins and veinlets; and still later changes, in many cases, to purplish.
Towards the end of summer it dries up and becomes
black. The outer surface is smooth, but the walls
are broadly and irregularly impressed, making a very
uneven outline. On the under side of the leaf the
position of the galls is usually indicated by an im-
pression with a tuft of white hairs in the center,
which tuft covers the opening into the gall. Occa-
sionally the opening and tuft are borne upon a slight
elevation. The height of one of the largest galls,
measured from the upper side of the leaf, was .19 inch;
the diameter was .13inch. The galls are attached at
the sides of the veins, and are so numerous on some
=e tae:
Rm mans
Fic. 155.—Phytoptus quadripes Shimer.
Fic. 154.—Leaf of the soft maple (Acer dasycarpum), show- Side view eo the ae within
ing the galls produced by Phytoptus quadripes.—H. Gar- the body. From a camera lucida
man del. sketch.—H. Garman del.
leaves as to cover the entire upper surface. I have seen trees on which there were
_ very few ungalled leaves, and most of them had curled up and were of a greenish-
yellow hue. Three hundred and ten galls were counted on one leaf. Dr. Shimer
says thousands occur on some leaves.
Scores of specimens of the Phytoptus which produces galls on the leaves of our soft
maple may be secured in June, in which the eggs with nuclei and nucleoli may be
seen with perfect distinctness.
424 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
65. Phytoptus acericola Garman.
This mite produces galls on the leaves of the sugar maple, Acem sac-
charinum Wang.
In five examples of this mite the striz were counted, and in three of
them numbered 30, and in the other two 28 and 29, respectively. The
prongs of the feather-like appendage seem to be three. The length is
about .0075 inch. This form was found in June both among knobbed
hairs and in galls on the sugar maple, but there appeared to be only
one species represented.
The gall is very slender, tapers to both extremities, and bears a
strong resemblance in general form to the nail galls described by Prof.
C. V. Riley from the leaves of Ampelopsis. The walls are uniformly
thin, and present no internal roughness. The height is about .19 inch,
and the diameter .045 inch. Phytopti were abundant in these galls
collected at Bloomington, [ll., June 22, 1881. (Forbes’ Third Report.)
The following insects also occur more or less constantly on the maple:
Order COLEOPTERA.*
66. Dicerca divaricata Say. Observed by MreF. B. Caulfield apparently
ovipositing on a dead maple, June 12. (Can. Ent., xviii, p. 196.)
67. Chrysobothris femorata Lec.
68. Molorchus dinaculatus Say. Bred from a small twig of a young
wild maple. (Chittenden in letter.)
69. Xylotrechus colonus Fabr. (See Oak Insects, p. 77.) Found by Mr.
G. Hunt under the bark of an old sugar maple in northern New
York.
70. Saperda tridentata Oliv. Pups found in a maple trunk. (W. H.
Harrington, Rep. Ent. Soc. Ontario for 1883, p. 35.)
Order LEPIDOPTERA.
71. Edema. albifrons (Abbot and Smith) Larva common on the maple
at London, Canada.
2. Heterocampa unicolor Pack.
3. Heterocampa guttivitta Walk. Brunswick, Me.
4, Callosomia promethea (Drury).
5. Schizura ipomece Doubld.
6. Nadata gibbosa (Abbot and Smith) Lintner. (Contr., iii, p. 150.)
Reed. (Rep. Ent. Soc. Ontario, 1883, 16.)
77. Limacodes scapha Harris. (S. Lowell Elliot, MS. notes.)
78. Empretia stimulea Clemens. Soft maple, St. Louis. Miss Murtfeldt.
(Bull. 13, Div. Ent., p. 62.)
*The following occur in decayed maple wood and stumps: Alaus oculatus Linn.,
(Devereaux, MS. notes); Osmoderma scabra Beauvois (Devereaux, MS. notes);
Pyrochroa flabellata Fabr., Pyrochroa femoralis Lec.
te ht
MAPLE INSECTS. 425
. Eacles imperiatis (Drury). Thomas. (Ill. Rep.)
. Hyphantria textor Harris.
. Thyridopteryx ephemereformis (Haw.) Riley’s MS. notes.
. Gastropacha americana Harris. Lintner (Ent. Contr., iii, p. 154),
. Apatela luteicorna G. & KR.
. Charadra propinquilinea Grote. Sup., p. 167.
Agrotis C-nigrum (Linn). Thomas. (Ill. Rep.)
. Ennomos alniaria (Linn). Larva abundant on the maple. C. E.
Worthington. (Can. Ent., x, p. 16.) See Birch Insects.
. Endropia armataria H. Sch. Dimmock. (See Birch Insects.)
. Boarmia crepuscularia Fr. (See under Locust and Birch Insects, p.
371.)
. Nematocampa filamentaria Guen. Lintner. (Ent. Contr., iii, p. 165 ;
Forbes’ Second Rep.)
. Lophoderus velutinana Walk. Miss Murtfeldt in Fernald’s Catalogue
of Tortricide, p. 76.
. Lophoderus triferanus (Walk.). (See p. 195.)
Cenopis reticulatana (Clem.). Miss Murtfeldt in Fernald’s Catalogue
of Tortricide, p. 20.
. Platynota flavidana Clem. Miss Murtfeldt in Fernald’s Catalogue
of Tortricidz, p. 22.
. Cacecia argyrospila Walk. (See p. 192.)
. Gracilaria acerifoliellaChambers. The larva curls the edge of the
leaf of Acer glabrum, mountain bush maple, downward.
Colorado.
. Gracilaria packardella Chamb. Larva rolls the leaf downward into
a conical figure.
. Lithocolletis clenensella Chamb. Under surface of leaves.
Order HEMIPTERA.
. Peciloptera pruinosa Say. (See p. 281.)
. Aphis aceris Linn. Occurs on Acer pennsylvanica (Fitch).
Lecanium acericola Walsh and Riley. (Amer. Ent., i, p. 14.) Also
on box elder (Thomas).
. Lecanium acericorticis Fitch. On silver maple, Washington, D. C.
(Glover, Agr. Rep., p. 1876. See Thomas, vii, p. 120; American
Naturalist, xii, pp. 655, 808.)
Order DIPTERA.
. Cecidomyia aceris Shimer. On Acer dasycarpum. (Trans. Amer.
Ent. Soc., i, p. 281.)
CuapTer VI.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE COTTONWOOD.
Populus monilifera.
AFFECTING THE ROOTS.
1. THE COTTONWOOD ROOT BORER.
Plectrodera scalator Fabr.
The following correspondence regarding this borer appeared in a
newspaper :
Herewith is an entomological specimen found at the foot of the cottonwoods about
my house, and the larve are boring the trees. What can I do to prevent their kill-
ing my trees?—J. R., Manhattan, Kans.
The large and beautiful black and white long-horned beetle which you send is the
Plectrodera scalator Fabr. Its larva has long been known to bore in the roots of
willows, and as most insects that attack the willow also attack the cottonwood, it is
natural that this species should form no exception. I can give no remedy from
experience, and can only recommend the same preventive and remedial measures
that are used against the round-headed grub. (C. V. Riley.)
AFFECTING THE TRUNK AND BRANCHES.
2. THE POPLAR BORER.
Saperda calcarata Say.
Order COLEOPTERA; family CERAMBYCID.
In the Western States, including Colorado, it causes wide-spread
injury and destruction to the cottonwood trees. (Riley. See the pop-
lar borer, p. 435.)
3. Hyperplatys aspersus Say.
Boring in the dry twigs at Columbus, Tex.; the perfect insect is to
be found throughout spring and summer, according to Schwarz.
(Riley.)
4. Oberea schaumii Leconte.
The larva burrowing in the twigs makes a very smooth cylindrical
burrow, the perfect insect appearing in the middle of June at St. Louis,
Mo. (Riley.)
5. Oberea mandarina Fabr.
The larva bores in the thin twigs at St. Louis, Mo., the imago issuing
in the middle of April. (Riley.)
a
ou
THE COTTONWOOD LEAF-BEETLE. 427
-
6. Dorytomus mucidus Say.
This insect is found running on and flying about cottonwood trees
early in April and again in August. In October it is found under
dead bark of trees in winter quarters. Common. Illinois, (A. 8.
McBride. Can. Ent., xii, p. 106.)
7. Eros coccinatus Say.
Found in April in Illinois in the cottonwood, under logs in the woods.
(McBride, loc. cit.)
8. Wallastonia quercicola (Boheman).
This was taken by Mr. W. Knaus from “cottonwood logs in a some-
what advanced state of decay.”
The beetle appears in Kansas in June and July. ‘The present
season I took about a dozen specimens from logs that had been used in
a Stabile for the past seventeen years; a number were taken from the
larval burrows, and numbers of small white fleshy larve were also
observed in the same pieces of timber; these larve, I feel confident,
were those of W. quercicola, but as I found no pups and did not con-
tinue my observations on their transformation, I can not speak with
absolute certainty.” He was strengthened in the conviction that the
arvee of this weevil are wood-eating by the fact that it has a close
structural relation to the Scolytide. (Bulletin Brooklyn Ent. Soc., vii,
p. 150.)
9. Mecas inornata (Say).
Mr. Walsh has described the excresence made by this borer in the
saplings of the cottonwood and willow in Illinois.
A rather sudden swelling on such of the main stems as are .50 to 1.25 inch in diame-
ter, cracking open in two or three deep, irregular scabrous, brown, more or less trans-
verse, gaping, thick-lipped fissures. This is the appearance presented as early as
August and until the following spring; but July 19 nothing is seen but a smooth,
elongate swelling of the stem, pithy inside, and without
any cracks or roughness outside, and undistinguishable
externally from the tenthredinidous gall, S. nodus n. sp.,
in the form in which it occurs on the same willow later in
the season. Very probably, however, as with many if not
all Saperda, the larva is at least two seasons in arriving at
maturity, and the normal appearance of the pseudo-gall is
not assumed until the following season. The insect does
not make its way out in spring through the deep cracks of
_ this pseudo-gall, but each bores a hole for himself in the
manner usual in this family. The gall on the cottonwood
is absolutely identical with the willow-gall, and was recog-
nized by myself as such at the first glance. It was found
exclusively on young saplings. In both cases it was per-
fectly healthy plants that were attacked. Although this
pseudo-gall weakens mechanically the stem upon which it Hiei t56 Mace ata
grows, and to such an extent that it occasionally causes “Smith del.
the stem to break in two with the wind, yet otherwise the
stem never perishes, but on the contrary the wound is gradually healed and over-
grown by fresh woody matter (Walsh).
428 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Larva.—July 19, the larva is .10 inch long, or less, and of a pale color. In the
spring when it assumes the imago state it is much larger, and differs but little from
other larve belonging to this genus.
The beetle.—In Mecas the claws differ from those of Saperda (in which they are
usually simple) in being feebly toothed or cleft. Body black, unspotted, cylindrical,
covered with short prostrate hair, which conceals the punctures. Palpi black;
antennz rather shorter than the body, and, excepting the basal joints, annulate with
cinereous and black. Thorax cylindric, diameters subequal. Elytra entire and
subacute at the tip, which is equally antennated from the suture and exterior mar-
gins. Length a little less than half an inch. (Say.)
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
10. THE STREAKED COTTONWOOD LEAF-BEETLE.
Lina seripta (Fabricius).
Order COLEOPTERA; family CHRYSOMELID.
An abundant beetle, infesting the leaves of the cottonwood and other species of
Populus and of willows throughout the West to Colorado, and south to Louisiana,
normal form; b, ¢, d, e, showing variations.—Af-
ter Riley.
destroying vast groves; three annual broods; the larva peculiar from emitting from
the tips ofits tuberculous spines a pungent milky fluid; transforming on the leaf,
the pupa remaining in the partially cast-off larva skin; the beetle usually black on
the prothorax, with the sides yellow and the wing-covers yellowish, with three inter-
rupted lines of black or bluish spots. It may be destroyed by syringing the trees with
a wet preparation of London purple or Paris green. (Riley, Amer. Ent., iii, p. 159.)
In 1884 fresh attention was called to the ravages of this beetle in
portions of Nebraska and Dakota, which led to the publication by Pro-
fessor Riley of an extended account of the insect in his report as U. S.
Entomologist for 1884, which we copy, as follows:
During the past season the streaked cottonwood leaf-beetle has done great damage
in portions of Nebraska and Dakota. Appearing in enormous numbers, it has entirely
defoliated many thousands of trees, and has destroyed many plantations of young
saplings. The strip of country over which it has been particularly injurious has
been along the banks of the Missouri River in Dakota, as far west as its junction
with the Niobrara, and thence down through Nebraska to the Platte, as far west as
Dawson County. As a sample of the many communications which have been re-
ceived during the summer from the infested region, we introduce the following letter,
noticing the habits of this beetle, which was forwarded from the General Land
Office:
Peet
THE COTTONWOOD LEAF-BEETLE. 429
“YANKTON, DAK., June 2, 1884.
‘Sir: We forward to you by to-day’s mail a small box containing a number of
bugs gathered yesterday on the cottonwood groves in this and adjoining counties.
These bugs were first noticed during the season of 1883, when they were confined to
only a few timber claims in the towns 97 and 98, range 57, Hutchinson County,
Dak. In the fall of 1883 they had covered quite an expanse of country, and from all
sides reports came of the destruction of planted groves by these bugs. This spring
nearly everybody who owns a timber-culture claim and who has called at our office
reported destruction of trees, and we therefore yesterday examined into it, going
through towns 95, 96, 97, ranges 55, 56, and 57, and found a condition which is really
sickening. Claimants who for years and years have planted their trees, and had now
succeeded in getting a good growth of trees growing, have to stand by and look on while
their labor of years is destroyed in a few days. Wherever they are they are by the
inillions; they eat the leaves, and it only takes a few hours to finish a tree, and those
trees that were attacked last year have failed to grow again this spring. So far they
have attacked principally cottonwood and some box-elder. We would respectfully
suggest that these bugs be handed to some expert for report and recommendation as
to the best methods of destroying them. There ought also to be something done to
protect claimants whose trees are now being destroyed. Most of the timber claims
in the counties named have been taken from six to ten years ago, and nearly every
- claimant has apparently complied with laws, at least we counted from the buggy
while on a hill yesterday thirty-six different groves, presumably all timber-culture
claims, where the law has been complied with, and where parties would now be
entitled to make proof only for these bugs. There ought to te a special act of relief,
allowing those parties to make proof, as to replant and to commences all this work
over again will be necessarily not only a hardship, but will, in a good many cases,
be an impossibility, the time within which proof is required to be made being too
short.
‘Very respectfully,
‘“ELLERMAN & PEEMILLER.
‘Hon. COMMISSIONER GENERAL LAND OFFICE,
“* Washington, D. C.”
In 18—, Mr. Lawrence Bruner reported as follows:
“The striped cottonwood beetle (Plagiodera scripta) has also been quite numerous
in several portions of the West during the year, and did much injury to both cotton-
woods and willows upon high land. Especially was this true with respect to the
young trees upon tree claims in newly settled areas. There has been considerable
vexation at the United States land offices on account of the injuries of this insect
and of a species of saw-fly, the larve of which attack the foliage of our various
species of ash trees, causing them to die. When the time comes for ‘proving up’
there are too few trees growing upon the tract of land, and the result is its probable
loss to the enterer.”’
Similar letters to this were received from many points in the region indicated.
This species has long been known to feed upon the leaves of the different species
of willow, but upon those trees it was never remarkably abundant or injurious.
Upon several of the species of Populus it was also found, but its great liking for
cottonwood seems to be of comparatively recent acquirement. In speaking of this
change of habit’ we remarked as follows, in the New York Weekly Tribune for Octo-
ber 9, 1878:
“The interesting feature about this insect to the forester, however, is that it has
of late years acquired an especial liking for the cottonwood. It has, indeed, become
@ most grievous pest in the prairie States, where the cottonwood is largely grown as
a shade and ornamental tree, as well as for fuel. We have been surprised, in passing
through Kansas and Nebraska more particularly, at the utter devastation which this
beetle has produced. Vast groves have been destroyed through its incessant defolia-
430 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
tion. Now, the cottonwood is placed by botanists in a genus different from that of
the willows, and the strangest thing about it is that the willows are not injured to
the same degree, even where growing in the neighborhood of the injured cotton-
wood. Thisis partly due, perhaps, to the fact that the willow does not suffer so much
from defoliation as does the cottonwood, though it is possible that a special cottonwood
feeding race of the species has been of late years developed in those sections where
the tree is so largely planted. This would be parallel to the well-known case of the
apple-maggot (Trypeta pomonella), which, though infesting wild haws and crabs in
D
i
y
Y
, \) fax
iN
on
i),
TNS )
iy ty \
Fic. 158.—Grub of streaked cottonwood beetle a, eggs, b, one enlarged; c, newly
hatched Jarve; ddd, larve of different ages; e, pupa, nat. size; f, one of the
middle segments of the body of larva sven from above, showing tubercles, en-
larged. After Riley.
all parts of the country, has only taken to feeding on and injuring cultivated apples
in some of the New England States.”
This last conclusion is rendered all the more plausible from the fact that, so far as
known, the species in the Eastern States is confined to willow and does not attack
the cottonwood.
The perfect beetles wintered in sheltered localities. In the spring, as soon as the
cottonwoods begin to leaf out, the beetles pair, and the females begin laying their
eggs (fig. 158, a, b). These are placed upon the young leaves in dense masses of
from ten to a hundred eggs. Each egg is elongate-oval, pale yellowish-white in
color, rather soft, and about 0.5™™ long. The larve (fig. 158, c, @) soon hatch and
develop very rapidly. At first they are black in color and gregarious in habit, skel-
etonizing the leaf in the immediate vicinity of the egg-shells. With the succeeding
molts the color becomes lighter and they separate, feeding upon leaves at some dis-
tance from their place of birth. These larve, like those of other species of the genus,
are peculiar for emitting from the tips of the tuberculous spines, with which they
are furnished, a milky liquid, of a pungent, but not altogether disagreeable, odor.
On attaining full growth they transform to pupe upon the leaf, fastening their hind
legs to the leaf, and partially throwing off the last larval skin. The perfect beetles
issue soon after. There are at least three annual generations, and probably more, as
the development of the insect is very rapid. Professor Snow states* that iu the
month of August only fifteen days are occupied from the hatching point to the issu-
ing of the adult.
* Observer of Nature, Lawrence, Kans., November 23, 1875.
ah |
THE COTTONWOOD LEAF-BEETLE. : 431
Remedies.—According to all reports, but little is to be expected from the natural
enemies of this species, for birds do not seem to touch it, and, with the single excep-
tion of the larve of lady-birds, we have neither found nor heard of any other insect
enemies.
Inasmuch as it undergoes all of its transformations upon the leaves it is not sus-
ceptible to any of the trapping remedies which are used against the quite closely
allied elm-leaf beetle (Galeruca xanthomelena), which was treated of in our last
annual report (pp. 159-170), and the larva of which descends to the ground to enter
the pupa state. In that article, however, we gave in detail the results of experi-
ments made with the arsenical poisons, London purple and Paris green, and these
results may be applied with certainty to the case of the cottonwood leaf-beetle under -
consideration. Premising with the fact that while equally efficacious in destroying
the beetle, London purple seems to injure the tree less than Paris green, we repeat,
for the benefit of the Western reader who may not have access to the report of 1883,
the two paragraphs relating to the preparation of the poison and the effects of the
mixture:
““ Preparation of the poison.—London purple (one-half pound), flour (3 quarts), and
water (barrel, 40 gallons) were mixed, as follows: A large galvanized iron funnel of
thirteen quarts capacity, and having a cross-septum of fine wire gauze such as is used
for sieves, also having vertical sides, and a rim to keep it from rocking on the barrel,
was used. About three quarts of cheap flour were placod in the funnel and washed
through the wire gauze by water pouredin. The flour in passing through is finely di-
vided, and will diftuse in the water without appearing inlumps. The flouris asuitable
medium to make the poison adhesive. The London purple is then placed upon the
gauze and washed in by the remainder of the water, until the barrel is filled. In other
tests, the flour was mixed dry with the poison powder, and both were afterward washed
through together with good results. It is thought that by mixing in this way less flour
willsuffice. Three-eighths of a pound of London purple to one barrel of water may be
taken as a suitable percentage. Three-eighths of an ounce may be used as an equiva-
lent in one bucketfulof water. The amount of this poison was reduced to one-fourth
of a pound to the barrel with good eftect, but this seems to be the minimum quantity,
and to be of value it must be applied in favorable weather and with unusual thor-
oughness, With one-half or three-fourths of a pound to the barrel, about the max-
imum strength allowable is attained, and this should be applied only as an extremely
fine mist, without drenching the foliage.
“ Bifects of the mixture.—Tha flour seems to keep the poison from taking effect on
the leaf, preventing to some extent the corrosive injury which otherwise obtains
when the poison is coarsely sprinkled or too strong. It also renders the poison more
permanent. On the leaves, especially on the under surfaces, the London purple and
flour can be seen for several weeks after it has been applied, and the insect is not
only destroyed, but is prevented from re-appearing, at least for a long period. By
poisoning again, a few weeks later, the insect is deterred with greater certainty for
the entire season. By being careful to administer the poison before the insect has
worked, and, above all, to diffuse the spray finely but not in large drops, no harm
worth mentioning will accrue to the plant from the proportion of poison recommended.
The new growth, that developed after the first poisoning, was protected by one-fourth
of a pound to the barrel in 1882. From midsummer until autumn the unpoisoned
half of the grove remained denuded of foliage, while the poisoned half retained its
verdure. The little damage then appearing in the protected part was mostly done
before the first treatment. Eggs were laid abundantly throughout the season. Many
of these seemed unhealthy and failed to develop, probably because they were poi-
soned. Many hatched, but the young larve soon died. The eggs were seldom
deposited on the young leaves that were appearing after the poison was applied,
but were attached to the developed leaves, and here the larve generally got the poi-
son to prevent their attack upon the aftergrowth. Still the young leaves became
&
432 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
perforated to some extent. The adults, which fly from tree to tree, appeared plenti-
ful without much interruption throughout the season, and often several could be seen
feeding on each tree. Possibly many of these may have become poisoned before de-
positing the eggs.
‘‘ The efficiency of London purple being established, it will generally be preferred
to other arsenicals, because of its cheapness, better diffusibility, visibility on the foli-
age, etc. As the effects of the poisons commonly do not appear decidedly for two or
three days after their administration, the importance of the preventive method of
poisoning in advance can not be too strongly urged. As the effect is slow in appear-
ing, impatient parties will be apt to repoison on the second or third day, and thus
put on enough to hurt the plant when the effect does come. Much depends on dry-
ness or wetness of the weather; but good effects may be expected by the third or
fourth day.”
In the same report is figured (Plate VI) a simple apparatus which was used to good
effect in spraying the trees and which was explained in detail in the text (pp. 168,
169). It is in brief a barrel pump containing a stirrer-bar, attached by a loop to the
swinging end of the pump, and which by its oscillations constantly stirs the mixture.
The barrel rests upon a skid in the bottom of a light cart in which it is drawn from
tree to tree. To the nose of the pump is attached a long, slender rubber hose. To
enable the operator to thrust the hose up among the branches of the tree, it is run
through a long bamboo pole the septa of which have been burned out by a hot iron
rod. At the end of the hose is a short metallic rod to which one of the yee or
eddy-chambered nozzles has been attached.
By the use of such an apparatus, which is comparatively inexpensive, a great many
trees can be thoroughly sprayed in the course of aday. Such a course requires labor
and some expense, but the result can be accomplished in no easier way.
We have already given the general appearance of the egg, and the larva will be
readily recognized from the figure (158). It is practically indistinguishable from the
larva of the closely allied Lina lapponica which feeds upon willow at the North, but
the larva of the latter species emits the milky fluid more freely and has perhaps a
more pungent odor. We published in the American Entomologist, Vol. III, p. 160
(July 1880), a detailed description of the larva, which it will be unnecessary to repeat
here.
The beetle is extremely variable in its aglanation: and it may not be amiss in this
place to repeat in connection with fig. 157, for purposes of identification, the descrip-
tions which we have given (ibid.) of certain of the more marked = Fees, Com-
binations, however, in many degrees, of these varieties occur.
a. Typical. Black, with a tinge of blue; basal jointsof antennze beneath, thickened
thoracic margin with exception of a small round spot at the middle, elytra with
exception of suture and three lines of interrupted black markings, base of fe-
mora and part of tibizw, and sides and apex of abdomen, testaceous yellow.
(Common at the West.)
b. Variations in general coloration:
1. Base of antenne, head, underside, and legs of the same yellowish color as upper
side. (From Texas.)
a. Thorax testaceous-yellow, or more reddish, with the two lateral markings
and a Y shaped mark on the disk blackish.
fs. Thorax entirely testaceous-yellow.
2. Principal color above and beneath blue; legs blue.
y. Sides of thorax as in typical form. Elytra with faint yellow marking. (From
California.)
6. Sides of thorax asin typical form. Elytra unicolorous blue. (From California. )
é. Entirely blue, except a narrow lateral yellowish marking each side on the last
abdominal joint.
aah os
COTTONWOOD CATERPILLARS. 433
ec. Variations in the markings of the elytra: >
1. Marked with black as follows: The suture; two, more or less, oval spots near
the base, the inner of which is nearer to the suture than to the lateral margin,
and the outer on the humerus; three longitudinal striz on the middle, the in-
termediate of which is the longest; submarginal curved stria and an oval spot
between the latter and the suture. (Common at the West.)
2. Additional marks: A small triangular basal spot in front and between the two
subbasal markings. (I]linois.)
a. This triangular spot is sometimes connected with the humeral spot. (Cali-
fornia. )
f. Black markings become wider or longer and then often confluent.
y. Markings in general becoming smaller, either all of them, or one or several of
them. (C. V. Riley, Ag. Rep. for 1884.)
11. THE COTTONWOOD DAGGER MOTH.
Acronycta populi Riley.
Devouring the foliage and not unfrequently stripping the tree, a caterpillar which
rests curled around on the leaf, and is easily recognized by its body being covered
Fic. 159.—The cottonwood dagger-moth and its caterpillar.—A fter Riley.
with long, soft, bright-yellow hairs, and a long pencil of black hairs on top of seg-
ments 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11. ( Riley.)
This caterpillar is sometimes destructive to the foliage of the cotton-
wood in Missouri. There are two broods of these worms each year; the
first brood appearing in June and producing moths by the last of July,
the second brood appearing the last of August and throughout Sep-
tember, and passing the winter in the chrysalis state. It is attacked
by several parasites, 7. e., a Microgaster, an Ophion, and a Tachina fly.
When fully grown the caterpillar spins a pale yellow cocoon of silk in-
terwoven with its own hairs, then turning to a chrysalis. It more com-
monly occurs on the balm of Gilead and Populus grandidentata.
Pupa.—Is dark shiny brown, and ends in an obtuse point furnished with several
forked bristles. It lies within a pale-yellow cocoon of silk interwoven with the hairs
of the caterpillar and which is generally spun in some sheltered place, as in a chink
in the bark of a tree, etc.
5 ENT——28
434 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
The moth.—Fore-wings white-gray near the anal angle between veins 1 and 2, a
large and conspicuous spot like a Greek letter psi, placed sidewise, and from this spot
a somewhat zigzag line runs parallel with the posterior border, forming a large dart-
like spot between veins 5 and 6. (Riley.)
12. Smerinthus modestus Harris.
Larva on cottonwood in Illinois. (C. E. Worthington, Can. Ent., x, p. 16.)
13. Cerura borealis Boisd.
Whether this is the C. borealis or not, it is the one mentioned by
Abbot and Smith as occurring on this tree as well as the wild cherry
and willow. According to them, on the 10th of August, in Georgia,
‘‘it inclosed itself in a case made of chips of the wood, and affixed to a
branch. The moth came out April 24. It likewise feeds on the wiid
cherry and willow. and is found also in Virginia, but it is a very rare
species.”
14. Ichthyura inclusa Hiibn.
According to Abbot and Smith this species occurs on this tree as well
as the willow, in Georgia. ‘ The caterpillars all live in a web, among
the leaves spun together. One inclosed itself entirely May 25 and
came out June 8. Another, which spun itself up October 25, did not
appear till the 8th of March following. The moth is rare in its perfect
state, though found in Virginia as well as in Georgia.”
15. Pemphigus populi-transversus Riley.
Forming a gall upon the petiole near the base of the leaf of Populus monilifera and
P. balsamifera. Missouri,southern Texas, and Colorado. (Riley.)
16. Pemphigus populi-monilis Riley.
On the narrow-leaved cottonwood in Colorado forming a series of more or less con-
fluent moniliform swellings on the upper side of the leaf.
17. Pemphigus populi-ramulorum Riley.
Forming an irregular globular gall, often somewhat flattened, on the twigs of
Populus balsamifera in Colorado. (Riley.)
18. Pemphigus pseudobyrsa Walsh.
Occurs on Populus angulata. (Thomas, viii, p. 151.)
19. Pemphigus vagabundus Walsh.
Produces a large irregular gall on the tips of the twigs of certain cottonwoods.
(Thomas, viii, p. 151.)
20. Pemphigus populicaulis Fitch. (Le Baron.)
Also occurs on the aspen (Populus tremuloides) in Wisconsin. (Thomas, viii, p. 149.)
21. Chaitophorus populicola Thomas.
Found in July at Carbondale, Ill., and early in September on the under side of
young sprouts of Populus angulata (cottonwood).
POPLAR BORERS. 435
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE POPLAR.
AFFECTING THE TRUNK.
1. THE POPLAR BORER.
Saperda calearata Say.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CERAMBYCID®.
_ Often destroying the Lombardy poplar, a yellowish-white grub, nearly 2 inches
long, and changing to a gray longicorn beetle, irregularly striped with yellow ocher,
the wing-covers ending in a sharp point, flying in August and September.
Harris states that this borer, with the grubs of the broad-necked
Prionus, almost destroyed the Lombardy poplars in his vicinity (Cam-
bridge, Mass.), and that it also lives in the trunksof the native poplar.
The beetles rest on the trunks and branches of various kinds of poplars
in August and September, and also fly by night, sometimes entering
the open windows in the evening. According to Riley this borer is
universally destructive to the cottonwood in the Western States.
This borer has been destructive to poplar trees on the shores of Casco
Bay, especially at the head of the bay west of Harpswell Neck, where
my attention was first called to its work by ex-Governor J. L. Chamber-
lain, on whose estate at New Wharf a number of trees had died. The
trees in August, 1884, were seen to show unmistakable signs of disease
by the leaves curling and withering. The presence of the larva within
is easily detected by the masses of castings resembling sawdust, which
are thrown out of the hoies and fall down the trunk to the ground.
Upon cutting down the trees and splitting them open, not only the
full-grown larva, or grub, but also one or two pupe and several beetles
were found, the latter ready to issue from their holes. As many as
eight or ten larve were found mining in a portion of a poplar trunk 10
inches long and 5 inches in diameter.
The wood was perforated in all directions, running under the bark
part of the way and sinking in various directions into the wood, some
of them extending side by side along the heart of the tree. The longer
mines are about a foot in length, and about acentimeter or four-tenths
of, and at times haif, an inch in diameter. Part of the mine is more or
less stuffed with long, slender chips gnawed off by the larva. Mr.
Reed, of Scottsville, N. Y., writes to the American Entomologist
(iii, p. 181) that this borer (identified by Professor Riley) ‘‘ destroyed two
fine trees upon my lawn of the native poplar, or, as it is sometimes
called, the trembling aspen. They perforate the trunk midway up
amongst the branches, when the top dies or is broken off by the wind.”
The larva.—About 2 inches long; the body very thick, rather larger before than
behind ; the segments full and rounded. The first segment broad, sloping obliquely
downward to the head. On the upper side of the broad segment (prothoracic) con-
-
436 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
taining the head, is a large square yellowish horny area, succeeded by rough oval
areas on the tops of the succeeding segments. These rasps serve as legs, which are
wanting in the grub.
The beetle is called the spurred Saperda (calcarata) from the spine-like ends of the
wing-covers. The body iscovered all over with a short and close nap, which gives it
rg ans
BEEN itpeupercay ms
LOE AN ARDEP Nhe pRNEN A nae SL AANA
BRAY RTC
Se 4
at een ea
Fic. 161.—Popla brorer, Saperda
calcarata: a, natural size; b
j upper and c under side of head
Fic. 160. — Saperda calcarata.— and first thoracic segment en-
Smith del. larged.—From Packard.
a fine blue-gray color; it is finely punctured with brown, with four ocher yellow
lines on the head and three on the top of the thorax; the scutel is also ocher-yellow,
and there are several irregular lines and spots of the same color on the wing-covers;
it is 1} inch in length. (Harris.)
2. THE LESSER POPLAR BORER.
Saperda mesta Leconte.
Boring in the poplar and balm of Gilead, selecting the smaller branches, in many
places not more than an inch or two apart, and situated chiefly at the base of the
buds, the whole length of the excavation not much exceeding an inch; pupating
early in May and becoming beetles by the end of May. (See a full account of the
larva and its habits in Canadian Entomologist, vi, 1874, p. 61.)
The larva.—Nearly cylindrical, tapering a little posteriorly, and about half an
inch in length. Head very small, dark reddish brown in front, pale behind. Body
deep yellow. Second segment deeper in color and more horny than the other seg-
ments; terminal segment a little more hairy than the others. (Saunders. )
3. THE POPLAR GIRDLER.
Saperda concolor Leconte.
Girdling the trunks of sapling poplars, by carrying a mine around the trunk, which
causes a swelling often nearly twice the diameter of the tree.
Our attention was first directed to this borer and the marked effects
of its work by Mr. George Hunt. In his company we have found
numerous saplings of the common poplar in the woods about Provi-
POPLAR BORERS. 437
dence, with the unsightly swellings around the trunk. The upper
branches of large trees are also occasionally girdled. From a gall
collected at Providence a beetle issued May 31. There may be sev-
eral mines in the same knot or gall.
The beetle.—Uniformly gray, approaching the color of the downy under side of the
poplar, with no spots, while the antennz are black, stained with gray at the joints.
Length, 10™™.
4. THE BROAD-NECKED PRIONUS.
Prionus laticollis Drury.
Order COLEOPTERA; family CERAMBYCIDZ.
Boring in the wood of the trunks and roots of different poplars, a white soft grub as
thick as one’s thumb, producing an oval moderately convex black long-horned beetle
0.90 to 1.50 long and less than half as broad, its wing-covers rough from confluent
irregular punctures and with two or three raised lines, its thorax with three irregular
teeth along each side, and its antenne of twelve joints resembling little conical cups
placed one within the other and projecting upon their lower side like the teeth of a
saw; appearing abroad in July. (Fitch.) :
Though of late years injurious to the apple, grape-vine, and pine, this
beetle may originally have been confined to the poplars, especially as
Harris does not enumerate the above-mentioned trees, but says that it
Fic. 162.—Broad-necked Prionus and pupa.—After Riley.
lives in the trunks and roots of the balm of Gilead, Lombardy poplar,
‘‘and probably in those of other kinds of poplar also. The beetles may
frequently be seen upon, or flying around, the trunks of these trees in
the month of July, even in the daytime, though the other kinds of
Prionus generally fly only by night.” Prof. S. J. Smith, in his report
as Entomologist to the State Board of Agriculture of Connecticut,
for 1872, remarks: -
Ihave noticed it in logs of poplar, bass-wood, and oak, and in the trunks of old,
decaying apple trees, and Professor Verrill has collected it in great numbers, at New
Haven, in chestnut railroad ties (p. 346).
438 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
It seems to us most probable that this borer also infests the pitch-
pine, since we have seen these beetles flying at noon in abundance ir
the middle of July on the sandy plains of Brunswick, Me., among
pitch-pines, 2 or 3 miles away from any poplars; and have captured
them among pines at intervals for twenty-five years past.
Larva.—Average length when full grown, 3 inches. Color pale yellowish-white,
partly translucent, with glaucous and bluish shadings, and a distinct dorsal line of
the last color; 13 distinct segments. Segment 1 rather horny, somewhat longer than
2, 3, and 4 together, broadening posteriorly, slightly shagreened and whiter than the
rest of the body, with a rust-colored mark anteriorly, and a slight groove along the
middle. Segments 2 and 3 shortest and broadest, the body tapering thence gradu-
ally to extremity, though there is usually a lateral ridge on segment 12 which dilates
it rather more than the segments immediately preceding it. This segment 12 is also
the longest, the terminal one being quite small and divided into three nearly equal
lobes. A swelled hump crossed with two impressed transverse lines on segments 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Stigmata rust-colored, 9 in number, the first and largest being
placed on a fold in the suture between. segments 1 and 2. Head brown, verging to
black on anterior edge. Mandibles large, strong, black, with one blunt rounded
tooth, giving them a somewhat triangular appearance ; antenne 3-jointed and brown,
especially at tip; labrum fulvous, fuzzy and with a brown base; maxillary palpi
4-jointed, the basal joint much swollen, the terminal joint brown, and a ring of the
same color at sutures of the other joints; labial palpi 3-jointed, the basal joint also
swollen, and the terminal joints and sutures of the others brown. Six rudimentary
2-jointed fuscous feet as shown at Fig. 163 tubercled as on the back, these tubercles
being especially prominent on segments 6, 7, 8, and 9, where they recall prolegs. The
young larva differs only in lacking the rust-colored mark on segmentl. (Riley,
Amer. Ent., ii, p. 232.)
5. Buprestis fasciata Fabr.
Mr. Fletcher reports (Canadian Entomologist, xv, p. 203) finding this
beautiful beetle common on poplars, and had found a larva in poplar
wood which he thought, from its appearance, might belong to that
species.
6. THE XYLEUTES BORER.
Xyleutes populi Walker.
Nothing is known to us concerning this moth, except that the specific
name indicates thatit occurs on the poplar. The habitat mentioned by
Walker, is St. Martin’s Falls, Albany River, Hudson’s Bay, the original
specimen described by Walker being in the British Museum.
POPLAR BORERS. 439
7. THE POPLAR GOAT-MOTH.
Cossus centerensis Lintner.*
Plate 1, figs. 1-12.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family COSSID&.
Perforating the trunks of Populus tremuloides, a worm similar to, but smaller than,
the oak caterpillar (X. robinie), the moth issuing from the trees during June. (Bailey.)
In connection with the following account by Dr. Bailey we may say
that Mr. Fletcher reports that he has found about Ottawa this moth
common on the balm of Gilead (Populus balsamifera). The pupa is
usually extruded from the bark about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, when
he has frequently seen them. (Can. Ent., xv, p. 203.)
Cossus centerensis (Plate I) was discovered by Dr. Theodore P. Bailey in 1877. For
many years previous I had observed that many trees of Populus tremuloides had per-
ished from some cause then unknown. The central shoots of other trees of the
same species were dead, and it would only require a few years to finish their destruc-
tion. Perforations were found in the trunks of these trees, some of recent date and
some overgrown with bark, leaving the cicatrices plainly visible.
In July, 1876, a brittle pupa-case of the Cossus was found projecting from one of
the openings, which gave the first clue to the nature of the borer and destroyer of
the timber.
On the 10th of June, 1877, a fresh pupa-case was discovered, and on the 14th of the
same month the first Cossus was captured, resting upon the same tree trunk. Every
season since this capture the Cossus has been taken, but in some years in greater
numbers than others.
The Cossus usually comes forth between the setting and rising of the sun, and when
the trees are visited daily the protruding pupa-cases left behind by the escaped im-
agines informs the collector how many of the insects he may expect to find.
Their color simulates so closely the color of the bark of the trees that it requires
good eyes and very close observation to find the moths. One unaccustomed to collect
them might view an infested tree for a long time and not find a Cossus, when several
would be discovered by an expert. An uneven protuberance on the bark, or the
short stump left of a decayed broken limb are favorite resting places for the insect.
The moth at first is rather sluggish, and can be easily captured. After it has been
abroad for some days it is wild and more or less mutilated. This Cossus is not
attracted by sugar, as might be expected from its aborted tongue. The moth seems
to belong to the genus Cossus Fabr., and not to be congeneric with Xystus robinie. The
head is short, eyes naked, labial palpi small, appressed, scaled. The thorax is thickly
scaled, the scales gathered into a ridge behind, and is squarer in front than in Xystus,
not so elongate or so elevated dorsally. The male antennzx are bipectinate; the
lamellz rather short and ciliate. The female antenn are serrated. It is allied to
the European Cossus terebra F., but is a larger insect. It differs from C. querciperda
Fitch by the absence of any yellow on the male hind wing, and by its darker color
and closer reticulations.
In color this species is black and gray. The edges of the thorax and collar are
shaded with gray, more noticeable on some specimens than others. The primaries
are covered with black reticulations, which are not always identical in their minor
details in different specimens, nor sometimes on both wings in the same specimen.
*The following account of this fine moth was published by the late Dr. James S.
Bailey, of Albany, N. Y., in Bulletin No. 3 of the Entomological Division of the U.
S. Department of Agriculture.
440 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Beyond the cell there is a transverse continuous line, broader than the rest, and out-
wardly bent over median nervules. The brown color is blackish over nearly two-
thirds of the primaries from the base, and outwardly gray; hind wings rounded in
both sexes, with blackish hairs at base, pale and subpellucid, with short gray fringe,
before which there is a narrow blackish edging. The abdomen is blackish. The males
are smaller than the females. The smallest male expands about 40™, the largest
female over 60™™, (See Plate I, Figs. 10, 11, and 12.) While thus far the Centre
(N. Y.) locality has proved to be the chief home of this Cossus, it will undoubtedly
be found elsewhere wherever the Populus tremuloides is found. Several pupa-cases of
this species have been found in the corporate limits of Albany. Usually trees of less
than 1 foot in diameter are attacked, although in one instance a pupa-case was found
in a tree measuring 16 inches in diameter.
It is a very different matter to observe the changes of insect life from the eggs to
the imago when feeding upon the foliage of vegetation than where the larve have
bored deep into a tree trunk and feed upon the ligneous fiber and its circulating
fluids. To obtain this information it has been necessary several times each year to
cut down trees bearing indications of its ravages, and to dissect them into fragments
the size of kindling-wood. The months of October, April, and June were selected as
suitable times for such investigations. October 14 we visited a tree for the purpose
of obtaining caterpillars, and from a limb 4 feet in length six caterpillars were taken,
two of which were occupying cells as seen in the engraving.
April 2 we cut from a tree a limb 3 feet in length, and in it we found seventeen
caterpillars of three distinct sizes, indicating a growth for each year. The larger
ones were not fully grown. All of them were actively passing through their tunnels
in the wet wood, through which the sap was freely flowing. Not any of the cater-
pillars were occupying pupa-cells at this time. June 12, 1881, we again visited a tree
when the insects were emerging. The tree selected was far advanced in decay, from
the effects of the tunneling of the larve; only about 4 feet of the trunk was alive,
with a few lateral branches in foliage, scarcely enough to support its respiration.
In the trunk were found tresh pupa-cases, pup, and caterpillars. Again three crops
of larve were found; the larger ones were inactive and lying in the sap-wood, with
their heads close to the bark, which was gnawed nearly through to the outer surface.
These caterpillars had evidently taken their last position preparatory to their final
transformation into pupe. Pup were also found occupying the same position, and
when the bark was removed were visible.
The larva taken October 14 from its burrows is 45™™ in length, of a pale flesh
color. It isa little broader anteriorly. The prothoracic segment is blackish brown
above, the dark color edged with dirty orange shading. The head is mahogany
brown, shining, slightly roughened. The mandibles are black, with strong teeth.
The surface of the head gives rise here and there to single scattered hairs. The
antennz are three-jointed ; the second joint gives rise to a single long hair. The
seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth abdominal segments are provided with false feet.
The segments are marked with a lateral row of brown dots above the reddish stig-
mata, and there is a row of similar dots, two to a segment, on each side of the dorsal
line. These dots give rise to single pale hairs. The larva moves with freedom
either backward or forward. The burrows which it excavates are about 15™™ in
width and terminate in the pupating cell, which is about 40™™ in length, smooth ;
the extremity towards the opening is closed by a wad of finer and then coarser filings
of the wood. The coarser splinters are not detached entirely from the wood, but
are split up by the larve all around the top of the cell, and project like bristles,
appearing somewhat as those wooden toy trees which are made for children, and
which are formed by shaving down the wood and leaving the shavings adhering by
oneend. These splinters make a firm wad. Against them are piled a quantity of
finer chips or thin filings, which are loose but pressed together.
The cell (Plate 1, Fig. 7) is about 40™™ from the outer bark of the tree, and the
chrysalis (Figs. 8 and 9) makes its way to the air though the burrow, by means of
POPLAR BORERS. 441
its teeth on the segments and the spinose process on the front, by which it forces.
itself, by stretching and contracting the abdomen, through the wood scrapings which
close the cell, until it comes to the end. We have noticed a fine thread of silk pro-
ceeding from the spinneret of the larva, although in the cocoon we have found no
silk whatever. The cocoon or pupa-cell seems to have been formed by wedging first
coarser and then finer strips of the wood together, and seems to be merely a more
carefully and smoothly finished enlargement of the original burrow.
The pupa.—A specimen of the pupa which I have examined is about 30™™ in length,
narrow, brownish black, shining rugose. The clypeus presents a strong, broad,
spinous process, supported at base by lateral projections. On the under side it descends
into a wide sulcation terminating in a broad projection. The capital appendages
are visible, and here and there arise isolated hairs as in the previous stage. The
abdominal segments are provided with teeth over the dorsum, decreasing in size to
the stigmatal line. The anal segment is provided with two unequal-sized terminal
teeth on each side of the vent. (Plate I, Figs. 8 and 9.)
The chrysalides vary much in size, and some of them are infested with an ichnen-
mon fly, which preys on the caterpillar. A pupa was observed endeavoring to make
its way to the surface of the bark, but seemingly unable to extricate itself, when
assistance was rendered by enlarging the orifice. It was laid in a paper box for
hatching. A few days afterwards many minute ichneumons were observed resting
upon the wall near the box. On examination they were found to be escaping through
minute holes in the pupa, which would barely admit a No. 3, entomological pin. Fit-
teen of these perforations were counted in this pupa. I presume that the larva of the
Cossus is pursued in its burrows by the parent parasite. If so it is curious that
the Cossus pupa is not killed by the parasites until it has worked itself up to the
mouth of the tunnel, thus allowing the ichneumon flies to escape outside.
When ready to emerge, the pupa, by means of stout cusps on its abdominal
segments, works itself to the end of the opening, and with its pointed head-case the
thin portion of the bark which has been left by the caterpillar’s instinct is severed
and removed. It pushes itself through the opening as far as the base of the abdo-
men, by a sort of rotary motion, which acts in its mode of cutting like a carpenter’s
center-bit. The thoracic end of the pupa, after exposure a short time to the air,
becomes dry and splits, and the moth escapes, climbing up the bark of the tree,
shaking out its wings until developed. After the moth has escaped the empty pupa-
case may still be seen protruding from the entrance of the tunnel. It is not true
that Cossus centerensis prefers dead wood to burrow in. It isa fact that it is most
frequently found in partially decayed trees, for after the larva obtains a lodgment,
by its perforations in diverse directions through the heart and alburnum, admitting
air and water, it causes irreparable decay. There are three species of poplar found
in the vicinity of Centre,* viz, grandidentata, dilatola, and tremuloides, but as yet
C. centerensis has only been foundin Populus tremuloides.
It is stated by Harris that C. ligniperda deposits her eggs on the bark near the
root of the tree, which I believe is the habit of most of the borers. It would seem
from the following that itis not the invariable mode: In splitting open a tree trunk
on June 12 a Cossus was observed to fly from the cleft, which, on being captured,
proved to be a femate. It was supposed she had taken possession of a tunnel for the
purpose of deposting her eggs. The loose débris from the excavations was gathered
together, an examination of which revealed Cossuseggs. (Plate I, Figs. 1 and 2.)
The female was confined in a box; the next morning she had deposited fifty-two
eggs; some of them were attached to the sides and others on the bottom of the box.
Some of the eggs were deposited singly and some in confused heaps, and were
attached to each other and to the box with a viscid substance.
Another female was captured June 20, and in forty-eight hours after being pinned
she had deposited sixty eggs, which varied somewhat in color from the former.
*Now called Karner.
442 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
The Cossus after being pinned is very restive, especially while depositing her ova
and by the constant motion of the ovipositor in endeavoring to extrude the ova. The
loose abdominal scales are removed and attached to the eggs by the moist viscid
fluid with which they are covered, and which often gives them the appearance of
being clothed with scales. A few of the ova collected this season have this appear-
ance, but a strong lens exposes the true condition. C. centerensis is not so prolific as
some of the other species of Cosside. OC. robinia Peck and C. querciperda Fitch have
been known to extrude upwards of three hundred ova. In European species over
one thousand ova have been found on dissection. The ruia of whole forests of tim-
ber in which these insects revel is doubtless prevented by the destruction of the eggs
by ants and birds, the size of the eggs being sufficient to form a tempting morsel.
In a state of nature the female Cossus deposits a small number of her ova upon each
tree which she visits until her supply is exhausted.
This season the enlarged perforations through the bark show unmistakable evi-
dence that the trees had been recently visited by woodpeckers, which could find
little difficulty in procuring an abundance of full-grown larve.
C. centerensis is found throughout the region known as the pine barrens, which
cover an area of perhaps 12 square miles between Albany and Schenectady. The
soil of this region seems especially well adapted to the growth of the timber which
it supports.
At the present time no correct observations have been made in reference to the
molts of the caterpillars, but information on this subject will soon be obtained from
Mr. A. H. Mundt, of Illinois, who has had opportunities of observing, up to the
fourth molt, the caterpillars of C. robiniw, which are found in the willows and pop-
lars in his vicinity.
Cossus centerensis appears every year, and from observations and from numerous
examinations of the trees by actual sections during the three months of the year
enumerated, Iam convinced that the caterpillars are not fully matured until the
end of the third year, when they arrive at their perfect or winged state. The pupa
state is comparatively short, lasting less than a month before the moth appears.
From figures 3, 4, and 5 of Plate I we see representations of caterpillars found Octo-
ber 14, which establish the fact beyond dispute, through observations extending
over many years, that it requires three full years for the caterpillar to arrive at ma-
turity.
8. COSSUS ANGREZI Bailey.
(Plate I, Fig. 6.)
As this species will probably be found boring in the poplar, we re-
produce Dr. Bailey’s account of it.
We repeat the original description of this species, given in Papilio for June, 1882
(Vol. II, No. 6, p. 93):
‘* Cossus angrezi n. s. female. Head somewhat narrow on the vertex. Collar and
head yellowish gray, thorax black; the edges of the tegule shaded with yellowish
gray. Fore-wings with a nearly white ground, shaded with black, and with black
reticulations. Hind wings yellowish gray, mottled with blacki8h outwardly. The
fore-wings have the costal edge pale, marked with black; the black shading obtains
on costa at apical third, and over the whole wing at terminal third, extending
obliquely downwards and inwards; there are a series of interspacial longitudinal
black streaks before the margin, more or less defined. Fringes whitish, dotted with
black opposite the ends of the veins, which latter conversely are whitish. Thorax
shaded with yellowish gray behind. Abdomen dark gray. Beneath the wings re-
peat the markings very distinctly, owing to the strong contrast of the pale ground
color with the black markings. Expanse, 82™™, 1 female. Wells, Elko County,
Nev. From the late Mrs. Caroline Chase. Type, coll. James S. Bailey.”
POPLAR BORERS. 443
This I believe is a true Cossus, although the male is not known to me. The shape
of the wing is as in centerensis. The structure is that of Cossus, and not of Prionoxystus.
The thorax is subquadrate, the vestiture short and thick. The interspacial black
dashes along the primaries subterminally distinguish 1t specifically. The pre-apical
transvers9 black streak or line resembles that of C. centerensis. The hind wings are
faintly reticulated. The ground color is a yellowish white. The black blotches on
fore-wings of robinie are here wanting, while there is a diffuse discal shade blotch,
another above and beyond it on costa, and the wing shows a wide, soft, blackish
shading, obliquely edged inwardly and covering the outer portions of the wing.
Except the antennz my type is perfect. Beneath it is strongly marked, and reminds
one of C. robinie Peck, but the shape of the wing is not like that species. The
thorax is black above, not gray with black stripe or tegulx, and the collar is dis-
colorous, pale yellowish gray. This species ought to be recognizable. The shape of
the thorax is like Cossus, as is the vestiture, so that I am not prepared to find that
the male has the peculiarities of C. robinie and querciperda Fitch. I hope Western
collectors will solve the question. But I can not regard angrezi as having anything
to do with the question of a Western representative of robiniw. From Herrich
Schaeffer’s figure, and what has been published, I believe that robini@ is found across
the continent. (Dr. Bailey, J, c.)
9. THE LOMBARDY POPLAR BORER.
Agrilus granulatus Say.
Order COLEOPTERA; family BUPRESTID®.
The following account of this borer is by Prof. T. J. Burrill, and is
taken from Forbes’ First Annual Report on the Injurious Insects of
I)linois.
- It is known by every one that the Lombardy poplar lives but a short time in the
rich soils of the Mississippi Valley, where its growth is exceedingly rapid. Many
suppose that this is due to some degeneration, through the processes of propagation
or otherwise, of the constitutional vitality of the tree—that it is inherently short-
lived.
After some studies upon this subject, I am quite sure that the early death of the
tree comes from other causes, and is due to agencies outside the tree itself and not
specially connected with the soil or climate. For the present note, one of these,
and only one, may be mentioned.
About the middle of June a small beetle (Agrilus granulatus Say) lays its eggs in
the crevices of the rough bark, depositing them singly here and there, but some-
times only an inch or two apart, on the trunk and limbs old enough to become rough-
ened by the fissures and cracks of the outer bark. The larve penetrate the living
bark and gnaw tortuous galleries in it and the young layer of wood just beneath.
These galleries are at first as fine as the puncture of a cambric needle, and never
become larger than one-tenth of an inchin diameter. For the most part th»y run
in irregularly horizontal directions, or crosswise of the grain of the wood. When
numerous, as they often are, they sometimes cross each other, but this is uncommon.
They are closely packed with the excrement of the larve.
The latter are exceedingly slender, slightly flattened, much elongated, footless and
white; the first segment of the thorax is somewhat enlarged, and the minute but
sharp jaws apparently project from its front. In October they bore obliquely into
the deeper layers of the wood, often one to two inches from the surface, and then
usually follow the grain up or down some inches, and turn obliquely outward until
within about an eighth of an inch of the surface wood, though this distance varies
much. The last inch or thereabouts of the burrow is greatly widened and ends with
an obliquely rounded termination. The long, slender larva, towards the last of this
444 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
month and throughout the autumn and winter following, may be found in the en-
larged portions of its burrow with its head and the first third of its body closely bent
backward on the remaining two-thirds of the length, and in this folded form filling
the cavity gnawed for itself in the wood. The bend of the body is always sideways,
and usually to the left.
About the middle of May the larve transform, and the pup are found with their
heads occupying the position of the fold just mentioned and next to the rounded end
of the burrow. The ventral side is always outward, that is, toward the surface of
the tree. Two weeks or thereabouts later the pup become perfect beetles, and
about the first to the middle of June escape by gnawing outward, making, in so
doing, a very different cut from that previously made by the larve. Seen from with-
out the hole is doubly convex, the curvatures being quite unequal, and meeting at a
sharp or slightly rounded angle on either side. As the insect emerges, its back is
pressed against the strongly convex side of the excavation.
The beetle.—About half an inch long, slender, and sluggish. It makes little or no
effort to avoid capture, which is easily enough done. It appears to pass the night at
rest in crevices, etc., and moves about only during sunny weather. Eggs are depos-
ited within a few days after the mature beetle gains its freedom. It is thus described
by Say: ‘‘ Body cylindrical, olive-green, granulated ; head punctured, with a profound
sinus each side for the reception of the antenne, tip rounded; eyes whitish, with a
black, oblong, movable pupil; thorax with an oblique indented line each side, and
a longitudinal dorsal one; basal edge sinuated; scutel transversely elongated, with
an impressed transverse line behind ; elytra scabrous or granulated, without strie or
punctures; an elevated longitudinal line, and an indented large spot at base; tip
serro-dentate. Length two-fifths of an inch nearly. This species has three hardly
visible fulvous spots on the elytra; one on the depressed base, one near the suture
before the middle, and one behind the middle, also near the suture. I have a speci-
men in which these spots are not at all visible. The elevated line at the posterior
angles of the thorax is short, but very obvious.”
10. THE POPLAR GERIA.
Aigeria tricincta Harris.
The caterpillars bore in Populus candicans in winter and spring, the
moths perhaps placing their eggs in the deserted burrows of Saperda
mesta. They inhabit the branches, suckers, and small trunks in New
York, on the smaller stalks raising galls. The larva is dull white, head
light brown, otherwise mucb as in other Aigerian caterpillars. The
habits of this borer have been described by Dr. D. S. Kellicott in the
Canadian Entomologist (vol. xili, p. 3) as follows :
During June and July last I obtained several examples of this moth from larve
secured in April. These larvee were taken from branches, suckers, and small trunks _
of Populus candicans growing on low lands along the Niagara below the city [ Buffalo].
The smaller ones were sometimes found in the sapwood, or just beneath the bark,
but the larger ones were generally in the center or pith of the stems; on the smaller
stalks they cause considerable galls, quite as prominent as those upon the willow
branches made by the larva of the Tortrix, very abundant in the same locality.
These poplars are badly infested by the larve of Saperda mesta, and I am of the opinion
that the moth places her eggs in the deserted burrows of the beetle, the young cater-
pillars thus easily gaining access to the wood, their home for at least a year. The
swellings on the branches caused by the beetle become more enlarged by a second
occupation. I have taken them from the stem just above ground, and from limbs
of trees many feet high. The larva before transforming prepares a way for final
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 445
escape which it carefully guards by means of asilken membrane re-enforced by frag-
ments of wood; it then lines its burrow with silk and spins a firm cocoon about
itself.
Kellicott calls attention to the very close mimicry of this moth after
certain wasps, seen in the form and color of the moth, its markings,
as well as its motions and attitudes.
Larva.—The larve, when taken, April 15, were of two distinct sizes, the larger
measuring from .9 to 1.1 inch in length, the smaller .5 inch and less. The former
appeared to increase but slightly before pupation. Dull white with a darker line
along the back; head quite strongly bilobed, light brown, jaws and clypeus black ;
the first ring smooth, slightly clouded with brown, two irregular oblique marks from
the posterior border outwards to the front edge. Body somewhat attenuated toward
either end; transverse wrinkles, especially on the thoracic rings, well marked; in
the small ones there is a slight medio-dorsal indenture; there are also lateral sub-
stigmatal wrinkles. Stigmata elliptical, brown, last pair large, placed subdorsally
and posteriorly. Above the anal feet, directed backwards, there are two black
chitinous teeth; in the younger specimens they are more prominent and upturned.
The scanty brown hairs arise from slight papille.
Pupa.—Light brown. The clypeus is armed with a sharp wedge shaped process,
strengthened by ridges at its four angles and also by a median dorsal ridge. The
abdominal rings are furnished, as usual, with two transverse rows of teeth, except
the anal and pre-anal segments, which have but one row each. The terminal ring
is obliquely truncated, having several teeth. Length, inch. (Kellicott.)
Moth.—Blue-black ; fore-wings opaque ; hind wings transparent, with the border,
fringe, and transverse line near the middle black; palpi at tip, collar, a spot on each
shoulder, and three bands on the abdomen yellow; antenne short, black; the four
posterior tibiz banded with orange; tarsi yellow, tipped with black; tail flat, with
two longitudinal yellow lines. Expands from | to 14 inches. (Harris.) Kellicott
adds that the male is considerably smaller than the female, the antenne strongly
pectinated to the apical portion, which is enlarged and hairy. The abdomen has
four yellow bands and there are no ‘longitudinal yellow lines in the tail.” Both
sexes have a conspicuous white spot bordering the eye in front; four small yellow
spots on the upper part of the thorax; two below the base of fore-wings, also a
yellow line at the outer edges of the collar; the outer edge of the cox of the first
pair of legs, also those of the second and third pairs,are of the same color. The fore-
wings are more or less washed with red on the basal third. The second abdominal
band alone appears on the ventral side; in front of it below is a yellow line.
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
11. THE STOUT POPLAR SPAN WORM.
Biston ursaria Walker.
Order LEPIDOITERA ; family PHALZNIDZ.
In some seasons, during July, partially defoliating the Lombardy poplars in Mon-
treal, Canada, large drab or dingy purple span worms, at the end of July burying
themselves in the earth, the moths appearing during the last week in April and the
early part of May.
According to Mr. G. J. Bowles (Can. Ent., viii, p. 7) this span worm
abounds year after year on the Lombardy poplars in the city of Mon-
treal. ‘ Insome seasons the trees are partially defoliated by the larve,
446 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
and during the last week of April and the first of May the moths are
to be found in great numbers.” On the 6th of May the moths laid glob-
ular eggs .04 inch in diameter, depositing them some days before the
leaves expand. May 29 the larve began to hatch out just as the pop
lars were throwing out theirleaves. The larve change but little during
growth. At the end of July they descend and bury themselves in the
earth, changing in a few days to pup, without forming any cocoon.
The larva is from 2 to 24 inches long, of a drab or dingy purple ; head of a lighter
shade and spotted with black. First segment behind the head bordered in front with
a yellow line, indented behind ; fourth to eighth inclusive, each with six very small
yellow tubercles, two on the back, one behind, and one below each spiracle. Body
striped from head to tail with twelve reddish lines, each bordered on both sides by an
irregular narrow black line; six of the reddish lines are on the back and sides, one
(interrupted) through the spiracles, and four on the abdomen. Anal segments spotted
with black, as also first, second, and third segments. Mouth pinkish, legs pink, .
spotted with black ; spiracles dark. (Bowles.)
The moth.—This genus may be known by the large heavy body and rather small
wings; the fore-wings have the costa straight, the tip subrectangular; the male
autenne# with long pectinations. This species is dark granite-gray, the fore-wings
with three transverse, obscure, dusky lines, represented in rubbed specimens by
black spots on the costa and veins. First line well curved; second and third lines
near together. Half-way between the third line and the outer edge of the wing is a
fainter band than the others, represented by a costal square spot, and ablack spoton .
the innerangle. Hind wings with three transverse diffuse bands. The fore-wings
expand 1.55 to 2 inches.
12. THE TUSSOCK CATERPILLAR.
Orgyia leucostigma (Abbot and Smith).
The injury done to the silver-leaf poplar in New York City by this
caterpillar has been marked; it was especially noticeable in 1883. Mr.
F. Clarkson states that many of the trees in that city were entirely
denuded of their foliage, particularly the silver-leaf poplar, the ailan-
thus alone escaping attack. He suggested to the authorities the pre-
vious spring that hand-picking of such cocoons as bore the eggs was
the only sure way of exterminating these insects. There is good reason
to believe, however, that what the authorities have failed to do a
young army of parasites (Pimpla), which have put in an appearance
during the last fortnight, are now actively attempting, and we shall
probably be rid of this moth another year. The ova commenced to
hateh out about the 25th of May, and the larve began to assume the
pupa form about the 21st of June; ten days thereafter the imago was
discovered depositing ova.” Out of twelve cocoons four yielded the
ichneumons. Mr. Clarkson noticed that this parasite forced its eggs
through the cocoon on the pupa and that in every case he observed
the pupa selected was a female, doubtless from the fact that “its plump
condition provides the necessary food for the development of the para-
site, which the male pupa of the moth could not furnish.” (Can. Ent.,
XV, p. 168.)
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 447
Professor Riley thus sums up the leading points in the history of this
pest (Bull. 10, Div. Ent.):
The White-marked Tussock moth has a very beautiful hairy larva or caterpillar
marked with black and yellow and red. The female cocoons are to be found during
the winter on the trees and upon neighboring fences and tree-boxes, and each
cocoon is plastered with a number of eggs, protected by a white, frothy, glutinous
covering. The eggs hatch in spring and the young worms feed upon the fresh leaves.
The males spin their cocoons after three molts and the females after four. The moths
issue in July, pair and Jay eggs for a second brood of worms, which in turn transform
and bring forth moths in October, the eggs from which hibernate. The male moth
is active, with ample wings, which are brown, with a conspicuous white spot, while
the female is pale and wingless, and only crawls out of her cocoon to lay her eggs
thereon and die. This species is never found on evergreens, and is chiefly injurious
to elms and maples, and prefers large and old trees to young ones because of the
greater shelter which they offer for its cocoons. In Washington it is yet chiefly con-
fined to our parks, and it has not begun to be as injurious as in cities like Philadel-
phia and Baltimore, where the trees are older and larger. Two probable egg-para-
sites and seven parasites of larva and pupa are known to me.
Mrs. Dimmock gives a summary of what is known of its history
(Psyche, iv, p. 280) as follows:
Orgyia leucostigma Abb. and Smith (Nat. Hist. Lepid. Ins. Ga., 1797, v. 2, p.157, pl.
79). Harris (Rept. Ins. Injur. Veg., 1841, pp. 261-263) describes the eggs, larva, and
imago of this species; apple and Rosa are given as food-plants. The same author
(Treatise on Ins. Injur. Veg., 1862, pp. 366-368) fignres and describes the eggs, larva,
cocoon, and male and female imagos, and adds Aesculus hippocastaneum to the food-
plants; later (Entom. Corresp., 1869, p. 291) he adds further Salix, Celtis, and Carya
to the food-plants. Fitch (First and Second Rept. Ins. N. Y., 1856, pp. 202-220) de-
scrives the different stages of this species, noting in addition to food-plants mentioned
above, Ulmus, Acer, Quercus, and plum. Riley (First Ann. Rept. State Entom. Mo., 18€9,
pp. 144-147) figures and describes briefly the eggs, larva, pupa, cocoon, and male and
female imagos; the figure of the larva is repeated in Amer. Entom., Sept. 1870, v. 2,
p. 306. Saunders (Can. Entom., Apr. 1871, v. 3, pp. 14-15) repeats Riley’s figure of
the larva, and describes the egg and egg-mas. Packard (Bull. 7, U.S. Entom. Comm.,
1881, p. 239) repeats Riley’s figures of the different stages of this species. Coleman
(Papilio, November and December 1882, v. 2, pp. 164-166) describes some variations
in the coloration of the larve. Clarkson (Can. Entom., Sept. 1883, v. 15, p. 168)
mentions that this larva particularly attacks the silver-leaf Populus, and calls atten-
tion to the fact that ichnenmons oviposit in cocoons of this species. The larva feeds
upon Betula alba and B. lenta.
13. Orgyia antiqua Linn.
The larva of this common European species, which I have found on
the aspen and poplar-leaved birch, as well as the thorn tree, differs
from that of O. leucostigma in having three pairs of lateral tufts, one in
front arising from the segment next to the head, and two others, a small
white one, arising from the first abdominal segment, and a larger
longer black pencil arising from the second segment; while the body is
black. I observed the moth many years ago flying about the house early
in September, if I remember correctly. The caterpillar becomes full-
fed about the middle of August and remains in the pupa state a few
days, inclosed in a loose cocoon, on the outside of which the eggs are
laid by the wingless female.
448 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Larva.—Four dorsal cream-white or pale brownish tufts. Anterior black tufts pro-
jecting forwards from the prothoracic ring. Head round and smooth, nearly black,
pale reddish on the sides. Body often black, a row of lateral bright red warts giving
rise to yellow hairs. Only two dorsal coral-red warts, the one next to the last cream-
colored; short tuft wanting, but there is on each side (what Orgyia leucostigma wants) a
row of three subdorsal reddish warts. The black, broad dorsal stripe so distinct in
O. leucostigma is broken up by these warts and by brown patches. The terminal tuft
isas in O. leucostigma but blacker. The main distinction is in the large black lateral
pencil on the second abdominal segment with aslighter and shorter pencilin front and
(sometimes) behind, yellow, with a few black hairs. The other hairs are quite dense
and buff-yellow. A broken black stigmatal line. Under side of body pale greenish
yellow. Length 25™™,
14. THE ANTIOPA BUTTERFLY.
Vanessa antiopa (Linn. )
Although I have more usually observed the gregarious caterpillar of
this common butterfly feeding on the willow in clusters in mid-summer,
it also occurs on the poplar, balm of Gilead, birch, and linden. The
butterfly hybernates, appearing in New England (including Maine)
sometimes as early as March. It is seen until June, then disappears,
to be succeeded by a new brood about the middle of August, the insect
having been in the chrysalis state eleven or twelve days. The second
brood of caterpillars appear in August and transforms before cold
weather into butterflies. The caterpillars are sometimes very destruc-
tive. Says Harris:
IT have sometimes seen them in such profusion on the willow and elm that the limbs
bent under their weight, and the long leafless branches, which they had stripped
and deserted, gave sufficient proof of the voracity of these caterpillars.
Mrs. Anna K. Dimmock gives a summary of its history (Psyche, iv,
p. 282) as follows:
Vanessa antiopa Linn. (Syst. Nat., 1758 ed., 10, p. 476). Besides numerous refer-
ences in European literature, in which Salix, Populus, Betula, and Tilia are noticed
as food-plants, the following citations of American authors may be mentioned. Har-
ris (Rept. Ins. Injur. Veg., 1841, p. 219, and Entom. Corresp., 1869, p. 280) describes
the larva of this species, adding Ulmus as food-plant; later (Treatise on Ins. Injur.
Veg., 1862, p. 296-298) he figures and describes larva, pupa, and imago. Packard
(Guide Study Ins., 1869, p. 258) and Saunders (Can. Entom., April 1869, v. 1, p. 75)
describe the larva. (See also Scudder’s Butterflies of the Eastern United States. )
Larva.—Head black, rough, and tubereulated; six or seven large, long black
branched spines on each segment behind the prothoracic; body black, minutely
speckled with white; with a row of eight dark brick-red dorsal spots. Length, 1%
inches (40™™),
Pupa.—Dark brown, with large tawny spots around tke two rims of sharp tuber-
cles on the back. Length 25-90™™,
Butterfly.—Borders of the wings much notched; purplish brown above, with a
broad buti-yellow border, in which is a row of pale blue spots. Expanse of wings,
3-34 inches (75™™),
15. Limenitis arthemis (Drury). (Basilarchia arthemis Scudder).
This butterfly is a northern species, occurring in the Adirondacks and
White Mountains, where early in July it is sometimes very abundant,
gathering by the hundreds in the bright sun around puddles in the
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 449
mountain roads. It is less common on the Maine coast. It is double-
brooded, appearing, says Harris, late in June, and again late in August.
It feeds on the balsam poplar, as well as thorn and birch.
Mrs. Anna K. Dimmock gives a summary of its history (Psyche,
iv, p. 282) as follows:
Limenitis arthemis Drury (Illust. Nat. Hist. — 1773, v. 2, pl. 10, fig. 3-4). Lintner
(Proc. Entom. Soc. Phil., May 1864, v. 3, p. 62-63) describes the larva and pupa of
this species, giving as the food-plant Populus balsamifera. Scudder (Amer. Nat.,
Aug. 1869, v. 3, p. 330) gives Crategus as the tood-plant, and again (Psyche, Aug.
1874, v. 1, p. 18) adds Betula lenta and Populus to the food-plants. (See also Scud-
der’s Butterflies of the Eastern United States.)
16. Limenitis disippus Godart. (Basilarchia archippus Scudder.)
The singular caterpillars of this common butterfly frequently occur
at Brunswick, Me., becoming full-fed during the last week in July
and the first of August. They afford an admirable instance of protect-
ive mimicry, as they resemble a mass of bird’s droppings attached to a
leaf, owing to their shape, attitude, and especially the dark and pe-
culiar pearly limy white patches on the back. The butterflies lay their
eggs in midsummer or later and I have found the young larve at Provi-
dence September 20, in its hibernaculum, consisting of a poplar leaf
slit and folded, and sewed together to form a tube in which the cater-
pillar resides. It left its hibernacalum at Providence as early as May
10, 1890. it remains in the chrysalis state about ten days, my larve
in Maine pupating July 31 to August 1 and the imagos emerging Au-
gust 10 to 11.
Full-fed larva.—Head resinous brown, rough, coarsely granulated and with sharp
tubercles, ending vertically in two acutely knobby tubercles. Mesothoracic segment
with two brown dorsal spines, acutely spinulated. Metathoracic second, seventh,
and eighth abdominal segments with large, long tubercles, those on the second ab-
dominal segment much the largest, smooth and bearing a rough spinulated spine, the
Fic. 164.—Limenitis disippus.—After Riley.
pair on the eighth segment the largest. Body olive-green shading into brown, a lat-
eral white irregular line and an irregular dorsal patch on segments 4 to 6: the fifth
segment nearly all pearly white. Length 30™™. (See Fig. 40, p. 129.)
Pupa.—Suspended by the tail alone. Head deeply conical; a dorsal low thoracic
ridge; a very high, thin, compressed rounded smooth ridge on the second abdominal
5 ENT——29
450 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
segment; on each side at base is a silvery band obscurely marked. Body pearly
white, spotted irregularly with brown. Head, wings, and limbs olive-brown. Ab-
domen pearl white, brown towards the end. Length 24™™,
The butterfly.—Deep orange red, body black, wings bordered and striped with
black; in the black borders a row of white spots besides a row of marginal white
spots in the scallops, also a row of three white spots in the triangular black spot ex-
tending inward from the outer third of the costa of the fore-wing. Eight white spots.
on the head to be seen from above. Expanse of wings 2} inches.
17. Nisoniades icelus Lintner.
This butterfly has been raised by Mr. S. Lowell Elliot from cater-
pillars found on different species of poplar and willow at or near New
York City. According to Mr. Lintner, the first discoverer of the
species, the butterfly is to be seen from May 25 till near the middle of
July.
The egg.—The egg is of a pale-green color. In shape it is a.semi-ellipsoid; its base
is flat, and its apex depressed between the tips of the ribs, which terminate exterior
to the depression. It is distinctly fluted even to the naked eye, and with a 1l-inch
lens the ribs may be seen of the number usually of eleven, but not uniformly, for of
nine specimens examined one was observed with ten ribs and one with twelve. Con-
necting the ribs are from thirty to thirty-five transverse strie. The diameter of the
egg is .031 of an inch, and its height .028 of an inch. The larva has not been
observed by me. (Lintner.)
The butterfly. —Head and palpi dark brown, the latter lighter beneath, and inter-
spersed with gray or gray-tipped hairs. Antenne brown, annulated with white
obscurely above, with the club orange-tipped. Thorax dark brown, with scattered
scales of lighter brown. Abdomen dark brown, with some gray scales, especially at
the posterior margin of the segments. Anterior wings above dark brown, basally
mottled with umber, and sprinkled with yellow-brown and bluish-gray scales.- It
differs from N. brizo, to which it is closely related, by its uniformly smaller size, its
wings expanding from 1.20 to 1.40 inches, while the smallest brizo expands 1.50
inches. A marked characteristic is the costal patch of bluish scales between the
bands. (Lintner.)
18. Smerinthus excecatus A. and S.
The caterpillar of this moth, which heretofore has been supposed to
be confined to the wild cherry as well as the apple and plum, has been
found by Mr. Fletcher to feed readily on the balm of Gilead and also
Populus alba, the latter known as the silver abele tree; the larve
varied much in coloration. (Can. Ent., xv, 203.) Mr. P. Fischer (Can.
Ent., xvi, 17) has bred this species from the poplar and linden.
19. Smerinthus modestus Harris.
The caterpillar of this rare moth has been found by Dr. Kellicott to
feed on the aspen, and by Mr. W. V. Andrews on the poplar (species
not mentioned). Mr. R. Bunker, who describes the eggs and early
stages (in Can. Ent., ix, 210), does not mention its food-plant. We copy
his descriptions.
£9g.—One-eighteenth inch in diameter; light green, translucent, smooth, cireu-
lar, oblate or depressed. Hatched in nine days after being laid.
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 451
Larva.—One-fourth inch long; light green, slender. Head large, round, slightly
depressed medially; face pink, with a purplish tinge; extremity of the body dark
sea-green, with a large wart or tubercle, pyramidal in form, upon which rests the
horn.
First molt.—One-half inch long; apple green, with a light yellow longitudinal
stripe below the dorsal ridge; diagonal lines yellowish white; horn purple, straight,
very short.
Second molt.—Seven-eighths inch in length; rich dark green, finely granulated, giv-
ing it a beautiful velvety appearance; thorax adorned with two transverse crests or
collars, studded with fine points tipped with white.
Third molt.—One and a quarter inches in length; thickest medially, light green,
otherwise unchanged.
Fourth molt.—One and seven-eighths inches long; light green, coarsely granulated,
granules studded with fine white points, giving the skin a frosted appearance; crests
on the thorax much reduced in size.
Fifth molt.—Three inches long; $ inch in diameter; hind crest lost, anterior one
much reduced; spiracles small, rust-red; true legs brown; prolegs brownish yellow;
horn lost, except a mere rudiment; yellow longitudinal stripes very obscure.
Pupa.—Two inches long; 3 in diameter; dark chestnut brown; cylindrical, hold-
ing its size well to the sixth segment, thence tapering abruptly and ending in a point
or thorn; head obtuse, thoracic poriion round, not angular.
Moth.—The largest species of the genus. Olive drab; head very small, and with-
out a prominent crest; antenns of the males transversely biciliated beneath. Fore-
wings scalloped, with a transverse sinuous pale line near the base ; a whitish comma-
shaped stigma on a broad undulated dark olive-colored central band, and two trans-
verse undulated lines towards the tip; under side purple in the middle of the disk.
Hind wings purple in the middle and at base, with a transverse black spot, and an
abbreviated dusky blue band near the anal angle. Body very robust, and with the
legs immaculate. Expanse of wings, 5 inches.
20. THE IO MOTH.
Hyperchiria io Fabr.
The gregarious caterpillars of this moth were observed on the aspen
at Brunswick, Me., July 27; the young larve, apparently just hatched,
occurred July 16, forming a group on an aspen leaf.
Young larva after hatching.—Stout, thick bodied; the body is uniformly pale red-
dish brown, while the large branching spines are brown and black. Length, 5 to
Gum
Young larva 15™™ in length.—Body moderately thick, of the usual shape of the
genus. Body pale reddish horn-colored, with six longitudinal paler lines; four rows
of dorsal and subdorsal black spinulated spines; and also a similar lateral row (or
six rows in all). Head blackish-brown.
After molting, July 28.—Length, 17 to 18™™, The spinules on the spines are mostly
whitish (those at the ends black), giving a grayish appearance to the larva. Head
reddish amber; body, reddish-yellow.
Larva after another molt, August 6.—Length, 30 to 35™™, As soon as the oid skin is
cast, and while the parts are limp and soft, the spines present a curious appearance;
the spinules being short, and placed close together, so that the whole spine forms an
elongated conical mass. Soon the spinules stand out and the larva presents the
normal appearance. It is now much lighter than before, all the spines being dense
and pale, but afterwards they become wholly black or black at the ends, including
the hairs, though the general effect of the mass of spines is to give a pale horn-
colored yellowish-green hue to the body. Color of the body as before, but there is a
~
452 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
distinct broad deep orange spiracular line, edged slightly above, and broadly below,
with whitish. The head is blackish in front, with a whitish V-shaped mark and a
whitish dash in the middle of the V or clypeus; labrum whitish.
Full-fed larva, molted August 16 to 20.—Same characters as before the last molt,
only differing in being much larger. Body cylindrical, with stout spinulated spines
arising in whorls from small conical tubercles, arranged in seven rows on the thoracic
and five rows on the abdominal segments; the spinules at tip very sharp and
poisonous, often ending ina stiff hair; about twelve spinules on each tubercle; some
of the lateral abdominal and thoracic spinules tipped with black. Head of the usual
size, rather large, pea-green; the eyes, except the posterior one, situated on a black
spot; labrum paleamber. Body and spines pea-green. On the abdominal segments
is a lateral broad bright reddish spiracular band, broadly-edged with white below ;
this line extends to the end of the outer side of the anal legs. Spiracles whitish,
narrowly edged with black; ends of the abdominal legs and entire thoracic legs red-
dish. Length, 60™™.,
21. Gluphisia trilineata Pack.
Mr. Howard L. Clark has reared this moth from caterpillars found on
the balm of Gilead at Warwick, R. I. The moth appeared July 22,
having been in the chrysalis state about ten days.
22. Icthyura inclusa Hiibn. (Clostera americana Harr.)
The caterpillar of this moth occurred on the poplar (P. grandidentata ?)
at Providence, September 11 to 15. They were living within a tent
made by drawing two or three leaves together, several smaller branches
of the tree having been defoliated by them. It pupated a few days
after, the moth appearing in the breeding cage June 1 of the next year.
Tke following account is copied from Harris, who observed them on
the balm of Gilead:
August and September, 1835: Gregarious caterpillars on the balm of Gilead tree;
folding up the leaf and lining it with silk as a common web, the petiole being also
fastened to the trunk by silk.
Larva.—Color of the larva yellow ; head, geminate tubercles on the fourth and
eleventh segments, tip of last segment, and true feet, black; three narrow dorsal and _
three broader lateral vittz, and spiracles, black. The larva is much like that of
Clostera anachoreta (Ernst, 165, fig. 214) and C. reclusa (Ernst, 165, fig, 216) and
closely resembled C. anastomosis. Thin cocoon formed in a box October 4, 1835.
Another cocoon formed in October, 1837, disclosed the imago June 15, 1838.
August 10, 1838: Found the larve in great abundance on the balm of Gilead tree.
These caterpillars are gregarious, and form a common shelter consisting of a leaf
folded longitudinally and lined with a thick web of silk, beneath which the insects
are sheltered when not feeding. They eat the whole of the leaves except the veins,
which remain untouched. The petioles of the small leaves used as habitations are
fastened with silk. The larger leaves subsequently used for shelter are not thus
secured. They do not eat the leaves which serve for habitations, but sometimes fold
one-half of the leaf and eat the corresponding side. When fully grown the cater-
pillar measures one inch and a half or more in length. They do not vary in color or
markings at different ages. Body slightly hairy, light yellow, the head, true feet, a
double wart on the fourth, another on the eleventh anal valve, three slender dorsal
stripes and three broader lateral ones on a dusky ground, and the spiracles, black.
In the oldest caterpillars there is an orange-colored line, at the sides of the body
below the spiracles. The upper lateral black stripe is the broadest and becomes
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 5 453
indistinct towards the second, which gives to the sides the appearance of a broad,
dusky stripe marked with three black lines.* The thinly scattered hairs on the body
are whitish, and proceed indiscriminately from the surface, and not from regular
tubercles.
The cocoon spun at Providence about the middle of September, is a
loose web with abundant brown strands made in a folded leaf.
Larva.—Body as wide on the third thoracic segment as on the eighth abdominal.
Head as wide as first and second thoracic segments; flattened in front, uniformly
deep black. First thoracic segment short and small, with two sublunate black shin-
ing spots. On the first abdominal segment are two black rounded fleshy conical
tubercles, surrounded at the base with short black hairs, and bearing at the end a
white hair. A similar double tubercle on the eighth segment, the latter pair (in life)
nodding over backwards at regular intervals independently of the surrounding skin
(a very singular phenomenon ; the anterior pair does not move), Along the back are
four yellow stripes inclosing three black somewhat interrupted lines. On the sides
are three broader black bands and a supra-spiracular yellow line. A broad yellow
ocherous lateral band inclosing the black spiracles. Thoracic feet black ; abdominal
feet mostly reddish brown, black near the ends. Body with numerous white hairs
arising from small warts. Length, 30™™.
Pupa.—Large and thick; wings not reaching to the hinder edge of the third
abdominal segment ; -abdomen full and rounded at the end ; the terminal spine (cre-
master) forming a slender rounded spine scarcely thicker at the end than at the base,
and terminating in two forks which are suddenly twisted back or recurved, and
ending each in three minute acute spines. Length, 17 to 18™™,
23. Ichthyura strigosa Grote.
The caterpillar of this interesting species was found July 30, at Bruns-
wick, Me., feeding on the aspen (Populus tremuloides). It molted
August 10, and about the 20th began to spin a siiken cocoon between
two leaves. The moth (a male) appeared in the breeding cage at Prov-
idence, May 20. Like J. inclusa, it sits with the wings folded sharply
over the back, with the fore-legs held straight out in front, with the
tufted tail upcurved.
Larva before the last molt.—Head broader than the body, flattened in front, dull
black, with long white hairs. Body flattened, with yellow and reddish longitudinal
stripes; three dorsal faint red stripes on a yellowish ground, and three deep lake-red
lateral stripes, the lowermost the broadest and deepest in hue. Two bright yellow
lateral stripes. Five pairs of flesh-colored abdominal legs, the legs pale amber,
colored like the under side of the body. Length, 9™™.
Larva after the last molt.—Markings much as in the previous stage. Length, 17 to
ep
The rude cocoon is formed by tying a few leaves together, gathering them by a web
at the edges, thus forming a roomy chamber, partly lined with silk, within which the
chrysalis rests.
Pupa.—Smailler and not so full and rounded at the end as in J. inclusa ; cremaster
as in that species, ending in two stout, very short, recurved spines. Length, 12™™.
Moth.—One male. Smaller and duller brown than J. indentata Pack. Palpi whit-
ish below, dark brown above. as in J. indentata (which closely resembles Fitch’s I.
*The middle lateral line is very slender, the lower one broader, more distinct than
the upper one; and below it, between and below the spiracles, are irregular,
blackish spots which sometimes run together so as to resemble a fourth line. The
tubercles have hairs as wellas the body. (Harris Corr.)
454 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
vau); front of head slightly broader and squarer; median thoracic brown band asin
I. indentata. Forewings with the costal edge straighter and the apex less turned up
than in J. indentata, the apex being slightly more rounded than in that species or in
I.inclusa. Basal line distinct, making a sharp angle on the median vein, aud more
incurved in the submedian space than in I. indentata; second line much more sud-
denly incurved than J. indentata, the same line being straight in J. inclusa ; the short
third line as in J. indentata, but more sinuous. Fourth and outer line much as in J.
indentata, but the species differs from all the others known by the large conspicuous
irregular whitish ocherous patch which fills in the costal curve of this line and ex-
tends half way from the costal end of the line to the apex of the wing; no deep brick-
red discoloration on each side of costal half of fourth line, so distinct in J. indentata,
but a long discal blackish stripe extends along the first median venule to the sub-
marginal row of brown dots which are not so distinct as in I. indentata or I. inclusa ;
though the marginal row of dark brown lunules is as distinct asin J. inclusa. Fringe
as in I. inclusa, but that on the hind wings much darker. Hind wings darker than
in I. indentata. Wings beneath much as in J. indentata, but there is no reddish tint
towards the apex, and the white oblique costal streak is much less distinct. There
are traces of a common brown diffuse line. Abdomen a little shorter, the fan or
tuft of scales perhaps shorter and expanding wider. Expanse of wings, 25™™;
* length of body, 12™™,
24. THE WHITE-S ICHTHYURA.
Ichthyura albosigma Fitch.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family BOMBYCIDA.
Early in July, eating the leaves and reposing in a
cavity formed of leaves drawn together like a ball, a.
large black caterpillar with white and yellow dots and_
stripes anda hump on the back of its fourth and eleventh
rings; its pupa lying in a cocoon attached among the
leaves, and .in ten days giving out the moth the latter
part of July; the moth grayish-brown, its forewings
crossed by three faint paler streaks, the two first par-
allel, the hind one with its outer half silvery white
and strongly waved in shape of the letter S; width, 1.50. (Fitch.)
Fic. 165.—Ichthyura albosigma.
25. V-MARKED ICHTHYURA.
Ichthyura vau Fiteh.
This moth, which is very similar to I. inclusa, but darker colored and
smaller, with the bands more slender and distinct, may be readily dis-
tinguished from that species by its having the first band not dislocated
but in its middle strongly curved backward, the apex of the curve
usually forming an acute point. The last band also is much more
strongly undulated near its outer end, curving backwards almost in a
semicircle, and is of a much more vivid white color, and broadly bor.
dered on its hind side with bright rust-red. Its hind legs also are des-
titute of the paler band across their middle. Its width is about 1.20.
I am unacquainted with its larva, but, like the other species of this
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 455
‘genus, it doubtless feeds on the poplars and willows. Though quite
rare in my vicinity, it is oftener met with than the two other species.
(Fitch.)*
26. Pheosia rimosa Pack.
I first found the singular sphinx-like caterpillar of this moth over
twenty-five years ago at Brunswick on the balm of Gilead, September
28. The general color was a purplish lead; head and first segment
greenish; the horn on the eighth segment is black, the dark shade
prolonged into a lateral line ; a kidney-shaped spot on the last segment;
spiracles black, encircled with white; below is a yellow line. Beneath
greenish and yellowish straw. October 6 it pupated.
This moth, originally described by us as Pheosia rimosa, differs from
the European dictea in its larva, those of the two European species hav-
ing no horn, the eighth abdominal segment being simply humped. In
1877 Mr. Meske wrote me as follows:
The imago of Notodonta rimosa Packard stands very near to the European Notodonta
dictea Linné, but the larve of those two species are entirely different. The larva of
the former is very slender, light green, and has a caudal horn like a sphinx larva; it
feeds on Populus tremulans. This is the second case in the North American fauna
where the imago stands very near to its allied European form, while the larva is en-
tirely different. The first case is Acronycta occidentalis as compared with Acronycta
psi Linné.
The larva has been described by Mr. C. F. Goodhue, who has found it on the poplar
and willow in New Hampshire late in September. ‘‘The transformation takes place
in aslight cocoon of dead leaves fastened together with a few silken threads, on
the surface of the ground, much in the manner of Darapsa myron.” The moth ap-
pears in spring as well as in August; it occurs throughout the Eastern and Middle
States.
Mr. F. Tepper has raised the caterpillar which occurred on the wil-
low in New York, June 22; it went under ground a few days after, and
the moth emerged August 22.
Larva.—The body increases in size from the head to the anal segment; it is deeply
incised between the segments, much like those of the Sphingidz in appearance and
exceedingly smooth and shiny. Head small and nearly round; first four segments
capable of being retracted nearly one-half their length. Head and entire upper
parts of body pale slate color, slightly shaded with brown on the dorsal portion.
Yellow beneath between the legs; also a slight stigmatal line of the same color.
‘Caudal horn short and black; the black extends from the base of the horn to below
* Walker (Cat. Lep. Het. British Museum, v, 1058) thus refers to a moth which he
‘describes as Ichthyura apicalis :
Mas. Cinerea; caput nigro-fuscum; frons et palpi subtus albida; antennew canz
ramis cinereis; thorax vitta dorsali nigro-fusca; ale antice fusco-cinerex, linea
undulosa albida macnlaque costali rufo-fusca ; postice cinerex ; subtus albide fascia
gracili discali undulosa fuscescente.
‘‘ Larva brown, thick, with sixteen feet, and with a band on part of the back;
feeds on the poplar leaf, which it draws together with silk. Cocoon slight and
white. The moth appears in June.”—Barnston MSS.
a, b.—St. Martin’s Falls, Albany River, Hudson's Bay. Presented by Dr. Barnston
-
456 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
the stigmata. Anal shield rusty and rough; stigmata black, encircled with yellow;
abdominal feet black, the rest pale yellowish. Another specimen differs in color,
being pale lavender, with a slightly darker dorsal line. Under parts between the
GSN beck
Fic. 166.—Pheosia rimosa.
7 mee
legs and a faint substigmatal greenish yellow line. Another slightly smaller was of
a bright pea-green color, with a bright yellow stigmatal stripe, in other respects like
the former. Length, 1.50 to 1.75 inch.
Pupa.—Dark brown. Head-case smooth, deeply incised between the abdominal
segments. Anal segment large and smooth, ending in two short points.
Moth.—Wings rounded and somewhat: produced towards the apex; of a deli-
cate frosty white and brown. Along the ends of the subeostal venules of the fore-
wings are long streaks of brown; in the apical and subapical spaces are two long,
longitudinal, broad streaks, oblique and parallel to the costa, which terminate just
before the apex; middie of the wing white. A long, broad line extends from the
base to just above the inner angle on the outer margin, lined below with white, and
deflected upwards along the outer edge. Tuft cinereous. Beneath cinereous, costa
darker. The female darker than the male. Hind wings white, the region of the
internal angle and tuft dark brown. Legs and abdomen cinereous. Thorax and
head cinereous; the tuft on the patagia or shoulder tippets tipped with dark brown.
Fringe interlined at base with white. Expanse of wings, 2 inches.
27. Notodonta stragula Grote.
(Larva, Pl. V; fig. 1.)
The caterpillar of this moth has been reared by Mr. Tepper in New
York. It was found onthe poplar July 4; the moth appearing July 27.
(Bull. Ent. Soc. Brooklyn, i, 10). Messrs. Edwards and Elliott have
found the food-plant to be the willow. (See under Willow Insects )
Larva.—Head slate color, mottled with black, and with a pale stripe on each side.
Mouth parts with a greenish tinge. Body pale lilac, with the exception of the elev-
enth and twelfth segments, which are dull golden. The seventh and eighth seg-
ments have raised prominences, which are also golden, that of the seventh being the
largest. Laterally there are some pale oblique streaks somewhat similar to those of
many Sphingide ; these do not meet on the back, where there is a faint slate-colored
line. Between the second and sixth segments, and common to all of these, is a
darker dorsal shade which re-appears on the eleventh and twelfth segments. The
spiracles are white, with a black ring, and the lower lateral line is paler than the
rest of the body. The twelfth segment bears a hump, and the sides of the eleventh,
twelfth and thirteenth segments are pale brown, mottled with orange. Abdominal
legs dull slate-color, mottled with black; thoracic legs black. Length55™™, (H. Ed-
wards and Elliott, Papilio, iii, 129.)
Moth.—Anterior wings slaty-gray, shaded with pale buff along internal margin,
with a chestnut-brown basal patch and some brown streaks and spots in the terminal
space; internal margincrested. Extreme base of the wing brownish; basal line dis-
tinct; subbasal space large, grayish at costa, rich chestnut brown below the median
vein, pale buff along the internal margin, which latter shade extends from base to in-
ternal angle. A very dark brown streak extends from the basal line to the trans-
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 457
verse anterior line below the median vein, and a similar streak at internal margin.
Transverse anterior line dark brown, grayish at costa, undulate, bordered anteriorly
by a pale buff shade from below subcostal vein to internal margin. Median space
widest at costa, narrow at internal margin, grayish, with an elongate pale discal
spot with dark brown center. Transverse posterior line cinereous, indistinct, sub-
dentate, continued. Terminal space with a series of rich chestnut-brown streaks
between the veins, two.more, linear, near the apex. Posterior wings pale cinereous
with two indistinct median bands; anal angle touched with brownish. Thorax
‘and collar brownish; tegule grayish; abdomen cinereous, slightly brownish above.
Under surface of thorax and inside of legs brownish, outside of legs and sides of tho-
rax clothed with cinereous hairs. Expanse of wings 1.60 inches. (Grote.)
28. (Edemasia concinna Abbot and Smith.
The moth has been bred by. Mr. Elliott from the willow, and I have
found it in different stages of growth on the willow at Brunswick, Me.,
in August and September. It also feeds on the aspen and blackberry
in Maine. I have also found the caterpillar feeding on the huckleberry
( Vaccinium).
“This curious and well-known caterpillar was received in August.
from Oregon. Mr. F. S. Matteson, of Aumsville, states that he found
it in large numbers on a young apple tree, entirely denuding the
branches of leaves. This mention is made as bearing upon the geo-
graphical distribution of the species. The gregarious habits of these —
larve when first hatched admit of an easy remedy in hand-picking.”
(Riley, Rep., 1884.)
Mrs. Anna K. Dimmock gives a summary of its history (Psyche, iv,
p. 282) as follows:
Notodonta concinna Abb. and Smith (Nat. Hist. Lepid. Ins. Ga., 1797, v. 2, p. 169,
pl. 85). Harris (Rept. Ins. Injur. Veg., 1841, pp. 307-309) describes larva and imago.
of this species, and gives as food-plants apple, cherry, plum, Rosa and Crategus; this
description is quoted by Morris (Synop. Lepid. N. A., 1862, p. 242), and is repeated.
with figures of larva and imago (Treatise on Ins. Injur. Veg., 1862, pp. 425, 426, pl. 6,
fig. 11) and with a colored figure of the larva by Harris (Entom. Corresp., 1869, p.
303, pl. 1, fig. 3). Riley (Amer. Entom., September and October, 1869, v. 2, p. 27),
figures larva, pupa, and imago, and adds pear to the food-plants; Riley’s figures are
repeated by Saunders (Can. Entom., July 1881, v. 13, pp. 138-140). The larva also.
eats Betula alba.
Larva after first molt.—Length 7™™, body rather slender; head reddish black,
with two long vertical tubercles; body reddish amber, with indistinct broken yellow
lines; two long dorsal tubercles on first and fourth segments, much longer than
those on the outer segments, the tubercles not so conspicuous as in the next stage.
August 14,
Larva after second molt.—Body bright yellow; head jet black with two tubercles
on the vertex; second segment with a jet-black transverse mark. Each of the other
segments has a transverse row of eight or ten small black short tubercles, those of
the dorsal region being the longest. Between these are a few whitish hairs. Anal
segment, thoracic and abdominal feet pitchy dark. Length 12™™,
After the second molt some of the larve are ichneumoned. September 2 an ichneu-
mon larva had issued from the ventral side of the caterpillar and spun a white thin
cocoon ; the nearly dead caterpillar was fastened by its back to the cocoon. After
458 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
a day or two the caterpillar died and turned whitish, the rows of black warts becoming
conspicuous.
Full-grown larva.—Head coral-red, smooth above, deeply notched, but not tubercu-
lated, as is also the fourth (first abdominal) segment, which is humped, but the head
is smooth and shining, the hump dull red. The dorsal and anal regions dull yellow,
with black waved lines; four white subdorsal lines alternating with waved black
lines. Lower lateral yellow, with waved black lines. All the segments bear six or
eight setiferous black tubercles, looking like black sealing-wax. Anal segment jet-
black. Hairs all sordid white. Underside dull yellow, streaked with black waved
lines. Abdominal legs yellowish flesh color; thoracic feet black. Length 30™™
(1.25™™), August 29-30.
29. Cerura borealis Boisd.
The caterpillar here described occurred in August and September at
Brunswick, Me., on the aspen. It apparently differs from those of
C. occidentalis and cinerea in the longer spines on the prothoracic seg-
ment in the young larva, and in the smooth slight rounded projections
which replace them in the full-grown caterpillar.
Larva before last molt.—Length to base of caudal appendages 11™™. Head large,
full, rounded, dark lilac-brown speckled with yellow, slightly wider than the body
except the front part of the prothoracic segment; the latter very broad, over twice
as broad as long, the front edge laterally produced, and at each angle bearing a large
long spiny tubercle three-fourths as long as the segment itself; the tubercle bearing
about twelve setiferous spines; across the posterior edge of the segment is a row of
four setiferous spines. On the back of the other segments are four short tubercles ar-
ranged in a short trapezium, and on each side of the segments are two smaller sharp
tubercles. The dorsal tubercles on the mesothoraciec segment are larger than those
behind; those on the metathoracic segment smaller than those on any other segment.
The body tapers gradually to the end; the supra-anal plate longer than broad,
rounded, bearing two long large setiferous fleshy tubercles, which lie between the
bases of the spiny anal legs or filaments, which are about one-half or two thirds as
long as the body, and yellow, with two broad brown rings, and brown at the tip.
Body greenish yellow, marked as usual with lilac brown, this tint mimicking the
dead withered brown of the edge of poplar leaves of late summer; it is a dark lilac
brown with reddish brown and lilac brown patches, and in this way the caterpillar
mimics the dead stained portion of the leaf on which it feeds and thus escapes ob-
servation. From head to end of mesothoracic segment a brown patch, succeeded by
a pointed brown band which extends to the base of caudal appendages but contracted
on the eighth abdominal segment, the dorsal tubercles of which are yellow.
Larva after last molt.—Length, except caudal appendages, 17™™. Differs from
foregoing stage in the prothoracie spiny horns being replaced by smooth, shining
tubercles with faint traces of the spines of the former stage; the sides of the thoracic
segments more distinctly spotted; with faint traces of broken yellow lines in the
middle of the body.
The caudal appendages are soft and extensible on their outer third,
forming the “flagellum ;” and are quickly jerked up when the creature
is disturbed ; they are evidently delicate repellant organs.
The close resemblance in the lilac-brown patches of this caterpillar
and others of the genus to the sere and brown edges of certain of the
leaves is remarkable, and plainly enough serves to protect the cater-
pillar from observation. I have observed the same in other Notodon-
tians, especially Schizura unicornis and allied forms.
POPLAR CATERPILLARS. 459
30. Notodontian? larva.
This larva was observed on the aspen, at Brunswick, Me., August
10; it molted August 12, and on the 20th began to spin a slight silk
cocoon between the leaves on the bottom of the breeding box. Within
this web it remained for three or four weeks before pupating, the pupa
appearing about September 15.
Larva.—Head large and broad, flattened in front, vertically; somewhat retractile
in the prothoracic segment. Body thick, soft, with numerous yellow conspicuous
warts, six on each side of the prothoracic segment. On the second segment behind
the head are two twin high coral-red tubercles which are yellow at the base.
Body with three transverse yellow stripes, the two hinder ones nearer together than
the first and second. Thoracic legs pea-green. Supra-anal plate broad and short,
much rounded; anal legs with a transverse yellow and blackish stripe. Length,
2 SE
31. Clisiocampa californica Pack.
We have received the following account of a Clisiocampa larva
found by Mr. H. W. Nash feeding on the aspen in Colorado. The
larva did not wholly agree with the description of that of C. californica
nor C. constricta, nor that of a species we have found feeding on the
wild rose in Montana, with specimens of which we have compared it,
though the latter is undoubtedly C. californica. The following year
Mr. Nash reared the moth and kindly sent me a specimen, which does
not appear to belong to C. erosa, C. constricta, or C. fragilis, with speci-
mens of which I have compared it. But in comparing the moths with
specimens of C. californica both in Mr. H. Edwards’ collection and my
own, we both agree that it does not differ from C. californica from Cal-
ifornia. The following letter dated Pueblo, Colo., February 28, 1883,
describes its habits and appearance:
Isend by mail to-day a Clisiocampa with cocoon, as you request in Bulletin No. 7
of the Entomological Commission, specimens and notes of insects injurious to forest
and shade trees.
At Rosita, Custer County, on the western slope of the Wet mountains, at an alti-
tude of from 8,000 to 9,000 feet, during the month of June, 1881, the larve almost
entirely defoliatedlarge tracts of poplars (P. tremuloides), and there was scarcely a
tree to be found that was not attacked. I saw a few feeding on willows where the
leaves were all eaten from the poplars. The moths began appearing about the first
of July and were soon fairly swarming about the poplars.
The mature larvx were 2 inches long; color, light blue spotted with dark brown;
two brown stripes along tbe back; under side bluish black; legs black; tips of
prolegs light brown; body sparsely covered with long brown hairs.
H. W. Nasu.
32. Thanaos sp.
The caterpillar of this butterfly was beaten from the aspen at Bruns-
wick, Me., August 20. A smaller one in a preceding stage occurred at
the same date on the willow. It molted August 24.
Larva.—Of the usual shape of the genus; head broader than the short, small pro-
thoracic segment; angulated above, rather deeply bilobed; surtace rough, granulated ;
brown in front; black uear the mouth and on the sides and behind, with a triangular
460 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
black point extending in front from the middle of the vertex. Body pale green,
exactly of the color of the under side of the poplar leaf, with a subdorsal pair of
white lines; the sutures finely marked with pale straw yellow; the surface slightly
wrinkled, and finely, evenly granulated with white. Length, 22™™. A smaller larva
on the willow in a stage before the last molt has the head wood-brown in front, the
head of the aspen larva being entirely black.
33. Apatela noctivaga Grote.
The eggs were observed by Mr. Thaxter to be laid on the poplar
July 14 [4th]; they hatched July 9. The caterpillar molted 5 times,
made a cocoon between the leaves August 9, and the moth appeared in
May and June (Papilio, iii, p. 15).
Young larva.—Greenish-white; dorsal portions of segments 1, 4, 7, 8, and 11 red;
the rest more or less tinged withred. Sparsely clothed with long blackish hairs. Be-
neath greenish-white. Head brown, rather stout, not tapering. Length 3™™,
Larva after first molt.—July 12. Color dirty greenish. Segmentation very dis-
tinctly marked. Dorsal patches dull reddish on upper portion, the other segments
(except 9 and 10) suffused with red. Head dirty red, greenish in front. Somewhat
thickly covered with tufts of stout black hairs. Length 5.5™™,
Larva after second molt.—July 12. Much darker than before, the red colors having
become dark wine-color, somewhat mottled, and being suffused over the dorsal por-
tion of all the segments except 9and 10. Sublateral and ventral portions light green,
except on segments 1, 2, and 3, which are tinged with red. A whitish lateral line.
Body covered with black setiferous warts, on which are set thick tufts of short stout
black hairs, those on segment 10 much shorter than the rest. Legs green, edged with
red. Abdominal legs banded, green and red. Head dark bluish, mottled, tapering
gradually posteriorly and suddenly anteriorly from segment 11. Length 6™™,
Larva after third molt.—July 20. Dull black above, yellowish beneath. A yel-
lowish lateral line, two yellowish dorsal patches on segment 10, on which the hairs are
short. Head blackish, with an anterior yellowish V-shaped mark. Legs greenish
yellow ; abdominal legs blackish. Segment 11 much humped. Body stout, much
hunched in the region of segments 2 to 4. Length 10™™,
After fourth molt.—July 24. Black above, deeper anteriorly. Ol
38.
39,
40.
. Thecla liparops.
. Thecla calanus Hiibn.
. Papilio turnus Linn. Larva, September 5, at Brunswick, Me.
. Thecla falacer Godart. Harris Ins. Mass., 276.
. Thyreus abbotii Swains. Said in Abbot’s MS. paintings to feed on
Crataegus tomentosa in Georgia. (Library Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.)
. Smerinthus myops A. and 8. See p. 525.
. Schizura unicornis (A. and 8.). On thorn-bush at Brunswick, Me.,
September 5.
. Schizura sp. On thorn-bush at Brunswick, Me., September 5.
20. Cidemasia concinna A. and 8. (Sanders, Can. Ent., xiii, 139.)
. Clisiocampa disstria (Hiibn.). See p. 119.
. Datana integerrima G. & R.
. Spilosoma virginica Fabr. On buckthorn, middle of September,
Maine.
. Orgyia antiqua Linn. Injurious to thorn hedges in Rhode Island,
Miss Dix, Amer. Journ. Sc., xix, p. 62; also observed at Bruns»
wick, Me.
. Platysamia cecropia (Linn.). W. Brodie.
. Telea polyphemus (Cram.). (Riley’s unpublished notes.) W. Brodie.
. Amphipyra pyramidoides Guen. See p. 171.
. Hubyja quernaria (A. and 8.) On Crategus australis. See p. 188.
. Nematocampa filamentaria Guen. On C. australis.
. Grapholitha prunivora Walsh. Living in the fruit, J. Hamilton
(Can. Ent., xxi, 34).
. Aspidisca splendoriferella Clem. Larva and mine as in P. serotina.
(Chambers. )
. Tischeria malifoliella Clem. larva in a flat, trumpet-shaped, yel-
lowish mine in upper surface of leaves. (Chambers.)
. Ornix inusitatumella Chamb. Larva in white, flat mine, speckled
with “ frass” in upper surface; pupates inthe mine. (Chambers.)
Order COLEOPTERA.
. Saperda bivittata Say. On hawthorn.
. Anthonomus crategi Walsh. (Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., vi, 1866, p. 266.)
. Saperda fayi Bland. J. Hamilton, (Can. Ent., xx, p. 6, 1888),
. Aylotrechus convergens Le Conte. Bred from branch of an unde-
termined Crataegus, locally known as Red Haw, Iowa. (Le Conte,
Trans. Amer. Ent. Soe., viii, p. xxiv.)
Gaurotes cyanipennis Say. In spring on thorn blossoms and later
in the season pairing and ovipositing on the butternut. (Caul-
field, Can. Ent., 1881, p. 60.)
Conotrachelus naso Lec. This and the next species bred from the
fruit of the haw. J. Hamilton. (Can. Ent., xxi, p. 34, 1889.)
Conotrachelus posticatus Say.
INSECTS OF THE MOUNTAIN ASH, 537
Order HYMENOPTERA.
41. Orepidodera helxines (Linn.). Hating leaves of Cratagus coccinea
(Townsend, MS. notes).
42. Selandria cerasi Peck. Observed on the thorn late in summer at
Brunswick, Me.
Order HEMIPTERA.
43. Aphis crategifolit Fitch. On leaves of C. punctata. (Fitch.)
44. Siphonophora crategi Monell. July, St. Louis. (Monell.)
45. Schizoneura crategi Gistlund.
Class ARACHNIDA; order ACARINA.
46. Acarus? crategi-vermiculus Walsh MS. Occurs abundantly both on
Crataegus tomentosa and crus-galli. (Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., vi, p.
227.)
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE CRAB-APPLE,
Pyrus coronaria Linn.
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
1. Catocala grynea (Cramer).
The caterpillar of this moth has been found by Mr. Koebele to feed
on the crab-apple.
Larva.—General color silvery gray with a reddish cast. Eyes marked at summit
with a lunule of yellowish white, and this lined behind with rust-red extending
nearly to the mouth. Body more reddish towards the head. There is a very promi-
nent protuberance of a rust red color at the summit of the twelfth segment. The
red is very pronounced at the summit of the legs on the ninth and tenth segments.
(Koebele, Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc., iv, p. 22.)
2. Basilarchia archippus on wild plum. (Scudder.)
3. Basilarchia astyanaxv on wild plum. (Seudder.)
4, Aphis mali Fabr.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE MOUNTAIN ASH.
Pyrus americana. |
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
1. THE SCURFY BARK LOUSE.
Chionaspis furfurus (Fitch).
The following account is copied from Professor Comstock’s Report
for 1880, p. 315:
Harris described it on apple and pear in Massachusetts ; Dr. Fitch
found it on pear and choke cherry in New York; Walsh observed it on
538 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
apple, crab, and the European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) in Illi-
nois; and I have found it common in apple and pear in New York,
Maryland, and southern California, and upon black cherry in western
New York.
Although this insect has been well known for many years, compara-
tively little has been written respecting it. This is probably due to the
fact that there is another species (Mytilaspis pomorum Bouché) which,
like this, infests the apple, and which is more common and much more
destructive. The scurfy bark-louse was first described, but not named,
by Harris in his “ Insects Injurious to Vegetation” (Flint edition, p. 254).
In this description both the scale formed by the male and that formed
by the female are well characterized ; but the insects themselves were
not studied by Dr. Harris. The description of the scales is remarkable
as containing an explanation of their nature and probable mode of for-
mation as follows: The minute oval dark colored scales on one of the
ends of these white cases are the skins of the lice while they were in the
young or larva state, and the white shells are probably formed in the
same way as the down which exudes from the bodies of other bark lice,
but which in these assume a regular shape, varying according to the sex
and becoming membranous after it is formed.” This statement must
have been overlooked by Dr. Fitch, who many years afterwards, in his
first report as State entomologist of New York, p. 739 (35), in writing
of the oyster-shell bark louse of the apple, states that ‘‘ these scales are
the relics of the bodies of the gravid females, covering and protecting
their eggs.” Andin his second report, p. 489 (257), Dr. Fitch, in describ-
ing the pine-leaf scale (Mytilaspis pinifolie) states that the three parts
of the scale represent seemingly the head, thorax, and abdomen of the
living insect.
Through the kindness of Mr. Lintner and the officers of the New
York State Agricultural Society I have had the opportunity of studying
the Coccide in the collection of that society. The specimens were ail
labeled by Dr. Fitch, and by a very careful study of both the scale and
the last segment of the female, of the specimen labeled Aspidiotus cerasi,
I have been unable to find any character which will separate it from the
specimens labeled Aspidiotus furfurus, and all of these specimens belong
to the same species as the very common pest of the apple and peas, which
has been commonly known as Aspidiotus harrisii.
The statement made by Sig noret* that this species is the same as that
described by Curtis under the name of Aspidiotus (Diaspis) ostrecfor-
mis is evidently a mistake. M. Signoret has kindly sent me specimens
of D. ostreeeformis, from which I have prepared the description of that
species in this report.
Scale of female.—The scale of the female is flat, irregular in outline, many bending
abruptly to the right or left immediately posterior to the second larval skin, others
straight; in all the scale suddenly widens near the posterior end of the second larval
*Annales de la Société Entom. de France, 1876, p. 604.
INSECTS OF THE MOUNTAIN ASH. 539
skin, thus presenting the form characteristic of the genus; length, 2™™ to 3™™ (.08 to 12
inch); color grayish white with the first skin light gray and second skin usually
brown, sometimes dark gray.
Described from many isolated individuals occurring on smooth bark of a small
branch. On the rough bark of the trunk the scales are much more irregular in form,
and are so massed as to appear like a layer of dandruff.
Female.—The body of the female is red, with the last segment light yellow; this
segment presents the following characters :
The anterior group of spinnerets consists of from eight to thirteen, usually ten; the
anterior laterals are from twenty to thirty ; and the posterior laterals are from eight-
een to thirty-one.
There are three pairs of lobes. The median lobes are well developed ; the second
lobes are smaller, the third are still smaller, being sometimes obsolete; the lobes of
the second and third pairs are deeply incised. There are conspicuous elongated pores
upon the margin ; one laterad of each of the first, second, third, and fourth plates;
one cephalad of the incision of third lobe; and one midway between the third and
fourth plates.
The spines upon the ventral surface are inconspicuous; the first pair obsolete; the
second, third, and fourth pairs at or near the bases of the second, third, and fourth
plates. Those upon the dorsal surface are quite long; the first spine of each side is
between the bases of the first lobe and the first plate; the second and third spines
are upon the lateral lobule of the second and third lobes; and the fourth spine is sit-
uated about two thirds distance from the third to the fourth plates.
Eggs.—The eggs are purplish red.
Scale of male.—The scale of the male is very small, being only .75™™ (.03 inch) in
length, narrow, usually straight and tricarinated ; larval skin brownish yellow, re-
mainder of scale snowy-white.
Male.--Yellow marked with irregular reddish-brown spots; thoracic band reddish
brown, sometimes darker than the other markings. Length of body including style,
-62™™ (,02 inch) ; length of style, .18™™ (.006 inch). On each side of the anterior part
of the thorax there is a black spot which resembles an eye.
2. Dynastes grantii Horn.
A beetle supposed by Dr. Horn to be this species has been found
by Mr. J. Doll to occur in September on the mountain ash in Colorado.
‘‘They are always found near the tips of branches, where by means of
their projecting thoracic horn they scrape through the soft bark to
cause a flow of sap which is very sweet, and of this consists their food.”
(Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soce., vii, pp. 120, 151.)
The following insects also occur on the mountain ash:
3. Apatela occidentalis G. and R.
4. Chrysobothris femorata Fabr. (Harris Correspondence, 311.) See
also Bethune (Can. Ent., v, p. 140).
5. Saperda bivittata Say. Apple-tree borer.
6. An unknown longicorn borer taken from a tree on Lake Kennebago,
Maine, September 4, 1887,
. Mytilaspis pomicorticis Riley.
+]
CHAPTER X.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE ASH.
Fraxinus americana, ete.
Although only about forty-six species are as yet known to prey
upon our native species of ash, the number is probably at least as great
as that given by Kaltenbach as affecting the ash in Europe,viz, fifty-one.
Thus far no species of dipterous gall flies or of Psyllids has been de-
tected on our native species. My own opportunities for observing this
tree have been limited, but during September, 1887, I was able to dis-
cover seven species new to the tree, living on young bushes on the
northern shore of Rangeley Lake, Maine. When used as ornamental
‘or shade trees the different species of ash appear to be in general quite
free from insect pests.
Ash lumber does not seem, so far as we know, tobe commonly attacked
by borers, the only case known to us being that of Hburia quadrigeminata,
described below by Mr. McNeil. Ash wood is used for carriages, furni-
ture, as well as fence rails, and is a most valuable tree, besides being a
beautiful, clean, shade tree.
AFFECTING THE TRUNK AND BRANCHES.
1. THE ASH SESIAN.
Fatua denudata (Harris).
The following account of the habits of this borer has been communi-
cated to me by Mr. W. L. Devereaux, of Clyde, N. Y.:
The Ageria denudatum certainly does great injury; it is more abundant in some
swamps than others. It channels its cylindrical burrow from the tap-root di-
rectly up the trunk sometimes to a height of 3 or 4 feet, before turning and cut-
ting its way out. The perpendicular burrow is never situated in the center of the
tree, but is generally nearer the bark than the heart. The upright or vertical part of
the channel is as perfectly made as with a brace and bit. Through this initial inva-
sion, wood ants, members of the Rhynchophora, Cerambycid#, Lamellicorns and Ser-
ricorns, obtain a foot-hold, and ere many years we have a hollow ash tree. Some of
the Capricorn larve are channeling up the heart while certain Xylophageze are
boring into the same decaying sap-wood, and even into living healthy wood, until
the merest shell remains to support the still vigorous branches above. The Osmo-
dermas, Diaperidii, Tenebrionii, Elateridx, ete., follow on till the fatal storm-blast
gives them the whole remaining trunk and top for larder and shelter, lasting many
future broods.
540
ASH-TREE BORERS. 5AL
I think the alder must be considered the favorite host of the dgeria (Fatua) denu-
data, as ash trees in swamps not containing alder are almost exempt from their at-
tacks, while no clump of alder is without evidence of their work.
2. Eburia quadrigeminata Say.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CERAMBYCID.
Under the heading “A remarkable case of longevity in a longicorn
beetle, Hburia quadrigeminata (American Naturalist, xx, p. 1055), Mr. J.
MeNeil writes as follows:
On the 11th of July, 1886, I caught at sugar, which had been placed upon apple
trees for the purpose of attracting moths, a light brown long-horned beetle, marked
with ivory-yellow spots on the elytra. My attention was particularly attracted at
this time to the insect on account of a peculiar creaking sound which it began as soon
asI picked it up. I had no difficulty in finding that the sound was produced by the
rubbing of the posterior margin of the prothorax upon the anterior margin of the
mesothorax. The same sound could be made after the insect was dead, by working
backward and forward its head and prothorax. Several days after this occurrence
I captured a specimen, similar to the first, upon the clothes of a friend, but it disap-
peared before I reached home. On the 17th of July I found a third specimen on a
tree but a few feet distant from that upon which I discovered the first specimen;
this individual was also evidently attracted by the sugar. Five days later, July 22,
1886, another specimen came into my possession under much more remarkable cir- |
cumstances. Dr. Boyd, of Dublin, Wayne County, Ind., called my attention as I was _
walking along the street, and at once proceeded to remove two small corks with
which he had closed two openings in the door-sill of his office. He then requested
me to explain what had made the tunnels that evidently extended some distance into
the sill. In reply to my questions, he stated that his attention had been called to
the freshly made openings early in the morning; at that time the holes were much
smaller, and were ragged around the edges. These rough edges he had smoothed
with a knife so he could stop them tightly with corks. A short time after he
made the discovery mentioned, his attention was attracted by a buzzing noise which
came from oneof the tunnels. This he put an end to by pouring chloroform into the
opening, and then plugging it up with a cork. There had been no sound of life from
the other tunnel, but he had closed it in the same manner. Upon hearing this I re-
moved the cork from the tunnel where the sound had been heard, and in a moment
dragged out by its antenne a beetle, similar to those whose capture I have already
described. This beetle is Eburia quadrigeminata Say.
A closer examination of the tunnels in Dr. Boyd’s door-step showed that the exter-
nal openings were in the middle of the length and breadth of an ash door-sill and
about 4 inches distant from each other. The sizeof the tunnels increased rapidly
within until the diameter was three or more times as great as at the exit. They ex-
tended downward and backward, respectively, 3 and 4 inches. The sill was of
painted ash and it as well as the whole building rested directly upon a solid brick
foundation. After having completed the above observations, I did not hesitate long
in coming to the conclusion that the eggs which had produced this beetle and its
fellow that had made good its escape were laid in the green wood in the tree. In
response to my questions, Dr. Boyd made the statement that the building was erected
in the spring of 1867. This would make these insects not less than nineteen, and
probably twenty or more, years old, since the timber was dry when put into the
house.
Professor Thomas states that its larva lives and bores in the honey-locust ( Gledit-
schia triacanthus Linn.), and frum this fact it gets its name of the honey-locust borer.
The beetle.—Body entirely pale yellowish brown; antennz hardly more obviously
hairy on the basal joints than on the others; thorax with two black tubercles above,
542 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
rather before the middle, placed transversely, and a short spine each side on the
middle of the length of the thorax; elytra rather paler than thorax, each with two
double, somewhat elevated, bright-yellow, abbreviated very short lines; the two
members of the basal spot equal, the other spot is placed on the middle, the inner
member is shorter than the exterior one; tip two-spined, the exterior spine the long-
est; intermediate and posterior thighs two-spined at tip, the inner spine rather
the longest. Length .75 to 1 inch. (Thomas, ‘‘Sixth report of the Illinois State
Entomologist.’’)
3. Carmenta fraxini H. Edwards.
No account of the habits of this Sesian borer has been published so
far as wecan learn. It cccurred at Washington, D.C. (C. V. Riley.)
Moth.—Wholly bronze-black. Fore-wings with a very small vitreous dash near the
base and a bright orange discal dot at extremity of cell. Costal margin greenish-
black, a purplish tint on the posterior margin. Hind wings vitreous, rather narrowly
margined, with a bunch of whitish hairs at their base. Under side of wings a little
more golden than the upper. ‘Antenne, palpi, femora, tibiz, and tarsi brownish-
black. Abdomen with no trace of bands, except on posterior margin of fourth seg-
ment, beneath which is pale yellow. Caudal tuft small, brownish beneath, black
above. Expanse of wings, 16™™. (Edwards.)
4. THE SYRINGA BORER.
Podosesia syringe (Harris).
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family SESIADZ.
This borer has been found by Mr. Hulst to be a pest to ash trees in
Brooklyn, and by Mr. H. Osborn it has been observed boring in the
young shoots of a species of ash, in Ames, Iowa. The larva, according
to Harris, usually bores into the Syringa. In Buffalo Dr. Kellicott
finds that it lives under the bark of the old trees. ‘‘He has observed
a number of the trees, has seen the pupa cases projecting, and has
watched twenty or more [issue] from a single tree in a single day
Often one hundred or more were ina single tree.” (Ent. Am., i, p. 177.)
Larva.—Yellowish-white. Head about two-thirds the width of the prothoracic
segment, chestnut-brown, with the mouth-parts pitchy above, whitish beneath, very
shiny, and with a deep triangular depression in front. Second segment yellowish,
with a waved brownish line posteriorly. Each of the segments bears about eight
short brownish hairs. The third segment is slightly broader than the rest, swollen, as
it were, at the sides. The spiracles are small, brown, those of the second and twelfth
segments being larger than the rest. The anal segment is slightly yellow, with
many short brownish hairs. All the feet and legs pale pitchy. Length, .80 inch.
(H. Edwards.)
Moth.—Brown ; fore-wings with a transparent line at base; hind wings trans-
parent, with a brown border, fringe, and subcostal spot. Antenne, palpi, collar,
first and second pairs of tarsi, and middle of the intermediate tibiw, rust-red; middle
of the tibiz and the tarsi of the hind legs, yellow. Expands 1.20 inches. (Harris.)
5. Gortyna nitela Guenée.
Order LEpIpopTERA ; family NocTUID&.
The caterpillar of this moth, which often bores into the stalks of the
dahlia and aster,has been observed by Mr. Osborn boring in young
twigs of ash, causing the death of many twigs, but he failed to rear
ASH-TREE BORERS. 543
the moth on account of parasites. Miss Murtfeldt has observed the
same caterpillar in the twigs of the maple (Acer dasycarpum). It seems
to bore indifferently into any plant with a soft stem or twig. (Can.
Ent., xv, p. 174.)
6. THE ASH TREE CLYTUS.
Neoclytus caprea Say.
Order CoLEopTERA ; family CERAMBYCID&.
Under the name of ash-tree borer Mr. C. Thomas, besides stating
that the larva of this species bores in the ash, adds that it is ‘ quite
common in southern Illinois.”
Mr. Shelby Reed, of Scottsville, N. Y., in 1880, refers briefly, in the
American Entomologist, to “the wide-spread destruction of the black
ash forests” in his vicinity, and speaks of the web-worm (Hyphantria
cunea) and a root-borer as affecting them. Professor Riley, the editor
of the journal, in commenting on his letter suggests that the injury
was due rather to the root-borer (probably Neoclytus caprea Say) than
to the web-worm.
Beetle.—Dark brownish-purple head; and thorax darkest; eyes nearly circular,
behind them a narrow yellow border; thorax barrel-shaped, deep purple, surrounded °
by three very narrow yellow lines, one at each end and one in the middle; scutel
yellow ; wing-cases crossed by three yellow bunds; first, a semi-circular band from the
scutel running backwards and round up to each shoulder; then another of similar
shape about the middle, with the circle reversed; then astraight band, and a strong
spine at the tip of each; length, half an inch; width one-seventh of an inch.
7. Tylonotus bimaculatus (Hald.).
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CERAMBYCIDA.
This beetle was by its original describer, Haldemann, said to in-
habit the ash, and Mr. A. 8. Fuller, according to Riley, also reports it
as living in the black ash. Mr. Bland (Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., i, p. 59)
records it as “‘ found under the bark of the tulip-poplar.”
Beetle.—The genus Tylonotus is allied to Elaphidion, but differs according to Le
Conte in the femora being strongly club-shaped, and the antennz bisulcate.
8. THE ASH TIMBER-BEETLE.
Hylesinus aculeatus Say.
Order CoLEorTERA ; family SCOLYTID&,
Ash posts in Kansas have been found by Mr. W. Knaus to be ten-
anted by this borer, though no growing trees were found which had
been attacked, those only having been selected which were already in
a decaying condition.
“The burrows of this insect were almost fac-similes in every particu-
lar, consisting of a large central channel from 25 to 100™™ in length and
1™™ in width, made by the female, the young larva eating its way out-
544 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
ward from this channel, the larval channels constantly enlarging dur-
ing the larval life, and sinking a little deeper in the wood as the pupa
state is reached. These larval channels are from 5 to 45™™ in length, ©
and from one-third to 1™™ in width. The central channel is usually
slightly sinuous, being governed to some extent by the surface of the
wood and the number of beetles at work, they never coming in contact.
At about midway of the central channel there is in every instance a
change of direction—a curve sometimes hardly perceptible, at other
times and usually very marked. The lateral larval channels extend
outward at right angles from the central channel, and are about one-
third the length of the former, that varying from one to three inches
in length.
“In November, 1885, live specimens of this insect were taken from
ash trees in the western part of Davis County. The bark of these
trees had apparently been abraded about a month previous, and had
been at once attacked by Hylesinus aculeatus. Large numbers of these
had eaten their way from one-fourth to one inch under the bark from the
point of entrance and had gone into similar quarters.” (Ent. Amer., ii,
1886, p. 76.) Mr. W. L. Devereaux, of Clyde, N. Y., writes me regard-
ing this beetle as follows:
Hylesinus aculeatus does not operate on living trees in its larval state, but the
beetles do, and of course the more ash trees cut tor rails, etc., the more rapidly will
the beetles increase.
Beetle—In Hylesinus the tibie are serrate; the antennal club elongate-oval,
pointed, not compresed ; in H. aculeatus the club of the antenne is elongate-fusiform,
the bands of the elytra oblique, while the sides of the prothorax are smooth (not
muricate, as in the closely allied H. imperialis of Dakota and Arizona). Length, 2.2
to 3.4™™ (.09 to .13 inch). It ranges from Massachusetts to Texas, Kansas, and
Oregon. (Le Conte.)
9. Hylesinus opaculus Le Conte.
This timber borer has been found by Mr. EH. A. Schwarz, living
under the dry bark of elm and ash trees. See fig. 72, p. 227.
Beetle.—Body elongate, clothed with short, erect yellow hair without scales, Length,
2 to2.5™™ (.08to.10inch). (Le Conte). According to Riley it differs from the clover
beetle (H. trifolii) in the shape of the antenne, the visible labrum, and other points
shown in Fig. 72.
AFFECTING THE LEAVES.
10. THE ASH SAW-FLY.
Selandria barda (Say.)
The larve of this saw-fly are said by Mr. H. Osborn to at times injure
the ash in Iowa. The adults have not been reared, but he feels sure
that the larve were of the above species. The eggs are deposited in
rows along the sides of the petioles just beneath the outer bark, and
so neatly that it is almost impossible to detect any break in the epi-
dermis. Usually there are from six to ten on a leaf. They evidently
increase much in size before hatching, pushing the bark up in a blister-
ASH SAW-FLIES. 545
like elevation, and if cut out of their covering are found to be very
soft, the outer membrane being exceedingly delicate and easily ruptured.
The larve are evidently hatched within two or three days after the eggs
_are deposited, and are at first slender, whitish worms, with black heads
and thoracic legs. They crawl at once to the leaflets and appear to se-
lect the more tender ones for the commencement of their work. They
grow quite rapidly and reach the first molt on the third or fourth day.
They are mostly found adhering to the under surface of the leaves and
forming a coil, though sometimes extended, especially when feeding,
and as they eat away the entire leaf, cutting away at the edges or at
the holes entirely through the leaf, they eat any poisonous substance
sprinkled or dusted on the upper surface. When young they usually
keep pretty well clustered together or on the same leaf, but afterwards
scatter quite generally, the early clustering being due no doubt to the
eggs being laid near together and on the same leaf. The worms molt
at least three or four times before reaching maturity. They leave the
trees before pupating, which is probably done under ground, pass-
ing the winter in the pupa condition. The fly has been observed
in abundance from April 15 until June. Tachina and Ichneumon flies
prey upon the false-caterpillars.
Larva.—Head polished jet-black, as are the thoracic legs, otherwise the body is
clear green, with a slightly darker dorsal line. Eight pairs of abdominal legs. The
skin somewhat wrinkled, but neither hairy nor slimy. (Osborn.)
Saw-fly— Body black throughout, except the upper part of the thorax, which is
honey-yellow or sometimes orange or reddish, the amount, as well as the shade, dif-
fering somewhat in different individuals. The males are more slender and shorter
than the females. In some specimens the front legs are partially yellowish. (Os-
born, Bull. Iowa Ag. College, 1884, p. 80.)
11. Selandria sp.
Miss Murtfeldt describes, in a report to the Agricultural Department,
a saw-fly larva which seems to differ from the preceding species in
having a double row of short black spines on each segment. She re-
fers to them as follows:
Early in the summer the foliage of the ash trees (Fraxinus americana) was much
eaten by a Tenthredinid that I have not yet been able to rear, although I have ob-
served it for several successive years. The slug is about the size of, and very similar
in appearance to, Selandria vitis, being pale-green, with small, immaculate black
head and a double transverse row of short black spines on each segment. It inhabits
the under surfaces of the leaves, and in feeding perforates them with round holes, of
sizes corresponding with its stage of growth. It enters the ground about the last of
May and incloses itself in a frail earthen cell. It seems to be but single-brooded,
and in the rearing-cage either dries up or molds, without changing to pupa, in the
course of the summer.
12. Selandria? larva, No. 1.
This and the following saw-fly larve occurred frequently on young
ash shrubs at Rangeley Lake. They resemble the larve of Nematus,
but differ in having eight instead of seven pairs of abdominal legs.
5 ENT——35
546 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Larva.—Body curled up helix-like; with eight pairs of abdominal legs. Head am-
ber colored ; eyes black. Body livid greenish ; on each abdominal segment a series
of straw-yellow spots inclosing three sides of a hollow square, with a few orange
spots at the end of the body. A few minute sharp tubercles on each segment.
Thoracic as well as abdominal legs pale livid greenish. Length, 15™™.
13. Selandria? larva, No. 2.
Larva.—Larger than the preceding species; with eight pairs of abdominal legs.
Head, body, and legs pale amber, with a@lark dorsal stripe from which twelve
oblique bands pass down and unite with a broad diffuse lateral band. Length,
18™™,
14. Geometrid caterpillar.
This larva, of which a description is subjoined, I found September 5,
on low ash bushes on the shores of Rangeley Lake, Maine.
Larva.—Head broad and flat, as wide as the body ; a greenish horn-colored triangu-
lar area in front, with a pale brownish transverse stripe across the front between the
antennex. Body slender, cylindrical, with a few transverse dorsal wrinkles. At the
end of the first abdominal are two pale, light, small tubercles, situated on a transverse
ridge; a similar pair, but larger, on the end of the fifth abdominal segment. On
each segment are two minute dark tubercles. Supra-anal plate long, triangular, with
large terminal piliferous warts; those on the upper side of the anal legs large.
The third pair of thoracic feet larger than the others. Anal legs short and broad.
General color of the body dark brown, resembling that of the bark of a twig of the
food-tree. Length, 24™™.
15. Sphinx cinerea Harris.
While the caterpillar feeds on the lilac, becoming fully grown early
in September, it has been taken by Mr. W. H. Edwards on the white
ash.
Larva.—Three to 3.25 inches long ; cylindrical, greenish white, shading into white
dorsally. Head semi-oval, flat, green, with yellow lateral lines. The thoracic seg-
ments transparent, more tinged with green; a fewsmall granulations on the annula-
tions of the segments, which are yellowish green laterally and white dorsally. The
seven lateral bands pale yellow, edged with darker green anteriorly, traversing the
entire segment above the stigma and continued over six-eighths of the following, in
white, edged with pale green above. Stigmata linear, bordered with white. Caudal
horn rose color, long, curved, with a prominent base, sometimes tipped with blue.
Caudal shield edged with light green. Legs rose color. (Lintner. )
Pupa.—Two inches long, .60 broad. Chestnut brown. Head-case depressed, pro-
jecting by nearly the length of the first segment beyond it. Tongue-case—its base
anteriorly advanced nearly to the vertex of the head-case, regularly ridged trans-
versely, with a medial impressed line having moderately elevated margins—its tiunk
raised by one-half its diameter from the breast, the tip applied to the breast and
slightly bulbous; the buried portion of the tongue-case smooth, extending to the
tips of the wing-cases, which are also smooth. Anterior leg case with a prominence
over the femur. First segment with a smooth dorsal spot, from which wrinkles
radiate. Second segment moderately rounded, with interrupted transverse wrinkles
dorsally. Third segment with a dark brown central transverse fold, interrupted
dorsally. Central segments broader than the thoracic region, moderately punctu-
ated, with dorsal wrinkles and depressions. Eleventh segment with a small dorsal
protuberance. Terminal segment quite tapering. Spine sbort, blunt, wrinkled, and
bifid. (Lintner.)
ASH SPHINGES. 547
16. Sphinx gordius Cramer.
Usually feeding on the apple, the caterpillar of this species has been
found on the ash, as well as on Myrica gale and M. cerifera.
Larva.—Of a bright apple-green color, with a brownish vertical stripe on each
side of the head, and seven oblique stripes on each side of the body, which are white
and margined above with violet. The caudal horn is reddish brown. Length, 24
inches.
Pupa.—With a very short, detached tongue case.
Moth.—Palpi reddish brown except the apex, which, with the head, sides, and
sometimes central part of the thorax, is gray. The rest of the thorax is blackish
brown with black metathoracic tufts. The abdomen is ashy gray with a cen-
tral black line and a broad tapering black band on each side, broken by four or five
dull whitish cross-stripes. Under side of thorax and abdomen gray. The forewings
are gray, clouded with brownish. The discal spot is small, white and triangular,
and from it two fine black lines extend in along the cell and finally unite. The
median vein and veins 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are marked with black, and there are black
dashes benween all the veins below the apex, the last forming the oblique apical
streak. A curved ashy-brown shade crosses the wing at the basal fourth; another,
from the costa a little beyond the middle, ends at the middle of the hinder margin,
and a third, crossing a little beyond and parailel to the last, is somewhat toothed on
the veins. Outside of this a blackish shade line, bordered on each side with gray,
is visible only on the hinder half of the wing. An ashy-brown spot rests on the
costa a little before the apex, leaving a gray shade on the upper side of the oblique
streak. Fringes brown at the ends of the veins and white between. The hind
wings are sordid white, with a central and broad terminal band nearly black.
Fringes pure white. The under side of the forewings is brownish gray, and the
fringes are as above. The under side of the hind wings is gray, with a narrow cen-
tral and broad terminal band of dark brownish gray. (Fernald.)
17. Daremma undulosa Walker.
This species feeds on the leaves of the white and black ash, lilac,
and privet (Ligustrum vulgare,) and, according to Rev. W. J. Holland,
occasionally on the white and red oak. (Can. Ent., June, 1886.)
Egg.—Pale green or aqua marine in color, spheroidal in form, the vertical
diameter is four-fifths of a millimeter, one lateral diameter is two millimeters, and the
other is one and two-fifths millimeters. The surface is very finely granulated and
has pearly reflections. The eggs hatch in eight days.
Larva.—The young larva is one-fifth of an inch long, of a very pale greenish yel-
low color with fine hairs scattered over the surface. The caudal horn is large,
straight, and pointed obliquely up and back at an angle of forty-five degrees with the
line of the body, and is covered with a fine pubescence. It is smoky brown at the
tip only, but before the first molt the brown extends nearly over the whole surface
of the horn.
The first molt occurs in from four to six days, after which the larva is one-third of
an inch long, of a pale green color, the head being a little lighter than the body and
having the surface granulated and a pale vertical stripe on each side. There are
seven oblique stripes on each side of the body, and a longitudinal stripe of a whitish
color but not plainly visible.
The second molt is made in from three to five days, after which the larva is three-
fifths of an inch long, of a pale green color and with the stripes as before the molt
but plainer, and there is added a series of reddish spots on the forward side of the
oblique stripes where they cross the longitudinal stripe. The caudal horn is of a
548 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
pale watery pink color, and covered with short, blunt spines, from which arise short
fine hairs. The surface of the body is somewhat granulated, especially on the for-
ward segments and behind the caudal horn.
The third molt is made in from four to six days, after which the larva is about 1
inch long, of a light green color, rather lighter than the under side of the lilac leaf
on which it feeds. There is some variation of the ground color at this stage ; some
are yellowish green while others incline to a bluish green. The longitudinal stripes
are now obliterated and the oblique stripes are as in the preceling molt. The legs
and caudal horn are pink or pale vinous red, the latter beset with short stout spines
as before. The head and three following segments have whitish granulations above,
while the last segment has black granulations on the upper side. The head has a
broad vertical stripe of a dull whitish color on each side. The spiracles are pale
pink with a white dot at each extremity.
The fourth and last molt is made in from seven to ten days, after which the larva
is about one inch and three-fourths in length and of the same color as in the preced-
ing molt. The stripes on the side of the face, the caudal horn, and the legs are pale
pink or flesh color. The last segment is sprinkled with black granulations on the
upper side, and the spiracles are bright vermillion with a vertical white slit in the
middle. The oblique stripes are greenish white. The larva reaches maturity in
from eight to twelve days from the fourth molt, and is nearly 3 inches long. It
now changes to a dull brownish color which somewhat obscures the markings, when
it descends to the ground, and working its way down into the soil, transforms into a
dark brown pupa one inch and three-fourths long, with the tongue-case sunken to a
level with the surface.
Moth.—Expanse of wings, 34 inches. Head and palpi brownish gray, the latter
being darker on the middle joints, and the head darker above and lighter on the
sides. The thorax is gray with two black lines edged with yellowish crossing the
prothorax. These lines meet two similar ones on each side, which run backwards,
one on each edge of the patagiz and meeting behind where the patagia is tipped with
white. There is also a curved black line preceded by white and followed by yellow-
ish across the hinder part of the thorax. The abdomen is gray with a dark brown
line along the middle and two stripes of the same color on each side and the seg-
ments are edged with yellowish scales. The whole under side is gray with the breast
of a pale coffee-brown color.
The forewings are gray, mixed with yellowish scales and crossed by four pairs of
wavy or angulated dark brown lines more or less distinct, which start from the costa
at about equal distances apart, and divide it into five nearly equal parts. The pair
nearest the base of the costa runs obliquely as far as the.cell, giving off one tooth,
then it takes a somewhat wavy course to the hinder margin nearly at right angles
with it. The second pair is distinct on the costa but crosses the wing a little within
the discal spot, as a dark brown shade, The third pair starts at right angles with
the costa, and curving around the end of the cell, ends near the middle of the hinder
margin. The inner of these two lines is slightly angulated while the outer one gives
off quite long and sharp teeth, and the space between them is filled in somewhat
with ocher-yellow scales. Between this and the outer pair of lines the space is filled
in somewhat with whitish. The outer pair of lines starts at right angles with the
costa, curves evenly around to vein 2, and then runs straight to the hinder margin.
The outer one of this pair is the darkest and most prominent of all, and is neither
undulated nor toothed, while the inner one gives off acute angles on each vein. A
black shade line, starting from the apex obliquely, extends into the third pair of
cross-lines. A parallel dash crosses the outer pair just below, and there are two
parallel black dashes near the middle of the wing extending from the median vein
out to the outer pair of lines between the veins. The fringes are white, marked on
the veins with dark-brown spots from which brown dashes extend nearly half-way
across the terminal space.
ae
ASH CATERPILLARS. 549
The hind wings are dark smoky brown, lighter on the hinder margin, and crossed
by three parallel darker brown wavy lines. The fringes are white and marked with
brown on the veins. The under side of the wings is gray. The forewing is crossed
on the outer part by a dentate line and the oblique apical line is partly reproduced.
The hind wings, which are somewhat lighter, are crossed by two dentate yellowish
brown lines, one a little before the middle, the other a little beyond. (Fernald.)
18. Sphinx larva.
A sphinx larva was not uncommon on the ash at Rangeley Lake,
Maine, September 5 to 10, 1887. It seems to differ from any of the
preceding species, and I therefore add the following description from
a living specimen which died in confinement:
Larva.—Head large, of the usual sphinx shape, green, with a broad black lateral
very conspicuous band, bordered in front with whitish green. The seven oblique
lateral lines are bright straw-yellow, bordered above with black, the latter stripe
edged below (between it and the yellow stripe) with white; the first six bands are
united at the lower end by a broad distinct whitish band. The horn is rather large
and long, rough, with numerous black stout conical spines. The skin is smooth, the
body deep pea-green; on the anal legs and supra-anal plate are black dots of unequal
size. The spiracles are orange, with a broad paler border ; the first seven are embayed
in the lower end of the lateral bands. From the last oblique band a pale yellowish-
white band connects the upper end of the oblique line with the base of the horn.
The thoracic legs black, with two white rings at the joints; abdominal legs green,
with a black patch at base. Length, 30™™; length of horn, 8™™,
With the preceding species was associated
a young larva, which may possibly be an
earlier stage of the same species. The fol-
lowing description is from life:
Larva.— Head narrowing towards the apex; edge
square, with conical spines, on a pale yellowish band.
Head and body pale green, with yellowish spots on
the thickened portions, either arranged in short lines
or scattered irregularly. Seven short broad oval,
or elongate-oval, pale, oblique purple spots situated Fic. 184.—Ash Tee iach
near the lower end of the pale yellowish, rather in- a, young ? of 184,—Bridgham del.
distinct lateral lines. Horn long and slender, pale -
reddish, with black spines. All the feet pale, the thoracic ones tipped with roseate.
Length,15™™,
; Ww Al 1 ot
GE
19. Apateloedes angelica Grote.
According to Mr. Lintner, “eight or ten of the larvze were collected
at Bath (near Albany) during the early part of September, feeding on
ash (Fraxinus); also by Mr. Meske, at Sharon Springs, on lilac (Syringa
vulgaris). When not eating they usually occurred resting on and closely
appressed to a twig. The first transformation to a pupa was on Sep-
tember 14. The larva has a marked gastropachan aspect. It is now
for the first time described.
Larva.—Head subrotund, dark brown, the clypeus and two lines on the front
lighter brown. Body with the thoracic segments tapering; terminal segments taper-
ing and flattened posteriorly; ventral region flattened; the anal legs projecting be-
hind. Color of the body, gray; numerous fine black linings, anong which may be
550 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
traced two forming a vascular stripe, and two similar lateral stripes on each side.
On segment 1, anteriorly, are four dorsal white lines, posteriorly black; segment 2
is black anteriorly, behind which are irregular black linings; segment 3 as the pre-
ceding one; on segments 5 and 10 the dorsal black linings assume a V-shape, the
apex resting on the suture and inclosing centrally two yellow-green subelliptical
spots, with a similar spot exterior to each within tbe superior lateral stripe. From
the first segment long whitish-brown hairs project over the head, nearly concealing
it; from the middle of the second and third segments whitish hairs project forward,
of which those on the latter segments are shorter and arranged somewhat in tufts, be-
neath which, when extended, some short stiff red hairs are seen; laterally, below
the stigmata are two rows of fascicles of white hairs of unequal length, mingled with
a few longer brown ones, extended rectangularly with the body until to its middle,
whence the remainder are directed backward; from the terminal segment white and
brown hairs, of greater length than elsewhere on the body, project horizontally,
brush-like, backward; short whitish hairs are scattered sparsely over the body.
(The larva escaped before its description could be completed, and the remainder is
from memory.) On the vascular line on each segment is a tuft of black hairs about
0.06 inch long, the ends of which converge to a point. The prolegs project laterally,
almost hidden by the hairs. Ventrally is a broad fuscous stripe. (Lintner, Ent.
Contr., iii, p. 180.)
20. Gastropacha americana Harris.
While the singular lappet caterpillar is found at times on the apple,
its native food plant is the oak and ash. It may be found on the trees in
September, when it spins its cocoon, the moth appearing in New England
early in the succeeding summer. In Georgia, according to Abbot, it
spins its cocoon in May, the moth appearing the following February.
Larva.—Body large, broad, and flat, with hairs on the side spreading out so as nearly
to conceal the feet, the hairs arising from large lappets hanging from the side of
each segment, the first pair the largest ; upper side of the body gray, variegated with
irregular white spots and sprinkled with fine, black dots; in front are two trans-
verse velvet-like bands of a rich scarlet color, with three black dots on each band ;
under side of the body orange-colored with a row of diamond-shaped black spots ;
length 24 inches.—Harris.
Moth.—When at rest it would be mistaken for a dry, brown, crumpled leaf, the
edges of the hind wings being much notched as are the outer and inner edges of the
fore wings; reddish-brown; beyond the middle of each of the wings is a pale band
edged with zigzag, dark-brown lines; there are also two or three short, irregular,
brown lines running backward from the front edge of the fore wings, besides a min-
ute pale crescent edged with dark-brown, near the middle of the same. In the feinale
the pale bands and dark lines are sometimes wanting, the wings being almost
entirely of a red-brown color. The wings expand from 14 to 2 inches. (Harris. )
21. Tischeria quercivorella Cham.
Mr. V. T. Chambers describes this moth (? T. quercitella, Frey, nec
T. quercitella, Clem.) as follows:
I have not seen the specimens from which Frey described his species, nor the single
imperfect one from which Clemens prepared his description. Frey thought his speci-
mens belonged to Clemens’ species, but Frey’s description applies sufficiently well
to the four males and two females before me, and which I can not reconcile with
Clemens’ account of his species. In quercivorella, the face, palpi, and antennx are
very pale lemon-yellow, the vertex being darker, as dark as the forewings. Clemens
DYNASTES TITYUS. 551
says of quercitella, ‘‘antenne, head, labial palpi, dark orange-yellow.” In quercivo-
rella the thorax and forewings are lemon-yellow, with the costal margin more red-
dish, and becoming more so toward the apex, which is reddish-orange and somewhat
dusted with darker scales. Ciemens says of quercitella, ‘‘forewings orange-yellow,
apical portion reddish-brown, dusted with dark brown,” and does not mention the
reddish-orange hue of the costal margin. In quercivorella (both sexes) the dorso-
apical cilia are paler than those of the apex, which, like those of the hind wings
and the entire hind wings themselves, except a fuscous patch at the base, are paie
silvery yellow; this fuscous patch and a similar one on the under side of the fore-
wings are peculiar to the male. In quercitella, Clemens says the hind wings are
‘pale yellowish, becoming reddish-brown toward the apex, and the apical cilia dark
brownish.” This does not appiy to quercivorella at all. I have quoted the whole of
Dr. Clemens’ brief description.
In quercivorella the under side of the wings is paler than the upper, and does not
become darker toward the apex, but has the costal margin stained with fuscous on
the forewings. The thorax, abdomen, and legs are pale yellow, as also is the anal
tuft; the front surface of the legs and the under side of the abdomen dusted with
fuscous. Alar expansion scant three-eighths of an inch. Keutuckyand Texas. (Bull.
U.S. Geol. Surv., iv, i, p. 97.)
22. Dynastes tityus (Linn.).
The following correspondence shows that this gigantic beetle is at
times destructive to ash leaves.
Its detestable odor and its habits are also described by Mr. Lugger in
Entomologica Americana, Ii, 163.
Editors COUNTRY GENTLEMAN:
Isend by mail to-day a box containing several specimens of a hideous and most
offensive beetle which has recently begun its ravages on the ash trees on my lawn,
which I ask the favor of you to submit to Professor Lintner, that through him their
name and character may be learned, and how to free our trees of their presence.
Their odor is so offensive at night that it is disagreeable to sit in the open air.
I learn from my son since writing the above that they are on the forest trees also.
J. W. M.
PERROWVILLE, VA., August 2.
[Answer by Prof. J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist. ]
The above communication is of special interest to me, from its presenting more
strongly than has ever before been brought to my notice the offensive odor given
off by the beetle above noticed—the Dynastes tityus. It belongs to the family of Sea-
rabeide, which contains many species having quite a disagreeable odor, but very
few, if any, have the penetration and pungency of this. Where a large number are
congregated, I can well imagine that the atmosphere in their vicinity may become
quite unpleasant to the nostrils, for even the dead bodies of half a dozen sent me,
although occupying a place, as I am writing upon an open piazza, at a distance of
several yards from me, and after having been exposed to the air throughout the
night, have rendered their vicinage quite intolerable to some of the unscientific
members of my family who had been sitting with me.
The beetle, although horrid in the eyes of the gentleman communicating it, is to
the entomologist, from its size, form, and ornamentation, a beautiful and attractive
specimen of the Coleoptera. The largest male before me (I have seen larger exam-
ples} is 2.5 inches long (3.5 with legs extended), 1.1 inches across the wing-covers,
and 0.8 of an inch in thickness of body. The shape of the female is nearly that of
the common grapevine beetle, the Pelidnota punctata, but the male is armed anteri-
orly with two black horns, a half-inch or more in length, the upper one being a hori-
552 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
zontal projection of the front part of the thorax, and the lower curving upward from
the crown of the head. Beneath the color is black, while the thorax and wing-covers
are of a pale olive-brown, the latter
dotted irregularly with black spots of
various sizes, of which some of the
largest are ocellated. The legs are
shining black, and are armed with
horns and spines.
The grub which produces the beetle
fortunately is not to be numbered
among our insect pests, as it only at-
tacks, so far as my knowledge of its
habits extends, decaying trees. It is
of not infrequent occurrence in the
State from which these examples were
sent, and in other Southern States. It
is rarely met with in Pennsylvania,
and has never, I believe, been found
in the State of New York. Dr. Fitch
includes the species among those affect-
ing the cherry tree. The beetles feed
upon the leaves of various trees, to
which from their voraciousness, when
numerous, they prove very destruc-
tive. When they attack our shade and ornamental trees their ravages may be
checked by applications of Paris green or London purple to the leaves by a force
pump, or by jarring them from the branches and destroying them when they fall.
Fic. 185.—Dynastes tityws.—After Riley.
23. Thysanocnemis fraxini Le Conte.
Order COLEOPTERA ; family CURCULIONID®.
All that we know of the habits of this weevil is Dr. Le Conte’s remark:
‘Several females collected by Mr. Pettit on ash trees in Canada.”
(Rhynechophora, 214.) He states that Thysanocnemis is “a singular
genus somewhat resembling Anthonomus in appearance, but known at
once by the front tibiz of the male being broader than usual, sinuate,
and densely fringed on the inner side with long hair.” He describes the
species as follows:
Beetle.—Ferruginous, clothed with yellow hair. Beak finely punctured, obso-
letely striate. Prothorax densely punctured. Elytra with punctured striw, and
slightly convex, nearly smooth interspaces; with a broad transverse band occupying
the middle third, and dilated at the margin, less densely pubescent, and of a darker
color. Length, 3.7™™ (,15 inch),
24. THE ASH GALIL-LOUSE.
Pemphigus fraxinifolii Thomas.
Order HEMIPTERA; family APHID.
Dr. Bundy, from whom the specimens were obtained, says Professor
Thomas in his third annual report, 1879, p. 146, furnishes the following
note in reference to them, made at the time they were discovered :
On ash, June, Sauk City, Wis. On the under surface of much deformed, crumpled
leaves. Female; abdomen dirty green, somewhat darker at the base, sprinkled with
ASH SCALE-INSECTS. 553
mealy-white grains at the apex; head, thorax, eyes, antenne, and legs dingy black;
wings pale, unmarked. The particular species of ash (Fraxinus) which it inhabits
Dr. Bundy has not informed me.
Since the above was written Professor Bundy has furnished the following item:
“Found on F. quadrangulata, Mx. Leaves much twisted and deformed, especially at
the end of infested twigs, but no gall proper.”
Winged individuals.—Anterior wings with the third discoidal vein simple, arising
from the second vein, a short distance from the base of the latter, running almost
directly outward toward the apex of the wing; second vein also very oblique and
arising very close to the first vein; first vein somewhat dim, subobsolete, slightly
curving outward as it approaches the margin of the wing ; fourth vein curves very
slightly near the base, the remainder being almost straight. Stigma semi-opaque,
elongate-rhomboidal, sides nearly parallel, ends with about the same slope; length
about three times the width. Subcostal vein quite prominent, somewhat distant
from the costa, curving slightly inward or backward where the two branch veins
arise. Antenne short, reaching but slightly beyond the end of the thorax; third
joint longest, nearly equal to fourth and fifth; fourth slightly shorter than the sixth;
sixth with a small spur at the tip. Posterior wings with two discoidal veins which
arise from the same point. Color of winged specimen after long immersion in
alcohol: head dark, prothorax pale, thoracic lobes dark; abdomen pale dull yellow,
with marginal sutures dark in some specimens; wings transparent, with a slight
tinge of milky white; veins very delicate and generally pale. Length of body
about .07 inch.
Wingless specimen.— Very broadly ovate, length in some scarcely exceeding the
widest point ; antennz very short; eyes quite small; dark. (Thomas.)
25. Aspidiotus ancylus Putnam.
This species is said by Professor Comstock to infest many plants;
he has found it upon the ash, beech, bladder nut, hackberry, linden,
maple, oak, osage orange, peach, and water-locust. The following
account is taken from Professor Comstock’s report as U.S. Entomol-
ogist, for 1880:
Scale of female.—The scale of the female is usually slightly wider than long, al-
though nearly circular, with the exuviz laterad of the center, and covered with a
thin layer of excretion. This film is white, but it is easily removed, leaving the
brick-red exuvie exposed. That part of the scale immediately surrounding the
exuvie is dark gray, almost black ; the margin of the scale is light gray ; the whole
scale has a reddish tinge. It measures about 1.4™™ in length and 1.3™™ in width.
Ventral scale white and very delicate.
Female.—The female is pale yellowish or pale orange in color, marked with trans-
lucent spots. The outline of the body before oviposition is ovate, but becomes more
or less circular after the insect begins to oviposit. The last segment presents the
following characters:
There are four or five groups of spinnerets. The anterior group, when present,
varies from a single spinneret to six, but it rarely consists of more than three; the
anterior laterals vary from six to fourteen; the posterior laterals vary from five to
eight.
Only one pair of lobes present, these are large; each is notched at about the middle
of the lateral margin ; occasionally there is a small notch near the end of the lobe on
the mesal margin.
There are two incisions of the margin of the ventral surface on each side of the
meson, one just laterad of the lobe, and one laterad of the second spine. The part of
the body wall bounding these incisions is conspicuously thickened.
554 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
There are two plates caudad of each incision; these plates are usually simple, but
are sometimes toothed; occasionally there is a third plate in one or more of these
places. There are three to four irregular slender plates between the third and fourth
pairs of spines. The first, second, and third pairs of spines are situated as in allied
species; the fourth pair is at two-thirds the distance from the lobes to the penulti-
mate segment. Described from five specimens from maple, two from peach, seven
from osage orange, twelve from hackberry, fifteen from ash, and eleven from Staphyllea
trifoliata.
Variety.—A form of Aspidiotus was found, the scales of which I am unable to dis-
tinguish from those of A. ancylus; but the last segment of the female presents the
following difference from the typical form of this species: There are no plates be-
tween the third and fourth pairs of spines; and the vaginal opening is mesad the
anterior spinnerets of the posterior lateral groups, instead of the posterior members
of the same groups. The variation in the number of the spinnerets is greater in my
specimens of the variety than in those of the typical form, there being 1n some cases
seventeen on the anterior laterals, and nine in the posterior laterals. Described
from twenty-one specimens from linden, eleven from beech, eighteen from oak, and
fuur from water-locust.
Scale of male.—The scale of the male resembles that of the female in color, but is
smaller and more elongated. Length 1.2™™, width 0.6™™.
Male.—The male is easily distinguished from all other species known to us by the
small size of its wings. We have bred numerous specimens from seven species of
plants: Maple, Staphyllea, hackberry, ash, osage orange, peach, and water-locust.
These males show considerable variation, and for a time I believed that I had two
species. In each the color of the body is orange yellow; in the former, which was
bred from peach, the thoracic band is dark brown, and the distal joints of the antenne
are not enlarged; in the latter, which was bred from ash, the thoracic band is of the
same color as the remainder of the body, and the distal joints of the antenne are con-
spicuously enlarged. These two forms shade into each other, and each was bred
from plants which were infested by the typical females only.
Habitat.—Davenport, Iowa (Putnam), Washington, and western New York, Dis-
trict of Columbia. (Comstock.)
26. THE ASH GALL-MITE.
Phytoptus fraxini Garman.
Class ARACHNIDA; order ACARINA. |
In Mr. S. A. Forbes’ twelfth report as State Entomologist of Illinois,
Mr. H. Garman describes two gall-mites found on the ash, the first of
which produces galls on the leaves of the green ash, Fraxinus viridis,
Michx.
The light-green color of these galls so strongly contrasts with the dark leaves that
the latter appear at a little distance to be spotted with light. It is a depressed wart-
like gall. The center of its cavity is about in the
plane of the leaf, as the projection above and be-
low is nearly equal. The outer surface is vari-
ously indented, in some cases as if with the finger-
nail. The outline seen from above 1s elongate,
circular, or quite irregular. The opening beneath
ire) tah Vertlonl eee tion ok eswhy: is a slit, surrounded by a raised lip clothed with
toptus gall from a leaf of the green ash white hairs. One or more folds with many-
(Frazinus viridis). After Garman. celled hairs at their free edges project into the
interior, dividing it into more or less perfect com-
partments. The median of these folds is usually largest, and sometimes reaches the
ASH GALL-MITES. 555
bottom of the cavity just over the opening. Side folés may be formed from the
primary ones. The largest gall measured was .13 inch in diameter and .18 inch in
height, measuring the projection on both sides of the leaf. Dr. F. A. W. Thomas
describes a still more peculiar gall from a European Fraxinus. This gali was
abundant in central Illinois during the summer of 1880 and 1881.
The Mite.—This is a very finely striate species, the striw# numbering from 73 to 81.
In one example 70 striz were counted, but as in others the number was so uniformly
above 70, a mistake may have been made in counting. The feather-like appendage
has two pairs of widely divergent prongs. An example mounted in glycerine meas-
ures .048™™ in length. Eggs and young occur in June.
27. Phytoptus sp.
This species produces galls on the leaves of the white ash, Frazxinus
americana Linn.
The gall resembles very closely that on Fraxinus viridis. Like that
it projects equally above and below the leaf. The upper and under
surfaces have a slight clothing of white hairs. The walls are thick and
are produced into the cavity. The height, measuring that above and
below the leaf, is about .085 inch, and the diameter is about the same.
A very peculiar cecidium, quite different in character from the above,
was also found on the white ash, but no Phytoptus was foundinit. It
consisted of innumerable small, deformed leaves and twigs which had
been prevented from developing by the mites. The whole mass dries
up and remains on the trees during the winter, at that time resembling
a fungoid growth.
Both of these Cecidii occurred at Bloomington, IIl., in June, 1881.
Strie from 53 to 58. Feather-like appendage with two pairs of prongs. Length
-007 inch. The hairs on the underside of the cephalothorax are easily seen in this
Species. (H. Garman.)
The following insects also occur on the ash:
Order LEPIDOPTERA.
28. Papilio turnus Linn. (Miss C. G. Soule, Can. Ent. xviii, p. 139.)
29. Papilis glaucus Linn., on Fraxinus of all species.
30. Sphinx kalmie Abbot and Smith. (Lintner, Ent. Contr. i, p. 188.)
31. Smerinthus geminatus Say. (Psyche, ii, p. 72.)
32. Callimorpha suffusa Smith (Marlatt, Trans. Kans. Acad. Sce., 1887-88,
p. 113.)
33. Spilosoma virginica Fabr. (Riley’s MS. notes.)
34, Halesidota maculata Harris. (Harris’ Correspondence, p. 290.)
35. Halesidota carye Harris. (Ohio, Pilate.)
36. Platysamia cecropia (Linn.) (Riley’s MS. notes.)
37. Telea polyphemus (Cram.). (W. Brodie, Canada.)
38. Callosamia promethea (Drury).
39. Hyperchiria io (Fabr.).
»
556 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44,
45,
46.
Clisiocampa sylvatica Harris. (Can. Ent., ix, p. 159; Riley, Third
Missouri Rt., p. 126.)
Apatela americana Harris. (Thaxter, Papilio, iii, p. 17.)
Apatela luteicoma G. and R. (Thaxter, Papilio, iii, p. 17.)
Paleacrita vernata (Peck). (On black ash, John Sears, in Packard’s
Monog. of Geometrid Moths, p. 404.)
Order DIPTERA.
Cecidomyia pellex O. Sacken. (Monogr., i, p. 199. Galls on leaves
of American ash, F. americana.)
Order HEMIPTERA.
Neoforus petitti Uhler. This bug occurred in different stages of
development on the leaves of the white ash at Rangeley, Maine,
September 5and 6. The specimens were submitted to Dr. Uhler,
who writes that there were three varieties among those sent, and
that the species has not yet been described, though it is a com-
mon Canadian insect.
Order COLEOPTERA.
Oryphalus asperulus Sec. Proc. Brit. Soc. Nat. Hist., xiv, 206.
CuapTer XI.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE WILLOW.
Salix of different species.
The willows harbor a very large insect population, and form the
original food-plant of a number of the species at present living at the
expense of our fruit trees.
The number of species in Europe which live upon the willow
is said by Kaltenbach to amount to 396. Of this number 94 are Cole-
optera, 214 are Lepidoptera, of Hymenoptera there are 40 species, all
of them saw-flies eating the leaves; of flies (Diptera) there are 21
species, all with three exceptions gall-flies (Cecidomyiz), while the re-
mainder. consists of Hemiptera, of which 27 kinds are enumerated,
nearly all of these being Aphids and bark lice.
It is to be observed that in Europe, as in this country, the number
of borers is rather small, willows perhaps ordinarily not being exposed
to their attacks, though this may be the result of imperfect observa-
tion. Out of 94 kinds of beetles Kaltenbach enumerates about 12
Cerambycide or wood-borers, and only two or three bark-borers, while
the greater number of the beetles he enumerates are leaf-beetles. In-
deed, the large number of leaf-beetles and saw-flies which prey upon
the foliage of willows, both in the old and new World, is a noteworthy
fact.
The number of species of willow insects we enumerate amounts to
186, and there is little doubt but that the number will be greatly in-
creased by future observations.
AFFECTING THE TRUNK.
1. Xylotrechus annosus (Say).
In the month of April Mr. Coquillett cut down a willow tree and di-
vided it up into “sled-lengths,” when no traces of borers could be
seen ; but early in March of the following year, while cutting this wood
557
558 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
for the stove, he found it to be infested with the larve of some species
of longicorn beetle, and placing some of the sticks in one of his breed-
ing cages, where it remained undisturbed until the 7th of May following,
he found that nearly all the grubs had assumed the pupa state; two
weeks later none but perfect beetles were found. From
this he inferred that this species requires only one year
to complete its transformations.
Beetle.—Black, with short gray hairs; a triangular carina between
the eyes. Body black, covered with short, gray, prostrate hairs ;
head with a grooved prominence between the eyes, terminating in
a short carina; antenne but little longer than the thorax; the
latter with a naked dorsal stripe; elytra with the hair more densely
arranged in some parts, so as to exhibit the appearance of small
spots, which are arranged in two bands, in each of which are two
spots on each side; the second band is on the middle; near the tip.
are one or two common spots; tip entire. Length nearly half an
inch. (Say.)
Fig. 187.—Xylotre- 2. Pogonocherus mixtus Haldeman.
chus annosus. —
See cee That this lougicorn bores in the willow has been ob-
served by Mr. F. B. Caulfield (Can. Ent., xiii, 1881, p. 60), as will be
seen by the following extract:
In June, 1873, while collecting in a small swamp on Montreal Mountain, I caught
a specimen of Pogonocherus mixtus Hald. on my coat-sleeve, and as the insect was
new to me, I commenced a search for others. Upon examining a dead branch of a
small willow growing close by, I found that it had been extensively bored by some
small insect. The part attacked was about three feet from the trunk, and at this
place the branch for about 12 inches was full of holes, from which the insects
had escaped. Not finding them, I searched further along the branch, and near its
extremity, where it was reduced to the thickness of a twig, I found a number of the
above-named species. They were lying on the branch with their bodies pressed
closely against it, and in this position could with difficulty be distinguished from
the withered buds. I observed several pairs in coitu, but none of the females were
ovipositing. T iey appeared to be very sluggish, lying almost motionless, although
the sun was shining brightly. Having bottled all that were to be seen, I cut off the
branch where it had been perforated, and found a number of the beetles in it, but
neither larva nor pupa.
3. SAPERDA ON THE WILLOW.
Plates X XI, Fig.4; X XII, Fig. 4, represent a larva found by Dr. Wat-
son in the willow. It is 16™™ in length; prothoracic segment 3™™ wide.
A pair of prothoracic spiracles and the usual eight pairs of abdominal
ones. Antenne 4-jointed; labrum as long as broad; maxilla with
the lobe very large, extending far beyond the palpi, which are small
and 3-jointed. Labium broad and short; palpi short, 3 jointed. Man- -
dibles rounded at tip.
WILLOW CATERPILLARS. 559
4, Buprestis fasciata Fabr.
Mr. George Hunt informs us that he has
found an elytron of this beautiful beetle under
the bark of the willow in Northern New York
in July.
INJURING THE LEAVES.
5. Thecla? sp.
The larva lives in an oval chamber between
two leaves, the upper leaf being concave over
the site of the caterpillar.
A caterpillar of a Thecla ? occurred on the
willow September 3, at Brunswick, Me.
Larva.—Head deeply divided on the vertex, much
narrower than the body; pale horn color, with short yy, 188.—Buprestis fasciata.
hairs; black around the eyes and mouth-parts, also on Smith del.
the occiput, this black stripe usually concealed by the
prothoracic segment. Body broad oval cylindrical, pale pea-green, with a slightly
frosted appearance, due to numerous fine close white dots; two whitish subdor-al
lines, fading out on the supra-anal plate. On the under side of the body are white,
short, unequal hairs. Thoracic feet greenish, amber at tip. Length 17 to 18™™,
6. Thanaos sp.
This Hesperian caterpillar occurred on the willow at Brunswick,
Me., August 20. (See p. 459.)
Larva.—Like that on the aspen, but the head is not so wide and is rather fuller,
and entirely dull black. Otherwise the body, the color, the widely-separated sub-_
dorsal white lines, and the white granulations are the same. Length, 13™™.
7. Sphinx luscitiosa Clemens.
Rev. Mr. Hulst states, according to Professor Fernald, that this rare
species has been bred from the willow, but the larva has not yet been
described, and nothing more is known of its habits.
Moth.—Head and sides of thorax gray. Back part of the head above and the upper
part of the thorax black, the latter with a few blue and gray scales on the back part.
A broad brown stripe extends from the middle of the palpi back under the wings.
The abdomen is dull ocher-yellow (gray in the females), with a black line along the
middle and a black band broken by dull yellowish white on the edges of the seg-
ments along each side. The under side of thorax and abdomen is pale gray. The
forewings are pale brown, with the margins sooty black. The band on the outer
margin is narrower towards the apex, and has the inner edge wavy. More or less of
the veins are black, and a black line extends in along the middle of the cell from
the whitish discal dot. This line is double at first, but the two parts unite inwardly.
A short black dash rests on the intervenular spaces as far as the apex, the last form-
ing the oblique apical streak. Fringes black. The hind wings are bright ocher-
yellow (grayish in the females), with a broad black terminal border and a faint
560 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
indication of a central band. Fringes yellowish. The under side of all the wings is
dull ocher-yellow, with broad terminal black bands. In the female all the yellow is
replaced by dull gray. Expanse of wings, from 2} to 3 inches.
8. Smerinthus excecatus (Abbot and Smith).
This hawk-moth we have found in the egg and different larval stages
on the willow at Brunswick through July and August. Some indi-
viduals became much belated. A specimen found at Providence, Sep-
tember 28, pupated October 1, and the moth appeared during the last
week of the following June.
Larva.—Head conical, granulated, with a yellow (sometimes a white) line meeting at
the apex; seven oblique lateral yellowish lines on each side, from the middle of the first
one (which is fainter than the others) a line passes forward to the front edge of the
prothoracic segment, converging towardsits oppo- _
site line; the last line is broadest and most dis-
tinct, reaching to the base of the caudal horn,
which is lilac green; spiracles deep lilac or black ;
thoracic feet lilac and reddish. Length, .45™™,
In the stage before the last, length, 25™™,—The
body is more closely granulated; the lateral
stripes less distinct; the thoracic segments not
so small in proportion to the head, and there is a
subdorsal double row of reddish spots; the apex
of the head is discolored with reddish, while the
coarsely granulated caudal horn is yellowish in the
middle and reddish at the end. On the side near the base of the abdominal legs is a
_ dark reddish-brown spot.
Fic. 189—Smerinthus excecatus — Le
Conte del.
9. Halesidota agassizii Packard.
Mr. Stretch has in California reared this species (now believed by Mr.
Henry Edwards to be the same as H. maculata Harris) from the willow.
I copy his description of the larva, as it appears to differ from our larva
in being usually black. What he describes as a variety is like a larva
of H. maculata we have found on the sycamore.
The cocoon is obtusely oval, tolerably compact and composed chiefly
of the hairs from the body of the caterpillar, with but a small amount
of silk in its composition. The larva is double-brooded, and feeds on
the willow; the first brood appears on the wing in June, the second
being full-fed about the middle of October, and disclosed from the
pupa early in the spring.
H. agassizii differs from the other species of the genus found in the
United States, in the absence of all tendency to semi-transparency in
the anterior wings, such as appears in the thinly scaled tessellaris and
edwardsii ; or to silvery markings, as-in the case of carye and argen-
tata ; the costa is also less rounded at the apex than in any of the
species mentioned, but the larval characters clearly retain it in the
genus.
Larva.—Head, body, and prolegs entirely black. Abdominal legs pale dirty yel-
WILLOW CATERPILLARS. 561
‘low. Body slightly depressed, densely clothed with evenly cut velvety black hairs,
except on the seventh and eighth segments which are bright lemon yellow, with a
small black dorsal lozenge-shaped patch of black on each. The caputal and anal
segments have numerous slender pencils of pale yellow hairs, much longer than the
general clothing of the body, in this respect resembling the larva of H. tessellaris but
differing from that of H. edwardsii, where these pencils do not occur.
Variety.—In some instances the black hairs are confined to the two anal and two
caputal segments, all the remainder of the body being yellow, with Flack dorsal
patches as in the type.
10. Halesidota maculata (Harris).
The eastern H. maculata occurred on the willow at Brunswick, Me.,
August 30. Some had four black pencils on the front of the body, in-
stead of two as Harris describes.
11. THE WILLOW TUSSOCK MOTH.
Orgyia definita Packard.
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family Bombycide.
Mr. Otto Seifert has reared this moth, and kindly given me his notes,
which are presented below. The original specimen from which my de-
scription was drawn up was somewhat rubbed, hence the description is
iunperfect. Mr. R. Thaxter has bred the insect and given me fresh
Specimens, and I am also indebted to Mr. Seifert for two very well
preserved males and a female.
Eggs found September 10 on willow, Catskills, Big Indian Valley. They are apple-
shaped, opaque, smooth, of cream color, glued together in a cluster about one-half
inch long and seven-tenths inch broad. Eggs commenced to hatch May 19.
Young larve are greenish, much laced (on account of developing protuberances),
head yellowish or pinkish white with a black, eye-like spot on each side, mouth-parts
light brown.
first molt, May 26; second, May 31; third, June 2 and 3; fourth, June 8; fifth,
(7); transforming June 18. Imagines from July 1 to 8.
They molt five times, are very voracious, and feed only on different species of willow
(fed in New York with weeping willow).
Full-grown larva.—Length from 2 to 2.5 centimeters. Ground color whitish-green,
head whitish-yellow with two black spots. A deep black dorsal band, on three first
segments only indicated by black spots, from fourth to eleventh segments uninter-
rupted. Legsand head hairy, the hair tufts are sulphur-yellow, arranged fan-like.
Two long black ornamented hair-brushes on first segment and a dense black tuft on
eleventh segment dorsally.
Cocoon of the same delicate sulphur-yellow color, and is made of a large outer one
and a more dense inner one.
Pupa light sulphur-yellow, retaining the eye-like black spots on the head. This
insect shows wonderfully the development of the imago in the almost transparent
shell.
There is in the middle of the black band on the dorsum of the ninth and tenth
segments each a yellowish white knob-like excrescence.
The young larve, when hatched, stay for a few days on the egg-shells, eating every
trace left of the glue and egg-shells, only leaving the web.
5 ENT——36
562 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
The arrangement of warts and tufts is like all the other species, of which this
seems to be the most delicate and the larva the plainest in color, having no other
color than the greenish-yellow ground color, the sulphur-yellow vestiture and black
dorsal band and brashes.
The moth.—Male. Differs from O. leucostigma by the more rounded, less angular
subcostal bend of the extradiscal line; while the same line towards the inner edge
of the wing is more angular. The two blackish costal slashes are much longer in
‘definita and these are succeeded by two or three long slashes pointed inwards, and
these by a series of pointed dots in the median interspaces. The submarginal white
‘sinuous and wavy line, sometimes so distinct in leucostigma, is obscure in definita, but
the white lunule is equally distinct in both species. In other respects the two species
are much alike, and are of the same size. Expanse of wings 30 to 31™™,
12. Ichthyura palla French.
The caterpillars of this moth were found feeding on willows in south-
ern Illinois through the most of September, resting in an inclosure
formed of several leaves fastened together at the ends of the twigs,
but no more than half a dozen occurred in a nest. Those put in breed-
ing cages pupated before the middle of October; the moths appeared
in the following April and May.
The moth is related to J. inclusa Hiibn. and J. ornata G. and R.; more
nearly to the latter in size and coloration, but differs from both in
several particulars. Besides size and color, it differs from J. inclusa in
the coloring of its larva. It differs from J. ornata in the color of the
scales sprinkled over the forewings, the color of the spots outside the
fourth line, and the continuation of that line, as it is set here partially
obsolete opposite the disc, as well as in some other points. The apices
are no more produced than in J. inclusa, nor is the costa more bent
(French). We would add that judging from two specimens received
from Professor French we are inclined to think that this is a variety of
I. inclusa Hiibner.
Larva.--Length 1.25 inches when crawling; body nearly cylindrical, two black
tubercles, close together, on the top of third and eleventh segments. On the back are
four bright but narrow yellow lines alternating with narrow black ones. Thestigmatal
line is black; above this, or the subdorsal space, an irregular alternation of black
and white. Below the stigmata a narrow yellow line; below this, or the substig-
matal space, the body is flesh-colored. Head shining black. A few gray hairs scat-
tered over the body. (French.)
The moth.—Length of body .56; expanse of wings 1.10 inches. General color of
body and forewings pale gray, the latter rather sparsely sprinkled with dark brown
scales. Palpi brown above, scarcely projecting beyond the head, third joint con-
cealed by the hairs of the others. Front slightly brownish, a tuft of pale gray scales
at the base of each antenna, the usual deep brown mark from the antenne to the top
of the thoracic crest. Forewings with the usual transverse lines almost white. The
basal line makes a bend outward on the median vein ; from this it goes in a straight
course to the submedian vein; from this to the posterior or inner margin it curves a
little outward. A second line extends from the costa about one-fourth of the distance
from the base obliquely to the posterior margin, near the posterior angle. A third
line passes straight across the wing from the posterior margin to the second, a little
below the median vein. The fourth begins as a white spot on the costa a little more
than two-thirds of the distance from the base, and joins the second on the posterior
WILLOW CATERPILLARS. 563
margin, making the usual ‘“* ” asin theallied species. The fourth line is slightly
S-shaped in its costal third. Outside the fourth line is a subterminal, somewhat zigzag
row of black spots, some of which are often faint or obsolete. In the discal cell there
is usually a faint oblique line that seems to be a continuation of the third line, though
it does not reach the costa, and the end of the cell sometimes appears like a short
line. There are three oblique shades of brownish olive, more or less distinct, that
cross the wing parallel to the second line; the first, beginning on the costa inside
the basal line, faintly borders that line to the submedian vein, and is seen below that
vein on the third line; the second, outside the second line through its whole course,
is darkest next the line; the third from both sides of the fourth line to the middle of
the outer border faint, except along the line. Just outside the S-part of the fourth
line are three grayish-yellow spots with a few reddish-brown scales. Hind wings
pale smoky gray with a faint whitish line from the fourth of the forewings to the
anal angle. Beneath, the forewings are about the color of the hind wings above,
pale along the costa and terminally; the hind wings are paler with a dark transverse
line. (French, Can. Ent., xiv, p. 33.)
13. Euclea penulata (Clemens).
This caterpillar has been found feeding on the willow September 19,
by Professor French, who states that it pupated September 30 in the
manner usual to the genus, the moth appearing June 17.
Larva.—In general outline somewhat elliptical, the sides and the back tapering
from the middle to both ends. Length when full grown, .56 inch; width and
height, in the middle, nearly .25 inch. Back dull purplish brown. A fine dorsal
line and a broader one on each side, which alternately expands and contracts, of dull
purplish orange. On each joint, except the twelfth, is a pair of impressed spots,
which appear whitish when seen in certain lights. A subdorsal orange ridge with
spiny tubercles which are concolorous with the ridges, except that between the
last two there is a shorter black tubercle without spines; the second and third from
each end of the body are larger than the others. A similar tubercled ridge is found
in the region of the stigmata, except that it does not contain any black tubercles.
Subdorsal space dull purplish orange, bordered above and below with purplish
brown, each joint containing two whitish impressed spots similar to those on the
dorsal space ; below the lower line of tubercles dull orange. (French.)
Moth.—Body dark reddish brown. Forewings dark reddish brown along all the
borders, with a large, central pea-green patch, extending from the base of the wing
to the subterminal portion, bordered narrowly on the inner side and behind with
white, and deeply indented opposite the middle of the inner margin, where there
is a bright brown patch in the reddish-brown border. Hind wings yellowish brown.
(Clemens. )
14. Notodonta stragula Grote.
(Larva, Pl. v, fig. 1.)
This singular caterpillar was found August 25, at Brunswick, Me.,
by Mr. H. H. Wilder. It has the peculiarity of raising and depressing
the two large dorsal horns in the middle of the body; when at rest
they are depressed, appearing simply as huinps; when erect they are
somewhat larger and evaginated, with their pseudojoints like those of
a telescope; probably they serve to frighten away ichneumons, My
Specimens molted for the last time August 31.
564 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Larva before last molt.—Head large oval, flattened in front, narrowing towards the
vertex, which is slightly bilobed; the head is wider than the thoracic segments ; the
body is thickest on the second and third abdominal segments, on each of which is a
thick fleshy conical soft tubercle, the apex falling over backwards; they may be
elevated and somewhat enlarged or depressed, the anterior tubercle the larger of the
two; the body is much humped dorsally on the eighth segment; supra-anal plate
smooth, much rounded; the anal legs slender, not nearly so thick as the other
abdominal legs. General color pearly glaucous whitish gray, somewhat marbled
with brown; head of the same color, marbled with brown; a broad faint lateral band
shaded behind with white. A brown dorsal line extends from behind the head to
apex of second tubercle on third abdominal segment; thence a faint vascular line
extends to end of supra-anal plate. The hump on eighth segment pale rust yellow-
ish-red on sides, deeper above in the middle. A pale pinkish stigmatal line.
Length, 20™™.
Mature larva.—Does not differ except in size from previous stage. Under side of
body dusky; the pale lilac lateral line sends a branch down the middle of the feet
on the sixth abdominal segment. Length, 40™™. For description of the moth see
p. 456.
15. Schizura unicornis (Abbot and Smith).
This species is common both on the willow and thorn late in August
in Maine. August 28 one had spun a slight cocoon, but up to Septem-
ber 4 had not pupated.
The dorsal hump is not so soft and retractile or sensitive as in the
larva of the foilowing species :
Larva.—Has a shorter smaller dorsal retractile than in Celodasys. Thoracic seg-
ments pea-green; the dorsal -shaped mark on the seventh segment is prolonged to
the front edge of the sixth segment, this part really forming a separate narrow Y, in
front of the apex, of which on each fourth and fifth segments isa dusky brown patch,
between the reddish-brown piliferous warts. Length, 25™™.
Before the last molt the larva is the same as mature form. Length, 15 to 18™™,
16, Schizura larva.
(Pl. v, fig. 3,)
Several caterpillars of this species were found on the willow at Bruns-
wick, August 25, by Mr. H. H. Wilder. This caterpillar has a retractile
horn (much more slender and retractile than in the one on thorn bush)
on the first abdominal segment, which may be partially telescoped in-
wards or invaginated, forming three false joints, and the fork at the
end is composed of two movable piliferous slender tubercles which
slightly diverge more or less.
Larva.—Head very large, high, narrowing and bilobed above; on first abdominay
segment an unusually high horn or soft tubercle, forked at the end, the horn
itself being extensible; on the eighth abdominal segment a high double conical tu-
bercle; anal legs slender, as usual in the genus; abdominal segments 2 to 7 with two
dorsal piliferous ~warts, those on fourth and fifth segments much larger than the
others. Body rust-red, pale green on the side of the three thoracic segments and
edged above with white; on the back, between the first and third, there is a broad
diffuse whitish lilac band; a distinct large V-shaped yellowish-white mark on the
seventh abdominal segment; and two concolorous dots below the seventh pair of
abdominal] spiracles. Length, 20™™,
WILLOW CATERPILLARS. 565
17. Cerura occidentalis Lintner.
(Larva, Pl. x1, fig. 7.)
The caterpillars of this moth were found feeding on willows (Salix
nigra) by Prof. G. H. French, at Carbondale, Ill., from September 9 to
October 5. The moths began to appear the following season from April
30 to June 3.
Larva.—Length when fully grown, 1.25 to the fork of the tail. Body slightly en-
larged in front and somewhat compressed. In about the middle of the prothoracic
segment is a prominent projection on each side, the body sloping from these down to
the rather small head; there is but little sloping from the back to segment 9;
from this there is a rapid sloping to the anal segment, this ending in the two usual
caudal filaments; when withdrawn these are a little more than a quarter of an inch
long, but may be extended to three-quarters. Clear bright green, sides spotted with
clear purple brown, the spots round the stigmata and at the base of the thoracic and
abdominal legs the largest. The back is marked with lilac, varying in shade, and
arranged as follows: From the two small contiguous tubercles on the back of joint
2to the head is asomewhat diamond-shaped space, the broadest part at the sub-
dorsal tubercles on the prothoracic segment. From the tubercles on this segment to
those on the next, the lilac is bordered by bright brownish purple with a white line;
outside of this, in the middle of this diamond, is a little green shading. From the
tubercles on the second joint from the head to the end of the body is another parti-
colored space, lighter than the anterior one. This gradually expands so as to in-
elude the stigmata on segment 7, then decreases in width to the anterior part of the
anal segment, expanding a little in the middle of this, but contracting again at its
posterior part. The lilac of this is like the first, considerably suffused with green on
the back, and is bordered with brownish purple and white, though the colors are a
little lighter posteriorly. These two dorsal patches are not continuous, but are sep-
arated on the second segment by a distinct though small patch of green. The pos-
terior projections are mostly brownish purple, though with somewhat greenish an-
nulations, and when extended a ring of white near the extremity. Head dark lilac.
Previous to the last molt the tubercles on the prothoracic segment (‘‘ joint 1”) were
covered with little spines. (French, Can. Ent., xiii, p. 144.)
18. Cerura cinerea Walker.
This species has been found feeding on the willow by Mr. Elliot, of
New York.
Larva.—Pale apple green; head brown; second and third segment also with a
brown triangular patch not united to the brown dorsal patch. On the second seg-
ment are two raised rough processes, like horns, brown in color. Commencing on
the fourth and continuing to the last segment is a brown patch, a mere point on seg-
ment 4, spreading out diagonally on 6 and 7, narrowing on 8, a little wider on 9,
narrowing again on 10, and wider on 11 and 12. The anal segment is furnished with
long filaments alternately brown and green. «The lateral green spaces have a number
of rather small reddish spots, and on the dorsal brown patch are some small rough-
ened tubercles. Length, 1.30 inches. The younger stages are of a paler color in all
parts, without any perceptible difference in the markings. (Edwards and Elliot,
Papilio, iii, p. 130.)
Moth.—Forewings and thorax more ashy and dusky than in any of the other
species; the broad median ashy band not being so distinct as in the other species,
since if is but little darker than on both sides of it; the outer margin, also, instead
of being clear white or nearly so, is of the same dull ashy hue as the median band.
566 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Hind wings white, with a distinct discal dot, and a series of marginal intervenular
dots. Abdomen ashy, not ringed with white as in multisc:ipta. Expanse of wings,
34mm,
19. Cerura multiscripta Riley.
The eggs are said by Professor Riley to be hemispherical and pale
yellowish green, while those of C. borealis differ in being jet-black.
The caterpillar is closely similar to that of C. borealis. (Riley.)
Mr. F. Tepper found the larva of this fine
moth on the willow July 30; a male imago
emerged August 30 and a female September
30. (Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc., i, p. 4.) No
description of the larva was published.
Moth.—Without the broad median band of C.
‘reeks borealis, occidentalis, and albicoma. Forewings
Fic. 190.—Cerura multiscripta. Atter crossed by eight usually well-defined lines; the
Riley. third and fourth lines so meet as to form five more
or less complete ringlets; all the lines are scalloped,
the outer three being nearly parallel. There is a large well-marked discal ringlet.
Hind wings of the females dusky, those of the male white; in both sexes the black
spots on the edge of the hind wings are distinct ; in this respect the species differs
from Walker’s scitiscripta, of which I have two specimens from Florida. It is not
improbable, however, that the two species will be eventually united. Expanse of
wings, 27 to 32™™ (1-14 inches).
20. Cerura-like larva.
Late in August this caterpillar was found on the willow at Bruns-
wick, Me.
Larva.—Body somewhat flattened infront ; head very large and broad, flattened in
front and wider than the body; prothoracic segment very wide, with two fronto-
lateral spines, bearing thick short spinules. The body ends in two long filaments,
broadly ringed with brown; they are as long as the body behind the head, and
spinulated. Two supra-anal tubercles ending in hairs. A short, broad trapezoid
of four rounded tubercles. Body yellowish green; head, prothoracic segment above,
and seven abdominal segments reddish brown.
21. Apatela felina Grote.
Prof. G. H. French has bred this moth from the willow, the eggs
having been sent him by Mr. McGlashan, of Truckee, Cal. They were
deposited July 6, the larve emerging six days later. From the egg to
the moth required two hundred and ninety-six days. The cocoon was
thin, firm, and tough.
Young larva.—Length .10 inch. Body cylindrical; head broader than the body,
oblique. Color of the upper parts and sides of segments 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13,
reddish purple; the rest of the upper part, and sides and the venter dull whitish ;
six rows of tubercles from which proceed small clusters of brown hairs, the four
rows of dorsal clusters longer than the body; head black; feet purplish. Duration
of this period four days.
WILLOW CATERPILLARS, 567
After first molt.—Length .22 inch ; shape about as before. The segments that were
reddish purple during the first stage are now black; the others white, the tubercles
small, black; head black; hairs from the dorsal tubercles dark gray, the others
white. Duration of this period, three days.
After second molt.—Length .35 inch.
After third molt.—Length .60 inch. Three dorsal stripes, a broad gray one in the
middle.
After fourth molt.—Length Linch when at rest. Color of body yellowish green,
with a gray dorsal stripe; under parts grayish brown; the whole body covered with
fine yellow hairs that spring from the general surface as well as from the tubercles;
the tubercles scarcely distinguishable from the general surface save that from these
the hairs are more in clusters; a few black hairs in place of the former black pencils.
Head black, the front with the usual pale inverted A; the sides mottled with black
and pale brown. Duration four to five days.
Mature larva.—Length when crawling 1.60 inches, when at rest 1.40 inches.
(French. )
Pupa.—Cylindrical, tapering gradually from segment 5 back, the tongue-case ex-
tending only to the anterior part of segment 5; the anterior part of the abdominal
segments finely punctured; head rounded, mahogany-brown, the wing-cases and
outer anterior parts darker. Cremaster a series of short hooks extending out later-
ally. Duration of the period two hundred and sixty-nine to two hundred and seventy-
five days. Length .80 inch; to end of wing-cases .40, these extending almost to the
posterior part of segment 5. (French.)
22. Apatela oblinita (Abb.-Sm.).
Abbot states that the larva feeds in Georgia on the willow and cot-
ton, the moth appearing in April. Grote mentions the willow as its
food-plant (Papilio, ii, p. 99), while Thaxter states that it feeds on the
button bush and various meadow plants.
In his third report as State
Entomologist of Illinois, Prof.
S. A. Forbes states that the
leaves of the willow at Nor-
mal were generally infested
both in 1883 and 1884 by the
larvee of Apatela oblinita, those
collected July 6. pupating on
the 11th and emerging on the
29th.
“This insect hibernates in
the cocoon, and seems to be
either single or double
brooded, according to lati-
tude. In Missouri there are :
two broods in a year, by Pro- Fic. 191.—Apatela oblinita; a. linyis ge Segoe C,
fessor Riley’s account, the mre Niniley Bele
moths of the first brood escaping from the cocoons in May (the larve
resulting appearing chiefly in J une); and the second brood of moths
occurring in July and the larve late in the fall. In the N ortheast, the
568 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
moths escape from the hibernating cocoons in Juue, as reported by
observers in Canada* and Massachusetts,t and the larve are reported
only in September and October, during which months the pup are
found. Previous to the pupation the larve spin a cocoon of silk
within a bunch of leaves, or sometimes attached to a twig.” (Forbes.)
Larva.—Prevailing color, black. Each joint with a transverse, dorsal, crimson-red
band across the middle from stigmata to stigmata, and containing six warts, each
furnishing ten or twelve or more stiff yellow or fulvous bristles, and the two dorsal
ones being farthest apart. A subdorsal, longitudinal, yellow line, interrupted by
this transverse band and at incisures in such a manner that the black dorsum ap-
pears somewhat diamond-shaped on each joint. A broad, wavy, bright-yellow stig-
matal line, containing a yellow bristle-bearing wart in the middle of each joint.
Lateral space occupied with different sized pale yellow spots, largest towards dor-
sum. Head chestnut-brown. Venter crimson-black, with bristle-bearing warts of
the same color. Stigmata oblong-oval and pale. Thoracic legs black; prolegs with
black extremities. Such is the normal appearance of this larva, but it is very vari-
able. In some the yellow seems to predominate over the black, and there is a more
or less distinct dorsal line. In some this dorsal line forms a mere speck at the in-
cisures of the middle joints. The transverse crimson band is often entirely obsolete,
and the warts distinctly separated, while in others, wher. this band is distinct, the
warts frequently coalesce. (Riley.)
Pupa.—Almost black, and shagreened with the exception of asmooth and polished
rim, at posterior border of joints, which become reddish, especially ventrally, on the
three joints immediately below the wing-sheaths. Terminal joint horizontally com-
pressed, squarely cut off, and furnished with a little brush of short, evenly-shorn,
stiff, rufous bristles. (Forbes’ Second Rep. Ins. Illinois).
The moth.—Front wings oblong; apex more or less prolonged ; posterior margin
sometimes rounded, sometimes straight; color ash-gray, caused by numerous dark-
brown atoms more or less suffused on a white ground, from which the ordinary lines
are barely discernible in the better marked individuals; a row of distinct black dots
along the posterior border; the ordinary spots represented by blurred marks or en-
tirely obsolete; the undulate line across posterior fourth of wing distinct, and re-
lieved inside by a pale coincident shade, with the teeth quite aciculate and with the
psi-spot so characteristic of the genus, but rarely traceable; fringe narrow and gen-
erally entire. Hind wings pure white, with a faint row of dark spots around the
posterior border. Under side of both wings white, with a faint fulvous tint and
faint irrorations; each wing showing the brown discal spot and the row of points
at the posterior border. Head and thorax speckled gray; abdomen whitish-gray ;
antennze short, simple in both sexes, gray above and brown below; palpi small.
Two specimens with the front wings very dark, showing the ordinary lines and
spots conspicuously, and with the antennz brown above as well as below. Average
length, 0.75; expanse, 1.75 inches. (Riley.)
23. Apatela.
Mr. H. H. Wilder kindly presented me with two larvee of this species
found at Brunswick, Me., August 20.
Larva.—Rather large, of the usual shape, regularly tapering towards each end;
head all black except the larval antennal joints. Body dull livid green with a broad
* Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario, 1872, p. 23.
+ The Canadian Entomologist, vol. x (1878, p. 66). Psyche, vol. ii, p. 34 (May and
June, 1877.)
WILLOW CATERPILLARS. 569
dorsal black stripe, with fascicles of straw-yellow hairs,’ which seem to be finely
spinulated; there are ten warts on a segment in the middle of the body; the stiff
yellow hairs are of nearly the same length and radiate quite regularly from the
wart; a few of the hairs are black, from one to three in a fascicle; there are also
a few slenderer hairs one-fourth to one-third as long as the body. Length, 40™™,
Before the last molt the head is green behind, and in front is a pale V-shaped
mark, and the hairs are a little longer in proportion to the thickness of the body.
24. THE HERALD.
Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linn.).
(Larva. Plate v, fig. 4.)
This fine moth, common to the New and Old World, is in England
called “the Herald.” Here, as well as in Europe, it feeds as a general
rule upon the willow, but we are told by Mr. H. L. Clark that he has
bred it from the wild cherry in Rhode Island.
Its habits so far as they have been noticed are nearly the same as
observed in Europe. Mr. Lintner, the State entomologist of New York,
says that the caterpillar feeds on and pupates among some of the leaves
drawn together by silken threads to which the pupa is attached by an anal
spine, The fall brood remains in the pupa state from fifteen to twenty
days. He bred a moth which emerged August 3, hence he thinks that
there are probably two annual broods of this species, since he has taken
it in the early partof May. In Illinois Mr. Coquillett bred a larva which
spun its cocoon August 23, while the moth appeared September 7.
Professor Riley’s notes show that he found the larve at Kirkwood,
Mo., in May, 1872; that they began to spin their cocoons May 29; and
that the moths began to emerge June 11. On June 17 eggs were
found.
We have found the larva on the willow at Brunswick, Me., August
26, when it was nearly full grown. Itis easily recognized, since it is one
of the few Noctuid caterpillars to be found on the willow, and may be
known by its pale green hue and the yellow lateral line, as well as by
the yellowish sutures between the body-segments.
This is a common insect on the willow, occurring at Brunswick, Me.,
August 20, and through the month. It spins a web on the under side
of the leaf, and pupates from the 15th to 20th of September, the moth
in confinement appearing (in the breeding cage at Providence) the end
of May (the 25th-31st). The caterpillar, which is longitudinally striped
with light and dark green, with black slashes on each side of the head,
varies somewhat; in some there are only four slashes on the head, with
no other markings. The moth differs from Phycis rubrifasciella on the
hickory in having no cross band of raised scales, while the insect is
* Like all the other figures on the plate, the lithographer’s work has been very poorly
done, and the printing is also very poor, the red and brown lines are too bright in
the plate.
WILLOW CATERPILLARS. 575
- much darker, and the palpi are twice as broad. The moth was kindly
identified by Prof. C. H. Fernald.
Larva.—Body of the usual form, tapering from near the head to the end. Head of
the usual size, not quite so broad as the prothoracic segment; green, slashed vertic-
ally, and mottled with large and small brown or jet-black spots.
Prothoracic segment a little swollen; the shield not striped like the
rest of the body. Body with narrow alternating light and dark green
stripes; brown along the back, and inclosing a large round green spot
on each segment; the brown portion with three interrupted green
lines, one median and two lateral. Piliferous dots minute, not con-
spicuous. Length, 15™™,
Pupa.—Of the usual Phycid shape; mahogany-brown; end of the
terminal abdominal spine smooth, shining, convex, and ending in a
stout curved lateral spine on each side. Length, 10™™.
Moth.—Body and fore wings dark gray, with brick-red scales and
bands. Palpi very broad, especially the second joint; dark gray ;
vertex of head light gray, with dark scales; antennz blackish. Pro-
thoracic scales and shoulder tippets (patagia) dull brick red; middle
(disk) of thorax gray. Fore wings dark dusky gray, with scattered
pale-gray scales; base of wings dull brick-red; a broad, diffuse band
of the same color crosses the basal fourth of the wing; on the onter
fourth of the wings is a similar broad, diffuse, dull brick-red band,
sending a diffuse longitudinal stripe towards the basal band; an
incomplete transverse pale-gray line, curved outward in the middle
of the wing, borders the inside of the outerreddish band. Costal edge
dusky, the reddish bands not reaching it. Fringe of the same dull
slate color as the hind wings. Expanse of wings, 20™™,
41. Deltoid larva. Fic. 192 —Wil-
low leaves
This pretty caterpillar occurred on the willow at Jack- seweatogeth-
son, N. H., September 10. er by Merop-
tera pravella.
Larva.—Body slender, tapering toward both ends, with two pairs of Wilder del.
abdominal legs besides the anal pair, and situated on the fifth and
sixth abdominal segments. Head and body pea-green, with two double, more or less
broken, whitish yellow lines, each double line becoming single on the thoracic seg-
ments. A concolorous slender spiracular line. Thoracic feet pale amber, almost
greenish; abdominal feet green. Length, 16™™,
42. Deltoid larva.
This caterpillar occurred on the willow August 15 at Brunswick, Me.
Larva.—Body slender; four pairs of abdominal legs, the first pair smaller than the
others, grass-green; a broad dorsal dark band edged with a yellow line. ‘The setif-
erous tubercles large, black. Head with twelve conspicuous black dots, one pair of
which are larger than the others. Length, 15™™,
43. Teras permutana Duponchel,
This moth, which is common to both Europe and the United States,
has been found by Mr. Coquillett to feed on the willow, living between
two or three leaves which are fastened together with silken threads.
576 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Two spun their cocoons about June 13, producing the moths June 27;
others occurred July 2.
Larva.—Body green, the sutures yellowish when the caterpillar is in motion; no
well marked cervical shield; a dark-colored dorsal line; an indistinct light-colored
stigmatal line; head and body beneath pale green ; spiracles ringed with pale brown.
Length, 19™™, .76 inch. (Coquillett.)
Moth.—Head and palpi chocolate brown. Thorax varying from cream color to
ocherous, and sometimes stained with brownish. Collar and tips of the crest of a
brownish color. The fore wings are of the same color as the thorax from the base
out to the oblique band across the middle of the wing, except the portion below.
the fold, which is clouded with dark fuscous and brown, and a tuft of dark brown
scales on the basal third of the fold. The oblique band which starts from the middle
of the costa and terminates within the anal angle is of a light reddish brown color,
and has a row of scale-tufts along its inner edge. The apical portion of the wing is
of the same color as the band, though sometimes clouded with brown, while the
space between issomewhat paler than the band, especially on the costa, where it
approaches the color of the basal part of the costa. The fringes are of the same
color as the outer part of the wing, except at the anal angle, where they are of a dull
smoky color. The hind wings are pale yellowish, tinged with fuscous towards the
apex. The fringes are lighter than the wings, but with a somewhat darker basal
line.. Abdomen, pale fuscous. The under side of the fore wings is pale ocherous,
mottled or clouded with fuscous. Under side of the hind wings colored as above,
but with a few fuscous sprinkles towards the apex. Expanse of wings, from 16 to
1pmm, (Fernald, manuscript.)
44. THE WILLOW TERAS.
Teras viburnana Clemens.
The caterpillar of this common species is of the ordinary shape and
green in color, occurring on the willow in Maine during August. The
specimen we reared changed to a chrysalis August 19; remained in that
condition a little over two weeks, namely, until September 7. The moth
has been determined by Professor Fernald.
Larva.—Greenish.
Pupa.—Body slender; end of the abdomen flattened and excavated, with two large
lateral hooks before the tip. Length, 8™™. :
Moth.—Head, thorax and fore wings rust-red. Head above and front of thorax
deep rust-red, hinder edge of the thorax bright red. Fore wings rust-red, deeper on
the costa; a dusky patch at the base; beyond, on the inner third of the costa, is a
broad, paler, square spot, succeeded by a long, dark, deep reddish-brown patch,
which extends to near the apex. The rest of the wing is clearer and paler, ash-col-
ored, mixed with brick-red scales. In the middle of the wing on the inner third are
two distinet, twin, fine black dots. Beyond are three black dots, forming an oblique
line, extending from the median vein to a little beyond the middle of the hinder
edge of the wing; a few scattered, black, fine dots near the outer edge of the wing.
Fringe broad, reddish externally, dark on the basal half, and grayish on the inner
angle of the wing; hind wings uniformly gray slate-colored; abdomen dark brown,
paler at the tip. Expanse of wings, 18™™ (.70 inch.)
45. Grapholitha galle-saliciana Riley.
In the Transactions of the St. Louis Academy of Science for 1881
(p. 320) Professor Riley described this gall-inhabiting caterpillar from
two specimens which emerged June 17, from galls on willow twigs, at
WILLOW LEAF-ROLLERS. 5T7
St. Louis, Mo. The larva was not described. The moth is at once
distinguished from the European campoliliana Tr. by its pure silvery or
satiny-white coloration, untinged with yellow. Its general color is
that of the European Boarmia roboraria Schiff, but it is much smaller
and is very differently marked.
The moth.—Male. ‘Thorax olivaceous ; primaries olivaceous with a pale ochraceous
tinge ; an oblique streak from the middle of the costa connecting with a broad some-
what wavy stripe which extends through the middle of the wing to just before the
apex ; two spots on inner border, one near base, the other (which is larger and more
elongate) toward anal angle, and some costal and apical streaks brown-olivaceous ;
ocellated spot silvery, the center ochraceous, with two black stripes ; a silvery streak
extending obliquely from the costa to the posterior margin; fringes ochraceous,
tinged with fuscous at apex; secondaries gray, fuscous towards tip; fringes white,
dusky at base; under surface of primaries fuscous; the fringes, except at apex, and
some costal spots ochraceous; secondaries gray. Expanse, 18™™,
46. Tortrix larva.
This caterpillar occurred August 11 and 12, at Brunswick, Me. It
lives between two leaves, the tent or cavity being lined by a slight
web.
Larva.—Head jet black with black cervical shield. Body stout, broader than the
head and shield, gradually tapering behind. Pea-green, color of the leaves; sey-
ments yellowish on the hind edge. Body with alternate light and dark green stripes.
Length, 17™™,
¥ 47. Tortrix larva.
This caterpillar was found feeding on the willow August 15, at
Brunswick, Me.
Larva.—Body thick in the middle, tapering towards each end. Head small, much
narrower than the prothoracic segment. Body and head pale grass-green; clypeus
and mouth parts amber-colored. Setiferous tubercles small, inconspicuous, the hairs
minute. Length, 15™™,
43. THE PURPLE WILLOW GRACILARIA.
Gracilaria purpuriella Chambers. ~
Late in August (the 20th) we found the caterpillar of this beautiful
moth, which had turned over obliquely the tip of the willow leaf and
securely fastened it to the under side of the leaf, thus making a trian-
gular fold. The worm had eaten the parenchyma from the under (i. e.,
inner) side, leaving a mass of black castings. The worm soon trans-
formed, remaining about two weeks in the pupa state, and the moth
appeared September 19. The moth is a very beautiful creature, with
a delicate body, wings, and legs. Our example was perfect, and agreed
in all respects with Mr. Chambers’ description, which is copied below.
He did not, however, describe the caterpillar. He remarks that it is
closely allied to the European G. stigmatella.
5 ENT——37
578 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
_Hestates (Canadian Entomologist, iv, p. 28) that “ the larva mines the
leaves of the willow (Salix longifolia) for a very short time; then, leav-
ing the mine it rolls the leaves from the tip upwards into various
forms (usually a cone or helix of three spirals).
* * * It frequently leaves one roll and makes
another, and, when ready to pupate, makes a
dense, semi-transparent web over it, upon the
ground, not on the leaf, as in many species. The
imago emerges in the fall, and most probably
hibernates.” He again remarks (I. ¢., v. 46):
The cone sometimes occupies an entire leaf; the apex of
the leaf is bent over, so that the left edge touches the right
one, to which it is fastened; then the leaf is rolled spi-
rally to the base, and the tip is used to close one end and the
base the other, so that the whole leaf is utilized. Many of
the mines, however, are by no means so perfect.
Chambers has also bred it from larve feeding
on the silver-leaf poplar, but, though not occurring
on the weeping willow, it is common enough on
many of our native willows.
Larva.—Body of the usual cylindrical shape; no cervical
shield. Head small, considerably narrower than the pro-
thoracic segment. Head and body uniformly greenish yel-
low. Only four pairs of abdominal legs, and these, with
the thoracic feet, are of the same colorasthe body. Length,
6 to7™™,
Pupa.—Very long and slender, so delicate as to scarcely
retain its shape when the moth has left it.
Fic. 193.—Willow leaf Moth.—Violaceous, reddish, or brownish purple, accord-
folded by Gracilaria ing tothe light. Face pale violaceous, flecked with brown-
Wilder del. ish purple. Antennz brown, tinged with purplish, faintly
annulate with white at the base of each joint; palpi pale
purplish. The triangular white spot at about the middle of the costa is nearly
equilateral; its anterior margin is a little concave, the apex reaching the fold, and it
has four small spots of the general hue situated in it upon the costa. Fringe bluish
fuscous. Posterior femora white at the tip and with a white band around the mid-
dle, and their under surface entirely white. Posterior tibie and inner surface of
intermediate tibie white. Tarsi pale grayish fuscous, faintly annulate, with white
at the joints. Abdomen purplish fuscous, on a white ground. Expanse of the
wings, half an inch (12.5™™). (Chambers. )
49. Tineid larva.
This larva is common on the willow at Brunswick, late in August,
fastening the leaves together.
Larva.—Body a little thicker than that of Gracilaria purpuriella, being quite
thick, with large flattened setiferous tubercles, four in a line across the thoracic
segments, and two large ones on the abduminal segments. Head small, very dark
amber-colored; prothoracic shield black-brown. Body dull olive green; supra-anal
_plate and anal legs darker. Long pale hairs along the sides of the body. Length,
~
qmm,
WILLOW LEAF-MINERS. 519
50. Gracilaria larva.
Associated with the foregoing species and Gracilaria purpuriella,
August 20, at Brunswick, Me. It fastens two leaves together, lining
the cavity thus formed with white silk. It also turns a whole leaf over,
inside out, joining the edges together com letely, and making a long
irregular pod-like tube.
Larva.—Much like that of Gracilaria purpuriella, but the segments are fuller, with
distinct piliferous warts which are concolorous with the body, the latter being uni-
formly yellowish green. Head small, much narrower than the prothoracic segment,
pale yellowish amber, with a small dark dot on each side; prothoracic segment con-
colorous with the other segmeat, but with two brown dots, one on each side. Length,
Sura.
51. Lithocolletis salicifoliella Clem.
‘¢ During the latter part of June or early in July the leaves of the
yellow willow, Salix vitellina var. alba, should be searched for this in-
sect. The mine is on the under surface, usually near the base of the
leaf and along the edge. I found these mines for the first time on the
23d of July of the present year, but they were untenanted, and the
imagos had escaped, so that I am unable to furnish any further par-
ticulars respecting the species.” (Clemens.)
52. Lithocolletis sp.
The larva of this minute moth is abundant on the willow. It was
observed July 10, and probably is to be found by the end of June.
The leaf is folded and rolled inward from near the base to the outer
third, and the larva eats holes in parts adjacent on the other side of
the mid-rib and on the inside of its case. The moth emerges as early
as July 20, leaving the pupa case sticking part way out of the folded
leaf. July 10 we found the larva of a small Braconid? larva which had
spun a loose silken cocoon, closing the opening of the fold.
Larva.—Body pale green ; head rounded, jet-black, as wide as the body. Segments
of the body coarsely wrinkled transversely. On the three last segments of the hind
body are black spots forming two irregular transverse conspicuous lines, and at the
end are four black pointed tubercles or spines. Length, 6™™.
53. Cemiostoma albella Chambers.
The larva of this Tineid are said by Chambers to live in large black-
ish blotch mines.
54. Aspidisca saliciella Clem.
‘‘ From the beginning to the middle of July the larva may be taken
on the leaves of yellow wiliow. The mine is very small, the excised
portion, with which the disk is formed, taking up the greater portion
of it. I noticed in this larva a habit, which may be generic, but if so it
580 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
has escaped my observation. The larva, after cutting out of its disk,
lets itself down by a thread, and in the middle of July the disks may
be found suspended under willows, as the larva lets itself down to the
surface of the ground. My specimens were taken on July 23, when
the mines were generally deserted.” (Clemens.)
55. Nepticula fuscotibiella Clem.
Though the food-plant and metamorphosis of this Tineid were not
mentioned by Clemens (Tineina, p. 182), Mr. Chambers stated that the
larva lives in a linear mine bent back on itself.
Moth.—Antenne dark fuscous; basal joint silvery white. Head reddish yellow.
Fore wings purplish fuscous, with a rather broad, slightly oblique silvery band
exterior to the middle of the wing. On the costa of the wing the band is rather
nearer to the base than on the inner margin; cilia pale grayish. Hind wings pale
gray, with pale-gray cilia. Thorax dark fuscous, with a purplish hue. Legs and
abdomen beneath yellowish, with a brassy luster; the hind tibiz fuscous.
56. Gelechia fungivorella Clem.*
The following account of this moth is from Clemens’ Tineina:
My friend Mr. Benj. D. Walsh, of Rock Island, Ill., writes to me that “the larva
mines a cabbage-like gall, brassicoides peculiar to Salix longifolia, and a pine-cone-
like gall on Salix cordata named strobiloides by Osten Sacken.” The ornamentation of
the imago is similar to that of G. roseosuffusella, the larva of which inhabits the
fruit panicles of sumach. Imago occurs August 1 to 15. Bred by Mr. B. D. Walsh,
Rock Island, IIl. J
Moth.—Fore wings roseate-white, freely dusted with testaceous-brown along the
inner margin from the base to the tip of the wing, the costal half of the wing being
banded with alternate roseate-white dusted with brownish, and testaceous-brown
bands; near the base of the wing is an oblique testaceous band extended a little be-
yond the middle of the wing, margined externally by a roseate-white band, having a
central line of brownish atoms. Another testaceous band, placed about the basal
third of the costa, is oblique, and extends a little beyond the middle of the wing; its
dorsal edge is convex and the costal edge concave; it is broadest in the middle of the
wing and terminates in a point, just beneath which is a black or dark brown dot en-
circled with white or roseate-white. Towards the apex of the wing is a semi-circular
testaceous, costal patch margined with white or roseate-white. The apical portion
of the wing is dusted freely with testaceous, and at the base of the cilia, near the
anal angle, are one or two black dots. Cilia testaceous, with a white patch beneath
the tip having a central dark-brownish cilial line, and a white or roseate-white patch
at the anal angle.
Antenne dark brown, slightly annulated with shining white. Head whitish tinted
with fuscous. Labial palpi white; second joint with three blackish rings, one at the
base, one in the middle and one near the tip; terminal joint with four blackish rings,
one at the base, two in the middle, and one at the extreme tip.
57. Gelechia salicifungiella Clemens.
‘‘The larva,” says Clemens (Tineina, p. 262), mines the same gall,
brassicoides, as G. fungivorella. Mr. Walsh bred six specimens, of which
he was kind enough to send me three. Although fungivorella is tinged
“Of this I received two specimens from Mr. B. D. Walsh. The exp. al. is 54x6
lines.—H. T. S.
WILLOW LEAF-MINERS. 581
with roseate in the white markings, I can perceive no tendency in the
eight specimens of this imago, that Mr. Walsh has so iiberally sent me,
to merge into the ornamentation of salicifungiella. Certainly the char-
acter of the markings is the same in each, and it is possible that we have
here but a single species. The imago occurs August 3-13. Bred by
Mr. B. D. Walsh.”
Moth.—Fore wings red, irregularly marked with whitish. Near the base is a
whitish band, powdered with dark fuscous, which curves across the fold, including
the inner margin, and reaches the middle of the wing; the part beneath the fold is
tinged with reddish and sometimes with pale brownish. Adjoining this band exteri-
orily is a dark brownish-red, curved band, which does not cross the fold. On the
costa are three small white spots, one near the tip, one about the middle and one ex-
terior to the brownish-red band. ‘The margin of the wing is powdered with dark
fuscous cilia red. Hind wings dark gray; cilia grayish-fuscous.
Head reddish. Antenne black, annulated with white. Labial palpi pale red;
second joint with two blackish rings; terminal joint with three black rings and a
black dot at the base, extreme tip black. (Clemens.)
58. Gelechia, wndescribed species (Chambers).
Imago unknown. The larva sews together willow leaves at great
elevations in the Rocky Mountains.
59. Marmara salictella Clem.*
The following account of this moth is copied from Clemens’s posthu-
mous work on the Tineina:
The larva mines the young branches of the yellow willow tree. I
*It leaves its mine at maturity to weave a white semi-transparent cocoon within
some crevice of the bark of the tree on which it feeds or upon the ground. The ex-
terior of the cocoon is covered with little froth-like globules, which resemble minute
pearls.
The imago rests with the front part of the body elevated, and, I believe, the fore-
feet applied to the breast, like the members of the genus Tischeria. The antenne
are held extended at the side of the head, and have a constant trembling motion.
Larva.—The larva is much flattened, and the segments separated by deep incis-
ions, particularly on the sides. The head is extremely thin, circular, with a peculiar
appendage in front of the mandibles similar to that found in the larva of Lithocolletis —
of the second group, which it likewise resembles in form. Like these it has three
feet and three abdominal prolegs and one terminal pair, all very short.
Moth.—Hind wings setiform. The subcostal vein is faint, attenuated, and simple.
The discal vein free, central and two-branched. The median vein simple. Fore-
wings narrowly lanceolate. The disk long, narrow, and closed. The subcostal vein
is well defined from the base to the first marginal branch, which appears to be a con-
tinuation of it. But from the origin of the first marginal branch the vein is greatly
attenuated, and is deflected towards the middle of the wing and subdivides into two
branches opposite the point at which the first marginal branch attains the costa.
The two branches into which the subcostal divides are delivered one to the costa
just behind the tip and the other midway between this and the costal end of the first
marginal branch. The median vein is two-branched. and is well defined from the
base to its branches, all of which are attenuated. The posterior branch is short,
582 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
have always found it in those that spring from the trunk. Its mine is
extremely long and very narrow, being only a track beneath the young
and delicate cuticle of the branches sufficiently wide to accommodate
the body of the miner. At first it is difficult to detect the same, but
after some months it is easily traced by the elevated line of reddish-
brown matter that marks the course of it. Thus it is easily found in
early spring before the buds have expanded, and the larva may be
sought in April, and is easily reared. In the spring the larva is of a
dark lemon-yellow color without markings, and at this time the larva
can be seen through the cuticle of the branch. About the middle of
May, or rather about the 10th of the month, the larva will be found
banded alternately with red and yellow, with two black dorsal dashes
on the second segment. (I regard the head as the first.) This is the
indication that it has reached its maturity, and in a day or two it cuts
the cuticle and leaves the mine to weave its cocoon, sometimes in the
angle of a bud on the branch of which it has been feeding, and some-
times on adjacent substances.
In rearing this insect it is simply necessary to thrust the branches of
the willow into wet sand contained in some convenient vessel and to
protect them so that the larve can not wander after leaving their
mines.
The perfect insect appears after a pupation of about a month, or, as
is the case of one specimen specially observed, in twenty-six days. It
may be found as an imago, therefore, about the middle of June.
Moth.—Forewings dark fuscous, with a silvery white band at the basal third of
the wing, and a slightly oblique one of the same hue in the middle, inclined towards
the inner angle. Near the tip of the wing are dorsal and costal silvery white spots
opposite each other. Behind the dorsal spot is a narrow, somewhat curved white
streak, extending from the apical cilia to the middle of the wing. Cilia silvery
grayish at the tips. Hind wings grayishfuscous. Antenne grayish fuscous. Head
silvery white. Labial palpi silvery, the hairs of the second joint touched with fus-
cous. Maxillary palpi dark fuscous. (From Clemens’s Tineina. )
60. Batrachedra salicipomonella Clem.
The following account is copied from Clemens:
This is a very interesting “micro,” not only in consequence of the
specific resemblance it bears to the European Batrachedra preangusta,
but of the discovery of its larva by one of our most gifted and promis-
ing entomologists, Mr. Benjamin D. Walsh, of Rock Island, Il.
In the note which accompanied the perfect insects, Mr. Walsh writes:
I inclose herewith several specimens of a moth bred from the Tenthredinidous gall,
salicis-pomum Walsh manuscript, and a single one from the Cecidomyidous gall, S.
and the next is delivered to the tip of the wing, and receives an oblique discal vein
from the last branch of the subcostal, which closes the disk. The submedian vein
is simple. Head smooth, with appressed scales. Ocelli, —— ——? Aniennez one-
third less long than the forewings. Labial palpi slender, ascending, not higher than
the vertex; the second joint is scaly, the third smooth. Beneath the labial palpi
are small, ascending maxillary palpi. Tongue naked, as long as the fore coxe and
femora.
-WILLOW-GALL TINEIDS. 583
rhodoides Walsh. This is the insect that I think ] mentioned to you as being very
prettily marked in the larval state, each segment having a broad black band, and
the ground color being whitish. I had a single one come out last summer, but the
great bulk of them hybernated either in the larva or pupa state and came out May 8 to
20. They vary but little. I have beaten larve of very similar appearance off oak
trees.
So far as I am informed the larva is unknown to European Lepidop-
terists, although it is recorded that the perfect insect, prwangusta, is
very common among willows and poplars in July, and may frequently
be observed sitting on the trunks of those trees with the anterior feet
put back like Bdellia and the head raised a little.
Mr. Walsh has the honor of having made an interesting discovery
that puts an end to all uncertainty respecting the larva and its food-
plant.
This larva occurred in abundance August 23, and subsequently in the Tenthredi-
nidous gall, S. pomum, Walsh manuscript, which grows on the leaves of Salix cor-
data. Each gall contained but a single larva, unaccompanied by the larva of the
Nematus which makes the gall, which it must consequently have destroyed or starved
out, either in the egg or in the larva state.
A single imago came out in the autumn of the same year, but the great bulk of
them came out next spring, May 8 to 20, from galls kept through the winter. There
can be no doubt of the correlation of larva and imago, because no other Lepidopterous
larva or imago occurred in the gall S. pomum, though I had three or four hundred of
them in my breeding vase. The insect must hibernate normally in the larva state,
for I noticed numbers of them in the spring crawling about among the galls. Ina
state of confinement it generally retires to the inside of the gall to assume the pupa
state, though I noticed one or two cocoons spun among the galls. Probably in a
state of nature it hybernates in the gall, comes out of it in the spring, and spins its
cocoons among dry leaves and rubbish.
I also bred a single imago of this same species, May 11, from the Cecidomyidous
gall, S. rhodoides, Walsh, from galls kept through the winter, and I found in the
spring a denuded imago of what was apparently the same species, dead and dry
amongst a lot of Tenthredinidous galls, 8S. desmodiodes, Walsh manuscript, which is
closely allied to S. pomum, but occurs on the leaves of a very distinct species of willow.
Thus we have three different willow galls inhabited by the same moth, two of them
made by saw-flies and one by a gall-gnat.
I have several times beaten off black-oak trees larve apparently very similar to
this Batrachedra, and with the same harlequin-like markings, but whether the two
are specifically identical I can not say.
In a subsequent letter Mr. Walsh kindly supplied me with the fol-
lowing description of the larva:
Larva.—Length, .20 inch. Body tapering at each end, opaque, milky-whitish,
with a few short, whitish hairs. The first segment behind the head with an obsemi-
circular, shining, glabrous, brown dorsal shield; second segment with an interrupted
opaque brown dorsal band on its anterior edge, the interruption occupying about
one-third of the band; segments 3 to 12 with an interrupted opaque brown dorsal
band on the anterior edge, and segment 11 with a similar band at its tip also.
Head yellowish. Legs and venter immaculate whitish. Legs six, prolegs ten, nor-
mally arranged. Spins a thread, wriggles much when disturbed, and runs backward
with great agility. (Clemens’ Tineina. Edited by H. T. Stainton.)
Moth.—Forewings fuscous, with a rather broad whitish stripe, freely dusted with
fuscous, running through the middle of the wing from the base and along the apical
584 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
margin to the tip. Near the basal third of the wing on the dorsal edge of the whitish
stripe is an elongate blackish brown spot, and from the middle of the wing towards
the tip it is edged on its costal side by a blackish brown line, which contains some-
times a spot of the same hue. The apical portion of the stripe is more freely dusted
with fuscous than the other portions. Cilia fuscous. Hind wings fuscous, cilia
paler.
Antennz dark fuscous, without white annulations except near the tip. Head fus-
cous above, face white. Labial palpi dark fuscous; second joint with a white ring
at the extreme tip, sometimes white at the base, with a broad fuscous ring near the
tip; terminal joint fuscous, with a more or less distinct whitish central ring, and the
extreme tip whitish. (Clemens’ Tineina.)
61. Batrachedra preangusta (Haworth.)
62. Batrachedra siholata Zeller.
Chambers remarks that “the specific distinctness of these three
species seems to me not sufficiently established. B. salicipomella was
bred from galls made by other insects on willows. The mode of feed-
ing of the others is not satisfactorily determined.”
63. THE AMERICAN CiMBEX.
Cimbex americana Leach.
Order HYMENOPTERA; family TENTHREDINID®.
The following account of this insect is copied from Professor Riley’s
report as U. S. Entomologist for 1884 :
During the latter part of May last, Admiral Ammen, who is noted in Washington ~
for his devotion to horticulture and arboriculture, brought us specimens of this large
saw-fly, with an account of its injuries to his imported willows, not as usual by the
larva, but by the gnawing of the perfect fly, the plantation being described as look-
ing as if a fire had run over it, or asif it had suffered by a severe frost. As this habit.
was new, so far as we have any records, and as nothing was known of the mode of
oviposition in the species, we had the matter investigated. The tips of many of the
plants were found to be dark brown and dead; the dried-up portion extended 2 to.
4 inches from the tip. Upon investigation it was plain that the cause of the trouble
was a very fine but deep transverse incision just below the dead portion of the willow,
the incision often extending more than half way around the twig, or there being a
number of smaller incisions, one above the other. (Fig. 194, b.) All these incisions
were so narrow that they could hardly be supposed to have been made for feeding
purposes; but in many instances a number of larger marks, usually of an oblong
shape, were visible, and looked as though they had been made for food.
According to Admiral Ammen this injury had been done by the saw-flies in the
latter part of May; but on the 5th of June the flies had for the most part disap-
peared, and Mr. Schwarz, who made examination after our departure for Europe,
found at that date but a single female, sitting on a branch of about 5™™ in diameter,
and just in the act of cutting one of the incisures referred to above. The insect
worked its mandibles in a very slow and deliberate manner, and made but little
headway in cutting during the three or four minutes he watched its workings.
Upon examination the twig was found to contain three such incisures, each reaching
more than half way around.
The eggs and mode of oviposition.—Whether or not the cutting of the tips is made for
feeding purposes, it is evident that it has nothing to do with oviposition, as no trace
THE WILLOW CIMBEX. 585.
of the eggs could be found either on the dead part of the twig or in the living por-
tion just beneath. The eggs are deposited between the epidermis and paranchyma
of the leaf. When looking over the plants from above, the place of oviposition is
hardly perceptible, appearing as a very slight blister-like swelling, accompanied on
one side by a faint ferruginous line, but otherwise not differing in color from the rest
of the leaf. On the under side, however, these blisters were very plainly visible,
being much paler than the rest of the leaf, and having, in the more developed con-
dition, a reddish tinge. These blisters closely resemble those of other saw-flies,.
Fic. 194.—Cimbex of the willow: a, leaf containing the eggs; b, willow twig with incisions; c, egg;
d, young larva; e, mature larva; f, cocoon; g, the same cut away to show the pupa, h; k, saw of the
fly,t. After Riley.
which insert their eggs in leaves and are usually nearly circular in outline (some-
times nearly oval), and distinctly elevated above the general surface of the leaf,
though otherwise quite flat. They are always on the face of the leaf, usually nearer
to the outer margin than to the midrib, never on or near the midrib and rarely
extending across one of the side ribs. Their number varies from one to nine or more
on a single leaf. Where there are several they are generally situated in a longitudi-
nal row, the individual blisters being then always separated by the intervening side
586 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
ribs. Sometimes two rows of these blisters are found on the same leaf. The place
of insertion of the ovipositor is always plainly visible, as a nearly straight slit
(usually closed) of ferruginous or brownish color at or near that edge of the blister
which is nearest to the margin of the leaf, thus indicating that while ovipositing
the female fly grasps the edge of the leaf with her fore legs. (Fig. 194, a.)
Leaves infested with eggs, although not rare, were by no means so abundant as
should have been expected from the extent of the injury inflicted by the imagos. A
great many plants (and among them many with their tops cut off) were not infested,
while occasionally a plant could be found with four or five infested leaves, mostly
about the middle or near the top of the plant.
The egg, when about ready to hatch, is oblong oval, somewhat flattened, and with
its shell so thin and pliable that it not only loses its regular shape by the slightest
pressure, but even by the position or movements of the embryo larva within. The
shell is perfectly hyaline, with no visible sculpture besides some fine, irregular, and
variable wrinkles. Its surface is very sticky. At an earlier stage the egg is elon-
gate and nearly cylindrical. Through the whitish epidermis of the blister the shape
of the egg is always readily perceptible as a transverse (i. e., parallel or nearly
parallel to the margin of the leaf) object of a decided green color. (Fig. 194, c.)
The young larva, after hatching remains for some time within the blister, but
finally leaves it through an irregular slit at the middle of the epidermis. Its color
is bluish gray. (Fig. 194, d.)
The recently excluded larve are uniformly curled up on the under side of the leaf.
Three varieties of cultivated willows were found to be injured by the perfect saw-
fiy, while egg blisters could only be found on two varieties.
The willows affected were the American green ozier, the Welsh, and the Golden.
Remedies.—It would be quite practicable, considering the small area to be pro-
tected and the conspicuous size of the insect and its clumsy movements, to catch the
perfect flies by means of a net; but the application of arsenical poisons would be
surer, and would also rid the willows of many other enemies.
‘‘For some years” says Mr. Bruner ‘‘the large saw-fly (Cimbex americana) has at-
tracted my attention at various points in Nebraska, by its habit of frequenting
hedges of white willow in preference to the various species of the native willow.
During the summer its large, green, slug-like larve would be met with from time to
time, but not until the present summer have I learned that it appeared in such great
numbers as to completely defoliate the trees.
“ About three weeks age (August 31) I visited Mr. G. M. Dodge, of Glencoe, Dodge
County, and while driving across the country observed that nearly every hedge of
this willow had been more or less injured by some insect which had stripped the
trees of most of their leaves. I at once attributed the work to the striped cotton-
wood beetle (Plagiodera scripta), which, as you have shown, has been known to injure
various species of willow, as well as the poplars and cottonwood in this and other
sections of the country. Upon speaking to Mr. Dodge in reference to the subject, he
informed me that the work was that of the above named saw-fly. He also stated
that the larve had been so numerous on many of the hedges in his immediate neigh-
borhood as to completely defoliate the trees before they (the larv) had attained full
growth, and that they had therefore proved the cause of their own destruction.
‘‘ At other points, however, where the larv were less numerous, they have matured,
and will evidently make their appearance in force next season, provided no unfore-
seen providence intervenes.
‘Mr. Dodge also informed me that this saw-fly has been steadily on the increase for
the past three or four years—always working on the white willow in preference to
the native species.”
A Cimbex-like saw-fly larva occurred on the willow at Brunswick, Me.,
August 6, 1886, September 3, 1885. It is represented by the very poor
Sketch in Pl. v, fig. 11.
WILLOW SAW-FLIES. 587
Larva.—Head large, as wide as the body, rounded, pale yellowish ; eyes black, con-
spicuous; legs pale whitish green; eight pairs of abdominal legs; abdomen closely
rolled up when at rest like a Helix. All the segments finely wrinkled ; the ridges
bearing small flattened warts. Spiracles black. Body glaucous-green. Length
A bee
64 Galeruca decora Say.
The most numerous and most dangerous of the enemies of the willow referred to
by Professor Riley is, beyond question, the willow Galeruca (Galeruca decora Say),
of which young larve and imagos were met with everywhere on the leaves. The
character of its injury and its natural history do not appear to differ from those of
the imported elm leaf-beetle (G. xanthomelena). Its eggs are a little larger, brighter
colored, and less acuminate, and the young larve of darker color, but not otherwise
different. Full-grown larve were not found early in June and only a few egg-
clusters.
65. Colaspis tristis Olivier.
Next in importance, says Riley, comes Colaspis tristis, which in the imago state
preferably feeds upon the very young, not yet fully developed, leaves. Its larva,
which no doubt has subterranean habits, was not met with, and it probably feeds on
the roots of some other plant.
66. THE WILLOW DOLERUS.
Dolerus arvensis Say.
Order HYMENOPTERA; family TENTHREDINID.
The following account of this insect is copied verbatim from Professor
Forbes’ third report on the injurious insects of Illinois:
From one of the most intelligent and observant fruit growers of my acquaintance,
I have heard from time to time of a ‘‘steel-blue fly” which clustered in spring upon
the buds and blossoms of the pear, either eating them or blighting them and causing
them to drop. On the 30th March he sent me specimens from his pear trees, and I
found them to be the adults of the above two species which are known as willow saw-
flies,—so called because their green, many-footed larvee feed on the leaves of willows.
The evidence against these saw-flies lay in the fact that they were abundant and
busy upon the opening buds and fresh blossoms of the pear and of some other trees,
for many days in succession, and that the blossoms afterwards fell without setting
fruit. Afterwards a similar but more positive charge against these insects appeared
in the correspondence of the Western Rural, of Chicago, for May 17, 1884, as fol-
lows:
‘‘Inclosed you will find a couple of bugs that are working on fruit trees here.
They ruin many blossom buds by sucking the sap out of them, sometimes causing
them to fall off just before opening. They make their appearance as soon as the
trees begin to grow. You will notice there are two colors of bugs—red and black.
Is there any way to get rid of them? Poison won’t do it, for I have tried London pur-
ple. They suck the sap mostly, although I think later in the season they eat the
leaves some, but I am not sure of it. They work on pear worse than others.”
The first of these species, Dolerus arvensis, was originally described by Thomas Say
in 1824, and the second, less common but still abundant, by Beauvois in 1805.
Although the larve of the former, at least, have been known for a long time to feed
upon the leaves of willow, they have not otherwise, so far as I am aware, been sus-
pected of any injury to vegetation of economic importance, all the references to them
in the literature of entomology being of a strictly technical character. From other
insects occurring in similar situations, with which they are at all likely to be con-
588 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
founded, they may be distinguished by the following characters in addition to those
of the family Tenthredinidze to which these insects belong:
The first, Dolerus arvensis, is alittle more than one-third of an inch in length by
about one-third as wide, and measures not far from two-thirds of an inch across the
extended wings. The head and body are dark steel blue except the thorax, which is
variegated with yellow and black.
67. Dolerus bicolor Beauv.
Referring to the second species of Dolerus, Forbes continues his
account as follows:
The other species, Dolerus bicolor, is a trifle smaller than the first, brownish yellow
except the wings, the head, the middle of the thorax, and the legs, all of which are
black.
Both these insects are abundant everywhere in early spring, and the larve of both,
similar in appearance to green caterpillars, but distinguished by the possession of
eleven pairs of legs, feed upon the leaves of the willow a little later in the season.
Careful watching in the field soon convinced me that these saw-flies were neither
biting nor piercing the buds or flowers, but that they were merely licking off the
semi-fluid exudation from the surface of the bud scales. Dissecting the specimens
and examining the contents of their stomachs with the microscope, I found only a
clear fluid, without a trace of solid matter except occasional spheres consisting of
clusters of threads of fungous parasites Critically searching the surface of a bud
scale which these flies had but just worked over, I saw that no injury whatever had
been done to the tissues of the plant, even the slender hairs with which the scales
were covered being wholly undisturbed. Watching the flies with a glass, I could
see that their biting jaws remained all the time closed, but that their flap-like max-
illa were continually employed in mopping up the moisture from the viscid surface,
and as they have no mouth-parts capable of piercing the substance of a plant, it was
clear that no injury was being done. Finally, I confined a lot of the saw-flies in a
breeding cage with pear buds not yet open. The insects industriously worked over
the surfaces of the unopened buds and even entered the flowers as they expanded,
but did neither any visible injury whatever. The buds afterwards all opened out in
abundant bloom, and remained fresh for several days, while the poor saw-flies, hav-
ing lapped up all the sirup available, starved to death in the midst of the uninjured
blossoms. A little experiment showed that they were especially susceptible to the
influence of pyrethrum, and that a single thorough application to a tree would kill
all upon it at the time.
The above brief account of these insects is given merely to set at rest the fears of
those who, like my correspondents, may be led to attribute to them serious mischief
really due te quite other causes. (Forbes. )
68. Nematus ventralis Say.
The larve of this saw-fly were found by Dr. Harris on leaves of the
willow June 22; they spun their cocoons June 24, the flies appearing
from July 15 onward. A second brood of these occurred on the nar-
row-leafed dwarf willow September 5, and on the same shrub a pair
of flies apparently recently transformed. The cocoons were made Sep-
tember 20. A swarm of larve was also found October 17. (Harris?
Corr., p. 270.)
Larva.—Six-tenths inch long, greenish black, and with ten heart-shaped ocher-yel-
low spots on each side, beginning on the second ring. Prolegs fourteen; viz, twelve
ventral and two very short retractile ones to the last ring, all of a whitish color;
the first pair on the fifth ring, and the rest (except the anal pair) on the following
WILLOW SAW-FLIES. 589
rings. Body transversely wrinkled, but smooth. Head polished, jet black. Anal
segment (just above the flap) with two minute black warts, or truncated, slender
tubercles. Curls its tai] when at rest. (Harris’ Corr., p. 270.)
Saw-fly.—Black ; venter and feet pale. Male: Hypostoma, palpi, and mandibles
at base whitish ; orbits above and behind piceous ; thorax dilated, triangular line
before the wing, and wing-scale whitish; wings slightly dusky, nervures fuscous ;
feet honey-yellow, posterior tarsi black-brown ; tergum black, segments each with a
yellow band of which the four terminal ones are interrupted in the middle; venter
pale honey-yellow. Length, one-fourth inch. Female: Orbits all round, whitish ;
white line or spot before the wings with about three obsolete black spots before;
feet white, thighs black in the middle, posterior tarsi blackish, tergum black, the
bands obsolete; venter white and segments blackish. Length, .3inch. (Say.)
69. Selandria? sp.
This species was observed August 20, at Brunswick, Me., eating irreg-
ular round holes in the edge of the leaves and spinning a cocoon.
Larva.—Body slender, cylindrical, slightly compressed. Head small, round, amber
colored, as wide as the body. The body pea-green ; the heart very distinct, forming
a dark line with a pale yellowish-green line on each side. The thoracic feet rather
long. Seven pairs of abdominal legs; the last (anal) pair modified, being very short,
and like the tip of the body, pale lilac; the first two pairs of abdominal legs larger
than those succeeding ; the sixth pair rudimentary. The spiracles connected by a
hair line of yellowish green. Length, 8 to 9™™,
70. Selandria sp.
The larva of this species folds the leaves of different species of wil-
low longitudinally on one side of the midrib. It spins a cocoon of the
usual shape August 28 to 31.
Larva.—Head large, round, full, amber colored. Body cylindrical, pale, flesh col-
ored, tapering towards the end, where are two jet-black acute spines, with a broad
base extending anteriorly. Body covered with short hairs, and transversely wrinkled.
Length, 6™™,
71. Nematus sp.?
Nematus ? congeneric with one occurring on Betula populifolia, Bruns-
wick, September 6.
Larva.—Head small, round, black, body with a lateral ridge; scalloped; each seg-
ment with three transverse rows of black warts; the scallops on the lateral ridges
black. Thoracie and abdominal false legs, except last pair, blackish. Length, 20™™.,
72. UNKNOWN SAW-FLY LARVA.
This species occurred on the willow at Brunswick, Me., spinning a
cocoon July 17.
Larva.—Seven pairs of abdominal legs. Head glaucous green; eyes black. Body
pale glaucous green, including the thoracic and abdominal legs; the body frosted,
with a double dorsal whitish line, and one on each side below.
73. Nematus? larva.
Observed at Jackson, N. H., on the willow.
Larva.—Body long and slender ; anal plate peculiar, being broad and square, with
two lateral projections. Seven pairs of abdominal legs, the last pair short and
thick. Head pale greenish amber, with a broad black median straight band extend-
590 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
ing from the occiput to the labrum; also a lateral, rather paler, band extending to
the black eyes. Body speckled irregularly, especially on the sides, with brown. A
dark dorsal vascular line, inclosed by two slender fine yellowish lines. Length, 17™™,
74. LARGE NEMATUS? LARVA.
This false caterpillar occurred frequently on the willow at Bruns-
wick, Me., late in August. _
Larva.—Eight pairs of abdominal legs. Body rather thick, long, not usually curled
up much at the extremity, with no markings, warts, or spines. Head small, round,
amber, greenish in front, eyes distinct and black. Body wrinkled, much as in Cim-
bex, which it approaches in size, pale green throughout; with a dorsal pair of lines
composed of obscure diffuse irregular faint yellowish patches on each side of the
vascular line; and a similar lateral line, also obscure. Length, 26™™.
75. Chrysomela bigsbyana Kirby.
Mr. Coquillett has reared this leaf-beetle from the willow, on which it
feeds. He found in Illinois two larve August 13, which shortly after-
wards pupated, the beetles appearing September 5. The species was
determined by Dr. Horn. (Can. Ent., xv,-p. 22.) It is not uncommon on
willows in Maine late in June.
Larva.—Body white, tinged with yellow ; spiracles black with a white dot in the
center of each; on each side of segments 2 and 3 is a curved black dash, the curve
downwards; cervical shield concolorous, marked with a blackish spot in the middle
of each outer edge; head yellowish brown, ocelli black, in two clusters. Length,
10™m,
The beetle. —Body green, palpi, antenne, and legs rufous; anterior marginand sides of
the prothorax reddish ; elytra pale red witha sutural stripe, a humeral broken bilobed
spot, and several dots black or dark green. Color and sculpture of the body like
those of the preceding species, from which C. bigsbyana differs principally in having
the sides and anterior margin of the prothorax reddish yellow ; the elytra are of the
same color, but the suture itself, especially at the base, a stripe parallel to it, a large
humeral bilobed spot, the interior lobe of whicb is obtusangular or broken, and
several irregular dots and spots on the elytra are black-green. Length of the body
4lines. (Kirby.)
76. Chrysomela spireew Say.
I have found this species on willows in Maine late in June.
The beetle—Head dark green, tinged with brassy; antenne and palpi rufous;
thorax dark green, tinged with brassy; elytra pale yellow, sometimes tinged with
rufous; each with about seventeen unequal small green spots; a larger lunate one
originating on the humerus; a common green sutural line, which sends off a lateral
short branch on each side near the base; beneath blackish green; feet rufous.
Length, inch.
It is very closely allied to the C. philadelphica Fabr., but is smaller, and the sutural
line is always common, whereas in the philadelphica there is a slender subsutural line
on each elytron always insulated from the suture throughout its whole length.
77. Chrysomela philadelphica Linn.
While this species feeds on the pine, according to Fitch, he also has
observed it commonly on the willow.
The beetle —A very convex broad-oval beetle about 0.30 long, of a dark bottle-
green color, with white wing-covers sometimes tinged with yellow and having on
al
WILLOW LEAF-BEETLES. 591
them numerous spots and dots of dark green witha black line on the suture widened
anteriorly and a second line parallel with this on each side, the antenne and legs
rusty red. (Fitch.)
78. Crepidodera helxines (Linn).
The adult Crepidodera helxines L. was found repeatedly throughout
May in central and southeastern Illinois, devouring the leaves of wil-
lows, and scarcely less commonly upon the Lombardy poplar and the
balm of Gilead, doing decided injury to young trees in the nurseries.
(Forbes’s Rep. Ins. IIl., 1883.)
This is also said by Mr. W. L. Devereaux to be very abundant on the
leaves at Clyde, N. Y.
79. Phyllodecta vitellinw (Linn).
The beetle.—Second and third joints of the antenne of usual length. Body oblong,
a little inclining to ovate, glossy ; underneath black-bronzed, scarcely punctured ;
above bronzed with a copper tint, minutely punctured. First and second joints of
the antennez rufous; scutellum impunctured; elytra punctured in rows, with the inter-
stices indistinctly punctured ; tarsi piceous with the first joint rufous.
80. Galerucella sagittarie Gyll.
The beetle.—Body brown, a little downy, not glossy. Mouth dirty yellow; pro-
thorax transverse, impressed, reddish-yellow, with three black nearly confluent spots;
scutellum subquadrangular, truncated at the apex; elytra grossly but not thickly
punctured ; suture and lateral margin paler than the rest of the elytron; anus and
legs reddish yellow; tarsi darker. Variety B: With the base of the antennez yellow-
ish underneath, the black spots on the prothorax distinct, and the elytra entirely of
a brownish yellow.
81. Lina ( Plagiodera) lapponica (Linn.).
Larve of Plagiodera lapponica L., taken on the willow at Normal,
June 24, commenced to pupate July 1, and to emerge on the 3d, the
last of about sixty appearing on the 8th. (Forbes’s Rep. Ins. II1.. 1883.)
82. Lina (Plagiodera) scripta Fabr.
Mr. D. W. Coquillett writes me that he has observed this beetle on
the willow in Illinois.
83. THE SNOWY TREE-CRICKET.
Ccanthus niveus Serville.
This common tree-cricket has been quite frequent, congregating in
raspberry and blackberry patches, as well as on white willow hedges,
where it often causes much injury by filling the stems and twigs of these
plants withitseggs. Several species of Helianthus and one Solidago
are, however, its chief food-plants in Nebraska. Scarcely a single one of
these weeds escapes without the eggs of one or more of the crickets
being thrust into its pithy substance. (L. Bruner in Riley’s Rep. Inj.
Ins., U.S. Ag. Dpt., 1884, p. 399.)
592 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
84. Lachnus salicicola Uhler (Aphis salicti Harr.).
Mr. Monell has described an aphid under the name of Chaitophorus
_salicicola which Professor Thomas (Eighth Rep. Ins. I1., p. 105) questions
whether it may not be Lachnus salicicola Uhler. We copy Harris’
‘description of his salicti.
Stylo nullo, corniculis brevibus fulvis, corpore nigro, immaculato, alarum venis pedibusque
Sulvis.
Black, immaculate; wings hyaline, the veins, the antenns, cornicule, and legs ful-
vous. Body black, immaculate; first and second joints of the antennew black, third
fulvous at base, remainder fuscous; corniculew short, fulvous; legs fulvous, tibie at
apex and tarsi fuscous. Length, about 1 line. Expanse of wings, above 4 lines.
Inhabits the willow, living on the under side of the extremities of the branches.
‘October 1, 1837.
This species can not be identical with 4. salicis Linn., which has the body spotted
with white. (Harris’ Corr.)
85. Chaitophorus viminalis Thomas.
This aphid occurs on the young twigs and leaves of Salix lucida and
S. babylonica in Illinois.
Apterous individuals.—Varying from pale green to light yellow, with two darker
vitt# on the abdomen which are often obsolete. Entire insect covered with long
white hair.
Winged individuals.—Head and thorax black ; abdomen black, except the margins
and style, whichare yellow. Nectaries a little longer than thick, yellowish, often
slightly fuscous. Antenne hairy; seventh joint filiform, almost as long as the three
preceding taken together. Wings hyaline. Length, 1.52™™; to tip of wings, 2.54™™.
86. Chaitophorus smithie Thomas.
This aphid lives on the leaves of Salix alba, from May to June, at
‘Peoria, Ill. (Miss E. A. Smith.)
Winged form.—General color dusky reddish. Wings hyaline; venation very var-
able. Nectaries two-thirds as long as the tarsi, vasiform, contracted at the base,
‘expanding in the middle and again contracted at the apex; the mouth flaring.
Antenne a little over half as long as the body, the third joint the longest, the
fourth and fifth subequal, and the sixth joint two-thirds as long as the preceding.
Seventh joint slender, very little longer than the preceding. Rostrum reaching the
‘third pair of cop. Length, 2.28™™; to tip of wings, 4.56™™,
87. Lachnus dentatus Le Baron.
Dr. Le Baron describes this species in his second Report on the
Insects of Illinois, p. 138. It occurs in great numbers in October and
November on the under sides of the branches of the gray willow, and
also occurs on small nursery apple trees.
Moth.—Black; abdomen dark ash-colored, with six transverse rows of black dots.
Antenne filiform, as long as the head and thorax ; two basal joints, short and stout,
the third as long as the three terminal ones united; these three equal. Proboscis
greenish yellow at base. Forewings with the usual stout subcostal vein, and a
very elongate stigma; three discoidal veins (exclusive of the stigmatic vein), much
WILLOW APHIDES. 593
wider apart at their tips than at their bases; third vein two-forked ; hind wings
with a subcostal and two discoidal veins, the latter very closely approximate at
base and divergent at tip. Thighs dark honey-yel-
low, broadly tipped with black ; tibie dusky, red-
dish at the base.
‘The honey-tubes are subobsolete, The dots on the
abdomen are very distinct, especially on the fully
grown, wingless individuals. In the intermediate
rows the dots are six in number, the two middle
ones being smaller than the others. Just behind the
middle of the abdomen, and occupying the place of
the two middle dots in the fourth row, is asomewhat
conspicuous black, conical protuberance, varying in
size in different individuals, and sometimes considerably more prominent than it is
represented in the figure. Length, two-twelftls of an inch; expanse of the wings,
six-tenths.
Fic. 195.—Lachnus dentatus; en-
larged. After Forbes.
88. Chaitophorus nigre Oestlund.
Found by Mr. Oestlund on the leaves of Salix nigra as late as Octo-
ber 26.
Winged form.—Similar to Aphis in general appearance. Entire insect with long
white hairs. Head black, rather straight in front. Antenne about as long as the
body, black except base of 111; I and 11 as usual and subequal, 111 longest, Iv a little
shorter, V a little shorter than Iv, v1 about_one-half of v, vil as long as Iv, setaceous ;
II to V moderately cicatrized. Eyes dark reddish-brown, with a prominent tubercle.
Beak rather short, hardly reaching second cox, pointed. Thorax all black, pro-
thorax well developed, pronotum not narrowed in the middle. Wings as usual.
Legs with the femora more or less blackish, and the tibie pale. Abdomen wholly
black or slightly pale, brown along the sides. Honey-tubes tuberculiform, not longer
than broad, thickest at base, usually paler than the body, Style tubercle-like, or
even knobbed as in Callipterus. Length of body .06; to tip of wings .10.
Wingless form.—General color a dull blackish-brown. Body flat, obovate or oblong,
quite hairy and tubercular in young specimens, becoming smooth in full-grown.
Antenne about one-half the body or a little longer, pale at base, dusky towards the
apex; relative length of the joints as in winged form; joints with long white hairs,
not very numerous. Abdomen usually with the middle and the margins slightly
paler. Honey-tubes as in the above form. Length of body .06. (Oestlund.)*
89. Rhopalosiphum salicis Monell.
This aphid occurs on the under side of leaves of Salix lucida, S. nigra,
and S. babylonica.
Winged individuals.—Head and thorax dusky; abdomen green, with various irregu-
lar, darker green markings. Antenne about half as long as the body, not mounted
on frontal tubercle; the third and fourth joints somewhat dentate; apical joint half
as long again as the preceding; third and fourth joints often subconnate. Nectaries °
light green, reaching to the tip; the basal portion slender, expanding at the middle
to twice its former diameter, and again suddenly contracted at the mouth, which is
furnished with the usual annulus. Tail yellowish, about one-third as long as the
nectaries. Length 1.52™™; to tip of wings, 3.04™™, Apterous individuals entirely
pale green, with two darker dorsal vittz.
90. Chionaspis salicis (Linn.).
Specimens of Chionaspis fraxini received from England, states Pro-
fessor Comstock (Ag. Rt., 1880), are identical with C. salicis received
* Fourteenth Ann. Rep. Geol. and Nat. Hist. Survey Minnesota, 1886, p. 49.
5 ENT——38
594 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
from M. Signoret. Professor Comstock has also received this species
from Ithaca, N. Y., and from St. Louis, Mo., in each case occurring
upon willow.
Scale of female.—The scale of the female is of the form characteristic of the genus,
being long, narrow at the anterior end, and broadly widened posteriorly. Exuvize
dark yellow, normally covered by a thin layer of white excretion; this, however, is
easily removed. Scale, snowy white. Length, 3 to 4™™ (.13 inch); width near pos-
terior end, 1.6™™ (.06 inch).
Female.—The body of the female is reddish. The last segment differs from that
of C. ortholobis as follows: The median lobes are joined at the base, and are widely
‘separated at their distal extremities; between the first plate and the second lobe
-and mesad of the third lobe are prolongations of the body wall, which extend caudad
cas far as the lobes, and bear elongated pores. Immediately laterad of the third group
of plates is a prominent prolongation of the body bearing an elongated pore, while
in the case of C. ortholobis this is situated at one-third the distance from the third to
the fourth group of plates. In C. salicis the two lateral groups of plates often con-
sist of three instead of two, and the penultimate segment bears at least six plates;
the antepenultimate three or four, and the one anterior to this, one or two.
Scale of male.—The scale of the male is long, narrow, with the sides nearly paral-
lel. It is trigarinated and snowy white, with the exuviw yellowish. (Comstock.)
91. Chionaspis ortholobis Comstock.
According to Professor Comstock (Ag. Rt., 1830), this scale insect
occurs on the willow at San Bernardino, Cal. It infests chiefly the
bark of the small whip-like limbs which spring from the trunks of the
trees. Many of these sprouts were dead and white with the scales of
this species. The eggs were observed September 12.
Scale of female.—The scale of the female very closely resembles that of C. salicis ;
it is, however, smaller and narrower. Length, 2 to 2.5™™ (about .08 inch).
Female.—The body of the female is dark purple. The last segment presents the
following characters:
The anterior groups of spinnerets consist of from ten to sixteen; the anterior lat-
erals of eighteen to thirty, and the posterior laterals of sixteen to twenty.
The median lobes are almost contiguous; their mesal margins are parallel for more
than half their length; the distal margin of each is rounded.
Each of the second and third lobes is deeply incised; the lateral lobule in each
case is very small, often obsolete; the mesal lobule is large and rounded ; the distal
margins of all the lobes are distinctly crenate.
The plates are as follows: One laterad of first lobe; one or two laterad of second
lobe; two laterad of third lobe, and two quite large ones quite near the penultimate
segment. The penultimate segment usually bears four and the antepenultimate one.
The spines on the dorsal surface are as follows: The first on the base of the lateral
part of first lobe; the second and third on the lateral lobule of the second and third
lobes, respectively, and the fourth a short distance mesad of the lateral pair of plates.
On the ventrad surface there are also four on each side; each spine is laterad of the
corresponding spine of the dorsal surface, and cephalad of the base of the corre-
sponding plate or group of plates.
Eggs.—The eggs are dark purple.
Scale of male.—The scale of the male differs from all other specimens of this genus
known to me in not being carinated. It is an elongated oval in outline, being
slightly broadest at the middle, and tapering towards both ends almost equally.
The larval skin is light yellow; the scale is snowy white.
Described from thirteen males and many scales of each sex. (Comstock, Ag. Rt.,
1880.)
WILLOW MITES. 595
92. Aspidiotus converus Comstock.
THE CONVEX WILLOW SCALE.
The following account is copied from Professor Poeun report in
U.S. Agricultural Report for 1880:
This species, which is very common on the bark of the trunk and limbs of the
native willows in California, very closely resembles Aspidiotus rapax in the shape
and color of its scale. The resemblance of the two species is so great that at first I
considered them identical, and concluded that A. rapax had spread to the cultivated
trees in California from the native willows of that State. But a careful study of
the structure of the two forms show them to be specifically distinct. The most
striking differences are those presented by the last abdominal segment of the female.
In this species there are four groups of spinnerets; the superior laterals consisting
of about seven, and the inferior laterals of about four. In 4. rapax the groups of
spinnerets are wanting.
In this species the plates are very much shorter than in 4. rapax, and very closely
resemble the plates in A. ancylus. But A. convexus differs greatly from A. ancylus in
- the shape and color of the scale and in the wings of the male being long. Described
from seven females, two males, and very many scales.
93. Phytoptus salicicola Garman.
Order ACARINA.
Produces galls on the leaves of the long-leaved willow, Salix longifolia Muhl.
Strie of abdomen 46. Feather-like tarsal appendage with three pairs of prongs.
Length, .0075 inch. Abundant in the gallsin June.
This gall is one of the most remarkable deformations I have seen.
It consists of a narrow longitudiual upward fold extending sometimes
the entire length of the leaf. Usually there are two of these folds
on each leaf, one on each side of the midrib. They may be close to the
midrib, midway between it and the margin, or at the margin itself. In
cases where the fold begins next the midrib at the base of the leaf, it
may gradually leave it so as eventually to form a mere fold of the mar-
gin. The opening is a narrow slit running along the under side of the
“leaf. Color, as seen in the latter part of June, brown. My attention
was drawn to this gall by the peculiar appearance of the willow leaves
due to the lessening of their widths by the fold. A clump of shrubby
willows growing in the margin of a shallow pool of water in the
vicinity of Normal, Ill., was badly infested by the galls. (Garman).
94, Phytoptus sp.
Produces galls on the leaves of the heart-leaved willow, Salix cordaia Muhl.
The mite has sixty-three transverse abdominal striz.
The gall is a wart-like excrescence sometimes projecting above the
leaf, sometimes below, and again equally above and below. In some
examples the leaf is folded up around the gall, forming a more or less
complete rim. Many of the galls are produced above into nipple-
shaped prominences. The color may be purple or pale green. A
596 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
specimen measured was .083 inch in depth, and .065 inch in diameter.
(Garman).
The following insects also occur on the willow:
Order LEPIDOPTERA.
. Limenitis ursula (Fabr.) See p. 128.
5. Limenitis arthemis (Drury.) W. H. Edwards.
. Limenitis misippus (Fabr.). Lintner Ent. Contr., ii.
. Vanessa antiopa (Linn.). Maine and Rhode Island. Larva fully
grown in Maine September 5.
. Grapta faunus Edw. on 8. humilis (Scudder).
. Eugonia J. album B. and Lee.
. Aglais milbertit Godt.
. Thecla liparops.
. Thecla acadica Edwards.
. Cyaniris pseudargiolus Bd. and Lee.
. Thanaos persius Scudder.
. Nisoniades icelus Lintner. Feeds on different species of willows
and poplars. (S. Lowell Elliot.) See p. 450.
. Papilio turnus Linn. W. H. Edwards, Can. Ent., xviii, p. 139.
. Papilio glaucus Linn.
. Smerinthus geminatus var. Jamaicensis (Drury). Ohio (Pilate).
. Sesia hospes Walsh. Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., vi, 1866, p. 270. Bred
from coleopterous pseudogall on, S. inornata (Walsh).
. Hyphantria cunea (Drury).
. Edemasia concinna Abbot and Smith. Brunswick, Me., August 14.
. Ichthyura inclusa Hiibn. Feeds on all kinds of willow (S. Lowell
Elliot). Ohio (Pilate).
. Ichthyura albosigma Fitch.
. Datana integerrima G. and R. See p. 150.
. Apatelodes torrefacta Abb.-Sm. Eats leaves of willow in confine-
ment (Harris’s Corr., p. 307).
. Pheosia rimosa Pack. On willow (Tepper, Bull. Brooklyn Ent.
Soe., ii, p. 3; Lintner, Ent. Contr., iv, p. 76).
. Orgyia antiqua Linn. Brunswick, Me., August 8-15.
. Schizura sp. (Lintner, Ent. Contr., ili, p. 151).
. Orgyia leucostigma Abb.-Sm., was rather abundant on the willow
in the University grounds at Normal. (Forbes.) (Riley’s notes.)
21. Huclea penulata Clem. (French, Papilio, i, p. 144.)
. Actias luna Linn.
3. Platysamia cecropia (Linn.). (Riley’s Note Book, I.)
. Platysamia gloverii Strecker. On willows about Salt Lake City.
. Telea polyphemus Linn. (W. Brodie, Canada.)
6. Samia cynthia (Linn.). “Feeding voluntarily in freedom.” P. E.
Nostrand (Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soce., ii, p. 77).
_
WILLOW INSECTS. 597
. Hacles imperialis Hiibner. G. D. Hulst (Bull. Brooklyn Ent. Soc.,
ii, p. 77).
. Hyperchiria to (Fabr.). (L. W. Goodell, Can. Ent., ix, p. 180.)
29. Cerura borealis (Boisd.). (August and September, New York.
Lintner, Contr., iii, p. 151.)
. Hemileuca maia (Fabr.). (Wescott, Can. Ent., 1877, p. 220; C.
E. Worthington, Can. Ent., x, p.16; W.G. Wright, Can. Ent.,
Xx, pp. 30, 32.)
. Prionoxystus robinie (Harris). (Kellicott, Bull. Buffalo Soc. Se.,
iv, p. 30, 1881.)
. Hepialus argenteomaculatus Harris. (J. B. Smith, Can. Ent., xx,
p. 233.)
. Apatela americana Harris. (Lintner, Ent. Contr., iii, p. 136.)
. Apatela connecta Grote. Ohio (Pilate).
. Apatela dactylina Grote.
. Apatela brumosa Guen.
. Acronycta salicis Harris. (August, Harris, Corr., p. 315.)
. Catocala vidua Abbot and Smith.
. Cutocala relicta Walk. All the stages fully described by H. L.
Clark (Can. Ent., xx, p. 17).
. Catocala briseis Edw.
. Homoptera salicis Behr. (On willows in California. Behr. Trans.
Amer. Ent. Soc., iii, p. 28.)
. Butrapela clemataria (Abbot and Smith).
. Metrocampa perlaria Guenée. (Saunders, Can. Ent., iii, p. 226.)
. Amphidasys cognataria Guen. Maine, August and September (in
larval state).
. Botis oscitalis Grote. See p. 467.
. Teras scabrana (Cart.). (Miss Murtfeldt, Fernald’s Cat. Tortri-
cid.)
. Teras ferrugana (Schiff.). Galls of Cecidomyia salicis-strobiloides
Walsh.
. Dichelia sulfureana (Clem.). In quiline in the willow galls of @.
salicis-strobiloides and S. brassicoides (Walsh).
. Steganoptycha saliciana Clem. Willow galls. (Galls of ©. salicis
brassicoides and S. strobiloides) Walsh.
. Steganoptycha salicicolana (Clem.). Willow galls. (@. salicis-rho-
doides Walsh.)
. Coleophora castipennella Chambers. Larvain a pistol-shaped case.
(Chambers. )
Order HYMENOPTERA.
. Huura s.-gemma Walsh. Proce. Ent. Soc. Phila., vi, 1866., p. 250.
. Euura s.-ovum Walsh. Tbid., p. 252.
. Luura s.nodus Walsh. TI bid., p. 253.
. Euura perturbans Walsh. Tbid., p. 254.
598 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
156. Nematus s.-pomum Walsh. ‘ Ibid., p. 255.
157. Nematus s.-desmodioides Walsh.
158. Nematus s.-pisum Walsh. Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., vi, 1866, p. 250.
159. Nematus trilineatas Norton. On weeping willow. Packard’s
Guide to Study of Insects, p. 220; foot note.
The following inquilines or guest-gall saw-flies occur in willow galls:
160. Nematus inquilinus Walsh. Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., vi, 1866., p. 260.
161. Nematus hospes Walsh. TIbid., p. 261.
162. Nematus mendicus Walsh. Ibid., p. 261.
163. Nematus fur Walsh. TIbid., p. 263.
164. Pristiphora sycophanta Walsh. Ibid., p. 263.
Order DIPTERA.
165. Cecidomyia salicis-brassicoides Walsh. Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., vi,
1866., p. 577.
166. Cecidomyia s.-strobiloides Walsh. Ibid., p. 582.
167. Cecidomyia s.-strobiliscus Walsh. Ibid., p.582. ‘Gall only known).
168. Cecidomyia s.-gnaphalioides Walsh. Ibid., p. 585.
169. Cecidomyia s.-rhodoides Walsh. Ibid., p. 587.
170. Cecidomyia s.-coryloides Walsh. TIbid., p.588. (Gall only known.)
171. Cecidomyia s.-cornu Walsh. Ibid., p. 590. (Gall only known.)
172. Cecidomyia s.-siliqua Walsh. Tbid., p. 594.
173. Cecidomyia s.-triticoides Walsh. TIbid., p. 599.
174. Cecidomyia s.-batatas Walsh. TIbid., 606.
175. Cecidomyia s.-verruca Walsh.
176. Cecidomyia s.-hordeoides Walsh. Ibid.,p.599. (Gallonly known.)
177. Cecidomyia albovittata Walsh. Ibid., p.620; vi, p. 227. Inquiline
in willow galls.
178. Cecidomyia cornuta Walsh. TIbid., p. 625. Inquiline in willow
galls.
179. Cecidomyia orbitalis Walsh.
180. Cecidomyia s.-nodulus Walsh. Ibid., p. 601-604.
181. Cecidomyia salicis Fitch (= rigide O.S.) Maine. Tbid., p. 598.
182. Diplosis atrocularis Walsh. Ibid., p. 626.
183. Diplosis atricornis Walsh. Tbid., p. 628.
184. Diplosis annulipes Walsh. Ibid., p. 629.
185. Diplosis 10-maculata Walsh. TIbid., p. 631.
186. Diplosis 7-maculata Walsh. TIbid., p.630; vi, p. 228.
187. Lonchea? sp. 1 have observed the larva, pupa-case, and fly of
this species, which was referred with doubt by Baron Osten-
Sacken to the genus Lonchea. The larva was common at Bruns-
wick, Me., raising large blisters on the twigs of the willow. It
was figured and briefly described in my Guide to the Study of
Insects, p. 412.
af is
188.
189.
190.
191.
192.
193.
194.
195,
196.
197.
198.
199.
200.
WILLOW INSECTS. 599
Order COLEOPTERA.
Saperda calearata Say. (D. W. Coquillett in litt.)
Saperda concolor Say. Hamilton (Can. Ent. xx, p. 66.)
Mecas inornata Say. See Cottonwood Insects, p. 427.
Buprestis fasciata Fabr. Mr. George Hunt informs me that he
found an elytron of this beetle under the bark of the willow in
northern New York.
Litargus 4-spilotus Lec. A single specimen, bred August 30 from
the Acaridous? gall S. enigma Walsh. Proce. Ent. Soe. Phila.,
vi, 1866, 265.
Anthonomus sycophanta Walsh. Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., vi, 1866,
p. 265. Bred by Walsh from the galls made by saw-fly larve.
Anthonomus tessellatus Walsh. Ibid. Lives in saw-fly galls.
Hrirhinus ephippiatus Say. Bred by Walsh from Cecidomyidous
galls (S. brassicoides) l. ¢., p. 269.
Rhynchites eratus Say. Brunswick, Me., June.
Rhyncolus angularis LeC. Under willow bark at New River, Colo-
rado Desert. LeConte (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila., March,
1858, p. 81.)
Apion lanuginosum Walsh. Proc. Ent. Soe. Phila., vi, 1866, p. 269.
Bred from dipterous galls.
Apion signipes Say. ‘Not rare upon willows, especially when in
flower.” W. Hague Harrington, Ottawa. (Can. Ent., xvi, p. 117.)
Cryptorhynchus lapatht (Linn.) Juelich Ent. Amer., iii, p. 123).
Orchestes niger Horn. “A small black hopping beetle, abundant
in spring upon the willows.” W. Hague Harrington, Ottawa.
(Can. Ent., xvi, p. 117.)
. Orchestes subhistus Horn. This is a pretty species with white
bands across the elytra, on willows in bloom. W. Hague Har-
rington, Ottawa. (Can. Ent., xvi, p. 117.)
. Chlamys sp. (S. Lowell Elliot.)
. Haltica alternata Mliger. Bred from dipterous galls. Walsh, (1. ¢.,
p. 270).
. Paria 6-notata Say. Bred from dipterous galls. Walsh, (I. ¢.,
p. 270.)
. Cotalpa lanigera (Linn). Maine, June 23.
. Hoplia trifasciata Say. Maine, June 23.
. Dichelonycha elongatula Schénh. Maine, June 23.
. Chrysomela spiree Say. Maine, June 23.
. Phyllodecta vulgatissima (Linn). Maine, June 23.
. Galerucella sagittarie Gyllenh. Maine, June 23.
. Plectrodera scalator Fabr. On small swamp willows in August, in
Illinois. (McBride, Can. Ent., xii, p. 107.)
. Pachybrachys livens LeConte. Colorado River, California. (Lec.)
600 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Order HEMIPTERA.
213. Lachnus salicelis Fitch.
214, Mytilaspis sp. (Comstock’s Rep. for 1880, p. 355.)
215. Anthocoris insidiosus (Say).
216. Tingis ciliata Say (T. hyalina, H.-Sch.). Maine.
217. Capsus sp. Maine.
218. Hvacanthus orbitalis Fitch. Maine, July 22.
219. Bythoscopus sp. Maine.
220. Siphonophora? salicicola Thomas. (Eighth Rep., 63.)
Order PLATYPTERA.
221. Psocus rufus Walsh, (I. ¢.), p.270. Bred from dipterous gall. (8.
brassicoides Walsh.)
Class ARACHNIDA; Order ACARINA.
222. Acarus? s.semen Walsh. Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., 1866, 226.
223. Acarus? enigma Walsh. Ibid, 227.
erOHapTar X IT.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE HACKBERRY.
BiaCn Viton nye
The Hackberry is one of the most characteristic trees in our American
silva. What is said of the forms growing in Missouri in my sixth report
on the insects of Missouri (1874, p. 137) wil] apply to other parts of the
country in the same latitudes—in fact, throughout its range.
Two tolerably constant forms are easily recognizable: 1. (occidentalis Linn.) with
broad, roughish, sharply serrate leaves, purple-black drupes, and rather pale bark,
which on the trunk is rough and strongly cleft so as to look as if hacked. 2. (missis-
sippiensis Bose.) with smaller, narrower, darker leaves, less serrate and often entire
yellow drupes, and darker bark, the trunk appearing knotty. A third form (crassi-
folia Lamk.), having more the aspect of Ulmus, occurs less frequently. It is much
like occidentalis, but with more supple limbs and rougher, thicker leaves, which,
when plucked, wilt more rapidly than do those of other forms. Botanists differ as
to whether these forms are specific or varietal. Dr. Gray refers them all to occident
alis, and, as intermediate varieties are found and the seedlings from the same tree are
exceedingly variable, this seems the proper course. But Professor Planchon, who
has monographed the genus, considers 1 and 2 good species, and the third doubtful.
In the report already alluded to (pp. 136 et seq.) under the head of
‘“ Hackberry butterflies,” original accounts, with illustrations, will be
found of the life-histories of two of our handsomest North American
butterflies, which, so far, have been found to feed in the larval state
exclusively on Hackberry. They are there treated of under the names,
“Eyed Emperor” ( Apatura lycaon), and ‘Tawny Emperor” (A. herse
Fabr.), and the synonymy of the species is fully discussed and the
reasons given for preferring the names of Boisduval and Le Conte
(Apatura celtis and Apatura clyton). As the reasoning there has since
been confirmed by the adoption of the latter names, both by Mr. W.
H. Edwards and Mr. 8S. H. Scudder in their catalogues, these names will
be used in the present instance.*
* Led by Mr. Scudder’s previous writings to adopt the Fabrician names, I never-
theless took some pains to get at the real facts, and concluded, after considerable
correspondence, that there was no cause to change the conclusions which I had pre-
viously expressed, that we have but two species of Apatura in the United States, viz:
A. lycaon Fabr. = celtis Boisd. = alicia Edw.; and A. herse Fabr. = clyton Boisd. = pro-
serpina Scudd. But I admitted that there would ever hang a certain doubt about
herse, and that had I the paper to write over again I would use the Boisduval names,
because I believe that science is better advanced by the use of names based upon
descriptions of the living animals rather than by unearthing such as are drawn from
pencil (and often faulty) imitations, and which admit of doubt and dispute. ‘In
601
60Z FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
It will be unnecessary in this connection to give more than a brief
recapitulation of the results of my studies on these insects, quoting, ©
where it may seem advisable, the moreimportant facts from the article
referred to.
1. THE EvED EMPEROR.
Apatura celtis Bd. and LeC.
A green caterpillar, with a series of pale, medio-dorsal spots and pale longitudinal
lines, with two anal projections and two antlers on the head, usually found singly on
the under side of the leaf, transforming to a pale green chrysalis with a serrate back.
Two generations annually, the second hibernating in the second or third larval
stage upon the fallen leaf. Butterfly of a russety-gray shaded with dark brown, and
with eye-like spots on the wings, the female laying eggs singly or in small groups on
the under surface of the leaf.
Fic. 196. Apaturaceltis: a, eggs; b, larva, dorsal view; c,
d, chrysalis, dorsal and lateral views; e, imago, male, dotted
line showing form of female—all natural size. After Riley.
The larve of this species are found on the various species of Celtis
during May. When at rest they are found on the under side of the
leaf, usually on a carpet of silk, and often with a portion of the leaf bent
around it, and they reach full maturity by the end of the month.
‘In preparing for the chrysalis state the larva spins on the under
side of a leaf a little bunch of silk in which to entangle its prolegs.
Sometimes, but not often, it partially covers itself with a curled leaf or
with two leaves drawn together. Here it rests for about two days,
when the larval head and skin split open, and the soft and unformed
chrysalis works them back to the extremity of its body. It then secures
itself, knocks off the shrunken skin, and soon assumes the delicate
green color, marked with cream yellow, and the elegant form (Fig. 196,
c, d) which nature has imposed upon it.”
other words, the ‘ law of priority’ becomes a nuisance and a positive injury to the sci-
ence when pushed to the unnecessary extreme of attempting to solve inexplicable rid-
dies.” Mr. A. G. Butler, of the British Museum, admitted (letter, June 15, 1874) that
he was all wrong in what he had published on the subject, and concurred in my
judgment. Mr. Scudder (May 29, 1874) wrote that upon examining Hiibner’s
Doxocopa idyia, it proved to be the same as a species which he had from Guate-
mala, and that it is barely possible that this may be herse Fabr.; while Mr. Edwards
also wrote (July 12, 1874) that he believed herse not American. In his recent work,
Seudder states that idyia [pars] Herr.-Schaeff is clyton, but not idyia Hiibn., while
he concludes that celtis is not lycaon Fabr., a conclusion in which I shouid hardly fol-
low him, so far as the original drawings justify conclusion.
HACKBERRY BUTTERFLIES. 603
In the latitude of St. Lonis it is not until the middle of June that
the first butterflies begin to appear, and by the end of the month the
globular, delicate, longitudinally ribbed eggs may be found on the
under side of a leaf, either singly or in small clusters.
The young larva in hatching pushes open the crown, which lifts like
acap. The first summer brood of worms feeds for rather less than a
month, when they transform and give out the second brood of butter-
flies during August.
The eggs laid by these in due time hatch, and the young larva is
more lethargic than that of the first brood, feeds with less vigor, devel-
ops much more slowly, and, after passing through the second or third
molt, ceases to eat, Shrinks in size, and remains stationary on the under
side of the leaf. It also changes from its fresh green color to a dingy
grayish-brown, and eventually, with its dying support, falls to the
ground and there hibernates.
Fic. 197. Apatwra celtis: f, egg, magnified ; g, larva, lateral
view ; h, imago, underside—natural size; i, j, k, l, m, the five
different larval heads; n, 0, dorsal and lateral views of larval
joint—enlarged. After Riley.
The accompanying figures will so fully illustrate the different stages
and transformations that no repetition of description is necessary.
Parasites.—The only parasite published as attacking this species is
the Ophionid, Limneria fugitiva Say, reared by Mr. W. H. Edwards in
West Virginia, and recorded by Mr. L. O. Howard, in Scudder’s But-
terflies of New England, page 1883.
In 1874 I found a larva in the third stage being devoured by Eulo-
phus larve, some of which issued and formed their pup under my eye,
the perfect flies, an undescribed species, issuing on July 18, of that
year. I have reared quite abundantly from the chrysailis of this species
the large Chaleis flavipes Fabr. and an undescrib°>d Tachinid, while one
of my old correspondents, Mr. George W. Letterman, of Allentown,
Missouri, once brought me specimens of Podisus spinosus which he had
found piercing the larva and sucking its juices.
The egg-parasite and the other parasites reared from Aptura clyton
and presently referred to will doubtless be found preying on A. celtis
also.
604 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
2. THE TAWNY EMPEROR.
Apatura clyton Bd. LeC.
This butterfly is a larger and more showy one than the Eyed Empe-
ror and it extends farther north and east, Its habits are similar and I
have frequently found the larve of both species feeding together on the
Same tree.
Fic. 198.—Apatura clyton: a, eggs; b, larva; c, chrysaiis; d,
imago, male, the dotted line showing form of female—all natural
size. After Riley.
It is less common than A. celtis and Boisduval gives Prunus as the
food-plant of the species; but no one since has recorded it as occurring
on trees of that genus, and, as I have already recorded, young larve
refused to feed on Plum leaves and died rather than eat them.
The eggs of this species are similar to those of celtis, and differ mainly
in being narrower on the crown, but they are “invariably deposited in
dense patches of from 300 to 500, and two, or more often three, tiers
deep.”
The structural differences between the young larve of the two species
are fully set forth in the article alluded to.
‘The larve are more or less gregarious up to the third molt, after
which they scatter. The habit, after they scatter, of hiding within
leaves drawn around them, is more determined than in A. celtis; andthe
young of the second brood fall with the leaf, and hibernate huddled to-
gether in companies of five and upwards (Fig. 199, q). They have a
habit, before separating, of feeding side by side, eating the leaf from the
tip downward, but leaving the stouter ribs. Spinning a thread wher-
ever they go, they often, in traveling from leaf to leaf, make quite a
pathway of silk; and if the branch be suddenly jarred, they will drop
and hang suspended in mid-air, and, after re-assurance, climb up again
with the thoracic legs.”
Parasites.—My notes would indicate that there were two parasites
affecting the eggs of this butterfly, one of them not preserved, and re-
ferred to the Trichogrammide in my fifth Missouri report. The other,
since bred in numbers, proves to be a Proctotrupid belonging to the
HACKBERRY BUTTERFLIES. 605
genus Telenomus and described recently by Mr. Howard, in Mr. Scud-
der’s Butterflies of New England, under the name Telenomus rileyt.
Besides this egg-parasite I have reared from the pupa, Chalcis fiavi-
Fic. 199.—Apatura clyton: g, larva, half grown, dorsal view ;
h, imago, male, underside—natural size; %, j, k, 1, m, the five
different heads of larva; n, 0, dorsal and lateral views of larval
joint; p, egg—enlarged; q, larve as when hibernating—nat-
ural size. After Riley.
pes Fabr. and Pimpla annulipes Brullé, while Limneria fugitiva Say
was reared from the larva by Mr. A. H. Mundt in Illinois, all recorded
in Mr. Scudder’s work.
3. THE INTERROGATION BUTTERFLY.
Grapta interrogationis Fabr.
A spiny, reddish-brown caterpillar, more or less speckled with white, feeding on the
leaves in July.
‘The very full life-history and bibliography of this species in Scudder’s
recent elaborate work, ‘ Butterflies of New England,” leaves very little,
if anything, to be recorded.
The species is by no means rare in Missouri, where it first came under
my observation, and while common on the Elm and Hop, is more rarely,
yet not infrequently, met with on the Hackberry, as I have frequently
observed it on this tree.
The following facts are extracted from notes made in 1870:
The ege with its nine vertical ribs is at first dull bluish-green, after-
ward becoming grayish-green with silvery reflections. It is laid singly
or in chains,-one above another, either on the upper or lower portion of
a leaf,
The duration in the egg state isfour days. Two eggs which I saw a
female lay on a leaf May 19, hatched May 23, and the spines on the
young larva could be distinctly discerned through the delicate egg-shell
before hatching. The length of the egg was .95™"; width .7™™.
The full-grown caterpillar has the body black, covered with light yellow papilli-
form points, which are thickest and of a deeper yellow toward the head. It is also
606 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
covered with compound spines; two on each side of the second segment black, pro-
ceeding from ared wart; two on each side of the third segment, the main stem being
red at base, yellow at extremity, and those proceeding from it being black. On allthe
other segments but the last two (on each side of which there are two compound black
spines) there are seven, three on each side and one on the back. Thaton the back is
yellow and smaller than the rest ; those nearest this are also yellow, but with black
extremities, particularly toward the head; those below these last have a red stalk
with black spines proceeding from it, and those along the stigmatal line (which line
is very light yellow) are of the same color as that line and very small. Two linesrun
along the back, closest together near the spines and having the appearance of a
succession of links. There are also other lines running parallel with these, but not
so distinct, along the sides. Head perpendicular, free, larger than the body, very
dark purple-brown, and covered sparsely with small white points from which proceed
fine white bristles; on the top it has two black compound spines. Thoracic legs same
color as head, the prolegs of a lighter brown. Length, 14 inches; diameter, one-fifth
inch.
It hangs by the cremaster and anal prolegs* to a small bunch of
flesh-colored silk, and changes to a chrysalis similar in form to others
of its group, of a fleshy-brown color shaded with bluish-black. It has
a crescent-shaped projection on the thorax, with four golden spots just
below. The wing-sheaths are faintly green, having a slight resem-
blance to a leaf.
Some specimens of the larva are much brighter than others, being
speckled or mottled all over with white, and the chrysalis, instead of —
. . . . e . .
having four golden, has often four brilliant, silvery, metallic spots,
while the whole body may be tinted with gold and green, particularly
along the stigmata.
Mr. Scudder says:
Judging from the dates given by Harris’s correspondence, the chrysalis state lasts
from eleven to seventeen days. Grosse (Canada) says eleven days. Edwards (in
West Virginia), seven to eleven. Braun, in Bangor, had them hang twenty days at
the end of July.
My specimens at St. Louis remained nine days, on the average, in
the chrsyalis state, which is most frequent in July, while the butter-
flies are most numerous in August. The butterfly, therefore, appears
in Missouri about the same time asin the New England States, viz,
from the last of July to the middle of August, and is probably but
two-brooded. .
Parasites —Two parasites are found in the eggs, Telenomus grapte
Howard, reared at Washington, and Trichogramma intermedium How-
ard, reared by Mr. Scudder at Cambridge. An undescribed Apanteles
and Pteromalus vanesse Harris are quite frequently reared, the one from
the larva, the other from the chrysalis. Tetrastichus modestus Howard
is a Secondary parasite on the Apanteles, while a large Ichneumonid,
Hoplismenus morulus Say, was once reared from it by Miss Pierce at
Cambridge, all recorded in Mr. Scudder’s work.
“See a paper by the author on the ‘‘ Philosophy of the pupation of Butterflies,” Prov.
Am. Ass. Adv. Sce., for 1879, vol. 28, pp. 455-463.
HACKBERRY BUTTERFLIES. 607
4, BACHMANN’S LIBYTHEA.
Libythea bachmanni Kirtland.
This remarkable looking diurnal, appearing as if snouted, from the
very long porrect palpi, so far as we now know, feeds exclusively upon
Celtis in its larval state. The butterfly expands about 1l?inches. Itis
brownish-black above, the apex of front wings quadrate, the margin
slightly sinuate. There are three white spots on the apical third of the
wing, the basal spot the largest and oblique. At the base of the wing
are three large reddish or fulvous blotches, one of which occupies most
of the discal cell. Beneath, the wings are brownish, the apex tinted
with lilac, the apical white spots repeated as well as the fulvous blotch
in the cell. The hind wings have a fulvous band behind the middle,
and are lilaceous beneath.
Its life history was partially worked up by Mr. W. H. Edwards in
Butterflies of North America (Vol. 11, Part I, 1874), and subsequently
more fully, by the same author, in the Canadian Entomologist (Vol. x11,
1881, page 226), and from these the following abstract is largely drawn.
It is quite common in the Atlantic States, where its food-plant is
abundant, and specimens have been captured in Canada.
It is more rare in the Mississippi Valley, but occurs as far west as
Arizona. I have found it, as has also Mr. Schwarz, tolerably abundant
in Texas, the larva feeding on the leaves of Celtis.
The oblate-spheroid, pale-green egg has eighteen or twenty narrow
but prominent ribs, terminating before reaching the summit and crossed
by many striz.
Mr. Edwards says:
The eggs seem to be nearly always laid on the tender terminal leaves of the branch.
Usually one egg is laid at the end of a branch, in one of the forks on the leaf stem,
but I have seen two eggs on same stem, and occasionally an egg laid on the under
side and middle of a leaf. The young larve on hatching ascend to the extremity of
one of the leaves and remain there stripping the sides, leaving the midrib untouched,
whence it is easy to find them. They eat their way out of the egg a little below the
tip, but do not eat the egg-shell after emerging, and the empty shell has often guided
me to the whereabouts of the young caterpillar.
It will be unnecessary to repeat here Mr. Edwards’s description of the
larval changes, but I reproduce his description of the full-grown larva
and chrysalis:
Mature larva.—Seven-tenths to nine-tenths inch; cylindrical, thickened at seg-
ments 3 and 4, the dorsum of last segment abruptly curved down to the end; color
dark green, the lowerside and also feet and legs pale green; each segment four times
creased transversely, and on the flat ridges so caused are rows, one to each, of small
tubercular flattened points, pale or whitish yellow; from 2 to 13 a white stripe along
base, just over the spiracles, and above this the ground is yellowish for a little way ;
a medio-dorsal yellow line and sometimes a fine line on middle of side; yellow tuber-
culated points over the legs, in arcs of from 3 to 6; on foremost ridge of third seg-
608 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
ment, high on the side, a dead black tubercle, a little raised and rounded in yellow
ring; spiracles in black ovals; surface covered with a fine short down; head obovoid,
green, smooth, sparsely pilose; the ocelli brown. Occasionally the larve in later
stages are differently colored. One had the dorsum dark green, edged on either side
by a gray line, and successively by a band of yellow, a gray line, and a black band;
the third segment is wholly and the fifth partly black. Two othersof the same brood
were green with a black band along base of body and black patches on 3 and 11.
Chrysalis.—Length, .5 inch ; helmet-shaped ; compressed laterally, the abdomen
somewhat carinated; mesonotom high rounded, sloping abruptly to top of head-
case, much compressed and sharply carinated; followed by a deep excavation ; head-
case not prominent, square or nearly so at top, a little excavated, the corners sub-
pyramidal and scarcely at all produced; along carina of abdomen a yellow line
which forks and passes round mesonotum to top of head-case ; a slight yellow lateral
line on abdomen ; color green, either deep or with a blue or yellow tint; the abdo-
men much sprinkled with pale yellow flat points or small spots, a few of these about
the head-case. Duration of this stage five days in July, seven days in August.
Mr. Edwards is of the opinion that there are several successive gen-
erations, ‘‘ probably four, that the latter butterflies hibernate, and the
survivors are on the wing early in May, and probably in favorable sea-
sons in April. The first generation in descent from the hibernating
females are on the wing in June, the second generation in July, the
third in August, and late butterflies emerge from chrysalis in Septem-
ber, and these would be of the fourth generation in descent from the
hibernating females.”
5. THE HACKBERRY DAGGER.
(Acronycta rubricoma Guen. )
Order LEPIDOPTERA; family NocTUID&.
This is a widely distributed species and doubtless coincident with its
food-plant, the different species of Celtis, on which, according to my
own observations as well as those of others (French, 6th Rept. IIl.
State Norm. Univ., p. 45, and J. Marten, Trans. Dept. Agr., Ill., Vol. 18,
Append., p. 132), it feeds exclusively. It will, in fact, perish rather than
partake of any other food that I have so far offered. The species has
been represented in the U.S. National Museum from the following
States: Texas, Missouri, Illinois, South Carolina, Virginia, and even
from Canada, in all of which localities it is probably double-brooded.
In its southern range the first brood of larve appear during the early
part of May, being full grown by about the end of June. The moths
from these appear during July and the early part of August, whilst the
larvee of the second brood are full grown from the middle of September
to the middle of October, this last brood being, however, very generally
parasitized. The second generation of moths (with the exception of a
few premature specimens which issue the same fall) makes its appear-
ance the ensuing spring from about the 10th of April till May. Capt-
ured specimens in the National collection bear the following dates:
By myself, April 20, 1874, July 10, 1874, and September 3, 1874; by
Belfrage, Texas, April 11, 21, 29; by S. H. Saunders, Canada, July 10,
1886. The full-grown larve are rather handsome insects, which, like
HACKBERRY MOTHS. 609
so many of the Acronyctas, are in the habit of resting in a curved
position. The chief peculiarity of the larva is that it changes the color
of its tufts and hairs at the last larval molt.
OTHER LEPIDOPTERA.
Some other Lepidoptera occur on the Hackberry, but none of them are
peculiar to it except, perhaps, the Tortricid and the Tineids. It will
suffice therefore, in closing this brief chapter, to indicate some of the
species which occur on Celtis, and which also occur on other trees and
have been already treated of by Dr. Packard in other chapters of this
report.
6. Pedisca celtisana Riley (Trans. Ac. Se. St. Louis, 1882.)
7. Lagoa opercularis Abbott aud Smith.—Never very common, but
widespread and a general feeder. My notes show that it occurs also on
Oak, Orange, Apple, Pear, Plum, Viburnum, Poplar, Willow, Sassafras,
English Ivy, and one has even been found on Ailanthus—a tree affected
by so very few insects.
8. Sphinx drupiferarum Abbott and Smith.—This is also a not very
common but widely distributed species occurring from Florida to Canada
and from the Atlantic States to the Mississippi, while varieties are
found in the extreme Western States, in California, and even in Van-
couver. Whileits principal food-plant seems to be Prunus, Abbott and
Smith give also Celtis. Miss N. Middleton (10th Ills. Rept.on Noxious
and Beneficial Insects, p. 104) also gives Celtis as one of it food-plants,
while Professor Fernald, in his “Sphingide of New England,” adds
Apple and Lilac.
9. Mamestra sp.?—A larva quite closely resembling that of Mamestra
subjuncta has been found on the Hackberry, but unfortunately not
reared. The same species has also been found on Polygonum, Plantain,
and Clover.
10. An unbred Geometrid larva resembling somewhat that of Aletia
vylina Say has also been found on Celtis at St. Catherine’s Island,
Georgia, by Mr. Schwarz.
11. Proteoteras esculana Riley.—This species, which commonly feeds
on the Buckeye, has been sent to me by Mr. L. Bruner from West
Point, Nebr., on the short twigs of Celtis occidentalis. What is, with-
out much doubt, the same species, has also been found upon the young
shoots of Maple (Acer dasycarpum) as also of Box Elder (Negundo ace-
roides).
12. Lithocolletis celtifoliella Chambers.—This is recorded by Cham-
bers as making a tentiform mine on the underside of the leaves of Celtis
occidentalis.
13. Lithocolletis celtisella Chambers.—This species, first recorded by
Chambers in 1871 (Canadian Entomologist, Vol. III, p. 129), i have also
reared plentifully from mines on the leaves of Celtis collected in Vir-
ginia in 1884. .
5 ENT——39
610 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
14, THE CELTIS GRAPHISURUS.
Graphisurus triangulifer (Hald.).
Larva burrowing under the old bark of Celtis terana, partly in the bark and partly
in the wood; issuing, in July, as a long-horned beetle.
Fic. 200.—The Hackberry Graphisurus: a, larva; b, pupa, ventral view; c, female beetle—
enlarged; d, mouth-parts of larva from beneath—still more enlarged. (Original.)
This insect is not uncommon in the Southwestern States, but was
described by Haldeman in 1847 (Trans. Am. Phila. Soc., vol. x, p. 45)
from specimens obtained in Alabama. It is a rather pretty beetle,
about half an inch long, clothed with fine pubescence and mottled with
brown and yellow, the legs and feelers annulate with yellow. Its food-
habits and early states have not, I believe, heretofore been recorded.
My notes of the insects obtained during the cotton-worm investigation
show that it was not uncommon under the bark of the Hackberry, affect-
ing diseased or partly dead trees, so that it injures chiefly in hastening
the decay of such timber. Larve and pup were found by Mr. Schwarz
at Columbus, Tex., under the bark of. Celtis tevana, June 15, 1879, and
the adult insects were obtained about the end of July.
The larva and also the pupa are very similar to the like states of allied
wood-borers, and any description of these states, to be of value, should
be based on a comparative study of related forms. Our knowledge is
too fragmentary at present to allow of such comparison and the follow-
ing brief description is based merely on the species under treatment.
Larva.—Average length 22™™, General color yellowish-white. Mandibles and
ring about the head connecting with the base of the mandibles, reddish-brown ; head
alittle more than one-half the width of the prothoracic joint; mandibles strongly
tapering from the base, tip slightly excavated or bidentate—the lower tooth project-
ing somewhat beyond the upper; clypeus trapezoidal, more than twice as wide as
long, marked with six deeply impressed lines; labrum rounded, tip truncated,
densely clothed on exterior edge with yellowish hairs; antennz light-colored, three-
jointed ; two basal joints subequal, tip of second joint truncated, armed with hairs
and bearing the minute apical joint near its outer margin; labrum and maxille
_ clothed with yellowish hairs; maxillary palpi apparently three-jointed, first joint
_HACKBERRY BEETLES. 611
one-half longer than wide, apical joint minute; labial palpi apparently two-jointed,
basal twice as long as wide, apical minute. The body tapers from the large pro-
thoracic joint to the ninth, the last three joints slightly enlarged; tip of abdomen
rounded and subtruncate; horny areas on dorsum, and venter of each joint as in
other allied larve; prothoracic joint thickly armed with yellowish hairs, especially
aboutthe anterior and lateral portions; following joints sparsely armed with hairs
on the lateral portions; thoracic legs wanting.
Pupa.—Female. Length, 15™™; diameter, 8™™. Color, yellowish-white. Viewed
from above, the first thoracic joint is widest and the second narrowest. The abdo-
men tapers regularly to the truncate tip; abdominal joints 1 to 6 narrow, subequal;
seventh as long as wide and nearly as long as the three preceding together. Dor-
sum of joints armed with minute brownish points; femora at tips armed with five
or six minute spines tipped with yellowish hairs. The wing-cases extend to the tip
of the fourth abdominal joint, posterior feet to tip of the seventh joint. The antennze
pass back of the femora of the two anterior pair of legs, turn at the tip of the wing-
cases, and reach in front to the base of the middle pair of legs.
15. THE EYED ELATER OF THE HACKBERRY.
Alaus lusciosus Hope.
Order COLKOPTERA; family ELATERID &.
This insect is hardly distinct from the common Byed Blater (Alaus
oculatus Linn.), and the larve and pup of the two species are practi-
cally identical. Some very slight differences occur in the armature of
the last segment of the larve, but these may be variable, and at any
rate are so slight as to beef no value in separating the two species.
The common species is known to pass its growing stages in the
decaying wood of various trees and is mentioned by Dr. Packard on
page 424.
On May 26, 1879, Mr. Schwarz found a larva of an Alaus under the
bark of Celtis tecana at Columbus, Tex., which may be referred with
little doubt to A. lusciosus, as a perfect insect of this species was found
at the same place in July and August.
16. THE CELTIS BARK-BORER.
Scolytus fagi Walsh.
Order COLEOPTERA; family SCOLYTID.
A whitish, thickened grub one-fourth inch long, occurring under the bark of
Celtis tecana, boring partly in the wood and changing in July intoa shining black
beetle about three-sixteenths of an inch long.
This beetle was described by B. D. Walsh in the Practical Entomol-
ogist, vol. 2, p. 58, February, 1867, and the following statement was
made concerning its habits: ‘‘I obtained many specimens from south
Illinois from what I believe was a beech.”
Dr. Le Conte, in Rhynchophora of America, north of Mexico, gives
it, ou the authority of Walsh, as depredating on the Beech, but the
above reference shows that this food habit can not be positively
asserted of it.
i have examined the work of this insect under the bark of Celtis texana
in Texas, and Mr. Schwarz has collected it in large numbers at Colum-
612 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
bus and made eareful notes for me. It is found boring partly in the
solid wood in all stages. So numerous were the insects that the pattern
of the larval burrow, which is usually very characteristic in the Scoly-
tids, was confused and undecipherable. The insect is very destructive
to the tree by hastening decay, although it was not observed to at-
tack perfectly healthy trees. The adolescent states show little that is
specificially characteristic, the larva having the normal form and lack-
ing legs.
This insect has a persistent enemy in a small predaceous beetle (Clerus
ichneumoneus) which attacks and destroys the Scolytid when the latter
emerges from its gallery and the larva of which, there is every reason
to believe, also destroys the Scolytid larva.
The following additional Coleoptera are also known to affect Celtis,
but are not peculiar to it, the most injurious being No. 20:
CERAMBYCIDA.
17. Mallodon melanopus Linn.
18. Mallodon serrulatus Lec.
19. Smodicum cucujiforme Say.
20. Romaleum atomarium Drury.
21. Liopus crassulus Lee.
22. Ataxia crypta Say.
SCOLYTID &.
23. Micracis rudis Lee.
24. Scolytus muticus Say.
25. Phloeotribus frontalis Oliv.
The following species of Cucujide are found under the decaying
bark:
26. Catagenus rufus Fabr.
27. Scalidia linearis Lee.
28. Ino reclusa Lee.
29. Lemophleus hornii Casey.
CECIDOMYIDOUS HACKBERRY GALLS.
The Cecidomyidous galls occurring on twigs and leaves of Celtis
often assume a close resemblance to those produced by the Psyllids and
are almost as numerous in species as the latter. They have not yet
been thoroughly studied, and a full description is not here intended, nor
a characterization of the insects which make them and which are very
difficult to rear. Buta short account of a few of the more striking galls
which are liable to be mistaken for those made by Psyllids will be ap-
propriate.
30. Cecidomyidous galls on the tender twigs, either singly or placed
in rows of two or more specimens; occurring also singly on the petiole
or on the lower surface of the leaf. Gall usually resembling somewhat
7] re :
ee
HACKBERRY GALLS. 613
a large egg of some diurnal Lepidopteron; short, conical, or subglobu-
lar in outline, arising from a circular, truncate base, rounded off at tip
where it is furnished with a short spine or nipple; surface dark green,
opaque, granulose, usually with faint and shallow longitudinal furrows
and usually hirsute with short stout hairs; sides at the base with more
or less distinct, irregular protuberances. The gall is not eutirely sessile,
but only connected with the twig at the central part of its base. A
vertical section shows a single spherical cell (rarely two) having a
thick whitish-yellow, hard and woody wall. Average height of gall 4™™
(excluding the apical spine); average diameter at base 3.4™™. The gall
varies in shape, Some specimens being more conical, others nearly glob-
ular or even slightly depressed at tip, while others are not hairy and
_ less opaque, the surface being covered with little pustules. The latter
’ form possibly constitutes a distinct species.
31. Cecidomyidous galls on the tender twigs occurring either singly
or in groups of two, three, four or more specimens; rarely, also, singly on
the under side or even the upper side of the leaf. The gall bears a close
resemblance to the winged seed-capsule (achenium) of a Rumex, but the
wings vary in number from three to five and are often irregularly devel-
oped, while the tip always ends in a long curved spine. The wings termi-
nate in a sharp ridge which is sometimes double. Gall opaque, not
hairy, sculpture consisting of faint and irregular transverse striz ; color
pale yellowish-green, at apical third usually of a more decided green
and darker. A longitudinal section reveals a single large, regularly
ovoid cell surrounded by a thin hard wall. Average height of gall 4.5™™,
excluding the apical spine; generally as wide as high; length of apical
spine variable, but usually a little more than half the height of the gall.
This gall is easily recognized from its peculiar form.
32. Cecidomyidous galls on the under side of the leaf, always arising
from one of the principal leaf-veins, occurring usually singly, rarely in
pairs. In form, sculpture, and pubescence the gall bears a most strik-
ing resemblance to that produced by Pachypsylla celtidis-pubescens (see
p. 619) but itis much larger, more globular, and at once distinguished by
the absence of the cupuliform depression on the upper side of the leaf
which is so characteristic of many Pachypsylla galls. BN no
Fig. 205.—Larva of Apatela parasitized by Aleiodes: a, dorsal view; 6, lateral, showing holes made
by the exit of parasites; c, the cocoons within the host.—Smith del.
Full-grown larva.—Head and body black, head large and full, a little wider than
the body. Body with pale yellow radiating hairs along the sides iow down, but
7
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE TREE OF HEAVEN.
Ailanthus glandulosus.
Order LEPIDOPTERA.
. Samia cynthia Hiibner. (Imported.)
. Oeta compta Clemens. (Riley’s First Report.)
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BOX ELDER.
Negundo aceroides.
1. Phytoptus sp.
Class ARACHNIDA; order ACARINA.
Mr. H. Garman (Forbes’ First Rep. Ins. Illinois) mentions this insect
which gives rise to growths of hairs on the leaves of the box elder,
Negundo aceroides Meench.
670 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Few specimens of this Phytoptus have been seen, though the growths
have been carefully searched for them. One of those examined had 45
transverse striz, and was .005 inch long.
The galls or cecidii consist of mats of tangled white hairs on the
under side of the leaves, situated in slight concavities; on the upper
side of the leaves the cecidii are seen as correspondingly slight convex-
ities on the surface. The younger leaves and those of shoots at the
base of trees are sometimes almost entirely converted into cecidii, the
peculiar hairs appearing even on the upper side of the leaves. Such
leaves never expand, but curl up and seem, from the abundance of the
hairs, to be clothed with a fine mealy substance. These growths are
similar to cecidii of certain oaks.
The growths are very abundant on box elders planted for shade on
the streets of Normal, Ill., and have been seen on young trees in the
nurseries of the neighborhood.
Order LEPIDOPTERA.
. Amphipyra pyramidoides Guen. See p. 171.
. Platysamia cecropia (Linn.) (Riley’s MS. notes.)
. Lithophane cinerosa Grote. Thaxter (Psyche, p. ii, p. 35).
. Gracilaria negundella Chamb. Larva curls down the edge of a leaf.
. Cacecia semiferana (Walk.)
He OO bo
S Sl
Order HEMIPTERA.
. Pulvinaria innumerabilis Rathvon. (Comstock, N. Amer. Ent., i,
p. 25.)
8. Chaitophorus negundinis Thomas. (In Illinois in June, Miss Smith,
Thomas’ Eighth Rept. Il., p. 103.)
9. Lecanium acericola Walsh and Riley. See p. 425.
Order COLEOPTERA.
10. Chrysobothris femorata Lec. (Riley’s 7th Rep. Ins. Mo.)
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE MESQUITE.
Prosopis.
Order COLEOPTERA.
1. Chrysobothris octocola Le Conte. Texas, Arizona, and Colorado
River, of California; lives in species of Prosopis. (Le Conte,
Rey. of Buprestide of U. S. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc., 1859, p. 230.)
2. Cyllene antennatus White. ‘Lives in the mesquite wood,” Arizona.
Horn (Trans. Am, Ent. Soce., viii, p. 135).
3. Bruchus uniformis Le Conte. Colorado desert; abundant in the
pods of Prosopis and Strombocarpus. (Lue Conte.)
4. B. prosopis Le Conte. Found with the preceding. (Le Conte.)
INSECTS INJURING THE PERSIMMON, ETC. 671
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE PERSIMMON.
Diospyrus virginiana.
Order LEPIDOPTERA.
1. Spilosoma virginica Fabr. Riley (MS. notes).
2. Orgyia leucographa Walker. Larva described by French (Rep.,
Curator 8. I. Normal Univ., 1880, p. 44).
_ 3. Cdemasia concinna (Abb.-Sm.). Riley (MS. notes).
4, Cenopis reticulatana (Clem.). Miss Murtfeldt (Fernald’s Cat. Tortri-
cid, p. 20).
. Tolype velleda (Stoll). See p. 165.
6. Aspidisca diospyriella Chamb. Larva in a minute blotch mine, from
which it cuts out a case in which it pupates. (Chambers, l.c¢.)
ou
Order HEMIPTERA.
7. Aphis diospyri Thomas (Eighth Rep. IIL, p. 5).
8. Psylla diospyri Ashmead (Can. Ent., Nov. 1881, p. 222).
Order COLEOPTERA.
9. Brachystylus acutus Riley (Amer. Nat., Nov., ’82).
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE CALIFORNIA BAY OR LAUREL.
Laurus.
1. Ptilinus basalis Le Conte. (Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., viii, p. xxiii.)
2. Micracis hirtella Le Conte.
INSECTS AFFECTING THE CHINA TREE.
The China tree (Melia azedarach) has always been considered as per-
fectly free from any insect attacks whatever. No caterpillar of any
kind has ever been found feeding on its foliage; no Buprestid or
Scolytid beetles bore in its trunk or branches, and no gall insects
disfigure its leaves or twigs. This tree, with its beautiful dense foliage,
is, in fact, to be highly recommended as a shade tree in the South, and
especially in those cities which are so badly infested with the bag-
worm (Thyridopteryx ephemereformis). This immunity enjoyed by the
China tree from the attacks of insects is not perfect, however, as we
have recently received from Alabama some twigs and leaves infested
with the scales of a Coccid belonging to the genus Lecanium ; but,
what is more interesting, the twigs are covered with the waxy scales
of a Ceroplastes of really beautiful appearance and new to science.
The leaf-cutting ant (Atta fervens) shows a decided partiality for the
leaves of this tree in Texas. (Riley.)
672 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE DOGWOOD.
Cornus florida.
1. Antispila cornifoliella Clem.
Order LEPIDOPTERA ; family TINEIDA.
The larva lives in a blotch mine, from which it cuts out a case in which
it pupates on the ground.
The larva mines the leaves of Cornus florida in September. It may
possibly be a variation of nyssefoliella. The larvee of the insects are
very like each other, but I do not know whether that of cornifoliella
undergoes the same change of coloration after the last molting as that
of nyssefoliella. Its mode of preparing for pupation is the same as
the previous species, but whilst the individuals of nyssefoliella on a
single tree are almost innumerable, those of cornifoliella are not abun-
dant. (Clemens.)
Larva.—The head and shield dark brown; body nearly white, with seven minute
black points along the dorsum, and eight on the central surface, somewhat larger
and more distinct.
Moth.—Head, face, labial palpi, and forefeet dark brown. Antenne dark brown;
basal joint somewhat ocherous. Forewings rather dull dark brown, with a coppery
hue. Near the base is a rather narrow golden band, not constricted on the fold,.and
rather indistinct toward the costa, where it is somewhat suffused with a coppery
hue, and nearest the base on the inner margin. At the apical third of the wing isa
small golden spot, and nearly opposite, on the inner margin, another of the same
hue, with the hinder portion of the wing tinged with a bright reddish coppery hue,
cilia dark grayish. Hind wings purplish brown; cilia somewhat paler, with a cop-
pery hue. (Clemens.)
2. Coleophora cornella Walshingham. Lives in curiously shaped case
on leaves of Cornus pubescens, in California.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BOX.
Buxus sempervirens.
1. THE EUROPEAN BOX PSYLLA.
Psylla buxi Linn.
While making some observations for the Bureau, Mr. Koebele found
toward the end of May, in the garden of Mr. James Angus, near New
York City, large numbers of a tlea-louse infesting box. The insects (at
that time mostly larve or pup and a few imagos) thickly crowded the
young growth of the plants, and the whole hedge showed at the first
glance a sickly appearance, the tender shoots being more or less yel-
lowish in color and evidently dying. In our breeding cages the imagos
continued to develop throughout the month of June, but outdoors no
further observation on the life-history of the insect could be made.
The species proved to be identical with the European Box Psylla,
INSECTS INJURING THE BLACK ALDER AND COFFEE TREE. 673
(Psylla buxi Linn.), a species hitherto not known to occur in America.
It is of a pale-green color with hyaline wings, the anterior and middle
portions of the thorax (pronotum and dorsulum) having brownish,
longitudinal markings, the larva and pupa being of still paler, uniform,
greenish color, and not deviating in form from the larve of other species
of the same genus. The winged insect bears a deceptive resemblance
to our native Hornbeam Psylla (Psylla carpini Fitch), and can only be
distinguished from this upon close examination, the most obvious dif-
ference being the absence of a distinct pterostigma in the Box Psylla.
Mr. Angus attempted to brush the Psylla off with a stiff broom, but
this is a remedy of very questionable value, and a much simpler and
doubtless more effective way of getting rid of this pest would be the
application of diluted kerosene emulsion in a very fine spray.
There is no danger that this newly imported Psylla will infest any
other plant besides the box, but, if not kept in check, it is liable to
spread and to do serious damage to the plant in all those sections of
the country where it is grown and esteemed as an evergreen ornament.
(Report of Professor Riley for 1881, p. 410.)
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE BLACK ALDER.
Prinos verticillata. |
1. Hyperchiria io Fabr. (L. W. Goodell, Can. Ent., 1879, xi, p. 79.)
KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE.
Gymnocladus canadensis.
This tree is perhaps as abundant in this part of Kentucky as any-
where else, but the only Lepidopteron that I have ever found feeding
on it is an undescribed Psylla, of which [ have sent all my specimens
to Mr. C. V. Riley. (Chambers, in letter.)
5 ENT——43
CHAPTER XV.
INSECTS INJURIOUS TO THE PINE.
Pinus strobus, P. rigida, ete.
The number of species here recorded as living on the pines alone
amounts to from 165 to 170, while the total number will probably prove
to be nearly double that given. Kaltenbach in his work on Plant
Insect-enemies does not separate those of the pine from those of the
spruce, fir, and larch, but “lumps” them all together under one head,
whether peculiar to the pine, the fir, or the larch. This is a mistake,
although, as is well known, a large proportion of the insects which are
known in this country to prey upon the pine also occur on the spruce
and fir, as well as the hemlock and larch; yet a goodly number of spe-
cies live exclusively on one kind of tree, notably some of those found
on the hackmatack or larch. We have, therefore, been careful to record
the insects of each tree separately.
Kaltenbach in his “ pine” insects enumerates two hundred and
ninety-nine species, of which there are one hundred and thirty Cole-
optera, but of these about twenty species are carnivorous beetles, which
for the most part prey on the borers, or are scavengers, and should not
have been placed among the plant-eaters, but in a separate note or
appendix by themselves. A large proportion of the borers are Scoly-
tids, over twenty species being enumerated, besides about forty species
of the weevil family. Of longicorn borers there are in Europe about
twenty species. The Buprestids are less numerous apparently than in
North America, only five species being mentioned, while as in this coun-
try few species of leaf-beetles prey on coniferous trees, their leaves
being hard and apparently lacking in nourishment for such beetles,
which prefer the more succulent leaves of hard-wood trees.
Of European pine-caterpillars Kaltenbach enumerates seventy-one
species, none of them being those of butterflies; the proportion of silk-
worms (Bombyces), span-worms, or Geometrids, and of leaf-rollers is
much as in North America; of the Tineids only twelve species are re-
ported as feeding on these conifers, and we have called attention to
the very small number which occur on coniferous trees in the United
States.
The species of saw-flies which infest the coniferous trees of Europe,
as on this continent, form a numerous company, Kaltenbach enumer-
ating thirty-eight. Only six flies (Diptera) are mentioned; while the
674
PINE BORERS. 675
bugs (Hemiptera) which gather on these trees are the representatives
of fifty-four species, of which twenty kinds are plant and bark lice.
In his excellent works devoted to the insects of the maritime pine of
France, M. Edouard Perris in the volume on beetles alone enumerates
about one hundred species which live at the expense of this single
species of pine.
Of the pine insects which are described in the following pages per-
haps the Pine moth of Nantucket has occasioned locally the most direct
and perceptible injury; but upon the whole the most insidious and
widely destructive kinds are the timber-borers, and of these the grub
or larva of Monohammus confusor, called in the Southern pine districts
“the sawyer,” does the most damage.
Next to this borer, the white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi) does most
injury to timber, since it deforms the trees, causing the growth of
gnarled, many-headed trees, which, were it not for their attacks, might
have grown into tall straight trees fitted to make masts or to be sawed
into the best lumber.
Attention has been called to the longevity of these borers, which, as
beetles, may live for years in articles of furniture or timbers of houses, if
from some cause prevented from pairing and laying their eggs. It is
not outside of the range of possibilities that the timbers of bridges and
other structures may be weakened by the unseen mines or tunnels of
longicorn borers and of timber beetles. Mr. W.H. Harrington is respon-
sible for the following statement which bears on this point:
A number of years ago, a train of passenger-cars crashed through a high bridge,
built of timber and comparatively new, and many lives were lost. The accident was
caused by the rapid decay of the timber, and a celebrated entomologist on examining
them found that the exterior had been bored by myriads of these little beetles, and
water filtering into their tunnels had rotted the wood.” *
AFFECTING THE ROOTS.
1. THE WHITE GRUB.
Lachnosterna fusca Frohling.
Order COLEOPTERA; family SCARABAZID#.
We have been told by Henry G. Russell, esq., that on his plantations
of evergreen trees at East Greenwich, R. I., the common white grub,
presumably the young of the May beetle, attacks the roots of seedling
larches, white pine, and Douglass’ pine and has at times done them so
much injury that he has had to replant them four times. Iam also
told by Prof. C. E. Sargent, director of the Arnold Arboretum at
Brookline, Mass., that this grub has at times attacked and killed his
young larches and any delicately rooted plants, such as Azaleas.. They
do the most injury in August, when they are large. In wet seasons
* Transactions of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club, No. 2, p. 31, 1881.
676 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
their work is not so apparent, since the roots grow rapidly, but in dry
seasons they become most destructive and annoying.
3 na
Fic, 217.—May beetle and its transformations—2, larva
1, pupa.— After Riley.
AFFECTING THE TRUNK.
2. THE LARGE PINE FLAT-HEADED BORER.
Chalcophora virginiensis (Drury).
Order COLEOPTERA ; family BUPRESTIDE.
Boring in the sap-wood and girdling the tree, a flat-headed, white grub; the track
beginning as narrow and shallow groves on the surface of the wood, forming irregu-
lar wavy or serpentine tracks, which gradually increase in width as the larva grows,
ending in a large hole where the grub pupates; the beetle occurring on the leaves in
spring and autumn.
The habits of this beetle in its preparatory stages are probably much
like those of Chrysobothris femorata, which infests the oak, and the
galleries which it makes under the bark are much like those of the
oak buprestid. No thorough observations have been made upon the
natural history of this interesting beetle. It appears in the Northern
States toward the end of May, and through the month
of June, as Harris states, while we have observed it
in Maine on pine trees the middle of July, and Fitch
States that it occurs upon the leaves of the pine in
autumn. Harris says that in the larva state it bores
43 into the trunks of the different kinds of pines, and is
Fic. 218 —Chaleo. Oftentimes very injurious to these trees.
phora ‘virginien- Beetle.—Oblong oval, brassy or copper-colored, sometimes al-
*s—Marx del. most black, with hardly any metallic reflections. The upper side
of the body is roughly punctured; the top of the head is deeply indented; on the
PINE BORERS. 677
thorax are three polished, black elevated lines ; on each wing-cover are two small
square impressed spots, along elevated smooth black line near the outer, and another
near the inner margin, with several short lines of the same kind between them;
under side of the hody sparingly covered with short, whitish down. Length 0.8 to
1.10 inch.* (Harris.)
3. Chalcophora, probably C. virginiensis.
(Larva, Pl. xvi, fig. 1.)
I have little doubt but that the following description is that of the
larva of the foregoing species, and that at any rate it is a true Chalcop-
hora.
Compared with Loew’s figure of the larva of Chalcophora (Ent. Zeit-
ung, Stettin, 2ter Jahrgang, 1841, Tab. I, figs. 1-8) our species differs
mainly in the larger chitinous prothoracic disk, though the V-shaped
mark is the same. In the shape of the body, in the form of the meso-
thoracic and metathoracic segments, and the end of the abdomen, our
larva appears to be a Chalcophora. The first abdominal ring is longer
and narrower than in Loew’s figure. The labrum is peculiar in this
genus, on account of the lateral lobes; in this respect it resembles the
figure of Loew; while the antenne, maxille, and labium are nearly as
he figures them. Under these circumstances we think there is no rea-
sonable doubt but that this larva is a Chalcophora, and probably, from
its large size, C. virginica, which, according to Harris, bores in the pine.
The two specimens described were taken from under the bark of the
pitch pine, May 26, Providence, R. I.
Larva.—Compared with Dicerca the head is much larger and better developed,
while the prothorax is of the same size, and the abdomen is fully as thick, but rather
longer. Prothorax and the V-shaped mark one half narrower than in Chrysobothris
femorata, and with no markings around the apex, as in Dicerca. The prothoracic
disk has very large, coarse, transverse, raised linear chitinous points, which are more
or less confluent, forming irregular transverse wavy ridges. The disk on the under
side has similar markings, and a single narrow deeply impressed median line, which
extends from the front to the hinder edge.
No roughened area on the succeeding segments, but on the mesothoracic are two
remote converging curved lines, and on the metathoracic segment are similar lines,
which extend nearer the front edge; the curved lines inclose a subtrapezoidal space.
* Chalcophora virginiensis is stated by Fitch to be always an inch or more in length,
but I have measured a great many specimens and find that few exceed an inch in
length, the rest varying from seven-eighths of an inch up to the maximum of slightly
over aninch. This species is duller in color than the preceding species, and the
raised lines on the elytra are less sharply defined. It can be further distinguished
by two impressed spots on each elytron interrupting the second line. This species
~ has been found by me almost invariably crawling, or at rest, upon the sunny side of
the trunk or limbs, instead of among the leaf clusters. Its color tones so well with
the bark of young trees that it is not easily seen, until this habit of frequenting the
sunny side of the tree is known, when it can be more readily found. We have
already noticed that liberta closely resembles the young cones and thus have in these
beetles two very good instances of protective coloring and habits. C. virginiensis
is not so abundant as C. liberta, but is by no means rare and is not unfrequently
found about the city on the sidewalks or crawling on houses or fences.—W. Hague
Harrington in Trans. Ottawa Field Naturalist’s Club, No. 2.
678 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
Antenne large and well developed, compared with those of Dicerca and Chryso-
bothris; 3-jointed; the basal joint membranous, third joint nearly as long as the
second, and blunt at tip. Labrum rounded on the edge, fuller than in Dicerca.
Maxilla large and well developed; maxillary lobe smaller in proportion to the base
of the maxilla than in Dicerca or Chrysobothris. Palpus two-jointed; basal joint
much larger than the maxillary lobe (in Dicerca and Chrysobothris it is much
smaller); second joint one-fourth as large as first, being proportionally much smaller
than in the above mentioned genera. Labium much as in the said genera, being
rounded in front.
Total length of body, 41™™; length of prothorax, 5™™; breadth, 8™™; length of
the three thoracic segments together, 8™™ ; breadth of fourth abdominal segment, 4™™,
The hairs on the body are much coarser than in the other genera mentioned.
This larva may be distinguished by the large head, the well-developed antenna,
the large maxille, with the lower joint of maxillary palpus small; by the very cuarse
and linear markings on the prothoracic disk above and beneath: by the absence of
roughened areas or callosities on the meso- and metathoracic segments, and by the
long, thick abdomen.
The mesothoracic segment is shorter and the metathoracic is as long as in Dicerca.
4. THE LESSER CHALCOPHORA.
Chalcophora liberta Germar.
Very similar to the Virginian Buprestis, but always smaller sized, measuring from
0.75 to 0.90 in length, with the second raised line of the wing-covers broader than the
first or inner line, and totally obliterated where it is crossed by the posterior impressed
spot, its middle portion between the two impressed spots usually showing a few
scattered punctures. (Fitch.)
‘This species is much more common in eastern New York than the
Virginian Buprestis, the beetles appearing upon the leaves of pines
throughout the summer and autumn. From a small grove of young
pines only a few rods in extent upwards of a hundred specimens were
taken the middle of last September, one or two being found upon
almost every tree and bush; whilst only four individuals of the pre-
ceding and two of the following species were found in company with
them. They had probably been bred in the numerous stumps of larger
trees which had been cut down the year before by the side of this grove.
They stationed themselves at the tips of the limbs, clinging to the leaves
with their feet, with their heads inwards, their position, shape, and
size giving them a close resemblance to the young aments or fruit
cones which were growing from the same points on several of the limbs ;
and they appeared to be eating the young buds, which are probably
the food on which all these beetles subsist after arriving at their per-
fect state.” (Fitch.) This Buprestid is also found in Maine, but after
several years’ attempts we have not been able to clear up the habits of
either species of Chalcophora, or to detect the larvee.
‘““Chalcophora liberta very closety resembles the last species in its
markings, and might readily be mistaken therefor by those not
familiar with both. It is smaller, however, being only from three-
quarters of an inch to an inch long and is somewhat different in color.
Itis generally of a bright coppery-red, but varies greatly in this respect,
PINE BORERS. 679
specimens being found of all shades from brassy black or purple to
orange-bronze. This beetle, like the preceding one, is frequently found
(especially upon saplings) in the center of a cluster of leaves, head
‘inwards, and in this position would, by the inexperienced
observer, be probably taken fora young cone. [It appears
to feed upon young cones and leaves at such times, and
these are probably the food of all the pine-investing Bu-
prestians after reaching the perfect state, as I have found
nearly all the species thus situated in the leaf clusters.
This beetle, C. liberta, is quite abundant, as will be seen
when I mention that Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Gresta (a a tans
former member of this club) collected with me in one ee cae es del,
afternoon (September 21, 1878), in a small grove of sap-
lings and young trees, over one hundred specimens, and that a couple
of days afterwards we collected in the same place over half as many.
On the 23d September, 1880, I captured in about an hour twenty-eight
(thirteen males and fifteen females) and could easily have obtained
more. The larve of these beetles had probably bred in trees, or
stumps and logs in the neighborhood,and had resorted to these sap-
lings to feed and pair.” (W. Hague Harrington in Trans. Ottawa Field
Naturalists’ Club, No. 2.)
5. THE OREGON BUPRESTIS.
Chalcophora angulicollis Le Conte.
A beetle intimately related to the preceding species I met with in a
collection ofinsects, made at The Dalles, on Columbia River, many years
since, by Rev. George Gary, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
presented to me by the late Dr. Skilton, of Troy. Its close relationship
to the species above described renders -it altogether probable that its
larva is similarly pernicious to the pine timber of the region where it
abounds. And as no insect of this genus has hitherto been recorded
as an inhabitant of that vicinity, that I am able to discover, I herewith
submit a short account of its distinctive marks. (Fitch.)
The beetle slightly exceeds an inch in length, with the elevated smooth lines and
spots, black and for the most part broader than the rough intervals between them,
which are burnished brassy, tinged with coppery red. Its sculpture is very similar
to that of the species last described above. The elevated line on the middle of the
thorax is here twice as broad as in that species, and at each end is rapidly but not
abruptly widened to double the breadth which it has in the remainder of its length,
these widened portions having a few scattered punctures. Both at the apex and the
base this widened portion is confluent with the irregular elevated stripes which are
placed upon each side of the middle. The smooth pyramidal spots on the base oppo-
site the middle of the anterior end of each wing-cover are here larger and more promi-
nent than in either of the foregoing species and each of these spots has the shape of
a right-angled triangle, the line bounding its outer side running directly forward
instead of obliquely inward and forward, each spot being also more broad than long.
The rough depression which extends forward from these spots to the anterior angles
680 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
of the thorax hasin its middle a well marked, elevated, smooth spot, which is oblong
and placed obliquely, with an oblique groove on its outer side separating it from a
smooth and somewhat triangular spot on the outer margin, which is more distinct in
this than in either of the preceding species, and produces a slight undulation of the
outer edge, this edge being almost rectilinear with the opposite sides, parallel with
each other two-thirds of their length, and then abruptly or angularly inclining
inwards to the anterior angles. The wing-covers have the elevated lines much
broken and irregular, resembling those of the preceding species, though on a partic-
ular examination several differences will be noticed. (Fitch.)
This insect has also been found by Dr. Le Conte, at Sacramento, Cal.
6. Chalcophora fortis Le Conte.
This beetle has been observed by Mr. W. Hague Harrington on the
pine. I extract his account of it from the transactions of the Ottawa
Field Naturalist’s Club, No. 2, p. 28.
The largest species is Chalcophora fortis, a remarkable fine beetle, varying from one
to one and two-tenths inches in length, and being about three-tenths of an inch wide.
Their color is a coppery brown, but newly emerged specimens have often a golden-
greenish burnish, or a powdery appearance caused by very minute particles of wood
scattered in the indentations of the elytra and thorax. The brilliancy of their ap-
pearance is increased by raised lines and patches on the thorax and elytra, which
are polished and show off against the remaining surface as work of burnished metal
does against a grained or frosted ground. This beetle is comparatively rare, but
perhaps as common in this locality as in most parts of the country.
7. THE TOOTH-LEGGED BUPRESTID.
Chrysobothris dentipes (Germar).
Though usually occurring in oak trees, occasionally living under the bark of the
white pine, where it makes a flat, shallow burrow, sometimes half an inch broad and
ending in an oval cell, in which the larva occurs in autumn, winter, and early spring.
We have already noticed this Buprestid among oak borers. We have
found, May 20, at Providence, R. I., the dead beetle in its burrow under
the bark of a white pine stump.
8. HARRIS’S BUPRESTIS.
a ia Chrysobothris harrisii Hentz.
NY, Order CoLEorTerRa; family BUPRESTIDE.
Appearing on the trees in May and becoming
most common about the middle of June, a small
beetle 0.32 long, of a brilliant blue-green color
with black antennz and feet,‘and in the male
the sides of the thorax and the thighs copper-
colored, its surface punctured, with a groove on
¢he middle of the thorax and two indentations
near the base of each wing-cover, slightly sepa-
A rated by a raised line, the inner one running into
Fig. 2°00.“ Chegudbctiae neirene: hoc a groove which extends along the suture to its
seen from front; b, last male segment: tip. Its larva living under the bark of young
c, do. female; d, firstleg.—After Horn. trees and small limbs. (Fitch.)
PINE BORERS. 681
According to Le Conte this beetle inhabits the twigs of the white
pine. Mr. George Hunt also informs us that it inhabits the white pine
in Rhode Island, where he has collected it late in June and during July.
9. Chrysobothris trinervia Kirby.
Fic. 222.—Ohrysobothris triner-
Fig. 221. — Chryso- via; a, head seen in front; 8,
bothris trinervia. last male ventral segment;
—From Packard. c, do. female; d, first leg of
male.—After Horn.
As this beetle occurs in the pine forests of Colorado, it is most prob-
able that it bores in pine trees. It is a rather small, short, broad
species, dull blackish, with faint metallic reflections. Surface of the
body, especially the wing-covers, with irregular ridges, the inner one
parallel to the inner edge of the wing-cover; wing-covers with smooth,
elevated areas, between which the surface is minutely pitted with dense
golden punctures. Body clothed beneath with short, coarse hairs.
Length, 0.45inch. (Le Conte.) We collected a specimen on the Divide,
Colorado, July 12. Prof. F. H. Snow has taken it at Santa Fé, N. Mex.
10. THE GOLDEN BUPRESTIS.
Buprestis striata (Fabr.)
Order COLEOPTERA; family BUPRESTID. ~
Appearing upon pine and spruce trees in May and June, a brilliant and sparkling
copper-red beetle, 0.55 to 0.70 long, its wing-covers marked with a broad brilliant
bluish-green stripe on each and with four elevated smooth lines in which are several
deep punctures, the two outer lines nearly or quite united at their hind ends and
the exterior middle one a fourth shorter, the depressed spaces between these lines
twice as wide as the lines and rough from coarse confluent punctures; its thorax
with a wide shallow yroove along the middle, which is sometimes very slight, the
surface covered with coarse punctures which ‘become dense and confluent along the
sides, as they are upon the head also, which has a slender elevated line along its
middle; the under side brilliant coppery. (Fitch.)
‘“‘ Like most of the other insect borers in the pine, it appears to be the
dead wood of logs and stumps which this species prefers to living trees.
682 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
T. B. Ashton informs me that he once found the fragments of one of
these beetles in the interior of a pine log. Ihave met with it, in two
instances, stationed at the tips of the limbs of young spruce trees in
my yard, and it is probable that in its perfect state it feeds upon the
tender young buds of the pine and the spruce.” (Fitch.)
Mr. George Hunt tells us that it occurs on
the white pine and yellow pine (P. rigida) in
northern New York.
Le Conte states that it inhabits the Mid-
dle States, Canada, and the Lake Superior
region. It varies in brillianey of color; the
male is narrower than the female, and has
the tip of the abdomen more distinctly trun-
cate, or, rather, more broadly rounded.
Allied to this species is Buprestis lauta
(Le Conte), which is abundant in Washing-
ton and Oregon; while we have received it
from Utah, through Mr. J. L. Barfoot, cura-
tor of the Salt Lake Museum. It has also
been detected by Prof. F. H. Snow at Santa
Fé, N. Mex. The male is a little narrower,
FIG. 223.—Buprestis striata— says Le Conte, than the female, but the tip
ase of the abdomen issomewhat truncate in both.
Buprestis radians (Le Conte) also inhabits Oregon. It is shaped like
the male of B. lauta, but may be known by the very hairy front and
prosternum. The tip of the abdomen is somewhat truncate.
Nearly allied to the two last named is B. adjecta (Le Conte) from
Oregon. It is said by Le Conte to be broader even than the female of
B. lauta, with intermediate elevated ridges on the elytra; the tip of
the latter is distinctly bidentate, while the abdomen is less strongly
punctured and scarcely truncate. -
wv
11. THE ULTRAMARINE BUPRESTIS.
Buprestis ultramarina Say.
This species has been found by Fitch in the middle of July in a forest
of pines and other trees, and is probably a pine insect. It is said by
Le Oonte to be a broader form than B. decora Fabricius, to which it is
allied, with the intervals of the elytra less irregularly punctured, espe-
cially towards the suture, with the tips rounded, or hardly truncate,
not bidentate as in that species. The abdomen is broadly rounded at
the apex. The following description is quoted from Fitch’s Fourth
Report:
The Ultramarine Buprestis is half an inch long and of a brilliant green color tinged
with golden yellow, the sides of the thorax being pure golden, with also a stripe
along the middle, where is a very slight wide groove, scarcely obvious. The wing-
PINE BORERS. 683
covers are brilliant blue, which color is margined on each side and at the base with
golden yellow tinged with green, the suture and outer margin being burnished cop-
pery red. On each wing-cover are about eight rows of large deep punctures placed
closely together, and some of them united or confluent, and between each of these
rows is a series of smaller round punctures. Their tips are cut off transversely, and
on the side next to the suture is a minute projecting tooth. The scutel is circular,
deeply concave, and green, with its sides blue. The thorax is covered with close,
deep, coarse punctures, which are more dense and confluent on each side. The head
is rough from similar confluent punctures, witha slender, smooth, elevated line in its
middle. The antenn are black with the basal joints coppery red. The under side
is burnished coppery with the sutures of the abdomen green. (Fitch.)
12. SPOTTED-WINGED BUPRESTIS.
Buprestis lineata Fabricius.
A shining brassy-black beetle, sometimes blue-black or dark bottle-green, of the
same shape with the preceding and .45 to .65 long, each wing-cover with from three
to six pale tawny yellow spots of irregular shape and very variable, the mouth and
throat often and sometimes the face of same color, and also a spot on each side of the
last segment of the abdomen beneath; the wing-covers with several impressed lines
aud a row of punctures on each of the interstices between them, the thorax with
coarser close punctures and a single large one on the middle of its hind edge. (Fitch.)
‘‘T have met with this beetle, in July, on pines growing at a distance
from any other trees,an evidence that it had been bred from them.
The spots on its wing-covers are extremely variable, being alike in no
two specimens.
‘“The more usual form is slightly larger, measuring .60 to .75 in length,
and the wing-covers with two tawny orange stripes on each, the inner
one of which is widest at its base and does not reach to the tip. Here
also the last segment of the abdomen beneath has a tawny orange spot
on each side, and the throat, mouth, and face, and a stripe on each
side of the thorax are yellow, varied in places with red.” (Fitch.) It
occurs not infrequently in the Middle and Southern States according
to Le Conte. I have found, in company with Mr. Calder, the elytra
of this beetle under the bark of the white and pitch pine, in Provi-
dence, R. I.
13. Buprestis maculiventris Say.
Mr. W. Hague Harrington, of Ottawa, gives the following account of
this beetle in the Transactions of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club,
No. 2, p. 30:
Buprestis maculiventris is a brassy-brown species, from five-eighths to six-eighths
of an inch long, common upon both old and young trees in June and July. I am
inclined to think it feeds also upon spruce, as while in Cape Breton last August I
noticed a couple of these beetles in a section wooded almost entirely with spruce,
pines being rarely met with. It is easily distinguished by the yellowish-red spots
on each side of the segments of the abdomen beneath, and by smaller spots of the
same color upon the shoulders of the thorax and upon the face. Its wing-covers are
thinner and softer than those of preceding species, and often have a rumpled appear-
ance as if bent in two or three places. It is inferior in beauty to our other Bupres-
tidew. I have found several of the beetles emerging from the pine timbers of the
Maria street bridge about the end of June.
684 FIFTH REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION.
14. Buprestis rusticorum Kirby.
This is an abundant insect in the pine woods of Oregon and Wash-
ington, and appears to range eastward into British America. We
have found it in pine woods at Manitou, Colo., July 16, while it is not
uncommon in New England, Mr. George Hunt finding it at Providence,
R. I. The body is brown, with an olive-green tint. Head and thorax
punctured. Each wing-cover with five ridges, four of them well
marked and smooth, the interspaces with scattered punctures. On the
head between the eyes are five yellow spots; two simple
% .@ dots, two long spots on the orbits, sending two projections
| outward, and a line in front sends three projections up-
wards. Two unequal yeliow spots under the eyes. Lab-
rum and labium yellow. Fine orange- yellow spots on each
side of the end of the abdomen beneath. Length, 0.65
to 0.92 inch. Le Conte also adds that this species is
Fic. 224—Bup- nearly allied to Buprestis maculiventris, which occurs in