Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. BULLETIN No. 18—NEw SERIES. p5e a) DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. SOME MISCELLANEOUS RESULTS OF THE WORK OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. ERE PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF. L. O. HOWARD, ENTOMOLOGIST. . ; ee te WASHINGTON: : as ef. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. ; 1898, Dr U ae ? LOGE. gq “ISION OF 1 BEE de u a Bi = ande, D.W,C > bb ks, ES an a. ede . Hu Ba — as vathan rd. Ss Howa aes hw ton, ivan. f i x ts gis EA S.Cli .Sulli 4 omoto: Sd ive L rs 1Ss gist Ent gato tants =M t tomolo ssist. resti ssis rtis En = A oS Inve: cA BULLETIN No. 18—NEW SERIES. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. SOM E MISCELLANEOUS RESULTS WORK OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF L. O. HOWARD, ENTOMOLOGIST. — yA a = —— = Sos* WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1898. LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, ~ Washington, D. C., November 1, 1898. Str: I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript of a bulletin which contains matter similar to that published in Bulletins Nos. 7 and 10 of the new series, namely, miscellaneous articles and notes which are too short for separate publication but which are of such importance that they should be promptly printed. 1 recommend the publication of this manuscript as Bulletin 18, new series, of this Division. Respectfully, L. O. HOWARD, Hon. JAMES WILSON, Entomologist. Secretary of Agriculture. — wa, ee » ea germ — ee CONE NTS. RHE SAN JOSE SCALE ON, DRIED ISRUITZ=: - 2... -52: 252.42 222. L. O. Howard... A NEw Coccrb ON BiRCH (illustrated). Henry G. Hubbard and Theo. Pergande.. THE PEACH LECANIUM ee nigrofasciatum n. sp.) (illustrated) -. noo cbobls Sed BeOS ODS Be Spare Se Se a a Ere ieee ae eS oa Theo. Perg ae THE WorRK AGAINST ICERYA PURCHASI IN PORTUGAL, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE INTRODUCTION OF NOVIUS CARDINALIS ...-.....--...-- L. O. Howard... TwiG PRUNERS AND ALLIED SPECIES (illustrated)-......... F. H, Chittenden... A DESTRUCTIVE BORER ENEMY OF BIRCH TREES (illustrated). .F. H. Chittenden. - A NEw NOMENCLATURE OF THE BROODS OF THE PERIODICAL CICADA...---.- epee sy arn ay eens ise Sere ee on a Pa eS C. L. Marlatt... A CONSIDERATION OF THE VALIDITY OF THE OLD RECORDS BEARING ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE BROODS OF THE PERIODICAL CICADA, WITH PARTIC- ULAR REFERENCE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF BROODS VI AND XXIII In 1898 Pa Re REE ee RN sR IR NS OR en a ee -C. L. Marlatt. . SoME OBSERVATIONS ON THE CYCLE OF THE SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE “Broop LOUSE” (Schizoneura lanigera Hausm.).-..--.-.-... S. Mokrzhetski.. A CECIDOMYIID INJURIOUS TO SEEDS OF SORGHUM...-.---- D. W. Coquillett-. AVIHA-TYER OF GRAPE AND ELDERBERRY ...------.----- F, H. Chittenden -. AMEE ACBEETLE. LLVING ON PURSLANE .--2..2.-2..--.<2---- F. H. Chittenden. . CORR O Nee LEE WD INGE CLG serra ne oe sie Koo thera, einisias wi senlcieinaajpee' eo cbesiae ocete cs SeAONG MIE EP NORMS ie Saari soins wie s SSE clo eis alee se wns tsee scers Sens Selo s/eee The Introduction of Beneficial Ladybirds from Australia into India (p. 89) ; The Sugar-cane Borers of the Mascarene Islands (p. 90); Notes on Ticks (p.90); An Invasion of the Larger Digger Wasp (p.92); Recent Injury by the Sugar-cane Beetle and related species (p.92); A New Enemy of the Grapevine in Mexico (p. 93); Westward Spread of the Common _ Asparagus Beetle (p. 93); Biologic Note on Conotrachelus elegans Say (p. 94); A New Sugar-beet Beetle (p. 95); A Leaf-beetle Injurious to Culti- vated Sunflower (p. 96); Recent Injury by Bark-beetles: a correction (p. 96); An interesting case of Myiasis (p. 97); The European Bat Bug in America (p. 97); A Radical Novelty in Chinch Bug Work (p. 97); Poisoned Potato Slices for Oniscus (p. 98). Neer OlE © OREESPONDENCE oc 2 ccs ce ors se nie saeco escent cote ee bocce For House Ants (p.99); Injury by the cone Leaf-roller (p. 99); Injury by the Caterpillars of Scepsis fulvicollis Hbn. (p.99); Poisoning for the Cotton Caterpillar (p.99); Insect injury to Pecan buds (p.99); A late Outbreak of the Army Worm (p. 99); Extraordinary abundance of Io caterpillars (p. 99); Another very Beneficial Lady-bird (p. 99); Leaf- beetle Injury to Coffee Trees in Guatemala (p. 100); The Giant Twig Girdler (p. 100); Reeent Injury by Blister Beetles of the Genus Pompho- pea (p. 100); Swarming of Western Willow Flea-beetle (p. 100); New food plants of the Oil Beetle, Meloé angusticollis (p. 100); The Flat- headed Apple-tree Borer Damaging Quilts (p.100); Cosmopepla carnifex attacking Mustard (p. 100); The Big Bed-bug of the Far West (p 101); Nysius californicus injurious to lettuce (p. 101); Leaf-hopper injury to Potatoes (p. 101); The Hawthorn Tingis injuring Quince (p. 101); The Wheat Thrips injuring Plums in Florida (p. 101); The so-called ‘‘ Cotton Flea” (p. 101). 3 26 99 28 SOLS aN rate Fig. ILLUSTRATIONS. . Xylococeus betule: work on birch tree. ....--- seulaid ateretel eee ie eee ~exaylococcus betule:, \arve:, male andatemalens =) -- see oe eee eee - Xylococcus betule: end of body, of females... 5-25 4--- eee . Xylococcus betule: end of body of female, second stage....-........--- . Xylococcus betule: end of body of female, third and fourth stages. ---- eeXolococcus belule: Stages Ole femal eras se. seme ee a ee 7 Xajlococcus betule> adult females aces. see) ae es ee ae ee = xcylococcus.Detules: PATS Ol Mallee ee =e tee ea ee » Lecanium mgrofasciatum: adult female-2e] 2225.24. ee see a ee . Lecanium ngrofasciatum: antenna and leg 22-22. 2252222) 2 eee - Hlaphidionwllosum: larva, beetle, pupanetG 4-25 eee eee ooo Shlaphidion.verme; CMlargee de: xo a. ss te tee eee ee 2 Work of Hlaphidion sublpubescensi = seen eee eee > Hlaphidion mucronatum, elarged ~~ 2-7) -o- 2-26 oss 6 ee ee s Work of Aortlus anxius on, pirchalim b2es5- = e se ee Work of Agrilusanzcvas om birch trim kee: ape eae ere ee saAgrilusanxius:, larva, pupacand adult ys-e- - oe ee = ee ee 4 47 INTRODUCTION. The present bulletin is the third of the new series of this Division to contain miscellaneous short articles and notes. It presents a number of articles of more than usual interest. The record of experiments on drying fruit affected by the San Jose scale is of international impor- tance in view of the recent legislation by foreign countries barring American dried fruits from entrance. The account of the work against the fluted scale, Icerya purchasi, in Portugal contains another striking example of the value of the study of natural enemies of injurious insects. The articles by Mr. Chittenden on twig pruners and a new borer enemy of the birch are of interest on account of the recent damage by these destructive insects and of importance since they bring to notice some species new to this form of damage. The peach Lecanium article by Mr. Pergande will, it is hoped, settle the long-mooted question as to the identity of the brown scale which so frequently damages peach trees, and that upon a new Coccid on birch describes with great care the life history of a remarkable insect which has ruined the bark of the beauti- ful white birch over a large extent of the Lake Superior region. The periodical Cicada articles by Mr. Marlatt are also of special interest, the first one proposing for the first time a rational nomenclature for the different broods of this unique insect. Oars ~ 0 SOME MISCELLANEOUS RESULTS OF THE WORK OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. THE SAN JOSE SCALE ON DRIED FRUIT. | By L. O. HowARD. We have made little mention as yet in the publications of the Divi- sion of the recent actions by foreign governments in prohibiting the importation of American plants and fruits on account of the danger of introducing the San Jose scale. In Bulletin 12, new series, we gave the German edict of February 5, which prohibited living plants and their packing as well as fresh fruit when examination of the latter indicated the presence of the scale. A later edict included fruit waste ~ - (cores and skins), a by-product of evaporated apples. Still later, cus- toms authorities were notified to allow the importation of whole unpeeled dried fruit from the United States without previous examination for the presence of the San Jose scale only when, without exception, it is wholly dry, hard, and brittle, so that without difficulty it can be rubbed fine in the hand. Measures adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Government in April were prohibitive only in so far as related to the importation of living plants, grafts, and layers, and also the packing and cover with which they were shipped. Measures adopted about the same time by the Canadian Government prohibited only nursery stock. A comprehen- Sive law adopted by the Government of the Netherlands did not take action regarding dried fruit, the minister of the interior stating in the discussion of the bill that he did not consider such a course necessary. On the 14th of July the Federal Council of Switzerland promulgated a decree which in effect prohibited the importation into that country of all unpeeled American dried fruits. This decree, apparently working a hardship upon American exporters, has been the subject of a some- what extensive correspondence, in the course of which the United _ States Department of State was appealed to by American exporters, and in turn the United States Department of Agriculture was consulted for expert information. The Divisions of Pomology and Entomology were consulted by the honorable Secretary of Agriculture, and extracts from the reports of these divisions follow. FROM THE DIVISION OF POMOLOGY. Under this enactment it would appear that all American unpeeled sun-dried or evaporated fruits are denied entrance to Switzerland. This practically shuts out all American sun-dried or evaporated plums, prunes, apricots, nectarines, cherries, = ‘4 8 raisins, and berries, all of which fruits are commonly dried without being peeled, as well as evaporated apple ‘‘chops” and ‘‘skins,” which are largely exported to Euro- pean countries. It also affects the trade in both sun-dried and evaporated peaches and pears, of which only a part of the product consists of peeled fruit. The avowed intention of the prohibition, according to the press reports, is to prevent the introduction of San Jose scale on such fruits. In the absence of any recorded instance where this scale has been introduced to any fruit region through the agency of infested fresh fruit, the prohibition of the importation of the dried product seems unnecessarily severe. All American sun- dried fruits are subjected to a high temperature in the open air for several days dur- ing the drying process, and it is very doubtful whether the scale could long survive such treatment. If there is any doubt concerning such fruit it could easily be removed by requiring that all sun-dried fruits should be sterilized before packing, by being heated in a fruit evaporator, to a temperature tc be agreed upon by test, for such length of time as would be sufficient to destroy all living scale, if such were present. In so tar as it relates to evaporated fruits the prohibition is entirely unnecessary. In the evaporating process the fruit is subjected to a temperature of 150° to 200° F. for several hours, usually uwelve or more. In the case of apricots, peaches, and pears, the fruit is subjected to the fumes of burning sulphur for from thirty to sixty minutes before being placed in the evaporator. In California the same treatment is applied to fruits that are afterwards dried in the sun, while in all prune-growing districts of the United States the fruit is dipped in hot lye to check the skin and hasten the drying process. This treatment undoubtedly destroys the life of any scale that may be upon the fruit. In view of these facts, which are capable of the most complete substantiation by observation in the portions of the United States which produce the dried and evap- orated fruits mentioned, it is my opinion that a strong protest should be made by the Department of State against the continuance of the above-mentioned prohibitive legislation. As it now stands, it unnecessarily and unjustly restricts legitimate trade in an important pomological product. Very respectfully, Wo. A. TAYLOR, Acting Pomologist. FROM THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. From an intimate acquaintance with the habits and life history of the San Jose scale, extending now over a period of nineteen years, or ever since it was first dis- covered in the United States, I can, with confidence, state that, in my opinion, the Swiss legislation works an entirely unnecessary hardship upon American exporters of dried fruits. With regard to evaporated fruits, the prohibition is ludicrously unnecessary. With regard to sun-dried fruits, it is my strong belief that it is equally unnecessary. I have seen the newspaper statement to the effect that the San Jose scale in living condition has been found upon the skin of American dried fruit imported into Ger- many, but firmly believe that this is a misstatement, and am of the opinion that the State Department would be perfectly justified in any endeavor to secure a modifica- tion of the Swiss ruling, and would indorse the suggestion of the Acting Pomologist that. in case it should be found that it is impossible to secure the entire abolition of the ruling, in all fairness efforts should be made to remove evaporated fruits from the prohibited category and to secure the admission of sun-dried fruits which have been sterilized before packing. Respectfully yours, L. O. Howarp, Entomologist. 7) Although the Acting Pomologist and the Entomologist were so confi- dent of the correctness of their views, as expressed above, that experi- mentation seemed hardly necessary, it was decided, in order to lend force to subsequent expressions of opinion by the Department, to under- take a series of experiments with sulphured and unsulphured sun-dried and evaporated fruits of different kinds, including apples, pears, and peaches, all well infested with the San Jose scale, and these were carried out during the months of September and October. Through the kindness of Dr. J. B. Smith, of New Brunswick, N. J.; Prof. G. H. Powell, of Newark, Del.; Prof. W. G. Johnson, of College Station, Md., Prof. W. B. Alwood, of Blacksburg, Va., and Mr. E. Dows, of Riverside, Md., the writer was able to secure the desired fruit, viz, apples, pears, and peaches, all bearing a greater or smaller number of living specimens of the San Jose scale. Some of the fruit was badly infested, while other specimens carried but a few scales. This fruit was turned over to Mr. Taylor, who sliced and dried it by both evaporating and sun-drying processes jn accordance with the general customs, having dried a certain amount of each without previous sulphuring and sub- mitting the rest to the ordinary sulphuring process. The lots of fruit were kept distinct, and the dried product was returned by Mr. Taylor to this Division. On receipt at this office the entire product was carefully examined. Each section of dried fruit was examined with a hand lens to locate the scales, and each scale found was examined under a com- pound microscope in order to ascertain whether it was living or dead. The examination was necessarily protracted and very tedious, but, in a word, not a single scale was found which showed the slightest signs of life. We consider this test to have been conclusive and to have demon- strated that prohibition of American dried fruit by foreign countries is unnecessary in order to protect their fruit-growing interests, and that the complaints of American exporters are fully justified. The details of the experiments follow, the reports of the evaporation experiments being signed by Mr. W. A. Taylor, Acting Pomologist, who personally conducted the work, assisted by Messrs. W. P. Corsa and W. N. Irving, of the Division of Pomology, and the results of the entomological exam- ination being signed by Mr. Nathan Banks, an expert assistant in the Division of Entomology, who conducted the microscopic examination of the scales. Mr. Banks’s methods and results were tested by the . writer and found to be perfectly satisfactory. EXPERIMENT I.—EVAPORATION OF. ANGOULEME (DUCHESS) PEARS, SEPTEMBER 13, 14, 1898. These pears were “‘shipping ripe,” rather immature to evaporate to good adyan- tage. They were divided into two equal lots, A and B, by weight, and were then quartered, cored, and placed on trays. Lot A was spread upon two trays (1 and 2) and exposed to the tumes of 1 teaspoon- ful of sulphur for fifteen minutes in the bleaching box, which has a capacity of four 10 trays. They were then placed 1n the evapor oe No. 1 on ue bottom ledge and No. 2 on the seventh ledge from the bottom. Lot B was spread upon two trays (3 and 4) and immediately placed in the evapor- ator, No. 3 on the fourth ledge and No. 4 on the top or tenth ledge. Temperatures were observed continuously by means of mercurial thermometers placed on bottom and top trays, with tubes extending out through small holes in side and top of evaporator. Temperatures were recorded at intervals of fifteen min- utes. The evaporator was opened at intervals of one hour to observe the condition of the fruit. After five hours of continuous heat it was decided that it would be necessary to divide the quarters into eighths, which was done to hasten completion of the process. At the end of nine hours all but the largest pieces were pronounced cured and were removed from the evaporator. The remainder were left in two hours longer. The temperature of the bottom tray during the process (with exception of short periods after the opening of the evaporator for inspection) ranged from 73° C. to 100° C., the latter temperature continuing but for a few moments on two occasions. It was found necessary to check the fire frequently to prevent a higher temperature, and as commonly operated the lower tray is undoubtedly subjected to a temperature several degrees higher than it was during this test. A temperature of 90° to 98° C. on the bottom tray was maintained during most of the périod, 94° being the temper- ature sought. The temperature of the top tray under similar conditions ranged from 10° to 20° C. lower than that of the bottom tray, the maximum temperature of the top tray being 88°. The fruit on this tray cured much more slowly than on the bottom tray because of the lower temperature. Gross and net weights of fresh fruit and weights of cured fruit. Weight. Cured in— ei Total. Gross. Net. a 9 hours. |11 hours. Lot A: Pounds. | Pounds.| Pounds. | Pounds. | Pounds. ERraiyailhs 4222 Shs. Le oct pasos cae aeons wemeteo cere 12. 20 11. 69 iL 0.16 1.16 IU 2) caddie racducgdbeccoopdadech es ocuDcounpEdood|laogconoSos|iscaqsobcce 1.19 0. 34 1.53 Motalkcured fruit: VOt Accs mee 2 is cea ee aS mre ear Se ee ery oe eee | rere apeemri 2. 69 Lot B: Rea keene aes ea epee = PLA VeS) eels tris are etecie syaietcle telecine Cionieieialn eee 12. 20 2 0. 93 0. 34 1s WA7/ (tte wid Cabs Gs caseoucesaastbooabuosges doseu supabellbdaacbogss|daooesoune 0.78 0. 76 1.54 Total;eured: fruit. lot Beste ses aace eee eee ee | Saecleiacicc eee seats eek lee eee ole Seee eee D 81 a After removal of cores and waste. I have found all the scales in this lot dead. W. A. TAYLor, Acting Pomologist. NATHAN BANKS. EXPERIMENT IJ.—EVAPORATION AND SUN DRYING OF BEN DAVIS AND BALDWIN APPLES. On September 15, 1898, a mixed lot of Ben Davis and Baldwin apples, infested with San Jose scale, was divided into two equal parts, A and B, by weight. and spread upon trays. sliced into eighths, without paring, Each lot was Lot A was spread upon trays 5 and 6 and exposed to the fumes of one teaspoonful of sulphur upon live coals for fifteen minutes in the bleaching box. tray 5 was placed in the evaporator on ledge 9, while tray 6 was exposed to the sun in the open air near the ground at the south side of the insectary. After bleaching, 11 Lot B was spread upon trays 7 and 8. Tray 7 was placed in the evaporator on ledge 4, while tray 8 was exposed to the sun beside tray 6. The temperatures of the bottom and top trays.of the evaporator were taken at intervals of fifteen minutes as before, a maximum temperature of 96° to 98° C. being sought. For a few minutes at two different times the temperature of the bottom tray was above 100° C. After seven hours exposure to heat nearly one-half of the fruit was pronounced cured and was removed from the trays, the balance being taken out two heurs later. The gross and net weights of fresh fruit and the weight of cured fruit are shown in the following table: Gross and net weights of fresh fruit and weight of cured fruit. APPLES. Weight. Cured in— ECR ERE Sae S Total. Gross. Net. 7 hours. | 9 hours. Lot A (sulphured) : ; Pounds.| Pounds. | Pounds.| Pounds. | Pounds. Aa E OMe ace mieten claw cele eels ccieioee SuaGaOae 9. 33 8.47 1. 05 Stel 1. 82 GBS (hs a ta ene a He A Ce 9. 33 48580; [sete ie ee os 1.74 Moralicured truitelobeAZ ee Soe ees oe coum CONOR Wee oC ee ae ee Sea: Lot B (not sulphured@) : cae ATA piles eerste estan aie eotopemeicelcisieraveiers Byatetsis ae seta crane 9. 33 8.75 . 46 1. 43 1.89 BUMS Orateperrar cee eciaiae cVeles eine seeicinisls/ennenie seisieetele 9. 33 dts) SO On SeemelWASOsoeE or Be ANOVA LCUAGOSHAUOR RIOR Sip coms Ato S 6 Soom Ee aenllootosHeobe Soros scecd lssatesesnolecdecubas- 3. 68 Trays 6 and 8 were exposed daily to the sun in dry weather from 8 a. m. to 5 p.m., and were pronounced cured after about ten days of such exposure. A small portion of the fruit from these trays was destroyed by mice at night. ; W. A. TAYLOR, Acting Pomologist. I have examined all these and found the scales all dead. NATHAN BANKS. EVAPORATION AND SUN DRYING OF PEACHES. A basket of white-fleshed, freestone peaches, probably Fox (Seedling), infested with San Jose scale, was divided, by weight, into two equal lots,A and B. The fruit was cut into halves, and after removal of stones was spread upon trays. As in the case of apples, lot A (spread upon trays 1 and 2) was exposed to the fumes of sulphur, while lot B (spread upon trays 3 and 4) was not. Trays 1 and3 were placed in the evaporator upon ledges 1 and 7, respectively, with the apples, while trays 2 and 4 were dried in the sun, with the same exposure and for the same length of time as the apples. After seven hours of heat most of the fruit on tray 1 was pronounced cured, and at the end of ten hours all was removed from the evapo- rator. 12 The gross and net weights of fresh fruit and the weight of cured fruit are shown by the following table: Gross and net weights of fresh fruits and weight of cured fruit. PEACHES. Weight. Cured in— Total. Gross. Net.a | 7 hours. | 10 hours. Lot A (sulphured) : Pounds. | Pounds. | Pounds. | Pounds. | Pounds. May AS Sots cicabecicmnace-ceise sec ae cee aoe eens 6. 89 6. 26 1/25 0. 04 1. 29 Dray 26 soz pitches bcos siete ose oeas ete eins ae iaeieteeee 6. 89 Gh2SeN Nee sethantes acess 1. 25 RotalicuredstruitlotvAsessee essen secre eee ee eee eee eee ree ee ate t See 2.54 Lot B (not sulphured) : At a E ERP A Vgois teats nina a7t ave aioe siete eon aele sete misao eta, 6. 89 6. 27 0.37 We 24 1. 64 AVE GAS ae Re Ce me ame ORE E Ase Reet non A SSO OCS See 6. 98 Ob 7G} lecasesauce IGSacBHSSor 1. 44 Motalicured tiuit loti a2. sk oo. seat ee eee airer TE are 3.08 a After removal of stones and waste. A lot of infested peach twigs and leaves were exposed to heat on top tray, the coolest portion of the evaporator, for five hours. W. A. TAYLOR, Acting Pomologist. All the scales in this lot were dead. NATHAN BANKS. EXPERIMENT IIJ.—EVAPORATION AND SUN DRYING OF VICAR PEARS AND BEN DAVIS AND BALDWIN APPLES. On September 30 a basket of Vicar pears, badly infested with San Jose scale, was divided into two equal lots, A and B, by weight, as in Experiments I and II, and after being sliced into eighths, was spread upon trays, Lot A was spread on trays 2 and 3 and sulphured. Lot B was spread upon trays 4 and 9 and was not exposed to sulphur fumes. Trays ITI-A-2 and III-B-4 were placed in the evaporator. At the end of six hours most of the fruit was found cured and was removed, the bal- ance being left until completion at the end of ten hours. The temperatures were practically identical with those of Experiment II. Trays IIJ-A-3 and III-B-9 were placed in the sun for about eight hours each day on clear days, being exposed in this manner for about ten days, until sufficiently cured. The gross and net weights of fresh fruit and weight of cured fruit are shown in the following table: Gross and net weights of fresh fruit and weight of dried fruit. VICAR PEARS. Weight. After— | Total. Gross. Net. 6 hours. |10hours.| ~ Lot A (sulphured) : - Pounds. | Pounds. Hounds: Pounds Pounds. rays A=2evaporated) oa 2- 2) = eisesecoeincee -75 sz 1 Tray L1I-A-3 sun dried ...-........- Lak eee \ 10. 14 9.59 { hese Salllgesaeemee 1. 02 Lot B (not sulpbured) A . pes cess ae Tray I1I-B-4 evaporated.-.-----...---.---.----- : ; . 8: Tray LLI-B-9 sun dried ..............--.-.----- \ 10. 14 9 27 { Meson Sasori 1.03 On October 1, 1898, about one-half bushel of inferior Ben Davis and Baldwin apples was divided into lots as in the former experiments and tested in the same ip ee a a ee AT OR aes oa A lente tegen 13 way as the Vicar pears. The disposition and treatment of the trays is shown by the following table: Gross and net weights of fresh fruit and weight of cured fruit. BEN DAVIS AND BALDWIN APPLES. Weight. A fter— Total. Gross. Net. 7 hours. | 9 hours. | Lot A: . : Pounds. | Pounds. | Pounds. | Pounds. | Pounds. Tray I11-A-5, evaporated, not sulphured ...... \ 12 9. 35 UN allpeucencaer 0.79 Tray I1I-A-6, evaporated, sulphured ....-.-.-- : 0.75 0. 43 1.18 Lot B: Tray I1I-B-7, sundried, sulphured -.....-..- Sere 12 10.25 |f---- eee ec[eeee eee 0. 96 Tray ILI-B-8, sun dried, not sulphured ..--.... \ I is { see Eh alee eee ae 1, 09 W. A. TAYLOR, Acting Pomologist. All the scales in this fruit were found dead. NATHAN BANKS. A NEW COCCID ON BIRCH. By H. G. HUBBARD and TH. PERGANDE. Part I—By H. G. HUBBARD. From my boyhood whenever I have visited the Lake Superior region my attention has been called to the general destruction of the bark of birch trees. It is difficult to find near the lake a tree of any size with smooth or natural bark, and | remember that in 1876, when Mr. Schwarz and I visited the north shore of the lake, at Michipicoten River, we were told that the Indians were obliged to go 60 miles back into the interior in order to find sheets of bark of sufficient size for the con- struction of canoes. During a visit to the south shore, not far from Marquette, in September, 1896, I discovered that this widespread destruction is due to the attacks of a coccid. The outer bark is rough- ened, covered with curls and splits, blackened with sooty mold and in bad cases entirely removed down to the last layer. Often the cambium itself is invaded and the tree is killed or seriously injured. Figure 1, a illustrates injury to a branch of birch caused by this insect. The coecid introduces itself between the layers of the bark and by its growth and the formation of thick masses of wax along its flanks causes the bark to heave and the layers to separate in curls. Ona smooth surface the first attack is made by the young larvee crawling into the lenticels, or breathing pores of the bark, those little elongate corky spots which give to birch bark its elegant ornamentation. SGUOL Vv | JOOE 6 1854 EXOXENE || eet ee ra aera | apc ane | Cee ee eee 190622 se2= GAY -|| NAOOEY VI 3 SIs |) DGB OE | SKE jlea-oe nee | See | 1854 IS Wiseepess D:@\G |S aera Sesion Se Sean) BemecaeosS XIX |XVIII;) x1 3 | 1842-1855 1908 E25 OVAL IDX AVES ee es | ae ee ee xx ess | Ss ree eames | 1843 1O0SESte as SKC VATA | ones tener (ern coos. 2 | pee oe eral Sree Sy pa xXxTI | V8) aoe eee |--=----- | 1844 | } THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE DIFFERENT BROODS. As a rule the relationship of the broods in point of distribution agrees with their kinship as indicated by their sequence in time of appearance. The relationship indicated by the latter, viz, their sequence in time, is doubtless untrustworthy as indicating origin, in some instances, on account of the uncertainty arising from the action of the principle of retardation on the one hand and acceleration on the other in the forming of new broods. In the case of a widely scattered brood, like Brood VI, it is quite 55 possible that certain Swarms originated from a later-appearing brood by retardation of individuals, and other swarms from an earlier brood by acceleration in time of appearance of individuals. This same condition may be true of other of the more scattered broods, but with the broods presenting a compact range a singleness of origin is evident. Examination of the distribution of the broods in connection with their sequence in time of appearance indicates, however, a certain relationship between the different broods in point of origin, which may be indicated as follows: THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE 17-YEAR BROODS. From the standpoint of distribution the broods of the 17-year race may be grouped as follows: (1) Broods I and II; (2) Broods III and IV; (3) Brood V; (4) Brood VI; (5) Broods VII, VIII, [X, X, and XI; (6) Broods XII, XIII, XIV, and XV; (7) Broods XVI and XVII, the last connecting again with Brood I. Taking up these broods in regular order: The main body of Brood I oceupies territory immediately west of the more important Brood II, and also presents a number of colonies extending westward to Colorado. Broods I and II seem, therefore, closely allied in point of origin. Brood III presents little, if any, relationship to Brood II in point of location and distribution, but is closely allied to the following brood, TV, and the latter is evidently a western and southern extension of III. Brood V presents little relationship with Brood IV in point of dis- tribution and covers a very compact territory. Brood VI, being a widely scattered one, and occurring neneliy in small arbre: does not seem to present any particular relationship with any of the preceding or following broods. Brood VII is local in distribution and not very important, and is divided into two sections by the territory oecupied by the following Brood VIII, with which it thus seems to be closely allied. Brood IX is very distinctly a southern extension of Broods VII and VIII. These three broods seem, therefore, to be closely allied in their origin, and, curiously enough, occupy territory which divides the two main sections of the great 17-year Brood X, which next follows in regular succession. Brood XI, following X, is evidently an extreme northeastern extension of the latter. Brood XII, immediately preceding XIII, is represented by a series of colonies connecting the western Brood XIII with group 5. Brood XIII is the principal representative of group 6 and represents a large western group of the 17-year race of group 6, which comprises the main western branch of the 17-year race, as group 5 clustered about X is the principal representative of the eastern branch of the same race. Brood XIV has a very wide range to the eastward of XIII, and connects with 56 the latter through the colonies in northern Illinois and Indiana. Brood XV, following XIV, is limited to the Atlantic seaboard with the excep- tion of one doubtful colony in Indian Territory, and connects directly with the eastern colonies of XIV. Brood XVI is based on somewhat doubtful records, the Colorado locality perhaps being due to confusion with some other species, and the other records needing confirmation. Brood XVII is intermediate between Brood X Vi and Brood I, its western colonies connected with the former and the eastern colonies with the latter. THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE 13-YEAR BROODS. The broods of the 13-year race break up into the following natural groups: (1) Related closely to Brood XIX, and comprising Broods X VIII, XIX,and XX; and (2) related to Brood X XIII, and comprising Broods XXII, XXII, X XIII, and our new Brood XXIV. The first of these broods, Brood X VIII, is a rather insignificant one and is undoubtedly an eastern extension or offshoot of the great 13-year Brood XIX, which succeeds it. Brood XX is undoubtedly a section of Brood XIX retarded one year, just as Brood XVI is an accelerated swarm of the same. Both represent eastern extensions of the parent brood. Brood X XI, separated from Brood XIX by two years, seems to bear little relationship to the latter, and a more logical arrangement consists in connecting it with Brood X XIII through Brood XXII, of which last it may be considered as an eastern and northern extension. Brood XXII is a very marked instance of the formation of a new brood by an acceleration in time of the appearance of a portion of a larger and older brood. Its relationship with Brood XXIII is very marked and can not be questioned. Brood XXIII, the main representative of this group, is followed by the new Brood XXIV, which is evidently a retarded swarm of the preceding brood. Of the new Broods X XIX and XXX, both of which need verification, no significant relationship can be pointed out. Brood X XIX is very doubtful, and the records are possibly based on confusion with the 17-year race. NEW BROODS, 17-YEAR RACE. Brood XTI, 1904.—If his records are correct, this brood is the one referred to by Dr. G. B. Smith as occurring in 1853 in Vinton County, Ohio, and Jo Daviess County, Il]. Its recurrence seems not to have been recorded either in 1870 or 1887, and Smith’s records are therefore open to question. Mr. J. R. Burke, Milton, Cabell County, W. Va., writing under date of May 22, 1897, says: ‘‘The Cicada is not due here until 1904; its last visit was in 1887.” 57 Mr. W. 8S. Herrick, Thurman, Allen County, Ind., writes under date of June 10, 1898, that ‘- We had the 17-year locust in 1887, if I remember correctly.” This is also a doubtful record, and it is possible that he referred either to Brood XXII, occurring in 1885, or Brood V, occurring in 1888. That all these records are open to some doubt is apparent, but they are of sufficient importance to warrant investigation in 1904. Brood X V, 1907.—This brood is represented by the colony appearing at Tivoli, Duchess County, and Galway, Saratoga County, N. Y., in June, 1890, as recorded by Prof. J. A. Lintner in his Seventh Report, pages 297-301. Mr. Davis records the occurrence of scattering indi- viduals the same year on Staten Island. In a letter of June 2, 1890, Prof. J. B. Smith, New Brunswick, N. J., reports that the periodical Cicada had been taken by several Newark collectors, and had also been observed at Anglesea, Cape May County. Another record which perhaps applies to this brood is given by Mr. I. N. Smith, Scotland Neck, Halifax County, N.C., in letter of June 22, 1885. He reports that his “ First recollection of the locust was about the year 1839 or 1840, when the whole of the white-oak lands were filled with them. * * * In 1855 or 1856 they appeared again, but nothing to compare with the period first stated. The locusts were all on the white-oak land and on the Roanoke River and not on the pine lands.” Assuming the dates 1839 and 1856 to be the correct ones, this would throw this swarm of Cicadas into Brood XV, and if there are any repre- sentatives left they should reappear in 1907. The late Mr. W.S. Robertson, of Muscogee, Ind. T., in letter of June 17, 1879, incidentally mentioned also the occurrence of a brood of Cica- das in 1839. ‘This record could not fall in any one of the old broods, and if it belongs to the 17-year race it would be an extreme western outpost of XV. Brood X VII, 1909.—A very definite record which may coincide with this brood is furnished by Mr. Theodore Pergande, of this Division, who states that Mr. Rosseau, of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Va., informed him that the Cicada was very numerous in that place in 1875. His informant was positive as to the year from its being the one in which he made a trip to Europe. | Another record is given by Mr. John D. Macpherson, Manassas, Prince William County, Va., in letter of July 3, 1895. He writes: ‘“‘T came here on the 23d of June, leaving the Cicada in full song in Washington (Brood X). Finding none here, I made inquiry and was informed that they appeared in full force in this county (Prince Will- iam) in the year 1875. This information I regard as reliable, the date being fixed as the year following the marriage and arrival of my informant in this county.” These Virginia swarms are evidently pre- cursors of Brood I, with which they are therefore closely allied. A western extension of this brood seems to be indicated in the record furnished by H. J. Giddings, Sabula, Jackson County, Iowa. 58 He writes, ‘‘during last June (1892) the periodical Cicada was quite common here. * * * I thought it was unusual to find them in sueh numbers four years after their regular appearance. The last regular . year was 1888.” (See Insect Life, Vol. V, page 200.) If belonging to the 17-year race, the an records following should also be assigned to this brood. Mr. A. J. Julian, Woolleys Ford, Hall County, Ga., reports under date of June 14, 1898, that the Cicada was present there in 1892. Mr. J. W. Seaton, Strasburg, Cass County, Mo., writes under date of June 9 that the Cicada last appeared in that county in the summer of 1892 and in the summer of 1896, being numerous both years. The 1896 record refers to the 1i-year Brood IV, and hence the record of 1892 is probably also of the 17-year race oceurring in the ~ same district. | The scattering specimens recorded by Mr. Davis as oceurring on Staten Island in 1892 may also be assigned to this brood. NEW BROODS, 13-YEAR RACE. Brood XXIV, 1899.—Mr. P. Lynch, Commerce, Scott County, Mo., under date of December 27, 1874, reports that the Cicada appeared in the summer of 1873 in considerable numbers, coming in June and remaining about two months. “Their eastern limit in this county (Scott) was the Mississippi River, but they were as numerous on the opposite side of the river in Alexander County, I1.” Mr. W. 8S. Campere, Pickens Station, Holmes County, Miss., writes under date of February 27, 1875, that the Cicadas appeared in great numbers in April, 1873. These two records would indicate a brood — originating doubtless by retardation of individuals of Brood XXIII. Brood X XIX, 1904.—It is possible that the following records apply toa 13-year race, and in that case should be esciaved to our Brood No. X XIX, Mr. C. J. Wellborn, Blairsville, Union Gomme. Ga., writes under date of June 12, 1885, that ‘‘in May, 1878, locusts appeared south of this place and the northern limit then was the present southern limit of the territory covered now (by Brood X,1885).” Mr. James Pagon, Winnsboro, Fairfield County, S. C., writes that locusts appeared in South Carolina in 1878, but does not give definite localities. Both these records need confirmation. Brood XXX, 1905.—Mr. B. H. Brodnax, Brodnax, Morehouse Parish, La., writes under date May 13, 1892, that Cicadas are scatteringly present, and in a later letter he asserts that the insect in question is the periodical Cicada, with which he is familiar. The records given above of new broods of the 13-year race are rather unsatisfactory, and it may be true that the 13-year race has not by any means distributed itself over its entire period, and the broods still cluster about the two main representatives of the race, namely Broods XIX and XXIII. 59 A CONSIDERATION OF THE VALIDITY OF THE OLD RECORDS BEAR- ING ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE BROODS OF THE PERIODICAL CICADA, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF BROODS VI AND XXIII IN 1898. By C. L. MARLATT. SOURCES OF ERRORS IN THE OLD RECORDS. In examining the records of the distribution of the twenty-one broods of the Periodical Cicada hitherto accepted, it is seen that considerable uncertainty attaches to the data of certain broods, not only from the fact of their covering in greater or less degree territory occupied by both races, but more particularly because the records are frequently based on years in which broods so overlapping have appeared in con- junction. Examining the 21 broods hitherto studied, it will be seen that in each period of 17 years between six and nine years are signal- ized by the joint occurrence of a 17 and 13 year brood. Owing to the difference in the periods between the recurrences of the southern race and northern race, different broods of both races are being constantly brought into relationship with each other, and in fact the same two broods can come together only once in 221 years. For example, the broods which unite in appearance the present year were last in conjunc- tion in 1697 and will not come together again until the year 2119. The overlapping of broods thus appearing in conjunction, including some of the more important ones of both races, has given much uncer- tainty to some of the records. In the case of the broods of the 17-year race, the following extend on their southern boundaries into the terri- tory of the 13-year race, and hence the records of the southern localities are open to some question: Broods VI, X, XIV, XVI, 1, LV, to a slight extent also in the case of Broods II and III, and doubtfully in the case of Brood IX, the possibility of confusion in this last brood depending on the accuracy of the extreme northeastern extension of the 13-year Brood XIX.* The following broods of the 13-year race extend northward into the territory occupied by the 17-year race, and are hence open to some question: Broods XXIII, X VIII, XIX, and XX. The records can not be questioned of the 17-year Broods VII, VIII, XI, XIII, and V, and of the 13-year Broods XXIV, XXI, and XXII, because these broods are limited in distribution to the territory of a single race. The most notable instance of the overlapping and consequent prob- able confusion of the records is seen in the case of Brood X of the 17-year race with Broods XXIII and XIX of the 13-year race. The remarkable feature in the distribution of the broods named is the not- * See map of races and broods given in Bull. 44, new ser., U. S. Dept. Agric., figs. 2-19 (pp. 25-49). 60 able extension northward in Illinois and Missouri of the 13-year Broods XXIII and XIX, which fill almost exactly a district which would nat- urally be supposed to belong to the 17-year race and probably to Brood X. As pointed out elsewhere,* this circumstance has special significance when it is remembered that the northward extension of the 13-year race is based on Broods XIX and XXIII, and that records of the former were collected for the most part in 1868, when this brood was in conjunction with Brood X, and of the latter in 1885, when Brood XXIII was also in conjunction with Brood X, the limits of which ecurt- ously enough stop rather suddenly at or near the eastern State line of Illinois. A possibility is immediately suggested that the northern localities assigned to Broods XIX and X XIII properly belong to Brood X. Itis true, however, that records obtained the present year in the main seem to sustain the accuracy of the older records, but there is still sufficient doubt to warrant the taking of considerable pains in future to obtain accurate and full records of the distribution on the occasions of the recurrences of the several broods mentioned. Fortu- nately, in 1902, the date of the next appearance of Brood X, there is no 13-year brood to confuse the records which may then be made. Many cf the other scattering records of 13-year broods northward, or of 17-year broods southward, may possibly be based on similar con- fusions, arising from the overlapping of broods of the two races. The only way to accurately define the rarge of the different broods is to undertake with each recurrence a thorough and systematic investi- gation of all the territory open to the least doubt. Such work has been repeatedly instituted, and particularly since 1868, and many of the more strictly limited broods have been very carefully recorded and their dis- tribution has been satisfactorily defined. Work of this kind has been done for Brood III in Iowa by Professor Bessey, and for Brood V in Ohio and West Virginia by Professors Webster and Hopkins. Similar work has been done for Brood II in New York and New Jersey by Drs. Lintner and Smith, and for X and XXIII by Riley in 1885, and Brood XIX by Walsh and Riley in 1868. The value of a thorough and systematic canvass of the territory sup- posed to be covered by any brood is exhibited in much of the work referred to above, and notably in the case of Brood V studied by Pro. fessors Webster and Hopkins in Ohio and West Virginia. In the case of this brood, however, there was no difficulty from an association with any 13-year brood. . WORK UNDERTAKEN FOR BROODS XXIII AND VI IN 1898. The present year a very careful investigation was undertaken by the writer of the important 13-year Brood X XIII and the widely distributed but less important 17-year Brood VI. By calling into requisition the * Bull. 14, ete., p. 26. 61 very numerous county correspondents of the Statistical Division of the Department of Agriculture, and also of the Weather Service, in addi- tion to the regular correspondents of the Division of Entomology,a much more careful and thorough canvass was possible than had ever before been made. The result has been most satisfactory, the range of these two broods being much more accurately defined than ever before. Several thousand replies were received in response to circulars sent out, many of which were negative—the investigation being extended throughout all States in which there was any likelihood of the appear- ance of the Cicada, and necessarily covering many counties and dis- tricts where the Cicada was not expected. The results of this canvass up to June 20 were recorded in Bulletin No. 14, new series, of the Divi- sion of Entomology. - = ss sees 1 Bradycellus rupestris Say.-.------- 23 | Agrypnus schottii Lee .-...-....-- 1 Anisodactylus maculicornis Chd. -. 2 | Monocrepidius vespertinus Fab-.-.-. 2 Anisodactylus agilis Dej -...--.--- 2 | Drasterius amabilis Lec. --..-.---- “16 aliplusie wisi Cr si. 5220-2225. . 2| Ischiodontus soleatus Say. ..-.---- 3 Laccophilus 4-lineatus Horn ....-. 1 | Ludius hepaticus Germ .---.---=-- 1 iRidessus!pullus Veco e225. 22. 2.2: 1 | Melanotus fissilis Say-.-..-..------- 1 CHRIMUSUPALCUS SAYos) 220 5. oe 1 | Pyractomena borealis Rand-..---. 9 Hydrochus-vagus Lee..-2.-. .. 2-2 - - 1) Photinus Iimelilus ieee yee eee 47 Tropisternus nimbatus Say -..---- 3 | Lobetus abdominalis Lec_.....---- if Berosus immaculatus Z...-...---- 1 | Orthopleura texana Lec. -.....-.-... it IBELOSUS) CXTOUUSVSAYesc- seca = - 3 | Hemiptychus punctulatus Lee. ? -- 1 Berosus Striabus Say eae eee oat 1 | Hemiptychus gravis: Lec. ?....---- 1 Philhydrus nebulosus Say...-.---. 6 | Sinoxylontexanum Horn ......--- 1 Ateznius abditus Hald .........-..- Atznius figurator Har...-....-..-. Atznius cognatus Lec. ....---.--.. FAG OCUIUISES Pieeset ues sie ata c. o's === o's Apnodimsmlividus OVS 222. 225 F252. Ochodeus frontalis Lee €?)eCyclocephalasp 2.6.22 252-25: - LACUS TUCICe ps Eee <2 2 25-557. Leptostylus biustus Lec. ..-..----- Pachybrachys abdominalis Say-.-. Myochrous denticollis Say ---.---- Diabrotica 12-punctata Ol ......-- Diabrotica balteata Lec. ......-.-- Diabrotica vittata Fab....-....---- Haltiveanemita Mss. - 2 ssssnce Bie Systena teniata Say...--.---.---- Glyptina atriventris Horn.....---- ilusHimmbriatus' Cay<2 222. 2... Blapstinus pratensis Lec.-.-...---- Tribolium ferrugineum Fab..-.-.- Meneceus texanus Champ .....---- Oxeensse amar lsecr sec es soe ot oss Mletiavarcillacea. 2-2. seo 55 _ Anaphoraspp. (mostly popeanella) Hypoprepia fuscosa Hbn .-...---- 2 Cisthene unifascia Gr. & R...... 3 Euchetes murina Stretch ......--- Oetaraunea Hitch sss. ee os eee Hyphantriacunea Dry.-.-....-:---- Eubaphe brevicornis Walk.-...---- Eubaphe ferruginosa Walk.....-.-- Pixyra-semicrocea GN --.... . 222. : Matigramma lena Harv ..-.-.---- Drasteria erechtea Cram..-...----- Prothymia orgyiz Grit......--.-.- 87 COLEOPTERA—continued. Spragueia guttata Grt.......-.--. ; Acontia lactipennis Harv ...-...-- AcontiarapMeacd, On 2205-2. .--- Schima recia Slr 2 a. -. s- -- = = s Schinia chrysellus Grt...-.- a geee Cixius stigmaticus Say -...- Oligriuss pre se se 24. St ee. 2 SK Pulgorid-(gen.:?).-2-. 2. : Welphaxcspec. aos. 2c owes c bis es Welphacrds(Sen:) 2-452 25-5 2 = Delp Mace SEM). 2 cte.c aa's ssi 5s 2/2 Wenpmecid: CON.) 22255. sejseisne = Diedrocephala mollipes Say. ..-- oe Mordellistena nubila Lec .------.. 1 5 315 | Mordellistena pustulata Melsh .-.-. Ht 10 | Mordellistena aspera Melsh ...--.- 2 1 | Macratria murina Fab ..---...-.--- 1 14 | Notoxus calearatus H....-...-.--. 5 3 | Notoxus monodon Fab.-.......---- 2 9 PAnthicusloralis eee eee 1 ie PAnibhieus vacinuUs Lafec es eee af Thsiy ANT) NODS eee ete Brame neces = 2 lea] PAMIOMIGUS ISP) 222 eee 8 ao eee 1 1 | Anthicus ephippiatus Laf -.-..---.. 12 11 | Anthicus fulvipes Lapses 1 2) Pyrota terminata Bec...2- 22222222 lial 7 | Epicautalemniscata Fab.......... 199 15 | Macrops obscurellus Dietz ....---- 7 1 | Macrops humilis Gylih..........-- 1 1 Pachyphanes discoideus Lec .----. 1 19 | Endalus setosus Wee 22. 5-222 25-25- 4 it \SEndalus weratus: Leo. --2) 2.2 i 1 | Conotrachelus naso Lec...---.-.-- 1 Balaninus obtusus Blanch....-.--- 1129 1 eLomicus/ pinisays.=s 2a oe eee 7 AMbHOCOrVdn( ems?) tee eee. see ee 1 | Oncerotrachelus acuminatus Say-. 6 WOriscug Speer. sai soe eee ae 2) ||" COEISA SPie see es see anaes ae eee 7 Trigonotylus ruficornis Fall ...... 7 | COxvISa Spy eS See oe eae eee 148 HYMENOPTERA. IMecachulleyexnliss@ eect era Enicospelus purgatus Say......... Photopsis belfragei Blake.....-...- Rhogas parasiticus Say-..-........ Labidus harrisii Hald ..........-. Rhogas graphicus Cr .........--.- Sysphincta melina Rog ......----- Rhogas atricornis Cr ...-.-...-.-- Isobrachium rufiventris Ashin..... Opits sprees.) ci eee Rorizonstacialis C7235 eee Blacus:sp 2-2-6 25222. Se eee Paniscus geminatus Say ....--..-- Chelonusisp222 202-222. eee Paniscus texanus Ashm ......----- Lele melleus) Oi ie. se ae CA ee Ophion bilineatus Say ...--...---- Meteorus vulgaris Cr ......-.--.-.- NEUROPTERA. Leptocerid or caddice-flies (sev- Chrysopa:spp 22e2 22 255-242 e eee 22 eral species) - 658) |) Myrmeleomidte 22 sa esas sere. 10 Ephemeride or Mage Utes Gi oO spe- Termite: tet e eee sees eee 2 GIGS) deas Bese AaB Me Be Eee sets 57 ~ ORTHOPTERA. CorvbtisiS ee seer tiacic oss eee eee 7, | Spharagemonispeees--00 ss oeee eee il INGMODIMISISP Hes scissile 2 setae 15") "Ohigon ys spl ace sees cee eee 3 GE cam WSES Pesce asic Saisie cis 2 arene Undetermined cricket ..-.-.---... 2 NG MIGHOMS esses Slee ce 1 . ARACHNIDA. Plectanasvellataveig) =. cmos. sears alone ee ct eee 2 oo GENERAL NOTES. THE INTRODUCTION OF BENEFICIAL LADYBIRDS FROM AUSTRALIA INTO INDIA. Encouraged by the favorable results which have followed the intro- duction of certain beneficial ladybirds from Australia intu California and later into Hawaii, the United Planters’ Association of Southern India, an organization composed chiefly of tea and coffee growers, raised a fund late in 1897, amounting to something over 7,500 rupees (approximately $3,000), for the purpose of making an effort to introduce beneficial insects from Australia which should advantage their planta- | tions. Mr. Howard O. Newport, himself a planter, was commissioned by the secretary of the association early in January, 1898, to proceed to Australia and to place himself in relations with the Department of Agriculture of Queensland and to make every effort to bring over to India living specimens of desirable species. Mr. Newport sailed on the 30th of January and returned on the 20th of June. - His report, which is published in a journal called Planting Opinion of the 16th of July, indicates that he went about his work in a very intelligent and pains- taking manner, that he had the hearty cooperation of the authorities of the department of agriculture at Brisbane, and especially the expert advice and assistance of the well-known entomologist, Mr. Henry Tryon. He collected 2,540 specimens of Orcus australasice, 1,500 Cryptolemus montrouziert, and 246 Rhizobius ventralis; in all, some 4,300 odd insects. A special ice box was constructed and the journey was made without mishap, 30 days elapsing from the day the last insects were placed in the box until the time of opening. The insects were kept at a reason- ably uniform temperature of about 25° F., but when the box was opened the insects, although appearing fresh, were without exception dead. The expenses of the trip amounted to about $1,600. Not discouraged by this unfortunate result, the association at latest advices intends to try it again. They have not, we understand, met with encouragement at the hands of the Indian government, and the venture is purely a private one. It would not be at all surprising if the effort should eventually succeed. Theoretically, Australian ladybirds should flourish better in Southern India than in California, and it is very probable that Rhizobius ventralis will feed with avidity upon the Lecanium scales which affect the coffee and tea plants. The writer is inclined to believe that it will not be found necessary to go to the expense of keeping the insects on ice for a thirty days’ journey, even in a tropical region. With plenty of food and a comparatively small number of ladybirds in all stages of exist- ence there is no reason why the insect should not breed during the entire journey. They have been sent in this way successfully in mid- 90 summer on a twenty-five days’ journey from San Francisco to Portugal, and should certainly survive the trip from Sydney to Colombo in the Same way. THE SUGAR-CANE BORERS OF THE MASCARENE ISLANDS. M. Edmond Bordage, director of the museum of the island of Ré-— union, has recently published in the Revue Agricole, Saint-Denis, April, 1897, and in the Comptes Rendus des Séances de |’Academie des Sciences for December, 1897, important papers upon the sugar-cane borers of Réunion and Mauritius. In his last paper he shows that Diatrea striatalis was introduced from Ceylon into Mauritius in 1848 in cane imported by Sir William Gomm. The cane was known to be infested and was destroyed shortly after being taken from the vessel, but the insects escaped. In 1862 it was again imported in cane brought in from Java. Sesamia nonagrioides var. albiciliata, a species which lives ordinarily in young sugar cane and which occurs also in Algeria in sorghum and in maize, was introduced into the Mascarenes at some period between 1858 and 1861 from Java and was afterwards carried to Madagascar. He shows that Guenée’s Borer saccharellus is not the Pyralis saccharulis of Fabricius, but must be considered as a synonym of Proceras sacchariphagus Bojer. Diatrea striatalis Snellen is another synonym of the same insect. He further shows that Proceras sacchari- phagus is an oriental species, being found in India, Ceylon, Java, Sumatra, in the Mascarenes (Bourbon and Mauritius) and in Mada- gascar; while Diatrea saccharalis is a neotropical form occurring in Guiana, the West Indies, and tropical America generally, having also extended its range northward into the United States. NOTES ON TICKS. The following account of observations on the effects of the bite of Ornithodorus americana ? seems to me to throw some light on the con- flicting statements regarding the bite of the reputed Argas persicus. From the observations of my correspondent, Mr. Rk. A. Plaskett, who resides in the Santa Lucia Mountains, in a district infested by this very — local Arachnid, it appears that horses, which are generally bitten just above the hoof, seem not to suffer. The Argas drinks only from three to five minutes and then drops without leaving a swelling. This is unlike the habit of the Ixodes and Trombidium, which will suck for a day or two, frequently causing swelling and suppuration. Generally these are supposed to be the effect of methods used to extract the insect, but occasionally they occur after the insect has left of its own free will, having satisfied its appetite. Another distinguishing characteristic in the habits of this insect is its dislike of green vegetation. It is always found on the top of dry, leafless twigs or in dust, never amidst foliage as are Trombidium and Ixodes; but this part of my friend’s observations has to be taken cum ik _ grano salis, as he is not an experienced entomologist, and amidst green foliage it is not so easy to discover a dust-colored insect when it is iso- lated on the top of a dry twig, whence it lets itself down on the passer-by. As to the effect of the bite of this species on human beings, the symp- toms vary;-also the time of suction following the bite. The effect seems to depend chiefly on the peculiar temperament of the victim. This seems to be the case also when we take into consideration the com- parative immunities and receptivities in regard to the bite of Acanthia (Cimex) lectularia, Reduvius, and of the different Culicide. Mr. R. A. Plaskett has been -bitten thrice, and in each case twenty-four hours intervened before fever and swelling set in. The numbness of the bit- ten parts, which is a characteristic following the bite of Arachnid and Myriopod, and also of some Hymenopterous Stings, was not noticed in a Single instance. These observations agree very well with the acre that are in our pos- session relative to the symptoms attendant upon the bite of the Argas; at the same time they explain the discrepancies in statements of the effect of the bite of the dreaded Argas persicus, which seems to be as local as our California insect. The fatal cases of the Argas persicus bite, mentioned by old Herodotus and by Pallas in modern times, may have their origin in malarious fevers which were very common in that district of the Persian province Ghilan, between the Caspian Sea and the Elbruz Mountain, where the Argas is found. The bite of the insect is probably only a coincidence, of course not favorable to the condition of a patient already weakened by malaria. Here in California we have had to face an analogous error in regard to the fatal effects of Rhus diversiloba. All the fatal cases were malaria patients who had been sick for a considerable time before they came in contact with the Rhus. As to the Argas persicus, even if its bite is not fatal, the consequences in some cases must be serious enough to induce the inhabitants of Persian villages to change the location of their settlements, as is men- tioned in Kotzebue’s report of his travels through Ghilan. At the same time this change of location is another proof of the very local dis- tribution of Argas persicus. Argas columbe of Kurope and tle species of our own Santa Lucia Mountains are likewise restricted to limited areas. Our Santa Lucia species seems to be both diurnal and nocturnal. The Argas columbe of Europe is nocturnal, and its habits closely resemble the common bedbug. The local name of our California species is *‘Pajaronela,” a word evidently derived from the Spanish ‘ Pajaro,” a bird, and it would indicate to me a similar mode of life to that of Argas columbe, were not the statements of Mr. Plaskett, founded on repeated observations of this locally very common insect, diametrically opposed to such a supposition. 92 T hope that the publication of these statements will excite some inter- est among practical students of entomology and lead to a closer study of those species which interfere with the well-being of our own kind. It may be that a closer study of the facts will furnish data that will explain why the sting of an insect which in some instances is followed by serious consequences, is in others perfectly harmless. Such data might throw some light on the mysterious play of idiosyn- crasies.—H. H. BEHR, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, Cal. AN INVASION OF THE LARGER DIGGER WASP. August 8, 1898, Messrs. Gudewill & Bucknall, of New York City, sent specimens of the so-called larger digger wasp (Megastizus specio- sus), the well-known enemy of the dog-day harvest fly or cicada, with the accompanying report that this insect had appeared at Tarrytown- on-the-Hudson a few weeks previously and had taken complete posses- sion of a large croquet lawn, a bank alongside of it, and a long piece of gravel path. They had become a nuisance through their habit of excavating their burrows and throwing loose earth into large piles, described as being the size of a soup plate. Inquiry was made as to whether the sting of the insect was dangerous, and instructions were sought for the extermination of the insect in the places which it had invaded. This wasp had never been observed in that vicinity prior to this year. It would be interesting to learn if it will obtain permanent lodgment in a locality so much farther north than is usually inhabited by the spe- cies. It is a well-known insect in certain of the public parks of New York City, and it is common also in some places on Long Island, but we have no available records of its common occurrence farther north than this. RECENT INJURY BY THE SUGAR-CANE BEETLE AND RELATED SPECIES. During the last two years, and particularly during the year 1898, extensive injury has been reported to the corn and rice fields of the South by the sugar-cane beetle, Ligyrus rugiceps Lec., and the related species, L. gibbosus DeG. ; May 18, 1897, Mr. G. G. Gray sent specimens of the sugar-cane beetle from Poolville, Union County, Miss., with the accompanying informa- tion that this insect was rooting up and destroying the corn in that vicinity. June 23 of the same year Mr. John Duncan, Louisville, Ky., wrote that this species, specimens of which accompanied his letter, and which were received by him from Arkansas, exact locality not stated, ‘“‘cuts the corn off just below the top of the ground and is very destructive to young corn from the time it comes up until it is knee-high.” a 93 May 20, 1898, word was recived from Mr. Harold W. Pring, Hester, La., that this species was doing considerable damage to stubble cane in that vicinity. A similar letter was received from Mr. KE. M. Richardson, Millhaven, Ouachita Parish, La., with complaint of the destruction to corn in that parish, the letter being dated May 22. November 4, 1898, Mr. Rene L. Derouen, Ville Platte, La., sent speci- mens of this species, with report that it was very destructive to rice and corn crops of that vicinity, attacking the plants when very young. The species has been treated somewhat fully in the Report of the - Entomologist of this Department for the year 1881 (pp. 128, 129), and in Volume I of Insect Life (pp. 11, 12). The related species, L. gibbosus, was received May 9, 1898, from Mr. Joe Davenport, who wrote that it was playing great havoe with stands of corn in the vicinity of Merrouge, La. The beetles were stated by our correspondent to go down under the surface of the earth and com- pletely shred the cornstalks between the surface and the roots. A singular instance of injury by this latter species was reported Sep- tember 23 of the same year by Mr. B. M. Vaughan, Grand Rapids, Wis. The beetles were stated to be working into carrot roots and also into the tubers of dahlias. A NEW ENEMY TO THE GRAPEVINE IN MEXICO. Under date of July 1, 1898, Mr. L. de Balestrier, of the editorial corps of the Progreso de Mexico, published at Mexico City, sent specimens of the long-horned beetle, Heterachthes ceneolus Bates, in its various stages, with report that the species is causing damage to the vineyards of San Luis de la Paz, in the State of Guanajuato. Dr. Larragosa, who sent the specimens to Mr. de Balestrier, wrote of the species as follows: The perfect insect, and also the pupa, are generally found lodged in the woody portions or in the medullar canal. It appears that the female deposits her eggs beneath the bark, and the larva, having once forced and gained some size, opens a gallery at the expense of the internal layers of the bark and the external layers of wood, reaching the cénter of the grape shoot, where it remains until it terminates its metamorphoses. All of the plants attacked perish. The rapidity with which the larvze bore the wood is remarkable, for one that I observed advanced in two hours one centimeter. WESTWARD SPREAD OF THE COMMON ASPARAGUS BEETLE. April 23, 1898, Mr. L. R. Taft, horticulturist of the Michigan Agri- cultural College Experiment Station, wrote that he had received from Benton Harbor, Berrien County, that State, the asparagus beetle, Crioceris asparagi. In response to request, specimens of the insect were sent to this office with the additional information that they were received from Mr. A.J. Kniseley, and that it was a matter of considerable importance, as Benton Harbor and her sister city St. Joseph grow large 94 quantities of asparagus for the Chicago market. In Bulletin No. 160 of the Michigan Experiment Station, published June, 1898 (page 428), Mr. R. H. Pettit, Assistant Entomologist, records the appearance of this insect in Berrien County, stating that several complaints of its presence and injury were received from that district. This is the first instance of the occurrence of this insect in Michigan, and, in fact, of its occurrence west of the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio, if we except its reported occurrence in Chicago many years ago. It was anticipated that this insect would spread by natural means through Upper Austral territory in Ohio and Indiana, and it was something of a surprise to learn that it had reached Berrien County, which is located in what has been considered the Transition life zone. This county is in reality upon the border line of what we know to be Upper Austral territory. It is somewhat surprising that the species has not been reported as injurious at points intermediate between the vicinity of Cleveland and Berrien County, Mich. It would now seem but a matter of a few years before this species will be well distributed throughout the neighboring Western States east of the Rocky Mountains, at least in such States as include in their territory part of the Upper Austral life zone. BIOLOGIC NOTE ON CONOTRACHELUS ELEGANS SAY. During August, 1897, Mr. F.C. Pratt and the writer, while digging about the roots of certain cultivated and allied plants for different species of injurious root-feeding larvee, had occasion to pull up several plants of the rough pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus, and in the first of these found numerous larve and pupe of the above-mentioned species in the earth about the stems. The larve live upon the underground stems, and in two localities in Maryland that were visited a large pro- portion of the Amaranthus examined was infested. Larvze were most numerous on mature plants within an inch or two of the surface, and the stems were considerably eroded where the larvee were at work. About a dozen or so individuals usually comprised the colony about each plant. The first larve transformed to pupe August 11 and the first imago appeared on the 18th, having passed six and one-half days in the pupal condition. Larve Ail pup, as would naturally be inferred, very closely resemble those of our common Conotrechelus nenuphar. A cell is formed for the pupa, but this was of such rude construction that it was not often noticed. : In Bulletin No. 7, United States Entomological Commission (p. 83), Dr. A.S. Packard writes of C. elegans, which he calls the pig-nut leaf- weevil: ‘*We have observed this weevil at Providence (Rk. I.) busily engaged the last of May laying its eggs in the partly rolled-up leaves ee aoa ttcg ee) arr SNR eee SES RAI, RS ate 95 of the pig-nut hickory (Carya porcina), and, during the process, cutting off the leaves, which hang down. wither, and turn black.” This para- graph is copied substantially in the fifth report of the Commission. The late Dr. John Hamilton.has also placed hickory on record as a food plant of this species. He says: ‘Common on hickory, on the leaves of which the larve live.” (Tr. Am. Ent. Soe., Vol. X XII, p. sr The writer has beaten this species from hickory at Ithaca, N. Y., ir July. The beetles have been collected about Washington late in ie and early in June.—F.. H. CHITTENDEN. A NEW SUGAR-BEET BEETLE. ‘Under date of January 4, 1898, Mr. Henry C. Barron, of Hagerman, N. Mex., sent specimens of the little leaf-beetle, Monoxia puncticollis Say, with the statement that it was doing serious injury to the sugar-beet crop in his locality. - Its presence was not noticed until the year 1897. A few of the beetles, locally known as the “ French bug,” were found on the date given by digging in the earth by the side of a beet to the depth of about six inches. Neither eggs nor larve were to be found at this time. Our correspondent states that the beetles lay their eggs on the underside of a leaf, that they hatch in about six days, and that the young larve commence feeding at once and continue for nine or ten days, when they dig their way into the ground, and, a few days later, come forth as beetles. | The principal damage is by the larve, hundreds being found on a single small plant, which is either consumed or is apparently so injured _that it shrivels and dies. This beetle is a maritime species, occurring. near the seashore and in saline loealities. Itis known from Massachu- setts to Florida on the Atlantic coast, as well as in California, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. Until the appearance of Dr. Horn’s Synopsis of the Galerucini, published in 1893, this species was repre- sented in collections under the name of Galeruca maritima. According to Horn, morosa Lec. and erosa Lec. are synonyms of the same species, and the first description of this insect was published by Say in 1824 - (Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., Vol. III., p. 458; Lec., ed. II, p. 222), as Gal- lerucd puncticollis, from Mississippi and Arkansas. This is the first instance of this insect having been found upon any cultivated plant, and, so far as at present known, nothing has yet been published concerning its larval food plant. Mr. Schwarz, of this Divi- sion, has found it living in its larval stage upon the sea blite, Sueda ean is,a maritime species, like the insect, and a member of ang family Phytolaceacee. A congeneric species, Moneta guttulata, was reported injurious to the sugar beet in Oregon in 1890, and was made the subject of a special note by Mr. F. L. Washburn, in Bulletin No. 14 of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station—I’. H. C. Jom A LEAF-BEETLE INJURIOUS TO CULTIVATED SUNFLOWER. August 14, 1898, Mr. M. J. Furlong sent to this office specimens of larye and adults of the leaf-beetle, Chrysomela (Zygogramma) exclama- tionis Fab., with information that it was doing injury to cultivated sunflower at Fisher, Minn. August 25, our correspondent, in response to request, made another sending of the insect, with the statement that it was also found on sun- flower at the Minnesota Subexperiment Station at Crookston about two weeks previous to this writing. At this place it was controlled by hand- picking. It was anticipated that it would be necessary to ‘‘fight” the insect at Fisher early next year if it should reappear at that place. . The beetles went into the earth as soon as received, although larve were still living at the time. J am unable to find any reference to the habits of this species in any of the literature which I have consulted. Among the notes of the late Dr. Riley, however, I find that it was taken commonly in the larval and adult conditions on wild sunflower all through Texas, Indian Territory, Kansas, and Colorado. Larve of all stages were observed during August, 1873, always crowding head downward between the leaves when at rest, while the beetles were just coming out of the ground at this time. Dr. Riley also took larve and beetles at Greeley, Colo, in July, 1877. In the writer’s collection, this species is represented also from Mon- tana and New Mexico, and it is recorded from Arizona.—F. H. C, RECENT INJURY BY BARK-BEETLES—A CORRECTION. During the past two years much injury has been reported by bark- beetles of the genus Dendroctonus to pine and other coniferous forest trees in different parts of the Northern States, from New England to Montana. Notice of injury by Dendroctonus rufipennis in New Hamp- shire was published in Bulletin 10,n. s., of this Division (p. 98), and was again referred to in Bulletin 17 (pp. 67-69), the identification of D. rufipennis having been attributed to the writer. On looking through our Division records, I find that this is an error, as the bark-beetles seen by me from the infested locality were of a dif- ferent species. This species was received from West Stewartstown, N. H., July 28, 1897; while that identified as rufipennis was from Cole- grove, N. H., June 5, of the same year. The question of the identity of the species of Dendroctonus concerned in this damage is now receiv- ing attention at the hands of Dr. A. D. Hopkiis, and until further study is made of the matter it will be premature to write concerning the species at work in the different localities. It is apparent that several undescribed forms are present in the infested region, either as secondary or primary enemies.—F, H. C. all AN INTERESTING CASE OF MYIASIS. There was received in February, through the Smithsonian Institu- tion, a Specimen of a large maggot from Dr. H. H. Thorpe, of Liberty Hill, Tex. This maggot, according to Dr. Thorpe, cut its way through and came out of the scalp of a child about eight years old. One, still smaller, cut its way out at the hip several weeks previously. As described by Dr. Thorpe, there was first a swelling on the side of the neck and high fever. The swelling gradually passed up the side of the head, disappearing below, until it reached the top of the head. When the maggot cut through the scalp and was taken Date the swelling at once subsided. Similar cases have been Aaa to the attention of this office on two former occasions. Dr. J. M. Shaffer, of Keokuk, lowa, wrote us, under date of March 17, 1886, sending just such a larva, which was taken from the back of a boy and exhibited at a meeting of the local medical society. There were said to have been a number of curious spots or small abcesses in the boy’s back, and in each of these was found such a mag- got. In January, 1893, another similar maggot was received from Dr. T. B. Richardson, of Oroville, Cal., which had been squeezed from the sealp of a child. The larva from Dr. Thorpe is a trifle over half an inch in length, and closely resembles the third stage of the larva of Hypoderma lineata, the common ‘ox bot” of this country, known locally in Texas as the “heel worm.” This insect, although occurring so commonly in cattle, attacks human beings very rarely. ‘The only recorded instance known to us is recorded in Insect Life, Vol. II, pp. 238-239, and Vol. IV, pp. 309-310. The latter reference calls attention to an article by W. M. Schoyen, the Government entomologist of Norway, who states that such cases are occasionally known in Sweden, and are there referable to Hypoderma bovis. THE EUROPEAN BAT BUG IN AMERICA. There is in Europe a close ally of the domestic bedbug known as Acanthia pipistrelli, which occurs upon bats. It has been supposed that this insect might occur in this country, but it has never before been recorded, so far as we know. In July, however, a specimen was received from Mr. J. S. Holmes, of Bowman’s Bluff, N. C., which he took from the common bat known as Wycticejus crepuscularis, which agrees perfectly with the description of the European