s

353.9
E3R
1916 NO.

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Universi
Agricultural

BOZEI

JLLETIN NO. 112

ty of Montana

Bl

Experiment Station

4AN, MONTANA

DECEMBER, 1916

Fourteenth Annual Report

of the State Entomologist of

Montana

*\X/"

The Five-Spotted Ladybug, Hippodamia 5-signata Kirby

R. A. COOLEY

OCT 3 1 200?

Montana State Library

3 0864 1004 0596 1

Fourteenth Annual Report of the State
Entomologist of Montana

INSECT PESTS OF 1916
THE MITES AND TICKS (AG AETNA)

The Pear-Leaf Blister-Mite (Phytoptes pyri Pagnat). The pear-
leaf blister-mite was reported. as doing a great deal of damage to
apple trees in the Bitter Root Valley during the past season.
Further experimental work in the control of this insect has been
outlined for next season.

THE BRISTLE TAILS A\l> SPRING TAIL (THYSANURA)

The Fish Moth (Lepisma saccharina Linn.). As usual there
were several inquiries regarding the fish moth, which seemed plenti-
ful in warm closets and cellars.

The Snow Flea. Several reports were received, accompanied
by cans containing millions of specimens of a black Collembolan,
which is more or less plentiful on standing water. This year it
was unusually abundant, even on damp rotted boards, leaf mold
and old rags. No damage could be attributed to it.

Collembola in the Soil. Reports were received regarding a
tiny, white Collembolan, which was found to be plentiful in the
soil in greenhouses but not doing any apparent damage. In the
college greenhouses we have found what is apparently this same
insect injuring leaves of cucumber that were near the ground.

COCKROACHES AND GRASSHOPPERS (ORTHOPTERA)
The German Cockroach (Blatta germanica Linn.). Inquiries
regarding the control of cockroaches were frequent. The most com-
mon one was the German cockroach, Blatta germanica. The Oriental
cockroach, Periplaneta orientalis, was also reported but not as
being abundant.

Grasshoppers (Acrididae). There was no serious outbreak of
grasshoppers this year, but late in the summer small outbreaks were
reported from widely separated communities. The species which
appeared to be doing the most damage was Melanoplus atlanis.
Owing to its appearing late in the season, this insect did its greatest

56 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

damage by climbing the full-grown grain stalks and cutting off the
heads. Slight injury was done also to newly seeded winter wheat.
In the early spring, about the first of May, grasshoppers were sur-
prisingly abundant north of Miles City. No specimens were sent
us and we cannot state what the species was.

The Sand Cricket (Stenopelmatus sp.). More inquiries than
usual were received regarding the sand cricket or Jerusalem cricket.
Several specimens were sent in as curiosities, with requests for
information.

THRIPS (THYSANOPTERA)

A Grain Thrips (Anaphothrips striatus Osb.). There was a
considerable loss in oats, with a slighter loss in barley and wheat,
due to a sterility of the florets caused by the feeding of this thrips.
In several instances, especially where the head had not completely
emerged from the boot, live specimens of thrips were secured, which
were determined as this species. In several sections oat fields were
examined and the loss from this insect was estimated at about 10
per cent.

The Onion Thrips (Thrips tcibaci Lind.). The onions growing
on the experiment plots on the college farm were found to present
a rather sickly appearance, which was at first attributed to hail
injury. Closer examination revealed the fact that the injury was
mostly due to the onion thrips. Adults and young were both found
in great numbers on the leaves.

Thrips on Nasturtiums. Nasturtium leaves were sent in for
examination which showed typical thrips injury. A few of the
thrips were found but they were dead and so dried and broken that
it was impossible to make a determination of the species.

THE TRUE BUGS, PLANT LICE, ETC. (HEMIPTERA)
The Bedbug (Cimex lectwlarius Linn.). Requests for informa-
tion about bedbug control were fully as numerous if not more so
than in previous years. It is hoped to publish a leaflet containing an
account of the habits and control methods of the bedbug for distri-
bution before next season.

The Chinch Bug (BUssus leucopterus Say). This insect was
reported from three different localities, but as no specimens were
sent in for identification the reports have not been verified. The
chinch bug occurs, so far as we know, only in a few counties in

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 57

northern Montana, where no damage to speak of has been done.
It is not likely that this insect will be very injurious in our climate.

The False Chinch Bug (Nysus angustatus Uhl.). This insect
is rapidly becoming a pest in the State, and this year it has been
reported as being exceedingly plentiful in grain fields. It is often
mistaken for the real chinch bug and is the cause of many of the
chinch bug reports received at this office. In one instance this insect
was found in great numbers, in all stages of development, on an
old discarded mattress.

The Buffalo Treehopper {Ceresa bubalus Fab.). Very often
a man walking through an apple orchard will notice twigs, and at
times most of a tree, which show a peculiar, gnarled or stunted
appearance. These twigs on closer examination will be seen to have
scars or tiny incisions, which give them a decidedly "braided" appear-
ance. These are the results of the egg punctures of the buffalo tree-
hopper, and while the insect does not feed on the apple, these egg
punctures may be the cause of more or less stunting or killing of
twigs or whole trees. Inquiries concerning the cause of this injury
are frequent.

The White Fly (Alewrodes vapovaviorwm West). The green-
house white fly was the cause of considerable annoyance and loss
to greenhouse men all over the State. Requests for control informa-
tion were frequent. We have known of the presence of this insect
for many years.

The Green Apple Aphis (Aphis porni DeG.). The green apple
aphis was not as abundant as formerly, but was reported from
various parts of the State as doing slight damage to apple trees.
Our experience has been that this insect continues in destructive
abundance year after year.

The Western Wheat Aphis (Brachycolns triticl Gill.). This
wheat aphis was scarce this year, being found in only one or two
scattered localities. The severe winter which killed off much of
the winter wheat, may have killed off a high percentage of the lice.

The Woolly Apple Aphis (Schizoneura lanigera Hausm.). This
injurious insect is becoming one of the most serious pests to apples
in the Bitter Root Valley. Owing to lack of funds it has been
impossible to do any work on its control.

58 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION # Bui. 112

MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES (LEPIDOPTERA)

The Imported Cabbage Worm (Pieris vapae Linn.). This cab-
bage worm was as plentiful as in previous years and attracted
considerable attention. Cabbage patches all over the State suffered
some loss from it. Wherever the remedies we have proposed have
been used, the insect has been controlled.

Clothes Moths {Tinea sp.). Clothes moths were reported in
several instances as being harmful. Fumigation with hydrocyanic
acid gas was tried and was successful in controlling them.

The Bud-Moth of Apple (Tmetocera ocellana Schiff.). This
insect appeared in an unusual role on apples this year. The tiny
larvae fed on the fruit just before picking time, making holes and
scars on the surface. While the damage to each fruit did not amount
to much, it was enough to drop first-class fruit into the cull class
and cut down the value of the crop.

The Mediterranean Meal Moth (Ephestis hwehniella Zell.). The
Mediterranean meal moth was reported in corn meal in town, and
again in the feed bins of the poultry department at the Experiment
Station. The ground feed in the bins became so matted together
that it was difficult to get it out. This is an important pest in flour-
mills, warehouses and stores.

The Polyphemus Moth (Tclea polyphemus Cramer). The
cocoons of the polyphemus moth were collected at Huntley. There
is no record of any damage being done, but persons who find any of
the very large and showy moths often send them in.

The Red-Humped Apple Caterpillar (Schizura coivcirvna S cv A).
This insect pest of the apple was reported from the Bitter Root
Valley but was doing no great amount of damage. It occasionally
eats off the foliage from a few small limbs.

The Sugar-Beet Webworm (Loxostege sticticalis Linn.). In
late July and early August reports of damage being done by the
sugar-beet webworm were frequent. They were at first reported as
feeding on Russian thistle, but later fed on flax and sugar beets.
It seems clear that this injury was by the second brood of the insect.

The Tent Caterpillar {Clisslocampa americana Fab.). Several
large nests of the tent caterpillar were noticed on apple trees in
various localities. They did not seem to be doing any extensive
damage but, as usual, were defoliating a few branches.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 53

FLIES (DIPTERA)

The Currant Fruit Fly (Epochva canadensis Loew.). The cur-
rant fruit fly continues to do as much damage to currants as in
previous years. As yet no entirely satisfactory control measure has
been found for this pest.

Horse Flies (Tabanidae). Horse flies were as abundant as
usual, and pestered the picnickers and campers as well as horses
in the canyons about the State.

The March Fly (Bibio albipennis Say). Larvae of a Bibio,
probably albipennis, were sent m with requests for information.
So far as is known, these insects caused no damage whatever, but
their presence in garden soil in great numbers aroused suspicion.

The Nose Fly (Gastrophilns haemorrhoidalis Linn.). The nose
fly, while plentiful, is not recorded as having made any great advance
in its spread this season. Some interesting facts regarding the egg
and egg-laying habits of this fly were brought out this summer by
Dr. R. R. Parker, of the Board of Entomology. These have recently
appeared in the Journal of the New York Entomological Society.

The Onion Maggot (Phorbia ceparum Meade). The onion
maggot was abundant this year and completely destroyed several
rows of onions on the plots at the Experiment Station. Reports
of damage done by this insect were received from various parts of
the State.

Wheat Stem Maggots (Mevomyza americana Fitch and M.
iii <ji i it/' his Macq.). There was no report of serious injury by the
wheat stem maggot until the latter part of July. The damage at
this time was done to the plant while in blossom. The stalk was
cut just above the last node, causing the head to die, while the
leaves appeared perfectly healthy. This trouble was general in
Montana.

BEETLES (COLEOPTERA)

Blister Beetles (Epicaiita macwlata Say and E. pennsylvanica
D. G.). These two species of blister beetles were reported as being
injurious to sugar beets. They are both common in Montana and
have been injurious for many years.

Nuttal's Blister Beetle ' (Cantharis nuttalli Say). This blister
beetle was reported from the Judith Basin Substation as feeding on

60 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

horse beans on the forage crop plots. It is a common native species
which feeds on a great variety of plants.

The Bumble Flower Beetle {Euphoria inola Linn.). The bumble
flower beetle was reported again this year, eating the kernels from
the almost ripened ears of corn. It does not seem to be abundant
enough to cause any great amount of damage.

The Colorado Potato Beetle (Leplinotarsa decimlineata Say).
The Colorado potato beetle was abundant, and at the Huntley
Experimental Farm it completely cleared off the dry-land potato
plots in spite of three applications of arsenicals. In this instance the
insects were present in very unusual numbers.

A Cottonwood Beetle {Monoxia debilis Lee). For the first
time, this beetle has been reported as doing considerable injury to
cottonwoods. Specimens were sent in from several localities and
were determined as this species.

The Cottonwood Leaf Beetle (Lina script a Fab.). Many reports
were received regarding the cottonwood leaf beetle, which seemed
to be unusually common this year. It was especially harmful to
nursery stock. In one instance it was so plentiful that arsenicals
did not prevent damage to the trees.

Cottonwood Mining Beetle (Odontota sp.). This cottonwood
miner was not as plentiful as usual, though reports of it were received
from widely separated localities. Some years it almost completely
blackens the foliage of the cottonwood tree.

The Larder Beetle (Dermestes lardarius 'Linn.). This common
American and European household pest was sent in a number of
times as in previous years and was especially harmful to stored food
products in private houses.

The Rosebud Curculio (Rhynchites bicolor Fab.). The rose
curculio did some damage to cultivated roses but was not as abundant
as previously.

The Spinach Carrion Beetle (Silpha hi tuber osa Lee). There
was considerable damage to sugar beets in some localities due to
this insect. This damage was not as extensive as in some previous
years.

The Ten-lined Leaf Chafer (Polyphylla decimlineata Say).
There was one request for information about this large and showy
beetle. It was doing no damage but merely had aroused the curiosity
of the finder.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST Gl

Wireworms (Elateridae) . Wireworms were not as troublesome
as in previous years and no large areas of wheat were reported injured
by them. There was a report of wireworms doing damage to potato
tubers, but this was not extensive.

BEES AND ALLIED POEMS (HYMENOPTERA)

Alfalfa Seed Chalcid (Bruchophagws funebris How.). The
alfalfa seed chalcid was found in the seeds of volunteer red clover
in the western part of the State. An examination of clover seed
sent into the State Grain Laboratory from various localities for
testing, has not resulted in finding any more evidence of this very
injurious insect.

The Leaf Cutter Bees (Megachile sp.). These bees drew con-
siderable attention this season when the cut leaves of shade trees
and shrubs were noticed. This insect cuts leaves of corn, roses, poplar,
lilac, box elder and many shade trees. The nests were found in the
soil and sent in by one inquirer.

THE OFFICE OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST IN MONTANA

Many of the States in this country maintain a separate office
of State Entomologist at a considerable expense in order that in
addition to the research conducted at the Agricultural Experiment
Station the various phases of the practical control of pests may be
adequately cared for.

By an act of our legislative assembly approved March 4, 1903,
the entomologist of the Experiment Station was designated as State
Entomologist. He receives no compensation for his services other
than that received from the State College but his necessary traveling,
office, and laboratory expenses are paid from a small fund appro-
priated for the purpose. This sum was $300 for the first year and
was gradually increased during the following twelve years until
$2000 was appropriated. The last legislature appropriated for the
expenses of the State Entomologist the sum of $2700, but on account
of shortage of funds only $2000 was allowed by the State Board of
Examiners.

This office has now been established fourten years and during
this time has witnessed many outbreaks of pests, some of which have
been severe. It is believed that very much has been done to alleviate
these outbreaks and that large sums of money have been saved to
our farmers, gardeners, stockmen, and fruit growers.

62 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

Several additional laws have been passed, placing" new duties
on the State Entomologist. Including the original act. they are as
follows :

State Entomologist Law : Session Laws, Eighth Legislative
Assembly 1903, Chapter -39 (p. 124).

Insecticide and Fungicide Law: Session Laws, Twelfth Legis-
lative Assembly, 1911, Chapter 26 (p. 38).

Pests and Plant Diseases Quarantine Law: Session Laws,
Thirteenth Legislative Assembly, 1913, Chapter 61 (p. 117).

State Board of Entomology Law: Session Laws. Thirteenth
Legislative Assembly, 1913, Chapter 120 (p. 466).

The duties of the State Entomologist are in addition to his
regular duties at the State- College and Experiment Station.

The duties of the State Entomologist's office alone have grown
year by year until they require a large amount of time and labor.
In June, 1916, an assistant on part time was employed to be the
representative of this office in carrying out the provisions of the
State Entomologist law. The man appointed is Mr. Howard L.
Seamans, a graduate in entomology from this college in the class
of 1916. He is well qualified both by training and natural abilities
for his position. Two-thirds of his time is given to the work of
this office and for this service he receives $800 per annum, the
remainder of his salary being paid by the college for teaching.

REVIEW OF THE PRINCIPAL STATE INTERESTS

IN ENTOMOLOGY IN 1916

THE ALFALFA WEEVIL

The alfalfa weevil is not a destroyer of alfalfa seeds as is often
thought, but feeds both as a larva or grub and as an adult beetle
on the green foliage of the alfalfa plant. This insect has been in
Utah in injurious abundance for a considerable number of years
and in recent years it has spread to the States of Idaho and Wyoming.
Much damage has been done to the alfalfa industry in localities
where the insect has been long established. Special and vigorous
measures for the control of the alfalfa weevil are necessary where
it is abundant, in order to secure a profitable crop of hay. To put
these measures into operation and follow them energetically as
must be done, is expensive. It is highly desirable, therefore, that

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 63

this insect be prevented, if possible, from gaining entrance into
Montana. To this end, as has been previously reported, a quarantine
has been established by proclamation of the Governor, which permits
certain classes of agricultural products to be admitted into Montana
only under rigid regulations. It is believed that this quarantine
will do much to prevent or delay the introduction of this insect,
which, if it should gain admittance and become established, would
probably destroy annually many thousands of dollars worth of prop-
erty for Montana farmers.

The first quarantine in Montana was established in 1913, and
since that time further information regarding the alfalfa weevil has
been accumulated by those who have been giving special attention
to the subject. During the spring of 1915 a conference of the official
entomologists of the western States was held at Salt Lake City,
together with representatives of the State of Utah, the United States
Bureau of Entomology and the Utah Experiment Station, for the
purpose of acquiring all the information possible, exchanging ideas,
and, if possible, agreeing on uniform regulations to be recommended
to the several States for their consideration. The conference was
very profitable for all and uniform recommendations were adopted.
These recommendations became the basis of a revised quarantine
proclamation, which was issued by Governor S. V. Stewart on June
24, 1916.

This proclamation follows :

Quarantine Proclamation

Whereas, It has become known to me that an injurious insect,
popularly called the alfalfa weevil, and scientifically known as
Phytonomus posticios, exists and is dangerously injurious to alfalfa
in the State of Utah, and in certain counties in the State of Idaho,
to-wit: Bear Lake, Oneida, Bannock, Franklin and Power, and in
certain counties in the State of Wyoming, to-wit : Unida and Lincoln.

Now, therefore, I, S. V. Stewart, Governor of the State of
Montana, under and by virtue of the authority conferred upon me
by Chapter 61 of the Session Laws of the Thirteenth Legislative
Assembly, do hereby declare and proclaim a quarantine against said
State of Utah, and said counties of Bear Lake, Oneida, Bannock,
Franklin and Power, in the State of Idaho, and the counties of
Unida and Lincoln in the State of Wyoming, and forbid the importa-
tion into Montana of the following agricultural products and other
articles, excepting under conditions and regulations as specified:

64 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

1. Alfalfa hay and other hays of all kinds, and cereal straws.

2. Fresh fruits and vegetables, exclusive of potatoes, excepting
under the following regulations ;

a. Shipments for Montana to be made only from points desig-
nated by the recognized State pest inspection officer of the State
shipping into Montana, said officer to notify the State Horticulturist
of the State of Montana by registered mail, or by telegraph, of the
designation of all shipping points in the aforesaid State of Utah or
counties of Bear Lake, Oneida, Bannock, Franklin and Power in
Idaho, or counties of Unida and Lincoln in Wyoming; said notifica-
tion to be sent, and its receipt to be acknowledged, before any ship-
ments are made to the State of Montana from said designated points.

b. Shipments to be repacked from orchard or field boxes into
new, clean boxes, or other fresh containers.

c. All wagons or other conveyances used in hauling to the
place where repacking is conducted to be kept free of alfalfa hay,
other hays, straw, and all other means of contamination.

d. All packing houses to be at all times free of alfalfa hay,
other hays, straw, and other means of contamination.

e. Each package to be plainly stamped or tagged with an official
certificate of the State from which the shipment originates, stating
that it has been inspected and passed in compliance with these
regulations and stating where it was repacked and inspected.

3. Potatoes unless accompanied by an official certificate signed
by the recognized State pest inspection officer of the State from
which such shipments of potatoes originate, setting forth that the
potatoes have been passed over a screen, placed in fresh, clean sacks
and packed in cars that are free of alfalfa hay or other means of
contamination.

4. All nursery stock, unless accompanied by a special certificate
setting forth that such nursery stock has been fumigated for the
alfalfa weevil in an air-tight enclosure subsequent to being boxed,
baled or packed for shipment, with cyanide of potassium or cyanide
of sodium at the rate of one ounce to each one hundred cubic feet
of enclosed space.

5. All agricultural emigrant movables, unless accompanied by
an official certificate of inspection made under oath and setting forth
that such agricultural emigrant movables have been inspected and
found to be free of contamination by alfalfa hay, all other hays, and
cereal straw.

6. All railway shipments of livestock unless shipped in cars
that are free of alfalfa hay, all other hays, and cereal straw, through-
out all that portion of the journey that is within the State of Utah
and counties of Bear Lake, Oneida, Bannock, Franklin and Power
in Idaho, and counties of Unida and Lincoln in Wyoming.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 65

All Horticultural Inspectors of the State of Montana are hereby-
instructed and required to refuse admission into the State of Montana
to all such articles as are herein designated from said State of Utah
and counties of Bear Lake, Oneida, Bannock, Franklin and Power
in Idaho, and counties of Unida and Lincoln in Wyoming, except
under the conditions herein enumerated. If any such articles as
are hereinbefore listed be shipped into the State of Montana in
violation of this quarantine they must be at once destroyed or
returned to the shipper at his expense.

This quarantine shall not be construed to interfere with ship-
ments of produce to the Yellowstone Park over the Oregon Short
Line Railroad, and to Idaho points via Montana over the Gilmore
and Pittsburg Railroad.

This quarantine shall take effect and be in force on and after
the first day of July, A. D. 1916.

It is specifically understood and intended that this quarantine
proclamation shall revoke all previous proclamations on this subject
by me made.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed.

Done at Helena, the Capital, this the twenty-fourth day of June,
in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred sixteen.

S. V. STEWART
By the Governor :
A. M. ALDERSON

Secretary of State.

THE ARMY CUTWORM

The army cutworm is one of our most important pests in Mon-
tana. In a previous publication we have stated that in the year
1915 about 100,000 acres of spring wheat was eaten off, requiring
reseeding, and that this insect in that one year cost the State on
wheat alone at least $925,000. This loss would have been very much
greater had it not been for the use of remedies which were brought
to the attention of grain growers through the press and by corres-
pondence. From all over the State we were assured that the remedy
proposed, namely, the use of poisoned bran mash, was very effective.
Much more grain could have been saved if this office had been
notified earlier. This insect feeds on a wide variety of crops and
plants and is capable of doing immense damage to agriculture in
Montana in the years to come.

This outbreak afforded an opportunity which we had long been
seeking to study the early stages and habits of the insect. Excellent

66 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

progress was made and a paper giving the results of the studies
has been published in the Journal of Agricultural Research.

As a result of our studies it now seems clear that this insect
is present in greater or less numbers every year and that there is
probably some unsuspected damage done each season. During the
spring of 1916 very little damage was reported. This further verifies
our previous experience, which is that the army cutworm does not
generally appear in very destructive numbers two years in succession.

From reports and specimens which have been sent to us this
fall (1916) it is feared that some parts of the State will again be
visited by these cutworms in the spring of 1917. From two localities
in central Montana we have information that the very small cut-
worms were very abundant in October and that fall-planted wheat
was completely eaten up. If further study of the situation indicates
it to be desirable, warnings will be sent out in the spring.

THE WHEAT SHEATH MINER
{CereJonta femoralis Meigen)
It is impossible to say at the present time how important the
wheat sheath miner will become in Montana. There is almost no
literature concerning it.

This insect is widely distributed in the State, but we have
definite information regarding serious damage in only one locality
in Missoula County. In one field of wheat it was found by actual
count that 95 per cent of the plants were more or less injured, while
an adjoining field of oats had 12 per cent damage. What we now
know about this insect seems to indicate that it is a species which
continues in destructive numbers year after year.

During the past two years an assistant, Mr. H. L. Seamans,
has worked out the life history and habits of this important insect
quite completely and a paper on the subject has recently been
submitted for publication.

SUGAR-BEET BOOT-LOUSE
(Pemphigus betae Doane)
Extensive experiments in the control of the sugar-beet root-
louse by irrigation were carried on at Huntley, under the Adams
Fund. This is the third year that the work has been pursued and
the results continue to be very satisfactory. It has been found that

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 67

not only is the root-louse controlled but that the tonnage and sugar
content of the beets are distinctly increased by the method of irriga-
tion advocated. It seems clear that this work will lead to very
largely increased financial returns to sugar beet growers in Montana
and other western States.

THE LESSER GLOVER LEAF WEEVIL
i Phytonomus nigrirostris)

During tlie past two years the lesser clover leaf weevil has
appeared in great numbers and has been doing damage in one valley
in western Montana. The insects feed on the growing clover and
are found principally in the terminal growth and opening blossom
heads. The larva or grub looks very much like the alfalfa weevil
and might easily be mistaken for that insect.

This office has given careful attention to this weevil during the
last two years and will continue the study when there is an oppor-
tunity.

THE SPINOSE EAR TICK

{OrinthoJoros megnini Duges)

One of the surprises of the past year was the discovery of the
Spineose ear tick on cattle in eastern Montana. This tick has the
habit of infesting the ear passages of its host. Surprisingly large
numbers of these ticks were taken from the ears of calves and young
stock. The effects noted here are much the same as in other parts
of the country. Infested stock is irritated and does not do well.
Some lose flesh and some die. Fiom what we know at the present
time, it seems clear that this tick is present in several counties.

This has been looked upon as a southern species. It occurs in
Mexico and in some of the southern States, but it was not supposed
that it could endure our climate and be abundant enough to be
injurious. In looking up its occurrence in Montana, it was learned
that it had been present in the same localities for several years and
we now think that this tick is liable to be an important pest. Fur-
ther attention will be given to it and though no satisfactory remedies
are now known, it is hoped that some may be found.

FOUL BROOD OF BEES
In each annual report of the State Entomologist since 1911,
urgent attention has been called to the presence and rapid spread of
American foulbrood disease in bees in Montana. We knew of it

68 MONTANA EXPEBIM'ENT STATION Bui. 112

soon after this disease came into the State but at that time the
infection was confined to a small locality. At the present time it
is known to be present not only in the Yellowstone Valley, where
it first appeared, but as far west as the Bitter Root Valley. Both
in the Gallatin Valley and in the Bitter Root Valley it is known
to be rather common. No canvass or survey of the State has been
made, but it is almost certain that this highly destructive disease
of bees is now general in its distribution wherever bees are kept in
Montana. We know of numerous beekeepers who are fighting a
losing battle because they do not know how to combat the disease.
Many have been driven from the industry already and it is as certain
as can be that others will follow unless adequate statewide means
of control are adopted.

Beekeeping is a natural and profitable part of diversified agri-
culture. Properly protected, the industry will annually yield a large
profit to rural Montana. Experience has shown that the general
run of beekeepers cannot control this disease unaided. The usual
method is to have a law on the statutes providing for an inspectov,
who has authority to examine all bees and instruct how to eradicate
the disease. He has authority to destroy bees that are not treated
in accordance with his instructions, but he does not have to use
this authority often. Beekeepers who wish to continue in the indus-
try generally are glad of the assistance given by the State expert.
The inspector, being a well informed man, naturally gives much
valuable instruction in beekeeping. He becomes to a considerable
extent a traveling instructor and his influence toward building up
the bee industry is distinctly felt. Such a law further provides for
defense against the introduction into the State of diseased bees or
contaminated materials from other States.

The duties of an inspector of apiaries probably connect up
with the State Entomologist's office more closely than with any
other department of the State's service. The duties could be assigned
to the State Entomologist provided sufficient funds were appro-
priated to employ a deputy for this particular duty. The inspection
work alone would not be sufficient to employ the full time of a
man. A part of his time might be employed in inspection and the
remainder paid for by the Agricultural College for instruction or
students in beekeeping or by the Experiment Station for research
work, or a man might be temporarily employed during each summer.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 60

By the latter way, however, it might be difficult to get the services
of a competent man.

Experience has shown in other States that the inspection service
greatly reduces the amount of disease, reestablishes confidence and
permits the industry to build up again. Such a law should be passed
in Montana.

NOTES ON THE MORE COMMON MOSQUITOES OF MONTANA
By J. R. Parker

That mosquitoes have long been troublesome in Montana is
shown by referring to the Lewis and Clark Journal. Thus we find
the following entries made by Lewis while the expedition was in
the Missouri river valley between Canyon Ferry and Lombard :
July 13, 1805, "It is impossible to sleep a moment without being
defended against these (mosquitoes) most tormenting of all insects."
July 19, 1805, "Musquetoes very troublesome to us as usual." On
the return trip, while on the lower Yellowstone Captain Clark made
the following entries : August 3, 1806, "Last night musquetoes were
so troublesom that no one of the party Slept half the night." August
4, 1806, "Musquetoes excessively troublesom, so much so that the
men complained that they could not work at their Skins and I find
it entirely impossible to hunt in the bottoms, those insects being
so noumerous and tormenting as to render it impossible for a man
to continue in the timbered lands." August 5, 1806, "Musquetoes
was so noumerous that I could not keep them off my gun long
enough to take sight and by that means Missed." Numerous other
references to the "very troublesom musquetoe" indicate that the
Lewis and Clark Expedition considered the mosquito as one of the
greatest drawbacks to the country through which they were traveling.

Mosquitoes are probably as abundant or even more abundant
at present than they were in the days of Lewis and Clark. Reports
are frequently sent to the office of the State Entomologist stating
that livestock is kept in poor condition because it is pestered by
mosquitoes, and more and more frequently are requests being
received for aid in reducing the mosquitoes in the vicinity of towns
and cities.

Acknowledgment is made of indebtedness to Mr. Frederick Knab of the
United States National Museum, for the identification of specimens.

70 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

The State Entomologist has been able to give but little help
in mosquito control work, primarily because the specific identity
and the breeding habits of Montana mosquitoes were for the most
part unknown, and, secondarily, because funds have never been
available for securing such information nor for carrying out an
experimental control program.

During the past three years, however, an attempt has been made
to stud)- mosquitoes as much as could be done without interfering
with other branches of work already outlined. Members of the
entomological staff have collected larvae and adults whenever pos-
sible, breeding places have been studied, and a few rearing experi-
ments have been conducted. In this way considerable information
and material have been collected and the purpose of this paper is
to briefly discuss the more common species, which we have found
within the State. It should be understood that no extended survey
of the State has been attempted and that the species discussed were
collected in a few widely separated localities.

MOSQUITOES OF THE GENUS AEDES

The great mass of the mosquitoes of Montana belong to species
included by present-day workers in the genus Aedes. The general
life history of the various species of Aedes mosquitoes as worked out
by entomologists in other States is about as follows. The winter
is passed in the egg stage. Snow water, spring or summer rains,
or moisture from some other source causes the eggs to hatch at
various intervals during the following season. The eggs do not
necessarily all hatch at the first flooding, thus explaining why newly
emerged mosquitoes may appear at subsequent floodings. Authori-
ties state that the eggs of Aedes species never hatch the same year
they are laid, but must be first subjected to the freezing of the
winter season. The eggs are laid upon the ground. While the
general outline of the life history is known, the details vary consid-
erablv in different species and in different localities. It is generally
recognized that an accurate study of the life history of each species
must be carried out in a locality before intelligent control work
can be carried on.

Aedes curriei Coq.

This is the most abundant, the most widely distributed, and
one of the worst biters of our Montana mosquitoes. In collections

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 11

of mosquitoes made in the river valleys and plains area a majority
of the specimens collected will generally belong to this species.

Larval Records. — Our earliest seasonal record of larvae is May
6, and our latest August 22. This indicates that larvae are hatching
from the eggs throughout the late spring and summer months when-
ever there is sufficient moisture to bring- about hatching conditions.

The length of the larval period in eastern Montana was ascer-
tained by Dr. R. R. Parker, in rearing experiments conducted in
1915. On July 16 an inch of rain fell, forming many temporary
pools. Larvae collected from one of these pools on July 18 pupated
on July 22 and emerged as adults July 25. On August 16 another
heavy fall of rain occurred. Larvae collected August 22 from a
pool formed by this rain pupated August 24 and emerged as adults
August 27. Assuming that the eggs hatched within twenty-four
hours after flooding, the larval period would be from five to seven
days and the pupal period two to three days.

Larvae have been found in the following situations : "Irrigation
water along roadside," "irrigation overflow," "temporary wayside
pool," "permanent pool near railroad track," "pool connected with
irrigating ditch," "irrigation water in alfalfa field," "temporary pool
caused by summer rain."

Record of Adults. — The earliest seasonal record for adults is
May 6 and the latest September 5. Specimens were taken on the
latter date by H. L. Seamans at Whitehall even though there had
been a severe frost the previous night. Adults were very abundant
on this late date.

Adults have been found in the following situations : "On edge
of slough," "in river bottom," "in town," "hotel porch," "alfalfa
field," "damp place in willows," "blue-joint meadow," "sweet clover
along railroad track," and in all manner of places.

The adults are voracious at all times except when forced into
inactivity by low temperatures or high winds.

Distribution. — This species has been taken in the following local-
ities : Harlem, Chinook, Turner, Miles City, Hardin, Laurel, Hunt-
ley, Bozeman, Three Forks, Lombard, Salesville, Dillon, Armstead,
Cascade, and Judith Basin.

72 MONTANA EXPEBMEXT STATION Bui. 112

Aedes sylvestris Th.

Aedes sylvestris is second in importance only to Aedes currlei.
It occurs in about the same localities, but in our collecting sylvestris
has occurred in smaller numbers.

Larval Records. — The earliest seasonal record of larvae is May
19 and the latest August 22. The length of the larval stage is about
the same as that of A. curriei and these two species have been
taken repeatedly from the same pool.

Larvae have been found in the following situations : "Tempo-
rary pool in town," "pool formed by overflow of irrigation water,"
"small rather permanent pools," "waste irrigation water," "pool in
edge of alfalfa field," "temporary pool caused by spring rains,"
"temporary roadside pool," "temporary pool caused by summer
rains."

Record of Adults. — Our earliest seasonal record of adults is
June 4 and our latest August 29. The adults are bad biters both
day and night.

Adults have been found in practically the same situations as
recorded for A. curriei.

Distribution. — This species has been taken in the following
localities : Harlem, Chinook, Turner, Miles City, Forsyth, Billings,
Laurel, Huntley, Hardin, Bozeman, Three Forks, Lombard, Dillon,
Cascade and Florence.

Aedes nigromaculis Lud.

This species is a bad biter and occurs in abundance in some
localities, but is not as widely distributed nor as abundant as the
two species already discussed.

Larval Records. — The only records of larvae are as follows :
"Temporary overflow from irrigation ditch," August 28 ; "temporary,
muddy roadside pool," August 14; "temporary pool in town,"
August 8.

Record of Adults. — The first seasonal record of adults is June
4 and the last September 5.

Adults have been taken in the following situations: "Edge of
slough," "grass above temporary pool," "alfalfa field," "along road,"
"prairie grass," "at light in towns," "blue-joint meadow,'" "river
valley," "near stock yards," "in grass above pool which had dried
out."

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 73

It has been noticed that this species is not as bad a biter in
daylight as are curriei and sylvestris; toward nightfall, however,
they become exceedingly ferocious.

Distribution. — This species has been collected in the following
localities : Harlem, Miles City, Laurel, Big Timber, Cascade, Hardin,
Huntley, Powderville, Bozeman, Three Forks, and the Judith Basin.
It appears to be especially abundant in eastern Montana.

Aedes spencer ii Th.

This species ranks fourth in importance among the species whicn
we have collected.

Larval Records. — The earliest larval record is May 28 and the
last June 28.

Larvae have been found in the following situations : "Water
on edge of alfalfa field," "temporary pool caused by spring rains,"
"irrigation water in clover field."

Record of Adults. — The earliest seasonal record for adults is
May 6 and the latest July 11. ■

Adults have been taken in the following situations : "Wild grass,"
"blue-joint field," "wheat field."

This species is a bad biter both day and night.

Distribution. — Aedes spencerii has been taken in the following
localities : Cascade, Harlem, Turner, Hardin, Judith Basin, Three
Forks, Huntley, and Bozeman.

Aedes pullatus Coq.

While this species has not been found in many parts of the
State, it is extremely annoying in several of the higher mountain
valleys.

Larval Records. — The only larvae of this species which we have
found were taken June 13 in small pools found in tracks made by
stock in marshy ground.

Record of Adults. — Taken in timber at high altitudes.

Distribution. — Warm Springs, July 1 ; Gallatin Mountains, June
30; Bridger Mountains, June 18. Further collecting in the higher
parts of the State will probably show this species to be quite gen-
erally distributed.

Other Aedes Species

The following species of Aedes have been collected but not in
numbers large enough to warrant considering them at present of

74 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

much economic importance : A. campestris D & R, A. fletcheri Coq.,
A. stimulans (group), A. idahoensis Th., A. liirsuteron. and A.
fuscus O. S.

MOSQUITOES OF THE GENUS CULISETA

To this genus belong several species of Montana mosquitoes.
Although they are biters, they seldom occur in such numbers as
to be annoying. Unlike the Aedes, these species pass the winter
as the adult and the eggs are laid directly in the water in more or
less permanent pools.

We have collected Culiseta larvae in the following situations.
"Cat-tail swamp," "alkali pool near swamp." ''permanent swamp,7'
"swamp along railroad," "irrigation overflow." "horse track filled
with irrigation water."

Four species have been found, namely, Culiseta inovnatus Wil-
liston, C. incidens Thompson, C. inpatient Walker and C. alaska-
ensis Lind. The two most common species are inpatient and
i iiiirmdiis.

MOSQUITOES OF THE GENUS CULEX

Only two species in this large group have been found in Mon-
tana, namely, C. tarsalis Coq. and C. territans Walk. Culex species
are continuous breeders, that is, eggs are deposited directly in the
water and hatch the same season. More or less permanent pools
are the typical breeding places.

Culex tarsalis Coq.

This is by far the more abundant of the Culex species found
in Montana.

Larval Records. — Our earliest seasonal record for larvae is June
22 and the latest August 28.

Larvae have been taken in the following situations : "Roadside
pool," "small permanent pool," "cat-tail pool," "horse tracks in
permanent swampy ground," "deep water in cat-tail swamp," "alkali
pools near swamp," "permanent swamp along railroad," "water
from irrigations," "pools formed by June rains in marshy ground."

Record of Adults. — Our only capture of adults was made by
Dr. R. R. Parker at Laurel in 1914. In connection with a study
of house-fly conditions, Hodge fly traps were placed so as to capture
all the insects that escaped from the rear of a privy, the door of

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 75

which was usually open and the seats uncovered. Among the many
insects captured during the month when the traps were in place,
July 21 to August 21, were nine specimens of Citliseta inomatus
and one hundred and thirty-seven specimens of Culex tarsalis.

We have no records of C. tarsalis taken while biting, although
other writers state that they bite at night.

Distribution. — C. tarsalis has been taken in the following local-
ities : Victor, Laurel, Yegen, Park City, Three Forks, and Hardin.

Culex territans Walk.

Our only record of this species is at Laurel where the larvae
were taken in small permanent pools on August 25, 1914.

MOSQUITOES OF THE GENUS ANOPHELES

This genus is of interest because to it belong the species of
mosquitoes which transmit malaria.

Anopheles occidentalis D <N. K
This is the only species which Ave have found in Montana and
of this we have only three records, which are as follows : along
creek, Missoula, June 24, 1914, by R. A. Cooley ; in river bottom,
Cascade, June 4, 1914, by J. R. Parker; in cabin, Powderville, April
21, 191(3, by R. R. Parker.

THE STATE BOARD OF ENTOMOLOGY

The State Entomologist is by law the secretary of the State
Board of Entomology, which is charged with the investigation and
control of insects which transmit human and animal diseases. The
membership of this board is all ex officio and all serve without
compensation other than that received in their regular positions.
The members of the board are the secretary of the State Board of
Health (chairman), the State Veterinary Surgeon, and the State
Entomologist.

The situation' regarding the spotted fever tick will be discussed
at length in the report of the Board of Entomology. The work
has been continued with success during the past two years. In
addition to the work in western Montana we have taken up a study
of the tick and fever conditions in the eastern part of the State.

76 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION Bui. 112

Further attention has been given to the study of the means
of control of the house fly.

NEEDS AND PLANS FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS

We have no plans for expansion of the activities of the State
Entomologist's work other than to meet the actual demands made
upon us. No two years are alike with respect to pests that become
abundant and require attention and each year some new ones appear
or come into prominence.

Most of the demands come either by letter or telegram. Many
can be taken care of from the office after an examination of the
specimens sent in, but in many cases it is necessary for some one
to go to the town from which the complaint comes. It is often
necessary to keep the insects alive in the insectary in order to study
them and learn their identity and habits. Books and equipment
are also necessary.

In all of these matters we cannot permit the research work
conducted under Federal research funds to be interfered with. The
two lines of work — research and State work — are entirely separate
and we cannot use Federal funds for the State control work.

The following sums should be provided for the next two years :

1917 1918

Salary of assistant $900 $1050

Traveling and field expenses 1000 1000

Laboratory expenses 600 600

Equipment and supplies 300 350

Totals $2800 $3000