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Aan te mR eZ OO wy (yw OY cg oy : an a Seta 2 8 re) . Se Wwly'\ vy, oid vy! tes fae. eke 5 Ny es eee feted} oe vI wees ra Aw Niel yA Ae Pad ee SES iy) Vy) on) wt ed Se 4 duy” eu. a) vA! vd hae vied ae f) use | 4 orrlLwee ero ett Jed ~d TN cette OT) ae it . hE Reh C ONG a whit J ; DY) »Z hike 2 2 CAncie te a. a De, Hpbi L fat wey sine Lett | Nett 1 y uw Ans wo i. gt = ey = we “| c ( Pa a a AA = ae ea ‘ew ve WEES, ee a: ¥ ATMS MAA Vw vv AAA ao X ey ’ SY, 4 eX Ld Vedyepgd dees. 4 vt Ieee ttaye eee once servecttts wTUONIEY & sco vyver f SF Ney: ‘itt 4 AS 4 re mec nS ls ee re, ‘ rs é heteh L ewe ws Me tL | AJ fiw wn us we | —_ ‘ pntinetede UA pet | - eNO, bv cee, Hn pia EE LEE hw 4 s LY Pw mas © oy yr’ a de CA Fit urea’ erees: Ce we we We Din: TU 7 yee! eee Yeyy ¥ {Shy v~- 4 cEeeraelee $49 ew) yey 440 wow w” mek ey Ta v 2 eS hits he Se eh Ey ae is aN, ai 5 oe Ge yer. ~ ioe er HSE, v +f of %' Tt arereeeyy vttigen a a oh; Sy . Ye py Zoe 4 Bg vee me os : Merino sa renee nel ou v ‘% ) United States. . WORKS ON NORTH AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGY. MALACHTIDZE. Le Contr, J. L.—Catalogue of the Melyrides of the United States, with descriptions of new species. 4 » | y 5 c8 oe he a ee INDEX. Page. MRE OG OTN hie ee = = Se 82 Pune EDIE eee oe a es a ey See 108-110 Parent nidspts ze ce be su ee es She 95-97 = EDU Pe ee ee 3S EG EQ bh ee eee 88-89 oR eS ee 24-27 PPETSUE IVE: yp eee een eee ee ws EE ee 90 DUEL O10 17 Soe ee el a 76-77 TESTS EN a1 Gy ee 38 dosig DES0ye UL ES a 24-27 LTE TIN ENG 0S eee en 87-88 RenE REGEN ieee wie mee NEE eS a SS 24-27 LA TRSUEI CISC Fr eee ne ee oe 104-110 PeaRirey af hes ae er ee Seren Ser 8 Fae 82 ALTREC CSET 52 iar es a Ze ee 105-107 PSE CATES Oe Bem a a ee 44-45 nMOS eta ee BS Ss 107-108 Jaf St RENEW O16 0G ee Se ce eee ae 100 Rese cee nearness 33—34 JAM LG TE cee lt OO er a 106-107 etO SEOUL pen See 83 1 20) OVERENG 2 Sy ae 21 Bibliography of entomology________ 9-10 HEUER TG Oo) ORE eth dena a eS 92-93 uemintrocerids.-- —-- —- S) 2 2 e 30 HACOTEMIDVCLO ere SS 45-46 rarer linelae y= = Ons wre Sn SAE A 34-35 ee COPE E SE ae 2 eR eh a 15-16 TEP ELT EIT 0 Fy vn lene ea 79 MnTES PL Coen ee ns eee ee ee eS 74 La) Ty ay ERS TEL Ss lc ee, 67 UTTPLEUG 0 es oe pe ee 65. BPS TIE RT res oe eee ee tee ee 83 COR LENS TG Cs Saco ele ee ee 56-57 BBE OTRV Tne ee eee 29 RTD ESOT Ss 22a a on a ae 75 Borat y Chie Me ere a 8 71-72 ASTER GO) G00 £2 Ea ge So i Se el a 86 | ELLIE TG Sacre Si ae Oe ie, eae a 16-18 1D SVSVRCG EL Gc mee a a 108 Whiromomides 2 30 “oH TPISE GGG bs zee are Rn ce ee oe 18-19 Serrysomeniqg ===) - 2 == tL 72-74 SPAS (6 0016 ee i 100 LL ACEEICOU Ge a ee 84 BeneINGeliC seer eae 2!) Soe 56 Ribcerederremeieneees street Pete ee 69 Sires Cree ees Nie phot ne et 75 Dene eael eee eres £0 Tal eae Ee 68 (Cl hg Sg 2 ore a pele ee oe 89-90 UEC Ut a 61-62 NE AR aes 20 US eee ree ek eae 51-79 SeEMERL RIT omar tase see ihe She cy NS 62-63 Reena tery ids = fe 100 La UCT SS RN I a ag 36-37 oo RS SE 81 UNG EDS ee ee ee 84 Page. Corylophidie sass eee ee 61 Crabronid seas ae ek ee ee 23 Cryptophacidse Sea 2 es eee 63 BAG phi beets hose 4 a ee ee 63 Culicitte 52> 25 es ee es De O30 Cupesidie <- =- Sosa ewer ee 69 eV Gee) 2 8 22 ee eee 81 OTR es os he ee es Rene ee 12-13 Dascyilid recs}. ss Se Se eee 65 Dealers in entomological books and DAMpuleicwes= = =A eee 117-118 WermestiGsy st = o> 2s es eee eee 63 TEST hee ae as Soe Ye eee 38 Baciy hide) eae en eee 105 Diperiete = 25 2 eee 27-40 Wolichppodide+=<=== == A2e=s ss 35 MLSS Ghee wee ee Bees re eS 105 VO) AST6 Sherk i bs ease ees Spay teen ee oe pe ee 105 Dy iSite en Senet es 8 ee ee ee 57 Economic entomology____________ 110-112 In atenitee sso ee | See a ee 66 impli dees es= == See SBS eae wl ak 97 IBIRGS | Gap eee = Ae et See 83 Bn IG Lele ee ne ee 35-36 TG GV C TEPER 62 Entomological books and pamphlets, how: to: obtain them —=—-~.=22_ > 117-118 Ep Cir dees ees Se 8 th a eS a 105-106 ipheme;nideah 4 «= Se in Se A ee 98 Hphydticeess == sana ee eg peYy Rocy dees ke Se ee ee 62 UI CTH a> 2" ee Sees fs ee 23 LON eats <7 cys ee ee A ae ee ee oe 14 MOR Cun dee ee aa Se See 92 ito! te Se eS eee eee 19 GH Gee = eS Sse oe St 86 ISRO TART Ree ee ee a ne ES 48 Garvan e es 2 te eee eee 93-94 CiyTaeld yeas Se = Se a ee 57-58 fain hides Soe oo eee 57 elomy 7G ere 2 a es Se 39 Hemenrobiide === 5" s = see eee 100 HCHIptCrae = 92.2 ee ee ae eee 79-90 veterocera.<=24. > 52 sae ease 43-51 Mererocerid@w@- =. See 65 PICTEPO DEER ee Se ae AE SEE ae 79-84 Hippibeseidwe sss 52 S. S 2h pee eS 40 SLCC ete 2 a ee eS oe SS 63-64 FLOM PTC ee ee ee ee ee et 84-90 Piydnopniid sera os* 2S o 58 UB ETA GAYS) SES CS La a es a 10-27 Tehneumoni¢e == ==. = =~ eed 1 RUFUS Gl be ee re es 84-85 WED Ri see oe ae 75 EST DET NEN UIE nese es te ee oe ee 67 STETSa asthe ees en 2 un er Fat ee en 21-22 ORT RC Ce ee ae a = Nee 64-65, 120 WORKS ON NORTH AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGY. Page. Page Lepidoptera 2-328 ees ee 40-51" | (Psyllidse 223 == ee eptidse: 2 weer seen eee Do: | Pe terophoLidie === — = Ihocustidie==s= === SS ea 94=95)\ (Ptinide | =o 32. ae ee 68-69 ucanide sa = eee ee 69%) Pulicide =... 22- = eee TV. COSI eee es a= ae ee 1L0G:| Pyralide 222 eee 48—49 [syed eee 2 eee S20 vO Chir OTC ae eee eee Malachitidess <_< sis eee en 685)" Pythids'=.=24) 2 eee Mallonharats= = <5 =a see ee LOL=1025| Raphidiide = sss 100 Mianitidso== = >=. eee 93:7) sReduvildie: = == eee MASA d ce... 2. ee eae ee 23. | Rhipiceridse =.= 22>) see Medical” entomology=—=— === ss_= 1121S: | ivbipiphoride = Melandryidie:=--— S23 (G4 (Rhopaloceral 222 42-43 Mellinide= 223s 22> 2S eee 250), Rhwnchophora 2 = eee 77-19 Meloides)2=2— = ae ee (| Rhyssodids:_- == eee Nem Dna Cid see Se ee ee eee 87; Saldidx = = -- eee Mickopezidwts—-) = at eee ee Sion Se ol opaahy/A00 bey ee Midaidse 2 S22 Se ee 347| Sapygldeas tee eee Mimesidge= = 220 == se eae hee 22 | -Sarcophagide. = ee Monommidr ===" =ss2. ea T64- Scaphidhids 3s. 5-42 =ea See Monotomids ssa =o es eee 643) -Scarabride! == === ee 69-71 Mordellidie:= 22! 22 i ee PH— 1G. S| SCALOD Nn aed Cee eee 39 Muscidae 2 = eee eee oS eScenopinide== == Se 32 Miatilhidse <2 3 en. toed a ee 19-90) | Schon y2id 2 oom Mycetopharides == =—— ==) = 6s UScoliide==]2=— == soc ee ees 20 Miycetophilidse-—=]— =.= ee 29.3|'-Scolytids= = =.=" — = 22 eee 79 My ria podase-= l= ee ee ee 1O33|\sScotpionid. = = 107 Myrmeleonidwes =<. 42s ee 100: Scydmzenidse= 22 2>" 22-2 eee 58 Nabi die: 20 a oT eee 82) \Seslidie'=22= 3. 4 ee eee 44 INE HELO OKs be ee ee ee ee 83) || \Siailide 2222422 99 ING DNC S Gsm sere ee ee ee $4) Silphidie =. 5.4 va See ee eee 58 Ne pi nee ce oh ie Se ae ee 83 >|4Simuliidss =] 35235 ee eee 3 Neuroptera (including Pseudoneurop- Siphonaptera. = eee 40 LOTR a)) pee es eee Se el ee ee O7—t0t || Solpugidie! 222222" 32a eee 107 Nitidulidse-=2 =e Se ee eee G4 ||) “Spheside:- +222. oe eee 20-21 INO CHUL SoS 2 eee De eee AG—484| Sphineids = === 44 INOtOneCtidse, = 2 ae ee eer 84:| Staphylinids 22-43 = = ee 59-60 INV.ctenibitdse = 22 sss eee See 407| (Stephanids. ===. eee pa 55 INVSSOnId e222 2 = ee SONS tral tl Ona y iG ss 32 Odonata Ss Se es ee ee 98=99. | Sirepsiptera === eee 79 Gdemeridrs 2a ee bday Wes oo) oUt Sey aee Saas ee e 2 36 CHS ETT ee a ow a ES eee $7 1 Mabanide = 3 = eee 32 @ntalliid sees eee ae eee 38::| Dachinids —2 22. = eee 3T Orthopterae = 35 2 ea ee 90-97 | Lenebrionide == == eee 7A Os cimid ay 2k 2c eR Eee Pee 99 ,| Menthredinidie = ===-=—- eee 11-123 Othniids. 332 —— SS eee eee 7h | Dermitide*===__. ==. eee 97 PaAnonpid e222 = ees ee eee 100") Lettigoniide..=-5o2_- = eee 85-86 aM set eee = ee eRe Ae 65| Dineidie (2222... 23353 eee 50-51 Rediculidsa wie tan eae, ee eae 90: ||, Ripulidwe =-2— 52 = <= + = eee 31 remphredonidss = tase e cannes eternal 99° \| Theraphosidie_ =-- 2225-3 105 Ren tatomid seo ane ee ee 81 | Therevide =-=-—--~- =. == See BF Pertodicalseue = nt a ene ees 1192117 (|| Theaidids 2S eee 106 Penhidi. oo & es ee ee ee 9¢ || ‘Lhomiside=—- =- eee 106 [SIREN O Ws be eee eae eee Sip hime nr yi 61 || ‘DWhvipidwe 222 ee eee 90 Bhalan gi dee stb se ah ae 10S |) Lhtoscide 22> = 66 Phasinidse: 2222. sacs. Wee ee eee 934 wkhysanoptera) === === ee 90 PHilantghidse-s. ae eee 99) || Dhysanira. ---4=- eee 102-1038 PORTS a Sa ee ee 36 Tortricidse, == 2-2 =.= 22 eee 49-50 Phymatide.<=-2.. “2 tae SON iti Chop ter aa 101 Pipunculidse ess" == ee eee ~ 2 Trichoptery2ide = 22. 60 Platypezidse: 8 2. ae saree 36.;| Trigonalids ——---—_~___=_____—__— 16 BOM Pili ss eee ee Onl LLtoLositid. === ee — 64 PTOCtOUny N10 ces 18. ‘| Ltypetide. 2-224 s- 2 ee 38-39 Psclaphidee'=:3 522 a Ss bee 590.) =...) Pursh larves made.celle: LX( Oya ee a First larvee pupated. Aprilis.....:.:.........2 Mirstiadultsideveloped: Jaf O12) 4 A ia oar ae A Ea First adults issued from cells. April 21................... Last of adults issued, of which 24 developed. BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA. 79 From the above record the stages are as follows: Days LEVIS SUD Ce ely | BAA aA opted Meese ee Se Se ng ae a 9 LL ETM (Ele o o Saere e R A 26 FPO! URS Se Le Ria a ait U8 ie ie ee ie Ee ee ee ae ital Pchlide, < ME Rare Pee ald es SR Be te ES 46 The mature larve remained quiescent in the cells for 6 days before pupating, and the beetles were in the cells from 2 to 3 days before issuing. The adults begin to feed as soon as they leave the cells, although they are still soft and light colored for from 3 to 5 days. No pupz were found in nature, but in the rearing jars the larve, when mature, burrowed into the soil from 4 inch to 2 or 3 inches and formed cells by wriggling about. The larvee and pupze were very tender and were easily killed if handled at all roughly or if the soil in the cages became dry. A moderately moist condition appeared to be most favorable. Three females, which were placed in confinement during the first days of March, deposited respectively during one day as follows; 23, 45, and 48 eggs. The incubation period of these eggs varied from 9 to 11 days. One of these lots was carried through with the following results: Days 1 He SRE toa ee Eo Et i a 9 Be Drav NS Ie eee cee ope tS at oh ess doles Jot 2 ee Leelee 25 Nena ERE CoN Ie eras tage Trae Ce oni ery Lae oh Ok am See tne 11 sical ree apeh ee Mrs Me oh SCRE er heen icin si ek Eee Seid Ne 45 On April 21, 8 adults which issued in the rearing jars between April 18 and April 21 were put together into one cage, with foliage of Verbesina, to breed. Record of 8 adults of Diabrotica balteata which had issued in rearing jars April 18 to 21, 1909, and confined, April 21, in one cage with foliage of Verbesina, to breed. E = : 1909. Mated. cea Died. | Escaped. April 24.... 0 0 1 al aoeeiomeeeee April 28.... 0 0 1 1 April 30-.... 2 0 (@)G eases May 14.... 0 0 Decker May 18.... 0 0 7a (eRe cee Total .- 2 0 5 1 a Taken out; see table following. None of the beetles deposited any eggs, nor were they observed mating. 8O SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. The record for the pair which mated April 30 is as follows: Record of egg deposition of a single female of Diabrotica balteata, which mated April 30, 1909.4 Number 1909. of eggs. MayeSeen sence 39 May 19....... 6 May, Zee e ee 23 May 24 coc. 14 May 26:..-.-- 16 Movalsees- 98 @ May 31, male died; June 2, female died. This gives a total of 98 eggs from one female. The life of the male was 43 days and that of the female 45 days. The record for the 39 eggs deposited May 8 is as follows: Detailed record for the 39 eggs of Diabrotica balteata deposited May 8, 1909. Mayu Steeceeaace. a ate pe ee et 39 eges deposited. bu io Ie Pid Soe fete ees Gees ae 39 eges hatched. Ma e2 8 an si ero one ate Meee First larvee made cells. Mary Dupree ay ae aboes Mee hee ae First larvee pupated. JIM OWES: oases sce eet pie First adults developed. CSA a Ne ah cies SE Sok First adults issued from cells. ume Se saat oe eee oe cee All adults had issued. The stages were: Days. Uf es alc 2422 ed eh a er PS EE RESTA Penn epee etae oare A IE Noah 5 Tarvallistages WN. 0Me sel Pere eee seek une oie rere ete eee eee 14 Pupal stage) 82 ois he a ease Aas xem eh oe ae a et ah ea 5 Wotalls Qc sce eid is Cate tee Saya he pt ee ee 24 The larve of this species were confined in large jelly glasses and in large vials and fed with sections of sorghum cane. Of the three species reared (Diabrotica balteata, D. vittata, and D. 12-punctata), Mabrotica balteata was by far the most hardy, and this probably accounts for its abundance as compared with D. vittata and D. 12-punctata. Records showed that one lot matured March 1, a second April 18, and a third June 1. Mr. McMillan found the beetles in greatest abundance during November and December. Judging from this and from the rearing records, there may be at least six generations, and probably one or two more each year. Occasional mutilated beetles were found lying on cucurbit and other leaves and had evidently been killed by some predaceous insects. Many specimens dissected during May showed no internal parasites. The temperatures at Brownsville during January, February, and March ranged from a minimum of 29° F. to a maximum of 95.1° F. BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA. 81 The extreme minimum of 29 degrees occurred only on one or two days during ‘‘northers,”’ and excepting those few days the minimum did not get below 40 degrees. During April and May the range was from a minimum of 46° F. to a maximum of 95.5° F. The average temperature during these five months was as follows: Average temperatures at Brownsville, Tex., from January to May, 1909. Average | Average 1909. maxi- mini- mum. mum. wees ores January... -=-- 75.3 56.1 February . - 75.7 | 55. 0 Marches. 81.7 | 60.0 April Beoseccss 82.5 | 65. 2 Mayors osc: 85.0 | 70.5 The following description of the earlier stages was prepared by Mr. McMillan from living material: DESCRIPTION. Egg.—Pale yellow, oval and regularly elliptical, very finely sculptured, about 0.6 mm. long by 0.33 mm. wide. Newly hatched larva.—Pale yellow, head light brownish, anal segment light gray. Slender, with head and thoracic segments broader than rest of body, except anal segment, which is covered by a shield flattened and rounded at posterior margin. Body sparsely covered with short, colorless hairs which in length are about one-half diameter of body. Length, 2.25 mm.; width, 0.25 mm. Mature larva.—Light yellow, head and anal plate light brownish. Body slender, dorsal and ventral surfaces smooth, longitudinal wrinkles provided with scattered hairs on lateral surfaces. A few short hairs on head and anal segment. Head slightly longer than wide, flattened. Length, when extended, 12 mm.; width, 1.25 mm. Pupa.—Light yellow, concolorous. Body rather long, oval in general outline, abdomen tapering slightly. A few scattered hairs on head and abdomen. A pair of stout spines on dorsal surface of anal segment and a pair of fleshy tubercles on ventral surface ofsame. Length, 5 mm.; width, 2.5mm. [D. K. McMillan]. EXPERIMENTS WITH REMEDIES. Arsenate of lead appears to be an excellent remedy for this pest, as is shown by the following records: During November, 1908, Mr. McMillan sprayed one-tenth of an acre of tomatoes, which were being damaged by this Diabrotica, with arsenate of lead at the rate of 6 pounds to 100 gallons of water, and with pyrox, a commercial brand of combined arsenate of lead and Bordeaux mixture, at the rate of 8 pounds to 100 gallons. The results from both insecticides were very good, no differences being noted between them. February 8, 1909, a patch, about one-twentieth of an acre in extent, of tender-leaved string beans was being rapidly defoliated by this species at Brownsville, Tex. With the exception of two 82 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. check rows, the entire patch was sprayed by the writer with arse- nate of lead at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water. This rather excessive strength of arsenate was used in order to determine its effect on the foliage, which was very tender. At the time of spraying the beetles were in great abundance, from one to six indi- viduals being present on every plant. The results of this treatment were checked up February 11. At that date the sprayed plants were almost entirely free from beetles, only an occasional specimen being seen on the under side of the leaves. The defoliation of the plant was almost completely checked, and there was no burning from the arsenate. The plants in the check rows were almost com- pletely defoliated. The beetles, however, were not nearly so numer- ous as they were on February 8 when the other plants were sprayed. This decrease in numbers was probably due to the fact that many beetles were killed by eating the poisoned plants in the adjoining rows. Unfortunately, a few days later the entire patch of beans was destroyed by a ‘‘norther”’ and no further observations could be made. On March 20 this species, in company with Diabrotica vittata, was injuring young cucurbits at Brownsville. Mr. H. H. Jobson had these plants sprayed with a combination of Bordeaux mixture and arsenate of lead (6 pounds arsenate of lead to 100 gallons of Bordeaux mixture) and later he reported good results from the treatment. OBSERVATIONS ON DIABROTICA VITTATA Fab. Next in order of importance, from an economic standpoint, is the striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotica vittata Fab.). This species is usually rare in southern Texas as compared with D. balteata and its injuries are confined to cucurbits. The first occurrence of this species in southern Texas recorded is for January 26, when adults were found in squash blossoms at Browns- ville. Occasional adults were observed during February, and on March 6 complaint was received from a grower near Brownsville, where the beetles were injuring cucumbers and melons, from one to five beetles being present on many plants. At this date, also, a similar report was received from Mercedes, Tex. Mr. A. M. White, of Mercedes, later reported that he completely controlled this species, which was seriously injuring cucurbits, by spraying three times with arsenate of lead at the rate of 6 pounds in 100 gallons of water. The beetles were causing noticeable injury to cucurbits at Browns- ville March 20. The plants were sprayed, under the direction of Mr. H. H. Jobson, with a combination of 6 pounds arsenate of lead and 100 gallons Bordeaux mixture with successful results. April 13, the writer found larve in numbers infesting squash plants at McAllen, Tex. Some plants were wilting and many of the roots BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA. 83 were found to have been scraped nearly bare, and in a few cases the larve had buried themselves in the main root. All observed were nearly mature. One larva made a cell April 17, pupated April 21, and the adult developed April 28. Other beetles developed April 30 and May 1. During May beetles were observed, but no injury was noticed or reported. ; June 10 the beetles were abundant at McAllen, Tex., feeding on the foliage and rinds of watermelons and disfiguring some of the melons. The foliage in some places was badly riddled, but the crop was so far advanced that this caused little damage. Many beetles hid during the middle of the day among cabbage and Amaranthus leaves for protection from the sun. The life history of one generation of this species was worked out as follows: Record of a single female of Diabrotica vittata placed in confinement April 26, 1909. AG Uaoneene see io seesae 4 Elacedain-confinement. IE ee ot te a eee BAe win acs as) te 42 eggs deposited. Mca pelll feces yerape, Revetape 5 ey scent are = 42 eggs hatched. 1 Le NER ON es First larvee made cells. JSS Wh A First larvee pupated. Mary gD see ee een nea Seo First adults developed. IC 6 Eee oe so, ee re First adults issued. dU ake vS ee ee All adults had issued. The stages were as follows: Days Blcpeetee tC eeee ee eee asics sae fen ator iste eMac ts oo) es « efeiare 8 TLS SE ISU CN Re ee ee Bin See een a Ry A a 14 Jeejgall UNC 24 es ore Sea OO a ea et ee a eee eee oe 5 ANTE 05 tS he rsh eo Gs Cae AT TE a aN AE Pa a Sa 27 The mature larvee were in the cells three days before pupating and the adults remained in the cells from one to four days before issuing. The first pair of these beetles mated June 4. and the first eggs, 20 in number, were deposited June 11. On May 3 another female deposited 58 eggs and the following record was obtained: Days. TDiner Gide Cu eens Lee ee oc ee ot ens ee eee ree ie ceca 7 bei ctienl sire tes: pee e OPCS Le, = he ean anne Re PE Eh Ee ore 15 Peifoa lbntace sae een a ey ete eee ci. 2 =. Se dye era en crepene oa 5 BIR tel sere et ee eee crete cic Saal es ee eee eRe Ae 2 27 During the first weeks of May, when this species was being reared, there was a period of excessive humidity. The larva were supplied with sections of cucumber vine as food. The humidity caused this food to decay very rapidly and this necessitated frequent renewal, and as a result many larve died and only a relatively small propor- tion was carried to maturity. The temperature during May, 1909, 84 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. as recorded at the local weather station, ranged from a minimum of 60.9° F. to 94.4° F. Observation has not been carried far enough to enable the writer to state positively the number of generations in this region. OBSERVATIONS ON DIABROTICA DUODECIMPUNCTATA Oliv. The twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica duodecim punctata Oliv.) occurs only in small numbers in southern Texas, and no com- plaints of injury were received concerning it. On February 5 four mature larve were found feeding on the roots of sorghum at Harlingen, Tex. February 7 one of these made its cell; on the 15th it pupated, and on the 25th the adult developed. The other beetles developed a day or two later. On May 12 a female with greatly distended abdomen was placed in confinement and deposited eggs as follows: Record of egg deposition of a single female beetle of Diabrotica duodecimpunctata in con- finement May 12, 1909. Number Number 1909. of eggs. 1909. of eggs. Marilee aeons (3 ll] Wey OW) oas-cosene 38 May lGss< cee =< ZON| |e ATC Le yee eretee alan 19 Miaiyal Ol fer acini 635) |\unel6seresaece rer 20 Maiy242 5 one-car G74 RUINS rere ieee (2) May 26 8se ne cts css 55 May 27h ree seine 110 Totaluw eens 515 @ Beetle died. This gives a grand total of 515 eggs from one beetle. The record for the eggs which were deposited May 14 is as follows: Detailed record for the 68 eggs of Diabrotica duodecimpuncta'1 deposited May 14, 1909. Miaiyinl Ae o/c Nate aoe te eerie 68 eges deposited. Mio 20) seek Ae st coker ete oe ety 68 eggs hatched. Mary soi 2 cyte 2 ele em Cane cree First larvee made cells. EIN G Are eere cepee e eeren eer First larvee pupated. ane s1'Q one Petes aes ne eaten First adults developed. Jum ey 2h erties ete ee ieee First adults issued from cells. June sae Se Care eine All adults had issued. The stages were as follows: Days. Hep stapes: 1... U2 ee oe sae See eee ee ee oe ee ere eee 6 Larval stage. 3 252 n2 sei eee oS Ee ee Sra ee renee 15 Pupal ‘stage’ 202.2552 ee ee ec a ent tate ee ee rere 6 Totalecicic. ccig tn Ree Se Slee oe ee es Ses eer ee 27 This species proved very hard to rear and only a small proportion of the larvee reached the pupal stage. The larve were placed in large jelly glasses and fed on sorghum cane. USS: D-A., B. BE. Bulk 82, Part VII. Issued February 18, 1911. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. NOTES ON VARIOUS TRUCK-CROP INSECTS. By F. H. Cuirrenpen, Sc. D. In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. ON THE NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE. SOME INSECT ENEMIES OF THE POTATO BEETLE. Few, if any, noxious insects have so many recorded natural enemies as the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say). A list of these has been recently compiled by the writer.¢ A few species not previously recorded have since been reported by special corre- spondents and agents of this office, and these will be mentioned here. PTEROSTICHUS LUCUBLANDUS Say. July 3, 1908, Mr. J. Byron Roney, Plainville, Mass., sent specimens of the ground beetle Pterostichus lucublandus Say and reported that it was found on that date busily engaged in devouring the grubs of the Colorado potato beetle. Although this is an extremely common insect, one of the best known of the Carabide, it has not hereto- fore, to the writer’s knowledge, been recorded as an enemy of the potato beetle. APATETICUS (PODISUS) MARGINIVENTRIS SAY. Apateticus (Podisus) margimwentris Say, which closely resembles the spined soldier-bug (P. maculiventris Say), a well-known enemy of the Colorado potato beetle and other injurious insects, was ob- served attacking the larve of this potato beetle by Mr. H. O. Marsh, Chester, N. J., in August, 1908. PERILLOIDES (PERILLUS) BIOCULATUS Fas. Perilloides (Perillus) bioculatus Fab., a pentatomid bug, as is the preceding species, was reported by Mr. D. H. Shannon, Appleton, Wis., as having been noted killmg the Colorado potato beetle in August, 1908. Two bugs were noticed attacking a mature beetle. They held it by the head and refused to relinquish their prey when the beetle was pulled off from the potato stalk on which it was feeding. @ Cir. 87, Bur. Ent., U.S. Dept. Agr., pp. 10-12, June 3, 1907. 85 86 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. EUTHYRHYNCHUS FLORIDANUS L. July 7, 1909, Mr. Fred. A. Eigenman, Abbeville, S. C., sent speci- mens of Huthyrhynchus floridanus L., which he had found that morn- ing on eggplant. When discovered the insect was attacking the larva of the Colorado potato beetle. As this was a new observation to Mr. Eigenman, he promptly apprised this office of the fact. This species is not uncommon in the Southern States, and specimens have been frequently received for determination, with notes on habits, from South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. It is highly probable that the species is beneficial, although there is a possibility that it may feed also on plant juices exceptionally, as is known to be the case with some related forms. In looking over the files of the Bureau it is found that this species was reported from Lanford, Laurens County, S. C., June 24, 1887, by Mr. Y. N. Lanford, who stated that he found the insect to be a bee destroyer. While sweeping off webs and other refuse from a bee bench and ‘“‘gums”’ (colloquial for box hives), he noticed one of these bugs with its beak in- serted into the abdomen of a honey bee, just above the sting. He did not know, however, to what extent the insect attacks the bees. During 1901 Mr. H. Walter McWilliams, Griffin, Ga., sent specimens with a letter dated October 28, stating that the species occurred in some numbers on catnip. Fig. 24.—Euthyrhynchus floridanus, an enemy During 1907-8 Mr. 188 M. Russell of the Colorado potato beetle. Enlarged. observed this bug attacking the green (Original. ) plant-bug (Nezara hilaris Say) on egeplant at Dade City, Fla., and the black walnut caterpillar (Datana integerrima G. and R.) on pecan at Orlando, Fla. This species is a tropical form and is recorded as occurring also at New Orleans, La., in Mexico, and Central America generally, as well as in Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. A full bibliography was fur- nished in 1880 by W. L. Distant.’ It has many synonyms, which is to be accounted for by its wide distribution and variability. The mature bug measures between one-half and three-fourths of an inch in length. The usual color is green above, spotted with red, the spots being arranged more or less as shown in the accompanying illustration (fig. 24). Individuals occur also without red markings, 4 Mention of this bug attacking the honey bee is given in Insect Life, Vol. I, p. 88, Sept., 1888. b Biologia Centrali-Americana, Hemiptera-Heteroptera, Vol. I, pp. 41-42, Oct., 1880. NOTES ON VARIOUS TRUCK-CROP INSECTS. 87 some bear a single spot at the apex of the scutellum, while a common form has one apical and two basal scutellar red spots. A large por- tion of the lower surface is reddish yellow. The rostrum or beak is about half the length of the entire body. Mr. Thomas Belt, in his publication? referring to this bug as Pen- tatoma punicea, states that on two occasions he found it sucking the juices from dead individuals of a “bright green rose chafer.’’ Since the beetle was twice the size and weight of the bug, very active and taking wing quickly, he concluded, quite correctly, that ‘‘the only way in which the latter could have been overcome was by the bug creeping up and quietly introducing the point of its sharp proboscis between the rings of its body when the beetle was sleeping, and injecting some stupefying poison.”’ In both instances the bug was on a leaf of a shrub with the bulky beetle hanging over suspended on the bug’s proboscis. SOME WILD BIRD ENEMIES OF THE POTATO BEETLE. As the list of wild birds known to feed on the Colorado potato beetle furnished in Circular No. 87 is not quite complete, the fol- lowing note from a list compiled by Mr. W. L. McAtee, and published in 1908, is of interest. Speaking of the food habits of the grosbeaks, Mr. McAtee says:? “Tt should be noted also that several other birds, including the bob- white, prairie chicken, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, red-tailed hawk, nighthawk, cuckoo, crow, English sparrow, cardinal, scarlet tanager, wood, hermit, and olive-backed thrushes, and robin, eat potato beetles occasionally.” June 20, 1910, Mr. B. A. Reynolds, of this Bureau, noticed a bird, which he identifies as the chipping sparrow, apparently capturing larve of the Colorado potato beetle on potato plants in his garden at Kast Riverdale, Md. When observed it was flitting or hopping along the ground, attacking the “slugs” from the stalk of the potato plants, taking as many as four or five from one plant and then pro- ceeding to the next in the row. Later the bird crossed at different times to other parallel rows, repeating the operation. No other bird common in this vicinity is known to have this habit of running from row to row in garden patches as described, and although this bird is becoming common, as it was at the time of the introduction of the English sparrow, it has not been reported, to the writer’s knowledge, as attacking the Colorado potato beetle in any form. @The Naturalist in Nicaragua, ed. 2, rev., 1888, p. 127. 6 Bul. 32, Bur. Biol. Surv., U.S. Dept. of Agr., p. 47, 1908. ¢Mr. Reynolds also reported that Mr. B. C. Wheeler of the same place had a white rock pullet, an incubator chick, which developed the habit of feeding on this fol ai Tegeae 66513°—Bull. 82—12——7 88 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. GUINEA FOWLS AS DESTROYERS OF THE POTATO BEETLE. The efficiency of the guinea fowl in destroying the Colorado potato beetle does not appear to have received much mention in available literature. Two special correspondents of this office have written the writer on this topic, one of them recently, and their experience is well worth publishing. June 1, 1907, Mr. F. W. Speegle, Bremen, Cullman County, Ala., wrote that about 25 years ago the potato “bugs” made their appear- ance in his county and increased until they were so numerous that it was a hard fight to raise potatoes at all. Having learned that the guinea fowl would eat the beetles, he at once began to raise the fowls. In the spring of 1905, when the beetles appeared, the guineas were induced to enter the potato patch by strewing corn about the vines. After eating the corn the fowls consumed the beetles, apparently with great relish, and less than a week later not a ‘‘bug”’ could be found on the potato tops. A good crop was made, which was also clean of scab. He had the same experience in 1906, and since then had not seen a potato beetle in his potato fields and only a few on his entire farm. A few occurred out of the range of his guineas on what he terms ‘‘tread-soft” (probably a Solanum), which seems to be the principal diet of the bugs, excepting the potato. His neighbors who had no guinea fowls had as much trouble with the potato beetles as he did before he obtained the guineas. Writing on the same topic Dr. George Vanden, Gallipolis, Ohio, stated in a letter received May 1, 1909, that many years ago when the Colorado potato beetle was very bad and when he and his neigh- bors had potatoes in adjoining patches, the neighbors “‘bugged”’ faithfully, but the bugs ‘‘ multiplied and replenished,” and the patch was very ragged, while his own vines were fine and flourishing, although no remedies had been applied. He soon found that the good condition of his own vines was due to his flock of between 20 and 30 full-grown guinea fowls that patrolled the patch and converted the “bugs” from a nuisance into ‘‘good guinea feed.” He expressed himself as believing that this combination of raising potatoes and guinea fowls would not only be feasible, but to the mutual advantage of the potatoes and the guineas; at least it worked satisfactorily in his case. It is to be hoped that correspondents who are troubled with potato beetles will make tests of the efficiency of the guinea fowl as a destroyer of this and other garden pests. NOTES ON THE POTATO STALK WEEVIL. Since the publication of a comprehensive article on the potato stalk weevil (Trichobaris trinotata Say) in 1902% a few data have aBul. 33, Bur. Ent. U. 8S. Dept. Agr., pp. 9-18, 1902. NOTES ON VARIOUS TRUCK-CROP INSECTS. 89 accumulated in regard to the habits of this insect which are worthy of record. During 1907 Mr. F. D. Hopkins, while engaged in the Bureau of Plant Industry, collected some infested stems of cultivated Physalis - of an unknown species, supposed to be a hybrid, grown at the Arling- ton Experimental Farm, at Rosslyn, Va. The stems submitted to the writer, October 30, contained at that late date one larva and three pupe. Mr. Hopkins had noticed for some time a peculiar injury — the breaking of many stalks fully three-fourths of an inch thick—and attributed it, with good reason, to the inroads of the larva of this weevil. The complete rupture of the stalks was brought about by severe winds which were encountered on three different days in October. This is apparently the first record of injury by this species in the vicinity of the District of Columbia. It also shows that the insect can be much later in maturing than is generally supposed, the larve and pup being found much later than is usual. The first adult from this lot did not develop until November 25. The pupe obtained wintered over as such but died during a very severe and unseasonable hot spell, when the insectary was not properly screened, in the latter days of March. Normally, they would not have developed for a month or two later. It has been quite generally stated by all writers on this species, as has been said in the article quoted, that all beetles mature by September and that hibernation is therefore always as a beetle, the knowledge of this fact being of great value in the control of the species. During July, 1908, Hon. John H. Rothermel wrote of injury by this species in the vicinity of Reading, Pa., stating that it was eating into potato stalks and killing them. The same month Mr. Walter W. Jacobs complained that the potato crop in Delaware County, Pa., _ was infested with this species, which he accurately described working in the center of the stalk, eating its way from the roots upward. In an earlier year Mr. F. C. Pratt observed this species attacking eggplant at Four-Mile Run, Virginia, about 30 per cent of a field being found injured by July 29. His notes are as follows: The larva was iound in one plant examined and plants averaging 2 feet high were affected, some bearing fruit. After they were attacked the plants withered away and died. The owner of the truck farm stated that for three years his eggplant had died in the same manner and he had attributed the loss to the soil, the plants being grown at that time on low ground thought to be ‘‘sour.’’ Each year he changed the location, ‘but the same conditions had prevailed. A cocoon of a parasite was observed at that time in the burrows of the insect in eggplant and later the chalcidid parasite Ewrytoma tylodermatis Ashm. was reared from stems of Solanum carolinense infested by this species and collected by the writer in the District of Columbia. 90 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. MAGGOTS AFFECTING YAMS IN THE SOUTH. Comparatively little attention has been paid to the insect enemies of sweet potato and yams in America. An exception is the sweet- potato borer or weevil (Cylas formicarius Fab.) which has been ably treated by Mr. A. F. Conradi in a recent publication % of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Short accounts of other species, including the tortoise beetles, have been prepared by Riley, Sander- son, and others. The species which will be mentioned in the present article are apparently new as sweet potato pests. : March 11, 1908, Mr. P. J. Wester sent from Nassau, British West Indies, a yam, Dioscorea alata, badly affected with maggots. When received, owing to the long journey, leading to the destruction of many specimens, comparatively few larve remained. An examina- tion showed that these were of three species, all pale yellow at the time of receipt. Some pupz were also present. The specimens reared were identified by Mr. D. W. Coquillett and are as follows: Lonchxa longicornis Will.—The flies of this species issued from March 13 to April 10. This is an ortalid and bears some resemblance to the better known L. polita Say. The head is dark brown, the thorax dark blue, and the wings are only slightly iridescent. In polita the head is a lighter brown, the thorax more distinctly blue, and the wings more strongly iridescent. Euzesta nitidwentris Loew.—The adults issued from March 31 to April 3. This species is of about the same size as the preceding and resembles our commoner E. notata Wied. Superficially it differs by being duller colored, the thorax being feebly metallic blue and the wings not so strongly marked with black on the margin. This species has been reared from the ears of sweet corn at Brownsville, Tex., by Messrs. D. K. McMillan and H. O. Marsh in December, 1908, and in January, 1909. The pup were noticed in abundance in husks and silk. In one case the larve and pup were taken in moderate numbers in decaying immature corn ears which had been injured by the well-known bollworm or corn ear-worm. Euzesta thomex Loew.—The adult of this species issued April 2. It is of about the same size or a little larger than the preceding, but marked much like Chxtopsis eznea Wied. This species was also reared from the ears of injured corn collected by Messrs. McMillan and Marsh at Brownsville, Tex., December 29, 1908, adults issuing en route January 4 and later. Puparia were found in abundance in the husks and silk. It was associated with the smaller Ch. xnea. From what we know of related species the probabilities are that these three flies live in their larval or maggot stage chiefly on decom- posing vegetation but they are all three capable of injuring growing 2 Bul. 93, Texas Agr. Exp. Sta., pp. 1-16, 1907. NOTES ON VARIOUS TRUCK-CROP INSECTS. 91 plants. In the case above cited they were quite obviously injurious to the yam tuber, but the extent of the injury was not reported. Of the three species above mentioned EH. nitidiventris occurs in Texas and Florida; the other two are apparently not recorded from the United States. NOTES ON THE FEEDING HABITS OF BLISTER BEETLES. Entomologists have had occasion to notice, in the case of certain forms of insects, and more especially of gregarious caterpillars, that when once a colony begins feeding on a certain form of plant or other food, a special taste or fondness is developed by that colony and the insects continue on the same material, in the case of caterpillars, at least until about the last stage is reached. The same is observable in the case of leafhoppers, which frequently leave the plant on which they have fed during their first stages of growth and fly to another plant in the later stages. This habit is strongly developed in insects which are omnivorous as well as gregarious, e. g., in blister beetles. The margined blister beetle (Hpicauta marginata Fab.) has been repeatedly observed by the writer feeding on beets, literally in “flocks.”” The beetles begin at some point on a row or two and continue along those rows unless interrupted. When they are more abundant several colonies will frequently strip many rows until entire plantings are destroyed. Not until this is accomplished do they turn to some other food plant. Beet appears to be a preferred food plant of this species when it is available. On one occasion the writer observed this species attacking a row of cabbages contiguous to a row of beets. The beetles continued along this row, evidently “following the leader’’ like sheep. It is the same with weeds when these are attacked. On another occasion the beetles of this species were observed feeding on lamb’s-quarters—not a favorite food—and the flock continued on this plant until it left the neighborhood. The striped blister beetle (Hpicauta vittata Fab.) was seen in the same manner eating the rough pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), which the beetles almost completely defoliated, leaving nothing but the bare stems, and scarcely touching other plants occurring in their line of march. On such occasions the result is very much the same as though an “‘army’’ of army worms had devastated the tract attacked. The army worm supposedly assimilates a large portion of the actual food material which it consumes and which it requires for completing its growth. The blister beetles are already mature and judging from the large amount of excrement which they leave in their wake, con- sume many times as much as they actually require for sustenance. While it was the purpose of this note merely to mention the some- what peculiar habits of our eastern blister beetles, occasion is taken 92 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. to add some additional observations. During a trip at Norfolk, Va., in September, 1910, the writer’s attention was directed to consid- erable injury to garden beets and chards. A majority of the insects had disappeared after largely defoliating the plants, but enough remained for an experiment to determine the direction which would be taken by the blister beetles when disturbed, as this has a practical bearing on the driving system practiced so successfully in the Middle West. The margined blister beetle and the black blister beetle (EF. pennsylvanica DeG.) were present. As many as possible of the beetles were dislodged from the plants, and they were not dislodged at this time with ease, and all thus disturbed, with the exception of one which “played possum,” walked away with the wind, as was expected. Great numbers of the black blister beetle, and small numbers of the sweet-potato blister beetle (4. trichrus Pall.), were observed on asters and related plants at Norfolk. From these high plants it was found an easy matter to dislodge the insects, by means of pineswitches, into a milk pail containing about half an inch of water and a few drops of kerosene. With a large milk pail and several operators, including children, who readily take to such work, a considerable territory could be covered in a very short time and the blister beetles destroyed before they have time to injure the flowers. NOTES ON BEAN AND PEA WEEVILS. The family name Lariide has been adopted by European system- atists for the Bruchide, having been proposed originally by J. Schilsky in 1905. The genus Bruchus of Linnzus, as considered by American coleopterists, is therefore subdivided into other genera. The following notes, including the European nomenclature, are made for the benefit of economic workers: Laria rufimana Boh.—The broad-bean weevil. Bruchus rufimanus Boh., Schoenherr, Vol. I, p. 58, 1833. This species, called also the European bean weevil, has recently been introduced at San Luis Obispo, Cal., from which locality the writer received, through the kind- ness of Mr. I. J. Condit, collaborator, of this Bureau, specimens reared from the seeds of broad bean grown there. Laria pisorum L.—The pea weevil. Bruchus pisorum L., Syst. Nat., 10th Ed., p. 356, 1758. B. pisi L., Syst. Nat., 12th Ed., p. 604, 1767. Laria lentis Froelich.—The lentil weevil. Bruchus lentis Froel., Der Naturforcher, pp. 57, 58, 1799. The lentil weevil appears to be restricted to the lentil for food. It is well distributed in Europe and is often brought to this country, usually dead or dying, but has not been introduced here to the writer’s knowledge. NOTES ON VARIOUS TRUCK-CROP INSECTS. 93 Bruchidius trifolii Motsch. Bruchus trifolii Motsch., Bul. Soc. Nat. Moscou, p. 235, 1873. A very small species frequently received in this country from Egypt in seeds of Tri- folium alexandrinum, not known to be established in America, but a dangerous species if introduced with its food plant. Acanthoscelides obtectus Say.—The common bean weevil. Bruchus obtectus Say, Descr. N. A. Curcul., p. 1, 1831. Bruchus irresectus Fahr., Schoenherr, Vol. V, 1839. Pachymerus chinensis L.—The cowpea weevil. Bruchus chinensis L., Syst. Nat., 10th Ed., p. 386, 1758. B. scutellaris Fab., Ent. Syst., Vol. I, 2, p. 372, 1792. Pachymerus quadrimaculatus Fab.—The four-spotted bean weevil. Bruchus quadrimaculatus Fab., Ent. Syst., Vol. I, 2, p. 371, 1792. [LN DE. Page. Acanthoscelides obtectus, the common bean weevil, synonymy..........--..--- 93 ESTILO SRE SE GB EEA, Petia, AL AN aoe Sp 9-13 piglopre MOLEsSs. (22 Re ysel (ects ho ee ON oo 11-12 GOUT Ha: [tOe | NGL NS Nae se ieee ee Ae amet a one tc.) AT) an oe ae 12-13 GOST EpUOtles re cee Se A fe Seg me ce ats EY 9-11 technical by, Osten-Sacken’. J.) 55.3. Ags oe Ee 11 Cbs LEOUIONG oe ce ee ES cs cle gt a 2 ula, Hare ntaratet a Oe anton See 11 (SiS Tel NC TE SOS Ai ee 0 Gn en Re IES ES nino 9 WPCC RCTAPMHOM S Aeey sete Ah! SS eke, 28S 9 eet oe 2 ee eed 9-10 en Sha Cia ciy OOUITTD Ua. oe ant ee LA, hms See eee Spee 9 jane: OMmMac rot, Cescripions: 2... 52.5400. .s lst Nopes dbs Suess ee 10 PUpariinis GesCripLLOM: 2a 5 Ss F4 ASE yl Oo ee ees ee 10-11 ( Trypeta) heraclei, possible identity with Acidia fratria........ Fs: eo ee 9-11 eubeslex,1Ood plantvol Drabrotica balicata..2 2.2725... a. 3. Fo. on Lees saen 2 (Wipe: DD TACRISTU DU GUIVICOS ae ie aa Se. Soy, Lah ies ere gin ee 62 “Alkali bugs.’’ (See Monozia sp.) Alsine (Stellaria) media, food plant of Disonycha mellicollis.............-.----- 30 SNOWING Aes ae 2 eee 30 Amaranthus berlandiert, food plant of Disonycha mellicollis...........-.....--- 31 foodsplant,of Conmotrackelus elegans... 2.4.22 22. -6 tan shee ses 18 NOIGIE GSE TESS CHT OG 118 os ico A nes a RS a a 63 retroflecus, food plant of Diabrotica balteata..........-...--------- 7 DUO MRARG, CHUOTEDUCIUE se Sec See eee GOOGLE 31-32 TCU COM Gee ae sepa se = se 31 EE DICOUUG OULD ceo ios ee ete 9 Psyliiodes.punetulata: 2% 2) 288 ak a 41 spinosus, food plant of Diabrotica balteata.......-.-..-.----...-- 77 DiSORYCNG GOOTEDLOO <2 <2 321. ar a 21/3 2k Ae 31-32 TAUGOUNS Jae neon Sa eRe Sul, 3k Ambrosia, 100d plantial Diacrisia virginia. ..=4 22. 2050. Ps see Se! 63 menariongupes. enemy Ol Papilio polyeenes. > << 22 coo t2 28 wei ws le oe ee 23 Apanieles lunatus, parasite of Papilio polyxenes...........-----..----20.0--0- 23 Apateticus (Podisus) marginatus, enemy of Colorado potato beetle............ 85 Apricots, reported injury by Diabrotica trivittata..........-..-----22-..250-05 75 Arrow-head. (See Sagittaria spp.) common, (See Sagittaria variabilis.) mArsonatelot lead azaimst celery caterpillar: <2 >. o...2..20-e.o- ese enced acen ese 23 Colorado: potato beetles= 25.25 Jae. eae eee ee ee ae 5, 6 Diabroticn Dalteaters Naat caste Jae oR ee, ar 81-82 DULLOUAE Jit een 7 cat JER SRI eg 82 Op Mea Cte Sets a tact. coun a enema Eee A ok 57 Vellowsbeartcaterpullars. 22 oe Aaa. acces. lor 63, 65-66 necked, flea-bectletaeepie er ca 52-2 32 and Bordeaux mixture against Colorado potato beetle.... 4-5, 6,7,8 cost per acre. . 7 Diabrotica balteata..........-- 81-82 OCG em nem ae ce ere 82 95 96 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. Page. Arse1 ic, white, sal soda, and lime against Colorado potato beetle............. 4,6 Arsenite of copper against Colorado potato beetle................-.-..-..----- 6 and lime against Colorado potato beetle..........-.....-.- 6 _Aspa‘agus, food plant of Diabrotica balteata..........--.----+---------+-+-+-+- ad DUACrisVa UT GUC Osa ne Ree a eee aii aptre 62 ‘Asters, food plants of Hprcaute marginata. ee oer oe a. se er eee 92 TICHTUS aes ee ee cee ee ee 92 Bacterial diseases of Psylliodes punciulata. sn Je oot tee te ee oe eee 48 Banding with tanglefoot against hop flea-beetle...........-.-..--..--....:.. 50-02 Bean and ‘pea weevals, momenelature fe 2 sees ae See ee ee ere 92-93 leaf-beetle. (See Cerotoma trifurcata.) Beans, food: plants'of Diabrotica balteaia-=.----- 2. == = 2 ait De coseaes 69, 70 SONOTS cL Ree pecs ote eee eee eee 71, 72 UrVUbbata sok eae cee oe eras eee eee 75 English broad, food plant of Diabrotica balteata..........-------------- 77, 78 horse, food plant of Diabrotica balteata......-- Pee lle een eee NSS ae 70 PICCOPN SES) soca ie ee eee Ree, 68 Lima, food plant of Diabrotiea balicatar oo. ees ree enor Hayes) Daacrisia Virginiea. 25 oe Soe Fae ee eee 62 Hella 2inckenellass ee sc oe ok ae 25-28 Soy, food plant of Diabroved baliegia- ==. =e eee ee al string, food plant of Diabrotica balteata......-.-..----------- 5s 77, 78 Diacrisve VU ginicd, 2k cece See eee 62 Bees, honey, prey of Huthyrhynchus floridanus..........----+--------+++++-++--- 86 Beets, food plant of Diabrotica balteata.......-..-- REE eee See ee ee eee 77 PUCLICOPHAS. 22S ee oe en et ee See eee 68 COVAO) eta Seta SSO SO ec eRe .at cS. S.c'o-c 71, 72 Disonycha mellicollass. 52 35.525. 2 2 ee oes ee eee 29, 31 EU PUCOULa AT OTMALA S85 soe eae erate mites eas oe 91 pennsylvanica and margined blister beetle.....- - 92 stock, food plant, of Diacrista WirQinted asco) -.-1- nei eee eae 62 sugar, 100d plant of Diabroticn tmuitiata.. sae sese soe f= see ee ee ee 75 DVACrIStG OUP GUNCG So oe fe oe ne eae See ee 59, 60-62 Psylttodes punctulati S| 62a scene erie ee eee eee 33 loss of sugar content from attacks by Diacrisia virginica.......... 59-60 fable. food plant-of Diacnisiawingiicas. 0) 2c ae = eceaiane = alert ee 62 Bill-bugs. (See Sphenophorus spp.) Birds, enemies of Psylliodes' punctulata 2 s-= = - = ee wo se c= ate eee = el ae 48 wild, enemies of Leptinotarsa decemlineata.......-----.--------------- 87 Bisulphid of carbon against parsley stalk weevil........-..--..------------- 19 Blackberry, food plant of Diacrisia virginica........--.-------------+--+++--- 63 Black-knot. (See Plowrightia morbosa.) Blackleaf tobacco extract against hop flea-beetle..............---..-..------ 56-57 Blapstinus; injury topeamutse: «5-52 hee ee eee 72 Blight, early, as affecting potato plants in Virginia. .....-...-.----------+---- 1 Blister beetle, black. (See Epicauta pennsylvanica.) margined (see also E':picauta marginata). injury to chards and garden beets.......-.---..------ 92 striped. (See Hpicauta vittata.) sweet potato. (See Epicauta trichrus.) beetles, feeding habits; notes: s<.s:s22e2- ete oe. eee eee ee Bob-white, enemy of Colorado potato beetle.......-.-------------+------------ 87 Bollwormysinjury to/corms..52-~ 02 ssc /sinanieee ee ee eee fee 90 INDEX. 97 Page Bordeaux mixture against hop flea-beetle................00.. 2000 cece cece eens 53-54 and arsenate of lead against Colorado potato beetle... . 4-5, 6,7,8 cost per : acre. . 7 Diatrotica battegta. 2. 0.02... 81-82 COT i a 82 Paris green against Colorado potato beetle........... 55.6575: cost per acre. 7 tobacco extract against hop flea-beetle-............................ 54 Botrytis bassiana, fungous disease of Diacrisia virginica. ...............------- 61 Brassica nigra. (See Mustard.) Bruchidee of economic importance, nomenclature......................------ 92-93 Bruchidius trifolii in seeds of Trifolium alexandrinum, economic importance, SPD OU Be SRS SERS Rie Se ie STO Ee Oe Caen ee te) 93 Bruchus chinensis=Pachymerus chinensis... -. See Nase So 5 oie aiciues RAD 93 unesectus— Acanthoscelides obtectus..<..22222 2-22.24... cess ete ee dees 93 i PS MOLARS a ee aero sone tei So tlels WEe 3 So ee 92 Giiceris — Acai hoscelndes. ODLECtUS. =. 9. <=. 2- sac jas oon oe ese eee 93 Feats AMI TR OTUN hr ea ert 8 De RRS oe es ho OS Le Bs See Sete 92 PEGI Ai — ORO USONUUa esate eee an Ae OO ee oR kee eae wae 92 quadrimaculatus=Pachymerus quadrimaculatus.........-..---.---.-+-- 93 ULM STI! PU MIAIG sn tao are ks tad Vege aoe clot ea ~ = eee a - 92 SUL OMS GORY NVEhUS CENCE IS pa en- - Clcam2 stow. ok ee Oko aes sas s!3's 6 93 COMER NCNM i USI Olbate ee etek < Pee oe 81 newly hatched description 25.8. west. Ses. hee oe ee 81 ItfenIst@nyaNOLessoac jase ees 57 parsleyostallkwee yl meee. Se ke a cs 5a 19 parsnip leal manent ees ook feo Sees et 13 carbolized, against parsnip leaf-miner.........----..--..-- 13 “‘Ladybug,’’ colloquial name for Diabrotica balteata in Texas....-.-.---------- Gh 102 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. Page. Lamb’s-quarters, food plant of Diacrisia virginica.........--..---.-..-------:- 60-61 Ei picanitancanognnaig se ee ee 91 Psylhodespunchilata= == = 4 40 Land plaster and Paris green against Colorado potato beetle, cost of application penacre by-plantation methods-/2 5222 ese ee ee ee eee basis (CR Laria lentis, the lentil weevil, distribution, synonymy................... ee 92 pisorum, the pea. weevil, Synomomy .. 2.72.2. 7.222.222) eee eee 92 rusfimana, the broad-bean weevil, introduction into California, synonymy. 92. eathoppers, feeding habit! 720-222 25. oon ee 91 Leaf spot. (See Cercospora beticola.) Lebia grandis, enemy of Colorado potato beetle..................--...--5.---- 4 Leptinotarsa decemlineata. (See Potato beetle, Colorado.) Lettuce; food plant of Diabrotica: baligata:: = 2525-22 5.22 4 nee ee ee 70, 77 SOLON oie Se iene 2 hee ee oe Oe 13 Disonycha-mellicollis.. jp 222 ocean. ed a oe 29, 31 Lima bean pod-borer. (See Etiella zinckenella.) vine-borer. (See Monoptilota nubilella.) beans. (See Beans, Lima.) Lime and arsenite of copper against Colorado potato beetle................... 6 Paris green against Colorado potato beetle...................-------- 5-6 yellow-bear caterpillars-- 2). see. o-oo 63-66 powdered soot, deterrent against parsnip leaf-miner...........-....- 13 white arsenic, and sal soda against Colorado potato beetle. .... : eae 4,6 Fastronotus appendiculatus:on: cabbage. ce--2.: 4. 22222 eS oe oe eee 14 impressifrons, comparison with Listronotus latiusculus.........----- 15 labinsculus 5500 sels since Jet ee he ee en Se eee 14-19 adult. or beetle; deseriptioms2:. 7422 52.0 Nas oe ee 15 control methods. =. 22% z.2¢.s0. 2. -cs 23a ee ee eee 19 descriptions v.55 nic stg ee ie ee 15 Gistrib WON: so. eh Sos a ace So ee Se ee 16 eee «descriptions: 325262 en ek 15 food plantsa20 hacen hede ae Sa ee 18 WAM, Sinhc yy Oi aot SE acl note Peete 18 INjUTIOUS OCCULLENCE 22-5). hon te ee ee ee 14 injury at,Four Mile Rum. Virginia 6 2530.02) eee 16-17 larva, Gesctip tion. =.= 20 otiacs ee eee ee 15-16 OVP ORION 2:3 jas5.0 ese oe ee ee ee 17-18 pupasdescriptiony =... ces. Soe ae wae ee 16 Lonchxa longicornis infesting Dioscorea alata and sweet corn, descriptive. ...-. 90 similarity: to:.Lonchea politis 82>. <22e5 oe eee eee 90. polita, comparison with Lonchxa longicornis ......--...------------- 90 Lycopersicum esculentum. (See Tomato.) Lye-sulphur against red spider ( Tetranychus bimaculatus)........----------+-+-- 64 MeMillan, D. K., description of earlier stages of Diabrotica balteata..........- 81 Magvots infesting yamsan South :2 22 ise s2 2s cies ee ee ee 90-91 Mangels, food plant. of Psylliodes punctulata.... 22 22 352 3222 2 2 eee 40 treatment with tobacco dust against hop flea-beetle. - Bees 54 Marsh, H. O., paper, ‘‘ Biologic and Economic Notes on the eller eae cae pillar (Diacrisia virginica Fab.)”......--- ae JOO Notes on Species of Diabrotica in southern Texas?) o..0e Sophos Sa ee 76-84 Report on Disonycha mellicollis at Brownsville, Tex., in 1909... 31-32 INDEX. EOS Page Metons, 100d) plants of Diabrotica balteatas.. 2. 2s. 2222202. veh os ets hs. 70 SOLO Ie ey aS Pc tote Bad 2. aE 71, 72 LoUVi a tie en pene Te os ek ee 75 BULLS sop ee OS ead Sah. A 82 Monoptilota nubilella, resemblance of larva to that of Etiella zinckenella....... 25 Manauiasp-, destruction by, burming....._.. >. 2 R22 Re eects cet idette 66 Mormang-slory, food. plant‘of Diacrista virginica. 2.222222 ee. 3 822 -b lee ee: 62 Miran ood: plantol Miabroticd soror ......22.2,. 04k B seek okt a ek 73 esyliiodes Min cliLlata. 253. 22 SRE ten Sn 40 Nettle. (See Urtica dioica.) Nezara hilaris on eggplant, prey of Euthyrhynchus floridanus...........-....--- 85 Nighthawk, enemy of Colorado potato beetle...................2.2222.222..- 87 NGramn CE ry cus) punchicollis on cabbAaPe: 2-22 -..-25--2')-- 2-2-2 sae bee eds 14 Olaay toed plant of Diabrotica balteata.. 2... 22225. 222 en ea 69, 77, 78 DEM CONMIS er eee oN. NS 2 t 4... Se A 68 Onion, tood- plant of Diabrotica balteata.~.. 3.222222, e002 ee dle 70-71 Wianeestood plant of Diabroties balteata...<2.0222: 22.222... 2 ee) 77 SOLOW tse oe ee eee ee Bree = Fa). 2s at a 75 groves, damage by attack of Diabrotica soror..:.............:...222.-. 72 Pachymerus chinensis, the cowpea weevil, synonymy...................-...-. 93 quadrimaculatus, the four-spotted bean weevil, synonymy.......-- 93 Papilio asterius=Papilio polyxenes, bibliographic references..................- 24 polyxenes.... . RO Seo cara EIN a nee BRE n: oy Ts Re af 8, | 2. 20-24 adiltedescripiiyes-o Sia... 2 8 2 Bowe hss Be BR eee 21 bib oruaplingeeacr etc oe. et eg Net) atten ate 23-24 chinyealisadeseniptive =<. 2250501) Mites. tb or ee ee: 21 IESE ON CoS eee ae eee ee Ree Re Oe RR ee eee Oa 20-21 (SUS SUTET] OUNCES 20 Sree CBE OE san sete eee, eye SME A eat Oras Lat Saab 20 AONE Co eee ee Se eer Ot ae Bg. day ot SM ee ee oa larva descriptinies: © pas he oo net oy ht ones Sat Yo Pee 2] lifesinstoiy ace ats aes aes 0 ek ahead. FeO natural enemies. .....-.-.-- Bh a a tikes SERS BAA ee 23 TEM EMI CS tees. meee es a ets BA Se PRE se Nidal: 2 23 troilus, name wrongly used for Papilio polyxenes............2...----- 24 Eamsereon araiist celery eatenpillar. 2 25-..< 223.58. 2 Alo le ee elect wee ene 23 Coloradoypotationbeetle..:2.<¢. 2... 25.22. in. 28 =e sence see ot 5, 6 | nvopoyatletrne|cysvel dle 2 2S ae a a Pee 57 yellow-necked tlea-beetle. 2... .'. 2 5. accel eae 32 and Bordeaux mixture against Colorado potato beetle, cost per acre. 5, 6, 7,8 land plaster against Colorado potato beetle, cost of application perdere by plantation: methods. 2:...2.4 <2... Joe see eee, 2a Geel lime against Colorado potato beetle........:.........-.22.---- 5-6 yellow-bear caterpillar:! 3.15532 es Seep gee ok 63-66. spray against Colorado potato beetle, superiority to dusted land Plasterand Paris\preem:.)... ...) ete Relea ee To 2, 2; Parker, William B., paper, “The Life History and Control of the Hop Flea- bectionceeytiioacs puncigilata, Melsh..)”...swe\kiee avai? 2.2. 2. ee. 33-58 Earley, tood plant of Listronotus latusculus tic 2e) eo! ne xt a 2 2n83 - 14-19 PPO) POU TONES eae: Seen tpt tie oN 8 ns oe 20, 23 stalk-weevil. (See Listronotus latiusculus. ) worm, colloquial name for larva of Papilio polyxenes.............-.-- 20 66513°—Bull. 82—12——8 104 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. Page. a, food plant of Acidia fratria....--.----- storut Sb Ae OSE See anes Sc . 913 Diacrisia. vinginicds. p23 = eee ee ee ee ee 62 Papilio polyxenes. 55-2 = ee 23 leaf-miner. (See Acidia fratria. ) wild, food plant of Papilio polymenes<- -2- 2-22 ee ee 20 Reaand bean weevils, nomenclatures=: ==. -s-ree ee eee 92-93 Peaches, reported injury by Dviabrotica trivittata......--.---.---------------- 75 Peanut, food plant of Blapstimus:2e-22— 4. e see ee ee ee 72 ; Diabrotica balteata 3.53) soe eee Oe eee 77 SOPOT 22 3c 2 isa wines oe SOEs ee aes ee 72, 73 DA GChIStA:VUGUNTCUS Steere see eee bee eee ae eee ee 62 Peas; food plant of Diabrotiea Dalienta: 222. 2. eee ee ee vi SOT OF eas ec BER oS eee SE ee eI Ce 12 DiQerigie Wr Qunncd 0.0.0. eI Bk ee ee ee ee 62 Pecan, food-plant of Datana-qntegerrumm... 2-6 = eee a ee Oe 86 Penicillium glaucum on Psylliodes punctulata.........-------+--+-+------------- 47 Pentatoma punicea, name used for Euthyrhynchus floridanus......--.---------- 87 Pepper; food plant of Diabroticashalteata.. 722229 ee 11, ¢8 Perilloides (Perillus) bioculatus, enemy of Colorado potato beetle......-..----- 85 Phragmites, Listronctus latiusculus found therein.....-.--.------------------ 18 Phycis zinckenella=Etiella zinckenella.........-.------+-----+-+-+------------- 26 Physalis, food plant of potato stalk-weevil ( Trichobaris trinotata) Lees aoe 89 Pigweed. (See Amaranthus retroflexus.) rough. (See Amaranthus retroflexus.) Plant-bug, green. (See Nezara hilaris.) Plowrightia morbosa, food plant of Conotrachelus nenuphar....--..------------- 18 ‘Plum curculio. (See Conotrachelus nenuphar.) food plant of Conotrachelus nenuphar. 2-222 2a-e ees eee 18 Pod-borer, lima-bean. (See Etiella zinckenella.) Podisus maculiventris, enemy of Colorado potato beetle.........-.----------- 3 Popenoe, C. H., paper, “The Colorado Potato Beetle in Virginia in 9O0Smeaeee 1-8 Portulaca oleracea, food plant of Disonycha mellicollis......--.------------- 29-30, 31 retusa, food plant of Disonycha mellicollis............----------+---- 31 Potato beetle, Colorado, -bird enenmies ss: 222.2-005-45—4- <2 Re ee ees ee 87-88 insect enemies: hte I Le, SE ee 85-87 in, Virginian 1908...) eee eee 1-8 conclusions as to remedies. .....--- 8 experiments with insecticides... .- 4-6 ha bite.0os ee. SY Roe Seems 2-3 insect: enémies 2. 32. es 3-4 life history... 2:28. See ee ee 2-3 remediesie A Sls Joe eee 4-8 Status.fenk os OS ee ee 1-2 prey of Pterostichus lucublandus.........------------- 85 food plant of Diabrotica balteata.........--.----------+-------------- ia) SONOP LAS RES: eee eee ee 72 Diacrisia wirginieg seis ls.2 ee ae oe ae ee 62. potato stalk weevil (7’richobaris trinotata)....-..--.------ 89 Psylliodes punctulata be Kc Ja aie Oe LS a. Bee eee 41 stalk weevil, food habits and injuries, parasite. .........-.----------- 88-89 sweet. (See also Yams). food plant of Diacnsia virginica... =... 2 722-~.- -2e- 62 INDEX. ; . 105 Page Potatoes, early, center of production in eastern United States............2... 1 Pera ctanarnviErionmpotlOen Cosh ie 2s 5. eoeseeemeetseee 2 oso. c cae Le - se PED Es DUE DOI pa a ERS = ee ee rr! 1). a adult. activities at michteaeeter eats e eee sete Se 42. BC CVT a ee ea ei ok oo Soe 41-42 copulation: <2 ee meee = ado ok OP 38 deseription sant. <= sacs meee of oe 37 destructive power by feeding............-......... 4] ” 1111 Ge iS = 0 oct mae e e 42. LOO cw lenge 32 Nae AR ees ys cp, on 40-42 lemeplansbthelem San ee eee 62 Purslane, common. (See Portulaca oleracea.) Radish;:food. plant of Diacmsiawirginich 2222 ao0 5 tee Oe eee see 62 IP sy lliodesipuntchilald sae sa eee aaa eee ee 40 Raphanus sativus. (See Radish.) Raspberry, food plant of Diacrisia virginica ete see ee eee 63 Red spider. (See Tetranychus bimaculatus. ) Reeds. (See Phragmites. ) Resin-lye against hop flea-beetle::.22 2.5. 2 chs beret ces ae - oe e eee 57 Rheum officinale. (See Rhubarb.) Rhubarb;-iood:plant.of Deaerista wirguvica. (22 2282 eee ee eee 61, 62 Psiyllodestpunctulatazesss 22s 0 2 oe eee eo Neen Robin,.enemy of Colorado potatorbectle:- 2s eiia. 5 ee Me eee 87 - Rolling the yards against hop flea-beetle—an impractical measure......-..---- 55-56 “Rose chafer, bright green,” prey of Euthyrhynchus floridanus........-.------ 87 Rumex acetocella, food plant of Psylliodes punctulata.........-.-....----------- 41 iced plant DE Diacrsia virginich e229. 2 Sole Be Pe See eee 63 obtusifolius, food plant of Psylliodes punctulata.....-.......+---------- 41 Sagittaria spp., food plants of Listronotus appendiculatus and other species of MOTUS a ss, niahs 2a ks oh aS ee Ee ne 14 variabilis, food plant of Listronotus latiusculus.......-.-.--..-------- 18 Sal soda, white arsenic, and lime against Colorado potato beetle...........---- 4,6 Salsola tragus, food plant of Diacrisva virginica... sees nae oO e 63 Sesbania aculeata, food plant of Diabrotica balteata.........-.-.-...------------ 17 Soda, sal. (See Sal soda.) Solanum carolinense, food plant of potato stalk weevil..............--.------- 89 elxagnifolium, food plant of Diabrotica balteata.........-.-...-------- 77 rostratum, 100d plant ole) iaensia, vu OU Clee 63 tuberosum. (See Potato.) Soot, powdered, and lime, deterrent against parsnip leaf-miner..........------ 13 Sorghum, food plant: of Diabrotica balicataz2 5335225 2-09 eee 77 duodecimpunclata= ss eeeeees see ee eee 84 Sorrel. (See Rumex acetocella.) _ Spanish needle, food plant of Diacrisia virginica............-+.+--0.----+----- 63 Sparrow, chipping, enemy of Colorado potato beetle............------------- 87 English, enemy of Colorado potato beetle............--------------- 87 » ‘Spherotheca castagnet on Psylliodes punctulata........-.-.-.--.---------4------ 47 INDEX. — 107 : Page. MMECHODLOLUS SDD = StacUs As Pests. /- 2: .. isp W=csi- ms aso wek esses ees les 14 Spider, red. (See Tetranychus bimaculatus.) A PULASONUE POLICE —DUCTISIA VU GUN... = «csesceen geen os owe econ sees selec 59 Spinach flea-beetle. (See Disonycha ranthomelzna.) food plantjal Diabrotica balteata.:tsseseoseaseen as). tect F206. Jee chs c8 77 SOPOT 2s See i oe a ee os bison cid sje deste 73 Diusonychamellicolliss staan eee ae ae = as 2 29, 31 Spraying against hop flea-beetle in poles—an impractical measure..........-.- 55 Squnsh,tood plant of Drabrotica baltestrs i. 2ii2..2 yeas. ee. 22 Dee Ss 3 - 70, 77, 78 DICEOT NESS eee ae Payee ea Ne Saeed tO SC MLE, 68 SORQMET Se SSIS is cihe Sao ae ain eS Se all rants set. eh. See ee 75 DIU (3 a Pe Ie RS Shere eens AOL Se 82 DL QCTUSTORUUT GUMMCHES ore Ae 3:35 oS 2 SS See ee eee 62 Hubbard, food plant of DialWetica picticornis... 2.2... 00. 222552226-5-5 7 Stellaria media. (See Alsine [Stellaria| media.) Pera diasainet hop itlea-heetle. ..u..2..022t5 ates ees ee os eee ee ese 48-49 Sugar beets. (See Beets, sugar.) Sweet potato borer. (See Cyclas formicarius.) Syntomosphyrum sp., parasite of Acidia fratria....02. 2.2.22 .260 sce eee ees seee 12 Pachinids,.enemies. of Colorado potato beetle. 2.2. ..2.2.. 5.5 5. oh ee eee een 34 Tanager, scarlet, enemy of Colorado potato beetle.............-..------------ i Pameteioos Acalnst Nop HeA-DECEIC sca socs somcesnecss a's a mcie are te stan sc ~ sce, OOS itonredpoards avainst hop fea-beetle.-- .joc.-2s0.02.-5 occ sene et cee esis = 34, 48-49 Bledses araimst Doped -DCCllO y=... 56.20. 5 aoe stesso cls ge sees Yet 49-50) Tetranychus bimaculatus on celery, lye-sulphur as remedy.......-----.------- 64 Thistle, Russian. (See Salsola tragus.) Thrush, hermit, enemy of Colorado potato beetle...............-- cae Sot 87 olive-backed, enemy of Colorado potato beetle...-............-------- 87 wood, enemy of Colorado potato beetle..............----.-2-.-----4- 87 itnnaceo aust acainet hop flea-peetle-2: .2---2--- 222-22 2. c seen See eee ee 54 Tomato bug, colloquial name for Diabrotica balteata in Texas..............---- righ FOOdUp lAMGl PC MTOlCa OILCOLG =. 320522 ee 2s 22 ose ea sees TITS JEST MDUAS (OURO C MTD se oe Soon SS aie EBB OEE GOSReD Bea sor 40, 41 Traction power dust distributors against Colorado potato beetle.......-....-.- ih sprayer against. Colorado’potato beetle..............--...----- 7-8 ibapaoods against hopatea-bpeethesc asst. ooe so = fies. 2 ee es ee eee 57 lishits\acaiast hopiler-peetle=-ss.ssees 2 aa. 4222's 5.2 cos es eas Ras 57 sheltersiaeainst hop flea-beetlesses-csosssns-2---- 2 2 Te. ee Ske 57-58 Trapsiagainst hop flea-beetle.. .. 2 2/ ss .icteees ~~ => --- Depp shy 0 2 Sve 57-58 Trichobaris trinotata. (See Potato stalk weevil.) Trifolium pratense, food plant of Psylliodes punctulata.........-..-.-+---+--+-- 41 Pragus exesorius, parasite of Papilio polyxenes s . . .<2..222 0. 2e sc d-e 2 desis <2 - 23 exumanator, parasite of Papilio polymenes.. 22 22 2.22 2 es Pon sses es 23 March LA CHUL JP OLTUD aos ac: = a) hahs/omis es a ee See erase Shin: < 9,11 ER OCLEU—="AICLCUGILERACLEU. = fee Mtaiel te eer oe cere eee epee foes Se eS = 9 liogaster considered by Thomson identical with Acidia fratria.......-- 9 Puri tond plant of Diabrotica balicatar cs: --22. Sse s a ee ose as ss es 00h DOT OSV WOR HOU Ct Be Sets 522 ee Shee SS ao Es eR ET 62 Umbelliferous weeds, food plants of Papilio polyxenes..........-.-.------+----- 20 Urtica dioica, food plant of Psylliodes punctulata.............----..---------- 40 Verbesina blossom, Diabrotica picticornis taken thereon....................--- 76 encelioides, food plant of Diabrotica balteata........-.-.... Ais oe eS = 77 108 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. Page. Verbesina, food plant of Diacrisia virginia. 2-2-2 ee ee 63 Vetch; food plant of Diabrotica balteata ... 1...) 53 52-2 en se! 25 eee ee 70, 77 picticornis . 2 oo ee ee ee eee 68 Walnut caterpillar, black. (See Datana integerrima. ) Watermelon, food plant of Diabrotica balteatacs: 52552 -2)7ssen aes eee 77 VOLO. 5. Seay ah cote o> Se 83 DGG VIGNE Pe AOR ee 62 Psyllhodes punciulatass’ 525 ee eee 40 Weevil, broad-bean. (See Laria rufimana.) common bean. (See Acanthoscelides obtectus.) cowpea. (See Pachymerus chinensis.) four-spotted bean. (See Pachymerus quadrimaculatus.) lentil. (See Laria lentis.) pea. (See Laria pisorum.) Weevils, bean and: pea, nomenclature::: -<. :<<. ates 0 ee 92, 93 Whale-oil soap against hop flea-beetle. 2.422.222. 4-4. 6.9 esa ss eee 57 Wheat, food plant: of Diabroivca balteata. 22. 22552 69 A ysticus gulosus, enemy of Diabrotica soror: ..- 5. - ss) - 22-2 ass ee eee 75 Yams, maggots affecting them in’ the South. 22.225. . 2.22. ).2222. 2 =a 90-91 Yellow-bear caterpillar. (See Diacrisia virginica.) Zinnas, food plants, of Diabrotice soror.< tise St 2 ea ae eee 72 [Se COPIES of this publication may be procured from the SUPERINTEND- ENT OF DocuMENTs, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., at 20 cents per copy U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY—BULLETIN No. 82, Part I. L. O. HOWARD, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE IN VIRGINIA IN 1908. Baye CH. POPENOE, Agent and Expert. [In cooperation with the Virginia Truck Experiment Station. ] IssueD JULY 28, 1909. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1909. “4 BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. L. O. Howarp, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. C. L. Martarr, Entomologist and Acting Chief in Absence of Chief. R. S. Cireron, Executive Assistant. C. J. Giutiss, Chief Clerk. F. H. CuirrenbeEn, tn charge of truck crop and stored product insect investigations. A. D. Hopxrys, in charge of forest insect investigations. W. D. Hunter, in charge of southern field crop insect investigations. I’. M. Wesster, in charge of cereal and forage insect investigations. A. L. QUAINTANCE, in charge of deciduous fruit insect investigations. E. F. Puiwurrs, in charge of bee culture. D. M. Roaers, in charge of gipsy moth field work. A. W. Morritu, in charge of white fly investigations. W. I. Fiske, in charge of gipsy moth laboratory. C. BrsHopp, in charge of cattle tick life history investigations. C. More@an, in charge of tobacco insect investigations. S. Woeium, in charge of hydrocyanic acid gas investigations. P. Currig, in charge of editorial work. Maser Cotcorp, librarian. F. A. R. R. Truck-Crop Insect INVESTIGATIONS. FP. H. CurrrenDEN, in charge. H. M. Russet, C. H. Porpsnosr, D. K. McMinuan, H. O. Marsu, E. G H. F. Wiison, Tuos. H. Jones, agents and experts. KE. D. Batu, E. G. Trrus, collaborators on sugar-beet insects. I. J. Conprr, collaborator on sugar-beet and truck-crop insects in California. II . SMYTH, be / CO Niele NSIS: LH ROG OCLC 5 Sold & ORS AIO So or ae RO see rm Ba Pes oeuhe potato beetle in. Virginia: 2.25.2. 0.20 52s ee oe es aks Sees PE shia ree Sn aNG td OM OSPR ag Seek ne care on a eae I ae are PEC er nes ea ce Gt Del ee re ts en ot SE Ney ty Se ea Heri Gre OSE GEG SoS SORES Be eee ae te Se et eset Ie Pee IND a hee ee Peeporiments withamsecticidess.). 2225s. ae saws 49. 4S Sd fsa te Sats 3 Sprains iveOn © Sr CEIMeMGh ee iain. oe, Ae EE eee ee eps ae Se Maariraclion power Spravenum USC.) . .s2.82 22 feces 2 eee es Se CHAM GISTIO eb ee Beno Sehboa reese io eaten ee Sen Eee eerie Pe aa sa Reed 1.0: NCS, PLATES. Puiate I. Fig. 1.—The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) at- tacking seed potato in ground, Churchland, Va. Fig. 2.—Young potato plant defoliated by Colorado potato beetles ..........------ II. Potatoes growing in new ground, showing bar to employment of power BP PAMEDS is aeo asc soos were wet PSPs ts aa are a one ee gee eee Il NorrwndeeF, (ee) Page. U.S. D. A., B. E. Bul. 82, Part 1. Issued July 28, 1909. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE IN VIRGINIA IN 1908. By C. H. Popenoe,’ Agent and Expe*t. [In cooperation with the Virginia Truck Experiment Station. | INTRODUCTION. The tidewater region of Virginia, which comprises Norfolk, Princess Anne, Nansemond, and Isle of Wight counties on the western and southern, and Northampton and Accomac counties on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, is probably the greatest center for the production of early potatoes in the eastern United States. The value of the potato crop shipped from these counties approaches $6,000,000 annually. Two crops are raised over a small portion of this area, while over the greater part, including the counties of Nor- folk and Princess Anne, only a single planting is made, the potatoes being planted during the latter part of February and the first of March, and the crop of new potatoes being harvested in June. As this crop is not carried through to maturity, new potatoes being the desired product, the action of the late blight isnot apparent until the crop is ready to harvest and is, therefore, given little consideration as a pest. As the early blight does little injury to the plants, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) becomes the worst drawback to the culture of the potato in this locality. The long growing season and the inefficient methods employed for the control of this insect pest afford it an unusual opportunity for injury over a wide area. In only a few cases are effective methods of application practiced, and for this reason demonstration and experi- mental work have been thought advisable for the locality. STATUS OF THE POTATO BEETLE IN VIRGINIA. Owing to the employment of negro labor and the scarcity of capable white help the methods for the control of the potato beetle over this area are necessarily crude. While the insects are in hibernation no effort is made for their destruction, the first attempt to control the species being the hand picking of hibernated beetles from the vines 1 2 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. by negro children. Afterwards the vines are dusted with land plaster and Paris green, applied by shaking a burlap sack, filled with the mixture, over the plants which seem to be the worst affected. As a result of the imperfect application of the arsenical the crop is only partially freed from the insects and, as the application is never made until the injury of the first generation or brood of larvee becomes very apparent, the vines are not entirely free from the injurious effects of untimely defoliation. In many places, also, the plants are seriously checked through the injury caused by the beetles, which entirely defoliate the young shoots as they are coming through the earth, in many cases eating them off level with the ground or below the surface. Seed potatoes which remain partially above ground are also rapidly devoured by the beetles. After the larvee or young commence to appear, the plants showing the greatest injury are treated with the dust, this application usually being held sufficient for some time. The land-plaster application is from three to four times as expensive as a Paris-green spray of equal strength, and in several cases in the Norfolk region the application of the unnecessary plaster to the already acid soil has produced a state of disease in the cabbage crop following the potatoes which has lessened the production to a considerable degree. In the case of a spray this acidity is not imparted to the soil and injury to cabbage is thus avoided. In that part of Virginia immediately adjacent to the District of Columbia the growing of potatoes is less important commercially than in the Norfolk region, and while the beetle is a serious pest always, the smaller acreage of potatoes grown renders the control of the insect much more easily accomplished. LIFE HISTORY AND HABITS. In general, the life history of the Colorado potato beetle in Vir- ginia agrees with the description already published by Doctor Chit- tenden.* In specimens reared in confinement in the insectary at Washington and in outdoor cages at Norfolk in 1908, three genera- tions or broods were reared during the summer, and very young larvee have been seen on tomato at Norfolk as late as the latter part of August and the 1st of September. The period of xstivation which generally follows the second generation in this species was shortened to four days in the beetles which were carried through the stages at Norfolk. These beetles issued from eggs collected from the first generation May 26. The larve pupated June 20 and issued as adults June 28. After feeding until July 3 the beetles burrowed into the soil, forming cells, where they remained for a period of four days, a Cir. No. 87, Bur. Ent., U. S. Dept. Agr., 1907. Bul. 82, Pt. |, Bureau of Entomology, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. PLATE I. FIG. 1.—THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE (LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA) ATTACKING SEED POTATO IN GROUND, CHURCHLAND, VA. (ORIGINAL.) Fia. 2.—YOUNG POTATO PLANT DEFOLIATED BY COLORADO POTATO BEETLES. Twenty beetles sometimes on plants this size. Nearly natural size. (Original.) THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE IN VIRGINIA, 3 coming after this time to the surface, where the third generation of eggs was deposited three days later. Owing to a scarcity of proper food at this time this third generation was not well cared for, and as only three mutilated specimens reached maturity the experiment was closed. This record, however, verified the existence of a third generation, concerning which there has been some doubt. The beetles issue from hibernation in the soil, where they pass the winter in the adult stage, some time during the first two weeks of April, as the earliest potato plants begin to appear above the soil, and begin to feed upon these young shoots before producing eggs, which, however, are soon deposited. In many cases from six to twelve beetles may be seen on a single plant, which is likely to be completely defoliated if not entirely destroyed. As many as 20 beetles are sometimes seen on a single shoot, and where they occur in such numbers the plant is very apt to be eaten off close to the ground if, indeed, the beetles do not follow the stem into the earth. It is at this time that the attack of the adults is most severe and the plant is greatly weakened by such injury. (See PI. J.) After the plants reach a considerable size the damage done by the larvee becomes most apparent, large plants being defoliated. At this time the poison is usually applied to the plants showing the greatest Injury and a majority of the larve are destroyed. The beetles which pass through the winter are usually those of the third generation. These seem to do very little injury to the second crop of potatoes, which is generally quite free from damage and rarely needs treatment for insect attack. It would thus appear that the beetles coming from this generation hibernate after the first crop with but few exceptions and remain in hibernation until the following year. - 20 Tntvoavfeanere: GIS oe ee aE he ee ae ae oe eee 20 I DSS(GN Oe adhere ee ne eer eee ed a eee 20 PD SRORISAVOST oo 2 A ee eee aa a nn 22 [Eloy Gs) ing Pe Tae foi ene kee ee eae eee 22 a (imag). GRSRNIGTC Eos oie SOE Ee eR oe Re Se a 23 FP eii20 ei bot Dee een Bee a he GO SARS COS She mete rset 23 eee we ped BOERS A ORE ak tee oe aE So I ee ee tee 23 Habs eA EONS: Page, Fic. 1. The parsnip leaf-miner (Acidia fratria Loew): Adult, larva, puparium, GUI. ose $2 oe GS a Ae ORS I tiie 5 ae Sa ee ets Ph 10 2. Parsnip leaves showing work of parsnip leaf-miner.........-.--------- 12 3. The parsley stalk weevil (Listronotus latiusculus Boh.): Adult, larva, TNE Se Bee CRG Ee EE Rte Oe ee eae aries yore eae 15 4. Parsley roots showing work of parsley stalk WGGVilinaceatek se tye ies araret 17 5. The celery caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes): Male butterfly, egg, larva, Clirypalierad epallse yao Seton. Se R p art ceaenersee Mast McVane Sins crap = 21 6s, Che’ celery caterpillar: Kemale butterfly © -....0): 4. sclea- os = Saas =< -- 22 eae, Fe hale fe - ; a ek « 2 ) Pees. DaA. 8. b- Bul. 82, Part Tt. Issued November 30, 1999. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPs.- THE PARSNIP LEAF-MINER. (Acidia fratria Loew.) By F. H. Currrenpen, Sc. D. In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. INTRODUCTION. Since the year 1903 this species, hitherto considered rare, has made its appearance nearly every year in the District of Columbia in such considerable numbers that by July beds of parsnip are found . so extensively infested by the maggot or larva that at least 25 per cent of the leaves are sometimes destroyed. The leaves show mines of varying sizes, from that of a dime to others covering the greater portion of a leaf. In 1906 and 1907 the species could not be found in the District of Columbia, but it returned in 1908. A more com- plete account than has hitherto been available of the insect is here- with presented. EARLY HISTORY. Our first knowledge of the existence of this species as an enemy to crop plants was published in 1895 in a short illustrated note by Mr. D. W. Coquillett.¢ At that time it was recorded as having attacked parsnip leaves at Cadet, Mo., in June, 1891. The leaves had been quite extensively mined, and three adults were reared June 23, proving to be Trypeta fratria, as it was then known. In 1899, Mr. R. W. Doane published a note on this species,? recording its rearing from Heracleum from Almota, Wash., and its occurrence at Pullman, Wash. He considered Thomson’s liogaster the same species, and stated also that our species may be identical with the European Acidia (Trypeta) heraclei L., or celery leaf-miner, said to be a destructive enemy of celery in England. DESCRIPTION. The fly—tThe mature fly in life is a beautiful object. Its body is pale yellow, as are also the legs; the abdomen is pale green, and the wings are beautifully ornamented with yellow alternating with white, forming the pattern shown in figure 1, a. Near the middle of the anterior margin of the wings there is a dusky, nearly black spot, a Insect Life, Vol. VII, p. 383. b Journ. New York Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, p. 178. 10 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. while in the corresponding position on the posterior margin there is a paler dusky spot two or three times as large. The head is yellow, and the eyes large and brilliant green with bluish reflections. The ovipositor varies from yellow to black. None of these colors is so bright in preserved specimens. The length of the body is about three-sixteenths of an inch (5 mm.), and the wing expanse is seven- sixteenths of an inch (11 mm.). The larva, or maggot (fig. 1, b).—The larva, or maggot, is of the usual form of the Trypetids, measuring about five times as long as wide. It is nearly transparent, except in the interior portions, where it is yellowish. The contents of the abdominal cavity appear greenish through the skin. The length of the body is 7 mm. and the width 1.4mm. The anal segment of the larva as seen from the extreme end is illustrated at fig- Ke Mec: The puparium.— The larva when full gerowncontracts and hardens, forming a coarctate pupa or puparium (fig. 1, d), serving the purpose of a cocoon in inclos- ing the true pupa. In the present spe- cies, as with others of this group which Fig. 1. The parsnip leaf-miner (A cidia fratria): a, Fly; b, larva, lateral have been studied view; c, anal segments of same; d, puparium; e, cephalic extremity; he f,analextremity; g, row of cephalic spiracles; h, analspiracles. a,b,d, the form is oval in Much enlarged, remainder more enlarged. (After Coquillett, except outline, imperfectly b, c, original.) cf cylindrical, and ta- pering almost equally at both ends.* The lower surface is somewhat flattened and attached to the leaf by a viscid secretion. The length is twice the width and the color pale green when first formed, changing to straw color with greater age. The body is composed of 11 strongly marked segments. The mouth-parts are retracted within the pupal skin, and the cephalic or thoracic appendages (spiracles or trachez) are well indicated, forming two ares, together equivalent to about two- thirds of a circle (fig. 1, e). The spiracles are very minute and difficult to count, but there are evidently between 21 and 24 on each side (fig. 1, g), the probabilities being that there is no constancy as regards the number. The length is 4.5 mm. and the width 2.25 mm. a The writer fails to see how the Trypetid pupa can be described as ‘‘barrel-shaped,”’ as is done by many writers. a = THE PARSNIP LEAF-MINER. ane The anal extremity is illustrated at f, figure 1, and the anal spiracle at h. As long ago as 1873 Osten Sacken assigned this species to typical Acidia, but it has been generally known as Trypeta fratria. The following short technical description is quoted from Osten Sacken :4 Clay-yellow, stature short and somewhat broad, with four bristles on the scu- tellum; wings with yellowish-brown rivulets, which enclose an oval, hyaline spot before the end of the discal cell; the end of the fourth longitudinal vein is not curved forwards. DISTRIBUTION. The localities recorded for Acidia fratria are comparatively few, considering the fact that the species is not really rare. Osten Sacken gave ‘Atlantic States.’”’ Thomson found it in California, and others have recorded its occurrence in Missouri, Washington, andNew Jersey. To this must be added the District of Columbia. The above evi- dently indicates a moderately wide distribution, especially if the species should prove to be the same as heraclei L., common to both continents. At least it extends across the continent from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific Ocean. BIOLOGIC NOTES. While new data have been obtained, the life history is still incom- plete. The fly has not been observed depositing its eggs, and the egg and method of oviposition therefore remain unknown. The fact that the mines always extend to the margin of the leaf affords an indi- cation that the eggs are deposited at least near the margin, and the fact that the larve when full grown have usually worked down into the end of the leaf nearest the leaf-stalk (see fig. 2, a) shows that the ege is probably deposited in most cases near the other end or apex of the leaf. The larve under observation in 1903 began to attain maturity July 19, the adults issuing in August. Material under observation in 1908 transformed to pupze May 22 and the first adults issued June 6, the pupal period having been passed in fourteen days. While these insects usually form puparia in the old larval mines, in many cases also they desert the mines, especially small ones, and form separate puparia in the same or other leaves. Mines are more often found with two or three larve or puparia within than with a single inhabitant, and as many as eight have been counted on a single leaf. To the average person the mines made by this species would scarcely be recognized as such, as the leaves merely present the appearance of dying from natural causes, portions of them drying and withering. @ Monograph of Diptera No. Am., Pt. III, p. 234. they SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. At the time when puparia are formed on the leaf surface (see fig. 2, b) that portion of the leaf is still green, but before the adult hatches the infested area usually turns brown, like the larval mines, and the first two or three segments of the puparium may be seen protruding at the margin of the leaf. With the further drying of the leaves more segments are exposed, and sometimes the entire puparium is brought to view (fig. 2, c) attached by its underside to the sur- face of the leaf. The mines are of irregular form, but are usually more or less rounded or ob- long, although some- times irregulary tri- in the apex of a leaf. The two outer sur- faces of the leaves be- come separated, and the excrement, very fine and powdery and nearly black, can be seen by hold- ing the mines to the light. The location of the larvee can also be made out in the same Fic. 2.—Parsnip leaves showing location of larva of Acidia fratriainits Manner 1hip indeed, the ae at a; of concesled pupatls at b, and of exposed puparium at c larvee can not be seen rawn from life. (Original.) ona plain surface. The maggots usually work somewhat closely together, and the puparia also are frequently found placed side by side. Lower leaves of plants are more affected than are upper ones, and attack has been noticed to be more extensive where plants are grown in shady locations. A single parasite, Syntomosphyrum sp., a chaleidid, determined by Mr. J. C. Crawford, has been reared by the writer from this maggot. METHODS OF CONTROL. According to the writer’s experience, this species shows a fondness for plants that have run to seed. Hence it is not desirable to plant beds in the vicinity of parsnip or other susceptible crops grown angular when found © THE PARSNIP LEAF-MINER. 138 for the market. European writers on the celery leaf-miner state that dusting the affected leaves with a mixture of finely powdered soot and lime, three parts to one, has proved beneficial in preventing the flies from depositing their eggs upon the leaves. It is applied when the leafage is damp. Other similar deterrents, such as road dust, would ~ have about the same effect. Sprays of kerosene emulsion and of carbolized kerosene emulsion have also been reported to be successful in the treatment of young plants affected by the celery leaf-miner. These, if applied at the proper time, would act as deterrents and might have some effect on the larve at about the time when they are ready to transform to pupeze and when the mines are thin. It is doubtful, however, if either of these fluids would penetrate the leaves to any great extent except at this time. 883J—Bull. 82, pt 2—09——2 THE PARSLEY STALK WEEVIL. (Listronotus latiusculus Boh.) By F. H. Currrenven, Sc. D., In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. INJURIOUS OCCURRENCE. Certain species of curculios, or weevils, of semiaquatic habits that normally feed upon wild plants growing in marshy situations, through the reclamation and cultivation of such tracts, occasionally attack crop plants, and for a season or more accomplish serious damage. In many instances injuries are peculiarly local and are not apt to recur,” but there is always a possibility that insects of such habits may, in course of time, after the cultivation of the same areas, with or without the disappearance of these wild food plants, become permanent pests. An instance may be cited which came under the observation of Prof. F. M. Webster, of this Bureau, in Ohio, in 1894, of attack on cabbage by two semiaquatic species of weevil, Listronotus appendiculatus Boh., and Notaris (Erycus) puncticollis Lec. About 50,000 plants were set late in June in a field of swamp land under- drained the previous year, and as many as 10 individuals of the first-mentioned species were found about single plants, gouging great cavities in the stalks. The former, with others of its genus, develops normally in arrow-head (Sagittaria spp.) and some related aquatic plants. It is not surprising, then, that similar injuries should be committed by insects of the same class. During the last of July and first days of August, 1902, Mr. F.C. Pratt, of this Bureau, noted injury to parsley grown at Four Mile Run, Virginia, which upon examination was found to be due to both larve and adults of Listronotus latiusculus Boh. Injury continued the following season—1903. It thus ex- tended over four years—1900 to 1903, inclusive. @ This holds for several forms of bill-bugs (Sphenophorus spp.), but the most injuri- ous species are practically permanent corn pests in certain localities, owing to environ- ment; for example, in cornfields planted in the immediate vicinity of marshes, rivers, or other bodies of water in which the aquatic plants in which they have their natural homes abound. 14 THE PARSLEY STALK WEEVIL. °° ¢ 15 DESCRIPTION. The beetle is a weevil of the family Curculionide. It is of some- what obscure appearance, there being many other species which resemble it superficially. It is shown in the illustration (fig. 3, a). Its resemblance to the clover-leaf weevil and related species (Phyto- nomus) is apparent. The two genera are intimately related. From the latter genus Listronotus may be distinguished by the different proportions of the ventral segments, the first, second, and fifth being long, and the third and fourth very short. The legs are more slender, and the tibie are bent inward at the tips and are quite strongly mucronate. The species, so far as known, are winged. Twenty-two species are indicated by Horn.* L. latiusculus Boh. is very closely related to L. impressifrons Lec. Le Conte describes the two species as_ agreeing in form and sculpture and in having the last ventral segment of the female not impressed, but in latiusculus the rostrum or snout is feebly channeled and sulcate with the frontal fovea faintly indi- cated, while in impres- sifrons the rostrum is strongly channeled and suleate with the frontal fovea deep. The length without the rostrum is about one-fourth of an inch (6-7.5 mm.). The color is brown, varied Fig. 3.—Listronotus latiusculus: a, Beetle; b, larva from side; c, two with rather minute abdominal segments from above; d, pupa. All much enlarged. golden or cupreous ‘O"sin!) seales, with which the entire surface 1s covered. The rostrum from the eyes to the tip is of nearly the same length as the thorax. The egg.—The egg is variably oval, from about two-thirds to three- fourths as wide as long, not visibly flattened, and without apparent sculpture. The only eggs examined were of a decidedly dusky hue, but when freshly laid they were probably pale gray or whitish and subtranslucent. Their length is 0.70-0.75 mm., and the width 0.48—0.55 mm. The larva (fig. 3, 6, c)—The larva differs from those of the ordi- nary Curculionid form in being less curved. It is considerably flat- tened and crawls easily, bemg comparatively active. The larva in the cut is shown in the position assumed after death. When alive and stretched at full length it is a trifle longer than the beetle. It is of the usual milk-white color so common in curculio larve, and has the same pale, reddish-brown head and darker mouth-parts. The @ Rhynchophora of America North of Mexico, 187 6, pp: 127-136. 16 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. head is comparatively small, of about the same width as length, excluding the mouth-parts. : The pupa (fig. 3, d).—The pupa is creamy white in color and is rather thickly covered with short, stiff bristles, which assist it in loco- motion. It is quite active and capable of crawling a considerable distance. DISTRIBUTION. Le Conte’s type and cotypes were from Georgia and Louisiana. The species is recorded or has come under the writer’s notice from a limited number of localities. These include Ithaca, N. Y. (Chit- tenden); New York, N. Y. (Juelich and Roberts); Buffalo, N. Y. (Juelich) ; Madison, Gloucester, and Hudson County, N. J. (Smith); Four Mile Run, Va. (Pratt); and Washington, D. C. INJURY AT FOUR MILE RUN, VIRGINIA. When this species was first observed, in the latter part of July, sev- eral larve and a single adult were found in the tuberous roots under- ground. The trucker on whose farm the injury was committed stated that he had observed attack by this species the two years before, 1. e., in 1900 and 1901, when it occasioned some loss. The outward mani- festations consist in the tops of the parsley beginning to turn yellow, then wilting, and finally drying out. When a plant was pulled, the roots broke off just below the surface of the ground, frequently dis- lodging the larva or grub and leaving others below. September 5, when a third visit was paid to the infested locality, injury had increased beyond all expectations, nearly half of the crop having been destroyed. Asin the previous instance, larve and adults were found, as also pupx. It is obvious, therefore, that the single adult found on the first occasion was a straggler from the first or hibernated genera- tion and the beetles found later were members of the new generation. Where the larvee were found attacking small stems—those less than a quarter of an inch in diameter—injury was shown quite early and the plant was killed. But in older stems from one-half to three-fourths of an inch in diameter damage was not so conspicuous. Large tubers show excavations on an average of about 1 inch in length and a fourth of an inch in diameter. Owing to the soft nature of the roots these excavations are decidedly irregular and assume a light reddish-brown color. The holes made by the beetles in exit are so large that some- times considerable quantities of earth are washed in by rains and doubtless assist In promoting decay, leading to the ultimate destruc- tion of the plants. Some of the outer roots proceeding from the tubers are also penetrated. In one root under examination, con- taining two larve, less than one-fourth of the root remains, the rest having been destroyed by decay. In 1903 larvee were observed as THE PARSLEY STALK WEEVIL. a late as September 4, hatching in the outside leaf-stems and burrowing through until they had penetrated the root. In the illustration (fig. 4) injured plants are shown, the one on the right containing a larva, natural size, in the roots. OVIPOSITION. It was readily learned that the beetles deposited their eggs in parsley stalks, large punctured areas corresponding to the diameter of the snout of the beetle being noticeable from a point just below the top Kia. 4.—Parsley roots showing work of parsley stalk weevil. ( Original.) of the stalks nearly to their base. Three or four such places of egg deposit are usually seen in a large stalk. The usual number of eggs inserted seems to be two, although frequently a third is found and sometimes only one. Most curculionids, however, deposit a single ege in a slit made for the purpose. Where the stalk has attained sufficient size and strength to continue growth after the beetle has deposited its eggs, the larva lives within it, going downward into the roots. In some cases plants are killed by too many punctures, par- ticularly when quite small and delicate, and then the larve desert the 18 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. stems, evidently by simply tumbling out to the ground, into which they crawl and attack the roots by boring in from outside. FOOD PLANTS AND HABITS. Most collectors of Coleoptera who have had opportunity to observe aquatic and other forms of beetles that frequent ponds and water courses are familiar with the fact that the genus Listronotus is to be found in the greatest abundance on aquatic or semiaquatic plants, more particularly on Sagittaria. Years ago Dr. C. M. Weed made observations on the present curculio and its food habits.* He found the larvee in seed capsules or heads, as well as in stalks, of the common arrow-head (Sagitiaria variabilis) and furnished some interesting observations on the insect’s life history. Beetles began to emerge September 23 (in Ohio), continuing emergence until the middle of October. The length of the pupal stage was determined as eleven days. The duration of the egg stage should be about the same at the same temperature, but in a high temperature in a warmer climate like that of Washington eggs might develop in seven days, while the larval stage is of only a few weeks’ duration. During the same year that Doctor Weed wrote of this species, the late Wilhelm Juelich informed me that he had found the beetles near New York City in the lower parts of reeds (Phragmites), near the bottoms. In the Bureau of Entomology we have a record of the finding of the larva by Mr. A. Koebele in August, 1884, in Virginia, near the District of Columbia, in the seed capsules of a species of Sagittaria, August 31. The beetles developed in great numbers, beginning September 22. It is not usual that phytophagous Coleoptera develop in so many portions of a plant as in the case of the present species, which exists as larva in the seed capsules and stalks of one plant and in the roots of a different plant.’ It is not probable that it would be able to live in portions of purely terrestrial plants other than the roots or stalks near the ground, because the insect evidently requires a more than usual degree of moisture. In other words, it is semiaquatic.? @ Bul. Ohio Agr. Exp. Sta., Tech. Ser., Vol. I, No. 1, pp. 10, 11, 1889. b Compare the writer’s observations with others on the biology of Conotrachelus elegans (Bul. 18, n. s., p. 94), which breeds commonly at the roots of Amaranthus and has been stated by others to live on hickory; since the eggs are known to be de- posited in rolled-up leaves of hickory, it seems probable that the beetles develop in some other portion of that plant than at the roots. The congeneric plum curculio (C. nenuphar Hbst.) not only develops in the plum and other stone fruits, but also in black-knot (Plowrightia morbosa). ; THE PARSLEY STALK WEEVIL. 19 METHODS OF CONTROL. The grower who reported injury to parsley in Virginia abandoned this crop on account of the ravages of the weevil. Hence no experi- ments could be made with remedies. There can be no doubt that the species could be reached with bisulphid of carbon or kerosene emulsion applied about the roots in the same manner as for root- maggots and similar insects. All things considered, however, in the case of parsley the wisest measure was just what the grower did. After the lapse of a year or two, perhaps, parsley might be grown with impunity in the same locality. THE CELERY CATERPILLAR. (Papilio polyxenes Fab.) sy F. H. Currrenpen, Sc. D. In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. INTRODUCTION. Everywhere in beds of celery, carrots, parsley, and related plants there will be found, during summer and autumn, numbers of a large ereen or yellowish caterpillar, rmged with black. This is the celery caterpillar, known also as the parsley worm and by other common names. It is, everything considered, one of the insects best known to the grower of the crop plants mentioned, this being due to its large size and conspicuous, gay coloring. It feeds upon the leaves of plants and, when abundant, attacks the blossoms and undeveloped seeds. If left entirely unmolested it might, save for the intervention of natural enemies, become a serious pest, since it 1s a voracious feeder. It is readily controlled, however, by handpicking, and this helps to reduce the numbers of the pest. In addition, its habit of feeding on wild parsnip, wild carrot, and other umbelliferous weeds, which are altogether too abundant, serves to distribute attack as well as to divert it from useful plants. DESCRIPTIVE. Nearly every year inquiries are made in regard to this insect, but it is seldom so plentiful as to call for advice in regard to treatment. Complaints of injury and requests for remedies, however, have been received in recent years from portions of Long Island, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, Iowa, and some other regions. In our correspondence it has attracted most attention because of its occurrence on celery, parsley, and sweet fennel. The egg.—The egg of this butterfly is of globular form and rather large, measuring about 1 mm. in width and the same in height. It is flattened on the surface by which it is attached, as shown in figure 5, d. When first laid the egg is pale honey-yellow, but afterwards turns in parts to reddish brown. The surface is slightly glistening and covered with microscopic granulations. 20 THE CELERY CATERPILLAR. ak The larva.—The young stages of the larva are totally dissimilar to the mature ones. Five distinct stages are recognized, the second of which is illustrated at e, figure 5. This caterpillar is shown, lateral view, in figure 5, a. It is usually green, sometimes yellowish, and strongly ringed with velvety black and spotted as figured. Another caterpillar is shown at 6 to illustrate the appearance of the head and the peculiar yellow scent organs (osmateria). These are protruded when the insect is disturbed, and they exhale a pungent odor, similar to that of the bruised leaves of their food plants but of ereater intensity and very disagreeable. The adult.—The parent insect is one of the swallowtail butterflies known by various names, but more commonly as the black swallow- tail. The ground color is velvety black, relieved by yellow bands in Fig. 5.—The celery caterpillar (Papilio polyrenes): a, Full-grown larva, side view; b, view showing head with extruded osmateria; c, male butterfly; d, egg in profile; e, young larva; /, suspended chrysalis. All about natural size, except d, which is much enlarged. (Original.) the male, as shown in the illustration (fig. 5). The hind wings are ornamented on the inside by eyelike markings resembling those of the male peacock, and they terminate in the ‘‘tails,’”’ from which the - insect derives its common name. The female (fig. 6) is of larger size, somewhat faded black, and in every way of a more somber appearance than her spouse—a rule which holds good for most butterflies. Many of the yellow spots, particularly those arranged in the form of bands, are wanting, and the hind wings are ornamented with pale blue scales on the posterior half. This species is subject to every conceivable variation in color. The wing expanse is usually 3 inches or a little more. . The chrysalis.—The chrysalis is of a dull gray color, mottled with black and brown, and measures a little less than 14 inches (see fig. 5, f). a? SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. DISTRIBUTION. In some respects this is one of the most interesting of the insects found attacking garden plants. In the first place, it appears to be limited to no special life zone, if we can judge by the records of dis- tribution. It occurs in every State and Territory inthe Union. From a very considerable portion of Canada from east to west bordering the United States, its range extends through Central America and the West Indies to South America, at least as far as Venezuela. HABITS AND LIFE HISTORY. Even without the warning scent organs with which the larva is supplied, its colors are so peculiar that birds soon recognize it and learn to leave it undisturbed, owing to its disagreeable taste. It is not, however, free from insect enemies. It would seem that the Fia. 6.—The celery caterpillar: Female butterfly. About natural size. (Original.) larva is perfectly well aware of its immunity from attack by birds, since it feeds in plain view in the later stages and even crawls to the outer surface of plants, appearing to invite the freest exposure. It is remarkable, also, that the colors of the pupa as well as its attachment to inconspicuous objects render it comparatively free from natural enemies. Fitch (in manuscript) noticed ‘‘a female at midday hover- ing around some caraway, ovipositing. She gently settles on the end of a leaf, holding thereto with her feet for a few moments, whilst she curves her abdomen forward and places an egg on the upper surface of one of the small leaflets, and then gently flies away to another leaf.’’ Owing to the extremely wide range of this species there is much variation in its life history. Gundlach and Chapman observed this insect in Cuba and Florida, respectively, and their observations, with those of others farther north, show that the eggs hatch in from THE CELERY CATERPILLAR. os four to nine days, that the larval period may be passed in the extreme South in from nine to ten days, although this is oftener four weeks in the North, and that the chrysalis period varies between nine and eighteen days. The writer observed the pupal period at Washington, D. C., from July 8 to July 18, a total of nine and one-half days in hot weather. This gives us a possible minimum life cycle of from twenty-two days, in the insect’s southern range, to eight weeks northward. In the North the insect is double-brooded, and winters in the chrysalis stage. In the extreme South there are probably three or four generations produced each year. Thus butterflies appear in the South in March and April and begin the deposition of their eggs, while in the New England States and in similarlatitudes the butterfly does not appear on the wing until May, and seldom before the middle of that month. Besides celery, this insect attacks practically all other umbellif- erous plants, including carrot, parsley, caraway, fennel, parsnip, dill, and related wild plants. It does not appear to attack, except in extreme cases, any plant outside of this botanical family. NATURAL ENEMIES. The principal insect enemies are species of ichneumon flies of rather large size, single specimens of which serve to destroy the insect in its pupal stage. The best known of these are two species of Trogus—evesorius Brullé and exidianator Brullé. Some other natural enemies, however, have been recorded. The list includes Apanteles lunatus Pack. and a dragon fly, Anax longipes Hagen. REMEDIES. The conspicuous appearance of the larve of this species renders them what might be called an ‘‘easy mark,’’ as they are readily found and can be crushed under foot, and no other remedies are necessary if the work of destruction is begun before the plants are injured. The killing off of the first generation will serve in considerable measure to destroy the insects so as to prevent a very large second brood or generation, particularly if this can be accomplished over a consider- able territory. The butterfly is a strong flier, and cooperation is necessary to keep the insect in check when it becomes destructive. The caterpillar can also be destroyed with an arsenical, either Paris green or arsenate of lead, but recourse to these is, as a rule, scarcely necessary, owing to the ease with which the “‘worms” can be hand- picked. BIBLIOGRAPHY. The swallowtail butterfly is considered in most text-books on general entomology and in many popular periodicals on the same topic. A list of technical references is given in Scudder’s Butterflies 24 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. of New England—mentioned as No. 6 below—and a list of publica- tions in which the immature stages are considered is furnished in . Henry Edwards’s Catalogue of the Described Transformations of the North American Lepidoptera (No. 5). A brief list is, therefore, all that is necessary for the present purpose. (1) (3) Fasricius, J. C.—Systema Entomologica, pp. 444-445, 1775. Original description of the species as Papilio polyxenes. SmitH & AsBor.—Lepidopterous insects of Georgia, vol. I, p. 1, pl. 1, 1792. Short account, with colored plate, illustrating all stages except egg. Mentioned as Papilio troilus.@ CRAMER, PreTeR.—Papillons exotiques, Vol. IV, pp. 194-196, pl. 385, figs. C-B, 1782: Redescribed as Papilio asterius, Harris, T. W.—Insects injurious to vegetation, 1841, pp. 211-218, Flint ed., 1862, pp. 263-266, pl. 4, fig. 4. An excellent account of this species with illustrations. Mentioned as Papilio asterias Cram. Epwarps, Hy.—Bul. 35, U. S. National Museum, p. 10, 1889. List of references to the described transformations of this species to date. Scupper, 8. H.—Butterflies of the Eastern United States and Canada, Vol. IT, pp. 1353-1364, 1889. ; A monographie account, including references to technical descriptions of all stages, geographical distribution, habits, life history, etc. «Papilio troilus L. is an entirely different species. O =a Lk. WE. Ay G “ TRIE ( Pry ay =" i Peo OEE AKT MENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY—BULLETIN No. 82, Part III. L. O. HOWARD, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. THE LIMA-BEAN POD-BORER. THE YELLOW-NECKED FLEA-BEETLE. BY F. H. CHITTENDEN, Sc. D., In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. Issu—ED DECEMBER 28, 1909. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1909. BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY .« L. O. Howarp, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. C. L. Martatt, Assistant Entomologist and Acting Chief in Absence of Chief. R. S. Crrron, Hxecutive Assistant. Cuas. J. Gruss, Chief Clerk. F. H. CuirrenpeEn, in charge of truck crop and stored product insect investigations. A. D. Hopxtns, in charge of forest insect investigations. W. D. Hunter, in charge of southern field crop insect investigations. F. M. Wesster, in charge of cereal and forage insect investigations. A. L. QuatnTANceE, in charge of deciduous fruit insect investigations. E. F. Pumutes, in charge of bee culture. D. M. Rocers, in charge of preventing spread of moths, field work. Rouua P. Currie, in charge of editorial work. Mase. Cotcorp, librarian. Truck Crop INsect INVESTIGATIONS. F. H. CairrenpDEN, in charge. H. M. Russetzt, C. H. Porenoz, D. K. McMmuan, H. O. Marsu, E.G. Smytu, Tuos. H. Jones, M. M. Hien, agents and experts. I. J. Conprr, collaborator on sugar beet and truck crop insects in California. ©. S. Heuer, collaborator on truck crop insects in tidewater Virginia. @ Organization of Bureau, December 1, 1909. it CORCLENTS: The Lima-bean pod-borer (Etiella zinckenella Treit.).....-...----2.22...00000- EMMIS OCCUTTONGEs: oF lacie ac sas Da Sacre ncieeisee Ashanti soe see MeRcrup tan yand GistriOWbION. to. ak isco kcs wee eatin yaa nae Se onal apie Exe tome nmian a s5 22 ioe Wey eR ia ae dN RSI I. ora aie A ae The yellow-necked flea-beetle (Disonycha mellicollis Say)........---------+--- ici URIOUS OCCURREMCO 2/5 syse et ae eae wei eae a cied =e helnehde eel eieee Weseription and CistriDUbOM oe t cet eka 256 Bec cide adele ts a clee eee Se ic OMaEniens ama Nter Baits eh Ma uc ns aw Set OE ih Ce BOE ype el te) on Mela e Seca) atacten a Sen coche Sah atals a ate we ens eg Sele sels Metbonemmenmpmrel 007 2.085 2% ous Bee Se eee ee ere Pree Poe Usr lake LhONS,, Fia. 7. The Lima-bean pod-borer (Htiella zinckenella): Adults, larva, details. - Ir Page. 25 Page. 26 U.S. D. A., B. E. Bul. 82, Part III. Issued December 28, 1909. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. THE LIMA-BEAN POD-BORER. (Etiella zinckenella Treit.) By F. H. Currrenven, Sc. D., In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. INJURIOUS OCCURRENCE. In looking over some old material and notes in the Bureau of Entomology and National Museum, some larve closely resembling the Lima-bean vine-borer (Monoptilota nubilella Hulst) were diseov- ered, accompanied by a note by Mr. Albert Koebele to the effect that they were found on Lima beans at Rattlesnake Bridge, Eldorado County, Cal., July 21, 1885. The beans in that vicinity were much infested by larve of this species. The seed beans had been received from Ohio the previous spring, but this evidently had no bearing on the origin of the insect, although the larve injured the growing seeds. _ More recently, in 1908, the same species was discovered by Mr. H. O. Marsh at Santa Ana and Garden Grove, Cal., in September and October, infesting Lima-bean pods. At this time it was abun- dant in Santa Ana, in one garden nearly every pod containing a larva; at Garden Grove the species had ruined fully 40 per cent of a good-sized patch of late beans. Another lot was received from Anaheim, Cal., October 22. The larve were common at this time also but not as injurious as in the other localities. The adults began issuing January 9, 1909, and continued coming out until Feb- ruary 25. Later the same collector found this species at work at Compton and Watts, Cal., in November. During the latter half of November the larvee were scarce, practically all having disappeared with the exception of a few belated individuals here and there. DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION. The moth has a wing expanse of a little less than an inch; the head is armed with three long, conspicuous labial palpi, showing its relation to the snout-moths. The ground color is gray, interspersed 25 26 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. with ochreous scales on the fore wings. A conspicuous, broad white stripe extends over the base of the fore wing along the: costa to the apex. In the inner fourth of the fore wing there is also a cross-band of brighter ochreous freely dotted with brown spots. The moth is illustrated by figure 7, a, representing the female. The sexes may be readily distinguished by the antenne. . The original description of this species is by Treitschke,* who, in 1832, named it Phycis zinckenella n. sp., from Sicily. It has also been described under at least thirteen other names, including schisticolor Zell., and rubribasella Hulst. Full references to technical descriptions are given by Hulst in his article entitled ‘‘The Phycitidze of North America’’® and in the Dyar list (No. 4807). Doctor Dyar has sugges- ted that schisticolor Zell. is synonymous with zincken- ella Treit. and in further elaboration states, in a let- ter dated May 28, 1909: I have compared the Etiella species and find only one and that the same as the European zinck- enella. Hulst’s rubribasella is evi- dently a synonym, founded on an imperfect or badly mounted specimen: schisticolor Zell. is paler gray, less reddish tinted, the costal stripe less sharply defined, but I Fie. 7.—Lima-bean pod-borer (Etiella zinckenella): a, Fe- think it aracial form only. Many male moth; }b, antenna of male moth; c, larva, dorsal of our moths that extend into the view; d, lateral view of one abdominal segment. Twice 6 arid country are of a paler gray natural size except b, which is more enlarged. (Original.) : there, to match the desert tints; but I glo not think the character is specific. The costal stripe in some of the specimens is as sharply marked as in eastern ones, and the eastern ones also vary in depth of color. ns DKW rl i) Ht g i a Like the pea moth, this species appears to be an inhabitant of the Eastern Hemisphere and has been introduced, perhaps, from both Europe and Asia. North Carolina is the northernmost locality recorded by Hulst, but it may be present farther north in the Atlan- tic region. Of its habits Milhére* says that it lives in the larval stage on Colutea arborescens. Of the distribution Hulst gives Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado, California, West Indies, South America, a@¥. TreirscHKe. Schmetterlinge von Europa, Vol. IX, p. 201, Leipzig, 1832. b Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., Vol. XVII, p. 170, 1890. ¢ Ann. Soc. Linn. Lyon, Vol. VIII, p. 231, 1861? Not seen. THE LIMA-BEAN POD-BORER. oi Europe, West Africa, Madagascar, and Central Asia. Evidently the species is cosmopolitan but may not occur far northward. Comparison of the moth of this insect with that of the corn stalk- borer (Elasmopalpus) shows considerable superficial resemblance, while the larva is decidedly more like that of the Lima-bean vine- borer (Monoptilota). In the Dyar list the genus Etiella follows three genera after Elasmopalpus. These three species belong to the same family, the Phycitide. The larva.—The larva, when mature, presents the appearance illustrated in figure 7, c, d. It is of robust form, strongly convex above, and somewhat strongly flattened on the lower surface; widest at the first two abdominal segments, from which it tapers very feebly both anteriorly and posteriorly until the anal extremity, which is much narrowed. The general color is rosy, sometimes with a purplish tinge, much darker on the dorsal than on the ventral surface, which is somewhat faintly tinted. Segmentation is strong and the abdom- inal folds are pronounced. The head is more than half as wide as the first thoracic segment, honey-yellow in color, darker about the trophi and along the margins; the hemispheres are well divided above; the inverted V-mark is distinct, the outer lines broken above the middle. The first thoracic segment is paler than the other two, tinged with honey-yellow, and spotted with brown, about as illustrated in figure 7, which also shows the pattern of ornamentation of the dorsal surface generally. The anterior legs are well developed as are also the four pairs of abdominal and the anal prolegs. The arrangement and location of the piliferous tubercles and hairs which they bear are also sufficiently well shown to render further description superfluous, especially as only a single properly preserved specimen is available for the purpose. The length is about 16 mm. Younger larve seen were pale, either whitish or light green. The eggs have not been seen and no pupe are at hand for descrip- tion. ADDITIONAL REMARKS. Opportunity has thus far not offered for study of the habits of the species. Of the larve received, it was noticed that they feed en- tirely within the pod and in some cases were found in a slight web mingled with excrement. They attack the bean along the edge and usually devour the germ, consuming the entire bean if young and tender. They are quite capable of entering other pods by cutting a small hole in the side. Larve were seen crawling around in a package when received, Sep- tember 23, evidently seeking a place for pupation. When placed in 28 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. a rearing jar with sand they burrowed down to the depth of an inch or a little more and surrounded themselves with a slight web. It is noticeable that this species was found only upon Lima beans in its occurrence in California. An ichneumon-fly parasite (Chttn. No.1412°) issued October 19 to October 30, 1908. As a very complete systematic bibliography is published by Doctor Dyar,” and, moreover, as the titles cited have little bearing on the matter in point, bibliographical references will be omitted in the present paper. Admitting that zinckenella and schisticolor are syno- nyms,the Dyar catalogue furnishes no less than fourteen synonyms, the species having been given that number of specific names by differ- ent writers, the list including six by Walker. No opportunity has presented itself for experiments in the reme- dial control of the insect, and unless it should be held in check by natural enemies it is probably destined to be a pest during some seasons, in localities where it has become well established, on Lima beans. ° @ Bul. 52, United States National Museum, p. 428, 1902. .THE YELLOW-NECKED FLEA-BEETLE. (Disonycha mellicollis Say.) By F. H. Currrenpen, Se. D., In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. [With report by H. O. Marsu, Agent and Expert.| INJURIOUS OCCURRENCE. Beginning with January, 1909, the yellow-necked flea-beetle (is- onycha mellicolis Say), which appears to be particularly injurious the present year, began to attract attention in the South, being reported, by agents and others, on truck crops in Texas and Florida. January 26, Mr. D. K. McMillan stated that this species was common at Browns- ville, Tex., on spinach. He found only adults, although several pairs were in copula. He had also found adults resting under portulaca and amaranthus and on lettuce. At that time it had not proved very injurious, but was so much more abundant than in the previous year that it was surmised that the insect might become a pest. The following day we received the same species on beets, collected by Mr. H. M. Russell, at Boynton, Dade County, Fla. In this case both adults and eggs were obtained. The latter were deposited in masses of six, ten, and eleven on the underside of the leaves. January 29 Mr. Roger S. Baldwin, Boynton, Fla., wrote that beets were being attacked by the spinach flea-beetle. The specimens sent in each case proved to be Disonycha mellicollis Say and not Disonycha zanthomelena Dalm. Writing about the yellow-necked flea-beetle, February 12, Mr. Baldwin stated that the adults were taken from table beets grown at Boynton, Fla., on black, wet, mucky soil. He expressed the opin- ion that these might represent a second generation, as all that were seen on the earlier beets were handpicked or treated with arsenate of lead in the form of a spray. The earlier beets were then entirely freed from the insects’ attack. Later, on March 6, Mr. McMillan found adults in considerable numbers on spinach and beets, the leaves of which showed holes made by the insects in feeding. No larve were observed at that time, but the adults were mating and a few eges were found. Tn looking over earlier records the writer finds that in the summer of 1897 he first noticed this flea-beetle in numbers taking short jumps about the common purslane, Portulaca oleracea, at Glen Echo, Md. 29 30 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. Individuals that were kept in a vial with the leaves of this plant fed freely for two weeks, whereupon one deposited egos. A mass of 23 egos was obtained, lnid irregularly, some in rows of three or four with Sane rows overlapping. When first noticed, the eggs were about to hatch and were blood-red—an unusual color for the eggs of Chryso- melide. They differ from those of the closely related D. xanthome- lena, or spinach flea-beetle, chiefly by their sanguineous color, but agree, as far as could be easily seen, in all other important particulars. The larvee, as well as the adults, feed on portulaca. Apparently the larva does not differ to any noticeable extent from that of zantho- melzena save in color and in possessing less prominent tubercles. The general color is rather dull yellowish-red with no apparent striation. The size is also a little smaller. September 20, 1906, Mr. F. W. Roeding sent beetles of this species from Wichita Falls, Tex. , with the report that they occurred in beet fields. No further observations were made on this species until November 5, 1907, when the writer observed it on chickweed (Alsine [Stellaria] media), one of the favorite food plants of zanthomelena. Several other beetles were observed in the same location and these fed upon chickweed when provided with it. In April, 1909, this species was taken under boards placed over chickweed and when confined fed more freely than did the lot found in November, presumably because the latter had begun hibernation. The following year, May 30, Mr. McMillan soeee red the beetles feeding on portulaca at Brownsell Tex., showing, in the writer’s opinion, ae as he had previously sur- mised, that this is a favorite natural food plant. DESCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION. This species was given the specific name which it now bears by Say, in 1835.¢ Later it was redescribed by Le Conte as semicarbon- ata.” Of the eighteen species of this genus, mellicollis differs from all others, except collata Fab., in having entirely yellow femora or thighs. It is smaller than either zanthomelxna or collata. The color varies. In fresh specimens the legs and thorax are reddish, but in older speci- mens they are much paler and the thorax varies from metallic green to dark blue. The species was redescribed by Horn in 1889.¢ This species is as widely distributed as the average Halticine, but it was not until rather recent years generally recognized by collectors as distinct from zanthomelena. It is recorded by Dr. G. H. Horn @ Altica mellicollis, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist., p. 199; Complete Writings (LeConte Ed.), Vol. II, p. 668, 1859. b Haltica semicarbonata, Col. Kans. & E. New Mex., p. 25, 1859. ¢ Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., Vol. XVI, pp. 211-212, 1889. THE YELLOW-NECKED FLEA-BEETLE. ot from Louisiana, Texas, and Colorado. The writer has collected speci- mens from New York City and vicinity, the District of Columbia, Rosslyn, Va., and Glen Echo, Md., and has seen a series from North Carolina. In the streets of New York he observed beetles under stones as early in the season as March 13. It has been recorded from as far inland as Cincinnati, Ohio, but it is apparently a maritime form, as it is not often found inland. It should be remarked that it is, like other flea-beetles, decidedly spas- modie as regards numbers. ECONOMIC STATUS. The economic status of this species is scarcely established. It is not at all unlikely that it may prove in time to be quite as injurious to beets and spinach, locally or seasonally in the Gulf States, as is its injurious congener, the spinach flea-beetle, throughout the North and in the Atlantic region. The latter, there can be no doubt, does much more injury annually than is attributed to it, for reasons which the writer has already expressed. When it attacks very small plants, especially in the larval stage, it may destroy them completely and then attack the roots. The following report on this species gives some details not covered by the preceding pages: REPORT BY H. O. MARSH. The beetles of Disonycha mellicollis were observed during the winter and spring of 1909 to be quite common and injurious at Brownsville, Tex., and vicinity, feeding on beets, spinach, Amaranthus retroflecus, A. spinosus, A. berlandieri, Chenopodium sp., Portulaca retusa, and P. oleracea. Injuries, from an economic standpoint, were confined to beets and spinach. January 26, the beetles were common on spinach and a few specimens were feeding on lettuce. The lettuce was in a row adjoining the infested spinach and it is more than probable that the beetles do not feed on this plant except in rare cases. Following a ‘‘norther” in January a number of beetles were found under dry cow ‘‘chips” where they had gone for protection. Several females had deposited their eggs under these; doubtless because they were unable to retain them until reaching a more suitable place. In most cases these eggs were a considerable distance from any food and the larvee, on hatching, must certainly have starved. During this month eges were found in the soil at the base of amaranth plants, placed in clusters quite close to the surface. March 6, the beetles occurred in considerable numbers on spinach and beets, the leaves of which they had badly riddled; a few were present also on lettuce. Many were mating and eggs were found. No larvee were observed. Females confined March 6 deposited a large number of eggs on March 7, which hatched on the 17th. During April the beetles were fairly common and were scattered on several food plants. Purslane seemed to be the favorite wild plant. April 2, nearly mature larvee were observed in some numbers on the underside of spinach leaves. May 10 the adults occurred in moderate numbers and were feeding in company with Disonycha abbreviata Melsh. on the tender foliage of Amaranthus retroflecus and . 32 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. A. spinosus. :-¢] 8a We i 0 0 cept apenas CO AE ae Aly Es ne een Te ie EE ees 6 SE Vem thy sto Gee Ls a ae eee ee ro ie Lee ae ee 0 MOTTA MUM ECHO TL eA =) COU CS eee ea ae ear re a ee cca 456 INumberxo£ polesacoun ted =a s.5 ls tela ee eee ee ee 74 Average numbervof beetles per polel2=2 2 6.16 In November, 1908, several poles were taken into the hop kilns and heated in order to bring out the beetles that were hibernating therein. Most of the poles contained small numbers of them, but in one badly splintered pole were found 490 beetles. These results led the hop growers to believe that a large majority of the hibernat- ing beetles were in the poles. In investigating this point the writer had four average poles taken into the kilns and heated. Only 19 beetles were found in these 4 poles. These, together with other results obtained from extensive field counts, proved conclusively that the number of beetles which were hibernating in the trellis poles was not dangerously large. Beetles in the vine stubs.—The hollow vine stubs which are left when the vines are cut and burned in the fall are very favorable hibernating places, and as many as 16 beetles have been found in a 82 LIFE HISTORY AND CONTROL OF HOP FLEA-BEETLE. 45 single stub. Many stubs do not contain beetles, however, and the average is very much lower. A few beetles were found in the cracks of the pith of pigweed and in some hollow-stemmed plants, but the most frequented place of this sort is the hollow vine stub. Table IV illustrates the number and condition of the beetles in the stubs: TABLE 1[V.—Number and condition of hop flea-beetles taken from vine stubs. Average | Average = Bale = .» | Number Number | Number A Number | number | number of : ; Per cent | Per cent Date. - of stubs. pe ee teB lof beetles} beetles pi peers eae dead. alive. * | per kiln.| per acre. cae: | Nes 1909. February 1.......- 219 354 | 10. 01 GC MeH EW) |lsecesoncos Pessoacecd| baoosecnan|sscescacse Dowse- Bu 89 216 | 7.32 WADA Vial Bese ssne nasooecera bodes seeee| pooeraacee February 4 320 Ga aoaciscopar seoseeaeas ae 118 | 216 30. 32 64. 68 February 10. 340 265 | 2.31 2, 057. 90 97 243 28.81 70.19 February 20 324 93 | 88 783. 20 37 56 39. 78 60. 22 Does: 330 133 1. 23 1, 094. 70 61 | 72 45. 86 54.14 March 1 457 813 7.08 6, 301. 20 292 | o21 35. 88 64.12 March 8 161 331 | 8. 20 7, 298. 00 106 | 225 32. 02 67.89 March 9 241 327 | 5. 40 4, 806. 00 137 188 42.20 57. 80 March 10 288 397 5. 48 4, 877. 20 108 289 27. 20 72. 80 March 16 : 231 323 | 5. 56 4, 948. 40 114 | 209 35. 29 64.71 1D Oh Ieee eee 155 292 | 7.42 6, 603. 80 118 | 174 40. 41 59. 59 Beetles in string pegs —The cedar pegs which are used in stringing the yards are usually left in the field when the yards are cleaned up in the fall. The soft string which often remains on the peg affords a splendid place for the beetles to spend the winter, and many were observed taking advantage of it. Beetles in grass and weeds—In the grass and weeds of uncultivated yards and along the borders of other yards the beetles were found hibernating in considerable numbers. They were situated just under the surface of the soil, but above the crown of the roots. They prob- ably seek the grass and weeds as a temporary refuge when the cold weather first sets in, and as the winter advances they either crawl down into the soil or it is washed over them by the early rains. Beetles in the bare soil—Many beetles were found around the poles and vines embedded in the bare soil. In one strip of soil 3 inches wide surrounding a trellis pole, 31 beetles were found; many were ob- served in the soil around the base of the vines and a few between the rows. They did not penetrate very far into the firm soil, the majority being found within the first half inch, but where the land was in the form of loose clods at the time that the beetles entered they crawled as far down as the openings went, and the rain, packing the soil over them, housed them 2 and even 3 inches below the surface. Method of finding beetles in the soil—sSince the beetles are very small and dark in color they are very similar to the particles of soil in which they are embedded, and to find them by digging around the roots of the grass is almost impossible. An attempt was made to 82 46 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. screen them out by washing the soil through cheese cloth. This was quite possible, but very slow, and while screening them out the writer observed the beetles floating on the surface of the water. This dis- covery suggested a very simple method of separating them. The soil was placed in a screen-wire box and washed in a pail of water. This broke up all lumps, and the beetles floating to the top were picked up with a pair of forceps. EMERGENCE FROM HIBERNATION. Artificial emergence.—In anticipation of the emergence of the hibernating beetles some experiments were conducted to determine the temperature at which they might be expected to appear and their actions when forced from their natural winter quarters. Beetles taken from frozen string-pegs were placed in lantern chimneys and beginning with 28° F. the temperature was gradually raised and the actions of the beetles noted. At 40° the antenne began to move slightly ; between 40° and 50° the beetles moved about slowly and if disturbed would jump a short distance. Between 55° and 60° the beetles were quite active and crawled around in the lantern chimney. Their activity increased as the temperature was raised until 105° was reached, at which point they gradually became inactive again. Table V illustrates the effect of temperature upon the beetles, begin- ning with that of the room and increasing to 146°. In this experi- ment the beetles were confined in a double tube with an air space be- tween and the temperature was raised gradually. TABLE V.—Emergence and activity of the hop flea-beetle in artificial temperatures. Number |. Room peer Greatest | pirst Hee | Time of Date. of in- |tempera- iced activity laa aie desta Ape experi- sects. ture. nee at— | 3 ; , ment 1909. Sa i oF. | Sune ORE Minutes. WENN esac oepncdoacnsecT on’ 10 56 56 90 82 140 15 Wi ade oleae a socade coaccr soncocr 10 56 56 90-100 90 146 15 Deo Seadeseee ander sonncose 8 56 56 90-100 110 126 10 IDO) ne anoboonooes dease Socene 10 56 56 98-100 114 1388 20 IDs eecnascepadasé coomecedas 10 58 58 90-100 | 95 13 20 NWN IS gs Hoaoeodsoesons seenSe 10 56 56 60-70 78 110 5 ID Sob ocoeuadidaD a concoeada- 10 56 56 80-90 90 148 25 IYO Sas cacdanoobeosoesaste 10 57 Bal Preece ater IN) a See soose Hetoboosee When beetles were thawed out they all became active between 40° and 45° F. When the higher temperatures were reached, however, there was a considerable difference in their susceptibilities to the change as may be seen by referring to Table V. Some of the beetles which were forced from hibernation were placed, on January 27, in a cage containing a young nettle plant. On February 8 several holes 82 LIFE HISTORY AND CONTROL OF HOP FLEA-BEETLE. 47 the size of a pin head were observed in the nettle leaves and these beetles continued to feed until spring. The majority of the beetles were active whenever the cage was in the light and the temperature above 50°. They became inactive only when darkness approached or the temperature fell below 40°. The beetles were not observed to seek hibernating places when artificially emerged, unless conditions were unfavorable to activity. When put in a cool, dark place many of the beetles entered hollow vine stubs and pieces of corrugated paper which were placed in the cage for this purpose. Some, how- ever, were content with the cloth top and the glass sides of the cage for a hibernating place. Natural emergence.—On March 9 four beetles were seen crawling around on the sunny side of a trellis pole. These were the first that were observed emerging in the field. When warm days became more frequent the beetles appeared in numbers and fed upon the young nettles. They were very active and were observed copulating during the warmer part of the day, but when evening came they disappeared from view and did not come out again until the frost was all melted the following morning. Although some beetles emerged during the warmer days of March, the maximum number did not appear until April 15. After this they gradually diminished ‘in numbers and by the 10th of May had nearly all disappeared. DISEASES. FUNGOUS DISEASES. Many of the beetles that were found dead in the hollow vine-stubs were covered with a white mycelium. When these beetles were placed in a moist chamber Penicillium glaucum and the hop-mold Spherotheca castagnei developed. No other fungous growths were observed by the writer, but Dr. C. S. McKee, of Vancouver, British Columbia, in a letter regarding some of his experiments with the hop flea-beetle, mentions a fungous disease in the following words: “ Before they began to die they were distinctly less active, and even before death some of them could be seen to have a fungous or mouldy growth on them, particularly under the wings.” Doctor McKee does not state what this fungus was, and it is quite possible that it was a Penicillium, as was found on the beetles in the field. Although Penicillium is known, under some circumstances, to become parasitic, the probability is that the bee- tles died from some other cause and that the fungus entered as a saprophyte. 82 48 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. BACTERIAL DISEASES. Beetles which were brought into the laboratory between the 10th and 14th of June died off in large numbers. They had a very sour odor about them which was not noticed around beetles which died earlier in the spring. This great mortality, accompanied by the sour odor, indicates the possible existence of a bacterial disease. An endeavor was made to determine this point, but the beetles in the check cages died as rapidly as those which were exposed to infection, and no conclusion could be drawn. PARASITES AND PREDACEOUS ENEMIES. No parasites attacked the beetles during the spring generation, and none has so far been observed on beetles in British Columbia. Although the adults have no known predatory enemies, with the possible exception of some birds, the younger stages, especially the larve, are subject to the attack of several creatures. The larva of one of the Carabide was quite plentiful in the soil, and under laboratory conditions was observed to feed voraciously upon the flea- beetle larvee. Two species of centipedes were also numerous, but only one was observed feeding upon the larve. This species was very common in the hopyards and probably destroyed a large number of beetle larvee. CONTROL MEASURES. The fact that the beetles hibernate in the soil as well as in the poles, vine-stubs, and string-pegs, that the younger stages are all passed beneath the surface of the soil, and that, when they emerge, the adults are not readily killed by arsenicals or by contact insecticides, made the control problem at first appear to be a difficult one. During the spring and summer every feasible method of control was carefully tested, and of the following measures the application of tanglefoot and, under some conditions, the use of the sticky shield have proved to be the key to the flea-beetle problem. THE TARRED BOARD OR STICKY SHIELD. The hibernating beetles, unless in unusually large. numbers, will not require any attention, but the sudden appearance of the first generation just before the vines are trained may require the use of the tarred board or sticky shield. The tarred board which was used during the spring of 1909 was made by stretching a piece of 8-ounce canvas over a light wooden frame, 4 feet long by 3 feet wide. A 4-foot strip attached to the 82 LIFE HISTORY AND CONTROL OF HOP FLEA-BEETLE. 49 middle of the board and braced by an upright to the rear edge forms a handle. The canvas was then coated with tar; hence the name “tarred board.” During the first part of the season a tarred board was placed on each side of a vine and the beetles jarred off with a bunch of grass. This was slow work, and it was found by actual count that 85 per cent of the beetles that were on the vines could be captured by placing a single board on the leeward side of a vine. The beetles are thrown onto it with a single sweep of a large brush (PIL. IV, fig 1). This method reduces the cost of going over the field one-half, and twice the acreage can be relieved in the same length of time. Although effective as a flea-beetle catcher, this tarred board is a heavy and awkward thing to handle. A lght shield which promises to be as efficient as the heavy tarred board is made of light galvanized iron, 3 feet wide and 2 feet high, the top of the iron being tacked around a curved board to hold it in shape. A piece of screen wire is fastened on the inside to prevent the oil from running down, and to make it fit close around the base of the vine a curved notch is cut in the bottom. The shield is operated by means of a hose-covered wire handle which is attached between the center of the iron and the mid- dle of the top board. The handle is held in the left hand, and, steadying the shield with the right, the notch is placed close to the base of the vine. Then, holding the shield at an angle of about 45°, the beetles are brushed onto the screen with a large feather duster (Pl. IV, fig. 2). Brushes.—During the first of the season many sorts of brushes were tried. Leafy birch twigs made a very effective brush, but did not last long; grass was not rigid enough, and broom straw was too stiff. The best green brush was made of young fir or cedar boughs. These form a screen as well as a brush and last all day. Cutting twigs and making brushes, however, becomes expensive, so that a large feather duster proves to be cheapest in the end. TARRED SLEDGES. When the second generation of beetles appeared in 1908, tarred sledges 8 feet long and wide enough to fill the spaces between rows were used to advantage. Eight or 10 of these sledges drawn by horses were run parallel with each other and the beetles jarred down upon them. A lighter sledge. (fig. 13), drawn by a man, was devised in 1909, but since the tanglefoot has proved so effective this sledge is unnecessary. Crude oil or tar—Both crude oil and tar are effective when used on shields or sledges. Tar has more disadvantages, for on cold days it is very thick and on warm days dries rapidly, and in either condi- 82 50 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. tion may not catch the “ fleas.” On the other hand, the oil is always sufficiently liquid and does not dry. Neither substance injures the vine, and, although crude oil is the most satisfactory, the tar does very well. BANDING WITH TANGLEFOOT. It was observed during the season of 1908 and also in 1909 that the beetles did not fly or jump upon the vines, but crawled up the stems. This fact suggested the possibility of keeping them down by means of a sticky band, and a number of experiments were conducted along this line. ic. 15.—Hindoo using tarred hand sledge for capture of hop flea-beetles. (Original.) Fearing that the tanglefoot might injure the tender vines if it was applied directly to them, cotton was first wound around the stems and the tanglefoot smeared over that. The bands were placed 2 feet from the ground, and all near-by leaves removed to prevent the formation of a bridge. Two weeks later the leaves below the bands and all of the leaves of unbanded vines were completely riddled by the beetle, while the leaves which were above the bands were un- touched (fig. 14). Tt was found that the tanglefoot does not injure the epidermal tissues and can be apphed to the most tender vines. This fact has 82 Bul. 82, Part lV. Bureau of Entomology, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. PLATE IV. Fig. 1.—HINDOO USING TARRED BOARD AND EVERGREEN BRUSH TO DESTROY Hop FLEA-BEETLES. (ORIGINAL.) Fic. 2.—METHOD OF USING LIGHT STICKY SHIELD AND FEATHER DUSTER IN COMBATING THE Hop FLEA-BEETLE. (ORIGINAL.) LIFE HISTORY AND CONTROL OF HOP FLEA-BEETLE. al greatly simplified the operation and has made banding much more practical. Since the beetles can not crawl over the bands the vines are per- fectly protected. In case the beetles are numerous when the vines are first trained, the tanglefoot may be applied at that time, or if the beetles are not troublesome during the first generation it may be applied after the vines are stripped so it will be ready for the second brood. In that case, however, the poles must be banded as well as the vines, for the beetles have a habit of climbing the poles and crawl- ing along the wires, where they do much damage to the hop cones. Effect upon the beetles—The tangle- foot bands not only keep the beetles off of the vines but a large number of them are caught in it. In places where the beetles were very thick, hundreds of them became entangled in it and in some instances so many got caught that they formed a bridge over which the others crawled. Beside being killed by coming in contact with the tanglefoot, many are starved to death by being kept away from the hop-leaves. This was espe- cially true in the yards that were kept well cultivated and all suckers cut away. If the weeds are not allowed to grow in the yards and the vines and poles are well banded, most of the beetles will either be caught in the bands or starved to death, the remainder going into win- ter quarters in such poor condition that there will be few beetles the next spring. Fic. 14.—Banded hop vine, show- A pplication.—It Is necessary to get ae Ne the band: (oc the tanglefoot well into the spaces be- tween the two vines, the simplest way to accomplish this being to apply it with the hands. A.; B. E. Bull825 Part Vi. Issued August 31, 1910. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. BIOLOGIC AND ECONOMIC NOTES ON THE YELLOW-BEAR CATERPILLAR. (Diacrisia virginica Fab.) 4 By H. O. Marsu, Agent and Expert. RECENT INJURY. During the late summer and fall of 1909 there was a serious out- break of the common yellow-bear caterpillar (Diacrisia virginica Fab.) in the upper Arkansas Valley of Colorado. Never before in the history of the valley had this species been so destructive, and the outbreak came as a surprise to all concerned. The larve, or caterpillars, of the first generation developed nor- mally on weeds along the fences and irrigation ditches and caused little damage to cultivated crops, but the larvee of the second gener- ation, which began to develop about the middle of August, were so numerous that the weeds were not sufficient to support them and they spread to sugar beets and other crops. The sugar beets, because of the extensive acreage and the large supply of food which their tender foliage offered, were more severely damaged than any other crop. The larve were variously estimated to have infested from 15,000 to 20,000 acres of sugar beets in the upper portion of the Arkansas Valley. Definite records from this vast acreage show that fully 1,006 acres were badly defoliated. The larvee of this second generation developed so late in the season that the injury to which the beets were subjected did not noticeably reduce the tonnage, but all over the worst infested area there was a reduction in sugar content and quality. Owing to the other factors, such as late rains and a disease known as “leaf spot’? (Cercospora beticola Sacc.), which also tended to lower the sugar content, any- thing more definite than an approximate statement concerning the loss of sugar in the beets would be very misleading. However, estimates based on comparative analyses made by the chemists at @ Formerly known as Spilosoma virginica Fab. 60 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. the various sugar factories indicated that there was a loss in sugar content of from 1 to 3 per cent over the badly defoliated area. Over a large part of the infested area the defoliation was not bad enough to cause any very noticeable loss. The author’s first observations in the Arkansas Valley on this species were made on July 23, 1909, at Rocky Ford, Colo., and the following is a summary of his notes at that place and at other points in Colorado and Kansas during the season. All notes, except when other localities are mentioned, were taken at Rocky Ford. Before entering into a discussion of the biology, of the plants injured, of the experiments made, and of other matters, attention is called to the illustration (fig. 18) which shows the female moth, larve, cocoon, and pupa. This needs no further explanation than to state that the moth is of moderate size, its spread of wings Fia. 18.—The yellow-bear caterpillar (Diacrisia virginica): a, Female moth; b, larva; c, pale form of larva; d,cocoon; é, pupa. (From Chittenden.) being from 14 to 1} inches, ornamented with black dots as indicated, and that the larve vary in color, the dark form (6) and white form (¢) being shown. BIOLOGIC NOTES. On July 23 nearly mature larve of the first brood were fairly abundant on lamb’s quarters along the fences and irrigation ditches. In some places it was noticed that they had spread from the weeds to sugar beets and had stripped the foliage from the first three or four rows nearest the fences. On August 3 and 4 full-grown larve were found in moderate numbers on sugar beets and lamb’s quarters at Fort Collins and Greeley in northern Colorado, and on August 10 NOTES ON THE YELLOW-BEAR CATERPILLAR. 61 a large cluster of eggs of this species was taken on a sugar-beet leaf at Rocky Ford, Colo. August 13, at a seed farm east of Rocky Ford, many clusters of eggs, thousands of newly hatched larve, and some larve one-third grown were found on a large patch of rhubarb. A dozen or more moths were also observed on the rhubarb, some of which were depositing eggs. Rhubarb, possibly because it provided so much protection to the moths, was a favorite food plant and great numbers of eggs were deposited on it. The larve, after partially or completely stripping the large leaves, spread to other plants. By August 24 larve, varying in size from quite small to one-half grown, were seen in many beet fields. Infestation was usually con- fined to spots, often only a corner of a field being infested. By September 6 infestation had become general and there was probably not a field of beets in the Rocky Ford district in which larve were not present, at least in small numbers. At this date a large portion of the larvee were over half grown. The worst infesta- tion occurred within a radius of 24 miles from the town. With few exceptions, the beets outside of this area were not seriously infested, and later examinations throughout the infested portions of the valley showed that the worst infestations were close to the towns, although in some cases the infestation extended miles beyond them. September 11 the first cocoon was found, containing a larva which ~ pupated afew days later. By September 14 many larve had matured, left the beets, and were seen hurrying away in search of places for pupation. September 17, several larvee were found dead from a fungous disease. By September 20, although larve were still abundant and as many as 16 individuals were counted on a single beet, many had matured and crawled under heaps of weeds, grass, rubbish, boards, etc., along fences and irrigation ditches, and had formed cocoons. Of 20 cocoons which were examined at this time, 19 contained live larves and 1 a new, soft pupa. Seventeen of these larve pupated within the next three or four days. At this date, September 20, a large acreage of the beets had been badly defoliated. In some fields nothing remained of the foliage except a few young leaves (which the larve usually avoided), the petioles, and some of the larger veins of the older leaves. September 22, in the corner of one beet field, over an area about three-fourths of an acre in extent, many larve were troubled with a iungous disease identified as Botrytis bassiana Bals. About 2 per cent of the larve had died from this cause. It was noted September 25, and later throughout the Rocky Ford district, that the disease had not spread and that diseased larve did not exist or were rare, except in this corner. By September 27 larve were noticeably less abundant and many defoliated beets were putting out new tops. Before the Diacrisia 62 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. infestation became very bad a considerable amount of the older beet foliage had been killed by the “‘leaf-spot”’ disease (Cercospora beticola Sacc.) and the plants had put out a new stock of leaves. The Diacrisia attack, following the “‘leaf-spot”’ injury, made necessary still another crop of leaves before the beets could mature. By October 5 the bulk of the larvee had entered winter quarters. The cocoons were common under weeds and: many contained pup. On October 12 there were still a few belated larvee on the beets. Between October 14 and 24 a trip was made through the beet- growing sections of the Arkansas Valley. At Las Animas, Colo., about 30 miles east of Rocky Ford, the larve had been abundant and destructive. This place appeared to be the’ eastern limit of injury. Examinations and inquiries made at Lamar and Holly, Colo., and at Garden City, Kans., showed that the larve had not occurred in unusual numbers at those places. West and north in the Arkansas Valley the larve occurred in injurious numbers as far as the beets were grown, 1. e., into the country around Pueblo and Sugar City, Colo. As late as October 24 occasional larve still occurred on the beets at Rocky Ford, Colo. At this date 100 cocoons were collected from under boards and weeds and examined. Seventy-four contained live pups, 4 contained dead pupe, in 10 were live larve, and in 12 dead larve. Two of the live larve had the eggs of a tachinid parasite fastened on their backs and one of the dead larve contained a live tachinid larva. The other larve had evidently died either from a fungous disease or from natural causes. Two of the dead pup were deformed and the other two had evidently died from disease. By October 30 the larve had almost completely disappeared from the beet foliage. A remarkable feature of this outbreak is that the larve had so few natural enemies. Birds did not eat them, and with the exception of a few individuals which were killed by parasites and disease they appeared to be unmolested. On November 12 thousands of healthy pupz were in condition to pass the winter safely. If the pupe are not killed by man or by adverse weather conditions, there is every indication that there will be another outbreak of the pest during 1910. LIST OF PLANTS INJURED. During September, when the larve occurred in most noticeable abundance, they were found feeding on the following plants: Sugar beet, stock beet, table beet, rhubarb, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, radish, celery, carrot, parsnip, eggplant, potato, pumpkin, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet potato, corn, lima bean, string bean, asparagus, pea, peanut, alfalfa, hollyhock, morning-glory, canna, NOTES ON THE YELLOW-BEAR CATERPILLAR. 63 hyacinth, dahlia, cherry, gooseberry, blackberry, raspberry, currant, grape, dock (Rumex), Amaranthus, Chenopodium, Helianthus, Solanum rostratum, Verbesina, Ambrosia, Russian thistle (Salsola tragus Auct.), and Spanish needle. EXPERIMENTS WITH ARSENICALS. Opportunity was afforded for testing arsenate of lead and Paris green as means of suppressing the yellow-bear caterpillar on sugar beets and celery. Experiments were made as follows: Experiment No. 1.—Arsenate of lead applied at the rate of 6 pounds in 100 gallons of water. ; Expervment No. 2.—Arsenate of lead at the rate of 8 pounds in 100 gallons of water. Experiment No. 3.—Arsenate of lead at the rate of 10 pounds in 100 gallons of water. Experiment No. 4.—Arsenate of lead, 8 pounds to 100 gallons, applied twice to the same plants, practically equaling 16 pounds of the arsenate to 100 gallons of water. In these experiments 150 gallons of the mixture at the various strengths were applied September 7—9, 1909, to 3 acres of sugar beets with an ordinary barrel sprayer, mounted on a cart and drawn by a mule. The sprayer was fitted with an 8-row attachment and nozzles of the Vermorel type, and the upper surface of the beet foliage was given an even coating of poison. Traces of the poison were visible on the sprayed foliage for nearly a month after application. These four experiments were entirely unsuccessful, as practically no larve were killed either in the field or in cages supplied with poison-coated leaves. In both cases the poisoned foliage was eaten readily. A sample of the arsenate of lead used in the experiments was analyzed by the Bureau of Chemistry and found to be of unusu- ally good quality. Experiment No. 5.—Arsenate of lead (Disparene) at the rate of 8 pounds in 100 gallons of water. September 21, 6 gallons were applied with a small compressed-air sprayer fitted with a nozzle of the Mistry type to 8 rows of celery, each about 90 yards in length. A very thorough and even coat of poison was given the plants, but very few larve were killed. An analysis made of this arsenate of lead by the Bureau of Chemis- try showed that it was of unusually good quality. Experiment No. 6.—Paris green, 5 pounds, and lime, 5 pounds, to each 100 gallons of water. , September 25, 2 gallons of this mixture were applied with a compressed-air sprayer and nozzle of the Mistry type to 2 rows of celery, each about 90 yards in length. Twenty-four hours after the 64 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. treatment 15 per cent of the larvee were dead, and within three or four days few larve remained on the plants. The disappearance of the larva was not entirely due to the Paris green, as the celery was sprayed, at about the same time the poison was applied, with a solu- tion of lye-sulphur for the common red spider (Tetranychus bimacula- tus Harv.). This solution was evidently very distasteful to the larvee and they went over to the unsprayed or check plants. Experiment No. 7.—Paris green, 8 pounds, and lime, 8 pounds, to 100 gallons of water. September 1 about 40 gallons of this mixture were applied to 1 acre of sugar beets with the same equipment used in Experiments Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Some trouble was experienced in keeping this mixture in suspension, but a fairly even coat of poison was made, which remained visible for at least ten days after the treatment. This application was ineffective, for although a few partly grown larve were killed the number was so small that a week later the larvee were as abundant on the sprayed plants as on those unsprayed. Analysis made of a sample of the Paris green used in this experiment showed it to be of good quality. Experiment No. 8.—Paris green, 10 pounds, and lime, 10 pounds, in 100 gallons of water. On September 12, 65 gallons of this mixture were applied with a compressed air sprayer and Mistry type nozzle to 5 rows of celery, each row being 100 yards in length. Although the mixture required frequent agitation to hold the poison in suspen- sion, an even coat of poison was applied. Twenty-four hours after the application 55 per cent of the larve were dead, and three days later but few living individuals could be found on the sprayed plants, while on the check row they were still abundant. This treatment was extremely effective, as practically 100 per cent of the larve were killed. Experiment No. 9.—Paris green, 10 pounds, and lime, 10 pounds, to 100 gallons of water. On September 21, 9 gallons of this mixture were applied to 10 rows of celery, each row being about 90 yards in length. This experiment was a repetition of No. 8, and the results were practically the same. Experiment No. 10.—Paris green, 10 pounds, and 10 pounds of lime to 100 gallons of water. On September 14 about 35 gallons of this mixture were applied to a little over half an acre of sugar beets. An ordinary barrel sprayer mounted on a handcart was used. The sprayer was fitted with an agitator so small that it was impossible to keep the poison in suspension. As a result the bulk of the poison was applied to the first few rows of beets sprayed. Owing to rain of the previous day the soil was so moist in the beet field that the pump could not be taken into it, and the mixture had to be applied through a 50-foot length of heavy garden hose and a nozzle of the Vermorel —S NOTES ON THE YELLOW-BEAR CATERPILLAR. 65 type. The hose could not be handled to advantage, and an extremely poor and unsatisfactory application was made. Where the coat of poison was thick, a good many of the larve were killed, but as the amount of poison diminished the number of dead larve diminished aiso and the experiment was considered a failure from every standpoint. Shortly before any of the above experiments were undertaken, one of the beet growers made tests with Paris green at the rates of 1 pound and 2 pounds in 50 gallons of water against these larve on sugar beets. These tests were not made under the writer’s direction, but from all appearances careful work was done. The poison did not kill a material number of the larvee; and as these strengths were so obviously ineffective, the apparently excessive strengths were used in the experiments which were conducted later. In none of the experiments with arsenate of lead was the foliage, either of sugar beets or celery, burned, but with Paris green, wherever the foliage was partly eaten there was some burning. This, however, was not serious In any case. Leaves remaining entire, even the very - tender ones at the center of the plants, were uninjured. The weather conditions were ideal during the time these experi- ments were made. The results of these spraying experiments are summarized in the following table: Results of experiments with sprays against tie yellow-bear caterpillar (Diacrisiavirginica) on sugar beets and celery. Experi- ment | Date. Insecticide used. Larve killed. Remarks. num- | | ber. | | 1909 | | 11 ee Sept. 7 | Arsenate of lead 6 pounds to | Very few......_._- | Applied to sugar beets with bar- | 100 gallons of water. | ,rel sprayer fitted with 8-row | attachment. Os SU are eee. donee. | Arsenate of lead 8 pounds to |..... GOR s25ebs | Applied to sugar beets with 8-row 100 gallons of water. | sprayer. Seay Le | Sept. 9 | Arsenate of lead 10 pounds |..... Gon sas a2 eee | Do. | | to 100 gallons of water. | | Arg a Sept. 7-8 | Arsenate of lead 16 pounds |..-.. GOee rate sly 8 to 100 mixture applied twice to | to 100 gallons of water. | same plat of sugar beets with | F | 8-row sprayer. eee | Sept. 21) Arsenate of lead 8 pounds to |... .- Gomes gece ees ' Applied with hand sprayer to | | _ 100 gallons of water. |) ‘celery. (eee | Sept. 25) Paris green 5 pounds and | At least 15 per | Applied to celery with hand | lime 5 pounds to 100 gal- cent. | sprayer. The larvee deserted lons of water. | this plat because it was also | sprayed with lye-sulphur solu- | tion for the common red | | spider. eae. Sept. 1 | Paris green 8 pounds and | Very few.......... | Applied with 8-row sprayer to lime 8 pounds to 100 gal- sugar beets. | lons of water. Sitios ey | Sept. 12] Paris green 10 pounds and | Practically 100 per | Applied with hand sprayer- to lime 10 pounds to 100 gal- cent. celery. lons of water. Qe oie Sept. 21) Paris green 10 pounds and |..... Ge eisacctaes Applied with hand sprayer to lime 10 pounds to 100 gal- celery. Repetition of experi- lons of water. ment No. 8 to determine effect on older larvee. LOw sos Sept. 14) Paris green 10 pounds and | Varying number..| Applied to sugar beets. Results lime 10 pounds to 100 gal- inconclusive because of poor lons of water. application with faulty sprayer. 66 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. It will be seen that arsenate of lead, even when apovlied at an excessive strength by hand or machine sprayer, was entirely ineffec- tive against the larve of D. virginica on sugar beets and celery. Paris green, when applied very thoroughly by hand to celery, gave perfect results when used at excessive strengths, but when applied to sugar beets with a machine sprayer (the only practical method with such a crop) it, too, proved ineffective. The failure to kill the larvee was not due to their being nearly mature, as in the earlier experiments they varied in size all the way from one-fourth to three-fourths grown; and as the development: of this species is very irregular there were larve present which were not over half grown when all the experiments were made. Judging from the results of these experiments, the arsenicals can not be depended on to control the larve of D. virginica on sugar beets. It is evident that clean cultural methods offer the best chance of keeping this species under control. The larve are very general feeders, and during the early growing season they evidently prefer weeds, such as lamb’s-quarters, for food. Much benefit would be gained by keeping the ditch banks, and spaces along the fences, free from weeds. On reaching maturity the larve crawl under heaps of dead weeds, tufts of grass, boards, and other rubbish, along the ditches and fences. In such quarters, which, especially in the case of weeds and grass, offer but slight protection, they construct frail cocoons in which the pupe pass the winter. There is no better method of fight- ing this species thah to burn the weeds, erass, ete., under which the pup find protection. This burning, which can be done any time between November 1 and April 1, would not only have the advantage of destroying quantities of weed seeds and Diacrisia pupe, but would also kill the “alkali bugs’ (Monozxia sp.?) which hibernate under the weeds in the same places as the Diacrisia pupe. In the field the larvee were watched for over three weeks, or until a large proportion of them had matured and left the plants to pupate. The arsenate of lead was visible on the beet foliage during all of this time. A few larve were put in a cage supplied with the poison- coated leaves from the sprayed plats immediately after the applica- tion was made. These leaves were almost completely consumed during the following two days and after that unsprayed foliage was given them. Only one small larva out of about 25 died, although they were kept caged and under daily observation for ten days or until the oldest individuals began to prepare to pupate. Personally the writer believes that the failure to kill the larvee was due, in part at least, to the fact that an insufficient amount of spray was used to the acre. Fully 100 gallons to the acre should have been applied. O USS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY—BULLETIN No. 82, Part VI. L. O. HOWARD, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. NOTES ON THE CUCUMBER BEETLES. BY F. H. CHITTENDEN, Sc. D., In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIA- BROTICA IN SOUTHERN TEXAS. BY H. O. MARSH, Agent and Expert. IssurD DrEcEMBER 8, 1910. Bile sos WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1910. BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. L. O. Howarp, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. C. L. Martart, Assistant Entomologist and Acting Chief in Absence of Chief. R.S. Cuirron, Executive Assistant. W. F. Taster, Chief Clerk. F. H. CuirrenpdeEn, in charge of truck crop and stored product insect investigations. A. D. Hopkins, in charge of forest insect investigations. W. D. Hunter, in charge of southern field crop insect investigations. F. M. Wesster, in charge of cereal and forage insect investigations. A. L. QuaInTANCE, in charge of deciduous fruit insect investigations. E. F. Purires, in charge of bee culture. D. M. Roaers, in charge of preventing spread of moths, field work. Roua P. Currig, in charge of editorial work. MaBEL Cotcorp, librarian. Truck Crop AND STCRED PRropuct INSEctT INVESTIGATIONS. F. H. CarrrenpeEn, in charge. H. M. Russetu, C. H. Porrenoz, D. K. McMran, E. G. Suytu, THos. H. Jongs, M. M. Hien, Frep. A. JoHNsToN, agents and experts. I. J. Conprr, Wm. B. Parxer, collaborators in California. H. O. Marsu, collaborator in Hawaii. II CONTENTS. Page. Notes on the cucumber beetles...........-..-..---------.--F. H. Chittenden. . 67 litnitie Cle Tera Vastigee Bek Boe ne San Oe BAe r ae Se ee a eer Scolar aii 67 The saddled cucumber beetle (Diabrotica connexva Lec.)...-.-------------- 68 The painted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica picticornis Horn)......---------- 68 The belted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata Lec.).....---...--------- 69 The western twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica soror Lec.) ----.- 71 The western striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotica trivittata Mann.).......-- 75 Biologic notes on species of Diabrotica in southern Texas... -.-. H.O. Marsh. . 76 IGaiiaaye Kore aios SRS Tage A ee oe Ee ier oreo a ree Ce eae hei Re = ees 76 Observations on Drabrotica picticornis Hom -. 25. .52 22-2. 2.52 det ee ee 76 Obsenvations:onDiabroticabalteaia WeCess--ss5-- = s4s- 224. aos eee 76 ObsenvationgoneMiavrotcoiiitata Pabeeeraa-s— = 4222 vas eevyae eee = oe 82 Observations on Diabrotica duodecimpunctata Oliv.....-....---------++--- 84 LELUSTRATIONS. Page Fia. 19. The saddled cucumber beetle (Diabrotica connexa): Beetle......--.---- 68 20. The painted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica picticornis): Beetle - .-.-..-- 69 21. The belted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata): Eggs, larva, pupa, iorSerd ene Coley OS PE ey ew eNO co tee se ech eee Si 2 70 22. The western twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica soror): Female CCrI Ghee eee ee EO Ae ads SU eT Los awe Ee 73 23. The western twelve-spotted cucumber beetle: Eggs............------ 74 Wa SeeDeeAl Be eas Ula e2. anti Vale Issued December 8, 1910. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. NOTES ON THE CUCUMBER BEETLES. By F. H. Cuirrenpen, In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. INTRODUCTORY. Among insects injurious to useful crops are many species of Dia- brotica, most of which for convenience we may term cucumber beetles, the term including such species as feed upon cucurbits and similar plants. The commonest and best known examples are the striped cucumber beetle? (Diabrotica vittata Fab.), the twelve-spotted cucumber beetle or southern corn root-worm (D. duodecimpunctata Oliv.), and a western species related to the last, known as Diabrotica soror Lec. All of these are of the highest economic importance. The first mentioned is one of the most injurious species affecting truck crops; the second is very troublesome in the Southern States, while the last is about equally injurious in the Pacific region. In addition to these we now know of several other species which habitually or occasionally affect truck crops. In all there are a full score of species of this genus and two subspecies. A few of these are more often found on corn and grasses, hence will not be considered in this article. The notes which follow are supplemented by a more detailed article, by Mr. H. O. Marsh, on the same and other species. The species which the writer will consider have never been treated at any length in a departmental publication, and the illustrations are here presented for the first time. aThe economic treatment of the first two species mentioned, the striped and the twelve-spotted cucumber beetles, is given in Circulars Nos. 31 and 59, respectively. In the latter, the western corn root-worm, which is more of a field-crop insect, is also treated. These publications may be obtained free of charge on application to the Secretary of Agriculture. 67 68 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. THE SADDLED CUCUMBER BEETLE. (Diabrotica connexa Lec.) What appears to be the first report of attack by the saddled cucum- ber beetle (Diabrotica connexa Lec.) was that made by Mr.C.S.Spooner, April 10, 1907, while engaged in truck crop insect investigations in this Bureau. It was found attacking cucurbitaceous plants at Jorpus Christi, Tex. Mr. E. A. Schwarz, of this Bureau, however, states that he had met with it commonly in western Texas in earlier years, attacking cucurbits. This species (fig. 19) belongs to the same series as Diabrotica balteata Lec., but to a group in which the antenne have the third joint fully as long as the fourth and twice as long as the second. The elytra or wing- covers are dark ochraceous yellow with a purplish-brown transverse band at the base, another just for- ward of the middle, and with four roundish spots of the same color rep- resenting a third band. The first two bands are usually united on their outer edges, inclosing a more or less heart-shaped area of ochraceous yel- low color. The head is colored about like the bands and spots on the elytra. _ This insect is a little larger than D. Fig. 19.—The saddled cucumber beetle (Dia- brotica connera): Beetle, about 5 times natural balteata and measures nearly three- size. (Original.) tenths of an inch (7 mm.) in length. It is recorded by Horn,? who describes the adult in detail, from “Texas and Mexico.”” Jacoby ® figures the species and mentions Tuxtla in Mexico. THE PAINTED CUCUMBER BEETLE. ‘\ (Diabrotica picticornis Horn.) October 13, 1905, Mr. F. C. Pratt observed the painted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica picticornis Horn) at San Antonio, Tex., in great numbers in the blossoms of okra and on beets, associated with D. balteata. The species was received December 12, 1906, from Mr. F. B. Headley, from San Antonio, Tex., with the report that it was eating vetch and horse beans. It was associated with D. balteata and D. 12-punctata. Mr. C. S. Spooner observed the same species on squash and on cotton at San Antonio, Tex., in June, 1907. aTrans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XX, p. 91, 1893. b Biol. Centr.-Amer., Coleop., Phytophaga, Vol. VI, Pt. I, 1887, fig. 20, Pl. XXXII. NOTES ON THE CUCUMBER BEETLES. 69 Following is a description of the egg: The egq. —Opaque buff, the surface slightly or apparently pulv aed, finely sculp- tured, and ringed in many deep hexagonal pits as in other species of Diabrotica. The outline, however, is extremely irregular, and the size is similarly variable. Average length, 0.7 mm.; width, 0.5 mm. The eggs were obtained in large numbers, deposited singly and distributed over the lower surface of cucumber leaves. The eggs under observation were deposited June 24 to July 3 This species (fig. 20) belongs to the same series as D. balteata but to a group in which the antenne have the second and third joints small, together rarely longer than the fourth. The elytra or wing- covers are ornamented about as in D. connexa, but with the four round- ish posterior spots forming a cres- cent. The head and metathorax are black, as are the bands and spots on the elytra. The thorax varies from dark yellow to bright red. The beetle measures less than three- tenths of an inch (6.5 mm.) in length. . 3 : Fic. 20.—The painted cucumber beetle (Dia- The distribution recorded extends brotica picticornis): Beetle, about 6 times only trom’ Texas: to’ Mexico. Horn *.. 22turelsize.. \(Original.) (loc. cit.) wrote of the distribution, ‘‘Occurs in Texas, locality unknown.” THE BELTED CUCUMBER BEETLE. (Diabrotica balteata Lec.) What is probably the first record of injurious attack by the belted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata Lec.), or, indeed, the first record of any food plant for it, was made in 1904 in an editorial note in Bulletin 44 of this Bureau (p. 84). Specimens of the beetle were received from Mr. A. L. Herrera, December 3, 1902, with the report that the species was injurious to wheat at Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico. The first report of injury in this country was made by Mr. F. C. Pratt, of this Bureau, October 5-7, 1905, while at Brownsville, Tex. Mr. Pratt observed the adults of this leaf-beetle in great numbers on beans, corn, and okra, especially in the blossoms, and on cucum- bers. In this locality it practically displaced the two usually more common cucumber beetles, D. 12-punctata Oliv. and D. vittata Fab. In its work on beans it resembles the bean leaf-beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata Forst.). The same species was observed under the same 70 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. conditions at San Antonio, Tex., October 13, and at New Braunfels, Tex., October 27. December 12, 1906, this species was received at the Bureau of Entomology from Mr. F. B. Headley, San Antonio, Tex., with the report that it was injuring vetches and horse beans. It was asso- clated with Diabrotica 12-punctata and D. picticornis. June 15, 1907, Mr. C. S. Spooner, while working under the writer’s direction at San Antonio, Tex., found numerous beetles of this species on squash, where it was associated with D. picticornis. It was also noticed on cotton. During 1908, Mr. D. K. McMillan, of this Bureau, observed this beetle during March on eggplant at Olmito, Tex., eating melon Fig. 21.—The belted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata): a, Pupa; b, anal seg- ment of same; c, beetle; d, eggs; e, much enlarged surface of same; /, anal segment of larva; g, larva, dorsal view. c, g, About 6 times natural size; a, d, a little more enlarged; 0, e, still more enlarged. (Original.) leaves at Brownsville, Tex., in May, and on beans and eggplant at Harlingen, Tex., in November, attacking the blooms. The egg of this species may be described as follows: The egg.—Pale yellowish buff, with the surface moderately shining, and with the usual hexagonal pits well defined but comparatively shallow. Form somewhat regu- lar oval, corresponding rather closely to that of Diabrotica vittata. Length, 0.61 mm.; width, 0.35 mm. The eggs were first obtained, July 1, in three masses deposited, in confinement, on the lower surface of cucumber leaves, the individual eggs being so closely applied to each other that they could hardly be separated without breaking them. During 1910 Mr. M. M. High found this beetle attacking lettuce, cabbage, and onions at Brownsville, Tex. February 22 it was NOTES ON THE CUCUMBER BEETLES. el observed feeding on onions on the farm of a Mr. Bass at Lyford, Tex. In some instances the adult was observed some distance toward the apex and on the inside of the leaf. A hole was made in the middle portion of the leaf just large enough for the insect to enter. In this way it conceals itself and feeds quietly from the inner side of the onion leaf. This species, with the others here considered, belongs to what Horn has classified as Series A of the genus. Thus classified they are related to the common twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (D. 12- punctata Oliv.). The characters by which they are separated from Series B and C, which also include injurious forms, are as follows: The elytra or wing-covers are irregularly, not closely punctate; the surface is without impressed striz or sulci (channels); the tibize or shanks have a distinct carina or ridge extending the entire length of the outer edge. In this series balteata falls into a second group in which the second and third joints of the antennz are small, together rarely longer than the fourth, usually shorter. The beetle, illustrated by figure 21, c, is greenish yellow in well- preserved specimens, with red head, black metathorax, and elytra ornamented with three transverse green bands. Sometimes these bands have a bluish tint and frequently also are almost entirely lacking, the species showing great variation in this regard. The length is from one-fifth to one-fourth of an inch (5-6 mm.). The distribution accorded by Horn is from Texas southward through Mexico to Colombia, South America, but that it can occa- sionally extend its range or is accidentally carried to other regions is proved by a specimen which the writer saw when it was collected at Rosslyn, Va. THE WESTERN TWELVE-SPOTTED CUCUMBER BEETLE. (Diabrotica soror Lec.) RECENT INJURY. The records of the Bureau of Entomology show considerable injury by the western twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica soror Lec.) in recent years, especially in 1907 and 1908. December 11, 1906, Mr. Frederick Maskew wrote that of the insects collected from the foliage of growing beets in and near Oxnard, Cal., this species was the most plentiful. It could be seen in myriads, copu- lating freely at that time. Injury sometimes attributed to wire- worms was, he believed—judging from the description of the damage, its suddenness, and its short duration—probably the work of the larva of this species. During 1907 complaint was received, March 3, from Mr. O. W. R. Treadway, Lodi, Cal., of injuries to melon, cucumber, squash, beans, 59643°—Bull. 82, pt 6—10——2 72 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. and corn; August 4, of injury to cucumber and melon, reported by Mr. S. Halverson, Gonzales, Cal.; August 7, of injury to cabbage, beans, and peas at Fort Ross, Cal., by Mr. J. B. Williams; August 11, by Prof. E. S. G. Titus of serious injury to melons at Imperial Junc- tion, Cal., for that and the previous year. September 2, 1907, Mr. Willams again reported injury to vegetables at Fort Ross, Cal., cabbage being badly affected. Of this species, Mr. I. J. Condit, of San Luis Obispo, Cal., wrote, on September 6, 1907, that it was the worst pest in that vicinity, swarm- ing over everything and evidently having no choice as to its food. Gardeners there stated that they could not grow zinnas, daisies, and some other plants, as the flowers were so badly eaten that they were worthless. The blossoms were sprayed, which protected them, but the new buds opening the following day were attacked just as severely. In 1908, Mr. H. O. Marsh, while carrying on investigations for the Bureau of Entomology at Tustin and Garden Grove, Cal., reported, September 24, injury by the larve to peanuts. At that time larve, pup, and newly formed adults were common in soil about growing peanuts, some of the larvee being in the nuts which had been very badly injured by this species and a species of Blapstinus. Similar injury was noted by Mr. C. E. Ott at Garden Grove, Cal., who reported that the beetles caused him considerable trouble by nearly ruining a young orange grove earlier in the season. March 16 of the same year, Mr. G. E. Beusel, Oxnard, Cal., sent specimens of this beetle, stating that it was attacking beet leaves. In one field the beetles had destroyed a very good stand of 30 acres of beets in a few days. Our correspondent took it for Diabrotica 12- punctata, whose larva he knew developed at the roots of grasses and corn. He also stated that he did not think that there was a practical remedy to check the work of the beetles of this insect on young beets. April 16, Mr. Thomas J. Simpson, Noyo, Cal., wrote in regard to this insect and its work in gardens in that vicmity. In summer they were so thick that they ate leaves from beans, potatoes, corn, and other plants. A remedy was desired that would not poison the vege- tables. Writing of this species April 24, Mr. Edward M. Ehrhorn, San Francisco, Cal., stated that in some seasons this beetle was quite a pest in orchards, especially on young trees, and that at times it also caused much damage to seed farms. The parasitic fly, Celatoria diabrotice Shimer, in certain seasons keeps the beetle in check, appearing at these times in great numbers, probably on account of weather conditions. As to remedies, he thought that an arsenical dusted on the plants would be preferable to an arsenical spray in treating this species in beet fields. NOTES ON THE CUCUMBER BEETLES. ri Mr. Marsh wrote further of this species and its occurrence at Tustin, Cal., that the peanuts were growing in sandy soil, and injury was every- where apparent, but that larve and pupzx occurred September 28 only in spots in the heavier sandy soil. Here there were from one to twenty. Usually, however, there were from three to five to almost every plant, located from 2 to 3 inches below the surface. Most of the larve had matured. The pupz were found in very fragile cells, and many of these were maturing, and there were many adults on the foliage and many soft, newly formed ones in the soil. The fact that the heavy soil is more moist and cooler than the lighter sand probably accounts for the later maturing of the beetles in such loca- tions. Up to December 17, the species, according to Mr. Marsh, had not gone into hibernation, the adults being still moderately common on spinach, lettuce, mustard, and other plants. They were flying or crawling about quite actively during the warm part of the day, and appeared to prefer spinach as a food plant. DESCRIPTIVE. The beetle of this species (fig. 22) differs from the common twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica 12-punctata) by havy- ing the entire lower surface black. In a good series of specimens at hand it is noticeable that even in preserved speci- : D : Fig. 22.The western twelve-spotted mens the species under discussion preserves ~ qicumber beetle (Diabrotica soror): more ofthe natural green color than does Female beetle, about 6 times natural the eastern species. The twelve spots are ““ (Omsinal) located and arranged about the same in the two species, but in D. soror there is a strong tendency to the union of at least one pair of spots on each elytron or wing cover. The pair of middle spots are most often confluent or united, and occasionally both the middle and the posterior spots unite. This is rare in the eastern species. In the latter, the lower surface, including a portion of the femora, is yellow. There is no great difference in size, but the eastern species will average a little larger. The antenne are almost piceous, the basal three joints are slightly paler, and the thorax is less transverse. The length is about 6 millimeters. This species occurs from Oregon, where it is common, southward through California to Arizona, and perhaps extends into Mexico. The immature stages of this species have been described by Mr. R. W. Doane. 2 Journ. N. Y. Ent. Soc., Vol. V, pp. 15-17, 1897. 74 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. As nearly as can be made out without having fresh specimens of this species and the eastern form for comparison, there is only slight difference in the preparatory stages. HABITS AND LIFE HISTORY. According to the author quoted, this species is especially injurious to the interests of florists, the beetles eating unsightly holes in buds and petals of roses, chrysanthemums, and other ornamental flowers, feeding also on the leaves, there being an almost unrestricted range of food plants. Orchardists often suffer serious losses from the ravages of the beetles, which eat into young forming fruit and buds. In Doane’s experience, eggs (see fig. 23) were deposited from one- fourth to one-half an inch below the surface of the ground, near the base of the food plant, sometimes singly, but usually in numbers of between from twenty to fifty. Eggs in confinement hatched in about eight- een days (temperature not stated). Larve of various sizes were taken about the roots of different plants in March, April, and May, these obser- vations being presumably made at Palo Alto, Cal. It was noticeable e mm | that the larve did not bore into the 7 : nzs<2e" roots, as do our eastern species, but Fic. 23.—The western twelve-spotted cucum- ate the roots from the outside, some- tere a bsnl es mS times cutting young rootlets entirely greatly enlarged; c, d, highly magnified. in two. They were found im abun- pee ee ee dance feeding on the roots of sweet pea and alfalfa and sparingly on other plants. When the larva becomes full grown it approaches the surface of the ground and forms an oval or spherical cell, in which it remains ten or twelve days before transforming to the pupa. The pupal period lasted under observation from ten to fourteen days. Pupz were first noticed early in April. The periods will vary with temperature, and there are indications of a second generation in southern California. OTHER RECORDS OF INJURY. In 1880 mention was made of injury by this species to the fruit of apricot inCalifornia.* Injury to garden plants was also noted. Men- tion was made of great destruction to fruits and vegetables in 1890 in California.° The following year Mr. Koebele reported injury to young corn by the larve at Alameda, Cal., often three to five larvee being observed cutting off the roots of a single plant.* A series of 4 Comstock: Ann. Rep. Comm. Agr. for 1879 (1880), p. 246. 6 Koebele: Bul. 22, O. S., Div. Ent., U. S. Dept. Agr., p. 87, 1890. ¢ Insect Life, Vol. III, p. 468, 1891. NOTES ON THE CUCUMBER BEETLES. 75 articles was published on this species from 1901 to 1902 by Mr. E. J. Wickson.* There are also in the Bureau unpublished accounts of injury to orange trees, the leaves of which are skeletonized. Two natural enemies of this species have been observed; one, the tachina fly, Celatoria diabrotice Shim., also described as Celatoria crawit by Mr. Coquillett in 1890.’ The other is a spider, also observed by Mr. Coquillett, and known as Xysticus gulosus Keys.° THE WESTERN STRIPED CUCUMBER BEETLE. (Diabrotica trivittata Mann.) The western striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotica trivittata Mann.), which is very closely related to the eastern striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotica vittata Fab.), is common throughout the State of Cali- fornia and extends into Oregon, where it practically replaces the eastern form, although, according to records, it is not nearly so injurious. We have indeed few records of injurious occurrences. Since 1898, however, when the writer recorded injuries by this species to cucurbits, there have been scattered reports of injuries to this class of plants, all of which it attacks. It attracts much more atten- tion when it occurs on fruit trees, and has been accused of considerable injury toripening peaches and apricots. Like the eastern form, also, it isfound associated with aclosely related species, inthis case the western twelve-spotted cucumber beetle just considered. From the striped cucumber beetle of the East it may be separated chiefly by its darker colors. The antenne are entirely piceous, the thorax bears two coalescing fovezx, and the legs, with the exception of the bases of the femora, are entirely black. In 1903 we received report of injury by this species to various plants in the neighborhood of Dehesa, Cal., and in July, 1905, to beans, cucumber, squash, and the silk of corn in the vicinity of Salem, Oreg. In this latter locality it was associated with the common Diabrotica soror Lec. August 11,1907, Prof. E. 8. G. Titus stated that melons had been seriously injured for two years past in the vicimity of Imperial Junction, Cal. During that year and in succeeding years this species was found, by various agents, collaborators, and special correspondents who visited the sugar-beet region of the Pacific States, in sugar-beet fields, where, however, it was doing no serious injury. @ Pacific Rural Press, June 30, 1900, et seq. 6 Coquillett: Insect Life, Vol. II, p. 233, 1890. ¢Loc. cit., p. 74, 1890. BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA IN SOUTHERN TEXAS. By H. O. Marss, Agent and Expert. INTRODUCTION. | During the first half of the year 1909, while engaged in an investi- gation of insects injurious to truck crops, an opportunity was pre- sented to make a study of the species of leaf-beetles of the genus Diabrotica occurring at Brownsville, Tex., and vicinity. In the present paper the species considered are Diabrotica balteata, D. picticornis, D. vittata, and D. 12-punctata. The first two species are rather more abundant in Texas than elsewhere in the United States, this being especially true of the second. The other species have a more general distribution. I am under obligations to Mr. D. K. McMillan for the descriptions of the early stages of D. balteata and to the late Dr. C. F. Wheeler, of the Bureau of Plant Industry, for identification of the food plants mentioned in the text. OBSERVATIONS ON DIABROTICA PICTICORNIS Horn. The painted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica picticornis Horn) was extremely rare in southern Texas during the season of 1909, and only occasional specimens were observed, although during May and June, 1908, Mr. McMillan noted them in abundance at Brownsville, Tex., eating the blossoms and foliage of cucurbits, especially that of Hub- bard squash. During 1909 the first specimen, a female, was taken March 1 on a Verbesina blossom. March 15 a female was taken feeding on cucum- ber foliage and continued in captivity until May 22, but she deposited no eggs. April 15, a half dozen individuals were observed on cym- lings. The females appeared to be well filled with eggs. Of two which were placed in confinement at that date, one was still living June 14, but neither deposited eggs. OBSERVATIONS ON DIABROTICA BALTEATA Lec. The belted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata Lec.) is active dur- ing the entire year in southern Texas, and is by far the most injurious and common Diabrotica in the lower Rio Grande valley. It is almost omnivorous and injuries caused by it are thus widely distributed and 76 BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA. vig less noticeable than they would be if the species were a more dainty feeder. The truck growers in the valley view this species as an unavoidable evil and make little effort to combat it. They have no distinctive name for it, and it is not unusual to hear it mentioned as ‘“‘spotted green-bug,” ‘‘tomato bug,” ‘“‘pumpkin bug,” or ‘‘ladybug.”’ FOOD PLANTS. This beetle is primarily a truck crop pest and has been observed actually feeding on string beans, lima beans, English broad beans, tomatoes, potatoes, ceanlant, pepper, turnip, peas, peanuts, squash, cantaloupe, cucumber, watermelon, pumpkin, okra, spinach, beets, lettuce, asparagus, and sweet corn. Among field crops attacked are corn, sorghum, alfalfa, cotton, cowpea, soy bean, and vetch, and Desmodium tortuosum. There is one recorded instance of its injuring tender fig and orange leaves and it was found feeding on the foliage of Sesbania aculeata and Cajanus indicus and on the blossoms of Dolichos atropurpureus. A favorite wild food plant is Verbesina encelioides. The beetles gather in great numbers on exposed tubers of Ibervillea lindhewmert and more rarely feed on Amaranthus retro- flecus and A. spinosus. They also feed on the blossoms and foliage of Solanum elzagnifolium and Helianthus. CHARACTER OF INJURY. Among the truck crops mentioned beans of several varieties are often seriously injured, many blossoms being destroyed, and some- times young and tender plants are entirely killed. With eggplant, tomatoes, and cucurbits, not only are the foliage and blossoms attacked, but the unopened blossom buds are eaten into and thus many incipient fruits are destroyed. Injury is particularly severe with eggplant, where many blossoms are ruined. The silk and unripe kernels, as well as foliage, of corn are eaten and the young corn plants are often badly riddled. The larvee were found feeding on corn, sorghum, and string beans. In the case of corn and sorghum they feed on the larger roots and bore into the crown, while with beans they scrape the main stalk below the surface of the soil. Injury by the larve did not seem serious with any plants on which they were found. RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE. During the middle of January, 1909, a freeze occurred in the lower Rio Grande valley which killed practically all tender vegetation, except in sheltered spots. On January 25 a good-sized patch of Verbesina encelioides that had escaped freezing was thickly infested with the adults, which were feeding eagerly. About twenty nearly mature larve were found February 5 feeding at the roots of sorghum at Harlingen, Tex. These were placed in _ 78 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. a rearing jar and one made its cell February 11, pupated on February 16, and the adult developed February 27. Adults continued to issue until March 5. The beetles were abundant at Brownsville, Tex., February 6, on string beans which they nearly defoliated. February 11, a half- grown larva was found feeding at the base of a string bean plant. Adults were observed feeding on tender fig leaves at Santa Maria, Tex., February 24. March 5 about twenty eggs were found at the base of string bean plants. The female beetles had evidently gone down in cracks in the earth as far as possible and oviposited in the loose soil from 1 inch to 24 inches below the surface and from 4 inch to 2 inches from the plant. The eggs were placed singly as a rule, but a few were in clusters of from two to five. No larve were observed at this date. The beetles were fairly common and some pairs were mating. Eggs were found about young sweet corn March 15, placed in the loose soil at the base of the plants, singly and in clusters of four or five. Twenty eggs were found about one small plant. The beetles were reported seriously injuring young pepper and okra at Mercedes, Tex., April 15. They were numerous on lima beans a week later, attacking chiefly the large first leaves and cutting large holes in them. It appears that they return repeatedly to the same leaf and eat a large area at one place. April 26 a nearly mature larva was found feeding on the roots of sweet corn. During May the beetles were present in moderate numbers. On the 10th some were observed feeding on buds of tomato and on squash foliage. Females, with abdomens distended with eggs, were present, and one or two of these which were placed in confinement deposited eggs on the 12th. May 27 the adults were fairly common on alfalfa, cotton, tomatoes, and English broad beans. NOTES ON LIFE HISTORY. Beginning with March 1 an effort was made to work out the life history of this species. The record for a generation at this time follows: Life-history record of a single adult female of Diabrotica balteata confined March 1, 1909. Marchal: sees eee ene Female confined in rearing jar. March ‘3.2. Sei eae 37 eggs deposited. Marchol2. 25105. Se eee 37 eggs hatched. FATT 3.22 So oseen Se ee First larvee made cells. J3\\ 0) 3 PY aera ere eae First larvee pupated. 23\ 70) Ea I SS are RE cig First adults developed. JA Soy art N74 0) 2 ae ea First adults issued from cells. POR pole se esol te Yee Last of adults issued, of which 24 developed. BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA. 79 , From the above record the stages are as follows: Days. LE ge eee et ok Ue ete lec oe ateate we Bh cserahc aie ee miata aie» wig 9 ILEVAVEH! SURO. pen Gacoada dad ave See oe Rene Boece! Rew eE ee TSS Saree 26 Peer ER IE MEOOn eels Aen REE ators ahem 2. ex caiaya"o cab a's Soe Soe eltaetee esc 11 TNO IEE aSe oe ais tec GOSS gee SO IOI Ce eae Et eee es i eae 46 The mature larve remained quiescent in the cells for 6 days before pupating, and the beetles were in the cells from 2 to 3 days before issuing. The adults begin to feed as soon as they leave the cells, although they are still soft and light colored for from 3 to 5 days. No pup were found in nature, but in the rearing jars the larve, when mature, burrowed into the soil from 4 inch to 2 or 3 inches and formed cells by wriggling about. The larve and pupexe were very tender and were easily killed if handled at all roughly or if the soil in the cages became dry. A moderately moist condition appeared to be most favorable. Three females, which were placed in confinement during the first days of March, deposited respectively during one day as follows; 23, 45, and 48 eggs. The incubation period of these eges varied from 9 to 11 days. One of these lots was carried through with the following results: Days EE SUGGS ee oe ee ee aa oe ee 9 ILA GEM SIERO Se es oa gn Aes te ea as eran a 25 TPA opr hae AE Sie ae A a eS Ree ogc eee a 11 ARG tall eee te ere cartes Me Oe enya Seren (ee ce ee eee ae 45 On April 21, 8 adults which issued in the rearing jars between April 18 and April 21 were put together into one cage, with foliage of Verbesina, to breed. Record of 8 adults of Diabrotica balteata which had issued in rearing jars April 18 to 21, 1909, and confined, April 21, in one cage with foliage of Verbesina, to breed. ‘ Eggs de- . 1909. Mated. peated Died. | Escaped. | _ — April 24.... 0 0 igs ESE ee April 28.... 0 0 1 1 April 30.... 2 0 (ays eee aes May 14.... 0 0 1 ee nee May 18.... 0 0 7 a ee iene Total .. 2 0 5 1 a Taken out; see table following. None of the beetles deposited any eggs, nor were they observed mating. 80 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. The record for the pair which mated April 30 is as follows: Record of egg deposition of a single female of Diabrotica balteata, which mated April 30, 1909.4 Number 1909. of eggs. Mayi8ie.2.-- 39 May 19....... 6 May 2162 35-5 23 May 24....... 14 May 26... 2-2. 16 Total..... 98 @ May 31, male died; June 2, female died. This gives a total of 98 eggs from one female. The life of the male was 43 days and that of the female 45 days. The record for the 39 eggs deposited May 8 is as follows: Detailed record for the 39 eggs of Diabrotica balteata deposited May 8, 1909. Maes vactet a ae eee ae 39 eges deposited. 1 Ch pal ba a Bee Sania ag gr 2 39 eggs hatched. JE 5 5) ed eps abba 5 ae WR pee gE First larvee made cells. May Dies alice son eee ie First larvee pupated. iuime IR ee ere eaten SAS REN Se eas he First adults developed. SURG AEE ae eyes arte ene ee op ee First adults issued from cells. BINS G "Aeros re chiar es cates We crore All adults had issued. The stages were: Days. Mee stages. ois. Sickie Los eet tle otle aknom cae oe. ct 5 harvall Stag ease at se cla aie. bel yee Mamet uae ete Pc ee 14 Bupalistage cu. sot hecs eae Ae te ge Ae ae ae eee oe 5 Potal. cent. ya ese ee eee ae toy 24 The larvee of this species were confined in large jelly glasses and in large vials and fed with sections of sorghum cane. Of the three species reared (Diabrotica balteata, D. vittata, and D. 12-punetata), INabrotica balteata was by far the most hardy, and this probably accounts for its abundance as compared with LD. vittata and D. 12-punctata. Records showed that one lot matured March 1, a second April 18, and a third June 1. Mr. McMillan found the beetles in greatest abundance during November and December. Judging from this and from the rearing records, there may be at least six generations, and probably one or two more each year. Occasional mutilated beetles were found lying on cucurbit and other leaves and had evidently been killed by some predaceous insects. Many specimens dissected during May showed no internal parasites. The temperatures at Brownsville during January, February, and March ranged from a minimum of 29° F. to a maximum of 95.1° F. BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA. 81 The extreme minimum of 29 degrees occurred only on one or two days during ‘‘northers,”’ and excepting those few days the minimum did not get below 40 degrees. During April and May the range was from a minimum of 46° F. to a maximum of 95.5° F. The average temperature during these five months was as follows: Average temperatures at Brownsville, Tex., from January to May, 1909. Average | Average 1909. maxi- mini- mum. mum. 2 RS oe January...... 75.3 Dba February .... 15.7 55.0 Marchtesoee sc 81.7 60. 0 Arilsee 7 oer 82.5 65.2 May.- =<. 85. 0 70.5 The following description of the earlier stages was prepared by Mr. McMillan from living material: DESCRIPTION. Egg.—Pale yellow, oval and regularly elliptical, very finely sculptured, about 0.6 mm. long by 0.33 mm. wide. Newly hatched larva.—Pale yellow, head light brownish, anal segment light gray. Slender, with head and thoracic segments broader than rest of body, except anal segment, which is covered by a shield flattened and rounded at posterior margin. Body sparsely covered with short, colorless hairs which in length are about one-half diameter of body. Length, 2.25 mm.; width, 0.25 mm. Mature larva.—Light yellow, head and anal plate light brownish. Body slender, dorsal and ventral surfaces smooth, longitudinal wrinkles provided with scattered hairs on lateral surfaces. A few short hairs on head and analsegment. Head slightly longer than wide, flattened. Length, when extended, 12 mm.; width, 1.25 mm. Pupa.—Light yellow, concolorous. Body rather long, oval in general outline, abdomen tapering slightly. A few scattered hairs on head and abdomen. A pair of stout spines on dorsal surface of anal segment and a pair of fleshy tubercles on ventral surface of same. Length, 5 mm.; width, 2.5mm. [D. K. McMillan]. EXPERIMENTS WITH REMEDIES. Arsenate of lead appears to be an excellent remedy for this pest, as is shown by the following records: During November, 1908, Mr. McMillan sprayed one-tenth of an acre of tomatoes, which were being damaged by this Diabrotica, with arsenate of lead at the rate of 6 pounds to 100 gallons of water, and with pyrox, a commercial brand of combined arsenate of lead and Bordeaux mixture, at the rate of 8 pounds to 100 gallons. The results from both insecticides were very good, no differences being noted between them. February 8, 1909, a patch, about one-twentieth of an acre in extent, of tender-leaved string beans was being rapidly defoliated by this species at Brownsville, Tex. With the exception of two 82 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. check rows, the entire patch was sprayed by the writer with arse- nate of lead at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water. This rather excessive strength of arsenate was used in order to determine its effect on the foliage, which was very tender. At the time of spraying the beetles were in great abundance, from one to six indi- viduals being present on every plant. The results of this treatment were checked up February 11. At that date the sprayed plants were almost entirely free from beetles, only an occasional specimen being seen on the under side of the leaves. The defoliation of the plant was almost completely checked, and there was no burning from the arsenate. The plants in the check rows were almost com- pletely defoliated. The beetles, however, were not nearly so numer- ous as they were on February 8 when the other plants were sprayed. This decrease in numbers was probably due to the fact that many beetles were killed by eating the poisoned plants in the adjoining rows. Unfortunately, a few days later the entire patch of beans was destroyed by a “‘norther”’ and no further observations could be made. On March 20 this species, in company with Diabrotica vittata, was injuring voung cucurbits at Brownsville. Mr. H. H. Jobson had these plants sprayed with a combination of Bordeaux mixture and arsenate of lead (6 pounds arsenate of lead to 100 gallons of Bordeaux mixture) and later he reported good results from the treatment. OBSERVATIONS ON DIABROTICA VITTATA Fab. Next in order of importance, from an economic standpoint, is the striped cucumber beetle (Diabrotica vittata Fab.). This species is | usually rare in southern Texas as compared with D. balteata and its injuries are confined to cucurbits. The first occurrence of this species in southern Texas recorded is for January 26, when adults were found in squash blossoms at Browns- ville. Occasional adults were observed during February, and on March 6 complaint was received from a grower near Brownsville, where the beetles were injuring cucumbers and melons, from one to five beetles being present on many plants. At this date, also, a similar report was received from Mercedes, Tex. Mr. A. M. White, of Mercedes, later reported that he completely controlled this species, which was seriously injuring cucurbits, by spraying three times with arsenate of lead at the rate of 6 pounds in 100 gallons of water. The beetles were causing noticeable injury to cucurbits at Browns- ville March 20. The plants were sprayed, under the direction of Mr. H. H. Jobson, with a combination of 6 pounds arsenate of lead and 100 gallons Bordeaux mixture with successful results. April 13, the writer found larve in numbers infesting squash plants at McAllen, Tex. Some plants were wilting and many of the roots BIOLOGIC NOTES ON SPECIES OF DIABROTICA. 83 were found to have been scraped nearly bare, and in a few cases the larve had buried themselves in the main root. All observed were nearly mature. One larva made a cell April 17, pupated April 21, and the adult developed April 28. Other beetles developed April 30 and May 1. During May beetles were observed, but no injury was noticed or reported. June 10 the beetles were abundant at McAllen, Tex., feeding on the foliage and rinds of watermelons and disfiguring some of the melons. The foliage in some places was badly riddled, but the crop was so far advanced that this caused little damage. Many beetles hid during the middle of the day among cabbage and Amaranthus leaves for protection from the sun. The life history of one generation of this species was worked out as follows: Record of a single female of Diabrotica vittata placed in confinement April 26, 1909. MENA Geese teccc- --6s ves -- 0 blaced in confinement. 1 2 eat OS 42 eggs deposited. ISLES I aes eee apa, ene a 42 eggs hatched. WIR aye 2 Soo le ores ea Senet ete First larvee made cells. Mya ZA aban ese, J eee sf ols First larvee pupated. I Ley ACL We Bes ge SR First adults developed. WS 57 GL pe le me aa ee le nee First adults issued. Suites ese as cris os LIE SSS All adults had issued. The stages were as follows: Days [B/S RIPUS: aie cS es he sere de MN a Sa a ee 8 J OSTA GTEREED, 02 ene Eee Ceadatrae i set eae ete OU 14 LETRUS PIL SNE) SAG EN a Be a Ann A a eee aed ee 5 INGE Cs Rare eae eg Ar at a rae Soe ef eA He a 27 The mature larve were in the cells three days before pupating and the adults remained in the cells from one to four days before issuing. The first pair of these beetles mated June 4. and the first eggs, 20 in number, were deposited June 11. On May 3 another female deposited 58 eggs and the following record was obtained: Days LES ROG Ee ss Seam aM |G eee ee Ae Ae ea ee ee 7 TCL STR as a AS ee nor be ge ce ONS ole 15 1 PCOIPOIDIIL Soyer a, = es dagen ee ea apy eae ee 5 Potal...-s BPs ae Ree eee ue ec ty ales iain LS So. 2 RU 27 During the first weeks of May, when this species was being reared, there was a period of excessive humidity. The larvae were supplied with sections of cucumber vine as food. The humidity caused this food to decay very rapidly and this necessitated frequent renewal, and as a result many larvee died and only a relatively small propor- tion was carried to maturity. The temperature during May, 1909, 84 SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO’ TRUCK CROPS. as recorded at the local weather station, ranged from a minimum of 60.9° F. to 94.4° F. Observation has not been carried far enough to enable the writer to state positively the number of generations in this region. OBSERVATIONS ON DIABROTICA DUODECIMPUNCTATA Oliv. The twelve-spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica duodecimpunctata Oliv.) occurs only in small numbers in southern Texas, and no com- plaints of injury were received concerning it. On February 5 four mature larvee were found feeding on the roots of sorghum at Harlingen, Tex. February 7 one of these made its cell; on the 15th it pupated, and on the 25th the adult developed. The other beetles developed a day or two later. On May 12-a female with greatly distended abdomen was placed in confinement and deposited eggs as follows: Record of egg deposition of a single female beetle of Diabrotica duodecimpunctata in con- finement May 12, 1909. Number Number 1909. of eggs. 1909. of eggs. May 14o 332 Sa5es- 68} May, 29). 322 = a.m ae 38 MiayalGis- senses 7D aun ellie = eae 19 Maiyul QDs See ee Gon WUne Gssen eee ae 20 May, 245 sjsisc- ace G7el PUNE |S sae eet (2) May 262222 cece 55 Maid Teee es ieiece 110 Total s..ss- 515 @ Beetle died. This gives a grand total of 515 eggs from one beetle. The record for the eggs which were deposited May 14 is as follows: Detailed record for the 68 eggs of Diabrotica duodecimpuncta’1 deposited May 14, 1909. Msivel ae ieet sed ao Atlee tek sete 68 eggs deposited. May 20. dette ellos alee e Paratecs Me 68 eggs hatched. Many Siew MeN eee: ake RCN HS First larvee made cells. Piast Oe ee ee ie BAe Ce Oa First larvee pupated. June dOsssesecee-ee see ee see First adults developed. AUG UO eee ey ee ee eee ee First adults issued from cells. ATA G5 1A eet ge a ee es yn All adults had issued. The stages were as follows: Days. Migr gtape cs Saat cccas sce etre re Sa ralar ec aie eee en ee ee ee 6 Larval atagess cee So eis 5 2 a sis SS ee er 15 Pupal'stage: sos ALE COS Cte LC tee ea ere 6 Totallss. cs ted Be Saeco 27 This species proved very hard to rear and only a small proportion of the larvee reached the pupal stage. The larvee were placed in large jelly glasses and fed on sorghum cane. O DS aoePARTMENT: OF AGRICULTURE, BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY—BULLETIN No. 82, Part VII. L. O. HOWARD, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. NOTES ON VARIOUS TRUCK-CROP INSECTS. BY F. H. CHITTENDEN, Sc. D., In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. IssuED FEBRUARY 18, 1911. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. i) 2VbS 713 wor 1. BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY. L. O. Howarp, Entomologist and Chief of Bureau. C. L. Maruarr, Entomologist and Acting Chief in Absence of Chief. R. 8. Curron, Executive Assistant. W. F. Taster, Chief Clerk. F. H. CuirrenvEN, in charge of truck crop and stored product insect investigations. A. D. Hopxins, in charge of forest insect investigations. W. D. Hunter, in charge of southern field crop insect investigations. F. M. Wesster, in charge of cereal and forage insect investigations. A. L. QuarInTANcE, in charge of deciduous fruit insect investigations. E. F. Puruuies, in charge of bee culture. D. M. Rocers, in charge of preventing spread of moths, field work. Rouia P. Currin, in charge of editorial work. MABEL CotcorD, librarian. Truck Crop INSEcT INVESTIGATIONS. F. H. CurrrenpeEn, in charge. H. M. Russe.., C. H. Porenog, D. K. McMutan, E. G. Smytu, Tuos. H. Jonss, M. M. Hien, Frep A. Jonnston, Wm. B. Parker, agents and experts. J. Connpit, collaborator in California. Mars, collaborator in Hawaii. bi By P. T. Coe, collaborator in tidewater Virginia. OF As Ot CONTENTS: On the natural enemies of the Colorado potato beetle.................22..-.-. Somie inseet enemies‘of the potatoe beetle:..................0.20..-002022-. Some wild bird enemies of the potato beetle. ...................2..0.... Guinea fowls as destroyers of the potato beetle. ......................... Rie mrOniae potato stalk WeCVIl. 220. 5 scc 0.022 cess ss 2-cheneen ne nce nese Maseouanecting yanisin the South: ..0....02c0.--2-2---e2-00-5-bnes-cet-ces Notes on the feeding habits of blister beetles............:..........2.--+---2- Nutemer Dean and Pea WeOVIS 55) 22 Lo. AvTINNeaT 10 arta SP Talia! EE a rs erie BA ellie a a Iyoo( slaecaln od eae See oe aa imo), pith “cioh ‘od Tf isbaasds Y aoc ha 9 OW, pay 2: AL cen vd oltosd.noh, gilt eo goto, wer, -O Evel valiqrstay. rofl -wolla ould 10 | ti ao aato% Rigolollf"baN” Aire ROR OPS ee ity Rotors Hetil 0) sat gana Biotin! ntloncaitl Yo. ebb aioe pty. Ce 1st 8 gor doutl ate ils ieee ee ve Rastaneitig, WES Bee Panwa, r Sia GF esp Hiene Sionisinptia fey ae Ke ue Ke pic Croton nat, ORO | th ae i Piers PSS tiyes, saddaborcilier wy it TO ae Bona Ba Label iy ey PRET AGE: The present bulletin has been published in parts, seven in number, from time to time as completed, and relates to insects and groups of insects of widely different character. It is in continuation of inves- tigations on insects injurious to truck and vegetable crops begun in 1896, the results of which have been published in Bulletins 19, 23, 29, 33, and 43 and various circulars of this bureau, and in Yearbooks of the Department of Agriculture. The initial paper, entitled ‘‘The Colorado Potato Beetle in Virginia in 1908,” is a logical sequel to Circular No. 87, which treats of the same insect in its entire distribution. It furnishes details of experi- ments made in tidewater Virginia, and gives special instructions for the use of the traction-power sprayer in that region. It also con- tains interesting notes on the life history and habits of the species for the same region. Part II gives a consideration of three species injurious to umbellifer- ous truck crops. The first paper of this part, on the parsnip leaf- miner (Acidia fratria Loew), gives a concise account of this insect with some original notes on its biology and suggestions for its control. The second paper, on the parsley stalk weevil (Listronotus latiusculus Boh.), gives the results of original observations conducted on this insect in the vicinity of the District of Columbia; indeed, it is the first account of this species which has been published. For the control of this insect, which is only a pest under certain conditions, the abandonment of the culture of parsley is recommended for a short period until the insect disappears. The third article, on the celery caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes Fab.) makes no claim to originality, but introduces the first account with good illustrations of this well-known insect which has been published by the Department of Agriculture. Part III is devoted to two insects injurious to beans and peas. The first of these insects is the lima-bean pod-borer (Etiella zinck- enella Treit.). The account here given is the first record of the occurrence of this imported insect as a pest in America, although we have reports of injury as far back as 1885. The second article, on the yellow-necked flea-beetle (Disonycha mellicollis Say), embodies all the information, recently furnished by agents and correspondents of the bureau, that has been gained in regard to a species which is widely distributed from New York to Texas, especially along the Atlantic coast. x VI SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. Part IV, on the life history and control of the hop flea-beetle (Psylliodes punctulata Melsh.), a species injurious to sugar beet and . many vegetable crops, as well as hops, is supplementary to an article on the same species published as Bulletin 66, Part VI. From the standpoint of the occurrence of the insect in British Columbia, where the particular observations were made, the insect is treated in detail with special reference to all of the remedies which have been sug- gested, leaving little remaining to be learned about the species at-the present time. Part V considers the yellow-bear caterpillar (Diacrisia virginica Fab.) in its occurrence in Colorado during 1909. Details of experi- ments with remedies are furnished, showing that arsenicals were not entirely satisfactory. Additional experiments should be conducted when another outbreak of this species occurs. The articles which comprise Part VI, namely, ‘‘Notes on the Cucumber Beetles” and ‘‘Biologie Notes on Species of Diabrotica in Southern Texas,” give information in regard to five hitherto little known species of Diabrotica injurious in southern Texas, with obser- vations on two common species—the striped cucumber beetle and the 12-spotted cucumber beetle—in their occurrence in the same region. The papers are chiefly devoted to data in regard to injurious occur- rences, food plants, feeding habits, life histories, and the second includes experiments with remedies, arsenate of lead in combination with Bordeaux mixture having furnished good results in the treatment of some of these species. The bulletin is concluded by Part VII, entitled ‘‘Notes on Various Truck-Crop Insects.’’ Under the heading, ‘‘On the Natural Enemies of the Colorado Potato Beetle,’ four unrecorded insect enemies are treated, a list of wild bird enemies is referred to, the chipping spar- row 1s added as a new enemy, and attention is directed to the efficacy of the guinea fowl in the destruction of the potato beetle. Notes on the potato stalk weevil include a note showing that Trichobaris trinotata Say may, at least exceptionally, pass the winter as larva or pupa instead of as beetle. Mention is made of three species of maggots previously unrecorded as affecting yams. The gregarious habit of some common blister beetles is described and mention is made of an effective method of destroying them, namely, by dis- lodging them from the plants attacked into pails in which kerosene is floating on water. F. H. CarrrenvDen, In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. CONTENTS? The Colorado potato beetle in Virginia in 1908. .............C. H. Popenoe.. RE FOCTIEHEODIRY j)0i BIO NATO ches ORR Le elke ds ah LL ES Status of the potato, beetle im Virginia...daes eek lool). OLE Oe ries ates ropa VT 2k 70s 2 ian ghee before yon espe mre cetera on enn Di oee ine mer rmiereees Wiese) h ee 2. SRM NN hae LPS ele eae a Premier eater emery ae oe.) eee 5a poem won: b Lots buehd MP rnb eS Tm ee Ih 6 alysis Way dla Hae cor re cocitaes Loeystir. © cys mnt able The parsnip leaf-miner (Acidia fratria Loew).......-.------- F. H. Chittenden. - NST ONG Ue ON ha ea sh A a dal ten tee Agee liso ot alle a 2 LA IONS ee es ee ee A ee 2b PA see HOY ee Menlo tay Sah a ara MPN INO, aos ee ae ee LU TISATSE LOC Ea grea TRS RY SU A CHE Ree Pe Sie Ue LO i eee a TESS LAGE ANC: Tt0G FHSAA Sa Te iy ol SAE Gree CUNMGEA US Pe ON on ei te Se bot Ae eR ae eS The parsley stalk weevil (Listronotus latiusculus Boh.)......F. H. Chittenden. - Ranunyetencar, Ne Eva Viaes tbe connie Gain} > bey: SUR s seen NO SRG Nip pinersten ta ns ated rt St rae EAI PY 2 Hoodnplamsand habits: ssc hie seek roars Re Methedmiohcentiral:. 32a yey Mae IMO IY GG Oe) od The celery caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes Fab.).......-.---- F. H. Chittenden. - MIMETIOS IAG PLONE ses eee Valle gan ye Be a elem oR! JOO MCSE pilimka cabs de tet a OE cla ote Diets. Pe salen. eet uh eh WUE R Se ce .| a ese Le id areaategae EG baiSpAGATOLDISHONY «2 Sas gai nics % samenteg «..ceabbou! souleeapraer al) ste LODE, CPL] 1 10 2 ee Ne a a es ES es TEL Sen USING R Nita fat igs. cieeetcectll pairks Rees ah Syke dacs iyhy eee ty ae sal HEED ORCL Ms a age alate MD eda td ia ek eee Bek al cic ait The lima-bean pod-borer (Ltiella zinckenella Treit.) .....-- FP. H, Chittenden. . IMU ITEIOUSIOCRURTEN Ces LON te Re ei a a DEHerinOmv AMG Gish OMe or ob. ee le ee | Ca UG MeR TCM OS ON ta I ag a The yellow-necked flea-beetle (Disonycha mellicollis Say)..F. H. Chittenden. . CLC TPTTSED Ss Rei SOC GIS! pea i ea IM ll Ai Pg ya Wearetnntom ame CestrtOtclOne eee, 2s: ee a Nee a oh oe de em oe MEU MeMICIntAbUS a seer eee Rene. MCN Or on bate coe, a te epOSED Ore hon Matti ons smeeok : Mek ne reer T rie AC Se LY eee My egeyets Tey Ost (C.F ovo UA Taal) See i UA Re i ag The life history of the hop flea-beetle..................... William B. Parker. . Para ecceusnd ea ipecp ta ye 2dr STOPES) ADR LACS INN Mh MAST ACAI) ICE Lh RT Heonamieim portance .s s 2. 25's} PLS 00 IRN DOE DONO OY ARE Titea history Jalsa ae OC mir el Se OUT oT J ei Page. eopeeouomnorhkWNr FE FE 11 bo bh bo bo Ww bd bd bo be CO J Or Ot Ol GS GH & bo a The seven parts constituting this bulletin were issued in separate form on July 28, November 30, and December 28, 1909; May 20, August 31, and December 8, 1910; and February 18, 1911, respectively. VLE VIII SOME INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. The life history of the hop flea-beetle—Continued Page. aie. gece <2 le eb PS Ee: 5 aero eaters okey o 8 eben 39 MEO LOIN, = «bin. cisce> io: spose aieiaye So ch) eine oe eee 39 dl Yee | ee eerie ghey ee Sirs. Py es AY oe AE EBs = ek eee 40 Seasonal history ..2.i.-2..2-2-acm sie spe cesar Ses pe ae a a 42 Length of lifeitycles?: 2. 2c3/.-28e- ses = eee eae ee eee 42 Number and time of appearance of broods.............-..----.-.---- 43 Multiplicationite2.-t2. -2} i++ ibe Saree bee Aes ee 43 Hibernationi.c ) sce <2 6 einewis tae I Ae tl tees ci ee 43 Dis@as@s noice nid oe nk ceo cike hee eee = ee eee eacecoh= ES Es ee 47 Fungous diseases... 222 a2 ecedh cece eee keen Os .... -'- = - -mtyatbrcd aouieeeete bo-beelee See 18 Corn earworm. (See Bollworm.) food plant of bollwyornts wteeetae so et ce pig he aetk. = = - ooo eee 90 Diabroticd balicata. 22 eye eee sas OAS te 69, 77, 78 SOTONS 201 en gers apie ont ag Cher) Se 72, 74 Pripiiieta: Cewek tet) cette: Soc eee 75 Dir 1H WT GUNA as EP Stee et ey Lente Soe ee 62 Puwes tal Nvtuaiventris = Serek =) apnch yates oa ee! eel ay eae 90 Thoma ie... Eat a en ee ee 90 root-worm, southern. (See Diabrotica eee ) stalk-borer. (See Elasmopalpus.) 8 food-plant'of Diabroticabalteata. 2. <= - -ctas .a< mci ote BE Soe 70, 77, 78 DICHLCOTNISa)s ae wee Ree ee as = 68 Cowpea, food plant of Diabrotica balteatas. sie. ones carga eae HERS Dene 77 Crow, enemy of Colorado potato beetle. ....--- rity een Gindatl © Eau tae eeee 87 Crude oil on sledges against hop flea-beetle.............--.-------+++-+---+--- 49-50 Cuckoo, enemy of Colorado potato beetle............-..-------- dacedlaydiw ten 87 Cucumber beetle, belted. (See Diabrotica balteata.) notes|thereon. [2a 8 eA oe eee cen she ar oes te 67-75 painted. (See Diabrotica picticornis.) saddled. (See Diabrotica connexa.) striped. (See Diabrotica vittata.) twelve-spotted. (See Diabrotica duodecimpunctata.) western striped. (See Diabrotica trivittata.) twelve-spotted. (See Diabrotica soror.) food plant of Diabrotica balteata. os 5.2.22 se 5ived- be ss-* Se 69,77 PICHCONNIB. J+ seed > cease: ar asediavere 76 INDEX. Guecumber, food plant of .Diabrotica soror f2 282 Foes SE) PL! ivitlates OD. FS Se oe Cucurbitaceous plants, food plants of Diabrotica connexa ........-..-.2-+----- Cucurbits, food plants of Diabrotica picticornis...........--.-.++------------- bripebiata segs soe Pd Pa RE ee Walttvation in control of hopiflea-beetle..... SAA 2 LS ee eee Carrant, food: plant of Diaertsia virginica.’ |. J20TR 2 8 oe ee ee Cyclas formicarius, larveeanisweet pototo: . Lea. Le eau See ‘Cymlings, food plants of Diabrotica picticornis........-. POY Y ECC | ete Seth Panis toud plant of Diacrista virginica... . ee WSIS ke SE Daisies, food plants of Diabrotica soror.............-.------------ tt SS we Datana integerrima on pecan, prey of Huthyrhynchus floridanus..........-..-. a Desmodium tortuosum, food plant of Diabrotica balteata..............-.- oP SDE Bik acts Cdl EEE cap ete pe a ld le ar 0a - 6471,7 beetle; descriptionss.2 «i222 seh 5 eee 4 trikes! eee comparison with Diabrotiéa e COUTTS RE so: Sl Soe ee pretiooriisy 2202). . ayoeio.sicfeseersars description of beetle and eggs.............-.-... go) aliens eae eanlyistamessyesr st cee OREO oe iar caysyne Gis et wibioMe ces = saeNS 252s EU FINS, SER sas oe a s re Seser iors Nk Se SCRE oA ae sn ae food plants Wares snes eae CRRA SS ENS oot oss 5 wa 3 hardiness in comparison with Diabrotica Brodeeon punctate and Diabraticd viltata 582 22) PORE ke EAE) SERURICR es ete me ERP aa, MEETS ONS AU SLOAN MINS os Tijeey enaraeiers fer! {VMI OG) .2I98 ol. bith Made larva, mature, description. . 2 newly hatched, feserptiale RD DS tes Dife-Wistorysnoiess2 sa. 42-1 22 <-- 225: < fon is BOOB ROS). pupa, description........ BA Ba Sebi les 5 hs TAA Ss BE records of occurrence... .-. SPREE DE OC URN, 3 oy OLE uit remedies,,experiments £20: {hj0 904. Pa ST 1StA . eY biologic notes on species in southern Texas...... A, SO FAR, DOT ES connera, comparison with Diabrotica picticornis...........-.---.---- description, distribution, injuries MEER ons Sensis a al eS duodecimpunctata, common injurious species in sduthern States... . comparison with Diabrotica soror............----- hardiness in comparison with Diabrotica balteata and Drabrotun vita Os. 210IY EN, life-history notes........-. ASO FEO eis ane economic iniportance of species. J.1.)2. 2.) 6085. Ae. ‘p baierteeri vin descriptions of beetle and eggs, distributions injuries. . ly eonihern, Texaae s| 2a nes ene! ake) am eae association with Diabrotica trivittata......-... Eee LS). Be 1 Mee common injurious species in Pacific region.................... deseription of beetles...../. 2... 172222 S.RU A ek Se ae distributions <2 4 SUlayy Ne de, 3 Okt BG pees. fajuiry tn) Caliiornia! (1 906-1908e slike oe eeeee eT lifevhistoryect sasaecces = 25: Soe trivittata, comparison with Binbraren vittata, injuniie - ee 72 86 77 . 68-69 ma—73 100 SOMB INSECTS INJURIOUS TO TRUCK CROPS. Page Diabrotica vittata, common injurious species to truck crops ................-- 67 hardiness in comparison with Diabrotica balteata and Dia- brotica duodecuempunciatay, ine oo oa oe Oe af 80 in southern Texas, injuries, life-history notes, remedies... ... 82-84 Diacrisia virginica.) de¢ 338 See SSR Ae ieee gules Ya yee le ee 59-66 biologic motes Wye Tee aae IM Ul ai) aoe 60-62 damage 'in/Colorado ‘in 1909 4242. dec sad 45 ees SE ee 59-60 experiments "with arsenicale.. duce invest teeta Beehee 63-66 fungous disease, Botrytis bassiana............ » at Lys eieyiea eaeraeee 61 not preyed pon by birds acs ltd Jeeelbe Gee ee 62 Dill, food plant of Papilio polyxenes...........- is Bee NCL ee Wea ia ae 23 Dioscorpa aiota, moagrote! tnitestine Wil). OL See Ae ee ee a i ie 90-91 Disonycha abbreviata, association with Disonycha mellicollis on Amaranthus retro- EJ) Re TLS SMe nmey UNG an rman PO MEU ly Prat Abs wree 4, ESI 31-32 mellicollis, association with Disonycha abbreviata on Amaranthus retro- Plewtig SII Ed aac ae eae ert ee Dial Oona ea 31-32 at Brownsville: Tex:.nim L909 fey ssh elk anes Sea een eng control methods... vice Seu se ee vile ee 32 GeScrip tions hi Pepsi Ue a ae PUR a ea 30-31 Gistrib wt pone. Oa Gk PR le aCe ea Ra a 30-31 OCONOMIG SHAVES: os ie a eos SU ve eat 31 eggs, comparison with those of Disonycha xanthomelxna. - 30 injurious @ceuirences2. . cI eee ee ee ee 29-30 larva, comparison with that of Disonycha xanthomelena. - 30 mistaken for Disonycha xanthomelexna..............----- 29 xzanthomelxna, Disonycha mellicollis mistaken therefor...........--- 29 eggs, comparison with those of Disonycha mellicollis. . 30 larva, comparison with that of Disonycha mellicollis. . 30 Disparene. (See Arsenate of lead.) Dock. (See Rumex.) Dolichos atropurpureus, food plant of Diabrotica balteata..............---.----- 77 Dragonfly enemy of Papilio polyxenes. (See Anax longipes.) Dust, road, deterrent against parsnip leaf-miner............-.2...-----.----- 13 Eeeplant, food plant,of Diabroticabaltcatad ii. 22 satiure soy uated eee eee 70, 77 Diacnsia pirginicaseeisst\s ANd sete eae aes ea ee 62 Nezora: hileaagt s : . pbs RAS A te oe 5 2 oem 86 Trichobatistrinvotdba sty’ casey huesa\! te tey cane eee ea te 89 Elasmopalpus, comparison of moth with that of Htiella zinckenella.........-..-- 27 Epicauta marginata (see also Blister beetle, margined). feeding ‘habitarmotess siden otana os aee wee Gl a See 91 on‘asters, brushing as remediyeid net... 5 fees ae ee 92 pennsylvanica, association with Epicauta marginata in injury to chards and igardensbeetsu2 nace hy septal. Bente y Debehogne 92 trichrus on asters, brushing as remedy........-.---------------- gti 92 oittata, feeding halite ss ise eies soa Te ee 91 Epitrix.subcrinita on potatoes, possible confusion with Psylliodes punctulata ... 37 Erycus puncticollis. (See Notaris [EHrycus] puncticollis.) Birellaszubribasella=Ltiella zinckenellas or 2s We Sah Bos ep seis bela ee ae 26 Sschisticolor only a race of Miellajzinckenella. 0) 2 pe eae see eae 26 BEER EN CLG . 5 iS ISRO MNS TNA TSE a le ee ea 25-28 comparison of moth with that of corn stalk-borer (Elasmopal- POU) woe SEL oy Rn Ee 27 INDEX. 101 Page eee eld. CIStPIDUtiOn) § 3. 42.2) e Ne ek 25-27 HUPUTIOUS Oe Gna mga 5. Member Sc. Me eu ere ee 25 larva, description .....-.-..- 1, URES iV atl ae 20 SSE ees. AM nl 2 Aa 27-28 PROT NGESEEID ELON 26 4...) 2 pM Se Sa 25-27 resemblance of larva to that of Monoptilota nubilella....... 25, 27 Eurytoma tlndera cre parasite of Trichobaris trinotata-..........-..2.-22---2- 89 [EPEAT A TEM Varo 7 OE Se Se RR, eR a a ON ee BOND 86-87 Ca EPSECI HF RY Cpu a ar 86-87 b SROMIVZORDOGR! <<. See Ma oa he a Doe 86 ‘bright, green rose chafer’’... 2... 20 25aca0 87 Golorado,potatio, beetle: - 2... <5 knee 86 Diao TRE UTING o-oo jn Balague 86 INEZ PENT TS U.N BR a 86 Huxesta nitidiventris, comparison with Huxesta notata..........- ik Seis 90 infesting Dioscorea alata and corn ears, peeeriaiane eb 90 notata, comparison with Hucesta nitidiventris..............--.------- 90 thomex infesting Dioscorea alata and corn ears.:............-..-------- 90 sreriael tQod plan bof Papa poly mene gin. «ani Bat his ww. cepa mipin yar ok ead Kae 23 Periltzation im-eontrol of hop féa-beetles .-....1.,2)2/:20 21), < a ja =e wei sadness = 58 Ereeood plant iat abroticm OGlbea basa a4 sajna, Boats bo hie adc cieeareds oe eeed. 77,78 Flea-beetle, yellow-necked. (See Disonycha mellicollis.) Fumigation of poles against hop flea-beetle—an impractical measure.......... 55 Fungous disease. (See Botrytis bassiana.) eiseses Of Paul iodespanctelatis . 2.1. cate nae n oe eogieinincneih owas « 47 Gooseberry, food plant of Diacrisia virginica. ........2.--.-00+-seneaecenseesee 63 Grape: 1eou plant Of Piaertsta OU GUNtCre ooo mech 3 isc clovele off ages nie soe oe eden 63 Green bug, spotted, colloquial name for Diabrotica balteata in Texas.......... Ce Gregarious feeding habits of blister beetles............2.-2.0-0----++0-00cece- 91-92 Grouse, ruffed, enemy of Colorado potato beetle...................2.-2------- 87 sharp-tailed, enemy of Colorado potato beetle. .....................- 87 Guinea fowls, enemies of Colorado potato beetle......................-------- 88 Hand picky apainet, celery caterpillars... 0020 |. midedaes-soee-ee- cess 23 Color, potato beetle pee ot tak ed. eek acd ee 1-2 Harpaline ground beetles, enemies of Colorado potato beetle................-- 4 Hawk, red-tailed, enemy of Colorado potato beetle. .....................---- 87 Heanthus, food plant ot Diabrotica balbedta. 25 oo. pons ejeoid pees wae oe ee oe ne 77 PUR SMD UTOIMICK - aaa te a A oN 63 eraeteum, food plang Acide Prati yes! 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