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UNITED STATES. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BULLETIN No. 251

Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology
L. O. HOWARD, Chief

Ef _ Washington, D. C. PROFESSIONAL PAPER July 27, 1915.

THE, CALOSOMA BEETLE (CALOSOMA
SYCOPHANTA) IN NEW ENGLAND

‘By

be AK F. BURGESS, In Charge of Gipsy Moth and Brown-tail
; Moth Investigations, and C. W. COLLINS
Entomological Assistant

CONTENTS

Introduction . . Life History of Calosomea sycophanta . ‘
Method of Packing Beetles for Shipment Natural Enemies .
Native Home of Calosoma sycophanta Colonization of Calosoma sycophanta .
and Hosts Attached Methods of Securing Data from Field
Investigational Work on Calosoma syco-~ Colonies
Phanta .°. Dispersion of Calosoma sycophanta .
Equipment Used for Rearing Predaceous ‘| Economic Importance of Calosoma syco-
Beeties ;

WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1915

Bul. 251, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. PLATE |.

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE (CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA).

Upper left, eggs; lower left, adult beetle feeding on gipsy moth caterpillar; upper right, gipsy
moth pupeze destroyed by Calosoma larvee; center, Calosoma larva, ventral view; right center,
Calosoma larva, dorsal view; lower right, Calosoma pupa in cavity in ground. (From Howard
and Fiske.)

BULLETIN No. 251 }

‘q

Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology
L. O. HOWARD, Chief

Washington, D. C. Vv July 27, 1915.

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE (CALOSOMA SYCO-
PHANTA) IN NEW ENGLAND.

By A. F. Burcess, Jn Charge of Gipsy Moth and Brown-Tail Moth Investigations,
and C. W. CoLtuins, Hntomological Assistant.

CONTENTS.

Page. : Page.

Imbtroduction 2222522 6 sere 1 | Methods of rearing Calosoma beetle_ 6

Method of packing beetles for ship- Life history of Calosoma sycophanta_ {i

Mente see aI eS ct Dc Se a Daal Naira! Mende sarees aie Be a 18

Native home of Calosoma_ syco- Colonization of Calosoma sycophanta_ 19
phanta and hosts attached_____-__ 3 | Methods of securing data from field

Investigational work on Calosoma COTO TTC See NN NN Se Io ek 20

SUK CDI) WOKE) a es Es Se ES 3 | Dispersion of Calosoma sycophanta_ Pa
Equipment used for rearing preda- Economic importance of Calosoma

CeousPbeetles ee = ox ea a has 3 4 sycophanta ____~— exes zi 39

INTRODUCTION.

In the spring of 1905 an arrangement was made by the United
States Department of Agriculture to cooperate with the State of
Massachusetts in importing and establishing the natural enemies of
the gipsy moth and the brown-tail moth. Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief
of the Bureau of Entomology, supervised the work, and until Decem-
ber 1, 1911, this arrangement remained in force, the project being
financed jointly by the Bureau of Entomology and the State of
Massachusetts. Since 1912, owing to the fact that the scope of the
work involved nearly all of the New England States, these projects
have been carried on solely by the Bureau of Entomology.

One of the natural enemies of the gipsy moth, which has long
been known in Europe as of prime importance, is a green beetle be-

Notre.—The writers wish to acknowledge their obligation to the members of the staff
“t the Gipsy Moth Laboratory for securing data and carrying on many of the experiments
which are only briefly alluded to in this publication. There is hardly a man who has been
cor aected with the laboratory for the past seven years who has not assisted to a greater
or les« extent in obtaining information and securing some of the results already men-
tioned. So many have assisted in this work that it is impossible to name each individual,
but the writers wish to express their appreciation to all those who have taken part in the

work.
938012°—Bull. 251—15——__1

2 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

longing to the family Carabide, and known to science as Calosoma
sycophanta L. (Pl. 1.) This species was collected and shipped to
Massachusetts, as a result of arrangements made by Dr. Howard
with numerous European collectors of insects, more particularly
with Miss Marie Riihl, of Zurich, Switzerland. Several other closely
related species of Calosoma were collected and some of these were

received in sufficient numbers to permit of colonies being liberated ©

in woodland infested with the gipsy moth. Several species of the
allied genus Carabus were obtained and similarly liberated.

Up to the present time the only species that is known to have
maintained itself is Calosoma sycophanta, and this insect has in-
creased so enormously as to become an effective enemy of the gipsy
moth in this country.

Table I gives the number of live specimens of Calosoma syco-
phanta which have been imported from Kurope. Sixty-seven per

cent of these beetles were liberated in the field and the balance

were used for experimental and reproduction work. All the bene-
ficial results secured in the field have accrued from about 4,000
beetles noted in the table.

TABLE [.—Number of living specimens of Calosoma sycophanta received from

Europe.
= _ Number | = Number
Year. _ received. | wea received.
ae | :
UR (i ae ae oe a eset EG | Re rea erga Ret Si aie ee 405
GOG Rossin. Sameer sa nT ee 603 HlOIO ea ges a one Bae SCOR ia eee 1,305
GO eee sae ns ok ete ae 967 ———
OOS Seen eee as sn ees 675 Total es 5 a SP os SS ees 4,046

METHODS OF PACKING BEETLES FOR SHIPMENT.

Different plans covering the packing of these beetles for shipment
were tested during the years above mentioned. The most satisfactory
arrangement was to pack the beetles singly in small safety-match
boxes which contained a quantity of wet sphagnum moss. These
boxes were packed in a larger wooden box (fig. 1), the usual size
being 7; by + by 24 inches. <A shipping label was glued to the
box. Material packed in this manner was shipped by mail and re-
ceived in good condition. Experience has shown that the greatest
cause of mortality in shipping these beetles is due to lack of moisture.
When sufficient moisture is provided no difficulty is experienced, and
it is not necessary to place food of any kind in the boxes. As a rule,
these shipments were en route from 10 to 12 days. In case beetles are
to be forwarded and will not be in transit more than 2 days, several
can be placed in a box and shipped by ordinary mail with very little
injury resulting.

é

<

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 5

f

NATIVE HOME OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA AND HOSTS
ATTACKED. |

This insect is known to occur in France, Germany, Switzerland,
Italy, and other European countries, being particularly abundant in
cases where there are unusual outbreaks of destructive caterpillars.
Its good work is mentioned in a number of European writings,
and it is known to prey extensively on the gipsy moth (Porthetria
dispar lu.) and the pine sawfly (Lophyrus pint L.). As early as
1736 Reaumur published a general account of the life history of
the species, and valuable information has been published by M. G.
de la Pouge concerning his investigations of the larve of this insect.

Fig. 1.—Shipping box, with cover removed to show method of packing Calosoma beetles.
Each match box contains a single beetle and a small quantity of wet sphagnum moss.
(From Burgess.)

INVESTIGATIONAL WORK ON CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA.

The year 1906 was the first in which these beetles were received in
large enough numbers that colonies might be liberated or a study
made of their habits. During that year considerable work was
carried on by Mr. E. 8. G. Titus and Mr. F. H. Mosher, and notes and
observations on the behavior of the species in large breeding cages
were made by Mr R. L. Webster. During the following summer
the work was placed in charge of the senior author, and since that
time detailed experiments have been conducted. Mr. C. W. Collins
has, assisted with this work during the entire period and for the
past two or three years has planned and executed many of the
experiments.

4 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT CF AGRICULTURE.

“EQUIPMENT USED FOR REARING PREDACEOUS BEETLES.

Experiments have shown that Calosoma beetles, in common with
most other insects, thrive when they are kept under natural condi-
tions. Fair success may be secured through rearing experiments
in a laboratory, but as the beetles are most active, both concerning
feeding and reproduction, during hot weather, and as it is important
to regulate the soil moisture if best results are to be secured, it has
been found decidedly advantageous to use an outdoor insectary for
work of this description. An insectary such as is in use at the Gipsy
Moth Laboratory, Melrose Highlands, Mass. (Pl. II), is inexpensive
and will iast a number of years. We have used a cement foundation
on which was erected a frame constructed of 2 by 4 studding. The
exterior walls have been covered with fine-mesh wire netting and
the roof is canvas. <A coating of white lead applied to the canvas
will make it last longer, and if the netting walls are painted annually
with black screen paint to prevent corrosion, they will not need to be
renewed for two or three years. _Copper-wire netting can be substi-
tuted for the walls and does not require paint. The insectary is pro-
vided with outside canvas curtains which may be rolled up in order
to regulate the amount of sunlight or keep out rain; awnings could
be used for this purpose if desired. Shelves, benches, or tables may
be added as necessary. A building of this description fairly approxi-
mates outdoor conditions and has given very satisfactory service.
CPI. ATE)

Beetles of this genus deposit their eggs in the ground. They also
conceal themselves for a part of the time beneath litter or rubbish.
The best results with sycophanta have been secured by using battery
jars 84 inches tall and 64 inches in diameter (fig. 2), but a size slightly
smaller will give as satisfactory results. Circular wooden tops are used
to cover these jars, Which are grooved to hold the top in place. A round
hole, allowing air to pass into the jar, is cut in the center of the
circular wooden top and is covered with wire netting. As sycophanta
is a climbing species, but is unable to make its way up the smooth
sides of the jars, a narrow strip of mosquito wire is attached to the
inside of the top, so that it extends into the jar and gives the beetle
an opportunity to clhmb to the top in search of caterpillars that are
placed in the jar for food. About 3 inches of loam should be placed
in each jar, and they are then ready for use

For rearing small larve of this species jelly tumblers containing
earth and covered with cheesecloth can be used. The insects in this
stage are cannibalistic, and it is therefore necessary to keep each
larva in a separate jar if exact records are desired. Caterpillars or
pup of almost any insect can be furnished for food and the soil
must be kept slightly moist, but not wet. These larve can be reared

2»

PLATE Il.

Bul. 251, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

(‘sso8Ing ULOI{) “OT6T UL TING SV FJ 606T Ul ITM sv H
"S31.L35q VWOSONVD DNINVAY YOs SSINVLOASN| YOOG-LNO

Bul. 251, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. PEATE ie

ui O08

wy

INTERIOR VIEW OF INSECTARY “3B,” SHOWN IN PLATE I]. (FROM BURGESS.)

Bul. 251, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. PLATE IV.

a

g
4
Ee
p

ig
ie

é eS
i OH
eth Mie hehe

sii

Ny
i ie
Bae

(From Burgess.)

showing coarse-mesh screen top, used after the larvee have gone into the ground to transform
and hibernate.

A,

.
?

Box CAGES USED FOR REARING CALOSOMA LARVA LATE IN THE SUMMER.

B, cover with fine-mesh screen, used in summer

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 5

| /
in wire cages if desired. The bottoms should be made of a circular
piece of board 4 inches in diameter, having a hole in the center
covered with netting. To the circumference of this base is tacked a
strip of wire netting 10 inches in width. It should be cut long enough
to lap at the side, so that it can be sewed with wire. The selvage
edge of the wire netting should be used for the top of the cage and
eare should be taken that the circumference at the top and the bottom
are the same. A cover similar to the ones used on the glass jars may
then be placed on the top of the cage. These cages should be set 8
inches in the ground. After the larve become full grown they de-
scend into the ground and form their pupal chambers. Cages of this

Fic, 2.—Jars for rearing Calosoma beetles ; a, Large jar with wooden top and “ ladder ”’ ;
b, small jar with wooden top; c, showing construction of top and “ladder”; d, jar with
cheesecloth top held in position with rubber band. (From Burgess.)

sort should not be disturbed until the following spring. For hiber-
nating quarters for beetles, boxes with bottoms made of wire screen
can be used (Pl. IV). They should be sunk into the ground from
18 to 20 inches, the earth inside the box being the same level as that
on the outside. A hinged cover provided with. wire netting should
be placed on the top of the box and if convenient this cover should be
padlocked so that the contents of the box will not be disturbed.
Beetles may be placed in hibernation in cylinders (fig. 3) made of
galvanized iron wire having a }-inch mesh. These can be constructed
in the same manner as the small cylinders already mentioned. If
larvee are to be placed in these cylinders it will be necessary to line
them with fine wire screen in order to prevent their escape. This

6 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

equipment has been selected as a result of many experiments and has
been found to work very satisfactorily.

METHODS OF REARING CALOSOMA BEETLE.

The most satisfactory manner of rearing these insects, in case it

is desired to secure definite records of the number of eggs laid by a
single individual or the amount of food consumed, is to place a pair

Fic. 3.—Wire hibernation cage that has been removed from the earth. Arrow shows the
cavity where a Calosoma beetle hibernated; enlargement shows this beetle in the cage.
(From Burgess.)

of beetles in one of the larger glass jars with a supply of caterpillars
for food. The jars should be cleaned daily and all wounded or dead
caterpillars removed. If this is not done, considerable difficulty is
likely to be experienced. The earth should be examined daily, and if
eggs are found the beetles should be transferred to a fresh jar and
the original one kept, so that a record can be made of the larve that
hatch. The number of larve that hatch is taken as an index of the
number of eggs deposited, since it is Impracticable to remove the
eggs from the earth to make an accurate count, as they are easily

a

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. v4
injured in handling. Records of the time spent in the different
larval stages or the amount of food consumed may be secured by
feeding the newly hatched larve in individual jelly glasses, as has
already been described. When the larve become nearly full-grown
they should be transferred to a larger jar, and it is better to place
them in a wire cage sunk in the ground, so that they may have an
opportunity to pupate in the soil without being disturbed.

These methods of rearing beetles were followed out, and in the
spring and summer of 1908 and 1909 nearly 15,000 larvee were reared
and colonized in the field. Since that time it has been possible to
collect both beetles and larvee in the field, and the laboratory rearings
for colonization have been discontinued.

LIFE HISTORY OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA.

Contrary to general belief, the adults of this species live two or
three years and sometimes four. This information has been secured
by careful study of the habits of the insect carried out over a long
period.

THE EGG (PL. I).

_

The egg is about 5.2 mm. long and 2.4 mm. wide, elliptical, taper-
ing somewhat toward one end. It is white, with a faint yellow-
ish tinge. The eggs are deposited in the ground by the females and
hatch in from 3 to 10 days, depending upon the temperature. Careful
experiments show that the time spent in the egg stage averages about
5.2 days in June and 4.4 days in July. Experiments have been tried
to see whether or not hatching could be retarded by placing eggs in
cold storage. In cases where they were exposed to freezing tempera-
tures they shriveled and no hatching resulted.

THE LARVA (PL. 1).

The larve on hatching are nearly white. They remain in the
cavity occupied by the egg and gradually grow darker until they
become jet black. They then make their way to the surface of the
ground and begin searching for food. They attack caterpillars or
pupee with little regard to the size, cut through the body wall of
their prey with their sharp mandibles, and feed on the liquids and
soft tissues within. They molt twice before becoming full grown.
These larve climb trees that are provided with rough bark and search
for caterpillars or pupx concealed in crevices. Molting frequently
takes place on the tree trunk, so that the cast skins of the larve
are frequently found on trees where they have been feeding. The
full-grown larve average about 25.8 mm. in length and 5.7 mm. in
width. The body is shining black, while the mandibles, legs, mouth-
parts, antenne, and lateral and ventral abdominal markings are

o= BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

dark brown; the dorsum of the last abdominal segment is chestnut-
brown. The two caudal appendages forming a part of the last
abdominal segment are short and quite erect, and are provided with
a large, stout, dorsal tooth and a smaller lateral tooth, both of which

bear spines. Length of time in the larval stage varies with the tem- —
perature and food supply. The following record of 12 larve which.
hatched June 20, 1908, shows the time spent in active feeding:

Days.

SPS Galea Sta SOs 2 ara gt eps OE ins Pane ES so a DZ,
Second wWaryal- Stages. = 2s ee eee eee eS Rue eee Fe ee
CIT eed tive) be Cae Obs See UE OR saree eo AN ges eae ene 9
4 NYG 7H Oe een Dees twee Roe Ate Ea ewe le 2 14

The weather during this period was warm and the food supply
was ample. The time when larve are found in the field is governed
largely by weather conditions in the spring, but ranges from June
25 to the middle of August.

DISTANCE TRAVELED BY LARVA.

As has already been stated, the larvee of the species are capable of
climbing trees, and this makes it possible for them to feed on cater-
pillars or pupee that may be present on the trunks or large branches.
In some cases molted skins of the larve have been found in large
trees at a height of 50 feet above the ground.

An experiment was carried on in 1910 to determine the distance
that a newly hatched larva would travel if no food was supplied.
The experiment started at 8.30 a. m., July 13, and continued unin-
terruptedly for 72 hours. Apparatus was constructed to measure ac-
curately the distance traveled by this individual, which totaled 9,058
feet, or 1.78 miles. The weather was very hot during the time the
experiment was carried on, and neither moisture nor food was sup-
plied. ;

FEEDING HABITS OF LARVA.

The larvee feed both by day and by night, and are more active
when the weather is hot. As a rule, caterpillars are attacked from
the side or from beneath, and if the specimens are hairy the favored
place seems to be between the segments, where the larve can more
readily pierce the integument with their sharp mandibles. Newly
hatched sycophanta larve are able successfully to combat practically
all caterpillars, regardless of size. Many specimens are injured to
such an extent that they evidently die, and thus more caterpillars are
prevented from transforming than are actually eaten. The pupz
of lepidopterons, especially those that are not provided with a
cocoon, are particularly susceptible to attack by the Calosoma larve.

PLATE V.

Bul. 251, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.

*VLNVHdOOAS

‘ssoSing UII) ‘OLSTIOJOCIVIGD oe OIA ‘So[OU IV[NSoIII otf} OJON
Ms

VNOSOTVD AO YAYV] SHL Ad GAAOY"LSAG N33d SAVH LVHL HLO|) ASdIKQ) SHL AO

Wdnd

Bul. 251, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. PLaTe VI.

LARVA. OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA FEEDING ON GIPSY MOTH CATERPILLARS UNDER
BURLAP.

Photograph taken at Pine Bank Park, Malden, Mass., 1910. (From Burgess.)

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 9

The larve usually cut a hole between the segments of the pupe
(Pl. V),.and after feeding begins the hole is gradually enlarged
until the front portion of the body finds entrance to the pupa. The
internal contents in most cases is completely devoured before the
larva leaves the pupa to search for other food. The holes are always
irregular in outline and can be easily distinguished from the exit
holes of parasites. Gipsy-moth pupz massed on the trunks of trees,
underneath branches, or below burlap bands (Pl. VI) are favored
locations as feeding grounds for Calosoma larve. In many towns
in the infested gipsy-moth district one or more Calosoma larvee can
usually be found in each mass of gipsy-moth pup examined. These
predaceous larvee occasionally attack female moths, and several cases
have been noted where the latter have been killed before they had an
opportunity to deposit eggs.

Sycophanta larve feed freely on any lepidopterous larvee or pupee
which they may find. A considerable number of cases have been
noted where the larve have cut through the cocoons of the American
tent caterpillar (J/alacosoma americana Fab.) and forest tent cater-
pillar (Malacosoma disstria Hiibw.) and have destroyed the pup
_ within. |

The life history of the Calosoma beetle is well adapted to that of
the gipsy moth. The beetles are present and active during the time
of year when gipsy-moth caterpillars are abundant and the larvee are
active and feeding while the gipsy moth is still in the pupal stage. -
No other common lepidopterous species which occurs in New Eng-
land is so well adapted as a host of this beetle as the gipsy moth,
and although large numbers of other caterpillars and pup are de-
stroyed annually, the increase of the beetle is not as satisfactory in
regions where the gipsy moth is not available for food.

In the summer of 1908 several series of experiments were con-
ducted to determine the number of sixth-stage gipsy-moth cater-
pillars destroyed by the larvee of C. sycophanta. It was found that
on the average a single larva of this beetle would kill 41 full-grown
caterpillars between the time of hatching and pupation. If smaller
larvee were attacked,a greater number would, of course, be destroyed.
It is safe to say that 50 or more caterpillars would be necessary to
satisfy the appetite of a Calosoma larva under field conditions. Most
of the sycophanta larve hatch at a time when more gipsy-moth pup
than caterpillars are available for food. Experiments show that on
the average about 13 female pupe are destroyed by each larva when
fed in captivity. Observations in the field and jar experiments both
indicate that a greater percentage of females than males is destroyed
by the Calosoma larvee, the average ratio being 75 per cent females
to 50 per cent males.

93012°—Bull, 251—15 "9

10 BULLETIN Zo, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
EFFECT OF ‘“‘ WILT” ON CALOSOMA LARV.

In the area infested by the gipsy moth a disease known as “ wilt ”
is quite prevalent among caterpillars. A number of experiments
have been conducted to determine whether sycophanta larvee, if they
were obliged to feed on caterpillars affected by this disease, would
contract it and die. The experiments were conducted in 1910 and
sycophanta \arve were fed on diseased caterpillars in breeding jars.
The results showed that the larve of this beetle suffer little if any
from wilt. A few died, but no greater number than was the case in
check experiments where healthy food was supphed. Only a single
case has been noted in the field where Calosoma larve had appar-
‘ently died from wilt, and as the specimens were not examined micro-
scopically, death may not have been due to this cause. Beetle larvee
are so commonly found in masses of gipsy-moth pupe and cater-
pillars which are dead or dying from wilt that if the beetle larve
were susceptible to it, large numbers of dead specimens would be
found.

EFFECT OF SPRAYING ON CALOSOMA LARVA.

The question has been repeatedly asked whether or not the spraying
of infested areas would result in destroying the beetles or their larve
on account of the belief that many of them would feed on poisoned
caterpillars. Laboratory experiments, where caterpillars were taken
from sprayed trees and used as food for beetle larvee, show that the
death rate was no greater than normal, while observations in the field
have failed to reveal any case where the beetles or larve fed upon
dead caterpillars or those in a dying condition from feeding on poi-
soned foliage. Apparently the beetles migrate in the field to locations
where food is abundant. If eggs have been deposited in sprayed areas
so that larve are abundant, little doubt remains that some of them
may fail to secure food and die from starvation. No direct evidence is
available to indicate that either the beetle or the larva is killed as a
result of spraying, and we have always recommended that spraying
should not be discontinued in cases of gross infestation in order to
protect the beetles. The enormous increase of Calosoma seems to
indicate that a discontinuance of spraying is not necessary.

STARVATION EXPERIMENTS WITH CALOSOMA LARVZE.

Inasmuch as the ability of Calosoma larve to develop depends upon
whether sufficient food can be found, a series of experiments was
carried on in 1908 to determine how long they would survive in the
different stages if no food was supplied. The larve were placed in
jars containing a small amount of earth and no food was furnished.

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 11
f

The results showed that first-stage larve would live 3.56 days, second
stage 6 to 9 days, and third stage 8 to 16 days before dying from
starvation. This information, together with data secured on the
distance which first-stage larve can crawl, indicates that the species
is able to withstand adverse conditions and still survive.

PUPATION OF CALOSOMA LARVAE.

Several attempts have been made to induce the larvee to hibernate
during the winter. A number of lots were placed in cold storage
and several other experiments were conducted by placing the larve
in jars of earth in a cold cellar. In every case, however, either the
larve had transformed to pupz, which had died, or to adults, when
the jars were examined in the spring. After becoming full grown the
larvee entered the ground, formed a chamber, and entered the pupal
stage. The depth to which the larve descend depends upon the con-
dition of the soil. Occasionally pupe of this bettle are found beneath
boards or rocks, but in many cases they descend from 6 to 10 inches
in loose soil before making the pupal chamber. In any event, pupa-
tion takes place above the frost line. After burrowing into the
~ ground and forming a pupal chamber the body of the larva shortens,
and after resting it transforms to pupa. The period from the time
the larva stops feeding until pupation occurs averages about 10 days.

THE PUPA (PL. I).

The pupa of Calosoma sycophanta is pale yellow, about 25 mm.
long and 12 mm. in width at the first abdominal segment. The
mouthparts, antenne, wings, and legs are folded beneath the head,
the hind legs extending to the tip of the abdomen and the wings
extending beyond the fourth abdominal segment.

Many experiments have been conducted in removing pupe of this
species from the cavities in which they pupated, but in most cases it
is impossible to do this without causing injury and preventing nor-
mal emergence of the adult. In rearing this beetle care should be
taken not to disturb the larva after it begins to form its pupal cham-
ber, otherwise either a poor emergence of beetles or a considerable
number of crippled specimens is likely to result. If definite records
are desired regarding individual specimens, the larve should be al-
lowed to pupate in wire cages in the ground. In case it is desired to
rear through a large number of specimens without reference to defi-
nite records, a large number of larvee can be placed periodically in
one of the box cages previously mentioned. The time spent in the
pupal stage averages about 13 days, and after the adults emerge
they remain in the cavity which held the pupz throughout the winter
and do not ordinarily come to the surface of the ground until June 1

12 BULLETIN 251, U. 8S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

of the following spring. Many experiments have been tried in an
attempt to force early emergence and with an idea of breeding this
species during the winter in the laboratory, in order to increase the
supply for liberation in the field. Efforts along this line have been
futile. The species seems to have a well-fixed habit of winter hiber-
nation, and apparently requires a long resting period. It is difficult
to secure proper food for beetles that may be taken from hiberation
during the winter, but, even if this could be obtained, no satisfactory
way nek been found to increase the number of broods annually.

THE ADULT OR BEETLE.

As has been previously stated, the beetles emerge about the first
of June. The exact time varies slightly from year to year, depend-
ing upon the weather conditions. Beetle larve that transformed to
pupz and remained as beetles in the pupal cavities during the winter
emerge at this time as well as other beetles that developed from
larve in previous years. In July after the adults have finished

feeding they burrow into the ground and form a cavity in which.

they remain the next winter. The distance beneath the surface
varies greatly and depends to some extent on the looseness of the
soil which they enter. They seldom go below the frost line, and,
this being the case, the earth around them is usually frozen solid
during the winter. The males and females enter hibernation about
the same time, but the former usually emerge a day or two earlier
in the spring. A few cases are on record where beetles have re-
mained dormant in the ground continuously for nearly two years.
In one instance a pair of beetles entered hibernation on July 28,
1910, and did not emerge from the ground until June, 1912. Sev-
eral cases of this sort have been found as a result of careful notes
from breeding experiments kept at the laboratory. In every case
where this has occurred the beetles concerned were more than a year
old. In no case have beetles failed to emerge the spring following
their development from the larve. In connection with the hiberna-
tion of this species, it should be said that the beetles habitually live

in that stage more than one year. As a rule they live for two years —

and several records indicate that it is not uncommon for them to
remain in the beetle stage for three years. A record of one experi-
ment shows that several Senalee lived more than four years. Records
kept at the laboratory indicate that the percentage of mortality
_ during hibernation is rather high. It should be remembered that
these beetles were placed in hibernating cages in the laboratory yard,
and although here natural conditions are approximated as nearly as is
possible, the location was not quite as suitable as if the insects had
had an opportunity to make their own selection. In our experiments

‘i

(ta

EO

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. ks

a
the mortality of beetles during the winter runs from 22 to 35 per
cent, first-year beetles showing the lowest death rate.

A large number of experiments were carried on in the spring of
1908 to determine whether it would be possible to induce this species
to develop more than one brood in a single year. Beetles were re-
moved from hibernation on March 4 and were fed in jars at the
laboratory. Difficulty was experienced in securing a sufficient food
supply, but the beetles did not feed at all freely and were rather
inactive in the jars. Eggs were deposited a little earher in the season
than was the case when the species emerged normally, but the larvee
grew very slowly and did not develop much earlier than those which
resulted from beetles that emerged early in June. The experiment
indicated very .conclusively that 1t was not possible to force this
species and that the habit of developing a single generation a year
is firmly fixed.

FEEDING HABITS OF ADULTS.

The beetles climb trees readily and travel out on the branches and
sometimes cling to the leaves while searching for caterpillars. If
disturbed they usually fall to the ground and immediately seek shelter
- underneath leaves or rubbish. The beetles usually seize the cater-
pillars in the middle of the back and cut through the body wall with
their sharp mandibles. They feed upon the liquids and fatty mate-
rial which form the body content of the caterpillar and usually injure
many more than they actually devour. The average length of time
during which the beetles feed is from about June 1 to July 15. From
records secured in 1910 the shortest period of feeding was 32 days
and the longest 66 days, with an average of 50 days. These records
were secured from beetles kept in captivity. It will be noted that the
time when the beetles are feeding corresponds roughly with the time
when the gipsy moth is in the larval stage. This makes this beetle
_ particularly adapted for feeding on the gipsy moth, and a further ad-
vantage results from the fact that the larve of Calosoma sycophanta
are most active during the time the gipsy moth is in the pupal stage.
_ The food of the adults is very similar to that of the larve; both are
frequently found in the field feeding upon larvee and pupe of native
Lepidoptera.

It is difficult to determine the number of caterpillars which are
destroyed by a single beetle. This can only be done by feeding the
beetles in captivity; and under these conditions they evidently do not
destroy as many caterpillars as they would if they were living in the
open. Experiments which have been conducted, using full-grown
tent caterpillars and gipsy-moth caterpillars, showed that the average
number of caterpillars destroyed by an old beetle was 328 and by
young beetles 239. The young beetles—that is, those that are feeding

14 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

for the first year—do not eat nearly as many caterpillars as beetles
that are older. On the other hand, the younger beetles seldom deposit
eggs, while the older ones are very prolific.

Experiments conducted with small brown-tail moth caterpillars
indicate that a much larger number of this species was destroyed.
This is undoubtedly due to the small size of the caterpillars, and
similar results would probably be secured if small gipsy-moth cater-
pillars were used for food.

In some of the laboratory experiments beef was offered to the.

beetles for food. They fed upon it to some extent for a short time,
but after a week they refused to eat. Apparently they do not care
for this substance if caterpillars are available.

EXPERIMENTS IN FEEDING BEETLES ON CATERPILLARS INFECTED BY WILT.

Several experiments have been conducted in feeding sycophanta
beetles upon gipsy-moth caterpillars infected with the bacterial dis-
ease known as “wilt.” Experiments were started in July, 1907,
a single pair of beetles being fed from July 23 to August 14 with
caterpillars which showed pronounced symptoms of the disease.
Twenty-one larve were eaten, three were so badly injured that they
died, and the remaining larvee supphed to the beetles in the jar died
from disease. These beetles ate slightly less than another pair that
were fed on healthy caterpillars. Both pairs entered hibernation and
those that were furnished diseased caterpillars showed no ill effects.
Several similar experiments have been conducted since that time,
and the results indicate that these beetles are not susceptible to the
“wilt.” Each year large numbers of gipsy-moth caterpillars die
from the disease in jars where Calosoma beetles are confined for
experiments, and if it was seriously destructive to the beetles or their
larvee the fact would have been determined by heavy mortality among
them.

EFFECT OF SPRAYING ON BEETLES.

Several attempts have been made to determine whether Calosoma
beetles are injured or killed by feeding on gipsy-moth caterpillars
taken from sprayed trees. In 1910 a small area of brush growth near
the laboratory was sprayed with arsenate of lead, and gipsy-moth
caterpillars collected from time to time were furnished the beetles
for food. Check experiments were also run in unsprayed areas. The
experiment failed to show that any of the beetles were injured by
feeding on caterpillars taken from sprayed foliage. Several col-
onies of beetles have been liberated in woodland that has been
heavily sprayed, and not infrequently beetles are found on street or
park trees which have been sprayed with arsenate of lead. Dead
beetles or their larve are found very rarely, and thus it is evident

oh

anne

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 15

f
that no wholesale injury to the species is caused by their feeding on
poisoned caterpillars.

STARVATION EXPERIMENTS.

In 1910 experiments were conducted to determine the length of
time that these beetles could survive without food. For this purpose
two pairs of young beetles and two pairs of old beetles were placed
in jars of earth in one of the cages in the laboratory yard. The
results of the experiment are shown in Table IT:

TABLE II.—Starvation experiment to determine the length of time adult
Calosoma sycophanta can live without food.

Date
emerged Date Length of time Date Length of time
Calosoma sycophanta. from male male lived with- | female female lived
hiberna- died. out food. died. without food.
tion. :
1910. 1910. 1910.
BVCOUME IMAI 2 Vem iets ee iy eke May 26] June 26 | 1 month.......... July 9] 1 month 13 days.
AU) Os ee elope ay mpeg Sak gaye aan Mz A SOO le: June 29 | 1 month 3 days....| July _5 | 1 month 9 days.
OTe DIN SE eal ey eo ae Be aGOeses = July 17 | 1 month 21 days...| June 26 | 1 month.
DOR Be mast Gerecion Sg Sea eM a I Goseeee June 30 | 1 month 4 days.... (1) 1 month 21 days.!

1 This female, after living without food for 1 month and 21 days, was offered several full-grown gipsy-moth
ee nes ieee eee eacieracaivilg a0 witout depositing
eggs. During the 12 days the pair were in the jar 33 sixth-stage gipsy-moth caterpillars were eaten.

This experiment shows that beetles of this species can live during
the summer for a month or more without food. Old beetles appear
to withstand starvation better than young beetles, and males die
sooner than females. In 1907 a field colony of beetles was liberated
in order to test their ability to survive where the food supply was
very limited. Fifty specimens, 25 of each sex, were liberated in
woodland at Peabody, Mass., August 28. The beetles were received
from Europe early in the month and had been supphed with very
little food after their arrival. At the time they were liberated there
were no gipsy-moth caterpillars in the field and very few pupe. An
occasional native caterpillar could be found, but they were rare in
_ the vicinity of the colony. Several examinations were made the fol-
lowing spring and summer. On July 8 Calosoma larve were found,
showing that the species had survived and that reproduction had
taken place. This indicates that the beetles are able to survive under
very unfavorable conditions.

In order to determine how far male beetles might be attracted by
females, several experiments were conducted, but negative results
were secured.

REPRODUCTION.

After emerging from hibernation and feeding for a few days, cop-
ulation takes place and eggs are deposited by the females. It is neces-

16 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

sary for the latter to mate several times during the season, or a large
percentage of infertile eggs will be laid. Old beetles lay many more
eggs than young beetles. The highest number of eggs laid by a sin-
gle female in a season was 653. If an average is taken covering all
the beetles under observation for a single year, both young and old,
the rate of increase—that is, the average number of eggs deposited
by each female—will be about 100. The result of several years’ work
in rearing beetles in confinement indicates that it is a common habit
of this species to oviposit sparingly, if at all, the first summer, and
to lay eggs freely the second season. If conditions are favorable the
first year, a number of eggs may be laid, while if they are unfavorable
oviposition is postponed until the second or third summer, as the case
may be. It sometimes happens that eggs are laid the first and third
summers, but not during the second; at any rate, each female will lay
about an equal number of eggs, but the time they are deposited varies
greatly. : 3

.The data secured from field colonies indicates that the same con-
ditions apply. Two-thirds of the localities that were colonized with
beetle larvee have shown some reproduction the year following plant-
ing, while colonies where adults were liberated usually show much
larger increase. The jar records indicate that the old beetles multiply
seven times as fast as the young ones, and in the field, based on the
number of moit skins found in several colonies, the average is 10 to
1 in favor of the old beetles.

HABITS OF FLIGHT.

For a number of years it was believed that these beetles did not
fly. They were frequently seen in trees, and when disturbed would
fall to the ground without making any effort to use their wings.
A number of observations, however, prove that the species flies quite
freely, particularly early in the spring. There is at that time con-
siderable migration of the adults after they emerge from hiberna-
tion, and they undoubtedly seek localities where food is plentiful.
The fact that beetles have been found more than 20 miles outside the
area where they were colonized indicates that spread is accomplished
by flying or that the species was carried on vehicles or in some other
way. |

é ATTRACTION OF ADULTS TO LIGHT.

Several native species of Calosoma are attracted to strong light.
Although many observations have been made in eastern Massachu-
setts, where sycophanta was first colonized, and where the species is
abundant, it has never been taken at are lights, and we have received
no record to that effect from various collectors in this vicinity.
Several specimens are reported to have been taken at electric lights

o*

a EEE

~

Bul. 251, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. PLATE VII.

EXCREMENT OF SKUNK COLLECTED IN THE FIELD, SHOWING MANY FRAGMENTS OF
ADULTS OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA. (ORIGINAL.)

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 1%

at Salisbury Beach, Salisbury, Mass., in 1913. It is probable that the
species is occasionally attracted to hghts, but it is apparent that
this beetle does not frequent hghts as commonly as other species of
the same genus.

EXPERIMENTS IN DROWNING BEETLES.

Early in the spring of 1910 a number of experiments were con-
ducted to determine whether beetles could continue to live after being
submerged in water for any length of time. This information was
quite desirable, inasmuch as areas where the beetles hibernate during
the winter might in the spring be covered with water for a consider-

able period, so that unless the species are able to withstand submer-
gence many specimens might be destroyed in this way. 3

March 17, 1910, cages containing frozen earth were dug up and
two male Beetle: were removed from their cavities and put in a jar
of water. At 11 a. m. the jar was placed in the laboratory ice chest
and kept at a temperature of 39° F. Some pieces of cloth and two
small blocks of wood were put in the jar with the intention of keep-
ing the beetles submerged, but at 5.58 p. m., when an examination was
made, both beetles were found swimming about in the water. They
were again submerged by placing a quantity of blotting paper inside
of the jar, but on the following morning they had succeeded in
making their way to the surface. A wooden float was then con-
structed which was placed in the jar in such a manner as to keep
the insects under water. They were kept in this position four days,
although every 12 hours they were taken out and examined to see if
they showed signs of life. At the end of this period they were re-
moved, apparently dead, but in less than an hour they revived suffi-
Senay to begin feeding on cutworms.

This experiment shows that beetles of this ee ean live for at
least four days, and probably longer, if submerged in water a few
degrees above the freezing point.

March 17, 1910, several small wire cages, used for feeding larve,
each of lich nuance a newly formed beetle, were dug up and
submerged in a tub of water to see if the insects would survive this
treatment. There were several inches of frost on the top of each
cage and the temperature of the water was about 39° F. March 18,
at 8 a. m., one female had emerged and was clinging to the wire just
above the water. An examination of the earth in this cage showed
that the hibernation cavity was about 6 inches deep, and as soon as
it thawed out the insect made its way to the surface of the water..

Another cage was examined after it had been submerged 24 hours
and a living beetle was found 34 inches below the surface of the
earth. The cage was replaced and removed later in the day and it
was found that the beetle had worked its way to a point a half inch

93012°— Bull. 251—15—— 3

18 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

below the surface of the earth. It appeared dead, but on removal
soon revived.

At the end of 48 hours another cage was examined, and a live beetle
found 34 inches below the surface of the earth. This cage was

replaced and on the following morning, after it had been submerged |

for 24 days, the beetle was found on the surface of the water.

The last cage was opened at the cnd of four days, and an active
female was found in the earth, which was now very compact. The
beetle was replaced in the mud and the cage submerged, -but at
3.10 p. m. it came to the surface of the water, after having remained
beneath it four days and two hours.

These experiments indicate that this species is able to withstand
excessive amounts of moisture and that in the spring, when lowlands
are flooded, the majority of the insects will survive, apparently with-
out serious inconvenience. :

On March 21 a female Calosoma beetle that had been submerged
for four days and two hours was placed in a tub of water and floated
about on the surface. It seemed desirable to ascertain how long the
insect would remain alive and float when the temperature of the
water was maintained at about 39° F., and also whether it was able
to make any progress in swimming. During the first hour and fifteen
minutes the insect swam a distance of 22 inches. It rested on the
water very easily, less than one-half of the body being submerged.

The legs moved continually, but its progress was very slow. This

beetle remained in the tub of water 15 days and at the end of that
period was removed for dead. In a few hours it revived and began
feeding, and was used later in the summer in rearing experiments.
This shows that in the spring beetles of this species might survive
several days if they should fall into ponds, and that they would
probably float with the current and might be distributed quite a
long distance in this way, especially if they fell into streams or
rivers.
NATURAL ENEMIES.

Tt is undoubtedly true that this species is eaten to some extent
by birds, and the hairy woodpecker has been charged with destroy-
ing it on several occasions. The crow has been observed to feed on
the beetles and also to carry them to their nests which were occupied
by young birds. Among the other vertebrate enemies may be men-
tioned skunks, raccoons, and foxes. The last two mentioned, when
kept in captivity, will feed on these beetles very freely. Abundant
evidence has been secured that skunks destroy large numbers of the
beetles. In some sections where these insects were very abundant it
was found that the remains of the beetles formed the chief con-
stituent of the excrement of this animal. (Pl. VII.) Not only
do the skunks secure beetles which may be on the ground, but they

—

EE

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 19.
undoubtedly obtain many that have just transformed to the beetle
stage and are just beneath the surface. In several places, where
beetles were numerous and were doing good work in destroying
gipsy-moth caterpillars, it was found later in the season that the
ground beneath the trees had been uprooted to a considerable ex-
tent and skunk droppings containing large numbers of beetle re-
mains were abundant in the locality.

These beetles are also attacked by a tachinid fly, probably Viviania
georgiae, as a few specimens of this species have been reared from
beetles which died after they had been brought in from the field.

Under laboratory conditions the beetles and their larve are some-
times seriously attacked by a mite known as 7'yroglyphus armipes
Bks. It is improbable that they suffer from this enemy under field
conditions, but unless breeding jars are kept free from dead cater-
pillars, considerable difficulty is hkely to result in rearing the insect
in confinement.

COLONIZATION OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA.

Colonies of this species were first berated in the field in 1906 in
_the towns of Saugus, Malden, Winchester, Burlington, and Lynn-
field, Mass. Other colonies have been released since that time in
territory where the insect did not occur and where gipsy-moth in-
festation was severe. There have been liberated in the field about
2,700 beetles which were imported from Europe; in addition to this,
during the first two or three years following 1907, colonies of larvee
and some beetles reared at the laboratory were also released in the
field. Since 1910 this species has not been received from Europe, and
most of the specimens colonized have been collected in eastern Massa-
chusetts, where the beetles have become abundant. Table III gives a
summary of the number of beetles imported, as well as those collected
-and colonized since the work began.

TABLE III.—Number of living Calosoma sycophanta imported, and number of
beetles and larve colonized.

: Colonized from rearings

Helonived | and field collections.
Year. Received. importa-

tions Adults. Larve.

|

1OQGE Ae eee ae ae 693 SB ye1). MMe pele Aaa Keeani

OO Meese Sra 967 YT NaS OES A Cre ee eae
ica ICS) at eateries pear 675 ANON) Neal Sea ale Ac eee 2,300
NOOO er my eee ieee 405 PARRA eee Sena ees 6, 100
ONO eee arias 1,305 1,064 452 6,380
TUS NES res fom Seca ie Sa a eee pecan RNS ne 621 1, 104

ED cepa cian a papel | ceo ean GROEN Cm oe Pa oa ee s HPAG SS oi hepsi aie an
TSE a Ra ROL Seng ea 3.014 2,901
TRON Ue eo ae rs Ae apns a ne aie EL a ee Nd SE a nl 4,244 330
Mofalieiy2s. ot. 4,045 | 2,711 | 8, 507 19, 115

20 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

In addition to the beetles colonized, as given in Table III, 340
living specimens were shipped from the laboratory during 1912 and
1913. Most of these went to New Brunswick, Canada, where an in-
festation of the brown-tail moth exists, but a small lot was shipped
-to the commissioner of horticulture of California for colonization in
that State, and another lot was forwarded to New Mexico, where a
serious outbreak of the range caterpillar (Hemleuca oliviae Ckll.)
exists. .

In 1914, 1,830 specimens were collected by Mr. L. S. McLaine, an
assistant of Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, entomologist to the Dominion
of Canada, and shipped to New Brunswick, and 1,700 were obtained
by Mr. H. E. Smith and forwarded to New Mexico by arrangement
with Prof. F. M. Webster, in charge of cereal and forage insect in-

vestigations in the Bureau of Entomology.’

METHODS OF SECURING DATA FROM FIELD COLONIES.

In order to determine whether this species has increased in spread
under natural conditions, a large-amount of work has been carried
on each year in the field. Owing to the large size of the beetle and
its larve, it is comparatively easy to make observations on this
species. For the first few years after liberations were made observa-
tions were carried on in the localities where the colonies were planted.

The work was taken up about the 1st of July and continued as long

as information could be secured in August. Effort was made to
determine not only whether the species had survived, but to find out
whether it was spreading. This work gave very gratifying results.
On trees which were burlapped it was possible in many cases to
find the beetles or their larve feeding on gipsy-moth larve or pup
beneath the bands. The beetle larve feed extensively on gipsy-moth
pupe, and it is quite easy to determine if pupe have been destroyed
by this means, even though the insect may not be present. As the
larvee of sycophanta climb trees and feed among masses of pupa, an
examination of these masses in midsummer usually indicates whether
the species is present. An additional help in this respect results from
the fact that these beetle larve molt among the masses of pupz on the
trees, and unless there are heavy rains, which wash these molted skins
to the ground, it is possible, for a period of several weeks after actual
feeding took place, to determine whether the species has been present.
Uusing this information as a guide, parties of men have been em-
ployed each year to examine infested places in the towns outside of
localities in which colonization actually took place. In this way it has
been possible to determine the spread of the insect from year to year

1 Results of the introduction into New Mexico will be set forth in detail in a report on
the range caterpillar investigation of this bureau.

CoB R ei yy sg Wa
y me ‘| w

Be ay Bow ee

Wheat tradi sasltana i AM raR
Bastin ne ; Nate Pe oy

C en : 4 Hay

fesse i ca anne rat

~

tc eed al a

ie

CALOSOMA BEETLE

MAP
showing

DISPERSION oF the

Coe < er

|

Ce

\
|

19/1 = DISPERSION % C5, COPHANTA.

ANDOVER

wes

SF,

TO AND/INCLUDING 19/0.

—_— 9/2
— 9/3-
—— (816:

AREA INSIDE OF BLACK LINES as aN
u
SHOWS DISPERSION OF C.SYCOPHANTA
nonweus

ri

69°
a

Be

=
aie
ah B

i

SS

¥

SS

ea NSS
cE
,

X= PECOVERIES MADE -/9/4.
eee = G/PSY MOTH QUARANTINE LINE - (9/#.

@=COLONIES L/BERATED-/9/4-

SI
6Bo

——

1

Hi
mat |

KSI GRG

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 21

and to secure data on the abundance of the species and the effective-
ness of its work. :

The accompanying map (Pl. VIII) shows the territory infested
with the gipsy moth in 1914; also the areas where the Calosoma
beetle was found from the years 1910 to 1914, inclusive.

DISPERSION OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA.

Table IV shows the annual dispersion of Calosoma sycophanta since
it was introduced into Massachusetts. This information has been
secured by careful field examinations, and towns have not been in-
cluded in the area unless the beetles or their larve have been found
in several localities throughout the town.

TABLE I[V.—Table showing annual dispersion of Calosoma sycophanta in New
England, 1909-1914.

Year. Area. Year. Area.

Sq. mM. Sq. m

OOO tee aise cies 9 1S) ess Seas Reet Uiads 1,615
GTQ ae ee eae 106 WG Re ie are sue aS ce 3, 003 =

HO Tees See re Re 425 HOM gee aS ae 5, 445

The statements which follow give a list of the towns and cities in
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecti-
cut in which colonies of this species have been liberated, the number
released, and the places where they have been found as a result of
spread from nearby towns. The records are complete up to and in-
cluding 1914, and the information is given somewhat in detail, so
that it may be of value to owners of property or residents in the sec-

tions concerned.
MASSACHUSETTS.

Abington.—No colonies were liberated in this town. Examinations of wood-
lands in 1914 resulted in finding traces of the beetles, although little damage
was noted by the gipsy moth.

Acton.—In 1910 a colony of 200 larvee was liberated in the western part of
the town. During August, 1912, the larval molt skins were found in many
woodlands throughout, and further evidences of the increase and efficiency of
the species were reported in 1913 and 1914.

Amesbury.—In 1910 a colony of 200 larve was liberated in woodland off
Haverhill Street. August, 1912, examinations showed them to be present in
many localities throughout the town, and in 1915 and 1914 further reports
indicated that they had become numerous in these sections.

Andover.—During 1910, 100 beetles were liberated in this town. In 1911 they
were recovered in a few localities. They were recovered in 26 different locali-
ties in 1912. Additional data secured in 1913 and 1914 showed them to be
present in large numbers throughout. These records are indicative that these
beetles are common enough throughout this section to be accomplishing an
appreciable amount of good as an enemy of the gipsy moth.

22 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

_ Arlington.—In 1910, 200 beetle larve were colonized. During 1911 they were
recovered in various localities. No further examinations have been made, as

the results indicated that this species was well established here.

Ashburnham.—In 1914, 87 beetles were colonized in a section where there
was a heavy infestation of gipsy moths. Later reports show that the beetles
had spread sparingly into other sections.

Ashby—During 1914, 174 beetles were liberated in two localities where gipsy
moths were abundant. They also made their appearance in other sections as a
result of spread from other towns.

Ashiland.—A colony of 100 beetles were liberated in 19138 at a locality where
the gipsy-moth infestation was moderate. Later in the season this species was
recovered at points distant from the colony. In 1914 it was universal through-
out the town.

Avon.—No colonies were liberated here, but in 1913 recoveries were made in
the southern part of the town, and a satisfactory increase was noted in 1914.

Ayer.—In 1913 beetles were recovered in three localities. although no colonies

had been liberated. This species showed remarkable increase in 1914.

Barnstable.—No beetles were liberated in this town. In 1914 this species was
reported as abundant in various localities.

Barre.—No colonies were liberated, but beetles were reported in 1914, which is
a result of spread from other towns. :

Bedford—During 1910. 100 beetles were liberated. In 1911 this species was
recovered in localities surrounding the colony. Examination made in 1912
showed them to be present in 10 widely separated points throughout the town.
In 1913 and 1914 the beetles were common in all sections.

Belmont.—During 1911 larval molt skins were found in a number of loeali-
ties, although no liberations were made here. In 1912, 1913, and 1914 beetles
were present in all the infested localities.

Berlin—No colonies were liberated here, but in 1913 beetles were found in
two localities. Reports in 1914 show this species to be quite r»bundant.

Beverly.—During 1909, 200 beetle larve were liberated off Essex Street. In
1910 beetles were recovered in points surrounding the colony. ‘This species was
found in many localities in 1911, and in 1912. 1913, and 1914 it had become well
established.

Billerica.—In 1909, 100 beetles were liberated. Examinations in 1912 showed
them to be present in most of the woodland areas. This species was very com-
mon in 1913 and 1914.

Bolton.—Although no colonies were liberated here, the beetles were foaat in
three localities in 1913. Reports show this species to be abundant in 1914.

Boston.—During 1910, 200 beetle larvze were liberated in the Hyde Park dis-
trict. In 1911 they were recovered in the Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury
sections. Inspections in 1912 showed them to be common in the Hyde Park,
Jamaica Plain, and Dorchester sections; also in Franklin Park. They were re-
ported very common and doing efficient work in woodlands where gipsy moths
were present in 1913 and 1914.

Boxboro.—No colonies were liberated here. Larval molt skins were found in
one locality in 1912. During 1913 this species was found in other ones of the
town, and in 1914 it had become quite common.

- Boxford.—In 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated. During 1912 larval molt
skins were found in 10 widely separated localities. Additional data secured in
19138 and 1914 showed them to be well established throughout the town.

Boylston.—Al\though no colonies were planted here, beetles were recovered in
one locality in 1918. In 1914 this species was reported from many sections of
the town.

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 23
f

Bradford.—In 1910, 200 beetle larvee were liberated. During 1912 larval molt
skins were found in one locality. Reports in 1918 and 1914 show them to be
rather common throughout the town.

Braintree.—Two hundred beetle larve were liberated here in 1909. Hxami-
nations during 1910 showed them to be present at and near the colony. In 1912
beetles were found in three separated localities. They were reported quite
common in 1913 and 1914.

Brockton.—No colonies were liberated here, but in 1913 beetles were found in
the northern part of the city. Further notes in 1914 showed that the beetles
had increased considerably. :

Brookline.—During 1908, 145 beetles and 100 beetle larvee were liberated.
In 1909, 200 beetle larve were added to another infested woodland. Examina-
tions in the summer of 1909 showed that the beetles had migrated somewhat.
During 1910 they were reported as reproducing and spreading favorably. In
1911 they had spread into 20 different localities and since that time they have
steadily increased and have become well established.

Burlington.—Forty beetles were liberated here in 1906.. In 1907 and 1908 a few
larval molt skins were found. During 1909 beetles were found three-fourths of a
mile from the colony, and in 1910 they were noted a considerable distance from
the center of the original colony. In-1911 and 1912 this species was reported
common in all sections of the town. Later reports show them to have increased
and become well established.

Canton.—During 1911, 100 beetles were liberated. In 1912 larval molt skins
were found in the center of the colony and in five isolated localities of the
town. Reports of 1913. and 1914 show this species to be present in large num-
bers and steadily increasing.

Carlisle-—In 1910, 100 beeties were liberated. A thorough inspection was
made in 1912 and they were recovered in a number of different localities. Since
that time they have steadily increased and become effective.

Carver.—During 1913, 85 beetles were liberated. In 1914 larval molt skins
were found common in all parts of the town where gipsy moths were present.

Cheimsford.—One hundred beetles were liberated here in 1910 and during 1912
they were recovered in several localities. Reports made in 1913 and 1914 found
them present in large numbers.

Clinton.—No beetles were liberated here, but examinations made in 1914 show
them to be rather common in all parts of the town.

Cohasset.—In 1909, 400 beetle larvee were released in this town. During 1912
they were recovered in several localities. Additional data secured in 1913 and
1914 show this species to be well established.

Concord.—Fifty beetles and 100 beetle larve were liberated here in 1908, and
400 larvee in 1909. Examinations made in 1910 indicated that they had spread a
considerable distance from where the colonies were liberated. In 1911 and 1912
this species was recovered in several sections and reports made in 1913 and 1914
show them to be abundant in all localities.

Danvers.—During 1909, 300 beetle larvee were liberated, and in 1910 they
were recovered a short distance from the colony. Examinations made in 1911
resulted in finding molt skins in numerous localities. Further evidence secured
in 1913 and 1914 showed this species to be well established.

Dedham.—In 1910, 200 beetle larvee and in 1911, 100 beetles were liberated.
Beetles were present in most of the woodlands in 1912. In 1913 and 1914 they
were found to have increased considerably and had become well established.

Dover.—Tvro hundred beetle larve were liberated here in 1910. In 1912
larval molt skins were found in five widely separated localities. Data received

24 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

- in 1915 gave evidence that they were well established, and in 1914 they were
found to be very abundant. ,
Dracut.—In 1910, 100 beetles were liberated. During 1912 they were re

eovered in various localities. In 19138 and 1914 the species was well estab-

lished and -very abundant in some localities.

Dunstable——No colonies were liberated in this town, but in 1912 beetles
were found in three widely separated sections. Reports of 1913 and 1914 show
this species to be rather abundant in various localities. .

Duxbury.—Beetles were found in the northern part of this town in 19138,

although none had been liberated. In 1914 examinations showed them to be

present in all sections.

Easton.—In 1913, 100 beetles were liberated and reports in 1914 showed the
beetles to have spread to other localities.

East Bridgewater.—No beetles were liberated here, but in 1914 they were
found in localities where gipsy moths were present in sufficient numbers.

Essex.—tIn 1909, 549 beetle larve were liberated in three separated localities.
Beetles were recovered at and near these colonies in 1910. During 1912 ex-
aminations showed them to. be present in large numbers in all sections, and in
19138 and 1914 they were reported to be abundant in all gipsy-moth infestations.

Fall. River—No liberations were made here. but in 1914 Mr. Norman §.
Easton, President of the Society of Natural History. reported finding an adult
in the center of the city.

Fitchburg. One hundred beetles were liberated in 1913 in the western part
of the city. During 1914. S7 beetles were liberated on Ashburnham Hill Road
and S87 near Burbank Hospital. Later reports show them to be present in
nearly all of the wooded sections of the city.

Foxboro—lIn 19138, 100 beetles were liberated in this town, and during 1914
they were recovered in three different localities.

Framingham.— Two hundred beetle larvze were liberated in 1910 in the
northeastern part of the town. During 1912 they were recovered in several
Jocations in the eastern part and in 1913 the species was quite common in the
western section. Further data secured in 1914 showed them to be quite abun-
dant in all localities.

Franklin.—No beeties were liberated, but in 1914 larval molt skins were
found in some sections of the town.

Georgetown.—In 1909, 200 beetle larve were liberated in the southern part
of the town. They were recovered in and near the colony in 1910. During
1912 examinations showed them to be present in a number of localities, and
they were reported to be abundant in 1915 and 1914.

Gloucester.—In 1908, 275 beetle larvie were liberated in three localities of
the town. Examinations in 1910 showed them to be present in localities some
distance from the original colonies, while in 1911 they were recovered in several
sections. They were reported abundant in a number of localities in 1918 and
1914.

90 beetles were liberated in the northern part of the town in
1914. Later in the season they were recovered in the northern and eastern
sections.

Groton.—No colonies were liberated here, but examinations made in 1913
‘and additional data secured in 1914 indicated that the beetles were well dis-
tributed in all sections of the town.

Groveland.—In 1910, 200 beetle larvee were liberated in the center of the
town, and in 1913 they were recovered in several well-separated localities.
Later reports show this species to be abundant in all sections. :

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 25

;

Halifax.—A|though no colonies were released in this town, beetles were found
in nearly every locality examined in 1914.

Hamilton.—During 1909, 104 beetles and 100 beetle larve were colonized in
this town. In 1912 they were found in several localities visited. Reports in
1913 and 1914 proved that this species was well distributed and quite abundant
in some districts.

Hanover.—No beetles were liberated here, but a careful survey of the wood-
lands made in 1913 resulted in finding them in no less than nine well-distributed.
localities. Later reports indicate their increase and further spread.

Hanson.—While no colonies were liberated here, examinations in 1913 and
reports made in 1914 showed them to be common in a number of localities
where gipsy moths were in sufficient numbers.

Harvard.—No beetles were liberated in this town, but examinations made in
woodlands infested by gipsy moths in 1913 gave proof that this species was
present in nearly all localities. In 1914 they were reported quite common
throughout.

Haverhill—tIn 1910, 200 beetle larvze were liberated in the southeastern
part of the city. During 1912 they were recovered in severai localities in the
wooded sections. Later reports prove that this species is quite common in the
areas infested by gipsy moths. |

Hingham.—Highty-three beetles were liberated here in 1912. Later in the
year they were recovered in five different localities. In 1913 and 1914 they had
become well established.

Holbrook.—No liberations were made in this town, but recoveries have been
made in all the surrounding towns near the town line.

Holden.—In 19138, 190 beetle larve were liberated, and in 1914, 90 beetles
were colonized off Princeton Road.

Holliston.—During 1913, 100 beetles were liberated in the central part of the
town. They were recovered in one locality outside of the colony later in the
year. As a result of examinations in 1914 it was found that this species had
little chance of increase, as the gipsy-moth infestations were light.

Hopkinton.—One hundred beetles were liberated here in 1910. During 1913
they were recovered in one locality. No larval molt skins were found in 1914,
the gipsy-moth infestation being very light.

Hudson.—In 1910, 100 beetles were liberated on Priest’s Hill. Examinations
in 1912 showed them to be present in a number of locations. In 1913 and 1914 |
this species had become quite abundant throughout the town.

Ipswich.—During 1909, 200 beetle larvee were liberated in the northern part
of the town. Larval molt skins were recovered in large numbers in some
localities during 1912. Reports received in 1913 and 1914 show that the
species had increased and was well established.

Kingston.—In 1912, 98 beetles were liberated here. They were recovered in
four near-by localities in 1918, and scouting in 1914 showed them to be present
in all parts of the town.

Lakeville-—No colonies were liberated here, but larval molt skins were found
in the center of the town in 1914.

Lancaster.—No liberations were made here, but in 1912 beetles were noticed
in a few localities. Reports in 1914 show them to be quite common in a number
of sections.

Lawrence—Two hundred beetle larvee were liberated in South Lawrence in
1910. In 1911 they were not recovered, except in adjoining towns near the
city line. During 1913 and 1914 they were reported in large numbers in all the
wooded sections.

26 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Leicester.—Although no beetles have been liberated here, they were reported
as being present in the southern part of the town in 1914.

Leominster.—In 1913, 200 beetle larvze were liberated in the southeastern part
of the town. From examinations made the same year they were found present
in a few localities quite remote from the original colony, and in 1914 well dis-
tributed.

Lexington.—During 1908, 100 beetle larve were liberated off State Road,
and in 1909, 200 larve were colonized in the eastern part of the town. A
careful examination was made in all infested woodlands in 1912, and beetles
were recovered in 40 different localities. Later reports prove that they are
abundant and doing efficient work.

Lincoln.—In 1908, 100 beetle larve were liberated in the northwestern sec-
tion. During 1910 they were recovered in localities somewhat remote from
the colony. Examinations in 1911 and 1912 showed them to be present in all
the localities infested by gipsy moths, and since that time their effective work
has been very noticeable.

Littleton—In 1910, 200 beetle larvee were liberated a short distance from
the railroad station. During 1912 examinations showed them to be quite com-
mon in some localities. Later they were reported abundant in most sections
of the town. ;

Lowell.—During 1910, 200 beetle larvze were liberated near the Lowell General
Hospital. In 1912 they were recovered in five different localities. In 1913 and
1914 the species had increased and was doing efficient work in the woodland
areas.

Lunenburg.—No colonies were liberated in this town, but in 1913 beetles were
recovered in a few localities in the eastern part. During 1914 they had spread to
all sections, and in one point near the center they had increased to such propor-
tions that the adults and small larve destroyed about 49 per cent of the gipsy-
moth caterpillars. Asa result of counts made after the gipsy moths had reached
the pupal stage it was found that about 78 per cent of the pup were destroyed
by the beetle larve alone. |

Lynn.—No colonies were liberated in this city, but colonies were planted in
Lynnfield and Saugus near the Lynn Woods Reservation. In 1910 beetles were
recovered in a number of localities in the reservation. Examinations in 1911
showed them to be well established in nearly all parts of this woodland. Since
that year they have continued to increase and have assisted materially in lessen-
ing the damage done to these woodlands by the gipsy moths,

Lynnfield.—In 1906, 100 C. sycophanta and 20 C. inquisitor adults were liber-
ated near Broadway. Later this same year 218 of the fornier species were colo-
nized two miles distant. C. sycophanta was recovered in 1908 and 1909. From
examinations in 1910 these beetles were found spread throughout the southern
part of the town, and since that time they have increased in large numbers and
are doing satisfactory work.

Malden.—During 1906, 40 beetles were liberated in the Maplewood section.
They were recovered in a few lecalities in 1908 and 1909. This species from 1910
to 1914 was found to have spread to all sections and was doing very efficient
work in destroying the gipsy moths.

Manchester.—In 1909, 73 beetles and 850 beetle larvz were liberated in five
localities of this town. Scouting in 1911 showed them to be present in and
at a considerable distance from the colonies. In 1912 this species was found
to be common in many of the woodland areas. During 1913 and 1914 they had
become well established throughout.

Mansfield.—No beetles were liberated, but in 1914 larval molt skins were found
in a few localities.

~

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 2a
Marblehead.—In 1908, 200 beetle larve were liberated one-half mile east of
Forest River station. They were recovered in small numbers in 1910. Examina-
tions made in 1911 showed them to be present in and at some distance from the
original colony. Later reports indicate that this species has increased to great
numbers in some localities. ici.

Marlboro.—No beetles were liberated in this town, but in 1912 larval molt
skins were found in woodlands in the northeastern part. During 1913 they
were found in the southern and western sections. Later reports show that this
species is rather common in the wooded sections of the city.

Marshfieid.—In 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated near Marshfield Center.
During 1913 several examinations were made, and larval molt skins were found
in a number of widely separated localities. Later reports show them to be well
established.

Mashpee.—Highty-five beetles were liberated in 1913 in woodland north of
Wakeby Pond and 316 beetle larve in woodland south of Johns Pond. As a
result of scouting in 1914, it was found that this species had dispersed inte most
of the infested sections of the town.

Maynard.—In 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated in badly infested wood-
land. Observations were made in 1912, and the species was recovered in and
around the colony. In 19138 and 1914 the species had become well established
throughout the town.

Medjield.—During 1910, 100 beetles were liberated in Rocky Woods. In 1912
larval molt skins were found in a few localities around the colony. As a result
_of further scouting in 1915 and 1914 it was found that they were rapidly spread-
ing and increasing.

Medford.—No beetles were liberated here, but in 1910 indications of their
presence were hoted in the northern part of the city. Later reports show them
to be common in all the woodland areas. :

Medway.—In 19138, 100 beetles were liberated in Black Swamp. They were
recovered in a few woodland areas in 1914.

Melrose.—During 1909, 200 beetle larve were liberated in woodland near the
Saugus-Wakefield line. Beetles were found in small numbers throughout the
entire area in 1910. This species at the present time is common and doing
efficient work in all the woodland areas.

Merrimac.—Two hundred beetle larve were liberated north of Main Street,
in Nichols Woods. Molt skins were secured in a few localities in 1912. In 1913
and 1914 they had become quite common in some sections.

Methuen.—During 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated in the eastern part
of the town near the Haverhill line. Their presence was noted in 20 or more
localities in 1912, and a constant increase and spread has been reported since
that time.

Middleboro.—In 1913, 85 beetles were liberated in woodland infested by the
gipsy moth off Wareham Street This species was recovered in all parts of the
town in 1914.

Middleton.—One hundred beetles were liberated in woodland off East Street
in 1910, and in 1911 they were recovered in a number of localities. Further
examinations in 1912 showed that the beetles were still increasing and had
become well established in 1913 and 1914.

Milford.No liberations were made in this town, but it was reported that
beetles were seen in the northern part of the town, near the Hopkinton line, in
1914.

Millbury.—No beetles were liberated here, but scouting in 1914 showed them
to be present in small numbers in some ‘parts of the town.

28 BULLETIN 251, U..S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Millis —In 1915, 100 beetles were liberated in the northern part of the town,
and in 1914, 95 adults were liberated in the eastern part. Asa result of exami-
nations in 1914, it was found that this species had spread rapidly and could
be found in all sections of the town.

Milton-Quincy.—During 1909, 200 beetle larve were liberated near Shawmut
Spring, in Cunningham Park. In 1912 beetles were recovered in 14 different
localities of the former town. This species became very abundant in 1913 and
1914 in badly infested sections.

Natick-Weston.—Two hundred larvee were liberated near the Natick-Weston
line in 1910. Larval molt skins were found in a few localities in Natick in 1911.
Evidences of the beetles were noticed in 1912 and in 1913, and by 1914 this
species had become very abundant in some localities.

Needham.—In 1911, 100 beetles were liberated in woodland off Central Avenue.
During 1912 examinaticns showed them to be present in five or more localities.
Data secured in 1913 and 1914 indicated that the species was spreading and in-
creasing rapidly.

Newbury.—During 1910, 88 beetles were liberated in badly infested woodland
near Byfield Station. In 1912 they were recovered in several sections through-
out the town. Later reports show them to be quite common in areas infested
by gipsy moths.

Newburyport.—During 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated in woodland near
West Newbury line. Larval molt skins were found in several locations in 1912.
In 1918 and 1914 the beetles were very abundant in all the woodland areas.

Newton.—In 1908, 100 beetle larve were liberated, and in 1909 400 more were
colonized in two other localities. During 1910 they were recovered in and
around the colonies. As a result of examinations in 1911 they were found in
most of the wooded sections of the city, and later reports indicate that they
are quite common in all the districts infested by gipsy moths.

Norfolk.—Ninety beetles were liberated in the western part of this-+town near
Populatic Pond in 1914. Later they were recovered in localities around the
colony. ze ;

North Andover.—In 1910, 100 beetles were liberated in badly infested wood-
land off Osgood Street. Scouting in 1912 showed them to be present in a num-
ber of localities. In 1918 and 1914 they were reported numerous, and in some
cases the larve had consumed nearly all the gipsy-moth pupz on the trees 8
feet from the ground.

Northboro.—During 1913, 190 beetle larve were liberated near the Metropoli-
tan Aqueduct. As a result of examinations in 1914 they were found to be pres-
ent in a number of localities.

North Reading—In 1910, 200 beetle larvee were liberated in woodland one-
half mile from the State road. They were recovered in a few separated
woodlands in 1911. During 1912 this species was quite common in a number of
localities, and later reports indicate that they are abundant in all the wood-
land areas.

Norton.—During 1914, 95 beetles were liberated in the eastern part, and 90
more in the northern part of the town.

Norwell—C. sycophanta beetles were found in the northwestern part of the
town in 1912. In 19138, 308 beetle larvee were liberated in woodland off Main
Street, in a rather heavy gipsy-moth infestation. Examinations made later in
the year showed them to be present in many localities and in 1914 rapidly
increasing.

Norwood.—No beetles were liberated in this town, but they were found in one
locality in 1912. Scouting in 1918 showed them to be present in all sections of
the town, and in 1914 they were found to be abundant in several wooded areas.

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 29
f

Peabody.—Fifty beetles were liberated in a badly infested woodland in 1907.
In 1909, 100 beetles were liberated in woodland near Middleton Paper Mills,
100 beetle larvze off Birch Street, and 200 larvze in woodland off West Street,
near West Peabody Station. Several woodlands were examined in 1911 and
molt skins were found in many locations. During 1912 the adults of this
species were seen in large numbers by the inhabitants of West Peabody. Evi-
dence of the beetles’ good work was seen in all localities in 1913 and 1914.

Pembroke.—No liberations were made here, but examinations in 1913 showed
them to be present in all localities, being well established in the southern part
of the town. In 1914 they were more common in most sections where gipsy
moths were present in sufficient numbers.

Pepperell.—No beetles were liberated here, but several whoaiande were exain-
ined in 1913, and larval molt skins were found in a few localities. In 1914
this species was common and doing efficient work in all the woodland areas.

Phillipston.—No liberations were made here, but in 1914 three beetles were
seen in the northern section of the town about 14 miles south of South Royalston
Station. These undoubtedly dispersed from the colony liberated at Hast Tem-
pleton in 1913. i

Plymouth.—In 1911, 21 beetles and 135 beetle larve were liberated on the
estate of Mr. B. M. Watson. They were recovered in and around the colony in
1913. Examinations in 1914 showed them to be present in moderate numbers
in the northern and central parts of the town.

Plympten.—No liberations were made here, but in 1914 larval molt skins

' were found in all sections of the town where gipsy moths were present in

sufficient numbers.

Princeton.—In 1913, 195 beetle larve were liberated in woodland off East
Princeton road. During 1914, 180 beetles were liberated at John Chandler’s
farm, on Princeton-West Steriing road. Later reports show this species to be
increasing and spreading satisfactorily.

Provincetown.—In 1914, 100 beetles were liberated in badly infested wood-
land in Province Lands.

Quincy.—During 1909, 200 beetle larve were liberated in woodland off South
Street. In 1910 the adults and larve were found in abundance in and around
the colony ; 154 beetle larve were added to this colony in 1911. This species was
recovered in 1912 in several localities far remote from the site of the original

colony. In 1913 and 1914 they had continued to increase and spread rapidly.

Randolph.—No liberations were made here, but larval molt skins were found
in a number of sections throughout the town in 1913. A slight increase and
spread was noted in 1914.

Raynham.—lIn 19138, 100 beetles were liberated in woodland at the corner of
Forest and Locust Streets. During 1914, 100 beetles were colonized in the
central part of the town. This species is spreading rapidly and doing good
work in limited localities.

Reading.—No colonies have been liberated here, but larval molt skins were
found in the southeastern and central parts in 1910. Scouting in 1911 showed
them to be present over the whole area, and in some cases quite numerous. In
1912 lary were found commonly throughout. Later reports indicate that they
are very numerous and doing efficient work in the infested areas.

Revere.—During 1908, 306 beetle larve were colonized in infested woodland
on Oak Island. Some visits were made in and around the colony in 1911 and
they were seen in large numbers. Later reports indicate that this species is
well established.

30 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Rockland.—In 1913, as a result of scouting several woodlands in various
parts of the town, it was found that larval molt skins were present in several
widely separated districts. During 1914 the beetles had increased rapidly and
were doing very efficient work in gipsy-moth infested areas.

Rockport——In 1910, 200 beetle larvee were liberated in woodland in the rear
of Manning Park. Larval molt skins were found present in several widely
separated. districts in 1912. During 1918 and 1914 they had become quite com-
mon in a number of localities.

Rowley.—Two hundred beetle larvee were liberated in infested woodland off
the Newburyport Turnpike in 1910. During 1912 several examinations were
made and it was found that the beetles were present in several localities. Later
reports indicate that the species is present in all sections where gipsy moths are
found in sufficient numbers.

Rutland.—No liberations were made here, but a few beetles were reported from
the eastern part of the town in 1914.

Saiem.—No colonies have been liberated in this city, but in 1910 an examina-
tion showed them to be present over a large area in the southern part of the
city. Scouting in 1911 indicated that they had increased and spread over a
much larger area. This species at the present time is common in all the in-
fested districts.

Salisbury.—In 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated in infested woodland, and
during 1912 they were recovered in several of the wooded areas. In 1913 and
1914 the species was common in all sections of the town and quite a number
were seen around the cottages at Salisbury Beach.

Sandwich.—No beetles -were liberated in this town, but as a result of scouting
in 1914 it was found that they were present in small numbers in the south-
eastern and southern parts.

Saugus.—During 1906, 49 beetles were liberated in woodland in the northern
section. In 1907, 33 beetles were liberated in infested woodland north of the
former gipsy-moth laboratory at North Saugus. During 1911, 34 beetles were
seen by Mr. C. W. Collins.in a small area in the above district. Two hundred
and fifty beetles to be used for transplanting were collected in a small woodland
in the northern part of the town in 1913, showing that the beetles were quite
numerous. This species has spread rapidly and was well established in all
parts of the town in 1914.

Scituate.—In 1911, 835 beetle larve were liberated in a woodlot at the corner
of Elm and Main Streets. Examinations in 1912 showed them to have multi-
plied and spread quite a distance from the center of the colony. . Later reports
indicate that they had dispersed to all parts of the town and were well
established.

Sharon.—One hundred beetles were liberated in woodland near Sharon Sani-
tarium in 1913. During 1914 several localities were scouted and larval molt
skins were found in a number of infested districts.

Sherborn.—During 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated in infested woodland
off Main Street. Examinations were made in scattered woodlands throughout
the town in 1913 and larval molt skins were recovered in several localities. In
1914 they continued to increase and spread and had become well established.

Shirley.—No liberations were made here, but examinations made in 1913 and
later reports in 1914. showed the beetles to be present in Several separated
districts.

Shrewsbury.—In 1918, 250 beetle larve were liberated in an apple orchard
off Oak Street and 90 adults in the northern part of the town in 1914. Asa
result of scouting in 1914, it was found that this species was present in all loca-
tions where gipsy moths were present in sufficient numbers.

%:)

| ie

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. Bal

Southboro.—No colonies were liberated here, but in 1913 beetles were found
in one locality in the eastern section. During 1914 they had increased and
spread to other localities.

Sierling.—During 19138, 200 beetle larvee were liberated in woodland near the
post office. In 1914 larval molt skins were found in all parts of the town, but
in small numbers, showing that the beetles had spread and will in time become
abundant.

Stoneham.—In 1908, 75 beetles were liberated in woodland off Franklin
Street. During 1909 a few of these were recovered. Larval molt skins were
found in the eastern and southern parts of the town in 1910. In 1911 and 1912
this species had increased and spread throughout, being very abundant in some
localities. Since that time the beetles have become abundant in all gipsy-moth
infested areas.

Stoughton.—During 1911, 100 beetles were liberated in infested woodland off
Turnpike Street. In 1914 larval molt skins were feund in one locality. In-
festations in most sections of the town were very light, hence the slow increase
of beetles.

Stow.—Highty-six beetles were liberated in this town in 1910. In 1912 larval
molt skins were found in 11 or more separated localities. This species had -
become well established in 1913 and 1914 and could be found very abundant
in some sections of the town.

Sudbury.—tIn 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated in woodland in Hast Sud-
bury. Larval molt skins were recovered in a few localities in 1911, and in 1912
had increased and spread to most sections of the town. Reports received in
1913 and 1914 show this species to be present in all sections and in some cases
very abundant.

Swampscott.—During 1908, 175 beetle larve were liberated in woodland off
Danvers Street and 200 larve were colonized north of the Ocean House. In
1910 beetles were recovered in and at some distance from the colonies. This
species had increased and spread to a number of localities in 1911 and 1912.
Later reports indicate a similar increase and spread.

Taunton.—In 1913, 100 beetles were liberated off Bay Street, and in 1914, 95
adults were colonized in woodland in the southeastern part of the city. Recoy-
eries were made near the colonies in 1914.

Templeton.—During 19138, 200 beetle larve were liberated off Petersham Road.
Beeties were recovered in and near the colony in 1914.

Tewksbury.—In 1908, 100 beetle larve were liberated in woodland infested by
gipsy moths. During 1910, 100 beetles were liberated off Shawsheen Avenue
and 200 larve near Prospect Hill. In 1912 larval molt skins were recovered in
12 or more widely separated localities. Since that time the beetles have spread
and become quite abundant in a number of the infested woodlands.

Topsfield.—In 1910, 180 beetle larve were liberated off High Street. During
1911 some scouting was done and larval molt skins were found in several wood-
lands. During 1912 molt skins were found in eight or more different localities.
Further reports in 1913 and 1914 showed that the beetles had increased and
become well established throughout.

Townsend.—No liberations were made in this town, but a few molted skins
were found in two well-separated localities in 1913. Reports from here in 1914
show that the beetles were very plentiful, and could be found in most, of the
infested areas.

Tyngsboro.—No beetles were liberated here, but in 1912 several woodlands
were examined, and larval molt skins found in a number of well-separated
localities. Further data secured in 1913 and 1914 indicated that the beetles

32 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

had increased extensively, and results of their work were becoming very
evident.

Wakefield—Ne beetles were colonized here, but in 1909 they were found in
the eastern part of the town, and in 1910 could be found in various localities.
During 1911 and 1912 they had increased and spread throughout, and are now
assisting greatly in lessening the damage done by the gipsy moth.

Walpole.—In 1913, 100 beetles were liberated in a wood lot off North Street.

_AS a result of scouting in 1914, it was found that this species was present in |

several localities throughout the town.
Waltham.—During 1908, 100 beetle larvee were liberated off Lake Street. In

1910 they were recovered in and at some distance from the -original colony..

During 1911 a general scout was made, and molt skins were found in most of

the woodlands visited. Since that time the beetles have become well estab-

lished, and are very abundant in some localities.

Wareham.—wNo liberations were made here, but as a result of scouting during
1914 the species was found to be present in a few localities in the northwestern
part of the town.

Watertown.—No beetles were liberated, but evidences of their presence were

noted in several localities in 1911. Since that time they have increased and
spread throughout all the woodland areas.

Wayland.—During 1909, 200 beetle larvee were liberated in infested woodland -

off Poor Farm Road. In 1910 they were recovered in and around the original
colony. During 1911 and 1912 the beetles had spread and become well estab-
lished in the infested areas. Further reports indicate that they are still in-
creasing and have become quite abundant in several localities.

Wellesley.—tIn 1908, 223 beetles were liberated in infested woodland hear

Wellesley Farms Station. In 1909 they were recovered in and at some distance
from the original colony, while in 1910 they were scattered over a larger area.
During 1911 larval molt skins were recovered in practically all parts of the
town. In 1912 the beetles had increased to such an extent that over 2.000
larve were collected under burlaps for further colonization without depleting
the stock. In 1913, 3,500 beetle larvze were collected in a limited area of the

town, and during 1914 beetles were collected in large numbers for recolonization. |

Wenham.—In 1908, 12 beetles and 75 beetle larve were liberated off Cherry
Street. During 1909, 73 beetles and 100 beetle larvze were colonized off Grape-
vine Road. In 1910 beetles were found in and at quite a distance from the
original colonies. During 1911 and 1912 the species had increased and spread
over large areas. Since that time they have become well established, and in
some localities very abundant.

Westboro.—No. liberations were made here, but in 1914 beetles were found in
a number of localities throughout the town.

West Boylston.—In 1914, 90 beetles were liberated in infested woodland off-

Prescott Street. During the late summer larve were seen in large numbers in
and around the colony.

West Bridgewater.—No beetles were liberated here, but in 1914 some scouting
was done, and larval molt skins were found in the southwestern part of the
town.

Westford.—During 1910, 100 beetle larvze were liberated in the northern part
of the town. Examinations in 1912 showed that the beetles had spread over a
rather large area in the eastern section. In 1915 and 1914 further reports indi-
eated that they had increased and were becoming quite numerous.

Westminster.—In 1913, 100 beetles and 200 beetle larvee were liberated near
Bean Porridge Hill, and in 1914, S87 adults were colonized off Westminster Hill.

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 33
f
Road. Scouting was done in 1914, and this species was recovered in and at
some distance from the original colonies.

Weston.—During 1909, 200 beetle larve were liberated in woodland near rail-
road station. Several larval molt skins were found in the area surrounding the
colony in 1910. In 1911 the beetles had spread to all sections, and in some cases
quite numerously. Later reports indicate that they have become well estab-
lished in all parts of the town.

West Newbury.—Two hundred beetle larve were liberated on Pipestave Hill
in 1910. Scouting in 1912 resulted in finding molt skins in several well sep-
arated localities. Later data secured show that they are very common in all
the infested woodlands.

Westwood.—In 1910, 200 beetle larve were liberated in badly infested wood-
land, and in 1911, 100 beetles were colonized in woodland off Canton Street.
Several woodlands were scouted in 1912, and molt skins were found over the
entire area. Since that time this species has become common throughout.

Weymouth.—During 1909, 200 beetle larve were colonized in woodland off
Commercial Street. In 1910 molt skins were found abundant in and around
the colony. During 1911 and 1912 the beetles had become well distributed

- throughout, and in 1913 and 1914 they had increased extensively.

Wilmington.—Two hundred beetle larvze were liberated near the central part
of the town in 1910. In 1911 it was found that the beetles had spread through-
out. During 1918 and 1914 they had become so numerous that it was possible
to collect many adults and larve for further colonization work.

Winchester.—In 1906, 41 beetles were liberated off High Street. During 1910
larval molt skins were found quite a distance from the original colony. HExam-
inations in 1911 showed that the beetles had dispersed over a greater part of
the town and since that time have continued to increase.

Woburn.—During 1907, 97 beetles were liberated in woodland near North
Woburn. In 1909 beetles were found in the colony, and larval molt skins were
found a mile distant. Data secured in 1910 and 1911 showed that the beetles
had increased considerably and had dispersed to all sections of the city. Since
that time this species has continued to increase, and is common in all the wood-
land areas infested by gipsy moths.

Worcester.—In 1915, 150 beetle larvee were liberated in an apple orchard at
the corner of Pleasant and Moreland Streets. Larval molt skins were found
quite abundantly in the western part of the city in 1914, and a colony of 90

~ beetles was liberated the same year near Lake Quinsigamond.

Wrentham.—In 1914, 90 beetles were liberated in the northern part of the
town, off Bennett Street.

NEw HAMPSHIRE.

Allenstown.—No colonies were liberated in this town, but in 1913 beetles were
found in the southern part. In 1914 they had spread to all sections.

Alton.—in 1914, 90 beetles were liberated in this town near Spring Haven
Station, 90 north of Alton Station, and 90 near Merry Meeting Pond, the last
being colonized by Prof. W. C. O’Kane.

Amherst.—Although no colonies were liberated in this town, evidence secured
in 1918 showed that the beetles were present in 10 or more widely separated
localities, and in 1914 had become quite common.

Andover.—tIn 1914 beetles were found in the eastern part of the town, although
no liberations were made.

34 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Atkinson.—Larval molt skins were found in several different localities in
this town during 1912. Later reports show them to have become well estab-
lished.

Auburn.—In 1913 beetles were found present in several localities and during
1914 they had become quite common.

Barnstead.—During 1914, 42 beetle larvze were liberated in the central part
of this town by Prof. W. C. O’Kane. Later they were recovered in the eastern
part, where they had spread from other towns.

Barrington.—Although no colonies were liberated here, larval molt skins were
found in several sections during 1914.

Bedford.—Scouting during 1913 showed that the beetles were present in
several areas and in 1914 they had become quite numerous.

Boscawen.—No liberations were made here, but beetles were found in two
widely separated localities in 1914.

Bow.—In 1913, 85 beetles were liberated in woodland near Bow Mills. Dur-
ing 1914 they were found in a number of well-separated sections.

Brookfield—During 1914, 100 beetles were liberated 2 miles west of San-
bornville Station, 77 on road to Copplecrow Mountain (4 miles from Sanborn-
ville Station), and 56 beetle larvee one-half mile north of Brookfield Center.
The two latter colonies were liberated by Prof. W. C. O’Kane.

Brookline.—No colonies were liberated in this town, but larval molt skins
were found in the northern part in 1913, and during 1914 they had increased
and spread to a number of localities.

Candia.—During 1913 larval molt skins were found in several scattered wood-

lands, showing that the beetles had dispersed here from other near-by sections. ©

Further data secured in 1914 show that the beetles were common throughout.

Canterbury. One hundred beetles were liberated in this town in 1913. They
were recovered in six widely separated localities in 1914.

Chester.—Beetles were found to be present in a number of localities in this
town during 1913 and 1914.

Chichester.—In 1914, 100 beetles were liberated in the southern part of the
town by Prof. W. C..O’Kane. Larval molt skins were also found in this
section in 1914.

Concord.—In 1918, 85 beetles were liberated in woodland near West Concord
post office. During 1914 larval molt skins were found in all the infested
woodlands.

Danville.—Examinations of some woodlands in 19138 showed that the beetles
had dispersed here. and in 1914 were well distributed over the entire area.

Deerficld.—No liberations were made here, but in 1914 the beetles were
common throughout, and in some localities very abundant.

Deering.—During 1914 beetles were found quite abundant in two well-sepa-
rated localities.

Derry.—During 1912 and 1913 larval molt skins were found in several
widely separated localities. Since that time they have become well established
throughout.

Dover—No colonies were liberated here, but in 1913 and 1914 larval molt
skins were found in well-separated localities.

Dunbarton.—As a result of scouting in 1914, beetles were found in six well-
separated localities.

Durham.—No beetles were liberated here, but in 1913 and 1914 they had
become well established in all parts of the town.

Hfingham.—During 1914, 100 beetles and 68 beetle larve were liberated in
this town by Prof. W. C. O’Kane.

VA)

2)

a —. ———

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 30
f

Epping.—During 1918 examinations of woodland showed that the beetles
had entered this town, and were present over a limited area. They were
reported quite common throughout in 1914.

Epsom.—tiIn 1914, 100 beetles were liberated three-fourths of a mile from
Short Falls Station by Prof. W. C. O’Kane. |

Exeeter—No liberations were made here, but in 1912 beetles were found in
the eastern and southern sections. In 19138 and 1914 they had spread to all
parts of the town and were increasing extensively.

Farmington.—Examinations in 1914 showed the beetles to be present in
eight widely separated localities.

Fitewilliam.—In 1914, 300 beetles were colonized in three widely separated
_ localities in this town. ;

Francistown.—In 1914, as a result of scouting, larval molt skins were found
in the eastern, southern, and central parts of this town.

Frenont.—No beetles were liberated here, but in 1912 they were found in
three different localities in the southern part of the town. In 19138 and 1914
they had become well established in all the infested woodlands.

Goffstown.-—During 1913, 100 beetles were liberated in woodland near Saw-
yers Crossing. Larval molt skins were found in the northern, western, and
south-central parts of the town in 1914, and were abundant in some sections.

Gilmanton.—In 1914, 90 beetles were liberated in the northwestern part of
the town. Later the same year 61 beetle larvae were colonized by Prof. W. C.
O’Kane. Hise

Greenville-—In 1914 beetles were reported from all sections of the town.

Hampstead.—During 1912 larval molt skins were found in a few localities.
Further reports indicate that they are well established throughout the town.

Hampton.—Examinations of woodlands during 1912 showed that the beetles
had dispersed into the town. In 19138 they were found quite commonly in sev-
eral localities, and during 1914 they were well established in all the woodland
areas,

Hampton Falls.—Bectles were found in small numbers in this town during
1912, and in 1918 and 1914 they were reported very abundant in some localities.

Henniker.—In 1914, 54 beetles were liberated in the northwestern part of
this town. Later in the year they were recovered in the northeastern, eastern,
and southern sections .

Hollis—ItIn 1912 beetles were found in four or more separated localities.
' Since that time they have increased and spread to all the infested woodlands.

Hooksett.—Highty-five beetles were liberated here in 1913. Later in the year
larval molt skins were found in a few scattered localities, indicating that the
beetles had also spread here from neighboring towns. During 1914 they had
become well established throughout.

Hopkinton.—During 1913, 85 beetles were liberated here. In 1914 they were
found in the southeastern, eastern, and northwestern parts of the town.

Hudson.—A number of localities were scouted in this town in 1912 and 1918,
and larval molt skins were found in many sections. In 1914 they had con-
tinued to increase and spread to all infested areas.

Kensington.—Hvidences of the beetles’ presence were found in this town dur-
ing 1912. Since that time they have increased and spread to all the infested
woodlands.

Kingsion.—Beetles were found present here in several localities in 1912. Dur-
ing 1915 and 1914 they had increased and dispersed to all the gipsy-moth in-
fested areas.

Lee.—In 1913 beeties were found in a few separated localities, and during
1914 they had continued to increase and spread to all sections of the town.

36 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Litchfield Larval molt skins were found in three or more separated local-
ities in this town during 19138, and in 1914 they had become quite common.

Londonderry.—No liberations were made here, but larval molt skins were
found in 12 different localities in 1913. They were reported doing efficient work
in the infested woodlands in 1914.

Louden.—In 1914 larval molt skins were found in small numbers in the
northeastern part of the town.

Lyndeboro.—Beetles were found in the southeastern part of the town in
1913, and during 1914 they had increased and spread to a number of well-
separated localities.

Madbury.— During 1913 beetles had made their appearance in a few localities,
and in 1914 they were well distributed throughout the town.

Manchester.—In 1913, 100 beetles were liberated in woodland off Mammoth

Road. Later examinations showed that they were present in several localities;
this species evidently had spread from nearby towns, and in 1914 was reported
common throughout.

Mason.—A. few beetles were found in the eastern part of this town in 1913,
and in 1914 they were reported from various localities.

“Merrimac.—Larval molt skins were found in several widely separated lo-
ealities in 1915. During 1914 they had become well established throughout.

Middleton.—Seventy-ene beetle larve were liberated in woodland = Ridge
Road by Prof. W. C. O’Kane in 1914. ~ =

Milford.—Evidence of the beetles’ presence was found in a number of locali-
ties in this town during 1914.

Milton—In 1913, 200 beetle larvze were liberated off State road near.

railroad station. During 1914, as a result of scouting, they were found in all
parts of the town.

Mont Vernon.—lLarval molt skins were found in four well-separated locali-
ties in 1913. Since that time this species has continued to increase and is doing
efficient work in the infested areas.

Nashua—In 1912 and 1913 larval molt skins were found in a number of
well-separated localities. Reports in 1914 show that they are quite common
throughout.

New Boston.—During 19138, 85 beetles were liberated in woodland off
Francistown Road, and 85 more near Old Muzzy Hill. In 1914 larval molt
skins were found in all sections of the town, being quite abundant in some
localities.

New Durham.—In 1914, 90 beetles were liberated in woodland southwest
of Davis Station and 104 were colonized by Prof. W. C. O’Kane off road from
New Durham to Farmington.

New/sields —Evidence of the beetles presence in this town was found in
several woodlands during 1913 and 1914.

Newington.—A few larval molt skins were found near the Portsmouth line
in 1912, and during 1913 the beetles had spread over the greater part of the
town. In 1914 they were well established in all the woodlands infested by
gipsy moths.

New Ipswich.—tin 1913, 100 beetles were liberated in a woodland off King
Road. Examinations here in 1914 showed that the beetles were present in a
few separated localities.

Newmarket.—Larval molt skins were found in a few localities near the
center of the town in 19138. Since that time they have increased and spread
to all sections.

Newton.—In 1913 and 1914 beetles were found in a number of separated
localities. Later reports indicate that they are still present and increasing.

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 37

North Hampton.—Beetles were found present here in a few localities in 1912.
Data secured since that time show that they have become well established,
being abundant in some localities.

Northwood.—Beetles were found here in a few localities in 1914.

Nottingham.—Scouting in this town during 1913 showed the beetles to be
present in the eastern and central sections, and in 1914 they were well distrib-
uted throughout.

Ossipee—In 1914, 32 beetle larve were colonized in woodland near Leightons
Corner by Prof W. C. O’Kane.

Pelham.—lLarval molt skins were found in a number of localities in 1912.
During 1913 and 1914 they had increased and spread to all sections of the town. ~

Pembroke—During 1913 larval molt skins were found in a few localities in
the southern part of the town and in 1914 they were present in most of the
infested woodlands.

Pitts field—In 1914 larval molt skins were found in the southwestern corner
of this town.

Plaistow.— Examinations made here during 1912 and 1913 showed that the
beetles were well established, and in 1914 they were found very abundant in
some localities.

Portsmouth.—Examinations avi 1912 showed that the beetles were present
in a few localities, and in 1913 and 1914 they were common throughout the
woodland areas.

Raymond.—A. careful scout made here in 19138 showed the beetles to be pres-
- ent in several localities. Since that time they have continued to increase and
are doing efficient work in the gipsy-moth infested areas.

Richmond.—Beetles were found here in small numbers in 1914.

Rindge.—During 1913, 40 beetles and 102 beetle larve were liberated in the
southern part of the town, and in 1914, 100 beetles were liberated in a woodland

4 miles east of West Rindge station.

Rochester.—In 1918 larval molt skins were found in the southern part of the
town and during 1914 they were recovered in nine well-separated localities.

Rollingsford.—As a result of examinations in 1914 beetles were found to be
common in a number of well-separated woodlands.

Rye.—No liberations were made here, but larval molt skins were found in
moderate numbers during 1912 and 1913. In 1914 they had become well estab-
lished throughout.

Salem.—Beetles were found present in a number of localities in this town
during 1912. Since that time they have continued to increase and spread to all
the infested areas.

Sandown.—Larval molt skins were found here in a few localities in 1912. In
-1913 and 1914 the beetles had dispersed to all the infested areas.

Sandwich-Tamworth.—In 1909, 100 beetle larve were liberated near Sand-
wich-Tamworth line, in woodland which was being defoliated by Heterocampa
guttivitta Walk. and Anisota rubicunda Fab. Gipsy moths had not been found
in this region, but it was desired to see whether the beetles would feed on
these species and survive the winter. In 1910 and 1913 scouting was done,
but no beetles were recovered.

Seabrook.—During 1912 examinations were made in several parts of the town
and as a resuit larval molt skins were found in a few localities. Further data
secured in 1915 and 1914 showed that the beetles had increased extensively.

Somersworth.—No liberations were made, but in 1914 larval molt skins were
found in a number of well-separated locatities.

38 BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Southampton.—Scouting in 19138 showed the beetles to-be present in a few
localities in the western part of the town. Since that time they have-con-
tinued to increase and spread to the infested woodlands.

Strafford. During 1913 and 1914 examinations were made in several wood-
lands, and larval molt skins were found in a few well-separated localities.

Stratham.—In 1912 and 1913 larval molt skins were recovered in a few
separated wooded areas of the town, indicating that the beetles had spread
from other near-by sections. During 1914 the beetle had become quite common
throughout. 4

Temple.—During 1913. 100 beetles were liberated in infested woodland on
Haywood Hill. Scouting in 1914 showed them to be present in a few well-
separated localities. —

Wakefield.—In 1914, 100 beetles were liberated in woodland on the southwest-
ern shore of Great East Pond, and 100 more were colonized in this town by Prof.
W. C. O'Kane. ie

Weare.—No liberations were made here, but larval molt skins were found
in four well-separated localities in 1914.

Webster.—During 1913, 85 beetles were liberated in woodland near Holmes
Hill. In 1914 they were recovered in and around the colony, also in the south-
eastern and southwestern parts cf the town.

Wilton.—During 1913, 100 beetles were liberated in infested woodland on
Abbott Hill. Examinations in 1914 showed that they were weil distributed
and quite abundant in some localities.

Windham.—Examinations made here in 1912 showed that the beetles were
present in a few localities in the eastern and southern parts of the town. In

1913 and 1914 they had increased considerably, and were doing very efficient —

work in a number of infested woodlands.-

MAINE.

In 1908, 100 Calosoma larve were shipped by express to Capt.
E. E. Philbrook, Portland, Me. They were packed separately in
glass tubes with earth and liberated by him in Kittery and Wells.

Subsequent examinations have shown that the places selected for —

making liberations were not particularly suitable for the purpose,
as the infestations were so scattering that a sufficient quantity of

food was not available for the development of the larve. In 1913 _

scouting and liberation of colonies was done by employees of the
Maine Department of Agriculture working in cooperation with the
Bureau of Entomology.

Colonies were liberated by the above organization in 1914, but we
have no records as to the localities.

Alfred.—Examinations in this town in 1914 showed the beeties to be present
in three localities in the central part of the town.

Berwick.—Laryval molt skins were found in three localities in the central and
southeastern part of the town in 1914.

Biddeford.—Beetles were recovered in three well-separated localities in 1914.

Dayton.—Larval molt skins were found in the north-central part of the
town in 1914.

Eliot.—A few beetle larve were found here in 1913, and in 1914 they had
become common in all parts of the town,

THE CALOSOMA BEETLE IN NEW ENGLAND. 39
f

Kennebunk.—In 1914 beetles were reported from two localities in this town.

Kennebunkport—tThe gipsy-moth infestation was rather light in this town in
1914, but beetles were found in one locality.

Kittery—In 1908, 140 beetle larvie were liberated in three different local-
ities in this town. Scouting was done in 1913 and molt skins were recovered.
During 1914 they had spread to all sections and were increasing extensively.

Lyman.—Larval molt skins were found in two localities during 1914.

North Berwick.—In 1914 as a result of scouting larval molt skins were found
in two localities in the eastern part and two in the northern part of the town.

Portland.—During 1918, 27 beetles were liberated in woodland near St.
Joseph’s Academy. They were recovered in the city in 1914.

Saco.—Larval molt skins were found in one locality in the central part of
the town in 1914.

Sanford.—In 1914 beetles were found to be present in four widely separated
localities.

Shapleigh.—Examinations here in 1914 showed that the beetles were present
in three localities.

South Berwick.—Beetie larvie were found quite abundant in all the areas in-
fested by gipsy moths in 1914.

Wells.—In 1908, 30 beetle larvee were liberated in this town. In 1914 larval
molt skins were recovered in five widely separated localities.

York.—During 1908, 30 beetle larve were liberated in the town and 127 adults
were colonized in another locality in 1918. In 1914 beetles were recovered in
‘Several localities throughout.

RHODE ISLAND.

Cumberland.—In 19138, 200 beetle larvee were liberated in a gipsy-moth infested
woodland near Diamond Hill Reservoir. They were recovered in and around the
colony in 1914.

Newport.—During 1914, 110 beetles were liberated in woodland on Miantonomi
Hill.

Providence.—In 1913, 170 beetles were liberated in this city; 85 in infested
willows off Kay Street, and 85 in Davis Park. They were recovered in and at
some distance from the colonies during 1914.

CONNECTICUT.

Stonington.—In 1914, 220 beetles were liberated in this town in two localities
where J/alacosoma americana were very abundant, and gipsy moths had been
present.

Thompson.—No liberations were made here, but beetles were found in small
numbers in 1914 as a result of spread from Massachusetts towns.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF CALOSOMA SYCOPHANTA.

This insect has now become firmly established in New England. It
is reproducing satisfactorily and has already demonstrated that it is
a very important factor in the control of the gipsy moth by natural
enemies. The beetle is now abundant enough so that it is frequently
seen by many residents of the territory where it was first liberated,
and a large number of people are familiar with its habits and meth-
ods of destroying the gipsy moth. There are a number of very strong

40) BULLETIN 251, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

points which increase the usefulness of this insect. The life history
of the beetles and the larvee corresponds very closely to that of the
larval and pupal stages of the gipsy moth, so that they are especially
adapted to attack this pest. The climbing habits of the Calosoma
larvee enable these creatures to obtain food upon the trees and in this
way an opportunity is furnished for the species to increase in large
numbers. The fact that the adults commonly live 2 or 3 years, and
sometimes 4 years or more, makes it possible for the species to survive
under unfavorable conditions. The chances for the species to exist
are further increased by the fact that reproduction by the same indi-.
viduals may occur on alternate years. The species is capable of exist-
ing for long periods without food, and passes through hibernation
very successfully under New England climatic conditions. All these
factors make it an excellent addition to our fauna, and from the
results which have been secured from experimental records and in
the field it appears that the species at present ranks first among the
introduced natural enemies of the gipsy moth. During the summer
of 1914 a large amount of field data was secured to determine the
relative importance of the different natural enemies of this insect.
The results of 1914 indicate that the Calosoma beetle was the most
important single factor. The insect continues to spread each year,
and in all probability will soon be present throughout the entire
territory where the gipsy moth is known to exist. There is no good
reason to suppose that it may not spread in small numbers to places
outside this territory if sufficient and proper food can be found.

Beetles sent to New Brunswick, Canada, survived the winter satis-
factorily, and the same is true of specimens forwarded to New Mexico,
which indicates that the insect is able to survive under quite different
climatic conditions. |

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